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Lab Rat
Before the cures, there are the experiments.
His heart was in the right place; a desperation to cure those considered terminal. His mind, though, was in a much darker place. A man on a mission to save humanity who considered his test subjects collateral damage. Their screams, their agony, their blood - nothing more than a means to an end; a necessary evil for the cure he'd be able to present the world when he succeeds in his quest.
His heart was in the right place; a desperation to cure those considered terminal. His mind, though, was in a much darker place. A man on a mission to save humanity who considered his test subjects collateral damage. Their screams, their agony, their blood - nothing more than a means to an end; a necessary evil for the cure he'd be able to present the world when he succeeds in his quest.
- GenresHorror
93 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 4, 2015
29 people are currently reading
146 people want to read
About the author
Matt Shaw
534 books2,223 followersBiography
MATT SHAW was born, quite by accident (his mother tripped, he shot out) September 30th 1980 in Winchester hospital where he was immediately placed on the baby ward and EBay. Some twelve years later (wandering the corridors of the hospital and playing with road kill when he was on day release), the listing closed and he remained unsold, he was booted out of the hospital to start his life as a writer and hobbit – beginning with writing screenplays and short stories for his own amusement before finally getting published when he was twenty-seven years and forty-five seconds old.
Once Published weekly in a lad's magazine with his photography work, Matt Shaw is also a published author and cartoonist. Has to be said, can be a bit of a flirt and definitely, without a shadow of a doubt, somewhat of a klutz.
Favourite books
"Roald Dahl's Collection of Short Stories"
Tim Burton's Melancholy Death of Oyster Boy
Anything, really, written by himself. Because he is that good.
MATT SHAW was born, quite by accident (his mother tripped, he shot out) September 30th 1980 in Winchester hospital where he was immediately placed on the baby ward and EBay. Some twelve years later (wandering the corridors of the hospital and playing with road kill when he was on day release), the listing closed and he remained unsold, he was booted out of the hospital to start his life as a writer and hobbit – beginning with writing screenplays and short stories for his own amusement before finally getting published when he was twenty-seven years and forty-five seconds old.
Once Published weekly in a lad's magazine with his photography work, Matt Shaw is also a published author and cartoonist. Has to be said, can be a bit of a flirt and definitely, without a shadow of a doubt, somewhat of a klutz.
Favourite books
"Roald Dahl's Collection of Short Stories"
Tim Burton's Melancholy Death of Oyster Boy
Anything, really, written by himself. Because he is that good.
Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
April 6, 2025
Now the word 'twisted' is probably the most apropos term for this story. It reminded me, in a way, of an extended scene with Babe and Szell from The Marathon Man. Just a sick doctor (I know Szell was actually a dentist) doing what he pleased to the restricted patient, saying these ugly things to get into their mind, and torturing them at will. Matt Shaw really makes you squirm reading this short story, because you feel every needle being jabbed into the skin and each constricted movement of these unlucky patients. And things just go from bad to worse for Becky, Kevin, and Tammy. I also very much appreciated Shaw changing the perspectives between each of the main characters. This let you get a glimpse into the minds of each person and really brought you into the scenes unfolding in such malicious ways. The somewhat open ending actually worked well here, too and I felt left nothing to be desired. The overall story did feel rushed, so I wish that it was drawn out a little bit more, but it was still well done. The violence also wasn't really disgusting either and was rather tactfully inserted as needed. Matt Shaw, you crazy bastard...you've done it again!
August 30, 2022
Absolutely loved this short, gruesome tale from the maestro that is Matt Shaw.
Plenty of horrific action to satisfy the most avid of horror fans without ever being truly extreme or totally OTT. Also particularly enjoyable was the splattering of appropriate comment made by the good doctor himself…professional and reassuring, but always delivered with a heap load of sinister devilment and wonderful, but plainly, unpalatable spice. Had me smiling broadly on many occasions - yep, this one definitely hit all the right black notes!
Like me, definitely for all lovers of Mad Scientist stories as well as those that have an interest in the experimentation and application of quite simply, original and unique, animal-based, ‘natural remedies’ to cure the most common of ailments and concerns found within the human society at large.
Does that make sense or am I just going completely insane…?
Just brilliant!
Rating: Only 4.8 black, rat-labby stars instead of the full 5, simply as far, far, FAR TOO SHORT.
Plenty of horrific action to satisfy the most avid of horror fans without ever being truly extreme or totally OTT. Also particularly enjoyable was the splattering of appropriate comment made by the good doctor himself…professional and reassuring, but always delivered with a heap load of sinister devilment and wonderful, but plainly, unpalatable spice. Had me smiling broadly on many occasions - yep, this one definitely hit all the right black notes!
Like me, definitely for all lovers of Mad Scientist stories as well as those that have an interest in the experimentation and application of quite simply, original and unique, animal-based, ‘natural remedies’ to cure the most common of ailments and concerns found within the human society at large.
Does that make sense or am I just going completely insane…?
Just brilliant!
Rating: Only 4.8 black, rat-labby stars instead of the full 5, simply as far, far, FAR TOO SHORT.
August 6, 2017
I could easily imagine the events taking place as I read them. Kevin should have listened to Becky. Good build up with an unexpected ending! Good read
April 29, 2023
The doctor is in...sane. Seriously. We get an opening that explains why this man wanted to become a doctor, due to watching his sister suffer without a solution as a child.
The plot reminded me of the Underwear Gnomes from South Park. and their 1.collect underpants; 2.???; 3.profit; business plan. Except in this case we have 1.desire to cure all disease; 2.???; 3.insane. There's a story there somewhere but I can't say what it is. I can say that the insanity is good 'ol standard Shaw and that's a compliment. He does crazy better than anyone, so it's an enjoyable book, just not an great one.
There are certainly gross moments, but it's actually a bit tame, considering what Shaw is known for. It's short, which can certainly explain some of the missing motivations for our doctor, but between this being a rare case of punches being pulled for a Matt Shaw book and the feeling that the story is missing some key points to explain how our antagonist got to where he is, I'd say 3/5. Recommended for fans of Shaw's work, and overall an okay book to kill 90 minutes with, but not among my favorites of his.
The plot reminded me of the Underwear Gnomes from South Park. and their 1.collect underpants; 2.???; 3.profit; business plan. Except in this case we have 1.desire to cure all disease; 2.???; 3.insane. There's a story there somewhere but I can't say what it is. I can say that the insanity is good 'ol standard Shaw and that's a compliment. He does crazy better than anyone, so it's an enjoyable book, just not an great one.
There are certainly gross moments, but it's actually a bit tame, considering what Shaw is known for. It's short, which can certainly explain some of the missing motivations for our doctor, but between this being a rare case of punches being pulled for a Matt Shaw book and the feeling that the story is missing some key points to explain how our antagonist got to where he is, I'd say 3/5. Recommended for fans of Shaw's work, and overall an okay book to kill 90 minutes with, but not among my favorites of his.
June 20, 2019
This is by far one of Matt Shaw's best books. It's so disgusting and yet so intriguing and fast-paced. The only flaw is there should have been more explanations regarding the villains and how exactly they "operate" on a long term basis.
September 30, 2019
I think this may be the worst book I ever read.
July 5, 2021
Not enough gore for me
I love matt shaw books so I'm a little disappointed that there wasn't more murder and gore, however still a good book
I love matt shaw books so I'm a little disappointed that there wasn't more murder and gore, however still a good book
October 19, 2023
Omg!!! The spider scene is probably one of my fave scenes in a book ever.. I got a kick out of it!!!!
March 3, 2017
Once again, I think a Matt Shaw book will end one way and then I'm completely left in shock!!!!! This is like my addiction now!!!! I really thought Kevin and Tammy was...damn!!!! Just damn!!!!!
November 20, 2015
If horror movies have taught us anything, it’s that the big, beautiful house that you’re looking at – the one that is priced WAY too low to be able to believe – is being sold for a reason! Just look what happened in Amityville!
Becky & Kevin have obviously never watched a horror movie, and are moving in to their nice, new, creepy AF home – with the added bonus of getting to keep the previous tenant’s belongings! YAY! Those hospital beds in the attic will sure come in handy!
The couple doesn’t have to worry about the walls bleeding, or flies taking over the bedroom. Their house isn’t haunted. This isn’t the Amityville Horror! Becky & Kevin’s horror story is only beginning, and their fate is much, much worse.
Becky & Kevin have obviously never watched a horror movie, and are moving in to their nice, new, creepy AF home – with the added bonus of getting to keep the previous tenant’s belongings! YAY! Those hospital beds in the attic will sure come in handy!
The couple doesn’t have to worry about the walls bleeding, or flies taking over the bedroom. Their house isn’t haunted. This isn’t the Amityville Horror! Becky & Kevin’s horror story is only beginning, and their fate is much, much worse.
September 30, 2016
Another very enjoyable read from Matt Shaw. This kind of reminded me of 70s schlock horror B movies as it has the mad scientist. Vincent Price playing dr Phibes comes to mind. There are two standout moments in this book : Face-cream and spiders. That's all I'm saying. Read it and you will understand.
As for the ending - It kind of felt that the ending was rushed. Its just ends within within like two pages when it could have conclude much more cleanly - I don't know - maybe the author ran out of time or interest in the story, but whatever, it is noticeably sudden.
Still a very good read though.
As for the ending - It kind of felt that the ending was rushed. Its just ends within within like two pages when it could have conclude much more cleanly - I don't know - maybe the author ran out of time or interest in the story, but whatever, it is noticeably sudden.
Still a very good read though.
September 16, 2015
I don't want cured!
The Shaw never fails to show us how truly insane the human race can be! The things we go through as we age really can change who we are & what we may become...highly recommended to all fans of modern horror!
The Shaw never fails to show us how truly insane the human race can be! The things we go through as we age really can change who we are & what we may become...highly recommended to all fans of modern horror!
September 11, 2015
Sick
Loved every word. Lots of sex, Gore and violence. Lots of twists and nothing is as it seems except defiantly extreme horror.
Loved every word. Lots of sex, Gore and violence. Lots of twists and nothing is as it seems except defiantly extreme horror.
September 12, 2015
Matt Shaw does it again
Always love a Matt Shaw read. Brilliant. His tastes are not for everyone but I get so engrossed I lose track of time
Always love a Matt Shaw read. Brilliant. His tastes are not for everyone but I get so engrossed I lose track of time
March 1, 2016
Matt Shaw does it again! Brilliant twisted and I loved it!!
December 27, 2016
Well, I wasn't expecting THAT twist. Then again? With THE Matt Shaw, it is rare that I expect ANYTHING!!!
December 18, 2016
Awesome twist
Another great Matt Shaw read with a glorious ending!
Another great Matt Shaw read with a glorious ending!
January 16, 2017
More?
Leaves you wondering what happens next. Which is just what a good story should. Good work. Even after all your Millions of words.
Leaves you wondering what happens next. Which is just what a good story should. Good work. Even after all your Millions of words.
July 24, 2023
Actually read Hub but there's no listing for it on GR.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews