Getting Burnt: A Sampler Collection

by Megan Russ

Getting Burnt is a twisted retelling of the old nursery rhyme Jack Be Nimble. This horror retelling follows the fire dancing troupe that makes a deal for luck. What happens when their luck runs out?

This is a glimpse into my horror writing style. This includes a sneak peek at Shadows of the Great Basin as well as a sneak peek at Night Creature's Lair, my other two collections.

Please remember to leave a review even if you don't like this short collection. Remember reviews help indie authors find readers.

55 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 19, 2024

About the author

Megan has been writing since she was a child. Her dream of being a published author has never faded despite the struggles of life. After taking a few years away from the keyboard she is back. Megan now works as a LMT, with three kids and a houseful of pets. She could not do anything without her amazing support system, mainly her best friend and partner in crime.
Megan enjoys writing Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror, with little limitation on the Sub-genres she will stretch into. Writing as a passion hobby is now what she does to fill the time between work, family, and hiking the Nevada desert. She finds inspiration in everyday life, art, and most of all her crazy vivid dreams.
Find more of Megan's work in Writers United Anthologies, and Butchered Writers Terror Monthly.
Her own collections can be found on Amazon Kindle Unlimited and Paperback.

Short Story Collections:
Shadows of the Great Basin
Night Creature's Lair
Lore

Novellas:
Waves of Green
Finding Forgiveness

Reviews

[Cormier Calvert · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up A Sampler Collection because I’m always curious about indie horror, and I’m glad I did. The story Getting Burnt had a really original concept taking a simple nursery rhyme and turning it into this chilling, almost cult-like narrative about fire dancers making a deal for luck. It reminded me of the kind of horror that sneaks up on you, where you’re not hit over the head with gore but rather with dread.

That being said, because this is a sampler, I was left wanting more. Getting Burnt felt like the opening act of something bigger, and while I enjoyed it, I wished it had gone a little deeper. The sneak peeks from Shadows of the Great Basin and Night Creature’s Lair were intriguing, though a bit too short to fully judge. Still, they gave me enough of a taste to know I want to read the full versions.

If you’re looking for a quick read that gives you an idea of Russ’s horror style, this is a good pick. It’s not a full meal, it’s more of an appetizer but it’s an appetizer that makes you hungry for what’s next.

[Chele Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perfect Title and Stories around the Campfire.

Can Jack and the fire dancers jump a candlestick and cash in quick? in the main title's tale, when deals sound too good and easy, beware of the bargainer. In "Hoax," who's creeping out Ralph with cryptids? When Bigfoot, Mothman, and Werewolf woo the Washington State newbie, things take an unexpected twist. And they don't call it "murder of crows" for nothing! They remember faces and plot revenge in "Corvid of Grimes Point."
These three stories are great for Horror fans. They're not super scary but just unsettling and gruesome enough that they stayed awhile inside my head. And more good news: the last two stories are sneak peeks of their longer counterparts! So there's more to enjoy when the stories end. Be sure to grab "Night Creature's Lair" and "Shadows of the Great Basin" after finishing this book.

[WIZ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Getting Burnt gave me chills from the very first page. I loved how you turned an innocent nursery rhyme like Jack Be Nimble into something so disturbing and unforgettable. The fire-dancing troupe was such a vivid, eerie concept. I could almost smell the smoke and feel the heat. The story builds tension masterfully, and that ending… absolutely haunting. The sneak peeks at Shadows of the Great Basin and Night Creature’s Lair left me wanting much more. Your horror voice is distinct sharp, visual, and deeply unsettling in the best way.

[Nancie Blume · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re looking for a unique and intriguing read, Megan Russ’s sample of short stories is a fantastic place to start! This delightful assortment serves as a brilliant introduction to her signature style—dark, twisted, and undeniably captivating...who else can twist the nursery rhyme Jack Be Nimble into a story about hell?

[Ashley Bundy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun short story collection!

I enjoyed all these short stories. My favorite was the second one about the man who is afraid of Bigfoot. I will definitely be checking out more from this author!

[T · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark, smart, and unforgettable

This twisted take on Jack Be Nimble is pure horror brilliance. It turns a simple rhyme into a powerful warning: greed never ends well. Haunting and thought-provoking—this one sticks with you.

[Graceli Kaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ugh, Creepy! But In The Best Way!!!

One thing you can always count on is people looking for a break and most of them will take the easiest way out. That's why deals with demons always get to me.
Excellent Job, Ms. Russ.

[L. Higginson · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a sampler of Megan Russ' writing, this was one hell of a story. An old nursery rhyme reimagined into a very interesting little horror story. Loved the setting. I'm for sure going to check out more books by this author.

[Blue Bookwyrm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jack be nimble...Megan packs a whole tale of betrayal, demons, deals, and fire.
Want a retelling you didn't know you needed? Check out this horror short.
Loved getting two extra shorts from Megan's other work too.