Emily and the Rat: A Kingsworth urban legend

by Dave Musson

There's a rat in room 388...

Unfortunately, it's not the type that pest control can deal with. This rat is a paying guest at the Clifton Hotel in Kingsworth, which means the only person who can deal with him is Emily, the hotel's manager. Frankly, the guest from hell is the last thing she needs right now. But as a nightmare week unfolds, the rat in room 388 is only the start of Emily's problems. Aside from the pink tails, scampering feet, and bad dreams, Emily realises she might also have discovered something much more terrifying hiding in the window at her place of work.

Also includes the bonus stories You're Melting and Bad Dream.

119 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 24, 2025

About the author

The Bookstagram Awards Author of the Year for 2024, Dave is a glasses-wearing, bearded human being from the middle of England who likes heavy music with loud guitars, watching movies, and reading and writing creepy stories. He has more hobbies than he should really have time for; playing in a band, hosting a bunch of podcasts, writing, and running a Stephen King-themed YouTube channel. Oh, and he also wrote and published The Ultimate Stephen King Quiz Book in 2022.

Dave lives at home with his wife, sons, and annoying dog. He made his debut as a published fiction writer in 2021's Welcome to the Funhouse, from Blood Rites. He was also a finalist in the Bellingham Review’s 2022 Tobias Wolff Prize for Fiction, and has been published in Psychotoxin Press, The Reach, and on The Horror Tree.

His first full collection of short stories, Once More Round the Sun, was published on his own Always Darkest imprint in August 2024, and won the Best Collection and Best Horror categories of the 2024 Bookstagram Awards.

Reviews

[Stephen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Gotta say when I saw a new book from Mr Musson was releasing for free was excited. But ultimately I felt surprisingly disappointed. Don't get me wrong the title story Emily the Rat had good writing that flowed nicely. Dave has a real knack for building tension and some of the body horror imagery like the Rat coming out of Rennie's mouth. But I could just not connect with the story or the characters. I cannot put my finger on what exactly. In comparison to Winning Ticket it just wasn't as energetic or exciting. It needed a stronger hook. I fully expected it to go a different way which added to my disappointment. That and I'm still mixed about the ending and almost too ambiguous.


The second story, Your Melting was a short but very sweet experience. Without revealing much it has a theme of Death and how that might not be the end. I loved how creepy and haunting the story goes, especially the hooded figures. Definitely a highlight.



I found Short stories collection in general hard to rate as a package and this was no different. If not for the Vlad story which to me felt like a random middle chapter in a larger story. It would've been a 3 star review. Overall a 2.8/5 is where I'm sitting. As I read more of your works I will reevaluate in case I wasn't in the right headspace.

[Dave Musson · Rating 5 out of 5]

My latest novella! Full of rats, haunted windows, and a hotel guest from hell…I really hope you enjoy reading this dark secret of Kingsworth as much as I had fun writing it!

[M.E. Tilburn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A technically great book. Packed with grounded characters, classic, disturbing horror, and the usual sprinkle of British quirk that brings Dave’s writing to life.

I felt this one didn’t hit the heights of Winning Ticket in terms of the horror - though that may be more personal preference. It’s probably closer to a 3.8/5 for me for this one, but still worth a read.

Winning Ticket was a rollercoaster of modern horror tropes, whereas Emily and the Rat felt more like the traditional slow-dread of a ghost train ride.


The inclusion of ‘You’re Melting’ is a brilliant introduction to Musson’s other work, and if you’ve not yet picked up ‘Once More Round The Sun’, now is the time - that beautiful cover will look great with your collection!

[Diana Salazar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dave Musson’s Town of Kingsworth is proving to be a messed up place. Go visit The Cheese Store, Emily—that might help you handle this rat 🐀
Oh not enough rats? This story is paired with “You’re Melting” that will really get you infested.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one might put you off of your cheese.

[Teppo Ruotsalainen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emily and the Rat by Dave Musson is a short, unsettling horror story that relies on atmosphere rather than shock. A creepy hotel, a haunted window, disturbing dreams, and rats combine to create a constant sense of dread. The story feels grimy and claustrophobic, blurring the line between nightmare and reality. It’s sharp, creepy, and leaves an uneasy aftertaste — perfect for fans of quiet, creeping horror.

[Miles Hamer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grotty nasties with an unhealthy line in gleeful sadism, body horror, and angular chills. One particular dream section had me scowling in disgust. A big problem on my part is that I don’t find rats repulsive at all. On the contrary, I find the cheeky fellas among the planet’s cutest creatures. Anyway, good stuff!

[Chris Lohn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a pretty quick read. I really liked the characters. The story was very interesting and incredibly unique. I am excited to see what else comes from Kingsworth. There are some gross out scenes that are described with lots of detail. Consider yourself warned. If that isn't a deal breaker, it is well worth a read.