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Tainted Towns
Three unnerving tales of the weird and uncanny from award-winning author Victoria Williamson.
Forced to leave her cosy suburban home for the desolate city outskirts, Helen is chased each night through a dark underpass by a malevolent force.
What does it want?
Terry and Janet take matters into their own hands to tame their neighbour’s overgrown garden when it threatens the order of their perfect suburban life.
But the garden fights back…
And can Tom keep the secrets of the past buried when his crew is assigned to repair the very road he knows he must avoid at all costs?
Dare you visit these Tainted Towns to discover their dark secrets?
Forced to leave her cosy suburban home for the desolate city outskirts, Helen is chased each night through a dark underpass by a malevolent force.
What does it want?
Terry and Janet take matters into their own hands to tame their neighbour’s overgrown garden when it threatens the order of their perfect suburban life.
But the garden fights back…
And can Tom keep the secrets of the past buried when his crew is assigned to repair the very road he knows he must avoid at all costs?
Dare you visit these Tainted Towns to discover their dark secrets?
- GenresShort Stories
215 pages, Paperback
Published June 5, 2025
16 people want to read
About the author
Victoria Williamson
34 books86 followersA lifelong storyteller and daydreamer, Victoria Williamson is an author and teacher who has lived and worked in Africa, China, America and the UK.
Victoria grew up in Kirkintilloch, north Glasgow, surrounded by hills on the edge of a forest estate where many of her early ghost stories and fantasy tales were born amid the magical trees and spooky old ruined buildings.
After studying Physics at the University of Glasgow, she set out on her own real life adventures, which included teaching Maths and Science in Cameroon, training teachers in Malawi, teaching English in China and working with children with special needs in the UK.
A qualified primary school teacher with a degree in Mandarin Chinese from Yunnan University and a Master’s degree in Special Needs Education, Victoria is passionate about creating inclusive worlds in her novels where all children can see a reflection of themselves in a heroic role.
Victoria’s experiences of teaching young children in a deprived area of Glasgow, many of whom were asylum seekers, inspired her debut novel, The Fox Girl and the White Gazelle, an uplifting tale of friendship between Glasgow girl Caylin and Syrian refugee Reema.
Victoria writes fantasy, adventure, science fiction and contemporary issue novels for Middle Grade (9-12), Teen, and Young Adult readers. Many of her books have been inspired by children she has met on her travels, both abroad and in the UK. She is currently working on a Middle Grade novel exploring the issues faced by a boy with ADHD who is struggling to fit in with his new step-family, and a spooky adventure novel for Teens, centred around a cast of characters with special needs including deafness, Down Syndrome and Cerebral Palsy.
Twenty percent of her author royalties for The Fox Girl and the White Gazelle are donated to the Scottish Refugee Council.
You can find out more about Victoria's books, school visits and upcoming events on her website: www.strangelymagical.com
Victoria grew up in Kirkintilloch, north Glasgow, surrounded by hills on the edge of a forest estate where many of her early ghost stories and fantasy tales were born amid the magical trees and spooky old ruined buildings.
After studying Physics at the University of Glasgow, she set out on her own real life adventures, which included teaching Maths and Science in Cameroon, training teachers in Malawi, teaching English in China and working with children with special needs in the UK.
A qualified primary school teacher with a degree in Mandarin Chinese from Yunnan University and a Master’s degree in Special Needs Education, Victoria is passionate about creating inclusive worlds in her novels where all children can see a reflection of themselves in a heroic role.
Victoria’s experiences of teaching young children in a deprived area of Glasgow, many of whom were asylum seekers, inspired her debut novel, The Fox Girl and the White Gazelle, an uplifting tale of friendship between Glasgow girl Caylin and Syrian refugee Reema.
Victoria writes fantasy, adventure, science fiction and contemporary issue novels for Middle Grade (9-12), Teen, and Young Adult readers. Many of her books have been inspired by children she has met on her travels, both abroad and in the UK. She is currently working on a Middle Grade novel exploring the issues faced by a boy with ADHD who is struggling to fit in with his new step-family, and a spooky adventure novel for Teens, centred around a cast of characters with special needs including deafness, Down Syndrome and Cerebral Palsy.
Twenty percent of her author royalties for The Fox Girl and the White Gazelle are donated to the Scottish Refugee Council.
You can find out more about Victoria's books, school visits and upcoming events on her website: www.strangelymagical.com
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
July 7, 2025
This is the second story collection I have read by Victoria Williamson, and I loved this one even more than the first!
In the first story, Tunnel Vision, Helen has given up her old life to start fresh after a breakup. Her new life is lonely and isolated, but she could handle that if only she didn't need to walk through the tunnel to get home from work. I was so sad for her entire situation, but most of all, I shared the creeping dread of what may be lurking in that tunnel.
Next up, The Garden Of Friedan finds Terry and Janet Dixon bemoaning the state of their neighbor's garden. Of course, whining about it to Mr. Friedan will be of no use; he stopped doing any yard work once he passed away. Now, the beautiful cherry tree and flowers that were all he had left in memory of his wife, that he so lovingly tended, are overgrown and withered. Terry may be willing to overlook it, but Janet finds it unbearable as the plants begin to encroach on her property. To her, it is an unforgivable offense, and Terry will not hear the end of it. Unfortunately for the Dixon's, there will be severe consequences for their interference. I hated Janet, but loved the story. I'm glad she's not my neighbor!
Last but not least was The Red, Red Road. Tom is a happily married family man with a dark past and a terrible secret that he has managed to hide for all these years. He has gone out of his way to avoid the Red Road ever since that long-ago night, but there is no way out of it this time. His crew will be working there, and he can't escape it any longer. What will happen when the truth comes out?
This novella-length tale was more gruesome than the previous two, and it was my favorite part of the book.
5 out of 5 stars
My thanks to Silver Thistle Press for the gifted paperback.
In the first story, Tunnel Vision, Helen has given up her old life to start fresh after a breakup. Her new life is lonely and isolated, but she could handle that if only she didn't need to walk through the tunnel to get home from work. I was so sad for her entire situation, but most of all, I shared the creeping dread of what may be lurking in that tunnel.
Next up, The Garden Of Friedan finds Terry and Janet Dixon bemoaning the state of their neighbor's garden. Of course, whining about it to Mr. Friedan will be of no use; he stopped doing any yard work once he passed away. Now, the beautiful cherry tree and flowers that were all he had left in memory of his wife, that he so lovingly tended, are overgrown and withered. Terry may be willing to overlook it, but Janet finds it unbearable as the plants begin to encroach on her property. To her, it is an unforgivable offense, and Terry will not hear the end of it. Unfortunately for the Dixon's, there will be severe consequences for their interference. I hated Janet, but loved the story. I'm glad she's not my neighbor!
Last but not least was The Red, Red Road. Tom is a happily married family man with a dark past and a terrible secret that he has managed to hide for all these years. He has gone out of his way to avoid the Red Road ever since that long-ago night, but there is no way out of it this time. His crew will be working there, and he can't escape it any longer. What will happen when the truth comes out?
This novella-length tale was more gruesome than the previous two, and it was my favorite part of the book.
5 out of 5 stars
My thanks to Silver Thistle Press for the gifted paperback.
June 26, 2025
Three twisted tales that will keep you glued to the book. In ‘Tunnel Vision’, Helen tries to make a new life in the city after the shocking breakup of her relationship but longs for the familiarity of home. I’ve always hated pedestrian underpasses but I definitely won’t be entering one again after reading this story! In ‘The Garden of Friedan’, Terry and Janet are sick of their neighbour’s unkempt garden. After he dies and his children are locked in a legal battle over the house, the garden becomes a complete eyesore and blot on their suburban bliss. Terry and Janet decide to take their shears to the garden with unexpected (and terrible) consequences. In ‘The Red, Red Road’, Tom’s roadcrew is sent to work on the Red Road, near Tom’s childhood home and the scene of a fatal car accident when he was a teenager. I loved the song that constantly played in Tom’s head as he tried to work, its rhythm matching the drill-drill-drill of the roadworks.
The tales are psychological horror, we don’t know if there is anything actually there or if it is just in the protagonist’s mind. As always with Victoria Williamson’s work, the characters are deftly drawn. They each differ in degree of guilt, but they are all real people. The harm that is caused to the innocent by people’s selfish or bad actions came across as a strong theme but also the damage done to the perpetuator as well. I liked ‘Tunnel Vision’ the best, but Tainted Towns is a thoroughly enjoyable trio of creepy tales.
The tales are psychological horror, we don’t know if there is anything actually there or if it is just in the protagonist’s mind. As always with Victoria Williamson’s work, the characters are deftly drawn. They each differ in degree of guilt, but they are all real people. The harm that is caused to the innocent by people’s selfish or bad actions came across as a strong theme but also the damage done to the perpetuator as well. I liked ‘Tunnel Vision’ the best, but Tainted Towns is a thoroughly enjoyable trio of creepy tales.
August 27, 2025
This book delivers three chilling tales that blend psychological dread with supernatural unease, making for a fascinating read.
The author excels at creating a palpable atmosphere, drawing readers into unsettling settings like a lonely underpass and a decaying, malevolent garden.
Helen’s journey in “Tunnel Vision” is a powerful exploration of trauma and self-empowerment.
Tom’s agonizing guilt in “The Red, Red Road” is gripping, offering a haunting look at the inescapable nature of past actions.
The “Garden of Friedan” illustrates how neglected spaces can harbour dark forces.
While the character development is strong, some secondary characters could benefit from more depth, and certain plot resolutions, like Helen’s return to Kevin, felt a little rushed.
However, the overall pacing across the collection is effective, maintaining suspense and emotional impact.
What shines most brightly is Williamson’s evocative prose and her ability to tap into the unsettling undercurrents of everyday life.
The stories leave a lasting impression, prompting reflection on how our environments and our pasts shape us.
Recommended for fans of atmospheric horror and psychological suspense who enjoy stories that linger long after the last page.
If you appreciate stories where the setting itself becomes a character and the internal struggles of protagonists are as terrifying as any external threat, this collection is for you.
The author excels at creating a palpable atmosphere, drawing readers into unsettling settings like a lonely underpass and a decaying, malevolent garden.
Helen’s journey in “Tunnel Vision” is a powerful exploration of trauma and self-empowerment.
Tom’s agonizing guilt in “The Red, Red Road” is gripping, offering a haunting look at the inescapable nature of past actions.
The “Garden of Friedan” illustrates how neglected spaces can harbour dark forces.
While the character development is strong, some secondary characters could benefit from more depth, and certain plot resolutions, like Helen’s return to Kevin, felt a little rushed.
However, the overall pacing across the collection is effective, maintaining suspense and emotional impact.
What shines most brightly is Williamson’s evocative prose and her ability to tap into the unsettling undercurrents of everyday life.
The stories leave a lasting impression, prompting reflection on how our environments and our pasts shape us.
Recommended for fans of atmospheric horror and psychological suspense who enjoy stories that linger long after the last page.
If you appreciate stories where the setting itself becomes a character and the internal struggles of protagonists are as terrifying as any external threat, this collection is for you.
July 18, 2025
Tainted Towns doesn’t shout horror—it whispers it, the scuttling unease blooming from your spine like an incessant weed. Victoria Williamson expertly balances realism with the surreal, the resulting trio of tales gnawing at your thoughts long after reading.
From Helen’s nightly underpass fear to Tom’s guilt-soaked road and the garden that fights back, the horror is in what’s hinted at. Shadows loom larger than monsters, and regret is as haunting as any ghost. There’s a deftness to the character work—Helen’s weariness, Tom’s inner conflict, Terry and Janet’s brittle façade—all of them sharply drawn with very human flaws, which makes their fear more resonant.
The pacing is just right: tight enough to be gripping, but with enough room to build the quiet dread. You can feel the decay under the road, the wind in the overgrown garden, the cold echo of the underpass. It’s domestic terror, done with nuance and a literary edge.
A masterclass in understated horror, Tainted Towns proves that you don’t need jump scares or gore to unsettle. Williamson’s sharp writing and keen observation portray how thin the veil of normality really is. For fans of subtly unnerving tales with teeth beneath the surface, this is to be devoured.
From Helen’s nightly underpass fear to Tom’s guilt-soaked road and the garden that fights back, the horror is in what’s hinted at. Shadows loom larger than monsters, and regret is as haunting as any ghost. There’s a deftness to the character work—Helen’s weariness, Tom’s inner conflict, Terry and Janet’s brittle façade—all of them sharply drawn with very human flaws, which makes their fear more resonant.
The pacing is just right: tight enough to be gripping, but with enough room to build the quiet dread. You can feel the decay under the road, the wind in the overgrown garden, the cold echo of the underpass. It’s domestic terror, done with nuance and a literary edge.
A masterclass in understated horror, Tainted Towns proves that you don’t need jump scares or gore to unsettle. Williamson’s sharp writing and keen observation portray how thin the veil of normality really is. For fans of subtly unnerving tales with teeth beneath the surface, this is to be devoured.
August 1, 2025
Tainted Towns is a group of three stories. One is about a young lady who is recently out of a long-term relationship that went bad and moves out on her own in a new large city. She has to walk a scary tunnel to get home at the end of her work shift. What is following her every night during her walk? The second story is about a couple who live next to an elderly man who keeps his garden right up to their property. With no family willing to step up, they take care of the arrangements and spread his ashes in his beloved garden. After the garden starts encroaching their property. Every time they take matters into their own hands and get rid of the flora something happens to them. What can they do and how far with nature go? The last story is about a man who has a big secret that he has kept from everyone in his past involving an accident that killed his girlfriend and best friend and also injured him. He avoids that area for the rest of his life. Now his job is forcing him to work in that area. Will his guilty conscience get to him or will ghosts from his past exact their revenge? The stories were well written, and I would recommend this book.
August 12, 2025
A collection of three eerie, dark, and chilling stories.
Tunnel Vision: Helen is running from her past and is open to new beginnings. However, a tunnel she must cross after work proves that perhaps she is not ready to be on her own. Something dark and disturbed always seems to follow her.
The Garden Of Friedan: Janet can't stand her neighbor's over growing garden. It bothers her so much that she constantly nags her husband, Terry. No one can tend to the neighbor's garden, so Janet will take matters into her own hands, at her own peril.
The Red, Red Road: Tom and his crew are sent to Red Road to work on it. It is near his childhood home, where a tragedy occurred. This secret is slowly killing Tom inside, and his mind won't know how to take it.
Human guilt and psychological thriller are all neatly wrapped in one book. Will they or won't they, did they or didn't they, is it there or just a figment of their guilt and imagination? That is what this Tainted Towns collection has and so much more!
Thank you, Silver Thistle Press and Victoria Williamson, for this ARC book. All opinions are entirely my own.
Tunnel Vision: Helen is running from her past and is open to new beginnings. However, a tunnel she must cross after work proves that perhaps she is not ready to be on her own. Something dark and disturbed always seems to follow her.
The Garden Of Friedan: Janet can't stand her neighbor's over growing garden. It bothers her so much that she constantly nags her husband, Terry. No one can tend to the neighbor's garden, so Janet will take matters into her own hands, at her own peril.
The Red, Red Road: Tom and his crew are sent to Red Road to work on it. It is near his childhood home, where a tragedy occurred. This secret is slowly killing Tom inside, and his mind won't know how to take it.
Human guilt and psychological thriller are all neatly wrapped in one book. Will they or won't they, did they or didn't they, is it there or just a figment of their guilt and imagination? That is what this Tainted Towns collection has and so much more!
Thank you, Silver Thistle Press and Victoria Williamson, for this ARC book. All opinions are entirely my own.
July 23, 2025
When your ex is trash, your friends are traitors, and your mom thinks cheating is just “a phase,” maybe the real horror is family. Or maybe it’s the malevolent shadow in the tunnel that won’t stop following you. Hard to say.
This book serves 3 sinister stories, but the opener Tunnel Vision? That one had me clutching my imaginary pearls and reconsidering every underpass I’ve ever walked through. Think psychological horror meets existential dread with a feminist scream muffled by a throw pillow.
👩🏽 FMC Energy: Emotional damage with a side of knife
👻 Aesthetic: Domestic horror, but make it poetic
🕰️ Pacing: Slow-burn paranoia to full-throttle “am I the monster?”
Trigger Warnings: gaslighting, infidelity, emotional abuse, isolation, mild gore, death.
Spice: No heat, just trauma—served cold.
Mood: Melancholy, creepy, soul-shaking
Would I move to one of these towns? Absolutely not. Would I read another book set there? Immediately.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book serves 3 sinister stories, but the opener Tunnel Vision? That one had me clutching my imaginary pearls and reconsidering every underpass I’ve ever walked through. Think psychological horror meets existential dread with a feminist scream muffled by a throw pillow.
👩🏽 FMC Energy: Emotional damage with a side of knife
👻 Aesthetic: Domestic horror, but make it poetic
🕰️ Pacing: Slow-burn paranoia to full-throttle “am I the monster?”
Trigger Warnings: gaslighting, infidelity, emotional abuse, isolation, mild gore, death.
Spice: No heat, just trauma—served cold.
Mood: Melancholy, creepy, soul-shaking
Would I move to one of these towns? Absolutely not. Would I read another book set there? Immediately.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 12, 2025
Thanks to Booksirens for the advanced reader copy. Bookcover designs always attract me and the synopsis i found this intriguing, that much so i went back and requested a copy.
I dont really usually venture to anthology or short stories but i do think this was worth it. The book is split into 3 different stories and their all unique in their own setting. Each story is very absorbing and interesting , a very intriguing read , i do think some of these could actually be their own book. Some good events and descriptive writing setting the scene.
The first story definitely builds tension, my favourite was the 2nd story with the events of the garden i thought this worked really well . Really enjoyed all three in this book.
I dont really usually venture to anthology or short stories but i do think this was worth it. The book is split into 3 different stories and their all unique in their own setting. Each story is very absorbing and interesting , a very intriguing read , i do think some of these could actually be their own book. Some good events and descriptive writing setting the scene.
The first story definitely builds tension, my favourite was the 2nd story with the events of the garden i thought this worked really well . Really enjoyed all three in this book.
July 29, 2025
3 creepy stories that leave you eying up your neighbours and their flowerbeds, to be going the long way instead of going through short cut tunnels - although had to go through one yesterday with my son so I sung wind the bobbin up 😏 yeh I did lol..
So the first story I was like no way this girl going through with that and then at the end I literally slapped my head like stunned.. does make you question what scares us the must may be ourselves..
The second story, I was eying up my neighbours garden, which to be fair is mostly potted plant but I feel like I will stay away for a little while.. 🤭
The third story which is absolutely my favourite, had chills sent straight to my soul, just shows everyone has a past..
So the first story I was like no way this girl going through with that and then at the end I literally slapped my head like stunned.. does make you question what scares us the must may be ourselves..
The second story, I was eying up my neighbours garden, which to be fair is mostly potted plant but I feel like I will stay away for a little while.. 🤭
The third story which is absolutely my favourite, had chills sent straight to my soul, just shows everyone has a past..
June 26, 2025
Thanks to Silver Thisle Press for the ARC and care package.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It combines my fave authors such as Stephen King and Adam Nevill but delivers it in half the words!
The third story is my fave. Though all three are good. Slow decent into madness being the main trope, the author does deal with several other sociological and psychological issues with great horrific scenes.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It combines my fave authors such as Stephen King and Adam Nevill but delivers it in half the words!
The third story is my fave. Though all three are good. Slow decent into madness being the main trope, the author does deal with several other sociological and psychological issues with great horrific scenes.
June 30, 2025
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Now, to the book! I was surprised when rwad8jg this book. All three stories were pretty good. They did seem a little unfinished and you could pretty much guess the ending after reading the first one. Still kt was pretty good. Writing horror isn't easy. I liked that the stories were not overly drawn out.
Definitely a fan of the shorter stories va three long books masked as "stories". Overall, a good read.
Now, to the book! I was surprised when rwad8jg this book. All three stories were pretty good. They did seem a little unfinished and you could pretty much guess the ending after reading the first one. Still kt was pretty good. Writing horror isn't easy. I liked that the stories were not overly drawn out.
Definitely a fan of the shorter stories va three long books masked as "stories". Overall, a good read.
July 24, 2025
I’ve used the CAWPILE method to rate this book. Here are the stories and the rating I’ve given them.
The Red, Red Road: 9/10
The Garden of Friedan: 8/10
Tunnel Vision: 7.75/10
I really like how these are written and that it can keep my attention. Not a lot of short stories can. If you’re wondering if you should read it or not, read it!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The Red, Red Road: 9/10
The Garden of Friedan: 8/10
Tunnel Vision: 7.75/10
I really like how these are written and that it can keep my attention. Not a lot of short stories can. If you’re wondering if you should read it or not, read it!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 26, 2025
3 different creepy tales 3 totally different reactions from me…
The first story had me avoiding the little ally I walk down with my doggo every night 😅
The second story left me so confused (in a good way) and eyeing up my jungle of a garden warily 🤣
The third (and probs my fav of the 3)…left my jaw dropped I really wasn’t expecting that and thought it was pretty savage 😬
Enjoyed all 3 tales awesome spooky reading for a cosy evening in 🤩
The first story had me avoiding the little ally I walk down with my doggo every night 😅
The second story left me so confused (in a good way) and eyeing up my jungle of a garden warily 🤣
The third (and probs my fav of the 3)…left my jaw dropped I really wasn’t expecting that and thought it was pretty savage 😬
Enjoyed all 3 tales awesome spooky reading for a cosy evening in 🤩
June 20, 2025
A book of three tales all creepy in their own way.
The first, I was not expecting that! Really turned on its tail there.
The second was good nature versus gardener.
The third dark secrets and a man trying to hide them.
Very good read & will be reading more of this authors work. The stories were short but long enough to get into and really enjoy.
The first, I was not expecting that! Really turned on its tail there.
The second was good nature versus gardener.
The third dark secrets and a man trying to hide them.
Very good read & will be reading more of this authors work. The stories were short but long enough to get into and really enjoy.
June 20, 2025
I got this as an ARC and this is my honest review
So the stories each seemed to start out good but then they just got predictable for me. The endings felt unfinished and just not scary/creepy enough. I definitely preferred Eerie Exhibits to Tainted Towns. I like the authors writing style and still want to read her other works, this just wasn't my favorite.
So the stories each seemed to start out good but then they just got predictable for me. The endings felt unfinished and just not scary/creepy enough. I definitely preferred Eerie Exhibits to Tainted Towns. I like the authors writing style and still want to read her other works, this just wasn't my favorite.
July 24, 2025
Another fantastic set of stories from the author, all so eerie in their own different way, I really enjoyed that there was a sentimental message behind the horror.
My favourite was ‘The Garden of Friedan’ was dreading it every time a new gardening plan was being plotted.
These are short, but they are so well written you feel like you are getting a longer story.
My favourite was ‘The Garden of Friedan’ was dreading it every time a new gardening plan was being plotted.
These are short, but they are so well written you feel like you are getting a longer story.
September 3, 2025
Three stories that pack a punch! Victoria does it again in these shorts that cause us to examine the unsettling. Each tale draws us into an unusual situation, and the stories are Creep Showesque. The best of the three was "The Garden Of Friedan" where you don't want to mess with these plants. The characters are so well drawn that the stories are hard to stop until you've finished the whole book.
August 5, 2025
Three creepy reads about three different set of people trying to fight what is going on. Each tale will send shivers up and down your spine. A great scary read
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and a great creepy read
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and a great creepy read
October 4, 2025
Each of these stories leaves you wanting more. The stories were well written making the book hard to put down.
I was given a copy of this book by Hidden Gems Books.
I was given a copy of this book by Hidden Gems Books.
February 22, 2026
This was really good, I enjoyed all three sinister tales.
I received a free ARC and am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received a free ARC and am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 28, 2025
This was a really nice trilogy of scary stories. Each story a unique one, and not one bad story in the bunch.
The first story is about a woman who lives alone in the city, and each day when she goes to work, she has to walk home through a tunnel, at night. She starts to see an evil entity following her but only at night. What is it and what does it want?
The second story centers around Terry and Janet. They live in a quiet, quaint neighborhood, where they take much pride in their lawns. However, the neighbor next-door has a yard that's out of control, literally. What will happen when they decide to take things into their own hands?
The third story is probably my favorite. Tom is a hardworking man who has spent over 20 years hiding a very deep dark secret. He killed two people when he was a teenager. He's actively avoided the street where it occurred. However, now the company he's working for has to some work on the very road where the accident occurred. What will happen to him once he has to face the past? I received this book free from Booksirens for an honest review.
The first story is about a woman who lives alone in the city, and each day when she goes to work, she has to walk home through a tunnel, at night. She starts to see an evil entity following her but only at night. What is it and what does it want?
The second story centers around Terry and Janet. They live in a quiet, quaint neighborhood, where they take much pride in their lawns. However, the neighbor next-door has a yard that's out of control, literally. What will happen when they decide to take things into their own hands?
The third story is probably my favorite. Tom is a hardworking man who has spent over 20 years hiding a very deep dark secret. He killed two people when he was a teenager. He's actively avoided the street where it occurred. However, now the company he's working for has to some work on the very road where the accident occurred. What will happen to him once he has to face the past? I received this book free from Booksirens for an honest review.
March 26, 2026
This book may only be three stories long but they all pack a real punch, getting progressively heavier as they go along.
The first story is a simple enough idea, something stalking a woman through the loneliness of a city. But when she is finally able to face the entity? Wow.
The second story is a couple struggling with life in general and appearances but most of all the overgrown garden of their dead neighbor. But the more they try to take control of the garden, the more they lose control of their own lives.
The third story is about a man haunted by decisions made in his youth. This one was the longest and by far the heaviest one. I saw certain factors coming long before they hit but even still, even knowing they were coming, when they arrived. UGH. These were supposed to be spooky stories! And this one made me so damn freaking sad. So good though.
All three stories were enjoyed on my sofa with some hot cocoa and snacks. I would suggest the same for you but I got so caught up in the stories my cocoa got cold. :(
Highly suggest checking this one out if you're looking for some spooky stories for this Halloween season.
Thank you to Silver Thistle Press and Victoria Williamson for the gifted copy of this book. It's sitting proudly on my shelf with my other short story/anthology books.
The first story is a simple enough idea, something stalking a woman through the loneliness of a city. But when she is finally able to face the entity? Wow.
The second story is a couple struggling with life in general and appearances but most of all the overgrown garden of their dead neighbor. But the more they try to take control of the garden, the more they lose control of their own lives.
The third story is about a man haunted by decisions made in his youth. This one was the longest and by far the heaviest one. I saw certain factors coming long before they hit but even still, even knowing they were coming, when they arrived. UGH. These were supposed to be spooky stories! And this one made me so damn freaking sad. So good though.
All three stories were enjoyed on my sofa with some hot cocoa and snacks. I would suggest the same for you but I got so caught up in the stories my cocoa got cold. :(
Highly suggest checking this one out if you're looking for some spooky stories for this Halloween season.
Thank you to Silver Thistle Press and Victoria Williamson for the gifted copy of this book. It's sitting proudly on my shelf with my other short story/anthology books.
December 28, 2025
This book contains three chilling stories, perfect for spooky season.
The stories are themed around small town life, where keeping up appearances is important.
The first is about a woman who feels forced to leave her small town after her fiance cheated on her with her best friend. She moves to the city and feels lonely. Every night after work she returns home through a creepy underpass and feels a strange presence following her.
The second story is about a couple who are annoyed that their deceased neighbour's garden is untidy so take matters into their own hands, with unexpected results. This story had a dark humour to it which I loved.
The third and final story is about Tom, a road worker who has to return to the scene of a grisly accident that happened in his youth. This story was a bit longer than the others and was quite emotional.
I don't want to give away too much, so you will have to read them yourself to find out what happens!
I really enjoyed the creepiness of these stories and loved the hint of the supernatural.
The stories are themed around small town life, where keeping up appearances is important.
The first is about a woman who feels forced to leave her small town after her fiance cheated on her with her best friend. She moves to the city and feels lonely. Every night after work she returns home through a creepy underpass and feels a strange presence following her.
The second story is about a couple who are annoyed that their deceased neighbour's garden is untidy so take matters into their own hands, with unexpected results. This story had a dark humour to it which I loved.
The third and final story is about Tom, a road worker who has to return to the scene of a grisly accident that happened in his youth. This story was a bit longer than the others and was quite emotional.
I don't want to give away too much, so you will have to read them yourself to find out what happens!
I really enjoyed the creepiness of these stories and loved the hint of the supernatural.
January 9, 2026
I absolutely loved this book! It's a quick read, with three short stories that are fast paced, twisty and dripping with dread. I will be on the lookout for more from this author, what an amazing story teller she is!
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