The Big Book of Scary Stories: 120 Scary short stories

by Mike Nesbitt

Step into the shadows with The Big Book of Scary Stories by Mike Nesbitt—a chilling collection of over one hundred terrifying tales designed to keep you awake long after the lights go out. From haunted houses and cursed objects to restless spirits and sinister whispers in the dark, each story plunges you into a world where fear lurks around every corner and nightmares are waiting to be unleashed.

Inside these pages, you’ll encounter Crimson Manor, where ivy-covered walls hide secrets that claim the souls of the curious. You’ll meet Lucinda the Shadow Doll, a porcelain terror who moves only at night. You’ll board Flight 388, a ghostly plane that never lands, and hear the echoing footsteps of The Watcher in the Woods, who circles campsites under the full moon. Other tales lead you to cursed rings, phantom trains, demonic poker games, and reflections that don’t obey the laws of reality. Every chapter is a self-contained scare, but together they form an anthology of horror that blends the supernatural with the psychological, pulling you deep into the fog of fear.

What sets this collection apart is its variety—these aren’t just ghost stories, they’re explorations of the fears that haunt us guilt, grief, betrayal, loneliness, and the unknown. Each narrative is crafted to deliver a jolt of suspense while also scratching at something deeper, making you wonder whether the scariest monsters are the ones outside our windows or the ones inside our minds. Readers will find nods to gothic horror, urban legends, and contemporary creepypasta, making this book a must-have for fans of Stephen King, Shirley Jackson, R.L. Stine, and anyone who loves a campfire tale that goes too far.

Perfect for teen and adult horror fans, this book can be enjoyed in short bursts or devoured in long, spine-tingling sessions. With stories ranging from eerie whispers and haunted attics to cursed treasure, sinister babysitters, and doppelgängers that call you by name, this anthology promises variety and unpredictability. Whether you’re drawn to paranormal horror, psychological suspense, or supernatural thrillers, you’ll find it here.

Turn off the lights, silence your phone, and open The Big Book of Scary Stories. Just be once you start reading, you may never feel alone again.

610 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 1, 2025

About the author

Mike Nesbitt is a globe-trotting technologist and storyteller whose career bridges the worlds of broadcasting, software innovation, and creative writing. With decades of experience leading technology projects across New Zealand, Australia, the Pacific, the Middle East, and beyond, Mike brings a unique blend of cultural insight, engineering precision, and narrative flair to everything he touches.

When he's not helping shape the future of media, he’s spinning eerie yarns and historical oddities into bestselling books. His works include the chilling anthology Scary Stories That Will Make You Sh17 Yourself, the uncanny Weird and Strange Tales, and the witty historical deep-dive The Dreadnought Hoax.

Mike’s writing is known for its cinematic storytelling, dark humor, and a healthy dose of the unexpected—whether he's exploring the absurdities of Edwardian naval culture or penning ghost stories that sneak up on you with a laugh... and a scream. With an eye for the weird, a passion for history, and a soft spot for terrifying tales, Mike Nesbitt is a creative force equally at home behind the keyboard or in the control room.

Reviews

[Kacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5 Stars ⭐️

Collection of mini creepy pasta/ horror stories.