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LOOK AT ME: A Short Tale of Ocean Horrors
Beware the weeping wails of the headless bride
Harry Dwight, a broke tech genius, heard the folklore all his life - the headless bride floating over the swell off Cinder Bay, haunting wayward ships in the wee hours of night. But he knew it for what it was. Just another campfire story meant to scare kids.
But when his best friend lands him a late-night pitch opportunity offshore, Harry's beliefs are shaken to the core.
Her wails are loud, like the incarnated screams of a thousand tormented souls. Her vacant gaze stares wherever he goes. Her taunt is consistent, at the wake of every bleeding second. She wants one thing. and one thing only.
She wants for Harry to... 'LOOK AT ME!'
If you enjoy reading Stephen King, Jack Ketchum, Paul Tremblay, and William W. Johnstone, then you'll love reading this horror quickie by Hash Black.
Harry Dwight, a broke tech genius, heard the folklore all his life - the headless bride floating over the swell off Cinder Bay, haunting wayward ships in the wee hours of night. But he knew it for what it was. Just another campfire story meant to scare kids.
But when his best friend lands him a late-night pitch opportunity offshore, Harry's beliefs are shaken to the core.
Her wails are loud, like the incarnated screams of a thousand tormented souls. Her vacant gaze stares wherever he goes. Her taunt is consistent, at the wake of every bleeding second. She wants one thing. and one thing only.
She wants for Harry to... 'LOOK AT ME!'
If you enjoy reading Stephen King, Jack Ketchum, Paul Tremblay, and William W. Johnstone, then you'll love reading this horror quickie by Hash Black.
- GenresHorror
Audible Audio
Published May 2, 2025
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28 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
January 4, 2025
Two horror stories with the sea as main topic. In the first one you'll see a decapitated bride taking revenge and the second has an old captain looking for his love Ophelia. Well, the storytelling was a bit winded and not to the point as I would have liked. The motifs were good, the atmosphere eerie. Overall an okay read but nothing too extraordinary. Spectacular cover thought!
November 4, 2022
I love the awesome cover and stories that take place on the water, in the water, or around the water. I am also a huge fan of Stephen King and Dean Koontz, so it was a no brainer to grab Look At Me by Hash Black for review. I did enjoy the story, but never connected to any characters or found myself hanging by my fingertips wondering what comes next. There are two novella/short stories that are quick, easy reads. I won’t spoil anything by telling you why you need to Look At Me, but BEWARE….
October 25, 2022
I enjoyed reading this short story. I liked the atmosphere of the stories it really drew me in to the action.
October 23, 2022
"Beware the weeping wails of the headless bride." This is a short haunting read that will give anyone chills. Kept my attention and the writing detail was incredible. Will definitely be reading more by this author
October 24, 2022
A short sharp slice of horror that grabs you by the throat from the start – and doesn’t let go until the last breath.
November 8, 2022
Please note: I was given a copy of this book and have voluntarily decided to give it this honest review.
Harry Dwight grew up hearing the ghostly legend of the headless bride. She was a beautiful woman, cruelly abused by her family, who finally escapes with the help of her true love, a sailor. During their wedding aboard his ship, a cable from the sails breaks loose and decapitates the bride and groom. Ever since that day, the bride appears, holding her severed head, demanding that you look at her. If you do look at her you will become forever cursed. Harry Dwight has the misfortune of seeing this ghost not once, but several times. Will he be able to escape the curse where other unfortunate people have not?
This book also contains an additional short story titled Dark Waters. Captain McKane is sleeping aboard his ship when he dreams of a beautiful woman who tells him that they will be together soon. When he wakes up, he seems to be alone. He hears strange noises and thinks the ship is under attack by pirates. He will soon discover that pirates are the least of his troubles.
I enjoyed reading both stories. There were unexpected as well as anticipated developments in the stories that kept my attention until I read to the very last sentence.
Harry Dwight grew up hearing the ghostly legend of the headless bride. She was a beautiful woman, cruelly abused by her family, who finally escapes with the help of her true love, a sailor. During their wedding aboard his ship, a cable from the sails breaks loose and decapitates the bride and groom. Ever since that day, the bride appears, holding her severed head, demanding that you look at her. If you do look at her you will become forever cursed. Harry Dwight has the misfortune of seeing this ghost not once, but several times. Will he be able to escape the curse where other unfortunate people have not?
This book also contains an additional short story titled Dark Waters. Captain McKane is sleeping aboard his ship when he dreams of a beautiful woman who tells him that they will be together soon. When he wakes up, he seems to be alone. He hears strange noises and thinks the ship is under attack by pirates. He will soon discover that pirates are the least of his troubles.
I enjoyed reading both stories. There were unexpected as well as anticipated developments in the stories that kept my attention until I read to the very last sentence.
October 25, 2022
I want to thank the author for the ARC and apologize for my late review.
When what was supposed to be a beautiful wedding over 100 years ago on a seafaring ship turns into tragedy, something happens.
History turns into legend in terrifying portions.
Now in modern time two young slackers on Cinder Bay get an opportunity to woo an investor for their App they have created,
The 3 young men decide to take an old trawler out to sea for some partying and antics.
Legend is about to become reality in a gruesome and horrifying way.
No spoilers! Vengeful ghost story with a wrong place, wrong time setting is both unsettling and sad at the same time.
Highly recommended!! Mr. Black delivers again!
When what was supposed to be a beautiful wedding over 100 years ago on a seafaring ship turns into tragedy, something happens.
History turns into legend in terrifying portions.
Now in modern time two young slackers on Cinder Bay get an opportunity to woo an investor for their App they have created,
The 3 young men decide to take an old trawler out to sea for some partying and antics.
Legend is about to become reality in a gruesome and horrifying way.
No spoilers! Vengeful ghost story with a wrong place, wrong time setting is both unsettling and sad at the same time.
Highly recommended!! Mr. Black delivers again!
November 11, 2022
Look At Me: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Dark Waters: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
.
I've always loved the ocean, but these short horror stories make me love it a little less! Look At Me was a well crafted horror tale that evoked suspense, tension, and devastation at the same time. The only thing I wish we knew more about is the motivation behind the ghost and why she kills random people. Vanity seems like the obvious part, but is it more than that? Were they just in the wrong place at the wrong time? Has it happened to others who venture to that spot in the ocean? Despite my questions, I loved this one, it was well done!
With Dark Waters, it was just as well written, but much too short. I would love to know more about how they got to the part of the water they're in and what is haunting them. But I liked this one as well!
.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Dark Waters: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
.
I've always loved the ocean, but these short horror stories make me love it a little less! Look At Me was a well crafted horror tale that evoked suspense, tension, and devastation at the same time. The only thing I wish we knew more about is the motivation behind the ghost and why she kills random people. Vanity seems like the obvious part, but is it more than that? Were they just in the wrong place at the wrong time? Has it happened to others who venture to that spot in the ocean? Despite my questions, I loved this one, it was well done!
With Dark Waters, it was just as well written, but much too short. I would love to know more about how they got to the part of the water they're in and what is haunting them. But I liked this one as well!
.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
October 26, 2022
I received an eARC when I subscribed to the author's newsletter, which was a nice touch.
The story is short but creepy—a quick read with enough suspense to keep you going. I believe Folklore has some elements of the truth, and when you read this story, you'll agree.
"Beware the weeping wails of the headless bride." Now that's creepy!!
The story is short but creepy—a quick read with enough suspense to keep you going. I believe Folklore has some elements of the truth, and when you read this story, you'll agree.
"Beware the weeping wails of the headless bride." Now that's creepy!!
October 25, 2022
I will think twice before I go out on a boat again. The stories are scary and will remain with you long after the last page is turned. I would highly recommend it. I received an advance copy of this book, and this is my honest review.
October 24, 2022
First off, thank you Hash Black for the ARC. I don’t read to many ghost stories, but I gotta say this book was SOOO good. I especially liked, Look at Me. If your looking for something spooky and exciting to read, this is the book you need.
October 24, 2022
Three friends out on a boat trip in Cinder Bay did not expect their party to end in death. One of them survives after seeing a horrifying apparition and is besieged by nightmares. Who is the entity and why is it killing people in Cinder Bay? This short story gave me the chills, especially the description of the wraith and its gruesome appetite for death. A page turner.
October 24, 2022
Neal and his friends find out some legends are true.
October 24, 2022
An amazing couple of short stories, fast paced with characters. I highly recommend this to anyone wanting a fun f a st paced read you can't put down.
October 24, 2022
Awesome short story, with just the right amount of gore.
October 24, 2022
This was a great couple of short stories!! Loved them both.
October 28, 2022
A great scary short read. Sent tingles up my spine. Perfect for Halloween. Not someone I would like to meet at any time.
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the author and have chosen to leave a review.
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the author and have chosen to leave a review.
October 26, 2022
I got a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review. :)
Look At Me is about an "old wives' tale" about a headless bride. A story passed down from generation to generation. No one really believes it anymore, until they do.
Give this a shot - it's pretty good :) well written with few errors, great story line, keeps you on your toes.
Look At Me is about an "old wives' tale" about a headless bride. A story passed down from generation to generation. No one really believes it anymore, until they do.
Give this a shot - it's pretty good :) well written with few errors, great story line, keeps you on your toes.
November 8, 2022
This short work brings to life a legend of sea haunting.
Overall, I think this was mostly well-crafted. There was a little disjointedness for me. Firstly, I wanted a more concrete setting. We know that the legend itself originated in Africa, but I was not clear where this tale was set. The vagueness may have been intentional, but it left me feeling unmoored and I tend to prefer stories where the place is almost a character of its own.
The pacing was excellent.
I found that, especially considering the work was so short, the characters were well realised.
The main aggravation for me was that, in this world, thunder precedes lightning every time.
I received an ARC via the author.
Overall, I think this was mostly well-crafted. There was a little disjointedness for me. Firstly, I wanted a more concrete setting. We know that the legend itself originated in Africa, but I was not clear where this tale was set. The vagueness may have been intentional, but it left me feeling unmoored and I tend to prefer stories where the place is almost a character of its own.
The pacing was excellent.
I found that, especially considering the work was so short, the characters were well realised.
The main aggravation for me was that, in this world, thunder precedes lightning every time.
I received an ARC via the author.
December 19, 2022
A creepy story based on a real legend. A decapitated bride that holds her head and says, "look at me." Harry and Neal get to know her up close and personal! I really felt the fear and anxiety. Especially the total loneliness of jail.
Well done.
The book also includes a very short story extra.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Well done.
The book also includes a very short story extra.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
December 7, 2022
Good and scary
This short story by a new to me author is an entertaining and creepy foray into the style of writing that has me wanting more. Included is a shorter story called Dark Water I found exciting.
This short story by a new to me author is an entertaining and creepy foray into the style of writing that has me wanting more. Included is a shorter story called Dark Water I found exciting.
October 24, 2022
Several vignettes are interconnected. My favorite is a retelling of Cinderella that is beyond dark.
June 14, 2025
This is a fun, little horror story. Plus who doesn't love a cover like that?
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews