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The Secret of Camp Shackelford: Book 1
The Secret of Camp Shackelford, Book 1
The old campfire story; that mysterious, dark tall-tale told, or rather performed, in the midts of the wilderness by the dancing light and shadows of a small campfire, with the indubitable purpose of scaring young campers out of their proverbial wits. While good campfire story tellers could send quivers into the depths of childhood minds, the best performers could impose a freezing terror on their juvenile audiences leaving them with slightly unnerving, yet fond memories of a well-spent summer vacation. For in the end, even the most shaken of campers knew that it was all just a story; a well imagined fictious yarn.
However, the most classic and lasting stories told by the soft crackling of dry burning wood and the glowing light of a crescent moon, are the ones that left one to wonder if it was true. When young minds left wondering if it was all just an ugly fairy tale, or was the nightmarish story real, is when the memories lingered on, constantly rekindling the terror over and over for a lifetime.
Is the Secret of Camp Shackleford such a fabricated tale, or was it real? Could something so preposterous have really happened? You decide.
The old campfire story; that mysterious, dark tall-tale told, or rather performed, in the midts of the wilderness by the dancing light and shadows of a small campfire, with the indubitable purpose of scaring young campers out of their proverbial wits. While good campfire story tellers could send quivers into the depths of childhood minds, the best performers could impose a freezing terror on their juvenile audiences leaving them with slightly unnerving, yet fond memories of a well-spent summer vacation. For in the end, even the most shaken of campers knew that it was all just a story; a well imagined fictious yarn.
However, the most classic and lasting stories told by the soft crackling of dry burning wood and the glowing light of a crescent moon, are the ones that left one to wonder if it was true. When young minds left wondering if it was all just an ugly fairy tale, or was the nightmarish story real, is when the memories lingered on, constantly rekindling the terror over and over for a lifetime.
Is the Secret of Camp Shackleford such a fabricated tale, or was it real? Could something so preposterous have really happened? You decide.
55 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 15, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
February 3, 2026
This was a fun horror story for teens that I imagine could be told around the campfire. Perhaps "fun" is the not the right word for this, although I did enjoy the reading. Riveting? Creepy? Gruesome? All of the above, I suppose. This is a story you don't want to listen to if you're distracted by other things like driving or making dinner. It's much better if you just close your eyes and imagine sitting by a crackling fire in the dark outdoors listening to the narrator tell this tale about his experiences as a camper in the same campgrounds you're currently sitting in. Without giving anything away, imagine this scenario and the narrator starts describing events of a supernatural variety and you start to peer into the dark, listening intently, and trying to see if anything out there is listening. Yes, this was one of those stories.
I'm not familiar with newcomer narrator, Marc Glave, but I thought he did an excellent job and would definitely listen to him again. He may not be as polished as some of the greats like Ray Porter, but he has potential and was easily drawn into this story, imagining the camp as he described it. If you're looking for a quick story that gives you an idea of his narration chops, this is a story worth listening to.
I received an advance review copy for free from the author, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I'm not familiar with newcomer narrator, Marc Glave, but I thought he did an excellent job and would definitely listen to him again. He may not be as polished as some of the greats like Ray Porter, but he has potential and was easily drawn into this story, imagining the camp as he described it. If you're looking for a quick story that gives you an idea of his narration chops, this is a story worth listening to.
I received an advance review copy for free from the author, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
All thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 25, 2025
This is definitely a thrilling and mysterious campfire story for teens! This book had me guessing throughout it and left chills down my spine. Was the campfire tale real? What memories can you really trust in the end?
The narrator and camp counselor of Camp Shackelford, John, begins by describing how much he enjoyed going to the camp every summer as a young teen, despite his first initial hesitation. Until one summer where he and his friends world got turned upside-down forever. They were told an old story about the camp that was so horrifying, they weren't sure they even believed it. Just what was in those woods beyond them at night? Should they try and find out, or was it not worth the risk? They would soon get some answers.
This story is full of mystery, intrigue, entertainment, and is the perfect ghost story to read with your friends at night (just don't say I didn't warn you if you can't get to sleep at night!). The plot twists in this story are exciting and show up when you least expect it. The characters' are very relatable to teens and show authenticity and genuine emotion. Great world-building as well, and the setting is rich in description and has a classic spine-tingling atmosphere. I can't wait to read the next book in the series!
The narrator and camp counselor of Camp Shackelford, John, begins by describing how much he enjoyed going to the camp every summer as a young teen, despite his first initial hesitation. Until one summer where he and his friends world got turned upside-down forever. They were told an old story about the camp that was so horrifying, they weren't sure they even believed it. Just what was in those woods beyond them at night? Should they try and find out, or was it not worth the risk? They would soon get some answers.
This story is full of mystery, intrigue, entertainment, and is the perfect ghost story to read with your friends at night (just don't say I didn't warn you if you can't get to sleep at night!). The plot twists in this story are exciting and show up when you least expect it. The characters' are very relatable to teens and show authenticity and genuine emotion. Great world-building as well, and the setting is rich in description and has a classic spine-tingling atmosphere. I can't wait to read the next book in the series!
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews