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SOS: A Horror Novel
202 pages, Paperback
Published May 29, 2026
About the author
Michael Stone
201 books25 followersLibrarian Note:
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There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
This profile may contain books from multiple authors of this name.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
June 1, 2026
What a wonderful, wonderful story! Just because it's horror (and quite scary, at that), doesn't mean it must tap solely into the worst parts of humanity; on the contrary, the tale itself may demand it that amidst all the misfortune and the tension, moments of joy and pure, unadulterated love should also be included - and what better way to do that, than give a starring role to a brave and fiercely loyal dog?
In this book, Maggie, a golden retriever, not only has her own chapters, she also triggers the plot in motion by drawing attention to the ugly, abandoned, and supernaturally infested house of the neighborhood! She watches and watches, and it's only a matter of time till something... answers back.
On the other hand, this is also the story of Rudy and his best friend, Jason, teen schoolboys who've learned to manage without their moms at home. Rudy's mother mysteriously vanished into thin air, and three years later, only Rudy's dog, Maggie, seems to still wait for her to come back. But once Rudy and Jason catch up on what's really bothering Maggie, the story develops very fast into a gripping adventure into the secrets of the neighborhood's haunted house!
If the book sounds like a YA coming-of-age novel so far, what happens after Rudy and Maggie step into the house will shatter that illusion. The house is indeed evil, and haunted, and cursed. It has a bloody history, and indeed one specific scene towards the middle promises to deliver an image so horrific, it'll settle the matter once and for all. Happily, this is Maggie's story as well, and her presence in the house is something to consider! And no, she doesn't die.
Packed with family drama, realistic takes on the father-son relationship (good and bad), golden retriever charm, and old, unresolved disputes with intense, paranormal aspects, "SOS" tells a compelling horror story of dread, grief, and hope - at least till the unexpected, savage last chapter! Highly recommend!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
In this book, Maggie, a golden retriever, not only has her own chapters, she also triggers the plot in motion by drawing attention to the ugly, abandoned, and supernaturally infested house of the neighborhood! She watches and watches, and it's only a matter of time till something... answers back.
On the other hand, this is also the story of Rudy and his best friend, Jason, teen schoolboys who've learned to manage without their moms at home. Rudy's mother mysteriously vanished into thin air, and three years later, only Rudy's dog, Maggie, seems to still wait for her to come back. But once Rudy and Jason catch up on what's really bothering Maggie, the story develops very fast into a gripping adventure into the secrets of the neighborhood's haunted house!
If the book sounds like a YA coming-of-age novel so far, what happens after Rudy and Maggie step into the house will shatter that illusion. The house is indeed evil, and haunted, and cursed. It has a bloody history, and indeed one specific scene towards the middle promises to deliver an image so horrific, it'll settle the matter once and for all. Happily, this is Maggie's story as well, and her presence in the house is something to consider! And no, she doesn't die.
Packed with family drama, realistic takes on the father-son relationship (good and bad), golden retriever charm, and old, unresolved disputes with intense, paranormal aspects, "SOS" tells a compelling horror story of dread, grief, and hope - at least till the unexpected, savage last chapter! Highly recommend!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 10, 2026
Rudy's mother mysteriously vanished into thin air, and three years later, only Rudy's dog, Maggie, seems to still wait for her to come back. But once Rudy and Jason catch up on what's really bothering Maggie, the story develops very fast into a gripping adventure into the secrets of the neighborhood's haunted house!
June 1, 2026
I just finished SOS from Michael Stone and it was another success.
The story follows Rudy and his best friends Jason and Maggie, his loyal dog, as they get sucked in to the mystery of the abandoned house across the street. Throughout they face not just supernatural challenges, but the rough stuff that comes from all too human problems too.
This is a story about the different kinds of relationships that shape us; relationships with family, friends, enemies, and even pets. Each dynamic is different and gives added layers to the story and depth to the characters.
The first half delves into the day to day life of Rudy and Jason and introduces the heart of the story and its central mysteries. The second half delivers excellent horror that is truly unnerving.
I’m glad I read this and came away feeling like I went through the same ordeal as the characters. That’s always high praise.
If you like this story, be sure to check out Michael Stone’s next book, Lovely Flesh, for even more fantastic horror and storytelling!
* I received an advanced copy of this book and am leaving this honest review voluntarily
The story follows Rudy and his best friends Jason and Maggie, his loyal dog, as they get sucked in to the mystery of the abandoned house across the street. Throughout they face not just supernatural challenges, but the rough stuff that comes from all too human problems too.
This is a story about the different kinds of relationships that shape us; relationships with family, friends, enemies, and even pets. Each dynamic is different and gives added layers to the story and depth to the characters.
The first half delves into the day to day life of Rudy and Jason and introduces the heart of the story and its central mysteries. The second half delivers excellent horror that is truly unnerving.
I’m glad I read this and came away feeling like I went through the same ordeal as the characters. That’s always high praise.
If you like this story, be sure to check out Michael Stone’s next book, Lovely Flesh, for even more fantastic horror and storytelling!
* I received an advanced copy of this book and am leaving this honest review voluntarily
June 8, 2026
A tense, character‑driven supernatural neighborhood horror where the entire plot kicks off thanks to Maggie — a golden‑retriever‑energy sweetheart who notices what everyone else ignores. Her attention lands on the abandoned house at the edge of the neighborhood, a place so cursed, rotten, and spiritually toxic it feels alive. From there, the story spirals into a mix of family drama, unresolved obligations, creeping dread, and flickers of hope.
The house itself is pure evil — haunted, bloody, and heavy with history — but the heart of the book is in the relationships: the bonds between family, friends, enemies, and even pets. Each dynamic shapes the characters in different ways, giving the horror emotional weight. It’s eerie, suspenseful, and surprisingly tender beneath the terror.
The house itself is pure evil — haunted, bloody, and heavy with history — but the heart of the book is in the relationships: the bonds between family, friends, enemies, and even pets. Each dynamic shapes the characters in different ways, giving the horror emotional weight. It’s eerie, suspenseful, and surprisingly tender beneath the terror.
June 21, 2026
Wow! This book had me on a roller coaster of emotions. Never thought i would go from shocked to disgusted (in the best way) to sad and heartbroken in one book, lol. Horror is not always just blood and gore. It's pain, sadness, loss, and healing, too. I love love loved Maggie. Dogs truly do love unconditionally. The story was phenomenal, and so was writing. Also, I l felt like I was reading a true crime story and doing historical research. I love the way it all came together. It's just a truly fantastic read.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews