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The Spider Silk Scarf: A Short Story
Not yet published
Expected 1 Sep 26From the New York Times bestselling author of The House in the Pines comes a haunting short story about grief, growth, and regret that asks the question, “What do you get when you steal from a witch?”
Nora has always gotten a thrill from stealing things—from shoplifting nail polish as a young teenager to now, in her twenties, reaching higher than a receptionist’s salary allows. Her handyman fiancé, Ben, doesn’t ask questions when she shows up with a new necklace or cracks open a bottle of high-end cognac that they clearly can’t afford.
When Ben comes home from a repair job for a notoriously reclusive neighbor, he passes along rumors of an extraordinary object hidden away in her gloomy old house. A scarf, woven from the silk of black widow spiders. It’s priceless, not only because it’s completely unique, but also because, as legend has it, it took twelve weavers seven years to create. Only eleven survived.
As obsession takes hold, Nora finds herself breaking into her neighbor’s home. But what happens next defies explanation. One glimpse into the world of a witch could change Nora’s life forever—if she makes it out.
Nora has always gotten a thrill from stealing things—from shoplifting nail polish as a young teenager to now, in her twenties, reaching higher than a receptionist’s salary allows. Her handyman fiancé, Ben, doesn’t ask questions when she shows up with a new necklace or cracks open a bottle of high-end cognac that they clearly can’t afford.
When Ben comes home from a repair job for a notoriously reclusive neighbor, he passes along rumors of an extraordinary object hidden away in her gloomy old house. A scarf, woven from the silk of black widow spiders. It’s priceless, not only because it’s completely unique, but also because, as legend has it, it took twelve weavers seven years to create. Only eleven survived.
As obsession takes hold, Nora finds herself breaking into her neighbor’s home. But what happens next defies explanation. One glimpse into the world of a witch could change Nora’s life forever—if she makes it out.
32 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication September 1, 2026
About the author
Ana Reyes
4 books1,249 followersAna Reyes has an MFA from Louisiana State University. Her work has appeared in Bodega, Pear Noir!, The New Delta Review, and elsewhere. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband and teaches creative writing to older adults at Santa Monica College. The House in the Pines in her first novel.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
August 1, 2026
This was actually one of the better short stories I have gotten for free from Amazon First Reads. It definitely sucks you in right away and halfway through, you think that you are in a fantasy world but then it all makes sense in the end.
Really weird, but very interesting and well written! I enjoyed it!
Really weird, but very interesting and well written! I enjoyed it!
August 2, 2026
What an amazing story all in only a few dozen pages! Nora is a clepto, but there is a sad reason behind it. Ben is her fiancé - does he know what she does? Ms Martin is an old woman next door who is rumoured to be a witch and who has an expensive black widow silk scarf Nora wants.
Who would think you could put this story with two life lessons into such a short format? Loved it!!
Who would think you could put this story with two life lessons into such a short format? Loved it!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 2, 2026
Really short story, provided by Amazon first reads. It was an interesting story and well written. As a quick read you would think it’s totally confusing and pointless but you have to think deeply about the symbolism behind the story. The MC is still grieving the loss of her sister and if you tie in how the sister died, with the story of the mirror, and the MCs compulsion to steal and think about how the spider silk scarf was made you’ll see the brilliance of the writing. I really liked how layered this story is once you actually take the time to think it through. 4⭐️
Review of advance copy
I don’t know if you can give zero stars on Goodreads but man oh man this deserves zero. This was awful, thankfully it was free through the Amazon first reads program. The writing was confusing, it jumped around way too much and the story was dumb. Just an awful story. Would’ve been a DNF if it wasn’t 32 pages.
August 2, 2026
I don’t normally read stories like this, but I ended up enjoying it more than I expected. It was eerie, atmospheric, and made me think. For such a short story, it packed a surprising amount into a small number of pages. Definitely worth the read, especially as a free Prime First Reads bonus.
August 3, 2026
ok read
Very quick to read, short story about a woman who has a problem stealing. She then try’s to steal from a “known witch,” after her husband told her about a scarf made from spider silk. It was an ok read not horrible.
Very quick to read, short story about a woman who has a problem stealing. She then try’s to steal from a “known witch,” after her husband told her about a scarf made from spider silk. It was an ok read not horrible.
Review of advance copy
4.25 stars
I received this short story for free from Amazon First Reads for August 2026.
SPOILERS BELOW
The gist: Hallucinations of carbon monoxide poisoning disguised as wild supernatural fantasies.
At first, I thought this was just another chaotic supernatural story where there were no rules for the supernatural elements, and it was just supernatural for supernatural's sake. But then the window scene where Nora breathed in fresh air made everything click.
