What do you think?
Rate this book
SOS
There’s an abandoned farmhouse on the edges of Chicago suburbia. The locals call it the Smitty House. It represents an bygone era, slowly swallowed by seas of new subdivisions. But the Smitty house is different. It has a dark history… where evil things happened.
Accidents. Suicides. Murders.
It’s the kind of house people avoid looking at for too long.
Across the street from the Smitty house lives Rudy, a teenage boy with a golden retriever named Maggie. She can’t stop fixating on the house. From Rudy’s bedroom window, Maggie whines and stares at the Smitty house like it’s watching her back. Like it’s trying to communicate.
When Rudy finally starts paying attention, he realizes something is staring back.
That’s when the signal starts.
And the horror
Accidents. Suicides. Murders.
It’s the kind of house people avoid looking at for too long.
Across the street from the Smitty house lives Rudy, a teenage boy with a golden retriever named Maggie. She can’t stop fixating on the house. From Rudy’s bedroom window, Maggie whines and stares at the Smitty house like it’s watching her back. Like it’s trying to communicate.
When Rudy finally starts paying attention, he realizes something is staring back.
That’s when the signal starts.
And the horror
193 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 29, 2026
About the author
Michael Stone
8 books60 followersMichael Stone crafts stories of speculative and contemporary fiction. His work can be found in online publications and print anthologies. When he’s not creating post-apocalyptic and supernatural worlds, he’s helping institutionalized veterans transition from service by guiding them through career exploration and self-reflection. Outside of his writing endeavors, he plays fetch with his pups, Maggie and Macy, and spends quality time with his family of six, exploring the vibrant culture of the Windy City.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
June 1, 2026
A dark and forbidding long empty house across the street. strange lights flashing from upstairs story's of murder and witchcraft with many missing people and occupants including our main character Rudy's mother. Rudy with Maggie [ his loyal dog] and best friend and neighbor Jayson are determined to find out the real story and hopefully his mother. round up to 4.25 big stars !!
June 1, 2026
ARC Review
SOS
Author: Michael Stone
Release Date: June 1, 2026
Genre: Horror, Thriller
Tropes: Abandoned House, Missing Persons
While the author did not intend this story to be a full novel, I feel like it could have easily been expanded into a longer story. While a shorter story, it’s one of my favourites by Michael Stone. I loved the inclusion of Maggie’s chapter, it gives more perspective into what’s happening. It has all the things you want in a horror story: haunted(?) house, creepy basement, unsettled family pet who won’t stop staring, dark figures & weird smells. It would have been great to see Laura have a POV from a “Ghost Chasers” perspective. The characters and settings are descriptive and immersive.
There was a moment when I though it was going to give “Old Yeller” vibes…not cool.
When you consider the authors past, this book isn’t just a horror story, it feels like one big metaphor for overcoming.
#bookstagram #readersofinstagram #reviews #books #indie
SOS
Author: Michael Stone
Release Date: June 1, 2026
Genre: Horror, Thriller
Tropes: Abandoned House, Missing Persons
While the author did not intend this story to be a full novel, I feel like it could have easily been expanded into a longer story. While a shorter story, it’s one of my favourites by Michael Stone. I loved the inclusion of Maggie’s chapter, it gives more perspective into what’s happening. It has all the things you want in a horror story: haunted(?) house, creepy basement, unsettled family pet who won’t stop staring, dark figures & weird smells. It would have been great to see Laura have a POV from a “Ghost Chasers” perspective. The characters and settings are descriptive and immersive.
There was a moment when I though it was going to give “Old Yeller” vibes…not cool.
When you consider the authors past, this book isn’t just a horror story, it feels like one big metaphor for overcoming.
#bookstagram #readersofinstagram #reviews #books #indie
June 3, 2026
This is the third book I've read from Michael Stone and it's another banger. It's a paranormal tale of a kid who wants to figure out the truth of what happened to his missing mother. However, there is a strange looking house that's an eyesore on first sight. However, many dark secrets lie inside, including the idea of many people going missing.
My favorite character was Maggie by far. Yes, I love dogs, but Michael did a wonderful job building the character of Rudy's loyal companion. The story starts off innocent enough, but once you get to the middle, you're in for a ride that you can't stop turning the pages on.
If you read between the lines, you'll see this story is one big story about overcoming and has plenty of emotional moments. I truly enjoyed this one.
My favorite character was Maggie by far. Yes, I love dogs, but Michael did a wonderful job building the character of Rudy's loyal companion. The story starts off innocent enough, but once you get to the middle, you're in for a ride that you can't stop turning the pages on.
If you read between the lines, you'll see this story is one big story about overcoming and has plenty of emotional moments. I truly enjoyed this one.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Have you ever read a book that is equal parts unsettling, spine-chilling, and heartwarming? If not, make sure to check out “SOS” by Michael Stone.
