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Seed
Mark fears that his wife is cheating on him. Over the past couple of weeks she has been growing more and more distant and shudders at his very touch. Determined to keep his new marriage afloat he confronts her only to find the truth of the situation is far more horrific than he could have ever envisioned. With the truth out in the open - only one thing is sure - things will never be the same again.
From Matt Shaw (ART, Sick B*stards, The Cabin, Happy Ever After) comes a new psychological horror and a new warning to readers: some scenes of this book may be upsetting.
From Matt Shaw (ART, Sick B*stards, The Cabin, Happy Ever After) comes a new psychological horror and a new warning to readers: some scenes of this book may be upsetting.
113 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 12, 2014
15 people are currently reading
203 people want to read
About the author
Matt Shaw
529 books2,205 followersBiography
MATT SHAW was born, quite by accident (his mother tripped, he shot out) September 30th 1980 in Winchester hospital where he was immediately placed on the baby ward and EBay. Some twelve years later (wandering the corridors of the hospital and playing with road kill when he was on day release), the listing closed and he remained unsold, he was booted out of the hospital to start his life as a writer and hobbit – beginning with writing screenplays and short stories for his own amusement before finally getting published when he was twenty-seven years and forty-five seconds old.
Once Published weekly in a lad's magazine with his photography work, Matt Shaw is also a published author and cartoonist. Has to be said, can be a bit of a flirt and definitely, without a shadow of a doubt, somewhat of a klutz.
Favourite books
"Roald Dahl's Collection of Short Stories"
Tim Burton's Melancholy Death of Oyster Boy
Anything, really, written by himself. Because he is that good.
MATT SHAW was born, quite by accident (his mother tripped, he shot out) September 30th 1980 in Winchester hospital where he was immediately placed on the baby ward and EBay. Some twelve years later (wandering the corridors of the hospital and playing with road kill when he was on day release), the listing closed and he remained unsold, he was booted out of the hospital to start his life as a writer and hobbit – beginning with writing screenplays and short stories for his own amusement before finally getting published when he was twenty-seven years and forty-five seconds old.
Once Published weekly in a lad's magazine with his photography work, Matt Shaw is also a published author and cartoonist. Has to be said, can be a bit of a flirt and definitely, without a shadow of a doubt, somewhat of a klutz.
Favourite books
"Roald Dahl's Collection of Short Stories"
Tim Burton's Melancholy Death of Oyster Boy
Anything, really, written by himself. Because he is that good.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
February 4, 2025
This was nothing like I expected, but was a good example of a primo psychological horror. The emotion, especially dealing with such sensitive topics here, was tactful. I read some of the other reviews, initially fearing that I missed things at certain points. However, I am wholeheartedly going to agree with them that the alternating perspectives and such hurt the impact of the narrative here. I actually finished the book and had to go back to a few spots to reread, not entirely sure which scenario was linked to Becky and/or Mark’s trauma versus what really happened. Or maybe Shaw wrote it that way to let the reader make a choice? It is also a bit on the short side, and I think if Shaw expanded on Detective Andrew’s character a bit further, along with some more fine-tuned ideas here, it would have further improved what is already a really good book. With all that aside, this was a good showing by Shaw and I continue to enjoy his works.
May 7, 2022
this was pretty wild. i kinda figured it all out myself though, which is annoying tbh lol. i just think that by now i know Matt Shaw's writing enough to figure out his plot twists.🧐
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March 18, 2015
...... I have no idea how to rate nor review this. Matt Shaw you've left me speechless.....Damn!
August 24, 2014
Seed by Matt Shaw Seed is another top draw psychological horror and I was so caught up in the twists and turns of an exceptionally clever plot that this is definitely up there with my favourites.
I won't give too much of the plot away, just a taster but seriously this is well worth a couple of hours of your time.
Mark And Becky have troubles in their marriage, he's under pressure at work and worried that his wife is becoming distant, she's about to drop a bombshell that's going to potentially blow their lives apart. She's been raped and has suffered in silence for weeks, he's completely devastated, sporting a myriad of dire feelings and thoughts. With revenge featuring heavily on his list of priorities.
Matt Shaw cleverly uses numerous plot twists and nightmares to play with your emotions taking the story down one path only to cruelly wrench you back by the shirt collar just as you start to roll with the new impetus.
We also have the comeback king, detective Andrews who we last saw suffering unspeakable loss at the hands of the creative killer Art. This case is going to take him to the edge, past it.
Once again I never saw the twist in this one, extremely clever plot, right from the start and I can only recommend this very highly. I also read The 8th just before Seed and I’ve got to say both are compelling and substantial pieces of dark fiction.
http://paulnelson.booklikes.com/post/...
I won't give too much of the plot away, just a taster but seriously this is well worth a couple of hours of your time.
Mark And Becky have troubles in their marriage, he's under pressure at work and worried that his wife is becoming distant, she's about to drop a bombshell that's going to potentially blow their lives apart. She's been raped and has suffered in silence for weeks, he's completely devastated, sporting a myriad of dire feelings and thoughts. With revenge featuring heavily on his list of priorities.
Matt Shaw cleverly uses numerous plot twists and nightmares to play with your emotions taking the story down one path only to cruelly wrench you back by the shirt collar just as you start to roll with the new impetus.
We also have the comeback king, detective Andrews who we last saw suffering unspeakable loss at the hands of the creative killer Art. This case is going to take him to the edge, past it.
Once again I never saw the twist in this one, extremely clever plot, right from the start and I can only recommend this very highly. I also read The 8th just before Seed and I’ve got to say both are compelling and substantial pieces of dark fiction.
http://paulnelson.booklikes.com/post/...
May 3, 2015
3 - 3.5 stars.
Recently married couple, Mark and Becky, should be blissfully in love. However, Mark has noticed that for the past two weeks, Becky has been distant. Mark realizes that he has been putting in extra time at work. Perhaps that explains why Becky has grown so aloof. Yet again, Mark can't help but wonder whether her sudden change in personality has anything to do with the girls' night out that she had with her friends. It was just after that night that their relationship began to deteriorate. He begins to fear the worst...that she met someone new.
Mark decides to confront Becky once and for all. He braces himself for the worst, never imagining the distressing news she actually reveals. Angry and bitter, Mark is unable to deal with the realization and decides to take matters into his own hand. But the turn of events triggered by his actions will have a devastating effect not just on them, but several others as well.
I greatly enjoyed the vast majority of this book, though I did have issues with the sudden time shifts and alternating perspectives. I do understand the effect that Shaw was attempting to achieve, but in this case, I found it disruptive to the flow of an otherwise engrossing story. Also, it added undue confusion. I hate when I feel like I've overlooked some crucial fact and that's how I felt several times.
Most disappointing, though, was the twist at the end. The story had such incredible potential and I just felt let down by what ultimately transpired. But that's just me. This is a short, entertaining story and I encourage readers of psychological horror/thriller to give it a try.
Also, I should add that it was great the way Shaw incorporated a character (Detective Martin Andrews) from his previous story, Art. It was nice to have Andrews' perspective, I just wish it had been better synced with those of the main characters.
Matt Shaw is a talented author and I will definitely be reading plenty more of his horror stories.
Recently married couple, Mark and Becky, should be blissfully in love. However, Mark has noticed that for the past two weeks, Becky has been distant. Mark realizes that he has been putting in extra time at work. Perhaps that explains why Becky has grown so aloof. Yet again, Mark can't help but wonder whether her sudden change in personality has anything to do with the girls' night out that she had with her friends. It was just after that night that their relationship began to deteriorate. He begins to fear the worst...that she met someone new.
Mark decides to confront Becky once and for all. He braces himself for the worst, never imagining the distressing news she actually reveals. Angry and bitter, Mark is unable to deal with the realization and decides to take matters into his own hand. But the turn of events triggered by his actions will have a devastating effect not just on them, but several others as well.
I greatly enjoyed the vast majority of this book, though I did have issues with the sudden time shifts and alternating perspectives. I do understand the effect that Shaw was attempting to achieve, but in this case, I found it disruptive to the flow of an otherwise engrossing story. Also, it added undue confusion. I hate when I feel like I've overlooked some crucial fact and that's how I felt several times.
Most disappointing, though, was the twist at the end. The story had such incredible potential and I just felt let down by what ultimately transpired. But that's just me. This is a short, entertaining story and I encourage readers of psychological horror/thriller to give it a try.
Also, I should add that it was great the way Shaw incorporated a character (Detective Martin Andrews) from his previous story, Art. It was nice to have Andrews' perspective, I just wish it had been better synced with those of the main characters.
Matt Shaw is a talented author and I will definitely be reading plenty more of his horror stories.
November 13, 2015
I don't have words. This book was a total mind-f**k. This really messed with my mind like nothing else I've read before. It was seriously twisted and I couldn't put it down. That's it. I'm in shock.
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May 31, 2016I love seeing Matt's book with the 'disturbing content' warning on the front. However, no other book needs it more than this one...in my opinion. The fact that this story builds up towards a completely different conclusion to what the reader is expecting takes you completely by surprise and the finale culminates with a heart-freezing crescendo.
It was fantastic to see Detective Andrews, of 'Art' fame, make an appearance again. It feels like meeting an old friend and of course, his own issues from the experiences he's previously endured lend some raw emotion to Becky and Mark's situation. All the characters were realistic and develop well, although I did think Mark was a little bit pathetic throughout the first part of the story, but his sensitive nature makes what happens at the end all the more horrific.
Matt Shaw's books just keep getting better. There seems to be no limit to his imagination and his delivery is entertaining and shocking.
**WARNING: DO NOT PURCHASE IF YOU'RE EXPECTING MILLS AND BOON**
It was fantastic to see Detective Andrews, of 'Art' fame, make an appearance again. It feels like meeting an old friend and of course, his own issues from the experiences he's previously endured lend some raw emotion to Becky and Mark's situation. All the characters were realistic and develop well, although I did think Mark was a little bit pathetic throughout the first part of the story, but his sensitive nature makes what happens at the end all the more horrific.
Matt Shaw's books just keep getting better. There seems to be no limit to his imagination and his delivery is entertaining and shocking.
**WARNING: DO NOT PURCHASE IF YOU'RE EXPECTING MILLS AND BOON**
October 22, 2014
This book was hard to read with the tragedy that befalls the female main character, Becky. The description that Shaw uses makes the atmosphere that surrounds that tragedy almost palatable. As I was reading the book I could envision everything. I was creeped out and sickened, but at the same time couldn't stop reading.
The story goes on to follow the two main characters as they deal with the evil that has descended upon their new life together. The husband's is struggling, but at the same time trying to find the good in a horrible situation. Becky's tragedy is every women's nightmare that results in part of that nightmare coming to life.
Just when you think you may understand everything that is going on, Shaw throws a twist in the ending that I never have saw coming. I finished the book with a look of confusion and awe on my face I'm sure. Confusion because I still can't believe what took place on those last pages, and awe because only Matt Shaw could produce such a powerful and shocking ending.
The story goes on to follow the two main characters as they deal with the evil that has descended upon their new life together. The husband's is struggling, but at the same time trying to find the good in a horrible situation. Becky's tragedy is every women's nightmare that results in part of that nightmare coming to life.
Just when you think you may understand everything that is going on, Shaw throws a twist in the ending that I never have saw coming. I finished the book with a look of confusion and awe on my face I'm sure. Confusion because I still can't believe what took place on those last pages, and awe because only Matt Shaw could produce such a powerful and shocking ending.
August 27, 2014
Not what I expected. Have read some of Matts other books and was disappointed in this dragged out, rather nothing tale of a failing marriage. A disappointing end I thought after the huge build up of fantasies that the characters have though out.
July 11, 2024
Came here reading Peter Topside's review. I was a lot prejudiced about reading Matt Shaw because the initial few pages that I read of Sick Bastards gave me gag reflexes for a whole week. But this one was different. This had a deeper note to the emotions and characters. The characters were well sculpted, giving them enough elements to fuel their humanity and monstrosity side by side through a single emotion, guilt.
However, the shifts in timelines of the story were a little confusing and many times I didn't even understand what was happening in which timeline. The little arc Detective Andrews was given had a lot of untapped potential. But I guess for a book of 100 odd pages, this much story is okay, but as readers we always want more.
All in all, a good one from Matt Shaw.
However, the shifts in timelines of the story were a little confusing and many times I didn't even understand what was happening in which timeline. The little arc Detective Andrews was given had a lot of untapped potential. But I guess for a book of 100 odd pages, this much story is okay, but as readers we always want more.
All in all, a good one from Matt Shaw.
January 3, 2024
Martin Andrews has returned to the force, a month after the traumatic events of Art. Here, he is reunited with a past case he feels he failed. The past case being Mark and Becky, who are struggling to overcome a devastating incident that happened to Becky. Lives will forever be altered by the end of the book.
This was the return of Martin Andrews, and another fantastic book from Matt Shaw, with a twist I could never have expected. Had me gripped from the first page, right to the last.
This was the return of Martin Andrews, and another fantastic book from Matt Shaw, with a twist I could never have expected. Had me gripped from the first page, right to the last.
April 2, 2019
Bizaar!
4 stars for this very short & slightly squeamish horror story. Not quite what was suspected to happen but good nonetheless.
4 stars for this very short & slightly squeamish horror story. Not quite what was suspected to happen but good nonetheless.
September 24, 2014
This has to be my favorite Matt Shaw book so far. Of course, I haven't found one of his books yet that I don't like. He is an amazing writer.
If you haven't read Art by Matt Shaw and Michael Bray, do so first before reading this book. Detective Andrews story begins in this book.
Becky and Mark are married and Becky has been distant. Finally she tells Mark what has happened. The police are called and Detective Andrews is trying to solve the crime.
Months go by with no progress. Mark takes matters into his own hands, but soon finds out the real truth. What a twist!!
Another hard to put down read. This is the kind of story that could really happen, is what scares a person, and is the kind of story that makes you wonder what is lurking out there in the darkness when you are walking your dog. This is the kind of story Matt Shaw can write, this is what he is good at!!
5 stars for sure!!
If you haven't read Art by Matt Shaw and Michael Bray, do so first before reading this book. Detective Andrews story begins in this book.
Becky and Mark are married and Becky has been distant. Finally she tells Mark what has happened. The police are called and Detective Andrews is trying to solve the crime.
Months go by with no progress. Mark takes matters into his own hands, but soon finds out the real truth. What a twist!!
Another hard to put down read. This is the kind of story that could really happen, is what scares a person, and is the kind of story that makes you wonder what is lurking out there in the darkness when you are walking your dog. This is the kind of story Matt Shaw can write, this is what he is good at!!
5 stars for sure!!
October 3, 2014
This is the story of Mark and Becky. Becky has grown distant over the last couple of weeks and Mark, fearing the worst confronts her about it. Nothing could have prepared him for the awful truth however, and now they must find a way to get on with their lives in the aftermath of what has happened.
This is a typical Matt Shaw extreme horror. There were some horrific moments, but it wasn't out and out in your face gory. It was also a psychological horror. A sort of 'what would you do if....' type of scenario. It was all the more chilling as it was based on the sort of thing that could happen to any couple. The characters were real and it was nice to see Detective Andrews from Art in the thick of things again. The pace belted along and once again I found myself quite unable to put the book down. The twist at the end was unexpected and rounded things off nicely. More please Matt!
This is a typical Matt Shaw extreme horror. There were some horrific moments, but it wasn't out and out in your face gory. It was also a psychological horror. A sort of 'what would you do if....' type of scenario. It was all the more chilling as it was based on the sort of thing that could happen to any couple. The characters were real and it was nice to see Detective Andrews from Art in the thick of things again. The pace belted along and once again I found myself quite unable to put the book down. The twist at the end was unexpected and rounded things off nicely. More please Matt!
October 25, 2014
Confusing, College-Level Fiction
This is the second novel I've read by Matt Shaw, and I was hoping I'd like this one better. I didn't.
The main complaint I have is the continuous back and forth, time-changing style he so far seems comfortable with, but which I find annoying and confusing. In addition, the characters were so incredibly immature--but that I can excuse considering their ages. I can't discuss much without spoilers, so I'll leave it there.
Way back when I was in college I took a creative writing course, and this novel reads like something that might have been written by a student in that class. I'm going to attempt ONE MORE book by this author and see if I've just read the wrong two books. If it doesn't get any better than this, it's time to throw in the towel. A for effort...C- for the end product.
This is the second novel I've read by Matt Shaw, and I was hoping I'd like this one better. I didn't.
The main complaint I have is the continuous back and forth, time-changing style he so far seems comfortable with, but which I find annoying and confusing. In addition, the characters were so incredibly immature--but that I can excuse considering their ages. I can't discuss much without spoilers, so I'll leave it there.
Way back when I was in college I took a creative writing course, and this novel reads like something that might have been written by a student in that class. I'm going to attempt ONE MORE book by this author and see if I've just read the wrong two books. If it doesn't get any better than this, it's time to throw in the towel. A for effort...C- for the end product.
June 26, 2023
Seriously Deranged
A well constructed horror story that looks at and uses the effects of PTSD not only on the individual directory affected but their partner as well. The ending floored me.
Recommended but not a read for the faint of heart.
A well constructed horror story that looks at and uses the effects of PTSD not only on the individual directory affected but their partner as well. The ending floored me.
Recommended but not a read for the faint of heart.
April 19, 2014
wow... i didn't expect that ending... 5 mind f**king stars for deffo
March 27, 2016
Not as thrilling or horrifying as i thought it would be...in fact, it read like one of those free, short Kindle books, but without the typos (I did the audio). it was just...ok.
April 8, 2015
Disappointed, not the psychological horror it promised and an anti-climatic ending.
November 2, 2023
This was a psychological horror story. How a couple became divided, obsessed and ruined by basically just one lie.
The long way down towards breakdown was painful to watch, but it was written well.
At first I wasn’t sure why the story had to be told by going back and forth in different timelines and viewpoints, but once we got to the end and realised the whole truth, it all made sense.
The long way down towards breakdown was painful to watch, but it was written well.
At first I wasn’t sure why the story had to be told by going back and forth in different timelines and viewpoints, but once we got to the end and realised the whole truth, it all made sense.
February 20, 2020
Seed
I really enjoyed this read. I liked that there was a twist in the story at the end. I was definitely not expecting that.
I really enjoyed this read. I liked that there was a twist in the story at the end. I was definitely not expecting that.
May 3, 2021
Gripping novella - I read it all in one sitting - with several twists towards to end a shocking ending.
September 9, 2021
WoW
I love the fact it is going indepth what they are thinking like you really feel for these characters but the ending is shocking
I love the fact it is going indepth what they are thinking like you really feel for these characters but the ending is shocking
April 19, 2023
Good
Read the book in one sitting. Really kept me engrossed. Plot so believable even at the end I had to reread the page when the twist was explained. Didn't see it coming at all
Read the book in one sitting. Really kept me engrossed. Plot so believable even at the end I had to reread the page when the twist was explained. Didn't see it coming at all
May 11, 2016
This was a devastating story of the devolution of a perfect, happy couple into lies, obsession, and disaster.
Mark and Becky are the perfect couple. They love each other, she's beautiful, he's handsome, they both have good jobs, and just bought a nice home. Mark has to spend a lot of time at work because his company is struggling and he's worried that he's hurting his marriage. He decides he's going to talk to her one night to straighten things out between them, but things are never the same after they talk.
The story is told in the present and through flashbacks. Sometimes the flashbacks are imagined by the other person, so you're never really sure what happened. It seems like both of them are living a nightmare, but things change, and they have a long conversation where they decide to stay together and make the best of things, but as the story goes on and lies are revealed, that becomes more difficult to do.
The story becomes more horrifying as you get into it. The book is very well-written, and I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. The method used by the author of going back and forward in time just builds the suspense because you think you're about to get an answer, but in the next chapter, you're back to reliving something in the past. It builds as the book goes on until the tension is very high. I wanted to skip to the end because I just had to know, but I restrained myself, and I'm glad I did.
This is an excellent, well-written, suspenseful book. I highly recommend it.
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Mark and Becky are the perfect couple. They love each other, she's beautiful, he's handsome, they both have good jobs, and just bought a nice home. Mark has to spend a lot of time at work because his company is struggling and he's worried that he's hurting his marriage. He decides he's going to talk to her one night to straighten things out between them, but things are never the same after they talk.
The story is told in the present and through flashbacks. Sometimes the flashbacks are imagined by the other person, so you're never really sure what happened. It seems like both of them are living a nightmare, but things change, and they have a long conversation where they decide to stay together and make the best of things, but as the story goes on and lies are revealed, that becomes more difficult to do.
The story becomes more horrifying as you get into it. The book is very well-written, and I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. The method used by the author of going back and forward in time just builds the suspense because you think you're about to get an answer, but in the next chapter, you're back to reliving something in the past. It builds as the book goes on until the tension is very high. I wanted to skip to the end because I just had to know, but I restrained myself, and I'm glad I did.
This is an excellent, well-written, suspenseful book. I highly recommend it.
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January 17, 2015
This short book had me going right up until the end where unfortunately it left me wondering if I had missed the punch line. Well written, and as I said it had me hooked by its intensity but instead of going for the knockout the resolution of the story left me still waiting for the hammer to fall with no more pages left to allow that to happen. I'd seen a lot of comment previously about how Matt Shaw's work is not for the sensitive but thus far (and admittedly this is really only the second book of his that I've read) he's nowhere near the territory of the authors who work in the cringe-worthy back yard side of horror literature.
I'll definitely be reading more from this author because he does write well and he keeps the fuel burning but in the next book of his that I read I'm hoping I find that heavy object that falls on the toes causing one to hop up and down howling at the shock and pain caused by the impact.
I'll definitely be reading more from this author because he does write well and he keeps the fuel burning but in the next book of his that I read I'm hoping I find that heavy object that falls on the toes causing one to hop up and down howling at the shock and pain caused by the impact.
April 17, 2016
This has got the mother of all twists at the end. I did not see it coming at all. Anyway, I had originally delayed reading this as frankly the book cover looked like the lady had a monster coming out of her foo which is one extreme horror story I don't want to read about. Fortunately that is not in the story. What is captured in the story is a huge amount of completely believable emotions from the couple as they deal with the aftermath of a rape. Honestly, it is very well captured. Matt is on fire when writing this, he really gets inside the husband and wife. How they feel. How it affects their relationship. This is a book to remember.
February 11, 2016
Good stuff from Matt Shaw. This is not his usual gore. This is a struggle with emotinal demons. I really liked that Detective Andrews was brought back. The reader must read Art first to truly grasp the pain in this story. Some reviewers wrote that it was boring but i found this to be very refreshing and I was not expecting the ending at all. True to Matts form this is no fairy tale. Thanks for another good read and now....onto Psycopath For Hire!!!
June 19, 2014
This book is so disturbing. The ending was something I definitely did not see coming. You almost want to give your heart to the characters because really it could happen. It is one of those mind blowing books and you are actually angered by the ending. It was a great book!
January 22, 2015
This was the most heartbreaking book I think I've ever read. It hit me so hard, and I honestly did not expect that ending at all. Very different to Matt's other books, but I think it's one of my favourites.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews