Amongst the Large Pines

by Nikki Belgrave

Jade and her daughter Frankie escape to a cabin in the woods for some R&R, only to come across an uninvited guest with sinister ties to the property.

Amongst the Large Pines was the Winner of the Phantom Wine Ghost Story Competition and adapted into a short film for the 2024 Austin Film Festival. See Nikki Belgrave's Instagram for the link to watch the short film and behind the scenes footage of the film premier. @nikkibelgrave

Genres: Horror, Paranormal

11 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 16, 2025

About the author

Author, bookworm, and nostalgia addict. Halloween is a lifestyle. Read my short story, Amongst the Large Pines, that was adapted to film to debut at the 2024 Austin Film Festival as part of the Night of the Living Shorts category.

Reviews

[Nikki Blake · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m biased because I wrote it, but I love this story! Thanks to anyone who is reading this for supporting me. <3

[Erica (Cheekymama2) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a spooky short story that caused my heart rate to rise! It is the perfect read for October. I love Nikki's writing style. It was no surprise this short story won a contest and was made into a short film!

[Brit (Salty) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is not only chilling (like I'm talking TO THE BONE!) but my jaw hit the floor so fast at the ending that I may not get my damage deposit back.

Seriously for such a short read I was a little curious how it could pack such a punch and let me tell you it's a heavy hitter! 🫨

I can't wait to read future work but this one is going to be a fun annual camping read FOR SURE!

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great short story read for Halloween. Creepy and suspenseful. I only wish it had been longer! Can’t wait to see what Nikki Belgrave writes next.

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Oh no, my mommy is very nice. I don’t want to hurt her.”


Jade and her toddler daughter, Frankie, live in Los Angeles.

Jade is a writer. Trying to get her creative juices flowing, she and Frankie head to Wrightwood, in northern California.

The rental cabin in the woods seems promising at first.

Tati—the voice in the closet… 🫣

The coffee cup ☕️ The red light 🚨

Events. Sounds. Objects…

Creepy. Ending is 👍🏻 👀


“Mommy, don’t forget to say goodnight to Tati!”

[Lee Wolf · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the privilege of reading the very first draft of this short story, and I am so thrilled it's now available for everyone to read! Full of creepy moments and unsettling reveals at only 11 pages! Congratulations, Bestie!

[Shanna Griffeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riveting!!

My only complaint is I wish it were longer!! This short story was well written and had me at the edge of my seat. The authors use of descriptive language made me feel like I was there! Well done👏

[Bree Lynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was AMAZING especially since it was such a short read. I wish it was a full length book!

[Cyndie Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great short story thriller!! So well written. I can’t wait to read more by this amazing storyteller. Not many books can give me goosebumps, but this one did!

[Sarah Hoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun read! Spooky! Looking forward to more from Nikki!