The "moving" tiles, the smell, the hallucinations -- these were not supernatural elements but rather symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning. There was no supernatural force affecting Nora; she was experiencing lethal-level poisoning from the gas that Ms. Martin had left on in an attempt to end her own life. And once Nora opened the window and inhaled some oxygen into her system, she began to realize what had happened as well, which was why she didn't need to read the (suicide) note beside Ms. Martin's bed. She knew immediately that "this had been a choice" and she "felt a deep sadness beneath the dizziness and searing pain in her lungs [from breathing carbon monoxide]." Ms. Martin had chosen to take her own life using the gas.
The explanation in the text: "She gulped the air. Once. Twice. Then she punched out the window screen and leaned out into the wide night. Breathed. As the world stilled and her swiftly dimming vision was restored, along with the clarity of her thoughts, she remembered the phone in her back pocket. She called 911. Then, sucking in two vast lungfuls of air, she went back into the room for Ms. Martin. Nora didn't have to read the note Ms. Martin had left folded on the table beside the bed to understand that this had been a choice, and she felt a deep sadness beneath the dizziness and searing pain in her lungs and head."
That passage gives a full explanation of what has happened without actually saying the words "carbon monoxide poisoning" or "attempted suicide," and I can understand the confusion some readers are experiencing about what has actually transpired. I felt that way myself at first too!
My initial rating was going to be somewhat low because of all the wild supernatural nonsense, but once it clicked that literally nothing about this was supernatural, and, rather, it was actually psychological suspense/horror based on a physiological reaction to a life-threatening situation, my enjoyment of this story skyrocketed.
I received this short story for free from Amazon First Reads for August 2026.
SPOILERS BELOW
The gist: Hallucinations of carbon monoxide poisoning disguised as wild supernatural fantasies.
At first, I thought this was just another chaotic supernatural story where there were no rules for the supernatural elements, and it was just supernatural for supernatural's sake. But then the window scene where Nora breathed in fresh air made everything click.
The "moving" tiles, the smell, the hallucinations -- these were not supernatural elements but rather symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning. There was no supernatural force affecting Nora; she was experiencing lethal-level poisoning from the gas that Ms. Martin had left on in an attempt to end her own life. And once Nora opened the window and inhaled some oxygen into her system, she began to realize what had happened as well, which was why she didn't need to read the (suicide) note beside Ms. Martin's bed. She knew immediately that "this had been a choice" and she "felt a deep sadness beneath the dizziness and searing pain in her lungs [from breathing carbon monoxide]." Ms. Martin had chosen to take her own life using the gas.
The explanation in the text: "She gulped the air. Once. Twice. Then she punched out the window screen and leaned out into the wide night. Breathed. As the world stilled and her swiftly dimming vision was restored, along with the clarity of her thoughts, she remembered the phone in her back pocket. She called 911. Then, sucking in two vast lungfuls of air, she went back into the room for Ms. Martin. Nora didn't have to read the note Ms. Martin had left folded on the table beside the bed to understand that this had been a choice, and she felt a deep sadness beneath the dizziness and searing pain in her lungs and head."
That passage gives a full explanation of what has happened without actually saying the words "carbon monoxide poisoning" or "attempted suicide," and I can understand the confusion some readers are experiencing about what has actually transpired. I felt that way myself at first too!
My initial rating was going to be somewhat low because of all the wild supernatural nonsense, but once it clicked that literally nothing about this was supernatural, and, rather, it was actually psychological suspense/horror based on a physiological reaction to a life-threatening situation, my enjoyment of this story skyrocketed.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
AMAZON FIRST READS - August 2026
OK…so, to start off, this is NOT a “witch” story. It’s much more of a WHICH??? story. Here we go…
Nora, the FMC, is an unreliable narrator. Readers are subjected to her mental and emotional challenges. Her very short, 32 page, 25 minute story bounces from present confusing reality to hyper emotional memories compounded by projection and a wild imagination; confusion ruled for most of the read.
To be successful at short form fiction, an author needs to keep things simple. Ana Reyes is successful with only one element: she limited the number of characters - 1 primary and 2 secondary. Unfortunately, Nora was not well developed. The plot was far too convoluted for this truncated tale. If there is a point, theme or resolution to the plot, it’s buried; extremely deep.
Problem, Object, Conflict, Development and Resolution - these are the elements needed for a successful story, regardless of length. Reyes delivers on Object only - the main character, Nora. Well, she does write with good grammar and keep the story clean. A few paragraphs during the scene when Nora breaks into her neighbor’s house deliver creepy and scary vibes, followed by going off the rails. More time was needed to flesh out the details and motivation.
All in all, I’ll sum it up in one word - pointless📚
OK…so, to start off, this is NOT a “witch” story. It’s much more of a WHICH??? story. Here we go…
Nora, the FMC, is an unreliable narrator. Readers are subjected to her mental and emotional challenges. Her very short, 32 page, 25 minute story bounces from present confusing reality to hyper emotional memories compounded by projection and a wild imagination; confusion ruled for most of the read.
To be successful at short form fiction, an author needs to keep things simple. Ana Reyes is successful with only one element: she limited the number of characters - 1 primary and 2 secondary. Unfortunately, Nora was not well developed. The plot was far too convoluted for this truncated tale. If there is a point, theme or resolution to the plot, it’s buried; extremely deep.
Problem, Object, Conflict, Development and Resolution - these are the elements needed for a successful story, regardless of length. Reyes delivers on Object only - the main character, Nora. Well, she does write with good grammar and keep the story clean. A few paragraphs during the scene when Nora breaks into her neighbor’s house deliver creepy and scary vibes, followed by going off the rails. More time was needed to flesh out the details and motivation.
All in all, I’ll sum it up in one word - pointless📚
Review of advance copy
I also got this from Amazon First Reads for August 2026. I thought it was pretty average and not worth a review, but since so many people are struggling to follow this, let me see if I can help. Seems people didn't really get it. So I hope that helps on a basic level of understanding what was happening here. Feel free to comment or disagree on my thoughts. I'm neither thin-skinned nor always right! The writing was atmospheric and built intrigue though the story was sort of unspectacular.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Nora has a compulsion to steal. When her fiancé comes home with gossip about a fantastical spider silk scarf belonging to an elderly neighbor, Nora decides she must have it. But breaking into the old woman's home goes unexpectedly. The story synopsis says, "what happens next defies explanation." At first, that's what it feels like, as Nora seems to have wandering into a witch's magical and threatening realm, where she comes to terms with the personal tragedy that led her down this path to begin with. In the end, there is a clear explanation, but the story, nonetheless, leaves the reader feeling a bit disoriented.
I took a little off my rating for an incomplete sentence.
The Spider Silk Scarf is an Amazon Original [short] Story, available on Kindle. It is a "First Reads" bonus selection for August 2026.
Content Notes:
I took a little off my rating for an incomplete sentence.
The Spider Silk Scarf is an Amazon Original [short] Story, available on Kindle. It is a "First Reads" bonus selection for August 2026.
Content Notes:
Review of advance copy
Nora is a kleptomaniac whose boyfriend tells her about a scarf woven from the silk of a black widow spider that he heard about in their mysterious neighbor’s house. Intrigued and unable to resist despite rumors of the woman’s witchy ways, Nora sneaks over. But what she encounters is beyond anything she could’ve imagined.
I don’t normally go for the Amazon Short Story collections, but this one’s description intrigued me so much, and its author, Ana Reyes, wrote the wonderful The House in the Pines, and I just had to give it a try. And it really was a banger.
It’s a short story so you really dive right in and it does move and resolve quickly, so you have to take it as it is and not expect deep dives. There’s some weird twists and turns, a lot of creepiness, and tons of atmosphere.
I liked all of it and I may be converted into checking out more of these!
I don’t normally go for the Amazon Short Story collections, but this one’s description intrigued me so much, and its author, Ana Reyes, wrote the wonderful The House in the Pines, and I just had to give it a try. And it really was a banger.
It’s a short story so you really dive right in and it does move and resolve quickly, so you have to take it as it is and not expect deep dives. There’s some weird twists and turns, a lot of creepiness, and tons of atmosphere.
I liked all of it and I may be converted into checking out more of these!
Review of advance copy
Amazon First Reads for August
Nora has always gotten a thrill from stealing things
So when her husband Ben comes home from a repair job for a reclusive neighbor, rumored to be a “Witch”, and tells her about a priceless object he overheard her talking about-she has to have it!
Apparently it’s a scarf, woven from the silk of black widow spiders and as legend has it, it took twelve weavers seven years to create, and only eleven survived.
I was intrigued about the scarf, and hoped we would be hearing more about all of its weavers, and what made them give up on the job before it was complete, but it went in another direction entirely.
A short story, just 32 pages
It just didn’t cast a spell on me! 🕷️ 🕸️
Nora has always gotten a thrill from stealing things
So when her husband Ben comes home from a repair job for a reclusive neighbor, rumored to be a “Witch”, and tells her about a priceless object he overheard her talking about-she has to have it!
Apparently it’s a scarf, woven from the silk of black widow spiders and as legend has it, it took twelve weavers seven years to create, and only eleven survived.
I was intrigued about the scarf, and hoped we would be hearing more about all of its weavers, and what made them give up on the job before it was complete, but it went in another direction entirely.
A short story, just 32 pages
It just didn’t cast a spell on me! 🕷️ 🕸️
August 4, 2026
This is a 3.5. The story has a moral and it comes full circle from the beginning to end.
Nora is a kleptomaniac and she loves stealing expensive items. Her fiancé, Ben, tells her about a rare find at the old women’s house next door. Of course, Nora has to have it for her collection. That night she enters the house, but suddenly finds herself in dreamlike state, similar to those in Native American culture.
Upon waking she realizes that she and the old woman are in danger. Once the danger is passed, Nora must deal with her past, present and future in a more productive way
All in all the book was ok for a very short novella. There wasn’t time to explore the characters or have answers to some questions. It’s short, so give it a try and see what you think
Nora is a kleptomaniac and she loves stealing expensive items. Her fiancé, Ben, tells her about a rare find at the old women’s house next door. Of course, Nora has to have it for her collection. That night she enters the house, but suddenly finds herself in dreamlike state, similar to those in Native American culture.
Upon waking she realizes that she and the old woman are in danger. Once the danger is passed, Nora must deal with her past, present and future in a more productive way
All in all the book was ok for a very short novella. There wasn’t time to explore the characters or have answers to some questions. It’s short, so give it a try and see what you think
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 2, 2026
Engaging Read with a Slightly Disappointing Ending
The Spider Silk Scarf was an enjoyable short story. The writing style is engaging and easy to digest, making it a perfect choice for a quick read. For about three-quarters of the story, I found myself completely captivated, drawn in by the intriguing plot and well-developed characters.
However, I felt the ending was a bit lackluster. While it maintained interest, I was hoping for a more mysterious and darker conclusion. The build-up was fantastic, but I left wanting just a bit more depth and intrigue. Despite this, it’s still a worthwhile read, especially for those who enjoy light mysteries.
The Spider Silk Scarf was an enjoyable short story. The writing style is engaging and easy to digest, making it a perfect choice for a quick read. For about three-quarters of the story, I found myself completely captivated, drawn in by the intriguing plot and well-developed characters.
However, I felt the ending was a bit lackluster. While it maintained interest, I was hoping for a more mysterious and darker conclusion. The build-up was fantastic, but I left wanting just a bit more depth and intrigue. Despite this, it’s still a worthwhile read, especially for those who enjoy light mysteries.
Review of advance copy
'The scarf Nora tried to steal was woven of spider silk.'
Beautifully descrptive and pulse-pounding.
Nora steals things from the rich like it's her hobby. When she learns about a one-of-a-kind scarf woven from spider silk, she has to have it. The only problem is, it's in the house of a purported witch. What happens next is unsettling and hallucinatory and visceral in the best way. I loved every minute of this immersive and fully developed short story!
'Who exactly was this extremely old woman, hiding out among such treasures, burning incense deep into the night?'
Beautifully descrptive and pulse-pounding.
Nora steals things from the rich like it's her hobby. When she learns about a one-of-a-kind scarf woven from spider silk, she has to have it. The only problem is, it's in the house of a purported witch. What happens next is unsettling and hallucinatory and visceral in the best way. I loved every minute of this immersive and fully developed short story!
'Who exactly was this extremely old woman, hiding out among such treasures, burning incense deep into the night?'
August 2, 2026
A lot of questions
Although I enjoyed this little story and the description of the dark household was interesting. With the trees and the smells, I found there were just too many unanswered questions. I would not necessarily have expected everything to be explained, but it would have been, in my opinion, better if at least a couple of explanations were offered. The ultimate result at the end was enlightening and encouraging, but again, and explanation or two would have enhanced it for me.
Although I enjoyed this little story and the description of the dark household was interesting. With the trees and the smells, I found there were just too many unanswered questions. I would not necessarily have expected everything to be explained, but it would have been, in my opinion, better if at least a couple of explanations were offered. The ultimate result at the end was enlightening and encouraging, but again, and explanation or two would have enhanced it for me.
August 2, 2026
The Spider Silk Scarf was a really good, quick read. It kept me wanting to know more about Mrs. Martin and what was going to happen next. Nora definitely isn’t a great example of a character throughout the story, and she makes plenty of mistakes. However, I appreciated that she eventually recognized where she went wrong and took responsibility for her actions. That added some growth to her character. If you’re looking for a short book that keeps your interest from beginning to end, I’d definitely recommend giving it a try.
August 3, 2026
A blend of mystery and suspense
The Spider Silk Scarf was a creepy, atmospheric read that kept me guessing.
The ending was satisfying and tied everything together nicely, but I definitely would have loved a bit more to the story. The characters and world were so intriguing that I wasn't ready for it to end.
Overall, it's a quick, engaging read that leaves you thinking long after you've finished. If you enjoy suspense with a touch of the supernatural, this one is worth picking up.
The Spider Silk Scarf was a creepy, atmospheric read that kept me guessing.
The ending was satisfying and tied everything together nicely, but I definitely would have loved a bit more to the story. The characters and world were so intriguing that I wasn't ready for it to end.
Overall, it's a quick, engaging read that leaves you thinking long after you've finished. If you enjoy suspense with a touch of the supernatural, this one is worth picking up.
Review of advance copy
Amazon First Reads led me to this short story. I don't often read short stories, but the premise was unique enough to catch my eye. I was thinking I would be in a paranormal situation. It slowly evolved it to psychological self reflection. There was a lot of symbolism in the objects mentioned in the story. While not something I would usually enjoy, this was worth a quick read.
August 2, 2026
3.75⭐️ I’ve really come to enjoy short stories with Amazon first reads! This one was very fantasy/suspense based and I enjoyed it! The only thing was that it almost didn’t feel like the story was complete but the beginning of a bigger story. The writing was really good, but I wanted just a little more from the story.
Review of advance copy
I read a short story called The Spider Silk Scarf by Ana Reyes. It’s about a young woman who is a kleptomaniac. She breaks into an old woman’s house to steal a scarf she heard was beautiful and worth a lot of money. She has a horrible experience getting around in the house. I won’t give a spoiler but she reflects on all of her past deeds afterwards. Very fast read.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
It's a fun and engaging book that really grabs your attention until about the middle, where the story shifts to a witch. At that point, things get a bit confusing because of some jumps in the plot. Nonetheless, it’s a quick and enjoyable read, and I can see it having the potential to be expanded into a longer book!
August 4, 2026
I thought this was a very interesting short story. Following a young woman who steals on a regular basis, has set her sights on steeling a very rare and valuable silk scarf. When she breaks into the house said to be owned by a witch, it takes her on a journey she never expected. Really liked the lesson at the end.
Review of advance copy
Prepare yourself for the strange and unusual, with a bit of mystery, all spun around a bad (make that, VERY bad) habit! The story draws you in from the beginning. It keeps you captive as your logical mind tries to anchor the words with understanding. Don’t try to figure it out! Just let the words flow into your mind and take hold. It all will make sense by the end…or, will it?
Review of advance copy
Lacked completion. Mrs Martin coincidentally getting ill while Nora was in her room? I thought Nora was going to be woven into a spiderweb. Why was there the smell of death? Meaning of plants and greenery?
Review of advance copy
Amazon First Reads(bonus short story selection).
30+ ODD pages.
ODD as in unusual, strange and kind of creepy!
If that’s the author’s goal, I’d call it a win!
Recommendable?
Yes.
🌺Read what you love! 🌺
30+ ODD pages.
ODD as in unusual, strange and kind of creepy!
If that’s the author’s goal, I’d call it a win!
Recommendable?
Yes.
🌺Read what you love! 🌺
Review of advance copy
August Amazon First Reads freebie. I liked it, even enjoyed it. Glad she confirmed that Ben definitely knew what she was up to. I mean, have you ever received that many details from a man whenever he tells a story about his work day?
August 2, 2026
um
Interesting and confusing.
What did I read? Doesn’t make sense to me but maybe that’s just me 🤷🏽♀️
It was interesting though, once I started it I didn’t wanna put it down until I finished it.
Interesting and confusing.
What did I read? Doesn’t make sense to me but maybe that’s just me 🤷🏽♀️
It was interesting though, once I started it I didn’t wanna put it down until I finished it.
August 3, 2026
A very wonderful story.
Love it, being a very short story it was so easy to start and finish. My son would most definitely will love it to, as well as my wife. The only thing I didn't like was that is was too short. I Will now find and read anything else Miss. Reyes has written.
Love it, being a very short story it was so easy to start and finish. My son would most definitely will love it to, as well as my wife. The only thing I didn't like was that is was too short. I Will now find and read anything else Miss. Reyes has written.
August 3, 2026
Very creepy story
A young woman addicted to the rush she gets from stealing sets her sights on an extremely rare scarf made from spider silk. This story was very well told and extremely creepy.
A young woman addicted to the rush she gets from stealing sets her sights on an extremely rare scarf made from spider silk. This story was very well told and extremely creepy.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews