Night and Day in Misery: The Shivers Collection

The Shivers Collection #4

by Catriona Ward, Mia Hutchinson-Shaw (Narrator)

In the gloom of her hotel, a mother readies to rejoin her past. Feverish nightmares meet the chilling light of day in this haunting short story from USA Today bestselling author Catriona Ward.

Room 17 was the last stop on her husband and son’s journey. Eight years after their deaths, Stella books the same room, hoping to commune with their memories. But as she tries to sleep, disturbing and urgent visions blur the lines between reality and the supernatural, and the other side sends a terrifying message.

Catriona Ward’s Night and Day in Misery is part of The Shivers, a collection of haunting stories that reveal the otherworldly terrors all around us. Once you know, there’s no going back. Read or listen to each story in one unsettling sitting.

Genres: Horror, Short Stories, Audiobook, Fiction, Thriller, Novella, Supernatural

Audible Audio

First published April 15, 2025

About the author

CATRIONA WARD was born in Washington, DC and grew up in the United States, Kenya, Madagascar, Yemen, and Morocco. She read English at St Edmund Hall, Oxford and is a graduate of the Creative Writing MA at the University of East Anglia. Her forthcoming novel, Nowhere Burning, will be published by Tor Nightfire in the US and Viper Books in the UK this year. `Her last book, Looking Glass Sound, was a USA Today bestseller. Her fourth novel, the gothic thriller Sundial (2022 - Viper, Tor Nightfire) was Observer Thriller of the Month and a USA Today, CNN and Apple Books selection for best new fiction. Stephen King called Sundial ‘Authentically terrifying…. Do not miss this book.’

Ward’s third breakout novel The Last House on Needless Street (2021 - Viper, Tor Nightfire) won the August Derleth Prize and has been shortlisted for the Kitschies, the British Book Awards, the South Bank Award, and the World Fantasy Award. Esquire magazine listed it as one of the top 25 best horror novels of all time. Rights have been sold in twenty-nine territories, it was a Richard and Judy Book Club selection, a Times Book of the Month, Observer Book of the Month, March Editor’s Pick on Radio 4’s Open Book, a Between the Covers BBC2 book club selection and a Sunday Times bestseller. The Last House on Needless Street is being developed for film by Andy Serkis and Jonathan Cavendish’s production company, The Imaginarium. Stephen King said of The Last House on Needless Street, ‘I was blown away. It's a true nerve-shredder that keeps its mind-blowing secrets to the very end. Haven't read anything this exciting since GONE GIRL.’

Ward’s second novel Little Eve (2018 - W&N, Tor Nightfire) won the 2019 Shirley Jackson Award, the August Derleth Prize at the British Fantasy Awards and was a Guardian best book of 2018. Nightfire published Little Eve for the first time in the US in 2022. Ward’s debut Rawblood (2015 - W&N, Sourcebooks) also won the 2016 August Derleth, making her the only woman to have won the prize three times. Her short stories have appeared in numerous anthologies and have been shortlisted for various prizes. She lives in London and Devon.

Her short story, The African Painted Dog, is part of The End of The World as We Know It, Tales from The Stand. Introduced by Stephen King, this anthology is the first time authors have been permitted to write in Stephen King;'s universe.

Reviews

[Jamie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't know if I'd quite call this one horror? There are supernatural aspects, sure, but mostly it's just sad. Trigger warnings include child death and suicide. A grieving mother retraces the final steps of her child and husband with one goal in mind, but things get weird (and more than a little heartbreaking). I do find it hard to believe that Stella wouldn't recognize her own kid, though, even if he were a few years older, but I suppose it's not impossible? Still, this is a decent story that's worth the short amount of time it takes to read it. 3.5 stars, rounded up.

[LIsa Noell "Rocking the chutzpah!" · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so very sad. Good story.

[TheConnieFox · Rating 2 out of 5]

My Overall Thoughts:

I found this to be sad and heartbreaking. It did not feel like a horror book at all, just an overall depressing story. This is a fast paced, short read from “The Shivers Collection”. This book was just not my cup of tea. You may like it though! It is written by a best selling author named Catriona Ward. It also comes with supernatural elements. I will say that it is well written, flows well and has a clear thesis. There is also depth to the characters and to the story!

Short Summary (no spoilers):

It is about a Mother that rejoins her past in a hotel room, that is full of nightmares.

Content Warnings & people that may like reading this short story:

Content warnings include child abuse, child death, suicidal thoughts and grief. I think if you are wanting to read a book that is very sad, emotional and comes with supernatural elements, you may like reading this one. It has good ratings, so I think it was just me personally not being a fan of it.

Notes:

╰┈➤ Right now it is on Kindle Unlimited and is free with the audible subscription! There are more stories in this series!

Quotes from the book

“Welcome to Missouri,” he says. “Or Misery, we call it. It’s a terrible place.”

“She wishes she could remember what love was like. Anniversaries can make things either better or worse, and in Stella’s case, it’s been worse. Each year that passes makes the pain sharper, more acute;”

》* 。 • ˚ ˚ ˛ * 。° 。 • ˚《

❥ ୨⎯ Connie ⎯୧ ❥

ツ౨ৎ

[LTJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Night and Day in Misery” by Catriona Ward (The Shivers Collection #4) is the fourth book in an incredible Amazon-exclusive horror collection. So far, every book I’ve read in this collection has been a 5/5, and the streak has continued with this one. I’ve been a huge fan of Ward for years, ever since I read “The Last House on Needless Street” in 2021. She’s a fantastic author and added a unique touch to this collection.

With one more book to complete, this entire collection could very well be 5/5 perfection. If you’re curious and want to check it out, here’s a list of every book and author…

Jackknife by Joe Hill (The Shivers Collection #1)
The Indigo Room by Stephen Graham Jones (The Shivers Collection #2)
The Blanks by Grady Hendrix (The Shivers Collection #3)
Night and Day in Misery by Catriona Ward (The Shivers Collection #4)
Letter Slot by Owen King (The Shivers Collection #5)

I found many trigger warnings while reading. They were…

- Alcoholism
- Relapse
- Domestic abuse (physical, but nothing graphic)
- Car accidents
- Drinking and driving
- Suicide

If any of these trigger you, please do not read this book. Moving along, this was such a shocking, crazy, emotional read. You’re gripped into the story just a few pages in, as this was a quick page-turner. I couldn’t believe what Ward achieved in just 35 pages. It was psychological on many levels and checked all the boxes I look for in a horror book.

You genuinely feel for everything the main protagonist Stella is going through. With how brilliantly Ward wrote this, this was easily one of the best horror short stories I’ve ever read. Wow, what a powerhouse of a read with an ending that will make you cherish all the little things in life, especially those closest to you. I loved the plot twists and stunning reveal towards the end, leaving me speechless.

I give “Night and Day in Misery” by Catriona Ward (The Shivers Collection #4) a 5/5 because it is a memorable read I will remember for many years. I was blown away at how impactful this horror book was, with a twist only Ward can deliver after mastering this through her incredible books. This was awesome in every possible way, and it might just be my favorite book in this entire collection.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m done spending a night and day in misery, and want to check my letter slot for any new mail.

[Thibault Busschots · Rating 3 out of 5]

A mother visits the hotel room her son and her husband visited right before their deaths, hoping to relive some memories and feel connected to them once more. But there’s something off about the room.


We learn from the start that the hotel changes names quite often, because of the frequent deaths. This immediately sets the tone for the rest of the story and puts us readers on edge.


It’s quite a character-driven story, with the protagonist feeling guilty for starting a fight with her husband the night it happened. Even though she has no idea how it all actually happened. It’s a solid short story that focuses more on the main character’s past/family drama, but shows enough horror-inspired scenes to make for a rather tense reading experience.

[Vicki Herbert · Rating 3 out of 5]

Out!

NIGHT AND DAY IN MISERY
(The Shivers Collection)
by Catriona Ward

3 stars. One rainy night, Stella took a cab to the Rustic Inn and Suites until the pink neon lights of the motel came into view...

What did her husband Frank feel while staying here on that fateful night with their 2 year old son Sam, she wondered...

She asked for room 17...

That's where they'd stayed eight years ago. She hoped that by staying in the same room, she would reconnect with them...

On that long ago night...

Frank and Sam were on their way to meet Stella in Spokane. The couple hoped to reboot their marriage...

Frank was trying to get sober...

When it became obvious to Stella that Frank had been drinking again, they fought over the phone...

Then the phone went dead...

Next morning, father and son were found at the bottom of a river in their car...

Stella had returned to Missouri, which the locals call Misery to join them..

But, that night...

A small boy, dressed in a pair of little boat pajamas, warned Stella... Out!

This wasn't a bad story, it just wasn't very original. At least it had a plot that was easy to follow, unlike Ms Ward's last few novels.

[John (JC) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have not had to pleasure of reading the writings of Catriona Ward before. It was interesting. It had a good plot, believable characters, very emotional. At times it reminded me of The Six Sense. I enjoyed the short time I had with the author’s writings. I feel it is a worth while read and my fellow GR friends would benefit from reading this book.

[Zain · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Water Dream.

This is a story about a woman named Stella who has a son named Sam. When Sam was two years old, he died with his father Frank. It has been eight years since. If Sam was alive he would be ten years old.

Stella wants to drown herself. Like her son. She has lived in misery for eight years. And she’s tired of it. Will she succeed?

Three stars. ⭐️⭐️⭐️

[The Belladonna · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Help?"

Need a quick emotional gut punch? This is your lil read.

3 stars on the sad meter because I didn't know how else to rate it. This story is about a woman trying to deal with her horrifying loss. It worked for me because I was in the midst of my own lament over the loss of a friendship through betrayal. So we mourned together. Books can be such an extraordinary therapeutic outlet.

[Natalie all_books_great_and_small · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.

Night and Day in Misery is a short story that is part of the Shivers collection from Amazon Publishing. This quick read had me hooked, and just when I thought u knew the direction this book was going in, it made my head spin with a different angle.
Stella lost her husband and son in a car accident eight years ago after they stayed in room 17 in a hotel. She's taken a journey there on the anniversary of their deaths, booking the same room they stayed in and getting ready to join them wherever they may be. But when a strange dream awakens her and Stella battles with what's real and what's not, she uncovers unsettling and unforgivable things...
This was so captivating to read and my heart literally broke for Stella. Definitely one not to miss.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I hate men.

[Ruben · Rating 3 out of 5]

Being this the first piece of writing by Catriona Ward that crosses my path, I can't say I loved it. Maybe it was the fact this is just a short story, but in any case it's been an OK read to me.

Stella is a depressed widow who lost her husband and 2 year-old son about eight years back. Not ever having gotten over their passing, she decides to book the same hotel and room where she last knew them alive, but while on her stay, a series of paranormal events will hunt her as if trying to convey something to her. Will Stella be able to decipher the message without going crazy and while feeling her world has fallen apart?

If you're into short stories and paranormal activity, this would be a perfect fit for you, and if you've loved previous Catriona's works, you're quite likely to love this as well.

[Kathleen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well, that was… a story.
Fell flat at the end, for me.
I can understand that everyone else will enjoy this one more than I did.

Zero shivers.

[Ceecee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not exactly a shivery story but an incredibly sad one with ghostly overtones. Well worth a read especially as it’s about 30 minutes!

[Brooke (B for Books) · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Psychological journey through regrets. Grief lives behind brown walls in dirty motels not luxury cruise ships. This was a hook in the heart. Grief is like a loving tomb. I like my suspense introspective and sad, apparently 😭. What makes this more emotionally moving is how gorgeously poetic the small moments are written.

I will need more than a day and night to emotionally recover from this, ❤️‍🩹

Bridges are meant to cross great heights, and great danger

“She is in the black screaming mouth”

I’m not crying, you’re crying.



TW: suicide, child-loss, grief

[♡ retrovvitches ♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

ok i loved this so much. an actually gut wrenching read, made me so upset but it was very well written. makes you feel this dread and grief for the main character

[Krysta ꕤ · Rating 4 out of 5]

well, damn.. that was depressing as hell.

[destiny ♡ howling libraries · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's okay, Cat, I didn't need my emotional stability today

[Howard · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 Stars for Night and Day in Misery: The Shivers Collection, Book 4 (audiobook) by Catriona Ward read by Mia Hutchinson-Shaw.

This story slowly turns dark and depressing without being scary. It also has a little bit supernatural thrown in. The story is alright but it definitely doesn’t leave you on the edge of your seat.

[Diana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Catriona Ward is a talented author. I found Night and Day in Misery to be more of a sad story as opposed to a scary one.

Best quote of the book:

“She feels day logic come back in—it is entirely different from those night thoughts.”

The Shivers Collection
Jackknife by Joe Hill - ⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Indigo Room by Stephen Graham Jones - ⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Blanks by Grady Hendrix - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Night and Day in Misery by Catriona Ward - ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Letter Slot by Owen King - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Dead Inside · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not great, but not complete garbage.

[Nancy Yager · Rating 2 out of 5]

Catriona Ward’s Night and Day in Misery is a short, gut-punch horror story that leans hard into grief, dread, and the way a place can feel permanently stained by what happened there. It’s horror, sure—but it’s also psychological, emotional, and honestly just sad. The plot is simple in the best way: a woman, shattered by the deaths of her husband and son, returns to the last hotel room where they stayed.

Stella is not just chasing answers—she’s flirting with the idea of ending her own life so she can be with them again. The tension comes from the questions Ward keeps pressing on: Is there something she’s missing? Will she find what she came for? And will she walk back out of that room?

What hit me first was the mood. Ward writes grief like it’s a physical thing you can taste in the air. The hotel doesn’t feel like a neutral setting—it feels like a trap, a memorial, and a courtroom all at once. Every hallway, every noise, every small detail comes loaded with meaning. You can feel the main character’s spiral tightening as she tries to convince herself she’s being logical… while clearly not being okay.

Stella is the whole engine of this story. She’s not written to be “likable” in a neat, bookish way—she’s raw, exhausted, and moving on pure emotional fumes. And that’s exactly why she works. Her grief isn’t poetic; it’s messy and stubborn and desperate. She’s the kind of character you want to shake and hug at the same time, because you can see how locked-in she is to her own pain. Even when she’s searching for answers, it feels like she’s also searching for permission—permission to blame someone, permission to let go, or permission to follow her family into the dark.

Her husband and son haunt the story without necessarily being “on the page” in a traditional way. They’re defined by absence, by memory, by what she thinks she knows versus what she fears might be true. Ward does a good job of letting you feel that strange thing grief does to your mind: how it can turn memories into weapons, and how you can replay the same moments so many times that they start to feel unreal.

And then there’s the hotel room itself—because yes, it totally counts as a character here. That room becomes this pressure cooker of grief, guilt, and dread. It’s where the “real world” and the “what if” world collide. Ward keeps you off-balance, because the story can be read two ways: either the horror is psychological (a woman unraveling in the place that holds her worst memories), or something darker and stranger is reaching back through the cracks. Either way, the fear is real. The setting amplifies everything.

What I appreciated most is that Ward doesn’t treat grief like a plot device. This isn’t a story that uses sadness as a shortcut to depth. The sadness is the story, and the horror grows naturally out of it. It’s about how grief can make you reckless. How love can turn into a kind of self-destruction.

How the need for answers can become a need for punishment. And how sometimes returning to the scene of the pain doesn’t heal you—it just reopens everything.

If you’re looking for a quick, creepy read that’s heavy on atmosphere and emotional weight, this one delivers. Just know what you’re walking into: it’s a sad journey, and Ward takes you through it without blinking.

[Alya · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sad depressing story with supernatural elements rather than "horror"..

Trigger warnings
▪︎ Child loss / suicide / child abuse


Plot Summary
Eight years after losing her husband and son, Stella returns to the place where their lives ended—Room 17. Hoping to reconnect with their memories, she books the same room. But as night falls, unsettling visions invade her reality, growing more vivid and urgent. The boundary between the living and the dead begins to unravel, and Stella realises the other side isn’t just reaching out—it’s warning her

[Karla · Rating 3 out of 5]

Story 3 stars**
Audio 4.5 stars**
Narrator Mia Hutchinson

[Ginger · Rating 4 out of 5]

For me, this is one of best in the collection. I really liked this creepy, supernatural story!
It’s not action packed but it does land with the emotional feels.

[Priskah · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,0 ✨✨✨

(Audiobook)

[Kira FlowerChild · Rating 3 out of 5]

The description of this short story mentions "feverish nightmares" and "visions," so I expected that there would be times when it was hard to determine whether events were real or imagined. I'm fine with that, but for some reason this story just never pulled me in. I had little sympathy for the main character, especially at the end when the truth was revealed. To be an enabler is one thing; to actively provoke destructive behavior with your own toxic behavior is much worse. I gave three stars because of the quality of the writing, not for the content of the story.

[plantsandpageturners · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very sad. I like grief horror though.

[Sarah ♡ (let’s interact!) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gosh, this was so emotional. It describes a Mother’s pain as she is prepared to rejoin her past, to join her husband and son in the afterlife by returning to Room 17. Of course, she is soon plagued by supernatural visions of the dead, which is where the horror elements play in, but it is just very depressing overall.

Book #4 of the Shivers horror collection 💀

3 Stars

[Gareth Is Haunted · Rating 4 out of 5]

A heartbreaking addition to The Shivers collection of Amazon Originals.
This may not be the most exciting from this series of shorts but it's certainly the most emotional.