Number 18

by Michael Loring

Twenty-seven-year-old Robert has assaulted seventeen victims so far, and is proud of it. At a carnival, he stalks a new prey, ready to add her to his list. Special number eighteen will be a sweet victory...or so he thinks.

Genres: Horror, Short Stories, Werewolves, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy

Audible Audio

First published April 20, 2013

About the author

Michael Loring was born in Bristol, Connecticut, but has lived in a variety of places such as Florida and Tennessee. He likes to think of himself as an amateur 'Lycanthropologist,' having studied werewolves ever since he was eight years old when he first saw An American Werewolf in London. He spent most of his life switching between home school and public school, always focusing on his passion for writing no matter what. He spends his days playing video games and watching shows like Doctor Who and Supernatural, forever plotting his next book.

Reviews

[Peter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Compelling portrait of a stalker and serial killer of women who meets the wrong kind of people. The author gives the story a slow start and is explaining the methods of Robert (the stalker) in detail. You feel almost like a stalker yourself when following the course of the narration! Then he describes the other characters, i.e. Alexa and Daniel. What is so special about the young couple? What do they plan with Robert. Find out, if you're brave enough. Good story with many great points and outstanding writing. Recommended!

[Jon Messenger · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Beware of things that go bump in the night."

Robert, a 27-year-old rapist, has heard that advice before. Every child is told that there are dangerous things in the night, monsters that prey on the unsuspecting. Robert knows that all too well; he is one of the monsters that goes bump in the night. It never occurs to him that there might be bigger things going bump in the night, bigger monsters, things that might be hunting him instead.

I'd read some of Michael's other works in anthologies and really liked his writing style. He's got a great knack for the supernatural, as seen in his book Dehumanized. He has a keen mind for plot twists that he navigates masterfully, even in a short story like Number 18.

Number 18 is a quick but fascinating read that leaves you both grinning and disturbed at the end. Loring did an incredible job and I look forward to reading more from this author.

[Terri Baldwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Robert was a predator, carefully watching his chosen victim waiting for the perfect time to attack. He was exact and precise as he stalked victim number 18, a petite brunette named Alexa, who was at a carnival with her boyfriend, Daniel. He watched them as they argued about what stuffed animal to pick, and then knew he had his opportunity when Daniel headed back to the campsite, Alexa planning to meet up with him after using the ladies room. The incredible detail mapped Robert’s sick mind and I felt like I was right there with them in the woods as he stalked her. I literally held my breath, waiting for him to finish his horrific task.

The twist in this story was excellently written and detailed. It was brutal, fierce, and perfectly ironic! I couldn’t help but smile a little bit at the end of this one… sometimes you get what you deserve! LOVED it!

[N.A. Wetzel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the second book I read by this author... and I loved it!

In fact, I'm a die hard fan of his, and that's no lie. I've read every piece of work he's released so far. I'm just completely enthralled with his writing style. I don't care if it was predictable or not, I've seen too many movies and read far too many books to be "surprised" anymore. But I enjoyed the journey. Even when I was younger I loved that about books. I loved the way authors could express themselves and it was like they were painting pictures in my mind. I long for the quiet moments. The ones where I'm snuggled up tight with a cup of coffee or tea and reading a good book. I'm never dissatisfied with this young authors work. I know that in time, I will wish that there was a 10star button instead of the measly five.

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story starts off with some great suspense. The plot twist surprised me and I became engrossed in the story wanting more. I couldn't stop once I started this short, yet shockingly good story. I loved the two characters Alexa and Daniel. They were the good guys in the story even though they were kinda crazy. I give props to the two characters for at least admitting they were crazy. I also liked the way Michael worded this story and just how much the writing alone kept me drawn to the book at first. The story was creative and gave me some good goosebumps. Short, simple, and sweet is a good way to describe it.

[Jason Brant · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love short stories, particularly of the horror variety. This had a twist that I saw coming, but I'm decent at spotting that kind of stuff. That didn't, however, lower my enjoyment of the story. I can't say what really made me like it so much, as that's the Twist, but I think it's a cool idea.

Some of the characters in this have a background that would be really interesting to read more about in another work.

In the interest of full disclosure, Number 18 was originally included in an anthology I was also published in.

[Magen McMinimy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this story from “A paranormal Anthology with a TWIST” I enjoyed all the stories in the anthology, but this one stood out with a few others. Robert, a real creeper finds that the life of a serial killer isn’t such a great career choice when he comes across the world of the supernatural. Being that this is a shorter story there isn’t a lot I can say that won’t give the story away, but I guarantee you won’t see the twist coming in this one.

[Candy Golden · Rating 5 out of 5]

I usually don't read novellas but had read enough about it thru FB that I couldn't help myself.

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the twist in the story where the hunter becomes the prey. I would have enjoyed more of this story, but due to the writing flair of the author, I WILL be checking out his other books.

[Lauren Stoolfire · Rating 4 out of 5]

A 27 year old rapist gets his just desserts from a pair of werewolves in Number 18. Is it disturbing that I found myself grinning like a lunatic throughout the course of this short story? I think I'm going to keep my eyes on Michael Loring's writing because this short is very impressive.

[Delta]

Free 05-29-14 (18-page Urban Fantasy/Horror)

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CGNUXD8?i...

[Jennifer Erwin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very short story. Apparently I wasn't paying attention when I was downloading and I thought this was a different book. (After a quick search I just did, I discovered I was looking for "Number 13". I see how I got confused.) That's not to say this was bad, it's not. It's interesting, and very short.

[DOROTHY SILLS · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good

Good plot, kept my attention sorry it was so short. Seemed like I was right there in the story. I will look for other books by Michael Loring. I recommend this book to anyone who likes to read about someone getting what's good for them.

[Jenna Scribbles · Rating 2 out of 5]

I enjoy short stories and read them often. This one was so short and lacked depth. I like the concept - but it needed a lot more to make it shine.

[Leslie Wiederspan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good short story! I like surprise endings!

[Tonya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this story, left me wanting more!! Michael's werewolves are awesome, they aren't your sissy wolves!!

[Colleen Townsend · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting

Great short story. The appeal for the rest leaves one wanting to know Alexa and Daniel's story. Amazing descriptive and the beginning of something great.

[Kim Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome short story.

[Cristian Marrero · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting spin on a sadistic pervert and the creative justice placed upon him.

[Debra Barstad · Rating 2 out of 5]

very short