The Manuscript: Written in Blood

by Micah Ackerman

A disgruntled writer tired of rejection after rejection of his manuscript takes a literary agent hostage in her hotel room. He forces her to read his book, which may describe her own fate in terrifying detail. Is he a vicious, sadistic killer? Or simply a writer with a vivid imagination pushed too far? This dark psychological horror story is reminiscent of early Stephen King or Clive Barker. This quick read is perfect for websleuths and true crime addicts.

Genres: Horror, Thriller, Short Stories

21 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 21, 2014

About the author

Micah Ackerman is a Horror and Science Fiction writer from Connecticut. He has worked in the medical field for the past 10 years giving him unique insight into the interior workings of the human animal. His first full length novel "Wormwood" is due to be released in the Spring of 2014. The book is about a full scale nuclear war and how one man strives to save his small town. Micah loves to chat with his fans so if you have any questions or comments please visit him at his website.

http://www.micahackerman.com/

Reviews

[Max Stone · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve got to say that this was a type of story that I had never read or even seen before. Only momentarily, when I read the description, I wondered exactly how it would work, but Micah Ackerman is a true original in his field.

I was on the edge of my seat from page one and the rollercoaster never stopped. It didn’t even slow up on the journey to a very shocking ending.

Also, I loved the additional concept of a story within a story. I didn’t know which one was more entertaining.

I am definitely looking forward to more from this author.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting short horror story. It's not what I usually read and not descriptive enough to really be horror. The writing was good and the story was engaging making it an enjoyable change!!

[Kay Oliver · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this short read. It was creative and right up my alley. It did get a little confusing toward the end, not sure if I missed something or the author did, but it was still a decent read.

[Yawatta Hosby · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Cassie, a literary agent, met a creepy writer, Morgan, in the elevator after a writer’s conference. Later, he kidnapped her in the suite room.

My favorite lines: 1) “Can I tell you a little about my book?” It was the dreaded words that Cassie had been praying wouldn’t slip from the stranger’s lips. 2) “I may have lost my freedom, but not my dignity.” 3) “It’s not horror. It’s instructional. Just keep reading.”

As a reader, I really respected Cassie. She could have given up when that lunatic broke into her room, but she was a fighter. She was a strong female in survivor mode. The author had a brilliant talent of slowly building up the suspense. I had chills down my spine from the psychological element. Crazy people exist in real life. What happened to Cassie could happen in real life. The author did great of keeping the terror going, just from conversation alone.

Eventually, the readers notice that Luke from the manuscript could possibly be Morgan. Luke was physically abused by his mom and was bit by a dog. Right away, I figured there was a twist to that. The more Cassie had to read the manuscript out loud, the more I knew Morgan was unhinged.

Bates Motel is one of my favorite TV shows, so I loved the shout-out. It added to the creepy factor.

This is one of the first books I’ve read by Micah Ackerman, and I’m definitely a fan.

I RECOMMEND this book to read.

[Vanessa Thompson · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.0 *** stars
This short story was not perfect but was interesting enough to keep you reading, February 8, 2015

This review is from: The Manuscript: A Short Story (Kindle Edition)


The Manuscript: A Short Story written by Micah Ackerman kept you interested even if one didn't understand totally.

This short story was not perfect but was interesting enough to keep you reading. It would weird that the police officer tells Cassie she was luckily. The story never described Morgan as wanting the other girls he killed to read his manuscript.
I think that is where the story got loosed, I thought the teenager in the "manuscript" was killing because he loved the nurse. and felled in love with killing, it never said he offered them a story to read. However, I don't think it was a flop. I did enjoy the story and will read more of the authors stories. We have to give all the benefit of the doubt and never cast an iron rob to write a bad review.

I did love the cover art. I think that was an awesome cover

[Michael McParland · Rating 4 out of 5]

Serial Desires

This is a nice little suspense tale about Cassie who's a literary agent and was giving a speech at a book conference. She's hoped to finally escape at the end of the night to go to her room and relax. She thinks she's made it to the elevator just in time to escape being grabbed by any other authors. Just as the doors closing though a large man steps into the elevator with her. When he realizes who she is he immediately starts trying to pitch his book to her. Rebuffing him for doing this so unprofessionly he angrily exists to go to his room. After Cassie gets into her room and begins to finally relax when an unexpected knock comes at the door. Well I'll let that wet your appetite and recommend you find out the suspense for yourself. A solid 4 stars.

[Jaysen True Blood · Rating 5 out of 5]

This little gem kept me sitting on the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen next. It starts out unassuming enough, but the tension builds until suddenly you are thrust into every agent’s worst nightmare. As you read, you wonder what is going to happen next. A truly amazing, harrowing read.

I expect to see great things from this author in the future. Whether he writes suspense, horror, or whatever else, I expect that every story will be as amazing and as engaging as this one. I highly recommend it.

[Suleika Santana -All About Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cool short story. I really liked the story line and the main character Cassie. Good descriptions. I liked the mystery and how the author tells the story. The only reason I am taking a star away is because I would have liked a different ending and I am sure everyone loved the way the author ended it but I would have liked it to go another way... again this is just my opinion and it was a good ending but to me it was just that, good not great.

[Tamara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intriguing Suspense Thriller

Ackerman promises readers a horrific mystery, and he delivers just that! An excellent short read. Get drawn in by the cover and keep reading because ... you can't put it down. This story is for anyone who enjoys a twisty, chilling story that will keep you guessing.

[Delta]

Free 07-15-14 (27-page horror short)

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00J6GUH52?i...

[Tamesha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just down right freaky and scary!! I loved it!

First let me say it's not a good idea to read This before bed. A great frightening read! Thoroughly enjoyed!