The Shroud: A Horror Novella

by Iain Rob Wright

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 help 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.

Genres: Horror, Fiction

80 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 25, 2025

About the author

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

Reviews

[JJtheBookNerd · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Jacqui · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Marcie Pfeifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Caitlyn Seward · Rating 5 out of 5]

short but sweet

All things come to an end whether it be good or bad we have to choose. We have to accept.

[Christian Domenicci · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Hazel · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Luna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Within just about 80 pages, the author constructs a remarkably rich atmosphere of horror, keeping the reader both tense and curious. The blurring of the line between reality and illusion is particularly thought-provoking. Despite its short length, the plot is tight, the pacing is excellent, and the ending leaves a profound aftertaste, allowing readers to not only experience terror but also reflect on the characters' inner thoughts and choices.

The atmosphere is superbly created, creating a sense of dread that grows stronger with each reading.

The plot is tight and well-paced, making it suitable for a single reading session.

It possesses a touch of philosophical and psychological depth, going beyond simple scares.

Minor drawbacks: The short length sometimes feels insufficient to fully develop certain settings.

The horror elements might be slightly restrained for readers who enjoy gore and complex monster descriptions.

Overall, this is a worthwhile horror novella, suitable for readers who enjoy atmospheric horror and a touch of psychological exploration. While not the epitome of terror, it is a tightly paced work with a lingering aftertaste, perfect for a late-night reading.

[Matt Egan · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!

[Nicola Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Christine Rains · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Kaye Nutman · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Dale Robertson · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Kyesha Alexander · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Rubin Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Diane Sorenson · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Joanna Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Randi Vance · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Ann Stravalle-schmidt · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Leighah · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Nollaig Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.......

[jennifer jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written

Liked the pace of the book, not too many characters to keep up with. And there is a lesson to be learned.

[Meat Head · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting short spooky creature feature

[Kayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

super quick read, i loved the concept of perceived morality while incorporating horror

[Jen Nolan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome Read!

As usual, Wright delivers! I like the way he makes people examine themselves. A great evening read...Short & sweet with an awesome ending.

[William Bitner Jr. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very short, but worthwhile read. Somewhere between 'The Mist' and 'The Fog' you will find 'The Shroud'. An interesting afterlife experience.

[Joobs :) · Rating 3 out of 5]

like a 3.5. idk. it just feels right.

[bookish_emmxx · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

[Jenny McDonald · Rating 3 out of 5]

A creepy short story, set as a horror novella but I’d say it’s a very, very tame one. Overall a good read.