Wicked Hands

by Desiree Horton

Fidelina can raise the dead.

Growing up, she feared her powers. Her own mother kept her distance, scared of what her daughter's hands were capable of.

Resurrection isn't always a good thing.

But one wild night, she learned that her special skill has a positive side, not just resurrection, but rehabilitation.

Can Fidelina learn to be proud of her wicked hands? Or will the fear that has followed her be too much to overcome?

69 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 4, 2026

About the author

Desiree Horton is a horror writer and enthusiast. She can be found at home in the PNW with her two dogs, two kids, and one husband. Her work can be found in other horror anthologies, and on the edges of papers she will lose almost immediately. More information on her works can be found at authordesireehorton.my.canva.site or on Amazon. Instagram and tiktok: @horrortonwritesabook

Reviews

[Christy Aldridge · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my second book by Desiree Horton. So I already knew she was a talented writer. Her writing is easy to read, fast paced, but also there's depth. And this book was a good example of that.

So I thought I knew what direction it would take. The set up was amazing, with the curse and everything, but then Horton takes a left turn and that's where the book really picks up. The curse switching, or at least our MC realizing that it has different effects on different people, took me by surprise. (Also, I'm trying to be vague here because I don't want to spoil it, but like
. . It's soo good).

The writing is impeccable. The emotion is there. I truly just enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more by Desiree Horton!

[S.E. Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Wicked Hands," the latest release from author Desiree Horton, may be short in length, but it still packs a hell of a punch. In it, a young woman named Fidelina has the ability to resurrect the dead with her touch. This seems more curse than gift to her, as those she brings back to life are irrevocably changed, becoming savage, violent versions of the people they once were. She fears and hates her power, until she discovers that her touch can also absolve the crushing holds of addiction, violent tendencies, sexual perversions, and other dark traits. When she resurrects someone who'd been good in life, they become wicked, but the wicked, it seems, become good because of her. They also become fiercely devoted to Fidelina in the process, and before long she's amassed a sizable and zealous following of the resurrected who will do anything for her. And from there, the story takes a dark, unexpected, and gruesome turn.

This story is a great example of why I enjoy religious horror. Beneath every faith's facade of morality and righteousness, there's an underlying darkness, the threat of a God who is malevolent and vengeful. That dread lingers in our minds like an inherent fear of deep water or the dark, and religious horror taps into that wellspring of fear, begging the question: What if, in order to do something good, you must be willing to do something bad? Very, very bad?

Horton gets this, and so as Fidelina continues to build her flock of happily resurrected converts, the reader knows the other shoe's about to drop at any moment, that sooner of later, the shine's going to come off this seemingly new penny, and the dark side of that coin will be revealed. And it's a hell of a twisted, ghoulish side, too. No spoilers from me. Suffice to say, Horton keeps proving that, like Fidelina, she's someone worth following and having faith in. She has yet to disappoint.

[Ali O · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wicked Hands by Desiree Horton
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
This is a very original, exciting and entertaining short horror story!
Fidelina knew at a young age that something was different with her and the power she possessed with her hands. She decided to keep her hands away from others until one night in college things changed, and she had a mission to use her hands for good. Fidelina learned that has a special and unique gift that she decides to share with others.

I was lucky to get an arc of this awesome short story. It’s a fast and powerful read!
Desiree Horton is a fantastic story teller, and writer, and I can’t wait to read more of her books!!

*This book is out now and I absolutely recommend the read!*

🙏🏻“Bring me a sinner.” 🙏🏻
🙋🏻‍♀️Off to church I must go!!🙋🏻‍♀️

[Amber Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just when I think there can’t possibly be any completely unique stories left, Desiree comes along and shocks me. This story follows the childhood and early life of Fidelina, a girl with seemingly magical hands. But are her powers a blessing or a curse? While short, this story had me completely intrigued wondering what the outcome would be the whole time. You definitely don’t want to miss this one! Desiree has become one of my top must read authors. I can’t wait to see what she comes up with next!

[Bree · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS NOVELLA GRABBED MY ATTENTION FROM THE FIRST PAGE. IT WAS VISCERAL, DARK, AND, HAUNTING. I LOVED THE STORYTELLING IN THIS BOOK, IT TRULY LEAD ME INTO THIS DARK WORLD. IT WAS REGLIOUS HORROR AT ITS FINEST.