Repossession

by Jim Donohue, Amanda Ruzsa (Illustrator)

David Cross has changed.
His wife, Kate, and his son, Jason, both see it.
Kate thinks he just doesn't feel well.
Jason has come to think his father is possessed.
One of them is correct. But which one?
And what can they do to save him, before he harms himself?
Or worse, before he harms them?

Genres: Horror

32 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 18, 2025

About the author

Jim Donohue is a New York author, born and bred. He has been writing since he was a teenager in the Bronx, but he decided to go professional at the age of 68 in February of 2025, with the release of his short story, Hard Labor. He has followed those up with other stories, such as Ramona, Repossession, Blood Diamond, and The Turning, along with a novella called Unliving Legends. His debut novel, The Stranger, was released in November of 2025 to great reviews. He has recently released a collection of short stories called Depths of Degradation.

Reviews

[Amanda Ruzsa · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I read more and more of Donohue’s work, I find myself anxiously waiting to see if another story is coming. This was such a fun frickin story. All the elements of a creepy demonic story compacted into a short story that will leave you with haunting images in your brain for days and days.

When David begins acting strangely, his wife and son can’t help but begin to fear for their lives. Is it drugs? Midlife crisis? An affair? What has him verbally attacking them and radiating hate and rage as he slowly drifts further and further into himself? His son and a friend decide it’s got to be demonic possession and when the climax hits, you will find yourself slack-jawed as things become all too clear for our unraveling family. Definitely recommend reading this one!

[Milt Theo · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is my second short story by this author, and though the writing is more than decent and the plotting quite capable, something didn't gel with me. Was it the teenagers who chatted on their phones without emojis and sounded like 30 year-olds on Facebook? Was it the mum, who's watching her husband going insane for weeks without really doing anything? I'm not sure, but I just couldn't get into the story or take it seriously. I loved the cover though!

[Angel Medina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun possession read about David, who gets possessed by an evil demon. While it might be short, it's sure to send chills down your spine. This is the third story I've read from Jim and so far it's my favorite. I look forward to reading more.

This is a great short read if you're looking for something quick, but one that packs a punch.

[Shannon Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Out of the 3 books I read, that was by Jim. I would have to say this is my favorite. I haven’t read any possession books till this one and I’m glad this was my first book I read that is in that category. It’s a quick 20 minute read that is highly worth it. Keep making me scared Jim cause I’m loving it!

[Jonny Ward · Rating 3 out of 5]

3/5

This was a fun, short little read that I found on my Kindle and have no recollection of purchasing.

It is a short story and did what it was supposed to do, but I have to say - I had a really hard time connecting with the characters. I also thought it was kind of odd how the teenagers spoke to each other. And where the hell did the priest come from?

However, overall, I actually quite enjoyed it. The writing of the possession was really good and I liked the slow decline into demonhood in the short amount of time we had with the story. I really enjoyed the "twist"

Worth a quick read for sure.

[Alessandra Benini · Rating 4 out of 5]

Repossession by Jim Donohue is a short horror story about a family man whose strange behavior takes a very dark turn, raising the question: is it stress, something psychological… or has something taken over him?
This story is *super* intense, scary, and disturbing. It wastes no time pulling you into the unease, and the tension just keeps building. The end leaves you genuinely unsettled.
If you’re into dark, psychological horror with a supernatural edge, go get this story now.

[Dee Readz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was a good little demon possession story

[Jolene · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Quick read about possession—perfect if you're looking to dip your toes into the genre. Creepy vibes without being too intense. Totally recommend if you're into fast, eerie reads! … That cover!! 🔥🔥

[Kimberly Pridgen · Rating 5 out of 5]

got this during the SYKD and am glad I did. it was a very quick read that had me glued. I would love more of this story and I def will look for more of his work.

[Dorian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crazy

This book was a terrifying good quick read. I love horror and it gave me everything I needed and expected. There is potential for a book 2 and I hope the author writes one.

[Ali O · Rating 4 out of 5]

Repossession by Jim Donohue
🌟🌟🌟🌟
This is an entertaining and very short novella, involving demonic possession. Even though the book is not very long, it’s a good solid story and had enough creepiness to keep me happy!
David, a husband and father, begins to act very differently and his family takes notice of this sudden change. His rude comments are out of control and he’s no longer paying attention to his wife or son. They want to figure out what is wrong with David and both have different theories.

This was a great airplane read! People were looking at the fantastic cover and I had the pleasure of watching their jaws drop!
✈️ 😂 😱

*Check out this fun and creepy read!*

[Brittnay Sears · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a well-written possession story, and Donohue absolutely delivered. Repossession is clever, unsettling, and even surprisingly funny at times. It’s creepy in all the best ways and I look forward to reading more books by Mr.Donohue.

[Karm Barter · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book felt like a summary of a bigger novel. I would have enjoyed it mattered if it was fleshed out. The writing style was done.

[Kymmie H · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very short novella. It involves demonic possession. I love horror and this book was exactly what I needed. From the way it read seems like there could be book 2, I sure do hope so!!

[Christina Ghiotto · Rating 4 out of 5]

Horrifying

This story was so real it horrified and terrified me definitely one of my worst nightmares very much worth the read great short story I absolutely recommend!!

[travel_thru_books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Repossession absolutely got under my skin. Jim doesn’t just build tension — he tightens it like a wire, turning everyday family moments into something deeply unsettling. Watching Kate and Jason struggle to make sense of David’s unraveling felt unnerving, and the dread crept in fast. For such a short piece, it hits hard and leaves a shadow long after you finish.
Will definitely read more by him!

[Dawn's Fogbound Archive · Rating 5 out of 5]

Got em!

My kind of bedtime story. Short and ummmm sweet? It was indeed a short story but still made sense and left you asking "what the f*** did I just read?"

[Katlin Stokes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy cow this book was absolutely short but super unhinged! I absolutely loved it. So spooky!