Unknown Caller: A Short Horror Story

by J.A. Konrath

A HORROR SHORT STORY

Riley gets an unknown call on her cell phone.

Things get bad.

Very bad. Very quickly.

UNKNOWN CALLER by J.A. Konrath
Don't answer it...

Genres: Horror

26 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 29, 2026

About the author

Joe Konrath has written over twenty novels in the Lt. Jacqueline "Jack" Daniels thriller series. They do not have to be read chronologically to be enjoyed, but the order is: Whiskey Sour, Bloody Mary, Rusty Nail, Dirty Martini, Shot of Tequila, Fuzzy Navel, Cherry Bomb, Dead On My Feet, Serial Killers Uncut (with Blake Crouch), Shaken, Stirred (with Blake Crouch), Dying Breath, Everybody Dies, Rum Runner, Last Call, White Russian, Shot Girl, Chaser, Old Fashioned, Bite Force, and Witch Brew. More coming soon.

Wow, that's a lot of Jack.

If you like your thrillers on the dark side, check out the Konrath Dark Thriller Collective, which includes the books The List, Origin, Afraid, Trapped, Endurance, Haunted House, Webcam, Disturb, What Happened To Lori, The Nine, Second Coming, and Close Your Eyes.

Joe also wrote the Stop A Murder mystery puzzle series, where you become the sleuth and solve brain teasers to try and catch a killer.

He also wrote the sci-fi trilogy, Timecaster, Timecaster Supersymmetry, and Timecaster Steampunk. Even if you don't think you like sci-fi, give them a try. They feature Joe's well-known characters from his other series, and are insane.

With Ann Voss Peterson he wrote the Codename: Chandler thrillers, including Flee, Spree, Three, Hit, Exposed, Naughty, Fix (with F. Paul Wilson), Rescue, and Free.

And, finally, he writes erotica under the pen name Melinda DuChamp, also with Ann Voss Peterson. Those books are probably too spicy for you, so only the brave and bold should seek them out.

Joe writes a lot. You should probably read everything.

You can visit Joe and sign up for his newsletter at www.JAKonrath.com/mailing-list.php

Reviews

[Vicki Herbert]

Probably Just Spam...

UNKNOWN CALLER: A Short Horror Story
by J.A. Konrath

4 stars. While napping before her shift at the bar, Riley Scorchen's phone rang with an UNKNOWN CALLER displayed on her screen...

Thinking it was probably a robo caller, or a telemarketer, or spam, she decided to answer the call and give someone hell...

Picking up the call, she heard a woman scream. It sounded authentic, but thinking it must be a prank, she started to hang up...

When the woman screamed: No Riley!
Then gurgling, choking, bubbling...
What to do? Call the police?

A male voice came on the line with a cruel, evil laugh...

She hung up on him and called her phone provider for help reporting the crime...

They were no help...

This was a very short story, but it was very good. I thought it was going to be a cliche ending, but it was pretty original.

[Peter Topside]

3.5 stars. This was more of an experiential horror. Not to my particular tastes, but I could see a casual or beginner horror reader enjoying this. Ultimately, it was far too short and incomplete to have the desired effect. The premise and twist ending weren't bad at all, but the author just focused too much on the scattered thoughts of the lead character, to make the reader nervous, rather than flesh out the story further. Again, there is an audience for this type of horror, but it's not me.

[Mylene]

Fun short story

This was a quick read, but extremely fun. Honestly, the only criticism I have is the resolution of the unknown caller. It was very abrupt and unrealistic. It was nice to have a universe character make an appearance, but it just did not tie together in a way that made sense. If you like Konrath, you will enjoy.

[alice]

2.5 Great little easy palette cleanser

[Mellisa]

Summary: When Riley receives a call from an unknown number after waking up from a nap, she decides it would be worth having a bit of fun pranking them. However, things turn terrifying when she hears a woman screaming, and a chilling male voice on the phone - who then sends her a photo on the lift to her apartment...

Review: For 26 pages, this packs a hell of a punch. Short but chilling, with a twist that finishes the book on a shocker. Loved it.

[Jacqui]

For such a short story, only 26 pages, this was great. It definitely packed a punch and I never would have predicted that ending.

[Suwanee Koski]

Very short story..but just meh

Not my favorite but it’s a quick read, if you’re looking for something really quick. doesn’t give a lot of context for anything so a little confusing

[Chris]

OMG..... He NEVER Disappoints

Incredibly scary! Such a FAST read.... but it left it's mark! I love this author! Wasn't going to download it and then changed my mind.... so glad I did!

[isabella]

and that's why I never pick up any calls

[carol mccoy]

Bonechilling

Absolutely loved this and it had me guessing. No way you can figure out what's going on til the end. I need more stories like this please!!

[Rian Thomas]

I really enjoyed this story. Very short and something fast to read if you’re not sure what to read next. I think it was a great creative bit.

[David Blaylock]

Quick read that I somehow felt compelled to read again as soon as I finished.

[Teahyareads]

Easy short horror with a little bit of spooky