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Unknown Sender
Jessica's world revolves around studying at college and affording prepackaged meals, which leaves little time for socializing. In fact, she is quite content without being noticed, which only makes the attention of a mystery texter all the more unwanted.
She isn't unfamiliar with strange advances, but this is something entirely different. This person knows things about her. Things beyond just an average stalker.
Even after all that, Jessica would be much more content to forget than discover who is chasing her, electronically or otherwise. Eventually, she finds out that she can't outrun her past.
She isn't unfamiliar with strange advances, but this is something entirely different. This person knows things about her. Things beyond just an average stalker.
Even after all that, Jessica would be much more content to forget than discover who is chasing her, electronically or otherwise. Eventually, she finds out that she can't outrun her past.
25 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 5, 2015
23 people want to read
About the author
Ryan Lanz
9 books45 followersRyan Lanz was born and raised on the island of Oahu in Hawaii until he was a teenager and then lived in California for a time. He enjoyed a brief experience with film before becoming involved in the performing arts, touring with a music performance group as a vocalist to a dozen countries on three continents over the length of five years.
His first published work was Unknown Sender, and he looks forward to many more in a variety of genres.
He also enjoys blogging about the culture of writing and brings on guest authors to share their writing tips. For more information, go to www.RyanLanz.com .
His first published work was Unknown Sender, and he looks forward to many more in a variety of genres.
He also enjoys blogging about the culture of writing and brings on guest authors to share their writing tips. For more information, go to www.RyanLanz.com .
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
June 16, 2015
Note: I received a free digital copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Quick Summary
Unknown Sender follows Jessica, an ordinary college girl---ordinary, at least until she starts receiving texts from an anonymous stalker. With stress from studies, she doesn't have time for jokes like this. But what if it isn't a joke? Things get messy when the past catches up with her...
My Review
The plot was intriguing, if not a bit under-developed. The novelette is quite short, so I can understand why the plot came off as such, but nonetheless, I think the plot would've been slightly stronger had the length of the story been longer. I applaud the author for telling us a story in such a small length of time, however. I will mention, that the ending was a bit rushed, and kind of threw me off, but it was an interesting plot twist. Of course, I would've appreciated had there been more of an explanation for it, as it had been a bit confusing at first, but I appreciate the creativity, Overall, there were several elements of surprise and suspense, and the plot was engaging and interesting, especially alongside the characters and overall mood of the story.
The main character, Jessica, was relatable and realistic. She was just a student concerned about her studies, when out of the blue she gets a creepy message from an anonymous person. Obviously she's shaken up, and her untrusting attitude as a result of this uncertainty was familiar and understandable. There is a plot twist surrounding her that I did not quite understand, but overall she was a good protagonist.
I also liked the writing style. Author Ryan Lanz was able to create tension quite well, and there was something about the way the story was written that I felt as if I was in the story myself. Might just be me, but all in all, the writing style was quite good.
Overall...
A very quick, suspenseful novelette with a shocking plot twist, Unknown Sender will keep you on the tip of your toes guessing at what the anonymous sender will do next. A fitting story to read in between larger books, this might be a novelette to consider if you're a fan of suspense, a bit of horror, and short stories.
June 10, 2015
The urban legend of the caller ID-blocked phone call asking if one has "checked the children?" gets a new thoroughly eerie spin in this short horror story when Jessica receives an anonymous text: "Do you lock your doors at night?" Jessica has enough anxiety as it is--academically, socially. Her perfect roommate, Aubrey, with the stellar grades, easy beauty and ideal boyfriend will never understand, and now someone's bullying Jessica? or worse--threatening her.
The roommates opt to get out of the house Aubrey-style, which means a large house-party hosted by ideal boyfriend, Ricky. But the texts keep coming, now commenting on Jessica's outfit and if she's having fun. With a potential stalker on the loose, the girls flee the party:
This spine-tingling tale hits all the right moves as Jessica and Aubrey try to outpace the texts and the range of the cellular service. It is highly recommended.
I was contacted through The Book Review Directory for this review. The author, Ryan Lanz, has a blogsite that can be followed. Hopefully, a longer collection of short stories will be on his horizon.
Jessica's finger hovered over the W key.
[Who is this?]
. . . Even as she lifted the phone again, she knew it was silly--she would hear when the text came in. It chirped in her hands, and she dropped it in surprise.
[I'm someone who's asking if you lock your doors at night. You wouldn't want a stranger getting in.]
The roommates opt to get out of the house Aubrey-style, which means a large house-party hosted by ideal boyfriend, Ricky. But the texts keep coming, now commenting on Jessica's outfit and if she's having fun. With a potential stalker on the loose, the girls flee the party:
The streetlights must have been on for a while, creating clouds of insects, all swarming toward the light as their only savior. During the day, the park appeared so innocent and inviting, whereas now it looked like it contained a hundred human-sized places for someone to hide. From somewhere over her left shoulder, a car alarm went off, making her jump.
This spine-tingling tale hits all the right moves as Jessica and Aubrey try to outpace the texts and the range of the cellular service. It is highly recommended.
I was contacted through The Book Review Directory for this review. The author, Ryan Lanz, has a blogsite that can be followed. Hopefully, a longer collection of short stories will be on his horizon.
June 19, 2015
Ryan's short thriller story starts out like most thriller story lines these days. A young, attractive girl at school campus, a friend (usually geeky or less attractive) is with her and the thrilling aspect of the story unfolds.
This isn't to say the short story is bad, in fact it's interesting, the use of mobile phone messages was a more modern twist, though since the Scream days, it's a tad cliche.
I liked the twist ending, but to be honest, I kind of expected something of the sort.
The writing was easy to read and quite appropriate for the genre and style. I'd just have liked something a little more original than what was covered.
Try this short story if you like thrillers like Scream and I know what you did last summer. The length makes it an easy 30min-1hr read.
**Note: I was provided an electronic copy of this book in return for an honest review**
This isn't to say the short story is bad, in fact it's interesting, the use of mobile phone messages was a more modern twist, though since the Scream days, it's a tad cliche.
I liked the twist ending, but to be honest, I kind of expected something of the sort.
The writing was easy to read and quite appropriate for the genre and style. I'd just have liked something a little more original than what was covered.
Try this short story if you like thrillers like Scream and I know what you did last summer. The length makes it an easy 30min-1hr read.
**Note: I was provided an electronic copy of this book in return for an honest review**
June 15, 2015
A fellow blogger Ryan from bookreviewdirectory.wordpress.com wrote this. And it was really short so it didn't take much time to read either.
Now, I found Jessica to be a relatable character. She is just living a dull boring life, with all the tensions and stress. But a text from an unknown number shakes her up. This stalker knows things about her and that was creepy and a little scary. Her doubting the people close to her seemed justified. But the end, ah the end... It just came too soon and was shocking.
I wanted to read more of this story, a lot more. It was fast-paced and there aren't many elements of surprise in it (except of course the end) but it still was a good read.
Turns out, I do like reading short stories after all
Now, I found Jessica to be a relatable character. She is just living a dull boring life, with all the tensions and stress. But a text from an unknown number shakes her up. This stalker knows things about her and that was creepy and a little scary. Her doubting the people close to her seemed justified. But the end, ah the end... It just came too soon and was shocking.
I wanted to read more of this story, a lot more. It was fast-paced and there aren't many elements of surprise in it (except of course the end) but it still was a good read.
Turns out, I do like reading short stories after all
June 25, 2017
Creepily good, Unknown Sender packs a powerful punch in its 25 pages. Author Ryan Lanz spins a graphically captivating tales, slowly and carefully building suspense, as the naive college student, Jessica is tormented by an eerie stalker. Tension builds, and the reader feels Jessica's hostile world close in around her. Is it a jealous ex-boyfriend, her promiscuous roommate, and her equally randy boyfriend? Or is it a new menace, a stranger to her world? Who will save Jessica? Well-crafted and just the right length, Unknown Sender is a chilling read.
Read
July 2, 2019Lanz wastes no time diving into this suspenseful story that never has a dull moment. As someone whose adrenaline pumps in the midst of good storytelling, I was surprised by how pleased I was by the horror genre – a type I am apprehensive to voluntarily take part in, especially in the theaters. Even the cover photo is haunting and the content within certainly reflects that initial feeling. A thoroughly gripping and quick read, I was left speechless wondering what happens next, is there a next for Jessica?
Nearing the conclusion of the written story, I was wanting to know more about Jessica’s past, what has led up to this 2-3 day snapshot of her life and how she found herself in this particular predicament. Probably not going to find the answer, I can only leave it up to my imagination to discern – an aspect of a story I usually exert frustration but for this work, it fits perfectly with the overall thematic elements. The amount of story development covered in a short amount of time is commendable and provides detailed and descriptive visualization, transporting the reader to the undergraduate college days, with contemporary events and vernacular.
The novelette packs a punch and stirs up emotions of what our actions has led us up to and questioning our reality as we know it – or think we do.
Read Unknown Sender if you like the themes of:
Suspense
Mental Health
Friendship
Nearing the conclusion of the written story, I was wanting to know more about Jessica’s past, what has led up to this 2-3 day snapshot of her life and how she found herself in this particular predicament. Probably not going to find the answer, I can only leave it up to my imagination to discern – an aspect of a story I usually exert frustration but for this work, it fits perfectly with the overall thematic elements. The amount of story development covered in a short amount of time is commendable and provides detailed and descriptive visualization, transporting the reader to the undergraduate college days, with contemporary events and vernacular.
The novelette packs a punch and stirs up emotions of what our actions has led us up to and questioning our reality as we know it – or think we do.
Read Unknown Sender if you like the themes of:
Suspense
Mental Health
Friendship
July 23, 2018
In Unknown Sender: A Horror Short Story, author Ryan Lanz introduces us to Jessica, a college student who has recently begun receiving creepy, menacing texts. Jessica's sense of dread grows as the texts become increasingly threatening—and specific. Someone seems to be watching her every move. And there is no shortage of suspects—her ex, her roommate, her roommate's boyfriend—or even an unknown psycho.
In this compelling, suspenseful short story, Lanz gives us well-drawn characters and a satisfying, twisty plot. I didn't see the ending coming. This story was definitely a page-turner, and I look forward to reading more by Ryan Lanz.
In this compelling, suspenseful short story, Lanz gives us well-drawn characters and a satisfying, twisty plot. I didn't see the ending coming. This story was definitely a page-turner, and I look forward to reading more by Ryan Lanz.
August 15, 2015
Jessica was swatting for her next exam and she was feeling the pressure.
Her dorm roommate Aubrey, a pretty blonde who barely studied but still passed with A's and B's, was getting ready for a party. Her boyfriend Ricky was having the party at his rental house and had invited a friend Chad to be Jessica's blind date.
After Kevin had disappeared when Jessica had mentioned marriage, she wasn't sure if she really wanted to meet anyone.
While Aubrey was in the shower Jessica got a weird text from an unknown sender.
[Do you lock your doors at night?]
That was the first of several texts that began to unsettle Jessica. They weren't coming from Aubrey's phone, she checked. Besides, Aubrey was in the shower.
They were ready for the party and heading to the car. Jessica knew she would end up being the designated driver as she hardly drank while Aubrey could keep up with the best of them.
Ricky's rental was luxurious. He pointed out the features of the main bedroom, a fireplace, a balcony and a hot tub. Although embarrassed and objecting to going in the hot tub with strangers, in a borrowed unflattering bikini, Jessica sat there with Aubrey, Rickey and Chad. After an awkward few minutes while Aubrey had gone to the toilet, when she returned, Jessica got out to check her phone.
[Are you having fun?]
[You talk as if you know me.] Jessica messaged.
[How do you know I don't? Things aren't always as they seem. You look nice tonight. Purple is a lovely colour on you.]
The unknown sender knew where she was, who she was with, and what she was wearing.
Ricky had left the hot tub so Jessica decided to confront him, sure that it must be him because of the crazy way he looked at her. People were standing around chatting when she shoved Rickey and began shouting. Aubrey came out to see what was happening. They left the party because she was so upset. Jessica explained about the texts in the car on the way home.
The texts kept coming.
[It's too bad you had to leave early. Were you not having a good time?]
[No, I wasn't. Not with you harassing me like this.] Jessica replied.
Now at this point as a reader and reviewer I expected the story to be along the lines of cyber bullying. I've read several coming of age stories on this theme. As a mother and Grandmother I find cyber stalking and bullying pretty confronting.
However, this is a novelette, and as Ryan did tell me, a horror. So this is where the story took a twisting turn.
Aubrey suggested she and Jessica go away for the weekend to a lake house out of mobile range. So that Jessica could get away from her unknown sender, but could she?
I've been a judge of several short story competitions and one criteria I look for is a twist that leaves a mark, a lingering memory or haunting thought that makes the story unique. This story does have that twist. Well done Ryan. The cover gives the reader a clue to the tale of Jessica in water, lake water, where she can really be herself.
Her dorm roommate Aubrey, a pretty blonde who barely studied but still passed with A's and B's, was getting ready for a party. Her boyfriend Ricky was having the party at his rental house and had invited a friend Chad to be Jessica's blind date.
After Kevin had disappeared when Jessica had mentioned marriage, she wasn't sure if she really wanted to meet anyone.
While Aubrey was in the shower Jessica got a weird text from an unknown sender.
[Do you lock your doors at night?]
That was the first of several texts that began to unsettle Jessica. They weren't coming from Aubrey's phone, she checked. Besides, Aubrey was in the shower.
They were ready for the party and heading to the car. Jessica knew she would end up being the designated driver as she hardly drank while Aubrey could keep up with the best of them.
Ricky's rental was luxurious. He pointed out the features of the main bedroom, a fireplace, a balcony and a hot tub. Although embarrassed and objecting to going in the hot tub with strangers, in a borrowed unflattering bikini, Jessica sat there with Aubrey, Rickey and Chad. After an awkward few minutes while Aubrey had gone to the toilet, when she returned, Jessica got out to check her phone.
[Are you having fun?]
[You talk as if you know me.] Jessica messaged.
[How do you know I don't? Things aren't always as they seem. You look nice tonight. Purple is a lovely colour on you.]
The unknown sender knew where she was, who she was with, and what she was wearing.
Ricky had left the hot tub so Jessica decided to confront him, sure that it must be him because of the crazy way he looked at her. People were standing around chatting when she shoved Rickey and began shouting. Aubrey came out to see what was happening. They left the party because she was so upset. Jessica explained about the texts in the car on the way home.
The texts kept coming.
[It's too bad you had to leave early. Were you not having a good time?]
[No, I wasn't. Not with you harassing me like this.] Jessica replied.
Now at this point as a reader and reviewer I expected the story to be along the lines of cyber bullying. I've read several coming of age stories on this theme. As a mother and Grandmother I find cyber stalking and bullying pretty confronting.
However, this is a novelette, and as Ryan did tell me, a horror. So this is where the story took a twisting turn.
Aubrey suggested she and Jessica go away for the weekend to a lake house out of mobile range. So that Jessica could get away from her unknown sender, but could she?
I've been a judge of several short story competitions and one criteria I look for is a twist that leaves a mark, a lingering memory or haunting thought that makes the story unique. This story does have that twist. Well done Ryan. The cover gives the reader a clue to the tale of Jessica in water, lake water, where she can really be herself.
January 6, 2016
This short story – and it is a short story – is an enjoyable, quick escape thriller. The story starts off without a hitch and sucks us into the action. A girl at college, not really a partier, is chatting with her roommate and they decide to, of course, go out to a party. While this goes on, our protagonist begins to receive creepy texts from someone and soon it seems like she has a stalker.
It might at first seem like a typical college girl goes to a party story, but it’s not at all. It’s the voice of the protagonist that pulls the reader in the most. Her voice is unique and a little strange, and somewhat gritty. The protagonist feels developed through internal thoughts, dialogue, and action.
A writer who understands that any detail given focus in a story must play into the story later and does that well has won me over. If a writer throws in a detail, giving it focus, and then later that detail means nothing at all, then I’m a little unhappy. Well, Ryan was able to win me over. The subtle details filtered throughout the beginning of Unknown Sender story are sneaky, but by the end the reader sees the connection and why each detail was important. Everything in a story is there for a reason, it should move a story forward, and Ryan does that well.
I enjoyed the suspense and tension in this story, and just when you think you know how the end will turn out, Ryan completely turns the book on it’s head and impresses the reader. Well, I was impressed. I don’t read thrillers often, so in a way I think that made me an ideal reader because I was pleasantly surprised by the twist, and how the author pulled me into the story. I also believe an everyday thriller reader would enjoy this story as well.
Besides, it’s a quick read, and the investment of your time is super well worth it. If Ryan Lanz created a collection of short stories similar to this, or along a theme, I would be very interested.
It might at first seem like a typical college girl goes to a party story, but it’s not at all. It’s the voice of the protagonist that pulls the reader in the most. Her voice is unique and a little strange, and somewhat gritty. The protagonist feels developed through internal thoughts, dialogue, and action.
A writer who understands that any detail given focus in a story must play into the story later and does that well has won me over. If a writer throws in a detail, giving it focus, and then later that detail means nothing at all, then I’m a little unhappy. Well, Ryan was able to win me over. The subtle details filtered throughout the beginning of Unknown Sender story are sneaky, but by the end the reader sees the connection and why each detail was important. Everything in a story is there for a reason, it should move a story forward, and Ryan does that well.
I enjoyed the suspense and tension in this story, and just when you think you know how the end will turn out, Ryan completely turns the book on it’s head and impresses the reader. Well, I was impressed. I don’t read thrillers often, so in a way I think that made me an ideal reader because I was pleasantly surprised by the twist, and how the author pulled me into the story. I also believe an everyday thriller reader would enjoy this story as well.
Besides, it’s a quick read, and the investment of your time is super well worth it. If Ryan Lanz created a collection of short stories similar to this, or along a theme, I would be very interested.
June 19, 2015
I received a copy of this from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I have to be honest. Normally I’m not a fan of reading short stories because for me they are always too short. You don’t always get the details or character development that you are looking for. But I ended up really liking this short story! Although this is a novelette size, I felt like I got plenty of information about the main character, Jessica. She clearly has some issues – takes medication for anxiety, has a pretty low self-esteem, and is struggling to stay afloat both academically and financially in college. Her roommate, Aubrey, was also described in a way that I felt I had enough information about her. Aubrey is one of those typical pretty girls with the perfect makeup (even though she doesn’t need it), perfect hair and the hot boyfriend. Those things seem to annoy Jessica and yet Aubrey seems to be a good friend to her.
One thing I really liked was that the text messages Jessica kept receiving reminded me of something out of Urban Legend. Who wouldn’t be creeped out by that, especially when the first text you get is asking if you lock your doors at night?! As the texts continued, I kept getting more creeped out and for me, that is a sign of a good horror story. With a huge twist towards the end, you are sure to be on the edge of your seat through the entire story!
The only thing I would like is to have had a longer portion at the end. I don’t want to give anything away but I just felt that the ending was a little too abrupt and left me wanting more of this story.
Overall, this was a great horror story and I would recommend it to anyone looking to get that spine-tingling creepy feeling like someone is watching you but you can’t see them!
I have to be honest. Normally I’m not a fan of reading short stories because for me they are always too short. You don’t always get the details or character development that you are looking for. But I ended up really liking this short story! Although this is a novelette size, I felt like I got plenty of information about the main character, Jessica. She clearly has some issues – takes medication for anxiety, has a pretty low self-esteem, and is struggling to stay afloat both academically and financially in college. Her roommate, Aubrey, was also described in a way that I felt I had enough information about her. Aubrey is one of those typical pretty girls with the perfect makeup (even though she doesn’t need it), perfect hair and the hot boyfriend. Those things seem to annoy Jessica and yet Aubrey seems to be a good friend to her.
One thing I really liked was that the text messages Jessica kept receiving reminded me of something out of Urban Legend. Who wouldn’t be creeped out by that, especially when the first text you get is asking if you lock your doors at night?! As the texts continued, I kept getting more creeped out and for me, that is a sign of a good horror story. With a huge twist towards the end, you are sure to be on the edge of your seat through the entire story!
The only thing I would like is to have had a longer portion at the end. I don’t want to give anything away but I just felt that the ending was a little too abrupt and left me wanting more of this story.
Overall, this was a great horror story and I would recommend it to anyone looking to get that spine-tingling creepy feeling like someone is watching you but you can’t see them!
September 25, 2015
Unknown Sender
Jessica's world revolves around studying at college and affording prepackaged meals, which leaves little time for socializing. In fact, she is quite content without being noticed, which only makes the attention of a mystery texter all the more unwanted.
She isn't unfamiliar with strange advances, but this is something entirely different. This person knows things about her. Things beyond just an average stalker.
Even after all that, Jessica would be much more content to forget than discover who is chasing her, electronically or otherwise. Eventually, she finds out that she can't outrun her past.
(Blurb from Goodreads)
This was my first time reading horror. I think I may have stumbled upon an awesome genre!
Characters
Because it is a short story, the characters were not very well developed. I didn't notice anything jarring in their personalities.
Plot
The plot was good, albeit I think it should have been drawn out a little more. There wasn't much time for suspense. I liked the twist at the end, though.
Overall thoughts
I really liked it. It drew me in, and made me want to know who the mysterious texter was. I would have liked it better if had been a little longer, so there was more suspense. But it was fine.
Would I recommend it? Yes, to 15+ for slightly suggestive content, and because it's horror
Would I let my kids read it? Yes, when they're 15+
Would I read the other books by this author? Yes
Overall Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for a professional review. All opinions are my own.
Jessica's world revolves around studying at college and affording prepackaged meals, which leaves little time for socializing. In fact, she is quite content without being noticed, which only makes the attention of a mystery texter all the more unwanted.
She isn't unfamiliar with strange advances, but this is something entirely different. This person knows things about her. Things beyond just an average stalker.
Even after all that, Jessica would be much more content to forget than discover who is chasing her, electronically or otherwise. Eventually, she finds out that she can't outrun her past.
(Blurb from Goodreads)
This was my first time reading horror. I think I may have stumbled upon an awesome genre!
Characters
Because it is a short story, the characters were not very well developed. I didn't notice anything jarring in their personalities.
Plot
The plot was good, albeit I think it should have been drawn out a little more. There wasn't much time for suspense. I liked the twist at the end, though.
Overall thoughts
I really liked it. It drew me in, and made me want to know who the mysterious texter was. I would have liked it better if had been a little longer, so there was more suspense. But it was fine.
Would I recommend it? Yes, to 15+ for slightly suggestive content, and because it's horror
Would I let my kids read it? Yes, when they're 15+
Would I read the other books by this author? Yes
Overall Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for a professional review. All opinions are my own.
January 8, 2016
Disclaimer: I received a free electronic copy of this short story in exchange for an honest review.
Unknown Sender by Ryan Lanz is a horror/suspense short story in which Jessica, a college student, begins receiving threatening text messages from a blocked number. The story only takes around half an hour or 45 minutes to read, making it a fast-paced thrill.
Given that the story is short and relies on a few twists, there is not much I can say about the plot without revealing spoilers. However, I will say that it was quick-paced, suspenseful, and kept me hooked all the way through. While I do feel a college student and university setting is a bit overdone in horror and suspense novels (and movies especially), the twist at the end provides a refreshing spin and saves the story from becoming too cliché. My one criticism of the story is that I feel it would benefit from being a bit longer, not only for my own enjoyment, but for there to have been more development leading up to the end, as the conclusion felt a bit rushed.
The writing is strong and concise. Likewise, Lanz’s characters are well-developed, especially considering how little space he gives himself to craft them. The characters play well with each other – the relationships are multi-faceted and believable.
Overall, Unknown Sender by Ryan Lanz is an enjoyable and quick horror/suspense short story that will keep fans of the genre captivated until the end...and wishing the end didn’t come quite so soon.
Unknown Sender by Ryan Lanz is a horror/suspense short story in which Jessica, a college student, begins receiving threatening text messages from a blocked number. The story only takes around half an hour or 45 minutes to read, making it a fast-paced thrill.
Given that the story is short and relies on a few twists, there is not much I can say about the plot without revealing spoilers. However, I will say that it was quick-paced, suspenseful, and kept me hooked all the way through. While I do feel a college student and university setting is a bit overdone in horror and suspense novels (and movies especially), the twist at the end provides a refreshing spin and saves the story from becoming too cliché. My one criticism of the story is that I feel it would benefit from being a bit longer, not only for my own enjoyment, but for there to have been more development leading up to the end, as the conclusion felt a bit rushed.
The writing is strong and concise. Likewise, Lanz’s characters are well-developed, especially considering how little space he gives himself to craft them. The characters play well with each other – the relationships are multi-faceted and believable.
Overall, Unknown Sender by Ryan Lanz is an enjoyable and quick horror/suspense short story that will keep fans of the genre captivated until the end...and wishing the end didn’t come quite so soon.
June 27, 2015
Ryan Lanz’s short novelette is a glimpse into the world of a disturbed mind. Unknown Sender is the story of Jessica, an insecure girl in college, or at least that is how the story starts out. Jessica is portrayed as a loner, few friends and no current love interest. She rooms with the bright and peppy Aubrey, who is Jessica’s opposite in every way. Jessica is jealous of Aubrey. The story revolves around some disturbing text messages that Jessica receives as the two are getting ready to go to a party. The text messages continue to be received at the party. Who sends them and why are the questions to be answered. Is Aubrey’s boyfriend sending them? Is Aubrey sending them? Someone else from Jessica’s past? Or….
Despite the story being short — 25 pages, and a bit of clunky language, Unknown Sender was an enjoyable read packed with tension and excitement. The end was good, and a bit unexpected, though not totally as Lanz dropped hints early onto what drove the demons that stalked Jessica. The interplay between these demons, Jessica’s reaction to the text messages and the resolution of the story I wished had been explored more in-depth. Unknown Sender has the ability to be a gripping psychological mystery.
This reviewer was provided with a copy for an honest critique.
Despite the story being short — 25 pages, and a bit of clunky language, Unknown Sender was an enjoyable read packed with tension and excitement. The end was good, and a bit unexpected, though not totally as Lanz dropped hints early onto what drove the demons that stalked Jessica. The interplay between these demons, Jessica’s reaction to the text messages and the resolution of the story I wished had been explored more in-depth. Unknown Sender has the ability to be a gripping psychological mystery.
This reviewer was provided with a copy for an honest critique.
January 1, 2016
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
I don’t read thrillers usually, but after reading Unknown Sender, I’m wondering if I should. The story starts by introducing the reader to Jessica, a college student hoping to become a teacher. She’s introverted and takes anxiety medication. All-in-all, I found her to be very relatable at the start.
One evening, Jessica gets a couple of text messages from a blocked number. In an attempt to get her mind off the creepiness of the texts, she agrees to go with her roommate to a party. The messages only continue, getting more intimate with each beep. But no worries…they’ll stop soon…
Lanz has written a great short story with a real twist ending. I was not expecting it at all! In fact, throughout the story, I was expecting someone else to end up being the stalker, and I was actually prematurely disappointed that he had written it in such an obvious way. More fool me!
If you’re interested in thrillers, or maybe if you haven’t really delved into the genre before and want a taster, I highly recommend giving this a shot!
I don’t read thrillers usually, but after reading Unknown Sender, I’m wondering if I should. The story starts by introducing the reader to Jessica, a college student hoping to become a teacher. She’s introverted and takes anxiety medication. All-in-all, I found her to be very relatable at the start.
One evening, Jessica gets a couple of text messages from a blocked number. In an attempt to get her mind off the creepiness of the texts, she agrees to go with her roommate to a party. The messages only continue, getting more intimate with each beep. But no worries…they’ll stop soon…
Lanz has written a great short story with a real twist ending. I was not expecting it at all! In fact, throughout the story, I was expecting someone else to end up being the stalker, and I was actually prematurely disappointed that he had written it in such an obvious way. More fool me!
If you’re interested in thrillers, or maybe if you haven’t really delved into the genre before and want a taster, I highly recommend giving this a shot!
June 18, 2015
The plot was intriguing and I was immediately hooked when I started reading it. I love the twist towards the end. Even though with clues here and there, I had an inkling where the story was headed. But figuring it out didn’t stop me from being surprised at the revelation towards the end. Finishing it. I received an unsettling feeling, a feeling I haven’t felt since The Lottery by Shirley Jackson.
The writing was great. You can just feel the tension and the angst “in the air”, so to speak. The author could have developed the characters and the plot even more but, in my opinion, that was the author’s intention. Little development goes a long way. With it, you would have been told too much about the characters and the shocking ending wouldn’t be as effective.
A great, suspenseful, short read that fits in perfectly between those long novels we continuously love to pick. I’ll just say I’ll definitely be rereading this when Halloween rolls around.
Note: I received this free copy from the author for an honest review.
The writing was great. You can just feel the tension and the angst “in the air”, so to speak. The author could have developed the characters and the plot even more but, in my opinion, that was the author’s intention. Little development goes a long way. With it, you would have been told too much about the characters and the shocking ending wouldn’t be as effective.
A great, suspenseful, short read that fits in perfectly between those long novels we continuously love to pick. I’ll just say I’ll definitely be rereading this when Halloween rolls around.
Note: I received this free copy from the author for an honest review.
January 28, 2016
I received a e-book version of Unknown Sender from the author in exchange for a honest review.
This is a quick read great to fill the gap between books. It is about Jessica who is all about studying however when she starts receiving strange texts from an unknown person, her past starts to catch up with her.
I have to say that I’ve never really read many short stories before as they just seem to short. Unknown Sender is good, it gives a nice overview of what happens to Jessica but I just feel that if it was just that little bit longer there could have been lots more explanation and detail that was needed in some parts.
The ending felt rushed and I kinda got confused as to why it was happening I mean I think I know but a bit of explanation would have been nice. The descriptions are good and some parts are well thought out I just think that it could have been longer to include more detail.
Find our more about this book from the author Ryan Lanz at: www.ryanlanz.com
@theryanlanz
This is a quick read great to fill the gap between books. It is about Jessica who is all about studying however when she starts receiving strange texts from an unknown person, her past starts to catch up with her.
I have to say that I’ve never really read many short stories before as they just seem to short. Unknown Sender is good, it gives a nice overview of what happens to Jessica but I just feel that if it was just that little bit longer there could have been lots more explanation and detail that was needed in some parts.
The ending felt rushed and I kinda got confused as to why it was happening I mean I think I know but a bit of explanation would have been nice. The descriptions are good and some parts are well thought out I just think that it could have been longer to include more detail.
Find our more about this book from the author Ryan Lanz at: www.ryanlanz.com
@theryanlanz
April 20, 2016
3.5 stars.
Unknown Sender was a quick read. I enjoyed the lead up to the ending, and was surprised at the conclusion. The ending went too quickly and I'm left wondering why it happened, but, on the other hand it's not supposed to be explained.
I don't think phones send text messages, at all, when there's no signal.
Clear writing, but could have used a longer ending, and perhaps some emotions toward Aubrey. The writing was clunky, in places.
Overall, great characters, suspense, and setting.
Unknown Sender was a quick read. I enjoyed the lead up to the ending, and was surprised at the conclusion. The ending went too quickly and I'm left wondering why it happened, but, on the other hand it's not supposed to be explained.
I don't think phones send text messages, at all, when there's no signal.
Clear writing, but could have used a longer ending, and perhaps some emotions toward Aubrey. The writing was clunky, in places.
Overall, great characters, suspense, and setting.
June 28, 2015
Horror is my first love so I'm always eager to read a new horror story. I read it in one sitting since it's a novelette which made the story really come to life. (Sometimes the shorter ones are better) What I really loved about this is the suspense. I so should've seen the ending comeing, but somehow didn't so even though some of the elements here have been done before, they're put together in a way that offers a new take. Loved it!
June 23, 2015
When dedicated student Jessica starts receiving anonymous text messages from a person who has knowledge of her most intimate details, her life gets turned upside down. Jessica and her roommate Aubrey join forces to outwit and outrun the creepy cyber stalker. Unknown Sender, Ryan’s first novelette, has the potential to develop into a series of twist-in-the-tail stories.
October 9, 2015
I was sent a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I thought the writing style and storyline of the book was great. I'm not one for horror stories, though, so the ending was a bit too gory for my taste... But overall a great book! Great job, Ryan! :)
Visit his blog, as well! :) It's great!
Visit his blog, as well! :) It's great!
October 15, 2015
Jessica lives with Aubrey, both are students but when Jessica starts receiving text messages from an anonymous sender she suspects Aubrey's boyfriend. However, when both ladies agree to go away for the weekend the rogue caller has other ideas.
This short horror read was very chilling and blindsided me, I definitely did not see that coming. Well played, Ryan Lanz, well played.
This short horror read was very chilling and blindsided me, I definitely did not see that coming. Well played, Ryan Lanz, well played.
July 25, 2015
I think this book is a good short story. I love horror books and anything I can find in horror like movies as well. This book is very update using texting as focus for this story. I enjoyed it! * I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review*
June 13, 2015
Great read! Not something I'd usually read, but this author held my interest and I read it start to finish this morning.
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