Kabuki: A Halloween Horror Story

by Erik Fox, Michaela Fosdick (Editor)

Dating apps are supposed to make love easier—until they make it lethal.

Courtney’s just another twenty-something trying to survive modern the endless pings, the shirtless selfies, the conversations that go nowhere. But when her best friend Rachel meets a man online, everything begins to unravel.

What starts as casual swipes and playful banter spirals into obsession, lies, and something far darker hiding behind the screen.

In a world where everyone wears a mask, “Kabuki” asks how well we ever really know the people we trust—and what’s left when the show finally ends.

72 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 24, 2025

Reviews

[myreadingescapism · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quick little slasher horror to get you ready for the spooky Halloween season.. 🎭

[Irving · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’re a 90s baby, this short story is for you! It’s fast paced with some fun twists and has all the fun slasher vibes, and also the horror of dating apps as a young adult. The authors note at the beginning got me hyped up but ultimately kind of let me down. I read strictly horror novels and short stories this Spooktober, so I was just expecting a little more horror. Looking forward to checking out the rest of his work!

3.75 ⭐️

[Patrick Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fun little slasher. Woke up early in the morning with a fresh cup of coffee and read in under 2 hours. With how short it was pacing was just perfect and loved the characters and dialogue. If you’re looking for a fun read on a cool October morning or night grab a blanket and get to reading. You won’t be disappointed!

[Katie Spillers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very fun spooky read for halloween! I never expected the twist that comes or the ending! I was shocked to say the least. Love everything Erik has written and I’m excited to read more!

[Kendal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick, easy, fun read. Nothing better than a Halloween slasher that makes you giggle and gasp all at once.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Swipe right… into your next nightmare. 💀
Kabuki by Erik Fox turns modern dating into a deadly game of masks and lies.
This Halloween, love might just kill you. 🎭📱

Erik hooked me with his first book Monarch 🦋 Now he is one of my auto-buy authors.

This book is a short read of about 72 pages and perfect for spooky season!! I could absolutely see this as a horror movie! That ending though!! Oh my goodness!! Definitely jump into this book if you enjoy horror movies and stories!!

[Dawn's Fogbound Archive · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again Erik Fox does not disappoint! I understood this was gonna be a quick read but BOY was it lol. I zoomed through this! This story was alllll the 90s horror vibes from the snarky "dont hate me cuz im beautiful" chicks to the chubby funny friend (that being said plz bring James back somehow Erik) this quickie was excellent for a spooky Halloween read! Can't wait for Kabuki 2!

[David Woodley · Rating 5 out of 5]

The perfect book for Spooky Season ! Erik Fox is also a great author to start with if you’re in a reading slump !
Thought I had it figured out but I definitely didn’t !! For a short story, it gave me everything I needed; characters to love, to hate, to distrust and a solid plot twist 🤯!! ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️!

[Abbey · Rating 5 out of 5]

The perfect book of spooks for this colder season. Loved the dynamic of Courtney and James, and quite literally had several jaw-dropping moments as the book went on (especially over the fact that the lead FOLDS her toilet paper).

Several turns. Several twists. Still left me wanting more at the end.

[Kacie Long · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a quick, fast paced Halloween thriller - perfect for spooky season!

[Samantha McFadden · Rating 1 out of 5]

Read this short story to get another book added to my challenge Forreal Forreal.
This got a single star because there was an actual twist at the end. All about dating app and FMC meets this dude who
Won’t stfu about how he’s a bigger guy. Literally doesn’t shut up. Her friend starts acting weird and you think you know what happens but it actually got me at the end. But it was still soooooooo lame and extra for no reason. The authors note in the beginning had me excited talking about horror and gore but just because someone’s head gets randomly chopped off doesn’t make it horror and gore baby.

[Tera Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love reading a book when it evokes reactions from me. This story made me laugh, I felt exultant, and I shouted out loud at the ending. Most of all I wanted more. I love how this author writes and weaves a story that keeps me enthralled and I ignore the world in order to stay immersed in the story. This was such a fun read and I cannot wait for the next wild ride!

[Sadee Sutherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely LOVED this book! I wasn’t sure what to expect from reading monarch and gimbals and I was SO impressed. I don’t think I’ve ever rooted for a character as much as I did for James. The way Erik writes makes it easy for my brain to turn his words into a movie that I can see while reading. So excited to see what comes next!

[Kaylee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cool little slasher even in the Christmas season! It was a very quick read and not too predictable! I hope there is a second part.

[Stephanie Givre · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short story is 90s slasher film meets todays dating scene. It's perfection. Short, sweet, to the point. I can't wait for the next episode!