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The Convent
Dark stories always find their way into the light.
A collection of twenty spine-tingling tales, The Convent blurs the line between reality and the supernatural. From forgotten folktales to eerie real-life encounters, from haunted rural landscapes to sinister urban legends―each story promises to unsettle, thrill, and stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page.
Step into the real world of horror―but beware, you may never leave unscathed.
A collection of twenty spine-tingling tales, The Convent blurs the line between reality and the supernatural. From forgotten folktales to eerie real-life encounters, from haunted rural landscapes to sinister urban legends―each story promises to unsettle, thrill, and stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page.
Step into the real world of horror―but beware, you may never leave unscathed.
236 pages, Hardcover
Published May 23, 2025
4 people want to read
About the author
Scottshak
3 books7 followersScottshak, or Prashant Singh, was born on November 26, 1988 in Chandigarh, India. His upbringing took him across various places, from Kasauli, Delhi, and Jaisalmer to Vadodara and Bhopal, reflecting a nomadic childhood due to his father’s (Pramod Kumar Singh) career in the Indian Air Force. After serving 20 years, his father transitioned to business and now works full-time with Ericsson. His mother, Punam Singh, initially worked as a computer teacher at Air Force School in Jaisalmer, then as a lab manager for the American School of Baroda, before ultimately retiring to become a full-time homemaker.
Prashant first saw his writing in print at the age of 5 in a school magazine at Air Force Golden Jubilee Institute in Delhi. Though unnoticed by others, seeing his name in print brought him immense joy.
Scottshak: Author and Bibliophile
From an early age, Prashant had a strong passion for reading. His love affair with literature began at age 8, and he wouldn’t put down a book until it was finished. He eagerly read his English textbooks as soon as they were handed out each school year and would often borrow books from his elder brother, Diwya Singh.
Inspired by the works of Mark Twain, Alexandre Dumas, and William Shakespeare, he dreamt of becoming an author. His aspiration began in the Foreword sections of books, where he imagined himself as part of the literary elite, inspiring young readers just as he had been.
In eighth grade, he began writing in earnest, initially attempting an autobiography in a diary, despite struggling with English tenses. But his true journey as a writer began in ninth grade when he met his English teacher, Kirty Kochar, at Zenith School in Vadodara. Her enthusiasm for literature deepened his love for it, and her recommendations became a guiding force. He was once caught by his father reading Dan Brown’s work tucked inside his science workbook, with an exam the next day!
Around this time, he wrote his first poem, marking the start of his poetic journey. He continued writing sonnets, ballads, and short stories, even attempting a novel, though he struggled to find a clear direction for his work.
His father would often scold him for not preparing for English exams, to which he would reply, “What is there to prepare? I know all the stories by heart.” He went on to win numerous essay competitions in school and consistently achieved top marks in English.
Eventually, Prashant found himself in Computer Engineering, a field chosen more by fate than passion. He studied at NRI Institute of Technology in Bhopal, where he continued writing in his spare time. He produced numerous prologues, though none matured into full-fledged works. His first complete piece, An Untitled Project of Love, was written during college, and he often carried a printout for friends to read.
After college, he joined Mphasis, a software company in Chennai, and freelanced for international clients to keep his creativity alive. He also joined the HitRecord community, showcasing his work under the pen name Scottshak.
Literary Ventures
Prashant ventured into blogging, creating two major projects:
• Straight From a Movie: A testament to his love for cinema, where he reviews over a hundred films each year.
• The Darkest Blog: A collection of horror stories, allowing him to explore his fascination with the genre. He also animates content for this blog.
During this time, he also created Songs of a Ruin, a blog for his collection of poems.
In 2015, he embarked on a large mythology-related project but found it challenging to balance his dreams with his corporate life. To stay connected to his interests, he created Dumb IT Dude, a website to help others with software issues.
In 2016, after discussing his ambitions with a friend, he decided to publish an anthology of poems before attempting a novel. His first book, Songs of a Ruin, was released on February 12, 2017, and reached #22 on Amazon’s bestseller under th
Prashant first saw his writing in print at the age of 5 in a school magazine at Air Force Golden Jubilee Institute in Delhi. Though unnoticed by others, seeing his name in print brought him immense joy.
Scottshak: Author and Bibliophile
From an early age, Prashant had a strong passion for reading. His love affair with literature began at age 8, and he wouldn’t put down a book until it was finished. He eagerly read his English textbooks as soon as they were handed out each school year and would often borrow books from his elder brother, Diwya Singh.
Inspired by the works of Mark Twain, Alexandre Dumas, and William Shakespeare, he dreamt of becoming an author. His aspiration began in the Foreword sections of books, where he imagined himself as part of the literary elite, inspiring young readers just as he had been.
In eighth grade, he began writing in earnest, initially attempting an autobiography in a diary, despite struggling with English tenses. But his true journey as a writer began in ninth grade when he met his English teacher, Kirty Kochar, at Zenith School in Vadodara. Her enthusiasm for literature deepened his love for it, and her recommendations became a guiding force. He was once caught by his father reading Dan Brown’s work tucked inside his science workbook, with an exam the next day!
Around this time, he wrote his first poem, marking the start of his poetic journey. He continued writing sonnets, ballads, and short stories, even attempting a novel, though he struggled to find a clear direction for his work.
His father would often scold him for not preparing for English exams, to which he would reply, “What is there to prepare? I know all the stories by heart.” He went on to win numerous essay competitions in school and consistently achieved top marks in English.
Eventually, Prashant found himself in Computer Engineering, a field chosen more by fate than passion. He studied at NRI Institute of Technology in Bhopal, where he continued writing in his spare time. He produced numerous prologues, though none matured into full-fledged works. His first complete piece, An Untitled Project of Love, was written during college, and he often carried a printout for friends to read.
After college, he joined Mphasis, a software company in Chennai, and freelanced for international clients to keep his creativity alive. He also joined the HitRecord community, showcasing his work under the pen name Scottshak.
Literary Ventures
Prashant ventured into blogging, creating two major projects:
• Straight From a Movie: A testament to his love for cinema, where he reviews over a hundred films each year.
• The Darkest Blog: A collection of horror stories, allowing him to explore his fascination with the genre. He also animates content for this blog.
During this time, he also created Songs of a Ruin, a blog for his collection of poems.
In 2015, he embarked on a large mythology-related project but found it challenging to balance his dreams with his corporate life. To stay connected to his interests, he created Dumb IT Dude, a website to help others with software issues.
In 2016, after discussing his ambitions with a friend, he decided to publish an anthology of poems before attempting a novel. His first book, Songs of a Ruin, was released on February 12, 2017, and reached #22 on Amazon’s bestseller under th
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
October 13, 2025
This book is a collection of 20 horror stories, ranging from short to long, from 'true' incidents to fictional ones. It has diverse story settings, from the villages of India to the mansions in the UK.
I loved mostly all the stories, especially the longer ones. What, I think, is so special about this story collection is the story building around the characters leading to the main act. It is very well-written. It made me invest in the story and its characters, so that I felt everything that is happening in it.
Few of my favorites are The floor is Rava, The Curse of Aripa, The Folklore of Chhayapur and Pandubba.
I loved the concept of The Floor is Rava, which is literally The Floor is Lava game, with horror in it. The end of The Curse of Aripa made chills in my skin. The Folklore of Chhayapur was gory.
I liked the Pandubba, because, like everyone else, I too had a grandmother who told us kids stories at bedtime. It reminded me of that time and her horror stories I listened at my young age. Nostalgic.
Not only these few stories, but all the stories are unique in characters, settings, location and everything. Every one of the stories is worth reading.
I loved mostly all the stories, especially the longer ones. What, I think, is so special about this story collection is the story building around the characters leading to the main act. It is very well-written. It made me invest in the story and its characters, so that I felt everything that is happening in it.
Few of my favorites are The floor is Rava, The Curse of Aripa, The Folklore of Chhayapur and Pandubba.
I loved the concept of The Floor is Rava, which is literally The Floor is Lava game, with horror in it. The end of The Curse of Aripa made chills in my skin. The Folklore of Chhayapur was gory.
I liked the Pandubba, because, like everyone else, I too had a grandmother who told us kids stories at bedtime. It reminded me of that time and her horror stories I listened at my young age. Nostalgic.
Not only these few stories, but all the stories are unique in characters, settings, location and everything. Every one of the stories is worth reading.
September 30, 2025
The Convent by Scottshack, It contains 20 short stories, some fictional and others true accounts from real life, based on people connected with the author, as mentioned in the preface. Personally, I prefer reading it at night to fully experience each page and immerse myself in the eerie atmosphere.
This is a spoiler-free review, but the stories are incredibly diverse. Some feature male protagonists, others women, keeping the fear fresh and unpredictable. Squeaky Door brings nostalgic hostel day vibes, While Pandooba, dedicated to the author’s grandmother, is truly spine chilling.
The Lady in Red is a thrilling rollercoaster with a terrifying ending. Eight takes you to Adventure-X, a tourism spot haunted by the ghost of a serial killer, and Thirteenth Floor delivers corporate horror that fans of Thomas Ligotti will love. Every story grips you and keeps you on edge until the very last page.
PS:- There is so much more I can’t tell you about the stories. To find out, grab your copy from the Amazon.
Overall Rating:-
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟/5
This is a spoiler-free review, but the stories are incredibly diverse. Some feature male protagonists, others women, keeping the fear fresh and unpredictable. Squeaky Door brings nostalgic hostel day vibes, While Pandooba, dedicated to the author’s grandmother, is truly spine chilling.
The Lady in Red is a thrilling rollercoaster with a terrifying ending. Eight takes you to Adventure-X, a tourism spot haunted by the ghost of a serial killer, and Thirteenth Floor delivers corporate horror that fans of Thomas Ligotti will love. Every story grips you and keeps you on edge until the very last page.
PS:- There is so much more I can’t tell you about the stories. To find out, grab your copy from the Amazon.
Overall Rating:-
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟/5
September 6, 2025
The Convent by Scottshak
⚠️ Warning – Read this one in the company of someone! This collection of short stories will scare the ghost out of you. 😮😂
Imagine being alone in a forgotten building, its corridors echoing with the weight of untold sorrows. The hush of the place is broken by a faint whisper at your ear, and in the dimness, a figure takes shape, a fleeting silhouette that chills you to the bone. That quiet, lingering dread is what I felt while reading this book.
I’ve read countless horror books over the years, and even as a child I was always the most eager to hear scary tales especially the ones my parents would tell. I even had a habit of inventing horror stories of my own, which I believe is why most of the ones I read today feel too predictable. But that was not the case with The Convent.
This collection of 20 horror stories isn’t confined to one region or country. The author takes us far and wide, from the narrow lanes of Madhya Pradesh and the villages of Bihar, to the capital city of Delhi and even the highways of Denver.
The opening story, set in a convent nestled in the Crescenta mountains, sets the tone perfectly. Sophia attends the funeral of Sister Margaret, who died in a tragic accident, only to encounter something in the dormitories of St. Xavier’s—something she can’t quite place, but that lingers in her subconscious.
Another tale, Checkout, unsettled me on an entirely different level. It was brilliantly unpredictable, and the ending left me stunned. Christy and Mike, along with their two-year-old son Zack, are driving to visit Christy’s parents in Ogden, Utah. A wrong turn on the highway forces them to spend the night in a strange, rundown motel with flickering lights and unsettlingly small rooms. With only single beds available, Mike ends up in a separate room and what unfolds that night is chilling, terrifying, and dangerously close to death.
Then there’s Sachar’s nightmare in his uncle Krishna’s shack in Delhi ,an episode so eerie it made my legs go weak.
Among the collection, Scottshak unveils a chilling tale, The Folklore of Chayyapur. In this cursed village, the birth of a girl was met with a ritual of drowning the newborn in the river’s depths. When the cruelty grew unbearable and a grieving mother, Binita, could no longer endure the torment, the unthinkable occurred. From the very waters that claimed her, Binita’s drowned daughter rose, a phantom of vengeance, to haunt the villagers. But beware ! That is only the beginning. Read the book to discover the rest of this dark legend.
Some stories carry humor, others lure you into mystical forests, while many plunge you into smoldering horrors that feel so vivid you almost see flickering flames in the dark. The variety in the stories , is what makes this book stand apart.
Scottshak’s The Convent is refreshingly different from the usual horror fare. It isn’t easily predictable, and it kept me hooked throughout. Each time I finished one story, I couldn’t wait to dive into the next and see what else the author’s imagination had in store.
“Fellow bookstagrammers, you must read this one! The stories in this collection are bone-chilling, and I have mentioned a few titles that shook me the most. Go grab your copy and I guarantee it will haunt you in the best possible way.”
⚠️ Warning – Read this one in the company of someone! This collection of short stories will scare the ghost out of you. 😮😂
Imagine being alone in a forgotten building, its corridors echoing with the weight of untold sorrows. The hush of the place is broken by a faint whisper at your ear, and in the dimness, a figure takes shape, a fleeting silhouette that chills you to the bone. That quiet, lingering dread is what I felt while reading this book.
I’ve read countless horror books over the years, and even as a child I was always the most eager to hear scary tales especially the ones my parents would tell. I even had a habit of inventing horror stories of my own, which I believe is why most of the ones I read today feel too predictable. But that was not the case with The Convent.
This collection of 20 horror stories isn’t confined to one region or country. The author takes us far and wide, from the narrow lanes of Madhya Pradesh and the villages of Bihar, to the capital city of Delhi and even the highways of Denver.
The opening story, set in a convent nestled in the Crescenta mountains, sets the tone perfectly. Sophia attends the funeral of Sister Margaret, who died in a tragic accident, only to encounter something in the dormitories of St. Xavier’s—something she can’t quite place, but that lingers in her subconscious.
Another tale, Checkout, unsettled me on an entirely different level. It was brilliantly unpredictable, and the ending left me stunned. Christy and Mike, along with their two-year-old son Zack, are driving to visit Christy’s parents in Ogden, Utah. A wrong turn on the highway forces them to spend the night in a strange, rundown motel with flickering lights and unsettlingly small rooms. With only single beds available, Mike ends up in a separate room and what unfolds that night is chilling, terrifying, and dangerously close to death.
Then there’s Sachar’s nightmare in his uncle Krishna’s shack in Delhi ,an episode so eerie it made my legs go weak.
Among the collection, Scottshak unveils a chilling tale, The Folklore of Chayyapur. In this cursed village, the birth of a girl was met with a ritual of drowning the newborn in the river’s depths. When the cruelty grew unbearable and a grieving mother, Binita, could no longer endure the torment, the unthinkable occurred. From the very waters that claimed her, Binita’s drowned daughter rose, a phantom of vengeance, to haunt the villagers. But beware ! That is only the beginning. Read the book to discover the rest of this dark legend.
Some stories carry humor, others lure you into mystical forests, while many plunge you into smoldering horrors that feel so vivid you almost see flickering flames in the dark. The variety in the stories , is what makes this book stand apart.
Scottshak’s The Convent is refreshingly different from the usual horror fare. It isn’t easily predictable, and it kept me hooked throughout. Each time I finished one story, I couldn’t wait to dive into the next and see what else the author’s imagination had in store.
“Fellow bookstagrammers, you must read this one! The stories in this collection are bone-chilling, and I have mentioned a few titles that shook me the most. Go grab your copy and I guarantee it will haunt you in the best possible way.”
September 8, 2025
When I picked up The Convent by Scottshak I expected a single long tale; instead I found an anthology — twenty short horror stories gathered into one volume. The book’s premise (folktales, haunted rural landscapes and urban legends woven with eerie “real-life” encounters) is clear from the opening blurb, and the cover art sets the mood before a single sentence.
Tone & atmosphere
What struck me immediately was how consistently the collection cultivates a slow, claustrophobic unease rather than jump-scare theatrics. The atmosphere leans toward classic gothic and rural-folklore horror: empty lanes, old buildings, and the sense that something ordinary is quietly wrong. Even when a story moves into a more urban setting the tone is the same — quiet dread over loud shocks — which makes the book a steady read for anyone who prefers lingering chills to flashy gore.
Stories & themes
The stories feel like snapshots of the uncanny: some read like modern retellings of old folktales, others read as if they were pulled from whispered urban legends. The collection’s strength is variety within a coherent palette — you get haunted houses, strange rituals, and encounters that blur the border between memory and myth. Each piece aims to unsettle and linger rather than explain everything, which I appreciated as a conscious stylistic choice.
Writing and pacing
Scottshak’s prose is lean and economical across the book: sentences rarely linger on description for its own sake, and many stories use a tight, forward motion to build unease. As a result, the pacing varies — some pieces feel brisk and stinglike, others take a more patient route, allowing the atmosphere to thicken. I never quite knew whether the next story would be a blink-and-you-miss-it shock or a slow, crawling dread.
What worked for me
I loved that the collection doesn’t try to explain every oddity. Several tales end on ambiguous notes that continued to replay in my head after I closed the book — which is exactly what I want from short horror. The cultural texture in some stories (village superstitions, local legends) adds freshness, and the recurring undercurrent — that the world holds small, stubborn horrors beneath its ordinary exterior — felt thoughtfully consistent.
Who I recommend it to
If you enjoy short horror that favors atmosphere, folklore, and psychological tension over overt explanation, this is a good pick. It’s also a nice choice for readers who like anthologies that let individual pieces do their own work — you can read one before bed and put the book down, but beware: chances are one of them will replay in your head later.
Tone & atmosphere
What struck me immediately was how consistently the collection cultivates a slow, claustrophobic unease rather than jump-scare theatrics. The atmosphere leans toward classic gothic and rural-folklore horror: empty lanes, old buildings, and the sense that something ordinary is quietly wrong. Even when a story moves into a more urban setting the tone is the same — quiet dread over loud shocks — which makes the book a steady read for anyone who prefers lingering chills to flashy gore.
Stories & themes
The stories feel like snapshots of the uncanny: some read like modern retellings of old folktales, others read as if they were pulled from whispered urban legends. The collection’s strength is variety within a coherent palette — you get haunted houses, strange rituals, and encounters that blur the border between memory and myth. Each piece aims to unsettle and linger rather than explain everything, which I appreciated as a conscious stylistic choice.
Writing and pacing
Scottshak’s prose is lean and economical across the book: sentences rarely linger on description for its own sake, and many stories use a tight, forward motion to build unease. As a result, the pacing varies — some pieces feel brisk and stinglike, others take a more patient route, allowing the atmosphere to thicken. I never quite knew whether the next story would be a blink-and-you-miss-it shock or a slow, crawling dread.
What worked for me
I loved that the collection doesn’t try to explain every oddity. Several tales end on ambiguous notes that continued to replay in my head after I closed the book — which is exactly what I want from short horror. The cultural texture in some stories (village superstitions, local legends) adds freshness, and the recurring undercurrent — that the world holds small, stubborn horrors beneath its ordinary exterior — felt thoughtfully consistent.
Who I recommend it to
If you enjoy short horror that favors atmosphere, folklore, and psychological tension over overt explanation, this is a good pick. It’s also a nice choice for readers who like anthologies that let individual pieces do their own work — you can read one before bed and put the book down, but beware: chances are one of them will replay in your head later.
September 1, 2025
The stories gathered under the title The Convent do not approach horror as spectacle but as persistence. Each story lingers less on what a ghost looks like than on what it does to a place, to memory, to the human mind. The uncanny here is never abrupt, it seeps, it stains, it remains.
The prose carries the cadence of lived speech. It does not attempt ornate imagery or rhetorical display, it presents events with the same economy and bluntness with which rumours or testimonies are recounted. That very restraint becomes unnerving. When a voice that sounds so ordinary tells you of an impossible apparition, disbelief falters. The reader feels less like they are engaging with fiction than with a record of unease.
A recurring current through the collection is the theme of return. Children thought lost return altered, buildings hide floors that should not exist, villages celebrate deliverance only to collapse the next night. What should have passed never truly passes. The stories remind us that communities, like individuals, remain bound to their unfinished griefs. The supernatural is not intrusion but residue, the manifestation of what is unacknowledged and unresolved.
There is also the refusal of neat separation between myth and modernity. A haunted orchard and an IT tower stand on the same plane. The construction shack and the corporate elevator are equally susceptible to breach. This collapse of boundary suggests that haunting is not rural nostalgia nor urban anomaly but a condition embedded in the very fabric of human habitation. Wherever people live, work, and remember, they leave fractures through which something else can step in.
The motifs of doubling and distortion thread through many of the tales. Familiar faces are returned as witches, colleagues wear human bodies but not human eyes, loved ones morph in sleep. These doublings insist that identity itself is precarious, that selfhood is never singular but always shadowed by an other. What is frightening is not only the apparition but the recognition that what we trust most intimately, our kin, our lovers, our mirrors, can betray us.
The prose carries the cadence of lived speech. It does not attempt ornate imagery or rhetorical display, it presents events with the same economy and bluntness with which rumours or testimonies are recounted. That very restraint becomes unnerving. When a voice that sounds so ordinary tells you of an impossible apparition, disbelief falters. The reader feels less like they are engaging with fiction than with a record of unease.
A recurring current through the collection is the theme of return. Children thought lost return altered, buildings hide floors that should not exist, villages celebrate deliverance only to collapse the next night. What should have passed never truly passes. The stories remind us that communities, like individuals, remain bound to their unfinished griefs. The supernatural is not intrusion but residue, the manifestation of what is unacknowledged and unresolved.
There is also the refusal of neat separation between myth and modernity. A haunted orchard and an IT tower stand on the same plane. The construction shack and the corporate elevator are equally susceptible to breach. This collapse of boundary suggests that haunting is not rural nostalgia nor urban anomaly but a condition embedded in the very fabric of human habitation. Wherever people live, work, and remember, they leave fractures through which something else can step in.
The motifs of doubling and distortion thread through many of the tales. Familiar faces are returned as witches, colleagues wear human bodies but not human eyes, loved ones morph in sleep. These doublings insist that identity itself is precarious, that selfhood is never singular but always shadowed by an other. What is frightening is not only the apparition but the recognition that what we trust most intimately, our kin, our lovers, our mirrors, can betray us.
July 18, 2025
The Convent by Scottshak Also known as Prashant Singh is a thrilling collection of Twenty Mind Blowing Tales of Horror, Suspense and Depth. Woven with Tales that will keep you on the edge and forces you to believe in the supernatural powers, This book is a captivating read that will hook you with its Mysterious Charm.All the stories are inspired by Either Real Life incidents or are based on Folklores, Allowing Readers to immerse themselves in the world of Terror. Prashant's Commendable narration and Realistic Storytelling Makes the whole reading experience a lot more connectable and the depth involved in each tale makes you believe in the Power of spirits.
One of My Favourite Stories from the book was "The Convent", "Checkout", "The Orchard Witch", "Pandubba" and "Thirteenth Floor". All of these tales shook me to the core and kept me hooked to their sense of horror even after hours of finishing them. "Checkout" took me to a deadly hotel from where coming back seemed impossible. While, The Unusual Sense of Mystery in "Pandubba" Story kept me thinking about it for the whole day. "The Orchard Witch" was another Masterpiece tale that was so terrifying that I somehow believed in the Power of Witches. The best thing about this book was its intense narration that won't let you move until you finish the tale.All the characters in each Story were unique and had a sense of Mystery surrounding them that kept me engrossed in their journey of Thrilling Encounters.
Overall,The Convent is a Gripping Collection of Spine Chilling Horror stories that will transport you to the realms of Suspense, Thrill, Terror and Intensity. Prashant's Indepth Research and Exploration of The Paranormal World, Makes this book a perfect read for anyone who wants to experience Surreal Tales of Horror that takes you on a thrilling expedition.In conclusion, I will highly Recommend this Wonderful Haunting Short Story collection to all those individuals who are looking for a Suspenseful yet Captivating book to read.
One of My Favourite Stories from the book was "The Convent", "Checkout", "The Orchard Witch", "Pandubba" and "Thirteenth Floor". All of these tales shook me to the core and kept me hooked to their sense of horror even after hours of finishing them. "Checkout" took me to a deadly hotel from where coming back seemed impossible. While, The Unusual Sense of Mystery in "Pandubba" Story kept me thinking about it for the whole day. "The Orchard Witch" was another Masterpiece tale that was so terrifying that I somehow believed in the Power of Witches. The best thing about this book was its intense narration that won't let you move until you finish the tale.All the characters in each Story were unique and had a sense of Mystery surrounding them that kept me engrossed in their journey of Thrilling Encounters.
Overall,The Convent is a Gripping Collection of Spine Chilling Horror stories that will transport you to the realms of Suspense, Thrill, Terror and Intensity. Prashant's Indepth Research and Exploration of The Paranormal World, Makes this book a perfect read for anyone who wants to experience Surreal Tales of Horror that takes you on a thrilling expedition.In conclusion, I will highly Recommend this Wonderful Haunting Short Story collection to all those individuals who are looking for a Suspenseful yet Captivating book to read.
September 7, 2025
The Convent by Scottshak (Prashant Singh) is a must-read for anyone in the mood for a spine-chilling experience. This isn't a typical long-winded horror novel. It's a collection of 20 short, sharp shocks, and the scariest part is that some of them are based on real-life encounters.
The stories are designed to end abruptly, leaving you with that heart-pounding "what happens next?" feeling, a lot like the classic horror movie Darna Mana Hai.
I was completely hooked from the first story, “The Convent”. Stories like "The Squeaky Door" prove that you don't need elaborate special effects to be terrifying, just a simple, familiar sound. And then there's "The Cleaning Maniac," a story that so perfectly captures the terror of sleep paralysis that I guarantee you'll be checking over your shoulder after reading it. The collection is full of gems like these, including the haunting "Matchsticks and Cigarettes," and the chillingly simple "Eight."
But the story that truly got me was "Pandubba." I grew up hearing the folklore of this water ghost, and I was genuinely surprised and thrilled to see it featured in a modern horror book. It felt like a piece of my own culture was being celebrated in a genre I love.
This book is perfect if you want a chilling experience but don't have a lot of time to spare. You can pick it up, read a quick story in 20 minutes, and get all the chills you need. Scottshak has a knack for pulling in classic folklore we've all heard about, like the horrifying tales of the banyan tree or the superstition behind the number thirteen, which makes the stories feel even more personal.
I must say, “The Convent” is a great book to take a break from typical romance or thrillers and dive into something that truly blurs the line between the supernatural and reality. Get ready for the spooky season—this is the perfect book to start with.
The stories are designed to end abruptly, leaving you with that heart-pounding "what happens next?" feeling, a lot like the classic horror movie Darna Mana Hai.
I was completely hooked from the first story, “The Convent”. Stories like "The Squeaky Door" prove that you don't need elaborate special effects to be terrifying, just a simple, familiar sound. And then there's "The Cleaning Maniac," a story that so perfectly captures the terror of sleep paralysis that I guarantee you'll be checking over your shoulder after reading it. The collection is full of gems like these, including the haunting "Matchsticks and Cigarettes," and the chillingly simple "Eight."
But the story that truly got me was "Pandubba." I grew up hearing the folklore of this water ghost, and I was genuinely surprised and thrilled to see it featured in a modern horror book. It felt like a piece of my own culture was being celebrated in a genre I love.
This book is perfect if you want a chilling experience but don't have a lot of time to spare. You can pick it up, read a quick story in 20 minutes, and get all the chills you need. Scottshak has a knack for pulling in classic folklore we've all heard about, like the horrifying tales of the banyan tree or the superstition behind the number thirteen, which makes the stories feel even more personal.
I must say, “The Convent” is a great book to take a break from typical romance or thrillers and dive into something that truly blurs the line between the supernatural and reality. Get ready for the spooky season—this is the perfect book to start with.
September 5, 2025
Scottshak’s The Convent is an unsettling anthology that dares to strip horror of its clichés and ground it in the eerie overlap between folklore, lived experience, and the fragile human imagination. This collection of twenty stories does not merely seek to frighten; it aims to linger, haunting the reader long after the book is closed.
The author weaves together forgotten folktales, urban legends, and uncanny personal encounters, creating a narrative patchwork that feels at once timeless and immediate. There is an intentional blurring of boundaries between reality and the supernatural—a technique that roots each story in plausibility, amplifying the tension.
Rather than leaning heavily on gore or shock, the stories thrive on atmosphere: the creak of a rural house at midnight, the silence of abandoned chapels, or the whisper of something unseen in a crowded street.
One of the collection’s strengths lies in its cultural texture. Many stories draw from oral traditions and regional myths, giving the anthology a folkloric authenticity that sets it apart from conventional Western horror.
The Convent is best enjoyed in doses rather than consumed in one sitting. Its pacing and variety reward slow reading, where each story has the space to echo and unsettle.
In conclusion, The Convent is not just a book of horror stories—it is an exploration of why certain tales persist, why certain shadows never leave us, and why the boundary between myth and reality is far thinner than we like to believe.
It is chilling, thoughtful, and deeply atmospheric—a must-read for those who seek horror that goes beyond jump scares and instead slips quietly into the reader’s subconscious.
Must read♥️♥️
The author weaves together forgotten folktales, urban legends, and uncanny personal encounters, creating a narrative patchwork that feels at once timeless and immediate. There is an intentional blurring of boundaries between reality and the supernatural—a technique that roots each story in plausibility, amplifying the tension.
Rather than leaning heavily on gore or shock, the stories thrive on atmosphere: the creak of a rural house at midnight, the silence of abandoned chapels, or the whisper of something unseen in a crowded street.
One of the collection’s strengths lies in its cultural texture. Many stories draw from oral traditions and regional myths, giving the anthology a folkloric authenticity that sets it apart from conventional Western horror.
The Convent is best enjoyed in doses rather than consumed in one sitting. Its pacing and variety reward slow reading, where each story has the space to echo and unsettle.
In conclusion, The Convent is not just a book of horror stories—it is an exploration of why certain tales persist, why certain shadows never leave us, and why the boundary between myth and reality is far thinner than we like to believe.
It is chilling, thoughtful, and deeply atmospheric—a must-read for those who seek horror that goes beyond jump scares and instead slips quietly into the reader’s subconscious.
Must read♥️♥️
October 11, 2025
The Convent is a chilling collection that proves horror isn’t confined to imagination—it lurks in the spaces between folklore, memory, and reality. With twenty spine-tingling tales, Scottshak blurs the line between the everyday and the supernatural, creating stories that feel unsettlingly close to home.
What makes this collection stand out is its variety. One moment, readers are lost in eerie whispers of forgotten folktales; the next, they’re confronted with sinister urban legends or haunted landscapes that feel both familiar and alien. Each story holds its own distinct mood, but together they form a tapestry of unease that lingers long after the final page.
Scottshak’s prose captures the essence of good horror—it’s not just about jump scares, but about atmosphere, dread, and the feeling that something unseen is watching. The writing pulls readers into shadows they didn’t know existed, forcing them to question what is real and what lies just beyond perception.
Beyond the scares, The Convent explores the deeper psychology of fear—how stories passed down through generations, whispers in empty hallways, or even a fleeting shadow can shape our imagination and stay rooted in our minds. Scottshak doesn’t just deliver horror; he examines why we are drawn to it, making the collection not only entertaining but thought-provoking for readers who enjoy peeling back the layers of what truly unsettles the human spirit.
The Convent isn’t just a book of horror stories—it’s an invitation to confront the darkness threaded through daily life. Perfect for fans of folklore-inspired horror, ghost stories, and unsettling mysteries, this collection ensures that once you enter its world, you won’t leave unscathed.
What makes this collection stand out is its variety. One moment, readers are lost in eerie whispers of forgotten folktales; the next, they’re confronted with sinister urban legends or haunted landscapes that feel both familiar and alien. Each story holds its own distinct mood, but together they form a tapestry of unease that lingers long after the final page.
Scottshak’s prose captures the essence of good horror—it’s not just about jump scares, but about atmosphere, dread, and the feeling that something unseen is watching. The writing pulls readers into shadows they didn’t know existed, forcing them to question what is real and what lies just beyond perception.
Beyond the scares, The Convent explores the deeper psychology of fear—how stories passed down through generations, whispers in empty hallways, or even a fleeting shadow can shape our imagination and stay rooted in our minds. Scottshak doesn’t just deliver horror; he examines why we are drawn to it, making the collection not only entertaining but thought-provoking for readers who enjoy peeling back the layers of what truly unsettles the human spirit.
The Convent isn’t just a book of horror stories—it’s an invitation to confront the darkness threaded through daily life. Perfect for fans of folklore-inspired horror, ghost stories, and unsettling mysteries, this collection ensures that once you enter its world, you won’t leave unscathed.
September 28, 2025
Book Review: The Convent by Scottshakh Convent
This is not just another set of horror stories—it feels like stepping into a place that remembers every secret ever whispered within its walls. Each of the twenty tales carries an unsettling weight, blurring the line between folklore, memory, and nightmare.
The narrative takes readers deep into the shadows of a convent where silence holds secrets and every wall seems to whisper untold stories. Author blends gothic horror with psychological tension, creating a chilling atmosphere that doesn’t just rely on jump scares but on a slow, creeping unease that lingers even after you’ve put the book down.
The writing style is vivid and immersive – descriptions of the dark corridors, the flickering candlelight, and the chilling isolation make you feel as if you’re walking through the halls yourself. Characters are layered, carrying their own burdens, sins, and hidden fears, which add depth to the suspenseful plot.
What stands out most is the way the book combines fear with philosophy – it’s not just a horror story but also an exploration of faith, guilt, morality, and the fragile boundaries between the human mind and the unknown.
If you’re a fan of gothic settings, psychological thrillers, or stories that make you question reality, The Convent is a gripping read that won’t disappoint. It’s dark, atmospheric, and thought-provoking – the kind of book that keeps you awake long after midnight.
Two stories that I really connected with were The Squeaky Door and The Cleaning Maniac. The Squeaky Door made me imagine living alone in a flat and hearing that endless creak at night—it gave me chills because it felt so real
This is not just another set of horror stories—it feels like stepping into a place that remembers every secret ever whispered within its walls. Each of the twenty tales carries an unsettling weight, blurring the line between folklore, memory, and nightmare.
The narrative takes readers deep into the shadows of a convent where silence holds secrets and every wall seems to whisper untold stories. Author blends gothic horror with psychological tension, creating a chilling atmosphere that doesn’t just rely on jump scares but on a slow, creeping unease that lingers even after you’ve put the book down.
The writing style is vivid and immersive – descriptions of the dark corridors, the flickering candlelight, and the chilling isolation make you feel as if you’re walking through the halls yourself. Characters are layered, carrying their own burdens, sins, and hidden fears, which add depth to the suspenseful plot.
What stands out most is the way the book combines fear with philosophy – it’s not just a horror story but also an exploration of faith, guilt, morality, and the fragile boundaries between the human mind and the unknown.
If you’re a fan of gothic settings, psychological thrillers, or stories that make you question reality, The Convent is a gripping read that won’t disappoint. It’s dark, atmospheric, and thought-provoking – the kind of book that keeps you awake long after midnight.
Two stories that I really connected with were The Squeaky Door and The Cleaning Maniac. The Squeaky Door made me imagine living alone in a flat and hearing that endless creak at night—it gave me chills because it felt so real
August 20, 2025
The Convent by Scottshak (Prashant Singh) is a collection of twenty horror stories that stay with you long after reading. The book is not just about jump scares but about how ordinary places and everyday life can hide something dark. What I liked most was how each story felt believable, because many of them are inspired by folklore and real-life incidents. The writing is straightforward but powerful, pulling you into the world of fear and mystery.
Two stories that I really connected with were The Squeaky Door and The Cleaning Maniac. The Squeaky Door made me imagine living alone in a flat and hearing that endless creak at night—it gave me chills because it felt so real. On the other hand, The Cleaning Maniac was more unsettling in a different way, showing how small fights between college students can carry a dark, creepy turn. Both these stories show the author’s talent for making everyday life feel haunted.
On a personal level, this book reminded me of the ghost stories I heard in my childhood and also of nights when I couldn’t sleep because of small, strange sounds. The way Scottshak tells these tales made me feel like I was part of them, almost living the fear with the characters. That connection is what made the book special for me.
I would recommend The Convent to anyone who enjoys horror that feels close to reality. It is thrilling, eerie, and at the same time very engaging. If you want a book that keeps you thinking about it even after you finish, this is definitely the one to pick up.
Two stories that I really connected with were The Squeaky Door and The Cleaning Maniac. The Squeaky Door made me imagine living alone in a flat and hearing that endless creak at night—it gave me chills because it felt so real. On the other hand, The Cleaning Maniac was more unsettling in a different way, showing how small fights between college students can carry a dark, creepy turn. Both these stories show the author’s talent for making everyday life feel haunted.
On a personal level, this book reminded me of the ghost stories I heard in my childhood and also of nights when I couldn’t sleep because of small, strange sounds. The way Scottshak tells these tales made me feel like I was part of them, almost living the fear with the characters. That connection is what made the book special for me.
I would recommend The Convent to anyone who enjoys horror that feels close to reality. It is thrilling, eerie, and at the same time very engaging. If you want a book that keeps you thinking about it even after you finish, this is definitely the one to pick up.
September 15, 2025
My favourite genre in any thing either books or movies is horror and the people around me knows that. But I haven’t read so many horror books because the truth is I haven’t found books so intriguing. I love hearing horror podcasts and watching movies but I am still finding good books to read of this genre.
Short stories are really engaging and I prefer them for a light read and if I don’t want to delve in a story for long time. This book was just that, I mean the stories were really interesting and some were terrifying even. I hadn’t expected so much terror while reading them.
This book is a collection of short horror stories and they will make you stick to your seat and if you’re reading at night they are going to make you feel as if you aren’t alone in your room. The presence will be felt even if you claim that you aren’t scared of anything I can guarantee you that.
This gave me goosebumps many a time even when I wasn’t reading them alone I had people around me but they led me to belief there was a presence different from the living in the room with us. Some stories end at such a note that youre left looking at the wall for answers that cant be found in the book.
Loved the book from the bottom of my heart and am really thankful that I got to read the awesome book in my favourite genre. I hope to read more of this genre in future and fall in love with them just like this one. I can reassure you that if you like the genre you should definitely give it a read.
Short stories are really engaging and I prefer them for a light read and if I don’t want to delve in a story for long time. This book was just that, I mean the stories were really interesting and some were terrifying even. I hadn’t expected so much terror while reading them.
This book is a collection of short horror stories and they will make you stick to your seat and if you’re reading at night they are going to make you feel as if you aren’t alone in your room. The presence will be felt even if you claim that you aren’t scared of anything I can guarantee you that.
This gave me goosebumps many a time even when I wasn’t reading them alone I had people around me but they led me to belief there was a presence different from the living in the room with us. Some stories end at such a note that youre left looking at the wall for answers that cant be found in the book.
Loved the book from the bottom of my heart and am really thankful that I got to read the awesome book in my favourite genre. I hope to read more of this genre in future and fall in love with them just like this one. I can reassure you that if you like the genre you should definitely give it a read.
October 10, 2025
The Convent is a horror anthology that takes you on a journey through twenty unsettling tales, each one tugging at the line between the real and the supernatural. The stories range from creepy urban legends to eerie rural folk-tales, mysterious hauntings, and encounters that feel just slightly off. The variety gives the book a dangerous allure, just when you think you've seen it all in one story, the next one creeps up with a new flavor of fear.
Scottshak’s writing draws heavily on atmosphere. The landscapes are often silent but heavy with menace; shadows, whispers, and dread become characters themselves. Some tales hit hard with psychological fear while others rely on more visceral, ghostly chills. The pacing across the anthology feels uneven that some stories grip you immediately, others take time to build and there are moments where familiar horror tropes show up. But even those familiar moments are often redeemed by Scottshak’s ability to evoke mood and keep you reading past the point where your skin starts to crawl.
What works well is how The Convent isn’t just about scaring you, it’s about lingering. After finishing, many stories stay in your mind, unshakable in their subtle weirdness. There’s a sense that Scottshak wants you to put down the book, look around, and question what’s real in your own room. If you’re in the mood for something that unsettles more than it solves, this delivers.
Scottshak’s writing draws heavily on atmosphere. The landscapes are often silent but heavy with menace; shadows, whispers, and dread become characters themselves. Some tales hit hard with psychological fear while others rely on more visceral, ghostly chills. The pacing across the anthology feels uneven that some stories grip you immediately, others take time to build and there are moments where familiar horror tropes show up. But even those familiar moments are often redeemed by Scottshak’s ability to evoke mood and keep you reading past the point where your skin starts to crawl.
What works well is how The Convent isn’t just about scaring you, it’s about lingering. After finishing, many stories stay in your mind, unshakable in their subtle weirdness. There’s a sense that Scottshak wants you to put down the book, look around, and question what’s real in your own room. If you’re in the mood for something that unsettles more than it solves, this delivers.
August 25, 2025
I have to say—The Convent is hands down one of the most gripping horror books I’ve ever picked up. From the first story to the last, I was completely hooked. These twenty tales aren’t just about ghosts and folklore; they’re about fear itself, and how it slips into the corners of our everyday lives.
What impressed me most was the storytelling. Each story unfolds slowly, building the suspense so carefully that by the time the climax hits, you’re already caught in its web. The rural backdrops felt hauntingly real, and the urban legends made me rethink the ordinary streets I walk every day. I actually caught myself checking over my shoulder more than once.
The moment that stayed with me the most was how the book questions what horror really is. Is it supernatural, or is it human? That uncertainty—never quite knowing if the terror comes from outside or from within—is what makes The Convent so powerful.
This isn’t a book of cheap frights—it’s a book that unsettles, lingers, and challenges you. For me, it stands out as one of the best horror collections I’ve read because it doesn’t just tell stories; it makes you live them. If you love horror that digs deep under your skin and refuses to leave, then you absolutely need to read The Convent. It’s unforgettable.
What impressed me most was the storytelling. Each story unfolds slowly, building the suspense so carefully that by the time the climax hits, you’re already caught in its web. The rural backdrops felt hauntingly real, and the urban legends made me rethink the ordinary streets I walk every day. I actually caught myself checking over my shoulder more than once.
The moment that stayed with me the most was how the book questions what horror really is. Is it supernatural, or is it human? That uncertainty—never quite knowing if the terror comes from outside or from within—is what makes The Convent so powerful.
This isn’t a book of cheap frights—it’s a book that unsettles, lingers, and challenges you. For me, it stands out as one of the best horror collections I’ve read because it doesn’t just tell stories; it makes you live them. If you love horror that digs deep under your skin and refuses to leave, then you absolutely need to read The Convent. It’s unforgettable.
August 24, 2025
The Convent by Scottshak is not just another set of horror stories—it feels like stepping into a place that remembers every secret ever whispered within its walls. Each of the twenty tales carries an unsettling weight, blurring the line between folklore, memory, and nightmare.
What struck me most was the atmosphere. This isn’t horror that jumps out to scare you—it’s the quiet, lingering kind. The kind that makes you glance over your shoulder while reading and wonder if the silence around you is truly empty. Some stories feel like ghostly legends, others like confessions that were never meant to be told. Together, they weave a tapestry of unease that settles into your bones.
Scottshak has a gift for making horror deeply human. Beneath the chills are themes of grief, loneliness, and the fragile line between reality and imagination. That’s what makes this book unforgettable—it doesn’t just scare you, it follows you.
If you’re looking for a read that will keep you up at night—not because of nightmares, but because you can’t shake the feeling it leaves behind—The Convent is a must-read.
What struck me most was the atmosphere. This isn’t horror that jumps out to scare you—it’s the quiet, lingering kind. The kind that makes you glance over your shoulder while reading and wonder if the silence around you is truly empty. Some stories feel like ghostly legends, others like confessions that were never meant to be told. Together, they weave a tapestry of unease that settles into your bones.
Scottshak has a gift for making horror deeply human. Beneath the chills are themes of grief, loneliness, and the fragile line between reality and imagination. That’s what makes this book unforgettable—it doesn’t just scare you, it follows you.
If you’re looking for a read that will keep you up at night—not because of nightmares, but because you can’t shake the feeling it leaves behind—The Convent is a must-read.
October 4, 2025
The Convent by Scottshak is a chilling anthology of twenty unforgettable tales that blur the line between reality and the supernatural. From forgotten folktales and sinister urban legends to haunted landscapes and eerie real-life encounters, each story draws readers into an unsettling world where fear takes many forms. Scottshak’s masterful storytelling captures the atmosphere of misty countrysides, abandoned places, and restless city streets, creating settings that feel alive and menacing. With a perfect balance of subtle creeping dread and shocking moments of terror, the stories not only scare but also explore deeper psychological themes such as isolation, guilt, and the hidden fears we carry. Rich in folklore yet fresh with modern twists, the collection introduces unsettling characters and unforgettable encounters that linger in the mind long after the last page. Dark, thought-provoking, and spine-tingling, The Convent is a must-read for horror lovers who crave stories that go beyond simple scares and leave an imprint on the soul.
September 1, 2025
The Convent by Scottshak is a dark and atmospheric read that immediately pulls the reader into its eerie world.
The author paints a vivid picture of the convent, shrouded in mystery and dread, making the setting almost a character of its own.
With its gothic undertones, haunting imagery, and suspenseful build-up, the book keeps you on edge as you uncover the secrets buried within its walls.
The story balances intrigue with a steady sense of fear, making it engaging for fans of thrillers, horror, or supernatural mysteries.
Scottshak’s writing creates a cinematic experience, and while some parts lean heavily on atmosphere rather than action, it ultimately adds to the chilling effect.
Overall, The Convent is a gripping choice for readers who enjoy unsettling narratives that blend suspense, horror, and gothic storytelling.
The author paints a vivid picture of the convent, shrouded in mystery and dread, making the setting almost a character of its own.
With its gothic undertones, haunting imagery, and suspenseful build-up, the book keeps you on edge as you uncover the secrets buried within its walls.
The story balances intrigue with a steady sense of fear, making it engaging for fans of thrillers, horror, or supernatural mysteries.
Scottshak’s writing creates a cinematic experience, and while some parts lean heavily on atmosphere rather than action, it ultimately adds to the chilling effect.
Overall, The Convent is a gripping choice for readers who enjoy unsettling narratives that blend suspense, horror, and gothic storytelling.
September 26, 2025
Scottshak’s The Convent is a collection of twenty short horror stories that creep under your skin. From ghostly apparitions to eerie village legends and strange happenings in everyday life, each story delivers a unique kind of fear.
What stays with you isn’t just the scares, it’s the emotion behind them. Themes of grief, guilt, and loneliness give the stories a haunting, human depth. Some stories build tension slowly, others strike fast, but all leave you thinking long after the last page.
If you enjoy horror that chills you and lingers in your mind, this collection is a must-read. You can surely give it a try. Happy Reading.
What stays with you isn’t just the scares, it’s the emotion behind them. Themes of grief, guilt, and loneliness give the stories a haunting, human depth. Some stories build tension slowly, others strike fast, but all leave you thinking long after the last page.
If you enjoy horror that chills you and lingers in your mind, this collection is a must-read. You can surely give it a try. Happy Reading.
August 22, 2025
The Convent by Scottshak is an engaging collection of horror stories that mix eerie, surprising, and truly spine-chilling moments. Some tales linger in your mind long after reading, while others stand out with their unique approach to the supernatural.
I especially liked The Convent, The Squeaky Door, The Folklore of Chhayapur, and Pandubba these stories each had its own atmosphere and kept me hooked. The writing is easy to sink into, with just the right dose of suspense and mystery.
Overall, it’s a fresh and satisfying pick for anyone who enjoys horror and supernatural fiction.
I especially liked The Convent, The Squeaky Door, The Folklore of Chhayapur, and Pandubba these stories each had its own atmosphere and kept me hooked. The writing is easy to sink into, with just the right dose of suspense and mystery.
Overall, it’s a fresh and satisfying pick for anyone who enjoys horror and supernatural fiction.
October 12, 2025
The Convent by Scottshak is a haunting anthology that lingers in your mind long after you turn the last page. Each story blends supernatural elements with deeply human fears, creating a chilling yet emotional experience. Scottshak’s writing is precise, atmospheric, and deeply engaging ...the kind of horror that doesn’t just scare, but makes you think. Some stories leave you wanting a bit more closure, but that uncertainty only adds to the haunting effect. Perfect for fans of psychological suspense and supernatural thrillers, this collection is unsettling, thought-provoking, and unforgettable.
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