Side Effects May Include: A Short Story of Horror

by Evan Grant

The cure was supposed to save her mother. It gave her something else entirely.

When tragedy strikes, we search for answers. But sometimes the answers are more terrifying than the crime.

One year after the Galleria Massacre, society is still reeling from the wave of clown killings. Luminhale—the miracle drug promised to ease depression—claims no responsibility. They insist it's correlation, not causation.

Jamie Fisher knows better. She's seen the statistics. She's seen the aftermath. And tonight, she's about to see what the side effects really look like.

Because sometimes the real horror isn't a virus, a monster, or a maniac in a clown suit. Sometimes it's the cure itself.

Fans of psychological dread, corporate horror, and slow-burn terror will find much to fear in this chilling standalone story.

Genres: Horror

33 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 4, 2025

About the author

Evan Grant is an independent author specializing in the genres of horror, fantasy, and science fiction. His work is a thrilling mix of action-packed narratives and dark, immersive themes, designed to keep you on the edge of your seat.

Evan’s inspiration springs from a diverse array of sources. Growing up, he was captivated by horror films and the eerie tales of HP Lovecraft. These influences, combined with his love for comic books and epic fantasy novels, have profoundly shaped his storytelling style.

He currently resides in rural Missouri, where he shares a cozy home with an eclectic family of rescued animals. When he’s not writing, he’s usually lost in a good book or exploring the great outdoors with his four-legged companions.

Reviews

[Andrew Wilkes · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was one of the first short story that I read, on Kindle, and, I didn't know what to expect. But, I liked it, a lot. The concept was a wild one, and, was an interesting twist on mental illness, mass hysteria, paranoia, and, big pharma. If you are looking for a fun, short horror read, I recommend this to you! 4/5 stars, because, I feel like it could have been a longer story, however, the shocking ending was well written.

[Summer R Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the author and the publisher or publishers for all your hard work! I'm leaving this review voluntarily and happily! Take a look!

Well this one was definitely creepy. The summary mentions clowns but there's not much about them in this novella. Have you ever wondered about the side effects if medicine? The really bad ones? Well this certainly hit the nose on that and made it so much more twisted.

[Candra Hodge · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellent but want more

excellent short story but I want to know more about this drug. is it causing the actions of the people?