In a Chicago suburb sits the Smitty House, an old, run-down home infamous for suicides, murders, and accidents. The story follows Rudy, a teenager who has been living in a world of uncertainty since his mother went missing several years ago. He has a stutter, experiences, nightmares, and faces humiliation at school, with all starting the week his mother went missing. Maggie, his golden retriever (there is a forward mentioning that the dog survives - this is not a spoiler), she comes obsessed with the house and stares at it with a sense of dread. Rudy sees a blinking light and, when investigating the mystery that is the Smitty House, discovers a terrifying presence within the house. What was once a creepy neighborhood tale becomes a struggle for survival.
Like The Shimmering and Lovely Flesh, I loved this story by Stone. It starts off as a slow burn where you are introduced to the characters and the history of the Smitty House and then grabs you by the throat and propels you forward, full speed ahead. There is a tense climax and satisfying conclusion.
Stone’s previous books have detailed, thoughtful plots and this story is no different. One of the reasons why I enjoy his writing so much is the attention he pays to strong character development. The characters are not just names on paper. Instead, they jump out of the page and have a life of their own. Interestingly, in this story, the Smitty House feels like a well-rounded character.
Well, this is a fantastic horror story, the thing I like most about it is that it is heartwarming. Specifically, showing you the unconditional love and loyalty that a dog has for their human. I relate very strongly to this as I’m a golden retriever owner as well, and it was amazing to see the massive and crucial role that a dog has on a story. Dogs are amazing animals, and Stone captures a person’s love for their companion perfectly.
Long story short, this is a must read for everyone. Thank you for the opportunity to read and provide my thoughts on this story!
In a Chicago suburb sits the Smitty House, an old, run-down home infamous for suicides, murders, and accidents. The story follows Rudy, a teenager who has been living in a world of uncertainty since his mother went missing several years ago. He has a stutter, experiences, nightmares, and faces humiliation at school, with all starting the week his mother went missing. Maggie, his golden retriever (there is a forward mentioning that the dog survives - this is not a spoiler), she comes obsessed with the house and stares at it with a sense of dread. Rudy sees a blinking light and, when investigating the mystery that is the Smitty House, discovers a terrifying presence within the house. What was once a creepy neighborhood tale becomes a struggle for survival.
Like The Shimmering and Lovely Flesh, I loved this story by Stone. It starts off as a slow burn where you are introduced to the characters and the history of the Smitty House and then grabs you by the throat and propels you forward, full speed ahead. There is a tense climax and satisfying conclusion.
Stone’s previous books have detailed, thoughtful plots and this story is no different. One of the reasons why I enjoy his writing so much is the attention he pays to strong character development. The characters are not just names on paper. Instead, they jump out of the page and have a life of their own. Interestingly, in this story, the Smitty House feels like a well-rounded character.
Well, this is a fantastic horror story, the thing I like most about it is that it is heartwarming. Specifically, showing you the unconditional love and loyalty that a dog has for their human. I relate very strongly to this as I’m a golden retriever owner as well, and it was amazing to see the massive and crucial role that a dog has on a story. Dogs are amazing animals, and Stone captures a person’s love for their companion perfectly.
Long story short, this is a must read for everyone. Thank you for the opportunity to read and provide my thoughts on this story!
Review of advance copy
This is my fourth read by Stone and so far he has not let me down!
I’m always drawn to a good haunted house story, and once you add a dog, I’m completely invested. The haunted house backstory is what stands out most for me. It gives off strong “the house as a living entity” energy, layered with religious curses, occult undertones, and traces of a brutal past tragedy. Stone then deepens it further by weaving in Slavic folklore, which adds another compelling dimension. The house’s history is tightly threaded into the present through themes of parental loss and the supernatural abilities of a fiercely loyal canine companion.
There’s a remarkable amount packed into such a short novella, and Stone handles it with real skill. SOS is a slow-burn, atmospheric story that builds dread through implication rather than direct exposition. Past and present are tightly interlocking old tragedies don’t remain buried, they actively shape what’s happening now. The result is a strong blend of occult imagery, religious curse motifs, and folklore influences. The house feels almost aware, as if it carries memory, reacts to trauma, and has been shaped by everything it has witnessed. This creates a slow, suffocating sense of inevitability rather than relying on jump scares.
When the gore does appear, it’s executed with precision, not for shock alone, but for impact and narrative purpose, which is something I’ve come to really appreciate about Stone’s writing.
Overall, SOS is a well written, fun read and for a horror novel, this one has an impressive amount of heart. It’s deeply character-driven, emotionally grounded, and intensely human at its core, while still managing to be tense, unsettling, and genuinely eerie.
I’m always drawn to a good haunted house story, and once you add a dog, I’m completely invested. The haunted house backstory is what stands out most for me. It gives off strong “the house as a living entity” energy, layered with religious curses, occult undertones, and traces of a brutal past tragedy. Stone then deepens it further by weaving in Slavic folklore, which adds another compelling dimension. The house’s history is tightly threaded into the present through themes of parental loss and the supernatural abilities of a fiercely loyal canine companion.
There’s a remarkable amount packed into such a short novella, and Stone handles it with real skill. SOS is a slow-burn, atmospheric story that builds dread through implication rather than direct exposition. Past and present are tightly interlocking old tragedies don’t remain buried, they actively shape what’s happening now. The result is a strong blend of occult imagery, religious curse motifs, and folklore influences. The house feels almost aware, as if it carries memory, reacts to trauma, and has been shaped by everything it has witnessed. This creates a slow, suffocating sense of inevitability rather than relying on jump scares.
When the gore does appear, it’s executed with precision, not for shock alone, but for impact and narrative purpose, which is something I’ve come to really appreciate about Stone’s writing.
Overall, SOS is a well written, fun read and for a horror novel, this one has an impressive amount of heart. It’s deeply character-driven, emotionally grounded, and intensely human at its core, while still managing to be tense, unsettling, and genuinely eerie.
Review of advance copy
4.5☆
I have become a Michael Stone fan! I really like his style of writing horror. And...when the dog not only lives but is a hero....!!!
I enjoyed the haunted house aspect of the book, the history of what made the house a scary place to be. Rudy's, and his friend, Jason's, exploration of the house was so believable in that I felt like I was right beside them. Stone nailed the banter between Rudy and Jason perfectly.
Stone took a different approach to the folklore of Babba Yaga. It worked for this book.
SOS is so much more than a horror story. It has elements of a coming of age story, a best friend's tale and a testament of love; love between parents and children, as well as the pure love of a dog for her people.
I received an advance review copy (ARC) for free, and I am voluntarily leaving my opinions of this novel. Thank you to Michael Stone, publisher and Booksirens for the opportunity.
Favorite Quote:
"There's a reason the metaphor, 'A dog is a man's best friend,' resonates so deeply with us. It's intertwined with what we want in our friends: loyalty, someone who's sensitive to our emotional needs, forgiving and capable of loving unconditionally. It's a high standard, and most of our friends can't hold a candle to it."
I have become a Michael Stone fan! I really like his style of writing horror. And...when the dog not only lives but is a hero....!!!
I enjoyed the haunted house aspect of the book, the history of what made the house a scary place to be. Rudy's, and his friend, Jason's, exploration of the house was so believable in that I felt like I was right beside them. Stone nailed the banter between Rudy and Jason perfectly.
Stone took a different approach to the folklore of Babba Yaga. It worked for this book.
SOS is so much more than a horror story. It has elements of a coming of age story, a best friend's tale and a testament of love; love between parents and children, as well as the pure love of a dog for her people.
I received an advance review copy (ARC) for free, and I am voluntarily leaving my opinions of this novel. Thank you to Michael Stone, publisher and Booksirens for the opportunity.
Favorite Quote:
"There's a reason the metaphor, 'A dog is a man's best friend,' resonates so deeply with us. It's intertwined with what we want in our friends: loyalty, someone who's sensitive to our emotional needs, forgiving and capable of loving unconditionally. It's a high standard, and most of our friends can't hold a candle to it."
Review of advance copy
Rudy lost his mother. Maggie misses Mom, too. Rudy should not have to go through this heartache and pain. Then there's the house! Maggie stares at it all the time. There were parts in this story that kept me turning page after page. Then there were parts that threw me off. I love when settings are in past and present. Usually those flashbacks fill the reader in on what's happening. With this story, I felt there wasn't enough detail to explain the story of the house. I understand the violence but not a real reasoning for the extreme hate. The lack of background on the families made it hard for me to stay with the story. I have to watch the story in my head, I spent time wondering what happened here and there.
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5 stars rounded up
SOS by Michael Stone is a unique haunted house, coming of age story. One of the unique things about it is that one of the main characters is a dog. A few chapters are even told from the dog's POV which was interesting. There are a few scenes that genuinely gave me the creeps and will be seared into my brain forever (thank you for that Mr. Stone!). If you like haunted house stories that are a bit different, and especially if you're a dog lover, I think you'll love this book!
SOS by Michael Stone is a unique haunted house, coming of age story. One of the unique things about it is that one of the main characters is a dog. A few chapters are even told from the dog's POV which was interesting. There are a few scenes that genuinely gave me the creeps and will be seared into my brain forever (thank you for that Mr. Stone!). If you like haunted house stories that are a bit different, and especially if you're a dog lover, I think you'll love this book!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Mongo is appalled!! 5 stars.
Review of advance copy
A-ma-zing, this was so good, I was sad it came to an end. I've read some other works by this author and it just keeps getting better.
I received a free ARC, and I'm leaving this review voluntarily.
I received a free ARC, and I'm leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy
Welp, that was fucking terrifying…
But oh, so good. What a cool story of loss, haunted house vibes, and a unique spin on the Baba Yaga witch.
I’ll see you at the Michael Stone Promised Land!
But oh, so good. What a cool story of loss, haunted house vibes, and a unique spin on the Baba Yaga witch.
I’ll see you at the Michael Stone Promised Land!
April 28, 2026
“ I started at the bottom and now we’re here.” - Jay Z
I’m hoping to be like Jay Z someday.
I’m hoping to be like Jay Z someday.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews