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Outpost
A remote fishing trip in the Canadian wilderness promises relaxation and fun for four friends.
But after catching a fish that should have been released on a secluded lake, the horror truly begins.
And something has followed them back to the Outpost.
Approximately 8000 words.
But after catching a fish that should have been released on a secluded lake, the horror truly begins.
And something has followed them back to the Outpost.
Approximately 8000 words.
ebook
First published January 1, 2012
62 people are currently reading
366 people want to read
About the author
Joe Hart
52 books1,384 followersJoe Hart is the Edgar Award-winning and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of seventeen novels including The River Is Dark, Obscura, The Last Girl, and Or Else. His work has been optioned for film and translated into eight languages. He lives with his family in Minnesota.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
June 30, 2024
It's Calling...
OUTPOST: A Short Horror Story
by Joe Hart
No spoilers. 5 stars. Jarrod cast his fishing line with its white and red Lure into the lake while his older brother Kyle cut the outboard motor...
After a few minutes...
The boys wondered: Where are all the fish? There had to be pike down there somewhere...
They and two friends were fishing in what seemed to be a forgotten lake, hidden from civilization in the middle of a Canadian fishing camp...
Theirs were the only boats on the lake...
Suddenly, something started tugging at Jerrod's line...
After a monumental fight between hunter and prey, the fish finally gave up, and the line went slack...
Abruptly...
The fish started running at the boat, and Jerrod started furiously reeling in the slack until the fish was beneath the boat...
Jerrod looked over the side. The fish was big. Really big. It would be the biggest fish of the trip...
He continued to reel until a dark shadow began to rise from the depths...
Slowly...
The fish materialized from the murk, then broke the surface of the water like a submarine...
It was the biggest pike they'd ever seen...
Once the brothers pulled it aboard, they saw that it was pregnant and Jerrod wanted to throw it back into the lake...
But...
He was overruled by his companions in the other boat, so they hauled the dying fish back to their cabin...
It was nearing sunset...
As they steered the two boats toward camp, Jerrod turned and saw movement a few yards away from their boats in the deeper water...
Something huge swirled beneath the wake of the boat's outboard, and the water swelled with its passage...
Jerrod knew that something was off. Something was coming. And It was calling...
This was a very scary little short story in the style of PIGEONS FROM HELL by Robert E. Howard. I'm glad I didn't choose this as a bedtime story, or I would've been sleeping with the lights on!
I rarely rate short stories 5 stars because something suffers in the telling if they are too short, but this story earned 5 stars for its eerie, hair-raising plot.
What a spooky campfire story this would make!
OUTPOST: A Short Horror Story
by Joe Hart
No spoilers. 5 stars. Jarrod cast his fishing line with its white and red Lure into the lake while his older brother Kyle cut the outboard motor...
After a few minutes...
The boys wondered: Where are all the fish? There had to be pike down there somewhere...
They and two friends were fishing in what seemed to be a forgotten lake, hidden from civilization in the middle of a Canadian fishing camp...
Theirs were the only boats on the lake...
Suddenly, something started tugging at Jerrod's line...
After a monumental fight between hunter and prey, the fish finally gave up, and the line went slack...
Abruptly...
The fish started running at the boat, and Jerrod started furiously reeling in the slack until the fish was beneath the boat...
Jerrod looked over the side. The fish was big. Really big. It would be the biggest fish of the trip...
He continued to reel until a dark shadow began to rise from the depths...
Slowly...
The fish materialized from the murk, then broke the surface of the water like a submarine...
It was the biggest pike they'd ever seen...
Once the brothers pulled it aboard, they saw that it was pregnant and Jerrod wanted to throw it back into the lake...
But...
He was overruled by his companions in the other boat, so they hauled the dying fish back to their cabin...
It was nearing sunset...
As they steered the two boats toward camp, Jerrod turned and saw movement a few yards away from their boats in the deeper water...
Something huge swirled beneath the wake of the boat's outboard, and the water swelled with its passage...
Jerrod knew that something was off. Something was coming. And It was calling...
This was a very scary little short story in the style of PIGEONS FROM HELL by Robert E. Howard. I'm glad I didn't choose this as a bedtime story, or I would've been sleeping with the lights on!
I rarely rate short stories 5 stars because something suffers in the telling if they are too short, but this story earned 5 stars for its eerie, hair-raising plot.
What a spooky campfire story this would make!
June 29, 2024
A Horror Story!
Four men are fishing in the Canadian wilderness. Instead of the fun and adventure that they expect from the experience, a horror story awaits them.
And back at the outpost, something has followed them there. Look out!
Four stars. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Four men are fishing in the Canadian wilderness. Instead of the fun and adventure that they expect from the experience, a horror story awaits them.
And back at the outpost, something has followed them there. Look out!
Four stars. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
January 12, 2026
I planned to make fish tonight for dinner, but that's out the window now. This was very short but packed a punch. The characters didn't have enough time for much development, other than what was pertinent to this premise, and the plot, as well. However, the simple situation that our three friends found themselves in, chock full of intrigue, tension, and just enough of the horror elements, brough this together in a neat little package. As I've told all of you a thousand times, I'm not the biggest fan of short stories and/or those with open endings. Joe Hart, here, used both of those in this outing and made it work really well.
June 20, 2017
Another great short story from Joe Hart. Reminded me a little of 'Dreamcatcher' by Stephen King. I loved the premise of the four guys fishing in the Canadian wilderness. For such a short tale, the author did a great job of bringing out each characters personalities - I think all of us know an obnoxious 'Don'!
This was a great little short read and for fans of icky monster horror - this will be right up your street. The author has a great rhythm to his writing which draws you in to the story from the start. It's one of those you simply have to read in one sitting. Going to check out some of his longer works now...
This was a great little short read and for fans of icky monster horror - this will be right up your street. The author has a great rhythm to his writing which draws you in to the story from the start. It's one of those you simply have to read in one sitting. Going to check out some of his longer works now...
March 1, 2014
Hubs and I used to live in the UP of Michigan. Two transplanted New Yorkers basically living in a town of 5000, with more deer than people. The closest Walmart was one hour away, the town had one stoplight, one tiny supermarket, and a McDonald's.
Not much to do in a town that size. But, one gorgeous thing that this area had that no other can touch was a vast number of lakes. Hubs and I decided to buy a small fishing boat.
Neither of us knew crap about fishing. Neither of us would ever even be able to kill anything we caught. But it didn't matter because we never did. We spent hours on the lakes, often in the pitch black darkness. Pitch black. The only thing surrounding you was dark deep water and whatever lived underneath.
I am so happy I didn't read this book back then. I doubt hubs would have ever gotten me on that boat again.
If you want a creepy bedtime story, pick up this freebie on Amazon.
3 Ninja-Bunnehs-A-Fishin' stars
Not much to do in a town that size. But, one gorgeous thing that this area had that no other can touch was a vast number of lakes. Hubs and I decided to buy a small fishing boat.
Neither of us knew crap about fishing. Neither of us would ever even be able to kill anything we caught. But it didn't matter because we never did. We spent hours on the lakes, often in the pitch black darkness. Pitch black. The only thing surrounding you was dark deep water and whatever lived underneath.
I am so happy I didn't read this book back then. I doubt hubs would have ever gotten me on that boat again.
If you want a creepy bedtime story, pick up this freebie on Amazon.
3 Ninja-Bunnehs-A-Fishin' stars
April 25, 2015
I've read a few stories and books by Joe Hart now and find I enjoy some more than others. This one was one I didn't love as much as other short stories he has written.
I struggle to find what genre to sit his books in, some seem like modern horror, others suspenseful, but I'm a touch confused regardless. It's marketed at horror but it's not the least scary, weird perhaps but no scare factor here.
The writing is always very good, a definite strength with this short story but I found the plot a bit lacklustre, it had a lot more potential to be more scary and thrilling. I think packing in more scare factor early on would have really lifted the game on this one.
Lukewarm on this one, just okay, middle of the road, I've read much better from him by far. Only 2.5 stars from the Booklover Catlady on this one I'm afraid. Next.....
I struggle to find what genre to sit his books in, some seem like modern horror, others suspenseful, but I'm a touch confused regardless. It's marketed at horror but it's not the least scary, weird perhaps but no scare factor here.
The writing is always very good, a definite strength with this short story but I found the plot a bit lacklustre, it had a lot more potential to be more scary and thrilling. I think packing in more scare factor early on would have really lifted the game on this one.
Lukewarm on this one, just okay, middle of the road, I've read much better from him by far. Only 2.5 stars from the Booklover Catlady on this one I'm afraid. Next.....
March 16, 2015
(Review) Outpost by Joe Hart Synopsis:
A remote fishing trip in the Canadian wilderness promises relaxation and fun for four friends.But after catching a fish that should have been released on a secluded lake, the horror truly begins.And something has followed them back to the Outpost.
Review:
The perfect time away from home. A fishing trip far from the touch of civilization. Perfect until the guys catch something never before seen, That's when the horror begins. This was a great short story that has a ton of woodsy, calming atmosphere and just a touch of getting to know these characters before the horrors begin. I hope Joe Hart comes back to this horrific, serene setting again. I would love to read more about this lake and the horrors within.
I really liked this story.
Pick it up on Amazon here.
A remote fishing trip in the Canadian wilderness promises relaxation and fun for four friends.But after catching a fish that should have been released on a secluded lake, the horror truly begins.And something has followed them back to the Outpost.
Review:
The perfect time away from home. A fishing trip far from the touch of civilization. Perfect until the guys catch something never before seen, That's when the horror begins. This was a great short story that has a ton of woodsy, calming atmosphere and just a touch of getting to know these characters before the horrors begin. I hope Joe Hart comes back to this horrific, serene setting again. I would love to read more about this lake and the horrors within.
I really liked this story.
Pick it up on Amazon here.
September 15, 2013
I picked up this short story on a free promotion, and I'm glad I did. It's a creepy tale about fishing in a remote, isolated lake. Sometimes other things lurk about in such dark waters. Highly recommended!
December 7, 2013
I love fishing, and this story fits right into the dreams and nightmares of most fisherman. Nice idea. Very enjoyable!
July 23, 2016
Fishing with your buddies and taking some relaxation time at a remote cabin, having a few beers and playing cards. Nice. Well...you would think so anyway.
A fast and fun one from Joe Hart.
A fast and fun one from Joe Hart.
April 10, 2020
Something's In The Water
Four men go on a fishing trip together. They go out in two fishing boats. Two of the men in one of the boats gets a lucky bite. Well, maybe not so lucky. I loved this little story!
Four men go on a fishing trip together. They go out in two fishing boats. Two of the men in one of the boats gets a lucky bite. Well, maybe not so lucky. I loved this little story!
December 27, 2015
Pretty good short story with a good ending.
August 16, 2021
3.5 Stars
I really liked this one, and not just because I like to fish. I was hoping for a different ending though.
I really liked this one, and not just because I like to fish. I was hoping for a different ending though.
November 6, 2023
Fast read, story made sense and was unnerving. But lack of answers on what was going on was frustrating. Only knew some weird supernatural creature/phenomena was going on. Could have been longer.
December 9, 2013
Well, that was creepy. I don't know if I want to go fishing again, or eat fish for that matter! Pretty good for a Kindle freebie.
June 30, 2017
This was a super fast read (around 30 mins) and proves what a stellar writer of short stories the author is. Creepy little tale about blokes and fishing .... and a catch they should have thrown back!
August 21, 2023
Entertaining horror listening 🎶🔰
Jerrod and his brother Kyle are fishing 🐟 on a Canadian lake with Don and his son Eric. Jerrod catches a large pike which turns out to not be a normal fish 🐟. They are all missing in the morning. I would recommend this novella and author to 👍 readers of fantasy horror novels 👍🔰. 2023 😀😯🏡😡
Jerrod and his brother Kyle are fishing 🐟 on a Canadian lake with Don and his son Eric. Jerrod catches a large pike which turns out to not be a normal fish 🐟. They are all missing in the morning. I would recommend this novella and author to 👍 readers of fantasy horror novels 👍🔰. 2023 😀😯🏡😡
May 22, 2025
Great short story
May 17, 2017
This is a wonderfully written short story about four men who go fishing
in a river in a remote part of Canada. Who is going to catch the
biggest fish ? And if only that was the whole story. There are things
out there that you should think twice about disturbing. There are
things you might not want to know about. Don't read this before going
to sleep.
in a river in a remote part of Canada. Who is going to catch the
biggest fish ? And if only that was the whole story. There are things
out there that you should think twice about disturbing. There are
things you might not want to know about. Don't read this before going
to sleep.
June 10, 2013
Like the old saying goes: You are what you eat.
Likeable read with a slightly creepy psychological twist. I guess it looses a few stars because I wasn't big on the subject matter on fishing.
Rating - 3.45/5
Likeable read with a slightly creepy psychological twist. I guess it looses a few stars because I wasn't big on the subject matter on fishing.
Rating - 3.45/5
February 14, 2016
While I didn't enjoy this one as much as The Edge of Life, it was still really good. This author has a knack for creeping you out in just a few pages.
June 6, 2013
A well-written horror short that will have you second guessing bringing home any fish from your next fishing trip.
4 STARS
4 STARS
September 24, 2015
Not bad for a very short horror story. This one is free on Amazon right now...pick it up while you can.
September 3, 2021
I found this on my Kindle, I don't remember downloading it, but there is was. It's been a couple of years since I touched my Kindle but I recently won a e-book from a GR giveaway and I had to dig my tablet out.
I needed to kill a little time and I didn't want to start a whole book, so when I spotted this, I figured why not.
I think this is my first encounter with Joe Hart although I spotted several of his full novels on my app, unread. Nice introduction to the author, to get a feel for their writing style and flow. I might even keep my Fire charged and read one of his actual books after this.
Short story, but not a 2 minute read, long enough to give you a sense of the characters, who they are, where they are and what they are doing. Not horror in the sense that I won't be able to sleep tonight, but you bet your ass that I will think about this story the next time the BF wants to go out fishing... 🥺
I needed to kill a little time and I didn't want to start a whole book, so when I spotted this, I figured why not.
I think this is my first encounter with Joe Hart although I spotted several of his full novels on my app, unread. Nice introduction to the author, to get a feel for their writing style and flow. I might even keep my Fire charged and read one of his actual books after this.
Short story, but not a 2 minute read, long enough to give you a sense of the characters, who they are, where they are and what they are doing. Not horror in the sense that I won't be able to sleep tonight, but you bet your ass that I will think about this story the next time the BF wants to go out fishing... 🥺
March 9, 2023
Jerrod is out on the lake with his older brother, Kyle.
The guys have taken a week-long fishing trip with Kyle’s friend, Don, and Don’s son, Eric. They’re in an isolated area of the Canadian wilderness.
Very atmospheric and ominous tone.
After some exploring earlier that morning, the men happen upon the mysterious and secluded lake. Suddenly, Jerrod’s line gets pulled—it’s something huge. He wants to release the catch, but succumbs to asshole Don’s badgering.
The fishing verbiage is a bit confusing.
Back at the cabin, Kyle and Jerrod discover more and more unusual aspects of the find. And…it only gets worse from there.
Creepy story. Cool ending.
The guys have taken a week-long fishing trip with Kyle’s friend, Don, and Don’s son, Eric. They’re in an isolated area of the Canadian wilderness.
Very atmospheric and ominous tone.
After some exploring earlier that morning, the men happen upon the mysterious and secluded lake. Suddenly, Jerrod’s line gets pulled—it’s something huge. He wants to release the catch, but succumbs to asshole Don’s badgering.
The fishing verbiage is a bit confusing.
Back at the cabin, Kyle and Jerrod discover more and more unusual aspects of the find. And…it only gets worse from there.
Creepy story. Cool ending.
May 10, 2024
Another short, awesome read by Joe Hart
Another Joe Hart short story with an awesome thrill much larger than expected!!
The setting and characters were well described and relatable so as to draw the reader into the story and get engaged in the natural drama so as to be shocked by the surprise element and then blown away by the twist that comes and shakes your reality!! Wow!! This is a great story, way beyond what you'd expect from so few pages!!
Highly recommended!!
Another Joe Hart short story with an awesome thrill much larger than expected!!
The setting and characters were well described and relatable so as to draw the reader into the story and get engaged in the natural drama so as to be shocked by the surprise element and then blown away by the twist that comes and shakes your reality!! Wow!! This is a great story, way beyond what you'd expect from so few pages!!
Highly recommended!!
July 3, 2025
Quick cleanser
New author I came by through Amazon and decided to utilize the books as a palette cleanser. In regard to the author and book combined, I found that despite the book being a short read as described, the author has some pretty good odds at becoming a full on author. There's foul language but nothing more than an average adult doesn't hear throughout the day, and no spice of any sort.
New author I came by through Amazon and decided to utilize the books as a palette cleanser. In regard to the author and book combined, I found that despite the book being a short read as described, the author has some pretty good odds at becoming a full on author. There's foul language but nothing more than an average adult doesn't hear throughout the day, and no spice of any sort.
January 21, 2020
As a fan of horror and also a fan of fishing, I have to say I enjoyed this quick little story. It's neat to hear how this amazing fish was captured and then the men who ate it were corrupted. And the ending was very good, it showed how the terror wasn't finished yet. And that was just great!
I recommend it for fans of horror who want a quick read.
Check it out!
I recommend it for fans of horror who want a quick read.
Check it out!
September 9, 2020
Who knew fishing could be dangerous?
A story that relies on what you don’t see to cause fear is always an interesting read. Some will find it more terrifying others will not have a twisted enough imagination to be scared.
You can see the Stephen King influence in the writing style.
It was a good short read with an interesting premise.
A story that relies on what you don’t see to cause fear is always an interesting read. Some will find it more terrifying others will not have a twisted enough imagination to be scared.
You can see the Stephen King influence in the writing style.
It was a good short read with an interesting premise.
November 20, 2022
Careful What You Fish For…
Very well written this tale. A pity Jerrod didn’t have enough guts to take a stand for something. Even Kyle should know better. And yet, they thought that big assed fish looked delectable. That is until Jerrod took a slice with a filet knife. Sooner or later, he will realize that force of nature is not terribly forgiving. Recommended.
Very well written this tale. A pity Jerrod didn’t have enough guts to take a stand for something. Even Kyle should know better. And yet, they thought that big assed fish looked delectable. That is until Jerrod took a slice with a filet knife. Sooner or later, he will realize that force of nature is not terribly forgiving. Recommended.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews