Dogcatcher: A Short Story

by B.C. Hollywood

Dogcatcher is a supernatural thriller set in rural Ireland. It tells the story of Samuel Legge, the village dogcatcher. He has recently received some news that has cast a shadow over his future. Added to that, a figure from his past now threatens the person he holds dearest. But Sam is nothing if not resourceful, and he’s not the sort of man you want to back into a corner.

Genres: Horror, Short Stories

28 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 11, 2014

About the author

B.C. Hollywood is an Irish author specializing in supernatural fiction rooted in authentic Celtic folklore and history. Drawing from Ireland's rich mythological tradition and dark historical legacy, he crafts horror and dark fantasy that spans from 18th-century Hellfire Clubs to contemporary werewolf villages and post-apocalyptic wastelands.

His deep research into Irish folklore, historical records, and cultural authenticity brings genuine Celtic atmosphere to modern supernatural fiction. Whether exploring the shadowy corners of Georgian Ireland or the supernatural threats lurking in today's Irish countryside, Hollywood's work captures the ancient darkness that has always dwelled in Ireland's landscapes and legends.

When not writing, he continues researching Ireland's forgotten histories and unexplored folklore, always seeking the next story that bridges ancient Celtic wisdom with contemporary horror.

Reviews

[Kate Victoria RescueandReading · Rating 5 out of 5]

The local dog catcher ensures his daughter’s future when a dangerous rival family moves back to town.

Loved this folklore based short horror story! The Legge’s family history is something I’d be very interested to read more about.

“‘But there are other beasts, of a rarer breed, and no matter what strategy you use to pursue them, they’ll always stay one step ahead of you.’”

Fantastic prose and fascinating characters which are part of the author’s trademark work. If you haven’t checked out Hollywood’s other works, do so asap!

[Alan Loewen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very Entertaining Story

I very much enjoyed Hollywood’s story about familial lycanthropy and the protagonist’s struggle with a cancer diagnosis and the intrusion into his life of a father and son that recently moved back into the town and back into his life.

The ending is unexpected.

[E.J. Frost · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful and fully-realized short from B.C. Hollywood. The titular character, Sam Legge, faces the usual challenges of fatherhood: trying to communicate with his maturing daughter and dealing with his own advancing age and mortality. But Sam has more than the usual challenge when a spectre from his past returns and threatens more than his daughter's heart. Sam's method of dealing with these challenges is as resourceful it is gruesome.

Although a compact narrative, the author evokes the feeling of the story's locale wonderfully. It's somewhat hard to like Sam, but I certainly sympathised with and respected him. The author unfolds the mystery with perfect timing - although Sam knows what the monster under the bed is from the start, it wasn't given away too soon. I liked being given room to work it out for myself.

I hesitate to characterise this as a horror short because it is more than that. As with all the best fiction it is really a study in human nature: how far will a father go to protect his child against the unseen terrors of the world? But horror fans will be satisfied, as will any lover of the finely-crafted story. Highly recommended!

[Linda Todd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow amazing short story about the hardships one man can go through and what he would put himself through just to stay alive for his daughter. Brillllllllllant story I will absolutely be looking into more of the authors books if he has written more like this one. I would be delighted to recommend this book to my friends. So my heart felt thanks go to the wonderful author B.C.Hollywood for the privilege of reading his wonderful book. So with all that said keep smiling and happy reading to all with love from wee me. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

[Brenda A · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it! This was a fast paced short story with a bit of a twist at the end. The hunter becomes the hunted in order to save his own life, and his daughter’s life. Funny thing is he would have to hunt himself to actually be the hunted in the end. I loved the ending but definitely had me looking for more. A novel to follow? Hope so!

[Kellina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent quick read.

A very simple story about a dad protecting his daughter lol.
There were a few flashback moments in the story that confused me. There wasn't a clear indicator that we were flashing back and I had no idea what the heck happened and how I got there.
All in all, it's a simple enough read if you want to add a quick book to your count.

[Eamonn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent short Lycanthrope story

I can’t recommend this gem enough. Curious to know what Sam Legge is up to nowadays. Great writing and autumnal atmosphere that gets dark and bloody.

[DA · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this!

Fabulous story! I don't want you say too much or I'll give things away, but this is definitely worth a read if you're into werewolf stories. I'm looking forward to reading more from this author.

[Zane · Rating 4 out of 5]

I saw that this was expanded into a full length novel/novella, which is exactly what it needed. This was a really cool short story, so I want to see how things were fleshed out in the longer version.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good

Out of my norm, but this was a good short story! Kept my interest . wish it was a little longer.

[Russo Hollywood · Rating 5 out of 5]

I guess I like this author's writing. Great book hope there is a sequel soon

[Sarah]

Interesting premise, wasn't keen on the end.

[Jessica Barnett · Rating 4 out of 5]

was a very fast read

Was pulled right in. Love the aspect of the wolf. Can’t wait to see what else this author writes. Love the spooky feel to it.

[Noelene · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book as part of a Goodreads Giveaway. This was a short story that was well written. I enjoyed the twist at the end. Not going to hint at the ending. Look forward to other works by this author.

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok short story

Ok short story, a little obvious in plot. Nice ending for the main character, that wasn't expected. Probably better for a young reader.

[Jeff Schmitt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well done!