Vacay & Decay: Vacation Nightmares

by A.V. Donaldson, Tina S. Transformation, Audriana Yasmeen

Nine authors.
Nine nightmare fueled tales.

You never know what sort of things you may encounter while on vacation.
Ghosts and goblins.
Squeaky door and eerie screams.
Psycho killers and lurking stalkers.
Make sure you check the closets and look under your bed before closing your eyes tonight.

277 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 9, 2025

About the author

Author A.V. Donaldson is a writer of murder and mayhem. She currently resides in Texas with her husband, three teenagers, and a lap full of adorable cats. When she's not writing she's...okay well, she's always writing. She enjoys Halloween and all things spooky, photography, traveling, the mountains, chocolate cake and pizza, but her favorite thing is visiting Salem on Halloween. It's the most magical place on Earth.
She also suffers from a rare brain abnormality called Chiari malformation and hopes to spread more awareness to the disorder. She is a brain surgery survivor and credits her condition for creating the insanity she writes.

Reviews

[Elaine Rainbolt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked these short stories. These were some crazy stories but I appreciated every one of them. Although I won't be on any camping trips or trips to the woods in the near future. I don't know how they come up with these stories but they are great.

[Alyssa Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

9 short stories by 9 amazing female authors! As spooky, scary and at times gory these stories are I’d still go on a girls vacay with these ladies!

The stories within the anthology definitely deserve a cumulative 5⭐️ the creativity, spooky vibes and diversity of the stories are soooo good! The twists and turns are some I was not expecting. GREAT JOB LADIES!

[VDKeck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Y’all!! Vacations should be sunshine, fruity drinks, and a break from reality, right? Wrong. Vacay & Decay rips your suitcase open and drags you into getaways you’ll never return from the same.

Each story hits like a gut punch—dark corners, restless spirits, shadows that move when they shouldn’t. You came for cocktails, but you’re leaving with nightmares.

The Ladies of Doom don’t play. They turn vacation bliss into full-throttle terror—one minute you’re on a beach towel, the next you’re checking over your shoulder, heart pounding. Grit, heart, and pure dread all tangled into one wicked ride.

So yeah… pack your bags if you dare. And before you turn off the lights, maybe check under the bed. Just in case.

[Danielle Lundquist · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC copy of this book.

I love the idea of several authors and their short stories. That’s what I loved about this is that each person had a chance to write a horror vacation story.

I love how different they all were and kept it entertaining. I liked all the stories and I don’t think I will ever book an Airbnb haha. This was gory and I love that. I mean, can you imagine? The stories were just long enough to wrap it all together. Definitely a must read, especially for spooky season!

[Lisa Wilcox]

Vacay and Decay Anthology
OMG! I will now only do staycations. I will never rent a cabin, go to Salem, an Airbnb, or camp again for the rest of my life. These ladies dug deep and wet full throttle for this collection. Each and every story has a new twist on terror. There are some first-time authors in here and they need to be commended for absolutely keeping pace! Not sure I could actually pick one as my favorite – they were all chilling. If you like surprises, gore, and some risky writing you will definitely enjoy this book. I am so honored to have been one of the few chosen to preview this book. What a time I had! Had no idea there were so many uses for kitchen tools. Well done ladies, well done!

[Trish Matter · Rating 5 out of 5]

what a collection of short stories! I was skeptical at first how ever with each story I became more & more impressed. They all stayed on the over all theme how ever were completely different. I cant even begin to pick a favorite. I will say this has definitely put more authors on my radar for sure. The creativity in many of these stories is unmatched. I expected to be in the middle of one and be bummed that I didnt have enough information because they are suppose to be short. I was bummed yes how ever only because I wanted more of each story. I definitely need to look into these authors because I need more.

[Mikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

boy oh boy.... or shall I say,
Ladies oh Ladies!! Ya'll have outdone yourselves here!! Each and every one of you amazing authors that took part in this anthology, I want to extend my appreciation for putting together such an entertaining book!

For anyone looking for a good, truly scarey, "don't turn the lights out", type of anthology, here you go! Take this one with you on your next camping trip, or any of your next vacations!! I think you'll really get a kick out of it.
😉 😜
5 out of 5💥💥💥💥💥

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wickedly fun and chilling ride! Vacay & Decay takes the ordinary idea of a getaway and flips it into a nightmare you won’t soon forget. Each story delivers its own unique flavor of fear—whether it’s ghosts that whisper in the shadows, killers that stalk unseen, or the kind of bone-deep dread that makes you question every creak of the floorboards at night.

The pacing is sharp, the imagery deliciously creepy, and the twists left me double-checking my own closets before bed. This anthology doesn’t just entertain—it lingers. Perfect for horror lovers who want spine-tingling thrills served with just the right dash of vacation gone wrong.

Highly recommended if you like your vacations dark, your scares clever, and your imagination haunted long after the last page. 🌙🩸

[Jaime Tragesser · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an excellently creepy and spooky anthology! These ladies really know how to tell great stories. Air bnbs and camping will now seem a little more daunting thanks to them!

[Rachel Browning · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Vacay & Decay” is a fantastic collection of horror stories written by women, each one bringing its own unique voice and chilling twist. I loved how the stories empowered women while still delivering plenty of scares. Some leaned heavier into gore than others, but every single one was perfectly crafted and kept me hooked

[Larae Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

These ladies know how to scare the begezzes out of you. After reading these stories, you will definitely rethink your vacation getaway.

spooky, thrille, Murder, This book has it all.

This is definitely one of my favorite Anthologys.

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vacay & Decay is such a fun and creepy read! Each story brings vacation vibes with a chilling twist—ghosts, stalkers, and all the eerie things you hope never to encounter. Perfect for anyone who loves quick, spooky scares that stick with you!

[Gail Clouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. It has 9 short stories by 9 authors. All tales of vacations and getaways. Each author has put their own gruesome twist in this collection of shorts that will leave you wanting a stay cation.

[Jenny Coyne · Rating 5 out of 5]

While the stories in this anthology range from 4-5 stars, the experience as a whole is 5 stars no doubt! I loved that while sticking with the theme of vacations the authors still managed to deliver a wide array of subtopics. This anthology encompasses everything from psychological thrillers to the paranormal and occult. Even aliens! I really loved the diversity of the stories. Each one was a completely different read.

While I liked them all, my favorite was The Witches Cottage by Tina S. Transformation. I love Salem and I loved the idea of the main character being "worthy" and standing up for those who can't stand up for themselves.

[Ali O · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vacay & Decay - written by The Ladies of Doom
A.V. Donaldson, Tina S. Transformation, Audriana Yasmeen, Kendra Smart, Christine McDevitt, Revna Zil, Amanda Josephine, Courtney Capone, Indigo Halverson
🌟🌟🌟🌟
9 short stories by 9 different authors = a fun, exciting and creepy horror book!
Each story has a unique personality, but there’s a common theme of a vacation or getaway type of atmosphere that doesn’t end with a pleasant journey.
The story’s are soooky, gory, thrilling, dark and suspenseful!

My top 2 reads are:
-The Devils in the Details by Amanda Josephine
-Survival of the Fittest by Courtney Capone (I could not stop reading this one! Omg!)

*This collection is out now and it’s a fun read for the spooky fall season!! Grab yours today!*

[Taylor Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely amazing

Of I have favorites in the book. It’s a good read. Definitely recommend. Short story’s are of course my favorites.

[Jessica Sorensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first anthology I’ve read that I wasn’t part of myself, and now I totally get why people love them. I genuinely enjoyed every story in this collection. Some of the authors were familiar to me, but a few were new, and they’ve definitely earned a spot on my “to read more from” list.

Also, I’ll never look at a melon baller the same way again. And if I ever stay at a cabin where people start setting traps, that’s my cue to pack up and leave. No thanks. Vacation over. 😅

Fantastic work to all the authors! 👏💯

[Tina Transformation · Rating 5 out of 5]

"You never know what sort of things you may encounter while on vacation—ghosts and goblins, squeaky doors and eerie screams, psycho killers and lurking stalkers. This anthology brings them all to life in chilling, unforgettable ways. Each author adds their own dark flavor, creating a blend of stories that will keep you on the edge of your seat and checking your closets before bedtime. The writing is sharp, the tension relentless, and the twists genuinely surprising. A perfect read for horror and thriller lovers who crave suspense that lingers long after the last page. Five stars to every single author who contributed—you’ve crafted something terrifyingly brilliant!"

[Charlene Mattson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great thrillers and many were supernatural! a couple were too stomach churning for me, but that is just my preference 😊. A great and varied collection

[John Randall · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read a lot of anthologies over the years. Enough to know most of them collapse under the weight of their own premise. The theme is loose, the quality swings hard, and by more than halfway done you’re flipping through stories hoping the next one finally sticks the landing. Not here. Vacay & Decay doesn’t just hold. It builds. Nine authors, no filler, and not a single entry that feels like it phoned it in. This is one of the few collections I’ve read where the tone stays sharp across the board and where the concept of “vacation nightmare” isn’t just a pitch, it’s a living mood. It reminded me what happens when an editor actually curates and doesn’t just compile.

The paperback version deserves a shout out. Crisp formatting, chapter artwork that actually feels thematic, where it enhances each story. It’s a beautiful book. But what really caught me off guard is how many of these stories hit with precision. Several flirt with the Airbnb horror subgenre and something I thought I’d grown numb to, but here, it feels immediate. Too close. I’ll be more wary of certain short-term rentals moving forward. Especially the ones that feel too quiet. Too many acres to explore. The ones with handwritten notes left behind. The ones that seem too good of a deal to pass on.

Some stories lean into dread, some twist toward surrealism, and a few keep you grounded in brutal horror. But even when the subgenres shift, the emotion doesn’t. You’ve got seasoned pros who don’t just meet the premise they nail it, with settings so immersive you forget you’re reading. One returning author delivers a follow-up story that feels sharper, more detailed, and somehow more emotionally precise than their first. And then there’s a debut story. The first time out and the writing is flawless. Not promising. Flawless. A theme in particular taps into the horror of having that one friend, the kind who always believes something that goes against your beliefs, the kind who smiles while saying something you can’t quite co-sign. And then the story turns. The fear here comes from real places. Not abstractions. Not metaphors. A cave. A lighthouse. Salem. A cabin in the woods.

This anthology breathes with cohesion. Nobody’s trying to out-weird or out-gore each other. There’s no tonal whiplash. Just a clean, focused descent into environments that are supposed to be safe. And every time, something’s wrong. That throughline is what makes it work. The horror isn’t explosive until it needs to be. A few hits on major female-based fears and dread. It’s invasive. It’s the moment you realize the locks aren’t where they should be. The moment you see a mark that wasn’t there yesterday.

So, here’s my advice. Read this with a suitcase still half-packed and the itinerary still flexible. Let it ruin your mood just a little. Because the next time you step into a rental, you’ll think about what’s behind the locked basement door. You’ll hear something off in the distance while sitting on the patio. And maybe, if there’s already an open bottle of wine waiting on the counter, you’ll leave. Slowly. Quietly. And you won’t tell anyone why. Always make sure not to drink the tea.

[Kayla Wiklanski · Rating 5 out of 5]

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 iluvfrogs

Thank you for the frightening the stay. The scenery was absolutely to die for. Each room had a specific theme lighthouse, cottage, cave, an author's writing room, farmhouse, cabin, treehouse, and one bedroom has skylights so you can sleep under the stars. When it comes to decorating they have an eye for detail. Booking and check in was easy. Checking out was the hardest, as I didn't want my stay to end 😉

These 9 devilish women didn't spare anything when they wrote their stories. They are filled with vengeance, rage, and shocking twists of fate. Vacations, getaways, honeymoons usually a time for peace, relaxation, and fun. Unless you book the places these ladies have conjured up. They lure with pristine pictures and the perfect accommodations while wrangling in unsuspecting guests. Next time when planning a trip you will be second guessing your places to stay.

[Nadija Mujagic · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really like the premise of this anthology: a vacation gone astray.
I also enjoyed all nine stories and the variety of writing styles. It’s like being transported to nine different worlds in just a few hours. And the stories themselves? Mind-blowing! There are murders, cults, and even eyeballs popping… 😱😱😱😱
I appreciate being introduced to new authors. I highly recommend this anthology! It will definitely make you rethink your Airbnb choices.

[Aura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am genuinely surprised at how the book turned out. I am so used to being disappointed by a couple of stories in these kind of books, that I was not expecting to love all of them.

But I did. I did love all of the stories. All so nicely written and chilling. I had a really fun time reading and I guess I'll see you the next time you go camping in a dark forest...

[Kari Bowman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing anthology

This anthology has some truly great indie authors! All of these stories were well done and will make you happy to just stay home!

I like to read anthologies to get a feel for new authors while also enjoying authors I know and love.

This is a must-read for fans of suspense horror.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

These 9 short stories from 9 different authors are twisted! They each have their own take on vacations gone wrong or "Are you afraid of the Dark" kind of spookiness. These stories have plenty of unsettling reasons to think twice before booking an Air B&B!

[Estell Nordberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn’t put this book down! The suspense builds with every page, and the imagery is so vivid that it felt like I was living inside a nightmare. If you’re looking for a book that makes your heart race, this is it.

[Rukayat Tijani · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a thrill ride from start to finish. The author perfectly blends supernatural chills with real-world horrors. Every chapter had me double-checking the shadows in my own house. A perfect read for fans of horror and suspense.

[Rary ⏾ ❤︎ · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great horror book with my favourite authors.
The short story Survival of the Fittest had me gagging though I couldn’t stomach it 🤢🤢🤢

[Vina]

Repetitive.

[Dana Duplantis · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great collection of short stories to read during the fall season. You never know what sort of things can happen while on vacation.