What do you think?
Rate this book
The Hidden
Charlotte Howarth makes the 12 hour journey to Japan to meet her penpal for the first time. Friends since they were teenagers, Charlotte thinks the break away from home will do her good.
However, after her arrival, things take a sinister turn.
What are the unexplained noises, the nightly apparitions and the unusual behaviour from her friend caused by? Charlotte soon realises she must find out the truth, before it's too late to save her friend, her sanity, and perhaps even her life...
The Hidden is a short story based on a traditional Japanese Urban Legend.
This Kindle edition contains a bonus feature at the end of the story: a Q & A session with a professor and expert on Japanese myths, ghosts and urban legends.
This story is sure to delight fans of the traditional ghost story, as well as those interested in urban legends. Dare you take the trip with Charlotte?
However, after her arrival, things take a sinister turn.
What are the unexplained noises, the nightly apparitions and the unusual behaviour from her friend caused by? Charlotte soon realises she must find out the truth, before it's too late to save her friend, her sanity, and perhaps even her life...
The Hidden is a short story based on a traditional Japanese Urban Legend.
This Kindle edition contains a bonus feature at the end of the story: a Q & A session with a professor and expert on Japanese myths, ghosts and urban legends.
This story is sure to delight fans of the traditional ghost story, as well as those interested in urban legends. Dare you take the trip with Charlotte?
48 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 16, 2016
2 people are currently reading
6 people want to read
About the author
Fiona Dodwell
16 books37 followersFiona Dodwell lives in the UK.
She has studied Theology, Drama, Psychology and Film studies.
She is extremely passionate about horror - both in film and literature - and began writing at an early age.
She has written for Paranormal Underground, Supernatural Magazine, Pinched Literary and completed a writing Internship with Tremr.
She has released several novels, novellas and short stories.
In 2018 she was commissioned to write liner notes for artist Morrissey.
She has studied Theology, Drama, Psychology and Film studies.
She is extremely passionate about horror - both in film and literature - and began writing at an early age.
She has written for Paranormal Underground, Supernatural Magazine, Pinched Literary and completed a writing Internship with Tremr.
She has released several novels, novellas and short stories.
In 2018 she was commissioned to write liner notes for artist Morrissey.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
May 19, 2016
We meet Charlotte Howarth as she is going to Tokyo, Japan to meet Takako. They have been pen pals for years and finally decided to meet in person. Both women seem happy to meet and leave the airport with excitement and positive emotions. We find Charlotte on the verge of big grown up decisions to make concerning her career and her current relationship, so why not unwind, and escape for a few days in an exotic place and with a longtime friend. The two women seem at ease with each other instantly and their time is filled with good conversation and food. Takako lives with her widowed mother but her mother decided to go on a vacation herself so that the two old friends could have quality time.
The very first night, however, strange sounds awaken Charlotte and then quick flashes in her vision as she searched for the source of the disturbance. Takako, wanting to show Charlotte a good time, takes them out shopping, but the ladies have an odd experience at one of the antique shops and it leaves with Charlotte feeling uncomfortable and spooked. Things do not take a positive turn later at a sushi restaurant they eat lunch in, but Takako is a firm nonbeliever in the paranormal and writes off the experiences as stress, jet-lag, and being in an unfamiliar environment. Charlotte doesn’t want to offend her hostess or have Takako think poorly of her so she tries to ignore the strange occurrences and enjoy her vacation.
Things going bump in the night and the day continue with Charlotte scared and Takako somewhat indifferent. A trip back to the antique shop gives the women an odd but interesting yet still quite vague insight into what Charlotte may be experiencing.
When an Urban Legend is finally revealed, us readers are left speechless! Sometimes questions might be better left unanswered! Dodwell will drag you in with her relatable, interesting characters and eerie atmospheres and she does not disappoint! This was an amazingly detailed and suspenseful for such a short! I will definitely read this again, as I will read anything this awesome author lays upon us. I most highly recommend to all fans of modern horror!
The very first night, however, strange sounds awaken Charlotte and then quick flashes in her vision as she searched for the source of the disturbance. Takako, wanting to show Charlotte a good time, takes them out shopping, but the ladies have an odd experience at one of the antique shops and it leaves with Charlotte feeling uncomfortable and spooked. Things do not take a positive turn later at a sushi restaurant they eat lunch in, but Takako is a firm nonbeliever in the paranormal and writes off the experiences as stress, jet-lag, and being in an unfamiliar environment. Charlotte doesn’t want to offend her hostess or have Takako think poorly of her so she tries to ignore the strange occurrences and enjoy her vacation.
Things going bump in the night and the day continue with Charlotte scared and Takako somewhat indifferent. A trip back to the antique shop gives the women an odd but interesting yet still quite vague insight into what Charlotte may be experiencing.
When an Urban Legend is finally revealed, us readers are left speechless! Sometimes questions might be better left unanswered! Dodwell will drag you in with her relatable, interesting characters and eerie atmospheres and she does not disappoint! This was an amazingly detailed and suspenseful for such a short! I will definitely read this again, as I will read anything this awesome author lays upon us. I most highly recommend to all fans of modern horror!
October 30, 2016
It's Halloween, and this novella was perfect for an early morning read.
Charlotte is excited about travelling to Japan to meet her penpal, Takako. She's relieved to find that they get along as well in person as they did in their letters. Besides, she really needs some time away from her life because she's at a crossroads and isn't sure where to turn.
Takako was kind enough to offer her a place to stay, and Charlotte is delighted. However, during the first night, strange noises awaken her. And she spots a strange woman in the garden. The more she tries to avoid what's happening, it soon becomes obvious that something isn't right with her friend...
This is a great novella. I loved how normal the story appears on the surface, but the tension rides just below. Every step of the way. The horror of the situation sneaks up on you, and leads to a shocking conclusion!
I really enjoyed this. It's a great mixture of ghost story, urban legend, and has a strong friendship at its core.
Charlotte is excited about travelling to Japan to meet her penpal, Takako. She's relieved to find that they get along as well in person as they did in their letters. Besides, she really needs some time away from her life because she's at a crossroads and isn't sure where to turn.
Takako was kind enough to offer her a place to stay, and Charlotte is delighted. However, during the first night, strange noises awaken her. And she spots a strange woman in the garden. The more she tries to avoid what's happening, it soon becomes obvious that something isn't right with her friend...
This is a great novella. I loved how normal the story appears on the surface, but the tension rides just below. Every step of the way. The horror of the situation sneaks up on you, and leads to a shocking conclusion!
I really enjoyed this. It's a great mixture of ghost story, urban legend, and has a strong friendship at its core.
May 23, 2016
Fiona Dodwell takes us on a trip to Japan where we meet Charlotte and Takako who are 2 pen pals that have just met for the first time after many years of communicating with each other. Once they get back to Takako's home things start to go bump in the night.
Based on a Japanese Urban Legend this really has everything a short horror story requires. Interesting characters, suspense and an unsettling feeling.
Highly recommended - 5stars
Based on a Japanese Urban Legend this really has everything a short horror story requires. Interesting characters, suspense and an unsettling feeling.
Highly recommended - 5stars
August 23, 2016
This is my favourite book by Fiona Dodwell since discovering her through her contribution to the Eight Deadly Kisses anthology.
I loved the setting and the legend behind the No Face spirit. Loved it. I read it in a dark room at 1am, my Voyage the only light in the room and despite it being a blisteringly hot night, I didn't leave my feet outside the covers all night. Thanks, Fiona.
I loved the setting and the legend behind the No Face spirit. Loved it. I read it in a dark room at 1am, my Voyage the only light in the room and despite it being a blisteringly hot night, I didn't leave my feet outside the covers all night. Thanks, Fiona.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews