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Little Jar of Teeth: Dark Stories To Keep You Up At Night
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to find a little jar full of human teeth that was never meant to be found? Or wondered how someone could survive a harrowing plane crash in the Alaskan Bush… only for the real terror to begin as the sole survivor? What gruesome horrors will you uncover when you read about America’s first known serial killer family?
From the author of The Blood Eagle and River of Lies comes a collection of ten dark and twisted short stories guaranteed to get your pulse racing and make your palms sweaty.
Welcome to the dark side of storytelling…
Some of the stories
The Pit: The story of a young family who bought their dream home… only to realize they got much more than they bargained for.
The Animal A friendly small-town veterinarian will do anything, no matter how twisted, to keep his reputation spotless and his secrets safe.
The Blizzard: A mother braves a blizzard to save her daughter because even as the snow continues to fall, they are being hunted by something much more dangerous.
The Bells of St. Andrews Cemetery: The tale of one man’s descent into madness as he confronts mankind's most primal being buried… while you’re still breathing.
The Axe Man of Tate Farm: Years ago, a family was axed to death in their sleep. Was it just an urban legend or something far more sinister?
The Cavern: When the park service closes a cavern to the public, maybe, just maybe, there’s a good reason.
Sweet Caroline: A late-night phone call, a missing teenager, a game of cat-and-mouse. How far would you go to save your daughter from the clutches of a madman?
Trigger Warnings: TW's are listed by story in the front of the book. Here is a quick list to help you decide if this book is for you. Please read responsibly.
*Murder
*Domestic violence
*Being buried alive
*Animal attacks
*Mention of animal death
*Mention of abuse of an animal corpse
*Mention of drug abuse/use
*Having your teeth removed from your skull… while you're still alive.
*A tale about a true-life serial killer family... that was never caught
*Some language throughout
*Descriptions of dead bodies—including dismemberment
*A plane crash
*Some mild sexual innuendos
From the author of The Blood Eagle and River of Lies comes a collection of ten dark and twisted short stories guaranteed to get your pulse racing and make your palms sweaty.
Welcome to the dark side of storytelling…
Some of the stories
The Pit: The story of a young family who bought their dream home… only to realize they got much more than they bargained for.
The Animal A friendly small-town veterinarian will do anything, no matter how twisted, to keep his reputation spotless and his secrets safe.
The Blizzard: A mother braves a blizzard to save her daughter because even as the snow continues to fall, they are being hunted by something much more dangerous.
The Bells of St. Andrews Cemetery: The tale of one man’s descent into madness as he confronts mankind's most primal being buried… while you’re still breathing.
The Axe Man of Tate Farm: Years ago, a family was axed to death in their sleep. Was it just an urban legend or something far more sinister?
The Cavern: When the park service closes a cavern to the public, maybe, just maybe, there’s a good reason.
Sweet Caroline: A late-night phone call, a missing teenager, a game of cat-and-mouse. How far would you go to save your daughter from the clutches of a madman?
Trigger Warnings: TW's are listed by story in the front of the book. Here is a quick list to help you decide if this book is for you. Please read responsibly.
*Murder
*Domestic violence
*Being buried alive
*Animal attacks
*Mention of animal death
*Mention of abuse of an animal corpse
*Mention of drug abuse/use
*Having your teeth removed from your skull… while you're still alive.
*A tale about a true-life serial killer family... that was never caught
*Some language throughout
*Descriptions of dead bodies—including dismemberment
*A plane crash
*Some mild sexual innuendos
- GenresHorror
310 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 20, 2024
14 people are currently reading
49 people want to read
About the author
A.L. Hatcher
4 books46 followers A.L. Hatcher holds bachelor’s degrees in both forensic investigation and forensic pathology as well as an associate degree in veterinary technology.
Because of her love of animals, she’s been a registered veterinary technician for over 20 years. However, her passion for writing began in childhood when she would write her own short stories and picture books.
Today, she spends her time caring for animals, reading, listening to true crime podcasts, and writing fiction about crime, suspense, and all things dark. She lives in the Midwest with her family, some chickens, and two old dogs.
Because of her love of animals, she’s been a registered veterinary technician for over 20 years. However, her passion for writing began in childhood when she would write her own short stories and picture books.
Today, she spends her time caring for animals, reading, listening to true crime podcasts, and writing fiction about crime, suspense, and all things dark. She lives in the Midwest with her family, some chickens, and two old dogs.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
October 25, 2024
3.75 really enjoyed this short story collection I love this authors writing you can tell she has experience in said topics and she’s a great story teller this is just another great read from her I can’t wait to see what comes next if you like horror /thriller stories this is a book I think I you would like I’d highly recommend.
October 30, 2024
Another excellent book by A.L. Hatcher. This book of very dark short stories scared me and made me want to keep reading at the same time. If you have read the Blood Eagle and River of Lies you will definitely love Little Jar of Teeth. If you haven’t read either of those books what are you waiting for? You need to purchase all 3!! Highly recommend Little Jar of Teeth! Terrifying tales but I couldn’t stop reading!
October 18, 2024
Oh my goodness gracious! If you have triggers be careful going in to this book of short stories! With that said…WOW! This was a fun read during this spooky season and Hatcher does it again! Highly recommend! Especially if you need a book cleanser before moving onto your next book!
October 24, 2024
A great collection of varied, short , scary stories ! Not for the faint hearted , does come with various trigger warnings.
Sooooo good , thoroughly enjoyed these , loved the variety in the stories and the fact they genuinely creeped me out!
Highly recommend this book, especially for spooky season!
Sooooo good , thoroughly enjoyed these , loved the variety in the stories and the fact they genuinely creeped me out!
Highly recommend this book, especially for spooky season!
June 16, 2025
Little Jar of Teeth by A.L. Hatcher is an odd, eerie, and often intriguing collection of short horror stories that thrives on the strange and unsettling. It’s the kind of book that draws you in with its title alone — that perfect mix of creepy and curious — and for the most part, the contents follow suit. There’s something delightfully grotesque about the imagery Hatcher conjures, from unsettling body horror to warped domestic scenes and quiet, lingering dread.
Some of the stories really do shine. They hit that sweet spot where atmosphere, pacing, and payoff come together, leaving you with a chill and a need to sit with the story a moment longer. Those moments are when the collection is at its best — when it’s not trying too hard to explain itself, but just lets the weirdness wash over you. Hatcher clearly has a talent for crafting strange little worlds that feel slightly off-kilter, where reality is thin and things crawl just beneath the surface.
But not all the stories hit the same note. A few feel like they’re still warming up when they suddenly stop, as if there was more to say but the page count got in the way. Others have strong ideas or imagery but don’t quite manage to tie it all together, ending with more of a shrug than a sting. That lack of balance makes the overall reading experience a bit uneven. You find yourself enjoying the journey in one story, then getting pulled out of the mood by another that doesn’t quite go anywhere.
There’s also a recurring sense that some stories are more style than substance — which isn’t always a bad thing in horror, but here it sometimes left me wanting just a bit more: more depth, more connection, more time to sit with the characters or the concept. The surreal tone works well for creating atmosphere, but at times it can feel like it’s being used to mask a lack of direction.
Still, there’s no denying that Hatcher has a unique voice. Even the weaker stories carry a certain flavour — a dreamlike quality that’s hard to shake. If you enjoy horror that’s more about the feeling it leaves behind than neat resolutions, there’s a lot to appreciate here. It’s a great pick for readers who like their horror offbeat, fragmented, and filled with teeth.
Just be prepared for a few stories that don’t quite dig in deep enough — or worse, snap off just as they’re getting interesting. A mixed bag, but one that’s worth rummaging through if you’re in the mood for something a little strange and unsettling.
Some of the stories really do shine. They hit that sweet spot where atmosphere, pacing, and payoff come together, leaving you with a chill and a need to sit with the story a moment longer. Those moments are when the collection is at its best — when it’s not trying too hard to explain itself, but just lets the weirdness wash over you. Hatcher clearly has a talent for crafting strange little worlds that feel slightly off-kilter, where reality is thin and things crawl just beneath the surface.
But not all the stories hit the same note. A few feel like they’re still warming up when they suddenly stop, as if there was more to say but the page count got in the way. Others have strong ideas or imagery but don’t quite manage to tie it all together, ending with more of a shrug than a sting. That lack of balance makes the overall reading experience a bit uneven. You find yourself enjoying the journey in one story, then getting pulled out of the mood by another that doesn’t quite go anywhere.
There’s also a recurring sense that some stories are more style than substance — which isn’t always a bad thing in horror, but here it sometimes left me wanting just a bit more: more depth, more connection, more time to sit with the characters or the concept. The surreal tone works well for creating atmosphere, but at times it can feel like it’s being used to mask a lack of direction.
Still, there’s no denying that Hatcher has a unique voice. Even the weaker stories carry a certain flavour — a dreamlike quality that’s hard to shake. If you enjoy horror that’s more about the feeling it leaves behind than neat resolutions, there’s a lot to appreciate here. It’s a great pick for readers who like their horror offbeat, fragmented, and filled with teeth.
Just be prepared for a few stories that don’t quite dig in deep enough — or worse, snap off just as they’re getting interesting. A mixed bag, but one that’s worth rummaging through if you’re in the mood for something a little strange and unsettling.
January 6, 2025
Ahhh, how I love a good horror anthology. It brings back fond memories of my youth, a time when I was forbidden to read or watch such things because I was always prone to nightmares—you know, the kind where you wake up screaming and scaring the life out of everyone else in the house. Of course, the surest way to be certain I would continue was to say I couldn’t…
These bite-sized nuggets of darkness cover such wide-ranging topics as vengeful child abduction, a wintry escape from domestic abuse, an old-timey serial killing family, a gravedigger’s persistent fear of burying the living, and a couple of differing takes on the travails of moving into new homes—each with their own dark history.
Hatcher keeps things moving as she nimbly shifts from first-person to third, from female point-of-view to male, and from present to past, evoking the episodic nostalgia of ‘Tales from the Darkside’ and ‘Creepshow.’ I only took issue with the titular story, in that some of the clues were a little heavy-handed making the end less of a surprise than it could have been, although it still had plenty of impact.
Another great choice for a campfire read—provided you are willing to risk being wrenched from sleep by the screams of your fireside audience.
(Although I gave this title four-and-a-half stars, it will be rounded up to five for Amazon and Goodreads since they don’t deal in fractions.)
These bite-sized nuggets of darkness cover such wide-ranging topics as vengeful child abduction, a wintry escape from domestic abuse, an old-timey serial killing family, a gravedigger’s persistent fear of burying the living, and a couple of differing takes on the travails of moving into new homes—each with their own dark history.
Hatcher keeps things moving as she nimbly shifts from first-person to third, from female point-of-view to male, and from present to past, evoking the episodic nostalgia of ‘Tales from the Darkside’ and ‘Creepshow.’ I only took issue with the titular story, in that some of the clues were a little heavy-handed making the end less of a surprise than it could have been, although it still had plenty of impact.
Another great choice for a campfire read—provided you are willing to risk being wrenched from sleep by the screams of your fireside audience.
(Although I gave this title four-and-a-half stars, it will be rounded up to five for Amazon and Goodreads since they don’t deal in fractions.)
October 24, 2024
If you think that title is creepy, wait until you read the stories inside. Each one a little different. Each one a lot unsettling. These short stories walk the line between horror and thriller and aren’t afraid to take your emotions to that place.
Some of these stories I finished with my Jaw on the floor (looking at you Sweet Caroline) and some of them with a cheeky little smirk.
These stories are just enough to draw you in and give your brain a twist without having to put in a huge reading commitment. They’re all twisted, and in honesty, though I prefer the bright glimmer of resolution in my day to day reading, I had a lot of fun with this collection.
If your mind is dark and Twisty, this book is for you
Some of these stories I finished with my Jaw on the floor (looking at you Sweet Caroline) and some of them with a cheeky little smirk.
These stories are just enough to draw you in and give your brain a twist without having to put in a huge reading commitment. They’re all twisted, and in honesty, though I prefer the bright glimmer of resolution in my day to day reading, I had a lot of fun with this collection.
If your mind is dark and Twisty, this book is for you
November 24, 2024
These 10 tales from A.L. Hatcher are as horrifically dark as they are well written. From historical (“The Bloody Benders”, “The Bells of St. Andrews”) to modern (“Sweet Caroline”, “The Cavern”), to psychological suspense (“The Pit”) to in-your-face horror (“The Ax Man of Tate Farm”), there’s plenty here for lovers of the eerie and macabre. My favorite story was “Little Jar of Teeth” for which the collection is named. What’s hiding in the house a young woman has just purchased and exactly what lies beneath those floorboards?! Hatcher’s greatest strength here is her range—no story is like the other and while horror tropes abound, each is its own microcosm of terror. Be prepared for goosebumps, chills, and jump scares and to stay up reading late into the night…at your peril.
September 30, 2024
Hatcher did it again! Another amazing read! I finished this book in 3 days, it was a page turner. In many of the stories, I wanted to know what happens next. Hatcher left it to our individual imaginations. This book is perfect, just in time for the spooky season. The book covers every kind spookiness , thriller, crime, serial killer, psychological manipulation, and wilderness terror.
My favs in the book were The Blizzard, The Pit, Little Jar of Teeth, and The Alaskan Terror.
10/10 Hatcher did it again! I'm looking forward to the 3rd Tess Dane thriller as well.
My favs in the book were The Blizzard, The Pit, Little Jar of Teeth, and The Alaskan Terror.
10/10 Hatcher did it again! I'm looking forward to the 3rd Tess Dane thriller as well.
October 23, 2024
This is one of my favorite authors!! Her other books are psychological thrillers and they have some twists you never see coming!! This book however is a collection of short horror/thriller stories and I haven’t been able to get some of them out of my head!! This book has “Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark” vibes. They are spooky, weird and gripping! Let’s just say I will never be able to listen to the song “Sweet Caroline” or look at a bear the same way again 🫣
This is an easy quick read that will have you asking yourself what you just read and maybe even keep you up at night!
This is an easy quick read that will have you asking yourself what you just read and maybe even keep you up at night!
September 25, 2024
Another exceptional release from my favorite storyteller! Little Jar of Teeth is full of creepy, twisted tales that will indeed keep you up at night! I loved the variety of the stories; they all felt quite different yet were each compelling and engrossing. Whether it’s a full length novel or a short story, A. L. Hatcher’s writing is superb.
August 19, 2025
This short story collection by A L Hatcher includes ten short horror and thriller stories, varying from family curses to haunted houses.
These incredibly creepy and descriptive short stories were imaginative and interesting. They kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time!
My favorite short story was The Axe Man of Tate Farm.
These incredibly creepy and descriptive short stories were imaginative and interesting. They kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time!
My favorite short story was The Axe Man of Tate Farm.
September 27, 2024
Spooky Season definitely explains this book. These stories were spine chilling, spooky, and made you wanna look under the bed and turn on the lights. These stories would make a really good horror movie!!!!! I loved it.
September 28, 2024
Another amazing book by A.L. Hatcher! Each story is unique, but equally creepy! This book has something for every horror lover—whether you love serial killer stories, scary historical fiction, or ghosts, it’s in there! I totally recommend. And just in time for spooky season!
March 3, 2025
Ooh these were terrifying! This was a fantastic collection of scary stories that had my heart racing throughout. Each one was truly so different from the other, which I really appreciated. The Animal and Sweet Caroline had to be my top favourites even though I enjoyed them all! 5 easy stars. I'll definitely be reading more from this author!
May 11, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
Each story was creepy, and some were very disturbing. Very well written.
Each story was creepy, and some were very disturbing. Very well written.
June 14, 2025
Little Jar of Teeth
What a great read. I enjoyed the short stories. I read a story every morning with my coffee. It was perfect!
What a great read. I enjoyed the short stories. I read a story every morning with my coffee. It was perfect!
October 22, 2024
3.75
I take full responsibility for not reminding myself that each of this are short stories and I think I went in with some of the stories wanting more and forgetting that it was written this way on purpose. I did feel at times that I had seen or heard the stories somewhere before so I experienced some de ja vu..
I feel some of the stories were pretty good and gave pretty solid plot twist.
I take full responsibility for not reminding myself that each of this are short stories and I think I went in with some of the stories wanting more and forgetting that it was written this way on purpose. I did feel at times that I had seen or heard the stories somewhere before so I experienced some de ja vu..
I feel some of the stories were pretty good and gave pretty solid plot twist.
December 31, 2024
3.75 ⭐️
i did in fact read some of these before bed and i did ask myself why but i have on occasion falling asleep whilst watching gory shows… 👀🤷🏼♀️
but my my my, miss Hatcher did Not disappoint with this collection. sure, there were some that i wasn’t particularly satisfied with (i’m thinking of you The Animal Within; i have beef with that vet now, he was SO dumb, just call the cops big guy 😭) but there were also some absolute standouts for me when it came to building the tension and making me anxious (The Alaskan Terror + Little Jar of Teeth i’m looking directly at you 👀). overall, this was such a brilliant mix of anxiety-inducing, tension-building & horror and i had a good time 🙂↕️
i did in fact read some of these before bed and i did ask myself why but i have on occasion falling asleep whilst watching gory shows… 👀🤷🏼♀️
but my my my, miss Hatcher did Not disappoint with this collection. sure, there were some that i wasn’t particularly satisfied with (i’m thinking of you The Animal Within; i have beef with that vet now, he was SO dumb, just call the cops big guy 😭) but there were also some absolute standouts for me when it came to building the tension and making me anxious (The Alaskan Terror + Little Jar of Teeth i’m looking directly at you 👀). overall, this was such a brilliant mix of anxiety-inducing, tension-building & horror and i had a good time 🙂↕️
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews