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The Hideous And The Dark
Something is wrong with the man who lives in the rundown cabin on the outskirts of Cherry Hill...
...Something dead wrong
...Something dead wrong
- GenresHorror
49 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 17, 2025
1 person is currently reading
30 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
January 16, 2026
3.5 stars. I liked this story quite a bit. Very good atmosphere and some amazing character dynamics between our leads, Jameson and Lauren. Where I thought this faltered a bit was the lack of focus. It either needed to be much longer to flesh out all the plot points. i.e. Lauren's dangerous ex-husband, her strained relationship with her dad, the supernatural entities, the issue with the drinking water, etc or cut some of them out to match the length. All of it fit together and could have worked very well, but author tried to tackle too much with such a short runtime. And it left me feeling a bit underwhelmed, despite boasting so many positive aspects to the story. Still a good read, but not without some critical flaws that hurt the overall effect.
February 5, 2025
This book? A woman visits her dad in a secluded cabin; they drink water… and well, things go very wrong. Let’s just say, if my mom ever calls me acting weird, I’m not visiting. Healthy boundaries, people—especially when you read horror. Also, thank god there are no deer where I live.
What I really appreciated about this novella is how it proves that stories don’t have to be long to be effective. In under 50 pages, it delivers atmosphere, dread, and a creeping sense of unease that sticks.
Beyond the horror elements, the book also explores grief and how loss can twist us into something unrecognizable. And let’s not forget true love—though not in the way you’d expect.
Final takeaway? I’m only drinking bottled water from now on.
What I really appreciated about this novella is how it proves that stories don’t have to be long to be effective. In under 50 pages, it delivers atmosphere, dread, and a creeping sense of unease that sticks.
Beyond the horror elements, the book also explores grief and how loss can twist us into something unrecognizable. And let’s not forget true love—though not in the way you’d expect.
Final takeaway? I’m only drinking bottled water from now on.
January 29, 2025
It’s definitely hideous
This was fun! The cover had me at first sight. A weird cabin where everything is wrong always makes for a good story. Great visuals and creature. Send help.. is it the water, a deer, her family?! I feel that if you enjoy Broken Places or This Is Where We Talk Things Out, you would also enjoy this one!
Her dad is so scary 😭
This was fun! The cover had me at first sight. A weird cabin where everything is wrong always makes for a good story. Great visuals and creature. Send help.. is it the water, a deer, her family?! I feel that if you enjoy Broken Places or This Is Where We Talk Things Out, you would also enjoy this one!
Her dad is so scary 😭
July 20, 2025
Jones does it again with another short story that reeks of him sharpening his claws on the craft of short horror. Holy canolie! I’ve read a fair amount of his work and I’m a fan, but this one right here is a step up for him and I’m thoroughly impressed (and like most short stories I love, I wantssss moreeee)
In less than 45 pages Jones masterfully establishes the plot, characters that aren’t flat, and a menacing dread that hangs over each page as it all comes together with each page turn. The writing is beautiful and supported with a grim and desolate atmosphere that dares you to blink. Descriptions are on point and really left an impression that I’m happy to tell everyone to check out!
Great job!!!
In less than 45 pages Jones masterfully establishes the plot, characters that aren’t flat, and a menacing dread that hangs over each page as it all comes together with each page turn. The writing is beautiful and supported with a grim and desolate atmosphere that dares you to blink. Descriptions are on point and really left an impression that I’m happy to tell everyone to check out!
Great job!!!
March 4, 2025
This might be my new favorite story from Jones! The creepy imagery in this is pure nightmare fuel. I never thought deer could be so terrifying until I read this 🫣
At just 50 pages, I won’t spoil much, but the story follows a young woman visiting her father in his secluded cabin. Something about him feels… off. Meanwhile, the news is warning people to stay away from the river water in Cherry Hill.
I devoured this in one sitting! Jones masterfully creates an atmosphere that’s both claustrophobic and terrifying, I’m seriously obsessed with his style. The deer imagery is grotesque and deeply unnerving, and there’s a particular scene with a coffin that absolutely sent chills down my spine. It’s disturbing in the best way possible 😱
Horror fans, this one’s a must-read! Just a heads-up—there are some graphic descriptions of deer death, so be prepared for that. If you can handle it, you’re in for a chilling, unforgettable ride.
At just 50 pages, I won’t spoil much, but the story follows a young woman visiting her father in his secluded cabin. Something about him feels… off. Meanwhile, the news is warning people to stay away from the river water in Cherry Hill.
I devoured this in one sitting! Jones masterfully creates an atmosphere that’s both claustrophobic and terrifying, I’m seriously obsessed with his style. The deer imagery is grotesque and deeply unnerving, and there’s a particular scene with a coffin that absolutely sent chills down my spine. It’s disturbing in the best way possible 😱
Horror fans, this one’s a must-read! Just a heads-up—there are some graphic descriptions of deer death, so be prepared for that. If you can handle it, you’re in for a chilling, unforgettable ride.
January 20, 2025
Another banger by Jason A Jones aka @thehorrornovelnut76! 🤩
Young woman Lauren Buchanan is visiting her father Jameson in his remote cabin in the forest near Cherry Hill. Soon after arriving she feels like something’s off, but then it’s already too late to leave..
The hideous and the dark is a spine chilling journey into the depths of true horror that had me hooked right away and I couldn’t put it down until I turned the last page. The vivid descriptions of the happenings made me cringe throughout the whole book which is exactly what you want in a good horror story.
This novelette is sinister and brutal AF and I absolutely devoured it! And omg the scene in the casket is one I will never forget!! 😰💪🏻
You definitely did it again Jason!! 🔥👌🏼🥰
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Young woman Lauren Buchanan is visiting her father Jameson in his remote cabin in the forest near Cherry Hill. Soon after arriving she feels like something’s off, but then it’s already too late to leave..
The hideous and the dark is a spine chilling journey into the depths of true horror that had me hooked right away and I couldn’t put it down until I turned the last page. The vivid descriptions of the happenings made me cringe throughout the whole book which is exactly what you want in a good horror story.
This novelette is sinister and brutal AF and I absolutely devoured it! And omg the scene in the casket is one I will never forget!! 😰💪🏻
You definitely did it again Jason!! 🔥👌🏼🥰
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
February 2, 2025
With a gorgeously creepy cover and a perfect example of a short story done right, Jason A. Jones’s The Hideous and the Dark is, unsurprisingly, yet another solid entry from and author who continues to build upon his success with each new release. One part backwoods terror, another part atmospheric horror, this one excels at weaving a tapestry of creeping dread that follows until the last page. Jones doesn’t rely on cheap jump scares or overt gore (though that’s here too); instead, he builds upon an insidious sense of unease that grows from the first chapter and carries through until the last page. There’s just enough spooks and things that go bump in the night to satisfy even the most jaded horror reader, but also an attention to atmosphere and detail that sets this above other indie authors who try to make a name for themselves in an increasingly crowded market.
February 20, 2025
I loved this!🤘It was a short, dark and creepy as fuck read that really packed a punch! This was right up my alley! I was getting strong Evil Dead and Cabin Fever vibes from this one, and hell yes I was all for it! I also happen to be drinking water while reading... and this book made me question my beverage decision... seriously, I've never had a book do that to me before 💀 also that coffin scene will be burned into my mind forever ⚰️ Jason you killed this one man! 🤘💀🤘
December 6, 2025
Quick, fast paced, and descriptive novella. This one has a lot of nightmare fuel.
Us kids who grew up drinking from the hose will be truly traumatized from this read.
Us kids who grew up drinking from the hose will be truly traumatized from this read.
December 12, 2025
The Hideous and the Dark by Jason A Jones had such a strong sense of setting and atmosphere that it pulled me in immediately. This was my first Jason A. Jones book, but definitely not my last. I had no idea what to expect
We follow a young woman returning home after years away to visit her father, who lives alone in a rundown cabin. Right away, you can feel that something is off with him. He has an unsettling obsession with deer meat—eating it raw at times— he asks his daughter to bring a wedding dress, an odd detail that ends up playing a part later in the story. Later our MC’s father heads to the cemetery to wait for his wife to return, I was not prepared for what happened next. 🤣
From there, the book drags you into a creeping, eerie world: a cabin with bleeding deer heads, figures that linger just out of sight, undrinkable water, and a fractured family trying to come together.It’s a short, sharp, read you can finish in one sitting. There’s some gore , deer mutilation, grief and a good time.
We follow a young woman returning home after years away to visit her father, who lives alone in a rundown cabin. Right away, you can feel that something is off with him. He has an unsettling obsession with deer meat—eating it raw at times— he asks his daughter to bring a wedding dress, an odd detail that ends up playing a part later in the story. Later our MC’s father heads to the cemetery to wait for his wife to return, I was not prepared for what happened next. 🤣
From there, the book drags you into a creeping, eerie world: a cabin with bleeding deer heads, figures that linger just out of sight, undrinkable water, and a fractured family trying to come together.It’s a short, sharp, read you can finish in one sitting. There’s some gore , deer mutilation, grief and a good time.
December 30, 2025
I went into this blind just because it’s Jason A. Jones and I gotta read whatever he writes. This was unexpected grief horror.
A daughter returns home to visit her father for the first time since her mother’s funeral. But something isn’t right with her dad. Besides wanting her to bring him a wedding dress he’s suddenly become an avid deer hunter. Bleeding mounts hanging all over the house and butchering and eating practically raw venison. His strange behavior only progresses from there.
This is a short story under 50 pages but it pacts a punch with quite a few WTF moments. And a few “Girl, what the heck are you doing?” moments. A cabin in the woods fever dream that will give you the heebeejeebies!
10/10 recommend!!
August 5, 2025
I love a creepy cabin story and this one didn't let me down.
Sure this novella was under 50 pages but it goes to show you don't always need a long story to be able to pack a punch - It gave me Cabin Fever vibes and I was into it!
This read was creepy and dished out a vividly unsettling atmosphere 😶🌫️
The story also showed how grief, loss and an unbreakable bond of love can affect someone mentally.
Sure this novella was under 50 pages but it goes to show you don't always need a long story to be able to pack a punch - It gave me Cabin Fever vibes and I was into it!
This read was creepy and dished out a vividly unsettling atmosphere 😶🌫️
The story also showed how grief, loss and an unbreakable bond of love can affect someone mentally.
January 25, 2025
Review to come shortly
April 16, 2025
Short, creepy, bloody and absolutely loved the visuals for my minds eye! Visualizing the unsettling decor along with the unsettling characters are some of my favorites so far.
February 2, 2025
This goes down as one of my fave Jason A. Jones reads. There's an ominous beginning with a mysterious sickness, a homecoming of a daughter a decade since the last, and disturbing visuals by the droves. This is a lot of content to pack into a 42 page book, but it is crafted just right to not be too hasty nor slow. If you're new Jones you're in for a treat!
January 24, 2026
The Hideous and The Dark by Jason A. Jones is a forty+ page novella oozing with masterfully written imagery.
Lauren Buchanon hasn’t been home for ten years—not since the death of her mom. After she receives a phone call from her dad with a very odd request, she feels it’s time to travel back to Cherry Hill.
Her dad’s peculiar request married with her deep-seated guilt of having stayed away too long sets the tone for what is sure to be an awkward visit. And though she is received with warmth and WANTING by her dad, being back in the cabin brings back all the emotions she felt when she was last there. She quickly learns that her dad’s odd request is only the tip of his aberrant behavior. There’s his obsession with deer meat, deer blood and…the water.
Something is wrong with the water.
The Hideous and The Dark is a story that explores the many facets of death from roadkill, to the lasting pain within loss, to the grotesquely, rotting of both body and mind, especially for anyone that consumes the tainted water in Cherry Hill. There is an evil that has taken over Jameson Buchanon and I couldn’t help but feel extremely bad for Lauren. Especially when the pressure of being back home started playing tricks with her mind. (Were the deer heads moving? Bleeding?)
Jameson killed and ate so many deer, but it seems they were exacting a very karmic vengeance on him and the people of Cherry Hill.
Jason A. Jones managed to create such an intriguing story with an atmosphere that dripped from every page. This is a must read for any extreme horror fan, or anyone who enjoys authors that are able to create vividly disgusting while simultaneously entertaining books.
“I am the deer, and I am the headlights
And I am an unstoppable force of
Being
Roadkill and force fed down your throat.”
-Mousai Kalliope
Lauren Buchanon hasn’t been home for ten years—not since the death of her mom. After she receives a phone call from her dad with a very odd request, she feels it’s time to travel back to Cherry Hill.
Her dad’s peculiar request married with her deep-seated guilt of having stayed away too long sets the tone for what is sure to be an awkward visit. And though she is received with warmth and WANTING by her dad, being back in the cabin brings back all the emotions she felt when she was last there. She quickly learns that her dad’s odd request is only the tip of his aberrant behavior. There’s his obsession with deer meat, deer blood and…the water.
Something is wrong with the water.
The Hideous and The Dark is a story that explores the many facets of death from roadkill, to the lasting pain within loss, to the grotesquely, rotting of both body and mind, especially for anyone that consumes the tainted water in Cherry Hill. There is an evil that has taken over Jameson Buchanon and I couldn’t help but feel extremely bad for Lauren. Especially when the pressure of being back home started playing tricks with her mind. (Were the deer heads moving? Bleeding?)
Jameson killed and ate so many deer, but it seems they were exacting a very karmic vengeance on him and the people of Cherry Hill.
Jason A. Jones managed to create such an intriguing story with an atmosphere that dripped from every page. This is a must read for any extreme horror fan, or anyone who enjoys authors that are able to create vividly disgusting while simultaneously entertaining books.
“I am the deer, and I am the headlights
And I am an unstoppable force of
Being
Roadkill and force fed down your throat.”
-Mousai Kalliope
July 6, 2025
This might be my new favorite story from Jones! The creepy imagery in this is pure nightmare fuel. I never thought deer could be so scary until I read this story.
It’s only 50 pages so I won’t say too much about the plot, but the story follows a woman visiting her father in a secluded cabin. Something about him feels wrong. Meanwhile, the local news is warning people to stay away from the river water in the cabin’s location of Cherry Hill.
I read this in one sitting. Jones creates an atmosphere that’s both claustrophobic and terrifying, I’m seriously OBSESSED with his writing style. The deer imagery is grotesque and very unnerving, and there’s a scene with a coffin that absolutely sent chills down my spine. It’s disturbing in the best way possible. Spooky stuff, y’all 😱
This a must read for horror fans. This is my 6th book I’ve read of Jason’s and I recommend all of his books. I guarantee you’re in for a chilling, unforgettable read!
It’s only 50 pages so I won’t say too much about the plot, but the story follows a woman visiting her father in a secluded cabin. Something about him feels wrong. Meanwhile, the local news is warning people to stay away from the river water in the cabin’s location of Cherry Hill.
I read this in one sitting. Jones creates an atmosphere that’s both claustrophobic and terrifying, I’m seriously OBSESSED with his writing style. The deer imagery is grotesque and very unnerving, and there’s a scene with a coffin that absolutely sent chills down my spine. It’s disturbing in the best way possible. Spooky stuff, y’all 😱
This a must read for horror fans. This is my 6th book I’ve read of Jason’s and I recommend all of his books. I guarantee you’re in for a chilling, unforgettable read!
August 18, 2025
A daughter visits her father for the first time in years. He has requested her to bring a wedding dress, and upon arrival she senses something is a bit off with her dad. The dress, his obsession with deer; their heads and his taste for their meat.
There’s something wrong with the water.
Under 50 pages long, Jones manages to get so much horror into this short story. It’s dark, bloody and creepy as hell and has a coffin scene that I won’t forget any time soon. I read this a couple of months ago and I still think about it!!
Like his other stories, this is a must-read for all horror fans!
There’s something wrong with the water.
Under 50 pages long, Jones manages to get so much horror into this short story. It’s dark, bloody and creepy as hell and has a coffin scene that I won’t forget any time soon. I read this a couple of months ago and I still think about it!!
Like his other stories, this is a must-read for all horror fans!
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews