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Long Term Damage
Your life can change in a single moment. You might see that moment coming, you may never know what hit you, or you might look back and wonder where it all went wrong.
"Long Term Damage" explores a dark side of the human experience in life-altering quick decisions and the consequences of decades-old mistakes. From the young siblings who find horror while searching for a missing teen, to a rude woman stuck in the worst traffic imaginable, and an aging criminal coming face-to-face with his past after taking a bullet, these stories are all at once scary, tense, emotionally charged, sometimes funny, and often devastating. With a little boy who plays rough with his new doll and a man faced with a simple grooming decision that turns out to be life-or-death, there's no limit to the damage that can be done when these lives take a dark turn.
From the award-winning author of "Spider Season" comes a new collection of chillers and thrillers to keep you up at night and looking over your shoulder all day.
Featuring the stories "Fresh Hell", "Dolly", "Puppies", "The Burden", "Bad Traffic", "It'll Grow Back", and "Corner Booth".
"Long Term Damage" explores a dark side of the human experience in life-altering quick decisions and the consequences of decades-old mistakes. From the young siblings who find horror while searching for a missing teen, to a rude woman stuck in the worst traffic imaginable, and an aging criminal coming face-to-face with his past after taking a bullet, these stories are all at once scary, tense, emotionally charged, sometimes funny, and often devastating. With a little boy who plays rough with his new doll and a man faced with a simple grooming decision that turns out to be life-or-death, there's no limit to the damage that can be done when these lives take a dark turn.
From the award-winning author of "Spider Season" comes a new collection of chillers and thrillers to keep you up at night and looking over your shoulder all day.
Featuring the stories "Fresh Hell", "Dolly", "Puppies", "The Burden", "Bad Traffic", "It'll Grow Back", and "Corner Booth".
Audible Audio
Published December 20, 2024
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About the author
Billy Hanson
14 books11 followersBilly Hanson is a writer and filmmaker, with projects ranging from music videos and comics to web series and films, including Lightning Dogs on Funny or Die and the acclaimed adaptation of Stephen King's Survivor Type, lauded as "one of the most jaw-dropping adaptations of (King's) ever made..."
He has also written for the horror anthology comic, Grimm Tales of Terror and his first short story collection, Spider Season, was released on October 9th, 2018.
Born and raised in Maine, and with a BFA from Florida State University's prestigious Film School, Billy now lives in Los Angeles with his wife and son.
He has also written for the horror anthology comic, Grimm Tales of Terror and his first short story collection, Spider Season, was released on October 9th, 2018.
Born and raised in Maine, and with a BFA from Florida State University's prestigious Film School, Billy now lives in Los Angeles with his wife and son.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
October 29, 2024
If you're a fan of horror stories, you should definitely check out Billy Hanson's book Long Term Damage.
In "Fresh Hell," we follow a man named Curtis Booker who finds himself in an eerie, unfamiliar place. Standing before him is a Devil who demands that Curtis recall his memories. Slowly, fragments of Curtis’s past sins come flooding back, but despite the Devil's attempts to terrify him, Curtis remains unfazed. What plans does the Devil have for him?
Another short story, "It'll Grow Back," brings humor to the mix. It centers around a man with a meticulously kept beard. His girlfriend, a lawyer named Carla, asks him to shave it off. Torn between his commitment to maintaining his beard and his desire to please Carla, he struggles with the decision.
Each story in this collection is distinct and captivating. The narratives kept me hooked from beginning to end, and I couldn't stop reading until I reached the last page. This collection features stories that are spooky, thought-provoking, and will linger in your mind long after you've finished. I'm thrilled I picked up this book—it’s well worth a read!
In "Fresh Hell," we follow a man named Curtis Booker who finds himself in an eerie, unfamiliar place. Standing before him is a Devil who demands that Curtis recall his memories. Slowly, fragments of Curtis’s past sins come flooding back, but despite the Devil's attempts to terrify him, Curtis remains unfazed. What plans does the Devil have for him?
Another short story, "It'll Grow Back," brings humor to the mix. It centers around a man with a meticulously kept beard. His girlfriend, a lawyer named Carla, asks him to shave it off. Torn between his commitment to maintaining his beard and his desire to please Carla, he struggles with the decision.
Each story in this collection is distinct and captivating. The narratives kept me hooked from beginning to end, and I couldn't stop reading until I reached the last page. This collection features stories that are spooky, thought-provoking, and will linger in your mind long after you've finished. I'm thrilled I picked up this book—it’s well worth a read!
October 30, 2024
I’ve always loved spooky short stories that mix suspense with moments of unexpected humor. Recently, I came across Billy Hanson’s "Long Term Damage," a collection of stories that delve into how our choices shape our lives in unexpected ways.
One story, "It'll Grow Back," explores a dilemma faced by the main character: should he trim his beard to impress his girlfriend with a clean-cut look, or keep the beard that’s practically become his signature style? His decision seems simple, but it might have surprising consequences—read on to see what he chooses and if it was worth it.
In "Bad Traffic," Chelsea Brunswick grabs a cab to escape the downpour, eager to protect her fresh metallic blue highlights. But after creeping through traffic for an hour, Chelsea realizes something unsettling: her driver isn't named Larry after all. This story keeps you guessing, with an eerie atmosphere that builds tension as Chelsea wonders what happened to her original driver.
Hanson’s storytelling shines throughout the collection. His skill in creating vivid settings and layering suspense makes each story a page-turner. The dialogue feels natural, and the characters are well-developed, keeping readers hooked until the last page.
One story, "It'll Grow Back," explores a dilemma faced by the main character: should he trim his beard to impress his girlfriend with a clean-cut look, or keep the beard that’s practically become his signature style? His decision seems simple, but it might have surprising consequences—read on to see what he chooses and if it was worth it.
In "Bad Traffic," Chelsea Brunswick grabs a cab to escape the downpour, eager to protect her fresh metallic blue highlights. But after creeping through traffic for an hour, Chelsea realizes something unsettling: her driver isn't named Larry after all. This story keeps you guessing, with an eerie atmosphere that builds tension as Chelsea wonders what happened to her original driver.
Hanson’s storytelling shines throughout the collection. His skill in creating vivid settings and layering suspense makes each story a page-turner. The dialogue feels natural, and the characters are well-developed, keeping readers hooked until the last page.
October 30, 2024
If dark, spine-chilling tales intrigue you, Billy Hanson's latest release, Long Term Damage, should be on your reading list. This book presents seven haunting short stories, each one crafted to unsettle and linger long after you've finished.
In Fresh Hell, a man is thrust into a surreal and nightmarish place, haunted by memories from his past that seem eerily implanted in his mind. The Burden explores the life of 72-year-old Trip O'Leary, who balances his tough construction job with a deep love for piano. But after a disappointing audition and a life-altering accident, Trip's life is thrown into turmoil. Meanwhile, in Bad Traffic, a young woman’s seemingly minor decision to claim a cab over an elderly lady quickly spirals into a horrifying experience that leaves her paralyzed with fear.
Hanson's stories are masterfully woven, with each narrative ending on a thought-provoking note. The twists and fresh perspectives kept me engrossed, at times even biting my nails. His smooth storytelling effortlessly pulled me into these nightmarish worlds, making reality fade as I turned each page.
In Fresh Hell, a man is thrust into a surreal and nightmarish place, haunted by memories from his past that seem eerily implanted in his mind. The Burden explores the life of 72-year-old Trip O'Leary, who balances his tough construction job with a deep love for piano. But after a disappointing audition and a life-altering accident, Trip's life is thrown into turmoil. Meanwhile, in Bad Traffic, a young woman’s seemingly minor decision to claim a cab over an elderly lady quickly spirals into a horrifying experience that leaves her paralyzed with fear.
Hanson's stories are masterfully woven, with each narrative ending on a thought-provoking note. The twists and fresh perspectives kept me engrossed, at times even biting my nails. His smooth storytelling effortlessly pulled me into these nightmarish worlds, making reality fade as I turned each page.
December 5, 2024
Long Term Damage was an excellent book of seven collected stories. Here’s my thoughts on each story contained. There will be spoilers!
Fresh Hell
This story was a great way to kick off the book. Loved that the man was all there was in the beginning a great symbol for all we are is what we are. This man had a shit life and the devil only had one choice. Even though I saw it coming, it’s the journey… 4/5
Dolly
This was a disturbing tale. The little boy with the scalpel is imagery I don’t want but I couldn’t look away.
4.5/5
Puppies
This one was more kids and more body horror. It blended some great ideas that had some vague resemblance to other stories. The girl was brave in the face of hopelessness. 4.5/5
The Burden
This one got me right in the feels. Someone was cutting onions, I guess. I could easily relate to young Trip - I was there myself. There’s always a tug of war between your dreams and your responsibility. It’s a difficult thing to balance. 5/5
Bad Traffic
This one felt a little like Thinner in a good way. You know the story, witchy lady puts hex on other lady. I liked the idea that she didn’t just get older but time she passed outside of time and popped back in for random intervals. 4/5
It Will Grow Back
This is one for all the men with facial hair. You NEVER shave on a whim. The consequences could be disastrous. 4.5/5
Corner Both
This novella - the longest story in the book was an interesting way to look at purgatory. The weigh station between this life and the next where the main character, Marshall, takes a unique look back at the good, the bad, and the one that got away. There’s hope that he could be more and that there’s still good in him. The characterization of Marshall is what shines brightest here. Great tale! 5/5
A very great book. Every story was well told and engrossing. I’m looking forward to the next story or stories!
Fresh Hell
This story was a great way to kick off the book. Loved that the man was all there was in the beginning a great symbol for all we are is what we are. This man had a shit life and the devil only had one choice. Even though I saw it coming, it’s the journey… 4/5
Dolly
This was a disturbing tale. The little boy with the scalpel is imagery I don’t want but I couldn’t look away.
4.5/5
Puppies
This one was more kids and more body horror. It blended some great ideas that had some vague resemblance to other stories. The girl was brave in the face of hopelessness. 4.5/5
The Burden
This one got me right in the feels. Someone was cutting onions, I guess. I could easily relate to young Trip - I was there myself. There’s always a tug of war between your dreams and your responsibility. It’s a difficult thing to balance. 5/5
Bad Traffic
This one felt a little like Thinner in a good way. You know the story, witchy lady puts hex on other lady. I liked the idea that she didn’t just get older but time she passed outside of time and popped back in for random intervals. 4/5
It Will Grow Back
This is one for all the men with facial hair. You NEVER shave on a whim. The consequences could be disastrous. 4.5/5
Corner Both
This novella - the longest story in the book was an interesting way to look at purgatory. The weigh station between this life and the next where the main character, Marshall, takes a unique look back at the good, the bad, and the one that got away. There’s hope that he could be more and that there’s still good in him. The characterization of Marshall is what shines brightest here. Great tale! 5/5
A very great book. Every story was well told and engrossing. I’m looking forward to the next story or stories!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 3, 2024
Hanson’s latest, a collection of seven short stories, is a taut and finely tuned exploration of trauma, identity, and the fragile bonds that hold people together.
The book begins with “Fresh Hell,” a tense piece that throws a man without memory or identity into a confusing landscape. Hanson skillfully conveys the protagonist’s anxiety and disorientation, pulling the reader into a world where identity is a challenging puzzle. As the protagonist navigates his unfamiliar surroundings, the story explores existential dread and the struggle to reclaim a sense of self. This unsettling yet engaging opener establishes a relentless tone for the rest of the collection.
In “Dolly,” a man is forced to confront who he is after a life-altering accident. Hanson deftly navigates themes of identity and self-worth, using the protagonist’s struggle to reveal how fragile those concepts can be. Hanson’s writing is lean and precise. He balances lyrical beauty with stark honesty, allowing the stories to breathe without ever losing their grip on the reader. His characters are multifaceted and flawed, their struggles raw and unvarnished. They grapple with real issues: loss, guilt, fear, and the pain of moving forward.
