The Surrogate

by Eric Butler

From the writer of The Pope Lick Massacre and Kiss Me Where It Smells Funny comes another tale of extreme horror. In their search for a surrogate, the Wilkenses thought they struck gold with Alina. All she wanted was a flight to the United States and a warm place to stay during the pregnancy. But some things are too good to be true....

Audible Audio

Published February 21, 2023

About the author

I'm an indie Horror writer who lives deep in the heart of Texas. When I'm not writing novels and stories for anthologies, I'm doing the bidding of 3 adorable huskies. I've been married for over 20 years and have a teenager in the house, so I won't be running out of horror material for quite some time.

Reviews

[Corrina Morse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Robb is having a sneaky cigarette outside his home when a woman approaches him, she's staying with his neighbours across the street, and is looking for some company. It's a brief visit, for now…

Six months later, Robb and his wife are trying to conceive, but it's getting tedious and no fun anymore, all the spontaneity has gone for him, and something has changed in the way he sees his wife now..

After having dinner "hosted" at a friends, they notice something weird about the house across the street, the house the strange woman, Alina, was staying at. They decide to investigate, and on doing so, they find out just how weird things really are….

Things escalate really quickly, to a freaky, frightening conclusion! Unfolding rapidly and full of mystery, suspense and intrigue. Just wtf is going on?

A horrifying, creepy, gore filled story of desire, jealousy and manipulation!

[Crystal Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m sure we can all think of a few obvious reasons as to why daily life could go awry when a seductive foreigner comes to your block. Welp you won’t be getting one of those more obvious plots here. Pleasantly surprised as to how this unfolded. If you aren’t familiar with Butler’s work, you are really missing out!

[Eve L. Fell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very 80’s

This book reminds me of an 80’s classic horror flick. I really enjoyed it! It was fast paced and about a 20/30 minute read.

Alina moved into the house next door with Rob and Anna’s neighbors to be a surrogate for them.

The first time Rob meets Alina he is instantly drawn and extremely attracted to her. They share a brief hot moment before his wife is also introduced to Alina.

Alina may not be who they think she is. Shit hits the fan quick and hard with their other neighbors Joe and heather by their side.

Can the four of them survive the night or does Alina have other plans?

[DA · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very intense!

Not at all what I was expecting, where the beginning of the book points you to. Oh no, this was an intense whirlwind of gore and creatures. Highly recommend. If you haven't read Butler before and want to sample his work this is a great place to start.

[Sidney Shiv · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one-sitting read was lightning paced, action packed, and entertaining. Like watching an 80s horror movie. All killer, no filler!

[Shannon M. · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one is hard to rate because it was great until I read the word “host” and then it instantly became a “not for me” story. The rating was decent, the story was decent, everything was decent. As of right now I’m rating a 3 but I’ll ponder on it some more.

[Daniel Bayer · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was good, interesting premise, nice written but I wish it was fleshed out more

[Sophie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fast paced and quick read which was good for what it was. I thought the story was going in a different direction initially based on the title and opening conversation. Im glad it was different to what I expected and that I didn’t let my misconception deter me from reading it.

[Nat Whiston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another incredible story by Eric, honestly I am kicking myself. Why have I not read this author's work before now!? Brilliant story and plot with incredibly detailed characters. The mystery behind Alina as a character was brilliant. The humanisation of the couples especially Robb and Anna was really impressive. This story went from eerie pleasant to monster horror as soon as they stepped foot in Wilkenses house. I mean, he breathed new life into a horror trope, giving readers something else to be scared of. The intense relationship between husband and wife along with the very real sadness of not being able to conceive. Comes to show that some people will go to whatever lengths possible to get what they need. To combine something as raw as this with monster horror is a skill you have to admire. The pace is on point, and the gore and horror are excellent, honestly my favorite one so far by Eric.

[Todd Love · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice and creepy, just how I like my short stories. Lots of fun to read.

[Negan88 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Body Horror and Creature Feature

The Surrogate by Eric Butler is a unique short horror story that incorporates both creature feature and body horror as well. The short story is a quick and easy to digest read. It also seems to have echoes of inspiration from films such as The Alien Franchise and Species Franchise. Butler delivers a compelling story that keeps the reader’s attention.

When a surrogate moves into Robb’s neighborhood he is faced with conflicting feelings. Alina is Russian and is in America to carry a couple’s child. Robb’s wife Anna is jealous due to her husband’s behavior towards Alina as she stopped by their garage one day. As time rolls by people seem to have forgotten about Alina altogether. However, when Robb and Anna are spending time with another couple they notice that something seems off at the home housing The Surrogate.

What happens next is a twisted ride for the characters. Strange things are definitely occurring, and sometimes it’s best to stay out of neighborhood drama. Will they uncover the truth? Will they be able to aid their neighbors? Or is there something more sinister at hand?

Overall, I felt that The Surrogate by Eric Butler was an enjoyable short story. I only had one hope that was dashed, and that is a little more depth or invite into what The Surrogate and offspring really are. With that being said, I give The Surrogate by Eric Butler four out of five stars. Until next time, my friends.

Written by Andy C. on 07/04/2023

[Sea Caummisar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Man oh man.... When a hot chic moves in next door, so hot that she mesmerizes my hubs like a succubus, I'll start worrying about my marriage..... But she's a surrogate. No harm, right? She's a baby factory. I shouldn't have worries on my end. Until we hear noises and investigate. Maybe we wouldn't do that. Maybe I'll regret that. But if life is worth living, it's full of regrets
Such as being a good neighbor. Oh yeah, remind me to never be a good neighbor. Oh yeah, no worries on my end, I'm not a good neighbor and never will be because books like this. They can keep their monstrosities in their vag and I'll live my life

[Kaye Arenina Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was okay. I was expecting it to go one way, and then suddenly it make a left turn on "WTF Street". On my D&D (disgusting & disturbing) scale I would give it 2 stars. I've read way worse.
The only two reasons why I gave it 3 stars was:
1. Even though it was a short story, I would have preferred a book. I would have truly enjoyed it more. Give Alina a backstory and whatnot....
2. The ending. Don't get me wrong, I'm all down for a happy ending but the endings I had in mind would have left some readers like " omg" (my mind is messed up like that).
It was a very easy and enjoyable read.

[Keels · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was an interesting story but I think it would have been better as a longer book. Because of the shortness it was very fast paced and the reader gets no real back story or explanation as to what and why.

[Jennifer Bauter · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picture the stories in my head when I read. This one I can only describe as choppy, almost like parts were missing. It was hard to follow at times. Good premise though.