The Convention: A psychological extreme horror

by Matt Shaw

A convention for serial killers? Sounds like a perfect day-out for father and daughter, daddy's little serial-killer-in-training...

The marriage had been rocky since day one with daily arguments being "the norm". Hardly surprising given the husband, Tony, is a serial killer who is struggling to hide his hobby from his family.

One night, things come to a violent a dramatic conclusion with his wife when Tony ends up murdering his wife. As he drags her body out into the garden, ready to dispose of it, he looks up and sees his daughter watching him from the bedroom window. Knowing he cannot leave any witnesses alive, even if they are his blood, he goes up to her room to do what must be done.

He's expecting screaming and tears and fear but - he is confronted with a very calm and curious little girl. As she continues colouring in her book, she asks her father, "How did it feel to kill someone?"

Even the most rotten apple doesn't fall far from the tree.

Genres: Horror

96 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 19, 2024

About the author

Biography

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.

Reviews

[Peter Topside · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very unique psychological horror. Something about exploring the bond between father and daughter, taken to a whole new extreme, really was appealing. There was heart and depth and some really grotesque plot points, too. Betty and her dad, Tony, were the central focus and extremely interesting. There were a few spots where I wanted Matt Shaw to push the envelope a bit harder, however, you don't always need things spelled out for you. Sometimes, what you don't see can be as unsettling as something right in front of your face. Anyone who enjoys this subgenre of horror will have a good time here. Unfortunately, nothing about this screamed extreme horror, so reader beware, based on the aforementioned selling point. Matt Shaw strikes again!

[rhi rhi (a literal angel) · Rating 2 out of 5]

୨ৎ : 'sometimes it can feel lonely having a mind like this.'

— ☆ 2/5

this had such a promising plot, but I feel like it just fell flat. there wasnt any gore or anything. which due to the nature of matt shaws books it was surprising. and the ending was extremely rushed and I feel like could have gone in such a better direction.

[Paige · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 stars for the simple fact that the plot line was cool, however it just fell flat. I skimmed over most of the animal stuff (beware, cat lovers) but it seemed that those scenes were the most graphic of them all.

[Mary Grissom · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little out of the ordinary and a short story but I enjoyed it

[Cari · Rating 2 out of 5]

This story felt completely unfinished, or rather completely rushed at the end. I liked the first 3/4 but I don't understand the choice of ending. Very anti-climatic, disappointing.

[✟⛥☠︎︎~ Kelli ~☠︎︎⛥✟ · Rating 4 out of 5]

🔪🩸 Book Review 🩸🔪

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

💀 The Convention - Matt Shaw 💀

Matt Shaw’s The Convention is a twisted and enthralling dive into psychological extreme horror. The concept is refreshingly unique, giving me serious Saw vibes but cranked up with even more depravity and dark humor. The idea of a father-daughter day out at a serial killer convention is as grotesquely fascinating as it sounds, and Shaw doesn’t hold back in delivering jaw-dropping twists—ones that left me both horrified and glued to the pages. ☠️ 🩸

This was my first Matt Shaw book, and I’m hooked! His writing pulls you straight into the carnage, with vivid descriptions that paint the gory chaos in all its visceral glory. That said, I docked one star because the editing could use a little more polish. However, it didn’t take away from the thrill or enjoyment of the book. ❤️‍🔥

I’ve already downloaded three more of Shaw’s books and pre-ordered his latest—I think I’ve found a new favorite author! If you’re into extreme horror with a unique premise and aren’t faint of heart, this novella is a must-read. 🪚🩸

🪚🩸🪚🩸🪚🩸🪚🩸🪚🩸🪚🩸🪚🩸🪚🩸🪚🩸🪚🩸

#MattShaw #ExtremeHorror #PsychologicalHorror #HorrorBooks #SerialKillerFiction #BookReview #IndieAuthors #HorrorReads #DaddyDaughter #GoreFest #BookReview #MattShawAuthor #TheConvention #HorrorNovella

[Paige Ray · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have a long ways to go on my Matt Shaw book journey but this is hands down my favorite so far! This story really showcases the idiom “the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree” very well.

The Convention follows a young daughter and her father on their way to a convention for serial killers. The father didn’t know if his daughter would portray symptoms of being like him or not but when a family tragedy strikes he quickly realizes that she’s just like him. This makes him very glad. He decides that he will teach her what it’s like and how to live safe.

This story was so creative and had me completely hooked! Super fucked up and quite the father daughter relationship; their relationship knows no bounds.

[Sinister Echo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is about a dad and their 8 yr old daughter. And there is likeness for blood and murder . The daughter watched her Dad kill someone and remain un phased by this and continued life as if nothing happened and asking questions about it . And she asks him " Can I kill someone too ? " My mouth fell open and fell open even more when they mentioned about killing a kitten . Don't worry it doesn't describe the murder . As the story progresses the little is most definitely a psychopath born this way not made 

Jeezous me 

Wish it was a bit longer

[Andrew Wilkes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is, so far, one of my favorite stories, not just from Matt Shaw, but, from the genre, period! The concept is outstanding, and, beautifully executed. It brings to mind the argument of "normalcy", and, what some people think is morally right, or, not. It dives into how we are all just built differently, yet, some of us are still chips off the old block, depending on who we share the most genes with. I, also, love how there is a constant reassurance, through action, that, to some, even the most depraved things can be a part of everyday life, and, an upbringing. I recommend, highly!

[Heather Coates · Rating 5 out of 5]

Flat ending

I really didn't read what this was about, so I was surprised and in awe of Betty. However, as much as I enjoyed it and finished this in one day, I felt the ending was a bit flat. Her understanding and unemotional kill of her first time was tuned into what she really wanted for herself. I don't blame her from Larry at all, he didbdeserve it. But the rest of the ending just seemed flat to me.

[ᴍᴀᴛsᴀғɪ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Słabiutka pozycja.
Mamy ojca mordercę, który ku swojej uciesze, tworzy córkę psychopatkę. 8-latka przejawia wyjątkowy „talent”, który nie umknie uwadze bardziej „doświadczonych” kolegów z branży.

Generalnie horrorem bym tego nie nazwał. Strachu tu nie uświadczymy.

Książka idealna, żeby przeczytać ją w 🚾 podczas dłuższego pobytu, a później odłożyć i zapomnieć 🥱

[Erica smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good read

I have a 7 yr old son that wants to watch horror movies and he's into horror . I have been into horror since I was young and I decided to let him watch a few horror movies . most people were not happy , I assume they think he's gonna turn into a psycho and I wasn't worried until I read this book ..thanks Matt haha

[makennah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would definitely say that this is an extreme horror book. I would not read if you are sensitive to death/killing of animals. This book also talks about child predators and ofc murder and killers so if you are triggered by those topics I wouldn’t read. Other than that I thought it was a good short read with some good twist. I also enjoyed that it flipped from different points in the story.

[Danielle Hennessy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Very Dexter-ish. The twist was very good and I really liked Betty as a character so I was gutted by the ending but liked the full circle of events. I only wish it were longer. I would have like to have seen more description put into the actual convention instead of rushing through to the main event.

[Jodie Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wasn’t here for the animal stuff, weird I know If you read this genre but what can I say, I prefer animals to humans. This was a unique tale and I didn’t guess the ending which was refreshing to me. I’m becoming a real fan of Matt Shaws writing and how none of his work feels repetitive. Probably my fave read of his so far

[Jolene · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝑻𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝒑𝒐𝒑𝒑𝒆𝒅 𝒖𝒑 𝒐𝒏 𝒎𝒚 𝑲𝒊𝒏𝒅𝒍𝒆 𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝑰 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒍𝒐𝒐𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒔𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒇𝒂𝒔𝒕-𝒑𝒂𝒄𝒆𝒅, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒘𝒐𝒘, 𝒊𝒕 𝒅𝒊𝒅 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒅𝒊𝒔𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒐𝒊𝒏𝒕! 𝑰 𝒅𝒊𝒅𝒏’𝒕 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒅𝒆𝒔𝒄𝒓𝒊𝒑𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏, 𝒋𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒘𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒐𝒇𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓, 𝒔𝒐 𝑰 𝒉𝒂𝒅 𝒏𝒐 𝒊𝒅𝒆𝒂 𝒘𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝑰 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒈𝒆𝒕𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒐. 𝑰 𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅𝒏’𝒕 𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒑 𝒕𝒂𝒍𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂𝒃𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒊𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒎𝒚 𝒇𝒂𝒎𝒊𝒍𝒚, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒚 𝒘𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒉𝒐𝒐𝒌𝒆𝒅, 𝒐𝒓 𝒎𝒂𝒚𝒃𝒆 𝒊𝒏 𝒔𝒉𝒐𝒄𝒌 𝒂𝒕 𝒎𝒚 𝒖𝒏𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒆𝒅 𝒄𝒉𝒐𝒊𝒄𝒆 𝒊𝒏 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌𝒔! 𝑨𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒚 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒈𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒔𝒆𝒔, 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒚 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒓𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒖𝒏𝒄𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝒂𝒃𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝟖-𝒚𝒆𝒂𝒓-𝒐𝒍𝒅, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 —𝒊𝒕 𝒈𝒆𝒕𝒔 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒏𝒔𝒆!

𝑻𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝒊𝒔 𝒂𝒏 𝒆𝒙𝒑𝒍𝒐𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒐𝒇 𝒇𝒂𝒎𝒊𝒍𝒚 𝒔𝒆𝒄𝒓𝒆𝒕𝒔, 𝒗𝒊𝒐𝒍𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒐𝒏𝒅 𝒃𝒆𝒕𝒘𝒆𝒆𝒏 𝒂 𝒇𝒂𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒅𝒂𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒘𝒉𝒐 𝒃𝒐𝒕𝒉 𝒔𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒂 𝒅𝒂𝒓𝒌𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏.

[Tiffany McDonald · Rating 4 out of 5]

The cover illustration is what caught my attention first. as you can see this was a quick read. It ‘s about Matt and his daughter Betty who share a common interest. Matt nurtures Betty’s interest and aids in her development.

[Rue Willow · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my favourite reads of the year so far, read it in one sitting in the evening. I was hooked with my jaw dropping throughout. I love the way he writes and keeps you on your toes, you can never predict what will happen next. I'll be reading all of this other work for sure!

[Hilton Alligood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good one.

Looks like Alex is one of them after all I liked this one. I hadn't read any Matt Shaw recently. This reminded me how much I like his work. Think I'll choose another Matt Shaw book to read right now.

[Alexandria k · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow i have no words for this book

Honestly couldn’t predict how this book would go. But this was such a good read! Definitely will read more from this author

[jody scheppmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best one yet!

I cannot say enough about this one by Matt Shaw! The content was riveting and the ending an emense surprise! Never underestimate anyone that's for sure!

[Oliver Behegan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another cracker from Shaw. He is so good at world building you want to know who and why and where and when behind everything!

[Bumblecats · Rating 1 out of 5]

Had to skip parts due to animal torture. Unimpressed that there was no warning. Will not read any more of this authors books.

[kim wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Convention

A really absorbing, quick read from Matt. I really enjoyed the story of a father and daughter killers . Definitely recommend reading this.

[Kristin Bishop · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE BEST Shaw book I’ve ever read.

[Hayley Gilbertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

wow

Great short story,not what I expected so I enjoyed it .gruesome but in a weird way cutesy and interesting and wanting to know more

[Mo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I kind of liked this story about a serial killer.

[Lizi McIntosh · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️
Loved everything except for the kitten part - IYKYK. I actually skipped those pages because I can deal with anything fucked up but not animal abuse 😅

[Tiffany Lowe-Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing quick read

This is an amazing quick read with an interesting story about a father and daughter duo who are more similar than they realize.

[Christopher Garner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rooting for a child murderer

Never have I read a book where I was rooting for a future serial killer lol. Here we are though.