“Puppies” contrasts childhood joy with the harsh realities of growing up. The story follows a young girl captivated by a new litter of puppies, but it reveals the responsibilities and heartbreak involved in caring for them. This tension between innocence and the inevitable losses of life creates a lasting impact, leaving the reader with a sense of weight long after the final sentence. “The Burden” confronts the weight of unresolved guilt head-on. Hanson’s tight prose and vivid internal monologues pull the reader into the protagonist’s turmoil, exposing how guilt can eat away at relationships and distort reality. “Bad Traffic” turns a mundane traffic jam into a sharp metaphor for personal stagnation.
Hanson doesn’t shy away from darkness, but he doesn’t dwell in it either. Each story confronts something—whether it’s the self, the past, or the breakdown of human connections. “It’ll Grow Back” tackles themes of loss and change, focusing on how external transformations can disrupt a person’s sense of identity. The story lands quietly but leaves a strong impression, showing that resilience often comes from unexpected sources.
“Corner Booth,” a story about a man struggling with his own isolation in the solitude of a quiet diner, unfolds like a well-rehearsed play, each moment filled with unspoken longing and disconnection. The setting amplifies his loneliness, and Hanson skillfully uses every interaction and glance to heighten the tension.
The book engages readers directly, providing no easy escapes. The stories avoid simplistic resolutions and comforting conclusions, instead delving into the messy, uncomfortable truths of the human experience. They reveal the resilience required to persevere when everything seems to unravel. Yet, for all the darkness, there’s a current of hope that runs through the collection, suggesting that healing, while slow and painful, is possible. A powerful and thought-provoking collection that will linger in readers’ minds long after they turn the final page.
The book begins with “Fresh Hell,” a tense piece that throws a man without memory or identity into a confusing landscape. Hanson skillfully conveys the protagonist’s anxiety and disorientation, pulling the reader into a world where identity is a challenging puzzle. As the protagonist navigates his unfamiliar surroundings, the story explores existential dread and the struggle to reclaim a sense of self. This unsettling yet engaging opener establishes a relentless tone for the rest of the collection.
In “Dolly,” a man is forced to confront who he is after a life-altering accident. Hanson deftly navigates themes of identity and self-worth, using the protagonist’s struggle to reveal how fragile those concepts can be. Hanson’s writing is lean and precise. He balances lyrical beauty with stark honesty, allowing the stories to breathe without ever losing their grip on the reader. His characters are multifaceted and flawed, their struggles raw and unvarnished. They grapple with real issues: loss, guilt, fear, and the pain of moving forward.
“Puppies” contrasts childhood joy with the harsh realities of growing up. The story follows a young girl captivated by a new litter of puppies, but it reveals the responsibilities and heartbreak involved in caring for them. This tension between innocence and the inevitable losses of life creates a lasting impact, leaving the reader with a sense of weight long after the final sentence. “The Burden” confronts the weight of unresolved guilt head-on. Hanson’s tight prose and vivid internal monologues pull the reader into the protagonist’s turmoil, exposing how guilt can eat away at relationships and distort reality. “Bad Traffic” turns a mundane traffic jam into a sharp metaphor for personal stagnation.
Hanson doesn’t shy away from darkness, but he doesn’t dwell in it either. Each story confronts something—whether it’s the self, the past, or the breakdown of human connections. “It’ll Grow Back” tackles themes of loss and change, focusing on how external transformations can disrupt a person’s sense of identity. The story lands quietly but leaves a strong impression, showing that resilience often comes from unexpected sources.
“Corner Booth,” a story about a man struggling with his own isolation in the solitude of a quiet diner, unfolds like a well-rehearsed play, each moment filled with unspoken longing and disconnection. The setting amplifies his loneliness, and Hanson skillfully uses every interaction and glance to heighten the tension.
The book engages readers directly, providing no easy escapes. The stories avoid simplistic resolutions and comforting conclusions, instead delving into the messy, uncomfortable truths of the human experience. They reveal the resilience required to persevere when everything seems to unravel. Yet, for all the darkness, there’s a current of hope that runs through the collection, suggesting that healing, while slow and painful, is possible. A powerful and thought-provoking collection that will linger in readers’ minds long after they turn the final page.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews