Darkness: Three Dark Short Stories

by Louise McLaughlin

Darkness – three short stories by Louise McLaughlin
Advent – a Dark Christmas Origin.
The origin of Santa is shrouded in folklore, with the truth lost to time. Advent details how the story began. With a Scottish farmer who was only trying to provide for his family through a harsh winter. He made choices that would lead to punishment for his sins. There is only one way to escape his punishment, and every Yule, he attempts to atone for his sins once and for all.

Live Forever - Oasis Fan Reunion
Every Oasis fan was ecstatic with the announcement of the reunion. Eager to relive his youth, Mad Dawg has made it to the gig of a lifetime. His past catches up with him on that fateful night. Nothing will stop him from seeing them one last time … well, almost nothing.

Night Shift – It's Murder Working Nights
Trigger this story contains depictions of violence and domestic abuse.
Dr Jade Harper treats women and girls who have experienced violent attacks. Night after night, she treats the assault victims, but the Police are unable to get convictions. Frustrated by the inertia of a broken system, Dr Harper decides to help Claire and her children escape the abuse they are suffering. Dr Harper becomes proficient at assisting victims, but can she find freedom herself?

38 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 2, 2025

About the author

Louise was born in the same hospital where George Orwell wrote 1984. When growing up in East Kilbride in the 80s, it was clear to see the legacy he left; there was a library on every corner and two nuclear bunkers. She went to Glasgow University and achieved a Master of Arts. She then joined the sensible corporate world of paper shuffling. For the last 25 years, her career has culminated in various promotions to the heady heights where she now tells stories for a living. She still shuffles paper, but virtually now, so that’s progress.

FREE Books:
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Reviews

[Paul Crome · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a brilliant and truly exceptional book. 3 short stories that were very dark and very well written and had me well and truly gripped with their storylines and the characters in them. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone and I will definitely be reading other books written by this author

[Nicki Thoirs · Rating 4 out of 5]

I quite enjoyed this selection of short stories. The first is my favourite. It is a great way to kick start the festive season with a slightly dark Christmas tale. I enjoyed the last story too, it was quite dark and escalated so quickly, ending with the perfect twist!

[Ann Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent read with three short stories very well written and captivating set in Scotland. Each different but so enjoyable with a twist. I would recommend.

[Christel Owens · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is obviously a short read at thirty eight pages but it's an excellent read.

[Caroline Hurry · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Deliciously Dark Collection
All three stories in this compact collection are deliciously unsettling. Louise McLaughlin’s crisp dialogue and droll humour add an unnerving edge, showing how cruel actions have consequences.
The standout for me was Night Shift, about justice, institutional failure, and Dr Jade Harper, pushed beyond the limits of what the system allows. McLaughlin asks how far someone might go when the law repeatedly fails the vulnerable.
Advent offers a bleak and imaginative reworking of Santa Claus’s origins, rooted in hardship, guilt, and punishment. Sad, atmospheric, and haunting, it’s dark folklore at its finest as McLaughlin adds human desperation to the mix.
The second piece about an Oasis fan determined to relive a defining moment of his youth offers karmic irony.
McLaughlin’s lean, accessible writing and sharp eye for human flaws tie the three tales together, keeping the tension tight and the pacing brisk.
If you like your fiction sharp, unsettling, and laced with a hint of dark humour, you’ll enjoy this one. I did!

[Mehmet Çalışkan · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Darkness: Three Dark Short Stories, Louise McLaughlin captures the inner worlds of her characters and the overall atmosphere with remarkable success, employing a distinct tone of voice for each story. She portrays moral grey areas in a compelling way, enriching the narratives with depth. The stories stand out with their gripping structure and film-like pacing, reminiscent of short screenplays. With its layered storytelling and a design that complements the content, the book offers a cohesive and immersive experience. Highly recommended for readers who enjoy dark fantasy and thought-provoking short fiction.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Darkness by Louise McLaughlin is short and easy to read, but it may keep you up at night after you finish reading the three short dark dark stories. This is perfect for Halloween! or Friday the 13th any month! Enjoy.