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The Shroud: A Horror Novella

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Brand new horror from master of the genre, Iain Rob Wright. Are you brave enough to enter... The Shroud?

What begins as a relaxing hike in the picturesque Derbyshire Dales soon becomes a waking nightmare for disgraced barrister, Graham Solace.

A strange, swirling fog has just arrived and left him utterly lost and in the middle of nowhere. But there’s hope. Upon the next hill appears to be a pub, The Crooked Stag. Surely someone there will be able to help him get back to civilsation. Right?

The Shroud is a short, snappy thrill ride that will leave you pondering existence and begging for more.

80 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 26, 2025

111 people are currently reading
124 people want to read

About the author

Iain Rob Wright

172 books1,833 followers
One of Horror's most respected authors, Iain Rob Wright is the writer of more than forty books, many of them bestsellers. A previous Kindle All-Star and a mainstay in the horror charts, he is a prolific producer of unique and original stories. From his apocalyptic saga The Gates to his claustrophobic revenge thriller ASBO, Iain writes across a broad spectrum of sub genres, creating both beloved series and standalone titles.

With work available in several languages and in audio, Iain Rob Wright is one of the fastest rising stars in horror, but when not writing he is a dedicated family man. Father to Jack and Molly, and husband to Sally, he is often seen sharing his family memories with his fans on Facebook.

To get 6 of his books for free (no strings), just visit: www.iainrobwright.com

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5 stars
248 (44%)
4 stars
184 (33%)
3 stars
92 (16%)
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18 (3%)
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10 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
Profile Image for JJtheBookNerd.
134 reviews113 followers
October 4, 2025
Set in the UK, we meet Graham Solace, who is a middle-aged barrister; we get the impression at the start of the story that he has been disgraced in some way.

One day he is out hiking when a fog suddenly descends. Stumbling his way through the now barely visible landscape, he comes upon an old pub. When he enters, the few customers inside seem to know who he is, and Graham is bewildered. He flees the pub feeling uncomfortable, but he keeps happening upon strange occurrences. Then, with no other safe place to go, he ends up back at the pub.

This was an atmospheric short horror story where, for portions of the book, we were left wondering what was real and what wasn't. There were nods, of course, to The Mist/The Fog with the mysterious descending greyness that seems to come out of nowhere – that is in itself its own creepy horror, especially when it fetches... mysterious beings.

A nicely written novella that was a quick read. The ending had a nice little message of regret, acceptance and redemption.
Profile Image for Peter.
4,099 reviews799 followers
February 6, 2026
Absolutely outstanding cover that whet my appetite for the story. It started strong with a character named Graham Solace lost on a hiking trip amidst thick fog (e.g. the shroud). He finds shelter in a pub and soon finds out what is so special with the visitors. Nice outline of the tale but soon it dragged a bit and became winded. For my liking it was too much on morals inside to be proper horror. Overall, okay and solid but nothing too extraordinary. Had expected a bit more. Recommended for fans of the author!
Profile Image for §amantha.
718 reviews12 followers
February 1, 2026
ok I was not expecting this novella to floor me. this was so good. the lesson it teaches and the fear it installed was such a good balance.

if you were lost in the Fog aka the Shroud would you be scared? if you found a pub and people in this pub warned you to not go outside would you listen? would you find them insane? would you survive? this is what graham is facing. what will he choose?
Profile Image for Jacqui.
936 reviews8 followers
August 31, 2025
3.5 stars.

Fans of The Mist will love this spooky horror novella. I was expecting more gore. For Wright's writing it was quite tame. Also would have liked more hints of the outcome sprinkled throughout the story. Overall, a great short story you can read in one sitting.
Profile Image for Lou Canning.
336 reviews7 followers
February 4, 2026
very good!

I do like Iain’s work. I’ve never read a rubbish book he’s written.
This story was a great idea and well executed.
I’m working my way through his books, and really rather enjoying it!
Profile Image for Marcie Pfeifer.
132 reviews3 followers
September 14, 2025
I liked it a lot.

I enjoyed this story a lot. It didn’t go in the direction I was thinking, not even close, and I enjoyed that. I was sad it was so short as I could have read an entire book about it.
Profile Image for Morgan.
88 reviews5 followers
October 16, 2025
Interesting! It was a quick read but I felt it was well done, it didn’t feel rushed or like the story was compromised. Graham was so obnoxious lol, was happy with the ending though!
Profile Image for Caitlyn Seward.
12 reviews
November 15, 2025
short but sweet

All things come to an end whether it be good or bad we have to choose. We have to accept.
Profile Image for Chewable Orb.
258 reviews39 followers
February 2, 2026
The Shroud: A Horror Novella by Iain Rob Wright
4.55 rounded up to 5 🔮🔮🔮🔮🔮 orbs
Out Now!!!
Ulcerated Press

The atonement…

💡 Orbs Prologue: A sporadic coherence muddles my mind. Where am I? Life finds me strapped into a mechanical chair, luminous lights overwhelming my vision. Jarringly, I am unable to move, my head pointed straight ahead. As the lights dim slowly, my eyes begin to focus. Orb is in an actual orb! Planted throughout my periphery, hundreds of TV monitors shine in welcome. I sit at the center, as if I am the powdery substance within the middle of a gobstopper. Through the cracks, I can see tendrils of dense fog assimilate around the sphere. Branch-like extensions wavering, their darkness prodding the glass that contains me. A flash of golden brilliance shocks me back to take in the screens, one haunting message blinking in vibrancy. “We know what you did!” I choke on my sanity, rattled by the axiom of the words, as the monitors fall lifeless. The dense veil ascends faster now, ascending to an onyx blanket covering every inch of space around me. Littered by flecks of snow, the TVs have begun transmitting, emitting the droning of white noise. These sounds probe and awaken my senses, testing my cognizance… Hundreds of disparate flickers emanate from the screens….

🧐 A small glimpse: As readers partake in an unsettling journey, ex-lawyer Graham Solace becomes the focal point. Author Iain Rob Wright herds us like sheep through a short tale ripe with poisoned fruit. A hike, a small endeavor to escape, becomes anything but for Solace, as his world becomes unescapable. East Midlands, England, or Derbyshire Dales, more precisely, has placed a bright red thumbtack on their coordinates on Graham’s life map, as if a detective hunting a killer in a nationwide manhunt. Make no mistake, this novel is hunting for Graham. The veil of a dark shroud stalks Graham’s heels, baffling his sense of direction and time. As the sun plunges, frigidness makes its appearance. Bright lights and sanctuary thankfully greet Graham in the form of a pub called The Crooked Stag, oddly placed in the middle of nowhere. Upon entering the establishment, it is apparent that the patrons are different. Cautiously and with trepidation, Graham listens to them, and not yet a word of their advice takes hold. Will this be his undoing?

👍 Orbs Pros: So much with so little! As a child, I loved an overindulgence of fudge to the point of vomiting afterward. I figured the more deliciousness, the better. I learned over time that fudge, being so rich, needs to be savored in small quantities, without the sickness, as it happens. Who knew? In just 80 pages, Iain Rob Wright managed to write a frightful yet thought-provoking horror story that examines one's existence and willingness to repent for past transgressions. At its conclusion, I remained dumbfounded at just how Wright had managed to intricately carve out such complexity without sacrificing depth. The cast of characters!! The local pub is where these friendly characters call home. A family! The camaraderie they share creates a sense of warmth, as if sitting next to a well-stoked fire, thus striking a nice balance in a world muddled with vagueness. Atmospheric!! The fog, veil, or shroud, as it is called, conjures ominous feelings of mystery. It isn’t simply the environment. The shroud brings a warning of something far more deadly! Being lost in these circumstances, a forest, a bog, etc., brings a real, authentic horror element that petrifies me in real life. Black canvases of sparse movements by unknown and unseen creatures!

👎 Orbs Cons: Graham!! Unlikable! Egotistical! A pompous self-absorbed lawyer, who I could have virtually smacked across the face on numerous occasions. Upon finishing the book, ultimately Graham’s character succeeds in what Wright was attempting to accomplish with his portrayal, but be forewarned that he will grate your patience like a soft cheese when, upon the nub, you accidentally slice the tip of a finger.

Must read! This was superb! This far surpassed my expectations and deserves every bit of attention it gets. As tasty as a bite-sized square of decadent fudge for chocolate connoisseurs and a rather delightfully frightful palate cleanser! Bravo, Iain Rob Wright!

💡 Orbs Epilogue: Different scenes, hundreds, each with its own specific tale. Loved ones, loves lost. Moments discarded, and yet somehow burned into my memory banks forever, rendering me powerless to move forward in life. Scarred! As the voices and scenes change in some sort of sick dance, my emotions leak from the corners of my eyes. I am meant to feel the pain of those I hurt. I am meant to feel everything at once, to garner a response of genuine remorse. Why is this happening? The screens empty to a stark contrast of deafening silence. This place is giving me time to reflect. Do I have a conscience? What type of Orb had I become, one wracked with fear and guilt of belonging? Self-indulgences ruling the mind, instead of choosing hard-fought morally correct decisions? One large panel materializes inches from my face. In bright red letters, the message is blunt in delivery. “Shall you show contrition, Orb?” Upon further contemplation, a wave of assurance rushes over me. A moment of penetrating clarity seeps from my pores as I finally realize now is the time to make things right...no matter the cost.
Profile Image for Christian  Domenicci .
83 reviews1 follower
September 1, 2025
The Shroud: A Deep Dive Review:
This isn't just a horror novella; it's a masterful grip on the reader from the very first page. The narrative unfolds with a chilling precision that makes it impossible to put down. Iain Rob Wright demonstrates his talent not just in building a scary plot, but in crafting a palpable sense of psychological dread that lingers long after you've finished reading.
The characters are not just "creepy"; they are unnerving, each one contributing to a deep sense of unease that permeates the story. This is a kind of fear that gets under your skin, relying more on atmosphere and tension than cheap scares. For a true fan of the genre, it’s a terrifying delight.
The ending is a powerful and satisfying conclusion that honors the journey, tying up every loose end and leaving you with a sense of eerie fulfillment. The Shroud has solidified my belief that Iain Rob Wright is a standout voice in modern horror, and I am now committed to exploring his entire collection.
Considering that Spooky Season has just begun, this book was the perfect way to kick off the month. This is more than a book; it's a chilling emotional experience that has reignited my passion for reading. It earns a flawless five-star rating.
Profile Image for Hazel.
757 reviews12 followers
December 28, 2025
I am a big fan of Mr Wright's work and have enjoyed many of his books which I indulge in every now and again as it takes me back to my teenage years when I read horror books almost exclusively; I don't read as many now but I do like to keep my toe dipped in and Mr Wright's books usually hit the spot quite nicely and The Shroud was no exception.

Iain Rob Wright has a knack for taking a simple, everyday setting and turning it into a claustrophobic nightmare. The Shroud is a short, sharp shock of a novella that proves you don’t need a massive page count to leave a reader feeling completely unsettled.

The atmosphere here is top-notch; if you enjoyed The Mist or James Herbert’s The Fog, this will be right up your street. The "Shroud" itself feels like a living character - thick, creepy and creating a constant sense of dread about what is lurking just out of sight.

What I found most interesting wasn't just the "monsters" in the mist, but the psychological toll on Graham. He isn't the most likeable character but watching him crumble as the pub regulars confront him with his past was fascinating.

There is no filler here. The pacing is relentless, dragging you through the greyness until the final ending.
549 reviews2 followers
February 12, 2026
I really enjoyed The Shroud: A Horror Novella (Kindle Edition) by Iain Rob Wright.

Disgraced Barrister, Graham Solace, goes on a hike in the Derbyshire Dales and gets caught up in a swirling fog which renders him lost, with no phone signal or google maps, and in seek of shelter.

Eventually he comes upon a pub which looks ancient called The Crooked Stag. Inside he is welcomed by a dozen patrons, who call the swirling fog, the shroud.

Graham's eyes are going to be opened up when he leaves the solace of the pub in his quest to find the city. He encounters a terrifying faceless woman who chases him whom he later learns is called Tabitha and is rescued by Harold, who is like a guardian angel. Just when he thinks his life can't get any worse he encounters boggarts, creatures with unblinking eyes who try to gain entry to the pub.

Graham thinks, am I in hell, as he experiences groundhog day, both day and night.

All the patrons within the pub, including Graham are all connected due to them all having sinned, and The Crooked Stag is their point of no return.

There may be light at the end of the shroud if Graham accepts his fate.




Profile Image for Matt Egan.
670 reviews10 followers
September 4, 2025
An interesting and atmospheric horror tale...

The Shroud, a moody horror novella, tells the story of Graham, a lawyer who goes on a hike and finds himself lost in an impenetrable fog before finding a pub full of characters just as mysterious as the Shroud itself. He is unwilling to accept the way everyone seems to know him, and the things he's done, and fights everything they try to tell him, leading him into more horrific situations. I'm not going to give spoilers, so I'll just say that if you're looking for a fast, atmospheric horror story, The Shroud was written just for you. 4/5 stars!
Profile Image for Nicola Cox.
308 reviews6 followers
December 15, 2025
I read this in one sitting and I have to say it’s one of the best novellas I’ve read it had some good quotes and I don’t know it had me feeling things like regret and how we treat others I know I’m not making sense but you will when you read this I think il take something away with me from this read and try to be a better person this was really impactful and I wasn’t expecting that at all what an excellent kindle unlimited novella il never get fed up with this author this has to be his best work by far could be one of my best reads of 2025 I couldn’t put it down wow I’d highly recommend this you will not be disappointed wasn’t expecting this novella to hit like it did wow
Profile Image for Christine Rains.
Author 58 books245 followers
December 18, 2025
Trying to escape his disgrace in the city, Graham Solace takes a hike in the lovely Derbyshire Dales, but he steps away from one disaster into a nightmare. The Shroud descends upon him and he stuck in a mysterious place where monsters could eat him. A pub presents itself as a safe haven, but will he believe what the folks there tell him?

A short horror novella that is thick with atmosphere. It's creepy and existential. There a wonderful details about the strange place and the pub, The Crooked Stag. It also gives you a lot to ponder. Graham isn't likable through most of the story, but everything else enthralled me.
Profile Image for Dominic Harris.
84 reviews
January 24, 2026
What can I say? Iain’s books are always an intriguing masterpiece of horror and characters you genuinely root for. Whilst short, this novella is not a departure from this either… a tale of redemption, I wanted more. I would love to see a sequel or a full length novel fleshed out in this universe. Iain you have done well…they reckons each of us has one good novel, but you my friend, seem to have taken all of ours!!!
Profile Image for Kaye Nutman.
Author 38 books10 followers
September 17, 2025
A wonderful suspenseful tale

A shortish read, but well worth it. You may rail at the stubborness of Mr. Solace in the beginning, and be confused by the situation, but it is all cleverly tied together by the author and parts are even enlightening, if you choose to believe. Well worth the hours to read it.
Profile Image for Heather Kellermann .
158 reviews2 followers
February 1, 2026
Not scary and lame ending

The idea was sound, but the execution lacking in my opinion. This wasn't scary at all, it didn't make my pulse pound in fear, excitement, or anticipation. Graham spent most of the book being utterly insufferable, then has the quickest turnaround known to man and the ending was lame and disappointing.
Profile Image for Dale Robertson.
Author 6 books36 followers
August 28, 2025
A good, quick read. Quite an unsettling scenario (I'll be wary when hiking again) which served some creepy scenes and some thought-provoking, well thoughts. Iain's writing is top-notch, as expected.

Enjoyed a lot.
100 reviews
September 28, 2025
Short, sharp, and surprisingly deep


This story caught me off guard in a good way. It made me think about how our choices ripple through everything else. Graham might get under your skin, but the read is worth it.
Profile Image for Rubin Bryant.
90 reviews
October 12, 2025
A pleasing read

What I thought was going to be a horror turned out to be about excepting your guilt and knowing you must face the consequences of your actions. At least that is what I'm taking from it.
23 reviews
November 2, 2025
a Great Tale

This was a scary but interesting book. It made you look at yourself and think about what you’ve done and take responsibility for your deeds. I also like that it was a novella so it wasn’t to long.
3 reviews
November 10, 2025
A beautiful journey

I adore the writing style and the descriptions of the creatures that walk the hills. Iain is right, it's not about the destination, it's about the journey. A wonderful story for anyone who loves a bit of mystery, fear and a good old fashioned pub.
46 reviews3 followers
November 13, 2025
Quick and to the point

Poignant and surprisingly elegant in its macabre detail. A quick read, well worth it. While some of the descriptions were a bit juvenile, the overall meaning justified those in the end.
Profile Image for Ann Stravalle-schmidt.
2 reviews
November 28, 2025
wonderfully written

I’ve read almost everything IRob Wright had written and enjoyed the stories. This, I think is his best work, it evokes a feeling a mood a sense of mystery in an understated yet existential scary way. Subtle well written and powerful.
Profile Image for Terry.
1,084 reviews35 followers
December 19, 2025
Excellent. Always a good creepy read from this author.
Can you imagine getting lost and a creepy fog descending then you find a pub with friendly people in it.
But something just isn’t right. Then you learn more as the story goes on.
Perfectly creepy
Profile Image for Leighah.
339 reviews4 followers
December 26, 2025
I rather enjoyed this book. It's not overly long to read and the pacing was well set. It kept me engaged throughout the story and I enjoyed the characters. I even felt cold at some points in the story. If you are looking for a quick read that is easy to digest this might be just the ticket.
286 reviews2 followers
February 8, 2026
Loved the story

Great story, I love how well the characters were written, wow it really makes you think, I love how the story grabs you from the first page and continues to the end, I totally loved this novella great job
Profile Image for Nollaig Kelly.
146 reviews3 followers
September 10, 2025
Nice sharp shock

Man out on a bike gets lost in a dog then stumble upon an old bar and goes in
but all is not what it seems.......
Profile Image for jennifer  jackson.
4 reviews
September 20, 2025
Well written

Liked the pace of the book, not too many characters to keep up with. And there is a lesson to be learned.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews

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