Lurking in the Deep

Lurking #1

by Jaidis Shaw, Timothy Black, Jef Rouner

Now there's a reason to fear the water.Does the waterbeckon you? Your love, or fears, may become greater in this chillinganthology. From ordinary sea life to creatures of myth, our stories will make you think twice about the shadowy waters that beckon below. Follow our authors into the depths ... if you dare.Stories and Contributors by Timothy BlackCrescent's Creature by K.C. FinnWrath by Liz ButcherA Senseless Eating Machine by Jef RounerThe Water's Edge by Jacqueline E. SmithThe Reluctant Seamstress by Jaidis ShawRibbons & Bones by Kelly MatsuuraWidow's Cut by Andrea L. StaumRhine Maiden by Isabelle PoldervaartThe Broken Seashell by E.M. MacCallumLauren by Terry AlexanderTide Flats by Shelly SchulzSong of the Ocean by Scott A. ButlerEnticing Waters by Gina A. WatsonTubular Hells by Beth W. PattersonDark Waters by Michael Cross & Emma MichaelsLurking in the Deep has won the following Finalist in the Anthologies category of the 2017 Best Book Awards

Genres: Mermaids, Anthologies

212 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 5, 2015

About the author

Jaidis Shaw is an award-winning author who currently resides in South Carolina with her three beautiful daughters. With a passion for reading, Jaidis can always be found surrounded by books and dreaming of new stories. She enjoys challenging herself by writing in different genres and currently has several projects in the works.

Jaidis also owns and operates Juniper Grove Book Solutions, voted #1 Best Promotional Firm, Site, or Resource in the 2015 Preditors & Editors Readers’ Poll.

One of her main goals in life is to encourage her children to let their imaginations run wild.

Reviews

[Jacqueline Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this anthology! I have always been drawn to the ocean, ever since I was a little girl, so I knew immediately that this was going to be a book for me. I am fortunate enough to be one of the contributing authors, and after finally getting the opportunity to read the other stories in this collection, I have to say I am so honored to be a part of such a beautiful and treasured project. The authors with whom I have had the privilege to write side by side are immensely and wonderfully talented. With every turn of the page, I felt myself falling further and further into the world of Lurking in the Deep. I could smell the salty sea breeze. I could feel the sea spray on my face. These are stories to haunt you, to thrill you, to chill you to the bone. I am truly amazed and grateful for this anthology, these authors, and for this opportunity.

[Gina Watson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a contributing author to the Lurking in the Deep anthology; this review will be based on the stories of all the other contributing authors. I have been this copy in exchange for an honest review.
Lurking in the Deep is a collection of 16 amazing stories by 16 equally amazing and talented authors. Each story chosen for this anthology has all different aspects of water creatures and the deep. The stories will captivate you and each one is continuously page turning. I could not keep my eyes away from these stories. Some of the stories will make you think and keep you glued to each word.
All in all, Lurking in the Deep is well worth the read. The gripping and creative stories will keep your eyes glued to the page and will make you think.

[Lisette Brodey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this anthology of stories about the fear of water and the many fantasies so many of us have about what exists in the depths we cannot see. The stories were really terrific and well chosen. I loved reading each author’s unique approach on a single theme, while simultaneously imagining my own scenarios.

Lurking in the Deep is a great anthology from several talented authors. It’s a great read, but be careful … you may be surprised by what you find lurking beneath the cover.

[Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a brilliant anthology of various authors all with very different tales. I have to say each story is very different and you may find one you particular love out of all of them but I personally think there all great and of course all relating to the deep beautiful (or maybe not) seas.

If I had to really pick one I enjoyed the most I would go with Lauren by Terry Alexander but in all honesty I did enjoy each of them and all these authors have very different styles and ideas.

I would highly recommend this series of short stories to enjoy who loves ocean stories or themes around it your bound to find one story you like and well worth the price to read.

[Shelly Schulz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lurking in the Deep is an oceanic themed anthology that features amazing stories by some really talented authors. The stories are well written, have great characters, strong voices and are overall really great. Each story tackles the ocean in a different way, some re-imagining stories of old, some bring mythical creatures to life, and others reveal the true horror that lurks beneath the surf. It is a great read with stories that will draw the reader in, and not let them go. I highly recommend it---maybe take it to the beach.

[Ben Ditmars · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lurking in the Deep is an anthology of water and fear. I enjoyed most of the stories, but had favorites: The Water’s Edge, The Reluctant Seamstress, Wrath, and Dark Waters were by far the most frightening. I enjoyed the dark twists and original plot in The Reluctant Seamstress, whereas the beauty of The Water’s Edge was something to be marveled. My only criticism is that though the stories are individually good, it felt there was too much emphasis on dark creatures.

[Joy Whiteside · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book and I could not put it down until I finished the very last word. It moved along at an amazing pace, has incredible characters that you will feel as though you have known forever and a story that will keep you interested and entertained from beginning to end. This book needs to be on your TBR list there is no doubt about it. You will not be sorry that you did so.

[Sheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lurking in the Deep By Jaidis Shaw

A well written collection of short stories by various talented Authors. Each story is unique and all based on the "water" either an Ocean, Lake or River. Some are new takes on old spooky tales of creatures of the sea. I enjoyed seeing how each author developed their characters, and stories. All were five star reads.

I strongly recommend Lurking in the Deep to those who love short stories, fantasy creatures, legendary creatures, new aquatic creatures and spooky stories. These stories will make you think twice before you dip your foot into the water!

Listed the titles and Authors:
Bloodslick by Timothy Black
Crescent’s Creature by K.C. Finn
Wrath by Liz Butcher
A Senseless Eating Machine by Jef Rouner
The Water’s Edge by Jacqueline E. Smith
The Reluctant Seamstress by Jaidis Shaw
Ribbons & Bones by Kelly Matsuura
Widow’s Cut by Andrea L. Staum
Rhine Maiden by Isabelle Poldervaart
The Broken Seashell by E.M. MacCallum
Lauren by Terry Alexander
Tide Flats by Shelly Schulz
Song of the Ocean by Scott A. Butler
Enticing Waters by Gina A. Watson
Tubular Hells by Beth W. Patterson
Dark Waters by Michael Cross & Emma Michael

[Reader's Hollow · Rating 4 out of 5]

**We received a copy of this anthology in exchange for an honest review**

Reviewed by James M. @ The Reader's Hollow

Lurking in the Deep gives the reader a reason to fear the water once more. This anthology of chilling tales from the deep offers 16 stories to make the reader unsure about boarding that boat or even stepping into the bathtub. With 16 different stories from 16 authors, there is something for everyone. The unknown is always a source of fear and this anthology draws upon that.
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The stories inside this anthology will keep you captivated and will make you want to keep reading after you finish a short story. These well chosen stories and will make you wonder what really lurks in the depths of your nearest lake, river, or tub.

[Michelle Cornwell-Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lurking In The Deep Anthology is an enjoyable, chilling read! The stories reminded me of lovely tales told around the fire or when among friends. Many of the stories had the lyrical quality of Folk Tales that'd been handed down through generations; some meant to warn...others to instruct...but all definitely entertained the reader!

The entire collection proved to be well written, full of twists and turns! I had a few that truly caught my attention the The Reluctant Seamstress, Widow's Cut and Crescent's Creature! But overall each author in the anthology provided a thoroughly enjoyable experience!

Excellent collection!

[Cindy Veneris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of interesting water stories, some creepier than others. A perfect read for a beachside vacation. I enjoyed reading this book.

[Jasmine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lurking in the Deep is a collection of short stories revolving around the various things that may be hiding out in the dark depths of rivers, oceans, and other bodies of water. Most of the stories are horror, but some are a little more tame.

In all honesty, I was excited to read this collection, as the ocean does terrify me(as do most large bodies of water), and I love horror stories. However, I was a tad disappointed by this one.

There were two stories that really, really thrilled me and scared me. One was called A Senseless Eating Machine. I don't want to spoil anything about the story, but if you have a fear of sharks, this one may get under your skin. It's pretty crazy, but also pretty awesome. I think it's my all-time favorite in the collection.

The other one was called Tubular Hells. It takes Australian myths to a whole new level. It scared me, fascinated me, made me want to visit Australia, and made me very happy.

A lot of the stories involved mermaids and sirens, but there were a few that thought outside the box. Out of the 16 stories in the collection, the new I mentioned above were the best, in my opinion. There were probably 4 or 5 that were decent, and the others I didn't care for at all.

If you're looking for something new and different, and you enjoy short stories about the ocean and what may be lurking in those waters, pick up a copy of Lurking in the Deep. You just may find yourself thinking twice before going to the beach.

Overall, I'd rate this collection of stories 3.5 stars.

[A. Powers · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enjoyable collection of short stories, all revolving around the theme of creepy things you might find below the surface of the water. Oceans seem to be a common location, but rivers and even aquariums make an appearance as well!

The international cast of authors brings a variety of cultural viewpoints to this collection of stories. While there were similar types of sea monsters appearing in each of the stories (mermaids, for instance), the differences were great enough that each story was genuinely unique and enjoyable in its own right. Japanese and Australian sea creatures made an appearance, and I LOVED reading these stories.

My personal favorite story was "A Senseless Eating Machine" by Jef Rouner. It reminded me of Jaws. But not the movie. More like, the ride from Disney World. Possessed by demons or something. Not at all what I was expecting, but totally original and creepy.

[Jenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall a good read. This is a collection of short stories revolving (in some way) to waters and the horrors contained in, from and around these waters. I would say I enjoyed about 80-85% of these tales. One I really disliked, but the majority were interesting. What I liked was that in some stories it incorporated a specific locations' mythos which I usually always enjoy reading about. I didn't find these too scary as I was able to read a tale at bedtime without being too scared to fall asleep :)

If you enjoy short stories, stories that have some scare factor and stories that involve water creatures of all kinds you should like this collection.

*Given a copy from publisher for review.

[VeronicaMarie1986 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest review.

Do you fear the water? No? Well, read this book and that just might change! This is a fantastic anthology of water-based horror stories, and I, for one, adored every story in it. I am a huge fan of all-things-horror as well as anthologies, and this book does not disappoint at all! I found myself completely immersed in each and every story and when it was finished couldn't wait to start the next one. I highly recommend this book to horror fans everywhere!!

[Chrissy Dyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fabulous collection of ocean themed stories. There were many different authors who wrote contributed and every single story was beautiful.

[Gypsy Madden · Rating 4 out of 5]

The theme for this collection of very short stories is monsters lurking in water. They featured sirens, kelpies, leviathans, mermaids, Poseidon, and one story even had a mechanical shark at a sea-themed amusement park. I picked this up with the thought that I’m a fan of dark, haunting stories and I love fantasy creatures of the deep and I loved that idea that this had different types of creatures and wasn’t just centered on mermaids (though I’m surprised no one did a story on Loch Ness). As with any collection, I liked some better than others. And others I skipped through just plain trying to find where the next story started (specifically those were the several that had swearwords or were just plain gross and gory or had sexual violence in them. BTW, this collection is definitely not appropriate for a young audience). Gina Watson’s Enticing Waters I liked, but it ended too abruptly. My personal favorites were K.C. Finn’s Crescent Creature which was haunting, Song of the Ocean by Scott Butler (I love a sweet teen romance! And I loved the main guy in it awkward as he was), Dark Waters by Michael Cross & Emma Michaels (I could almost see it as the beginning of a larger tale), and Bloodslick by Timothy Black (which, yes, was gory, but it was intriguing as a murder mystery).

[Micki_1989 · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you like books about the sea and the mystical creature that are said to live there then this is the book for you, I normally don't but I enjoyed this one

[Georgiann Hennelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lurking in the Deep is a fantastic collection of short stories written by various authors.
Each story is unique and based on either a Lake, River, or Ocean. Some are new takes on old spooky stories about Sea Creatures. Some of my favorite titles are Blood Slick by Timothy Black, Wrath by Liz Butcher, The Reluctant Seamstress by Jaidis Shaw, Widows Cut by Andrea.L. Staum. There are more authors but i only listed a few each author offers a unique look at a single theme. It's a fantastic read but i'm not sure i'll be going near any lakes or the ocean anytime soon.

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lurking in the Deep is an anthology of 16 short stories that tell about the frightening creatures that live in the mysterious ocean. This compelling read is complied by 17 talented authors who all tap into the Horror, Paranormal, and Fantasy genre.

I really enjoyed reading Lurking in the Deep. Some stories fascinated me like "Ribbons & Bones" by Kelly Matsuura. This story in particular is about a young boy finding something or someone who looks rather young. She looks human, but doesn't at the same time. Learning about what has happened to her to make her not fully human keeps the reader wanting a bit more. Another story that I loved was “Tide Flats” by Shelly Schulz. It is about a complicated relationship between a young boy and a young girl that becomes even more complicated as the story progresses.

There were some that I did not enjoy as much. The main reason is because I was confused with the storyteller's gender, especially those written in the first-person. Because of this, I would predict the gender only to realize I was wrong and had to rethink/reread the beginning parts of these stories to understand its meaning. This didn't happen often during the anthology, however, often enough that I had to pause a couple of times.

Other than that, a wonderful read that deserves a 4/5 star rating! I recommend Lurking in the Deep to those who like stories based on sea creatures, ocean myths, and those don't mind some horror in their reading!

[Tequila · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

This is a great collection of short stories that all have one thing in common-the darker side of the ocean. There's nothing cute and adorable here. Only the kinds of creatures that'll full your nightmares. Even those these are short stories, they all deliver a punch that'll leave you with chills and wondering what's really out there in the depths of the ocean.