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Thin Red Membrane: Demonic Horror Collection
261 pages, Paperback
Published September 3, 2025
About the author
John James Minster
9 books53 followersJOHN JAMES MINSTER was born in Norristown, Pennsylvania. He commenced a successful international business career since the 1980s in the technology sector while publishing horror short stories in horror anthologies. In July, 2018, his first middle-grade full-length horror novel, Dreamjacker, which met with five-star reader reviews, was born of nightmares. Hellbender Books published The Undertaker’s Daughter, disruptive religious horror for mature audiences on Halloween, 2022, to enthusiastic professional and fan reviews.
As a child he walked in his sleep; his parents found him at the top of the stairs about to leap down, dreaming that he could fly. Every night since childhood he still talks and punches walls in his sleep during nightmares, which he describes as "Nightly mini horror movies. Terror is feeling dread at the possibility of something frightening; horror is the shock and repulsion of seeing the thing: Hello! This is my head every single night of my life—so no writer's block on the horizon or chance that I’ll run out of stories.”
Learn more at JohnJamesMinster.com
As a child he walked in his sleep; his parents found him at the top of the stairs about to leap down, dreaming that he could fly. Every night since childhood he still talks and punches walls in his sleep during nightmares, which he describes as "Nightly mini horror movies. Terror is feeling dread at the possibility of something frightening; horror is the shock and repulsion of seeing the thing: Hello! This is my head every single night of my life—so no writer's block on the horizon or chance that I’ll run out of stories.”
Learn more at JohnJamesMinster.com
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
October 1, 2025
Four stories of faith, fear and the battle of good versus evil. Religious horror very much based in real spiritual beliefs, the imagery is brutal and gory but the message is clear, chose a side.
A grieving man takes revenge but there is no balancing the scales, violence begets violence and the cycle continues.
A cursed object journey through time to present day where the demons it contains have their day. Two bible college students and an occult collector are all that stands between good and evil - the real historical details in this story are exceptional.
Deep in the Sierra Nevada a man seeks out a wise woman to prove his loyalty to his crime boss but she needs more than his truth and when he refuses dark forces rise against him.
The End Times comes with a sound that kills the unprepared and faith is rewarded.
A grieving man takes revenge but there is no balancing the scales, violence begets violence and the cycle continues.
A cursed object journey through time to present day where the demons it contains have their day. Two bible college students and an occult collector are all that stands between good and evil - the real historical details in this story are exceptional.
Deep in the Sierra Nevada a man seeks out a wise woman to prove his loyalty to his crime boss but she needs more than his truth and when he refuses dark forces rise against him.
The End Times comes with a sound that kills the unprepared and faith is rewarded.
June 2, 2026
Thin Red Membrane
John James Minster
09/02/2025
JJM Publishing
Reviewed by Brian James Lewis
Welcome horror fans! Today we’re checking out Thin Red Membrane-A Demonic Horror Collection by John James Minster. These powerful stories tackle topics that are not for the faint of heart or easily triggered readers. Minster delves deep into Horror, Occult & the Supernatural, Multiple Religions, Demonology, and Satanism. He researches his topics thoroughly and lays everything right on the table, so get ready for a bumpy ride!
Thin Red Membrane is made up of three short stories and one novella, starting with Little Voices. Webb Constantine opens his front door to horrible news; his wife and daughter have been killed by a drunk driver. Webb tries to believe in the legal system and seek sanctuary at his church, but it’s just not enough. The anger burning inside his body morphs into a black hatred that clamors for vengeance. Especially when the repeat offender who destroyed his life gets to walk free after serving a few measly months of his sentence. To say Webb is disappointed is to say that Chicago is a nice little town. He wants justice, dammit! As do the spirits of his late wife and daughter, who keep encouraging Webb to take action, along with something else that wants to help. But as the medium he engages to make contact with them says, “once you open the door to the other side, there is no telling what will come through.”
Succubus is an entrancing tale of terror that pulls you in with all its amazing details. Uno Rubi is a very rich and powerful man who makes a very good living selling drugs. This guy isn’t a nickel bag peddler, either. He brings in boatloads of uncut “good stuff” from all over the world and somehow remains untouched. No arrests, no problems with the competition, and Dave, his right-hand man, is about to find out his secret in exchange for a little information. Uno sends him to a beautiful fortune teller in the untamed mountains to get the name of the person who stole from him. It is a hellish trip, and Dave nearly dies before reaching his goal. Fortunately, he is rewarded by amazing sex with an equally amazing woman. Unfortunately, it is also revealed that he is dealing with a horribly evil entity from Venezuela that is more than four centuries old. La Sayona does not appreciate Dave’s claim of loyalty to Jesus Christ one bit. There will be punishments, but first he must go face his boss. Oh, and just in case Dave thinks he can make a run for it, she puts a little something on him to make sure that’s impossible. Will there be any mercy from Uno Rubi? Should Dave tell his secret? There is only one way to find out.
Decibel gives scientific logic a hard kick in the teeth. Seeking the truth via microscope, millions of measurements, and mounds of data paints a picture of perfection that we should be able to achieve if the concept of a higher power is thrown out. But when scientists start getting decibel readings of a sound powerful enough to destroy all vertebrate life on earth, there is no objective logical explanation they can provide. We’re doomed. Or is it that we’ve shut ourselves off from religion and spirituality too long, dulling our senses to reality? A family of doomsday preppers decide to follow their hearts and go with God and a bit of technology. The journey they take is both frightening and inspiring.
Thin Red Membrane by John James Minster is a multifaceted collection of demonic horror that gets FIVE STARS from this reviewer! It’s difficult to show every side of the ancient argument of what constitutes good and evil along with the hard reality that there are places where evil rules the roost. There is also the question of honest intent when people make lip music. Humans are great at making life way too complicated and leaving the door wide open for demons to waltz right in. It just takes that blinding rage or sometimes, temptation to add something unwanted to your darkness. Good luck getting rid of it once it’s in.
Thanks for reading independent horror and checking out this review! For more information about John James Minster and his books, visit him at: www.JohnJamesMinster.com He’s also active on Facebook and has videos on YouTube about haunted places that are cool and educational.
John James Minster
09/02/2025
JJM Publishing
Reviewed by Brian James Lewis
Welcome horror fans! Today we’re checking out Thin Red Membrane-A Demonic Horror Collection by John James Minster. These powerful stories tackle topics that are not for the faint of heart or easily triggered readers. Minster delves deep into Horror, Occult & the Supernatural, Multiple Religions, Demonology, and Satanism. He researches his topics thoroughly and lays everything right on the table, so get ready for a bumpy ride!
Thin Red Membrane is made up of three short stories and one novella, starting with Little Voices. Webb Constantine opens his front door to horrible news; his wife and daughter have been killed by a drunk driver. Webb tries to believe in the legal system and seek sanctuary at his church, but it’s just not enough. The anger burning inside his body morphs into a black hatred that clamors for vengeance. Especially when the repeat offender who destroyed his life gets to walk free after serving a few measly months of his sentence. To say Webb is disappointed is to say that Chicago is a nice little town. He wants justice, dammit! As do the spirits of his late wife and daughter, who keep encouraging Webb to take action, along with something else that wants to help. But as the medium he engages to make contact with them says, “once you open the door to the other side, there is no telling what will come through.”
Succubus is an entrancing tale of terror that pulls you in with all its amazing details. Uno Rubi is a very rich and powerful man who makes a very good living selling drugs. This guy isn’t a nickel bag peddler, either. He brings in boatloads of uncut “good stuff” from all over the world and somehow remains untouched. No arrests, no problems with the competition, and Dave, his right-hand man, is about to find out his secret in exchange for a little information. Uno sends him to a beautiful fortune teller in the untamed mountains to get the name of the person who stole from him. It is a hellish trip, and Dave nearly dies before reaching his goal. Fortunately, he is rewarded by amazing sex with an equally amazing woman. Unfortunately, it is also revealed that he is dealing with a horribly evil entity from Venezuela that is more than four centuries old. La Sayona does not appreciate Dave’s claim of loyalty to Jesus Christ one bit. There will be punishments, but first he must go face his boss. Oh, and just in case Dave thinks he can make a run for it, she puts a little something on him to make sure that’s impossible. Will there be any mercy from Uno Rubi? Should Dave tell his secret? There is only one way to find out.
Decibel gives scientific logic a hard kick in the teeth. Seeking the truth via microscope, millions of measurements, and mounds of data paints a picture of perfection that we should be able to achieve if the concept of a higher power is thrown out. But when scientists start getting decibel readings of a sound powerful enough to destroy all vertebrate life on earth, there is no objective logical explanation they can provide. We’re doomed. Or is it that we’ve shut ourselves off from religion and spirituality too long, dulling our senses to reality? A family of doomsday preppers decide to follow their hearts and go with God and a bit of technology. The journey they take is both frightening and inspiring.
Thin Red Membrane by John James Minster is a multifaceted collection of demonic horror that gets FIVE STARS from this reviewer! It’s difficult to show every side of the ancient argument of what constitutes good and evil along with the hard reality that there are places where evil rules the roost. There is also the question of honest intent when people make lip music. Humans are great at making life way too complicated and leaving the door wide open for demons to waltz right in. It just takes that blinding rage or sometimes, temptation to add something unwanted to your darkness. Good luck getting rid of it once it’s in.
Thanks for reading independent horror and checking out this review! For more information about John James Minster and his books, visit him at: www.JohnJamesMinster.com He’s also active on Facebook and has videos on YouTube about haunted places that are cool and educational.
September 20, 2025
Like some of the author's other eBooks, I got sent a free copy of this one as well. Like one of his other books, the Vengeful Book, I didn't mind giving this book a read because I am into horror anthology, be they TV shows, movies and of course novels. But unlike that other book, this has only 4 stories, with one being more of a novella.
But I wanted to add some of my thoughts about this book. The story that also happens to be like a short novella, does make use of the actual existing Begich Towers in its story, the very same one in Alaska, in that small city of Whittier, which is famous not just in the United States but worldwide, as it is a city where everybody lives in the same building, that very same building that also has a school, a church, a police department, a shop, heated indoor pool etc etc. (can even remind one of some of the real life survival doomsday bunkers from Atlas Survival Shelters or that other in Kansas). In fact I don't think I have ever read any other story that has ever been set in the Begich Towers, from anyone else so kudos to the author.
What is also interesting about that novella is that it also delves into some pre-Islamic Arab lore, about the religious belief on Hubal, which has been subject of debate by academics.
And speaking of doomsday bunkers, one of the other stories covers that theme and the kind of topic which doomsday preppers often think about.
Also have to say that another story in the book is something that would interest fans of Erik Matti's 2012 short movie Vesuvius or that movie based on James Herbert's novel The Shrine, as it covers such similar ideas and themes.
But I wanted to add some of my thoughts about this book. The story that also happens to be like a short novella, does make use of the actual existing Begich Towers in its story, the very same one in Alaska, in that small city of Whittier, which is famous not just in the United States but worldwide, as it is a city where everybody lives in the same building, that very same building that also has a school, a church, a police department, a shop, heated indoor pool etc etc. (can even remind one of some of the real life survival doomsday bunkers from Atlas Survival Shelters or that other in Kansas). In fact I don't think I have ever read any other story that has ever been set in the Begich Towers, from anyone else so kudos to the author.
What is also interesting about that novella is that it also delves into some pre-Islamic Arab lore, about the religious belief on Hubal, which has been subject of debate by academics.
And speaking of doomsday bunkers, one of the other stories covers that theme and the kind of topic which doomsday preppers often think about.
Also have to say that another story in the book is something that would interest fans of Erik Matti's 2012 short movie Vesuvius or that movie based on James Herbert's novel The Shrine, as it covers such similar ideas and themes.
October 15, 2025
Thin Red Membrane: Demonic Horror Collection by John James Minster
A big thank you to @johnjamesminster for the eARC.
The Thin Red Membrane is what separates our reality from the supernatural and sometimes entities slip through 😱
Little Voices
The first short story is a meditation on grief. A father cannot forgive a drunk driver for killing his wife and child. His need for justice consumes him, leaving him open to hate and a demonic possession.
Hand of Hubal
A novella or short novel filling three quarters of the book. Occult horror at its finest. An ancient relic from Arabia traps malevolent pre-Islamic gods. The artifact becomes part of a collection but when stolen in the city of Whittier, Alaska, all hell breaks loose. The occult collector and two bible college students are all that stand in the way of the violent uprising of the pagan deities.
Full of religious and historical research and with a fascinating Alaskan setting (I was googling the unique city), this is a slow burn that builds to a crescendo of horror, confrontation & exorcism.
Succubus
A short story of dark folk horror. A narco thief in Colombia finds a centuries old evil in the mountains with origins in Venezuela. A terrible choice is offered if he wants to live.
Historic tribal details mix with modern crime.
Decibel
A short story of Cosmic horror. There is the Sound. And it's increasing. Welcome to the Apocalypse. Survivalists, deep in their bunkers may be the only ones left alive.
Is the Creator performing a reboot? Will civilization survive?
A good mix of different types of supernatural horror, all well written with the blend of folklore, religion & history making them more realistic.
Let us hope the membrane stays intact this Halloween 😱
✨✨✨✨⚡4.5 stars
A big thank you to @johnjamesminster for the eARC.
The Thin Red Membrane is what separates our reality from the supernatural and sometimes entities slip through 😱
Little Voices
The first short story is a meditation on grief. A father cannot forgive a drunk driver for killing his wife and child. His need for justice consumes him, leaving him open to hate and a demonic possession.
Hand of Hubal
A novella or short novel filling three quarters of the book. Occult horror at its finest. An ancient relic from Arabia traps malevolent pre-Islamic gods. The artifact becomes part of a collection but when stolen in the city of Whittier, Alaska, all hell breaks loose. The occult collector and two bible college students are all that stand in the way of the violent uprising of the pagan deities.
Full of religious and historical research and with a fascinating Alaskan setting (I was googling the unique city), this is a slow burn that builds to a crescendo of horror, confrontation & exorcism.
Succubus
A short story of dark folk horror. A narco thief in Colombia finds a centuries old evil in the mountains with origins in Venezuela. A terrible choice is offered if he wants to live.
Historic tribal details mix with modern crime.
Decibel
A short story of Cosmic horror. There is the Sound. And it's increasing. Welcome to the Apocalypse. Survivalists, deep in their bunkers may be the only ones left alive.
Is the Creator performing a reboot? Will civilization survive?
A good mix of different types of supernatural horror, all well written with the blend of folklore, religion & history making them more realistic.
Let us hope the membrane stays intact this Halloween 😱
✨✨✨✨⚡4.5 stars
September 17, 2025
Thoroughly enjoyed this collection of stories, each one leaving you wanting another page. My favorite out of the collection was Hubal’s Hand- it had me looking up and researching, fascinated by the historical accuracy weaved within pages of horror, romance and religion. The author does an impeccable job describing sights and smells and really transporting the mind to create a vivid picture of each scene. It makes you question if the facts in each story surround the fiction, or if the fiction actually surrounds the facts.
November 30, 2025
A collection of 4 supernatural horror stories where their reality is as equivalent to the depths of Hell. This story not only touches on the supernatural, but also Biblical realities that can be present in our daily lives. A thrilling, but chilling collection.
December 28, 2025
If you’re a fan of religious horror, Thin Red Membrane, a Demonic Horror Collection by John James Minster just might be your jam.
These stories are equally heavy on religion and horror, while incorporating fascinating historical events/beliefs and killer settings.
While a couple of the characters ground my gears at first, their views and/or personalities improved by the conclusions of their respective stories.
This collection explores topics and worldviews that may not be for everyone, but reading with an open mind while embracing your personal beliefs could make this an engaging and fun experience for almost anyone.
My favorite story was the last, as I grew up in the church and attended a Christian school. I spent much of my life avoiding the book of Revelation, as I found it to be one of the scariest stories of all. Minster’s take on the End Times was an absolute blast. Had I read it back in the day, I’d be absolutely terrified.
Check it out, if you dare, and share your thoughts, pretty please.
Thank you, John, for sending this my way. As always, the cover is stunning!
These stories are equally heavy on religion and horror, while incorporating fascinating historical events/beliefs and killer settings.
While a couple of the characters ground my gears at first, their views and/or personalities improved by the conclusions of their respective stories.
This collection explores topics and worldviews that may not be for everyone, but reading with an open mind while embracing your personal beliefs could make this an engaging and fun experience for almost anyone.
My favorite story was the last, as I grew up in the church and attended a Christian school. I spent much of my life avoiding the book of Revelation, as I found it to be one of the scariest stories of all. Minster’s take on the End Times was an absolute blast. Had I read it back in the day, I’d be absolutely terrified.
Check it out, if you dare, and share your thoughts, pretty please.
Thank you, John, for sending this my way. As always, the cover is stunning!
September 23, 2025
Four dark shorts that bring the devil to us. John gives us three tales and one novella that all center around the devil and demonic activity. Each one hits a different aspect and each feel like they could be true in our time today. The novella is set in the apartments in Alaksa where you can get everything you need there--and it brings a dark look into what happens there. My favorite of the group was "Little Voices". It shows how deceptive demons are and how far we will go to believe what we want to believe. An easy read to keep the light on and turning the pages.
April 15, 2026
Minster really knows how to write occult horror, with a bit of folk horror thrown in This collection of four tales takes you through time, through different locations and different cultures. A very diverse collection which is refreshing actually.
The theme of good vs evil is the main theme of the stories. An ancient relic, revenge, a cursed legend and a sound that brings about the end times. If you enjoy demonic horror you'll enjoy this.
Each story is a slow burn. Everything I've read from Minster has a slow building tension that'll keep you turning the pages.
Highly recommend!
The theme of good vs evil is the main theme of the stories. An ancient relic, revenge, a cursed legend and a sound that brings about the end times. If you enjoy demonic horror you'll enjoy this.
Each story is a slow burn. Everything I've read from Minster has a slow building tension that'll keep you turning the pages.
Highly recommend!
January 9, 2026
This is an excellent collection of demonic horror! It includes 1 novella and 3 short stories that are wildly different takes on demons/evil entities in which the main characters must make a choice. These stories are dark, atmospheric, thought provoking and absolutely terrifying!
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews