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Nightmare Fuel: The Ultimate Collection of Short Horror Tales
A bestselling hit that reached #6 in the horror charts. Wesley Thomas delivers his hallmark horror in the revamped 2025 edition of Nightmare Fuel, a chilling short horror story collection.
A harrowing journey to hell awaits. An asylum lives up to its name. Scarecrows become terrifying killers. This mermaid isn't a fairytale princess. Old churches echo with vengeful spirits. Read these stories and more...
BONUS: Features stories from acclaimed anthologies.
What readers are saying:
★★★★★ “Great collection of creepy stories. The writing is moody but fast, never rushed, and the characters feel so real you genuinely care what happens to them. Highly recommended.”
★★★★★ “A must‑read for any true horror fan.”
★★★★★ “Each story had its own creepy atmosphere. So spooky that I couldn’t read at night!”
Ideal for readers who hunger for fast frights, unsettling turns, and insidious stories. Nightmare Fuel serves up a sinister blend of occult horror, monstrous creatures, and slasher thrills.
For fans of Peter Straub, Paul Tremblay, Stephen King, Clive Barker, Robert R. McCammon, and Grady Hendrix.
Love movies such as Arachnophobia, An American Werewolf in London, Jeepers Creepers, Husk, The Conjuring, or As Above, So Below? Then this collection is for you.
Ready to fuel your nightmares? Grab your copy today!
A harrowing journey to hell awaits. An asylum lives up to its name. Scarecrows become terrifying killers. This mermaid isn't a fairytale princess. Old churches echo with vengeful spirits. Read these stories and more...
BONUS: Features stories from acclaimed anthologies.
What readers are saying:
★★★★★ “Great collection of creepy stories. The writing is moody but fast, never rushed, and the characters feel so real you genuinely care what happens to them. Highly recommended.”
★★★★★ “A must‑read for any true horror fan.”
★★★★★ “Each story had its own creepy atmosphere. So spooky that I couldn’t read at night!”
Ideal for readers who hunger for fast frights, unsettling turns, and insidious stories. Nightmare Fuel serves up a sinister blend of occult horror, monstrous creatures, and slasher thrills.
For fans of Peter Straub, Paul Tremblay, Stephen King, Clive Barker, Robert R. McCammon, and Grady Hendrix.
Love movies such as Arachnophobia, An American Werewolf in London, Jeepers Creepers, Husk, The Conjuring, or As Above, So Below? Then this collection is for you.
Ready to fuel your nightmares? Grab your copy today!
- GenresHorrorShort Stories
147 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 31, 2015
39 people are currently reading
35 people want to read
About the author
Wesley Thomas
18 books52 followersBestselling British Horror Author Wesley Thomas
Wesley Thomas, a renowned British horror author, made his mark in the horror fiction world in 2011 with his debut novel. Since then, he has penned several bestselling collections, novels, and novellas. With over two decades of passion for all things horror, Wesley's transition into horror fiction was a natural choice.
His work has been featured in various anthologies, websites, national and local newspapers, and has even been read live on radio. Wesley's dedication to the genre is evident in his regular consumption of horror literature, movies, TV shows, and his attendance at horror-themed events worldwide.
Endorsements:
"Wesley Thomas is one of the very few authors that has managed to completely scare me when reading his work." - Amazon Reviewer
"I always look forward to new stories from this author. His writing style is one that should be taught in writing classes." - Word Forward Blog
"Thomas is an absolute wordsmith and his writing is unique and descriptively precise." - Kay Oliver
"A huge imagination and a unique, inimitable writing style." - C. L. Hernandez, Author of 'Cobwebs'
"Simply speaking, Wesley is a writer who cares for the genre deeply, and contributes to it meaningfully!" - Dustin Urness, Author of 'Disturbing Tales of Anguish & Horror'
"Wesley is an extremely talented young horror craftsman. Love the retro vibe to his work and the presentation." - Terry M. West, well-known horror author, director, and actor
Wesley Thomas, a renowned British horror author, made his mark in the horror fiction world in 2011 with his debut novel. Since then, he has penned several bestselling collections, novels, and novellas. With over two decades of passion for all things horror, Wesley's transition into horror fiction was a natural choice.
His work has been featured in various anthologies, websites, national and local newspapers, and has even been read live on radio. Wesley's dedication to the genre is evident in his regular consumption of horror literature, movies, TV shows, and his attendance at horror-themed events worldwide.
Endorsements:
"Wesley Thomas is one of the very few authors that has managed to completely scare me when reading his work." - Amazon Reviewer
"I always look forward to new stories from this author. His writing style is one that should be taught in writing classes." - Word Forward Blog
"Thomas is an absolute wordsmith and his writing is unique and descriptively precise." - Kay Oliver
"A huge imagination and a unique, inimitable writing style." - C. L. Hernandez, Author of 'Cobwebs'
"Simply speaking, Wesley is a writer who cares for the genre deeply, and contributes to it meaningfully!" - Dustin Urness, Author of 'Disturbing Tales of Anguish & Horror'
"Wesley is an extremely talented young horror craftsman. Love the retro vibe to his work and the presentation." - Terry M. West, well-known horror author, director, and actor
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
May 13, 2016
This f****** cover!
These short horror tales had what I would call the push and pull effect! Where the stories pulled you into the darkest of your mind, and pushed over the edge, into a world that at times was so frightening, I literally slept with the lights on all night. This author is a fantastic wordsmith and the world he created in each tale was amazing.
These short horror tales had what I would call the push and pull effect! Where the stories pulled you into the darkest of your mind, and pushed over the edge, into a world that at times was so frightening, I literally slept with the lights on all night. This author is a fantastic wordsmith and the world he created in each tale was amazing.
July 17, 2015
No matter what scares you, this book has a story that will send chills down your spine. The author does an amazing job of knowing the right buttons to push to keep readers looking over their shoulders. I found each of the stories in this collection worthy of spine tingling shudders. Wesley Thomas knows how to write short stories and this collection is a must have for not only horror fans, but anyone who loves a suspenseful read.
March 5, 2017
Non graphic horror
Well written horror without over use of graphic details.The author is a real wordsmith and his stories scare .Look forward to reading additional works from Wesley Thomas.
Well written horror without over use of graphic details.The author is a real wordsmith and his stories scare .Look forward to reading additional works from Wesley Thomas.
July 21, 2017
I must say, I enjoyed reading the book and it felt like I was reading creepypasta stories in a form of a book and that's amazing! My favorite stories are: The Journey, Scarecrow,Scarecrow, Vengeance, Hide and The Haunted Church. The ending of The Haunted Church is just too creepy!
November 26, 2017
Good read.
Enjoyed this book and will watch for more by this author. Thank you for the hours of pleasure and also scary moments.
Enjoyed this book and will watch for more by this author. Thank you for the hours of pleasure and also scary moments.
May 27, 2016
Wesley Thomas' collection "Nightmare Fuel" is something that could be thoroughly enjoyed by any fan of the horror genre.
He manages to skillfully paint quite a picture with his descriptions of the various horrors he subjects his characters to. You're never left wondering with any question of what's happening, as he pays great attention to chilling detail.
However, this is not to say that it is overtly detailed either. Each story throws you right into the thick of it all, with the only buildup being what's necessary to establish the coming events. It's very efficient storytelling that doesn't leave you feeling like there were any missed opportunities either.
I also took note of the uniqueness of the settings, as they weren't always things you'd expect to begin a good horror story. From a woman who just wanted to feel free for a bit, to a man who was simply getting rid of a pest, these unseeming beginnings made for just two of the great horror stories contained within.
Simply speaking, Wesley is a writer who cares for the genre deeply, and contributes to it meaningfully with this collection! His sometimes frenetic writing style serves to engage the reader, zipping them from one second to the next, making it hard to put down until the story's end, along with twist endings and gory details that will leave any true horror fan quite satisfied!
This is only the first of Wesley's writings that I have read, and it certainly won't be the last. He is definitely someone to keep in consideration when looking for a great horror story!
He manages to skillfully paint quite a picture with his descriptions of the various horrors he subjects his characters to. You're never left wondering with any question of what's happening, as he pays great attention to chilling detail.
However, this is not to say that it is overtly detailed either. Each story throws you right into the thick of it all, with the only buildup being what's necessary to establish the coming events. It's very efficient storytelling that doesn't leave you feeling like there were any missed opportunities either.
I also took note of the uniqueness of the settings, as they weren't always things you'd expect to begin a good horror story. From a woman who just wanted to feel free for a bit, to a man who was simply getting rid of a pest, these unseeming beginnings made for just two of the great horror stories contained within.
Simply speaking, Wesley is a writer who cares for the genre deeply, and contributes to it meaningfully with this collection! His sometimes frenetic writing style serves to engage the reader, zipping them from one second to the next, making it hard to put down until the story's end, along with twist endings and gory details that will leave any true horror fan quite satisfied!
This is only the first of Wesley's writings that I have read, and it certainly won't be the last. He is definitely someone to keep in consideration when looking for a great horror story!
July 22, 2015
This book is truly terrifying on so many different levels. In this collection there is something no matter who you are that will give you chills up and down your spine.Really this book is so accurately named, after reading these stories no matter if it was right before bed or first thing in the morning; I had some wicked dreams. Wesley has a way of writing that is incredibly graphic and detailed. His stories have a way of haunting you not only at night, but also during the safety of daylight. During a nice beautiful day outside with my children and family, I was sitting down in the grass watching them run around and play when I felt something crawling on my legs. To my surprise it was just a small, tiny little ant; anyone's normal reaction to that would be the swipe it off and then move on with their day. Me on the other hand after reading Wesley's book screams, stands up and starts frantically swiping my whole body to make sure there were no more ants on me. While frantically swiping my body I'm crying out "No, no , no , no, no, no, no, off, off, off off!" Oh and if you've ever seen the movie Jeepers Creepers well that Scarecrow had nothing on Wesley's Scarecrow in Scarecrow, Scarecrow. All in all this book is exactly what I expected from a horror book. I've said it once before and I will say it again Stephan King really needs to watch his back because Wesley Thomas is quickly becoming a rising star
July 29, 2015
Wow! What a nice collection of short stories. This is a mixed bag of entertainment; some are dark, some are creepy, and others downright chilling! Over the past couple of years I have watched as Wesley has grown in his telling of tales. His stories have taken a more sinister turn and you, reader of horror, benefit greatly from this. Think “Goosebumps” on steroids. Oh, and don’t let the deceptive prose fool you; the words may at times sound sweet but that’s just to mask the arsenic!
The following titles are included in this collection-
The Journey
I Sentence Thee To Death
Wealth Comes At A Price
Someone’s Had Their Crazy Flakes
Sleep (Flash Fiction)
There’s Something In My House Itch (Flash Fiction)
Missing
Scarecrow, Scarecrow
Vengeance
Hide
The Traveller
The Change (Flash Fiction)
The Haunted Church
You may have read one or two of these tales in a past publication, but don’t let that deter you, the rest are all new.
You will meet vampires, zombies, ghosts and just evil itself, within these tales. Be warned, not all will survive. So, be wary of that scarecrow in the farmer’s field, don’t be deceived in thinking that old church offers sanctuary, and forget about home sweet home; you can find the malevolent lurking anywhere. All in all a fun read. These wickedly delightful tales are guaranteed to send shivers down your spine!
The following titles are included in this collection-
The Journey
I Sentence Thee To Death
Wealth Comes At A Price
Someone’s Had Their Crazy Flakes
Sleep (Flash Fiction)
There’s Something In My House Itch (Flash Fiction)
Missing
Scarecrow, Scarecrow
Vengeance
Hide
The Traveller
The Change (Flash Fiction)
The Haunted Church
You may have read one or two of these tales in a past publication, but don’t let that deter you, the rest are all new.
You will meet vampires, zombies, ghosts and just evil itself, within these tales. Be warned, not all will survive. So, be wary of that scarecrow in the farmer’s field, don’t be deceived in thinking that old church offers sanctuary, and forget about home sweet home; you can find the malevolent lurking anywhere. All in all a fun read. These wickedly delightful tales are guaranteed to send shivers down your spine!
May 13, 2016
I would like to start off by thanking the author for the bags under my eyes and bringing to life in these stories all my fears.
If you want truly terrifying stories, you need to read Nightmare Fuel! Wesley Thomas is one of the very few authors that has managed to completely scare me when reading his work.
This book is a collection of short stories; each one playing on a specific fear. It was as if I had been interviewed for my list of fears and that list was handed over to the author to write a story of each one just to make sure I don’t outgrow these fears. Are you afraid of Clowns? Scarecrows? Demons? Haunted Churches? He has them all and if you weren’t afraid of these before hand, you will be after. He even reminded me of things that I forgot I was afraid of (Thanks Mr. Thomas!).
There were multiple times where I yelled out loud, gasped, and even cursed the author (but that would be a good thing if he is evoking fear so bad you want to yell at him!). Each story ended spectacularly! Oftentimes with short stories, the endings can be a let down. Not here, every single one of these stories had a shocking ending. Often times, this is where the yelling, gasps, and cursing would happen.
I couldn’t be more excited to continue reading all of this author’s work!
July 26, 2015
I love reading collections because no matter what you are sure to find something you love. I may have not liked all the stories included here but the ones I did like out weigh the bad. I shouldn't say that some are bad because they are not terrible. The stories just couldn't grasp my attention. It happens but those same stories could be the ones that draw in someone else.
Another big draw for me is the fact the author includes a variety of stories. Sure they are all all horror, but they range from different styles and different antagonists which keeps the reader alert; not knowing what to expect. With these collections for me it is easier to rate each story then average the score for a final rating.
Story Ratings:
The Journey
4 Skulls
I Sentence Thee To Death
4 Skulls
Wealth Comes At A Price
5 Skulls
Someone's Had Their Crazy Flakes
3 Skulls
Sleep (Flash Fiction)
3 Skulls
There's Something In My House
4 Skulls
Itch (Flash Fiction)
3 Skulls
Missing
5 Skulls
Scarecrow, Scarecrow
4 Skulls
Vengeance
5 Skulls
Hide
4 Skulls
The Traveller
3 Skulls
The Change (Flash Fiction)
4 Skulls
The Haunted Church
5 Skulls
Another big draw for me is the fact the author includes a variety of stories. Sure they are all all horror, but they range from different styles and different antagonists which keeps the reader alert; not knowing what to expect. With these collections for me it is easier to rate each story then average the score for a final rating.
Story Ratings:
The Journey
4 Skulls
I Sentence Thee To Death
4 Skulls
Wealth Comes At A Price
5 Skulls
Someone's Had Their Crazy Flakes
3 Skulls
Sleep (Flash Fiction)
3 Skulls
There's Something In My House
4 Skulls
Itch (Flash Fiction)
3 Skulls
Missing
5 Skulls
Scarecrow, Scarecrow
4 Skulls
Vengeance
5 Skulls
Hide
4 Skulls
The Traveller
3 Skulls
The Change (Flash Fiction)
4 Skulls
The Haunted Church
5 Skulls
August 13, 2015
This is the second book I've read from this author and for good reason, he's, very, very good. The writing is moody but fast, even frenetic at points but it never feels rushed. The different scenarios in the book range from your run of the mill haunting to more surreal metaphysical--slash- philosophical mind @#$^ but the characters feel so fleshed out and real that you're along for the ride and genuinely care about what's going to happen to them.
I had a lot of fun reading these stories because when I had a bit of extra time I could just knock one at, have a bit of a scare and be done. Really great collection of stories, highly recommended.
I had a lot of fun reading these stories because when I had a bit of extra time I could just knock one at, have a bit of a scare and be done. Really great collection of stories, highly recommended.
November 6, 2016
Ultimate Collection Indeed
When reading short story collections it's easy to get scammed into a book that just isn't worth the money it costs, but this collection does not disappoint. No matter what subgenre of horror you're into, what scares you, you'll find it in this book. Not only that, but there are so many stories crammed into this title it's hard to believe it's only $0.99. Thomas knows his craft well, he is an exceptional story teller; both creative and descriptive.
When reading short story collections it's easy to get scammed into a book that just isn't worth the money it costs, but this collection does not disappoint. No matter what subgenre of horror you're into, what scares you, you'll find it in this book. Not only that, but there are so many stories crammed into this title it's hard to believe it's only $0.99. Thomas knows his craft well, he is an exceptional story teller; both creative and descriptive.
May 16, 2016
Frightfully frightful
There are some scary story collections that, in my opinion, are not scary at all. But this book was excellent at doing what the title offers "nightmare fuel". I enjoyed this book immensely and would recommend it as one of the scariest.
There are some scary story collections that, in my opinion, are not scary at all. But this book was excellent at doing what the title offers "nightmare fuel". I enjoyed this book immensely and would recommend it as one of the scariest.
January 6, 2017
Horror short stories
A pretty decently written collection of short stories. Good imagination. Good horror plot twists. I'd read this authors work again
A pretty decently written collection of short stories. Good imagination. Good horror plot twists. I'd read this authors work again
January 12, 2017
Loved it!
These stories are great! I loved each one. My favorite was "Vengeance". I really wasn't expecting the ending. I couldn't put the book down
These stories are great! I loved each one. My favorite was "Vengeance". I really wasn't expecting the ending. I couldn't put the book down
April 3, 2018
Isn't she adorable? This was another collection of horror short stories I got from Amazon; this was definitely a "the cover made me buy it" book. The entire book is only 147 pages long, with 15 short tales ranging from demons and werewolves in a hellish version of earth to a killer mermaid to a mentally disturbed teenager who let two children die while she was babysitting them. Not all of the stories were catchy, but some of them made up for it, and this collection is worth the read.
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My Rating: 3.5/5 stars
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My Rating: 3.5/5 stars
February 23, 2018
Couldn't read at night.
Each story had its own creepy atmosphere. So spooky that I couldn't read at night. EXCELLENT! In my opinion 'The Traveller' had a great ending, definitely surprised and entertained. I would like to see that as a short film, preferably animated.
Each story had its own creepy atmosphere. So spooky that I couldn't read at night. EXCELLENT! In my opinion 'The Traveller' had a great ending, definitely surprised and entertained. I would like to see that as a short film, preferably animated.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews