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Macabre Sanctuary

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Thrills. Chills. Shadows and superstitions. Things that go bump in the night. Macabre Sanctuary boasts suspenseful fiction designed to elicit goosebumps and raise heart rates.


Learn the lore of a haunted island.

Grapple with the undead while robbing graves Halloween night.

Endure a hazing ritual unlike any other.

Deal with a demon at an All Soul’s Day celebration.

See what happens when you court death in the wild.

Battle zombies and cannibals in a quest to stay alive.

Travel back in time to witness the birth of true evil.

Fear prophetic nightmares made manifest.

Come to terms with new ethereal realities.

Befriend a feline to extend earthly life.

This collection from ten talented authors offers ghosts and demons, spirits and zombies, cannibals and killers… even a ferocious animal. Historical and contemporary tales of violence and fright keep readers on the edges of their seats. There’s something for everyone who loves spine-tingling, bone-chilling, blood-curdling stories.

138 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 1, 2016

71 people are currently reading
186 people want to read

About the author

Staci Troilo

35 books163 followers
I grew up knowing family is paramount. I was blessed to spend time with extended family daily, not just on holidays or weekends. Because of those close-knit familial bonds, every day was full of love and laughter, food and fun.

Life took me away from that extended family for twenty years before I finally made it back. And while I'd done my best to keep the traditions alive across the miles, I realize there truly is no place like home.

Through my fiction, I share those traditions and the importance of relationships with you. Mystery or suspense, romance or mainstream, sci-fi or thriller—in my stories, family (however you define it) is paramount.

To learn more about me, visit me at http://stacitroilo.com or connect with me on social media.

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5 stars
40 (39%)
4 stars
28 (27%)
3 stars
20 (19%)
2 stars
8 (7%)
1 star
5 (4%)
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
Profile Image for D.L. Finn.
Author 25 books304 followers
October 7, 2019
“Macabre Sanctuary” is a great collection to read at Halloween or any time of the year. Penned by ten different authors, I was already familiar with the work of five of them, but it was nice to be introduced to new writers. The stories were diverse but had that touch of creepy I enjoy. Each story is a terrific length for a quick read, but you have the option to keep reading, which I enjoy about anthologies. A couple of the stories will stay with me for a while in a good way, but they all entertained me. If you like a bit of horror in your short stories, this collection is for you!
Profile Image for Carmen.
Author 5 books87 followers
October 30, 2016
Macabre Sanctuary is a collection of 10 short stories, that will have you hearing sounds, and hoping that you haven’t forgotten to lock the backdoor. The descriptive tales are easy to read and will keep you turning page after page. The build up to each ending was something to look forward to! In each of the stories, a life is about to be changed forever, with terrifying results.
Ten unique authors’ voices with one thing in common: the drive to terrify you. Not for the faint of heart! I recommend this collection for those who like a little horror in their life. All these short stories are just what horror fans are looking to find - a bit of fright for their night.
I loved them all, no matter the length. All display the deep gift of the writer in creating art that causes us to feel, be it fear or disgust.

I hope that Macabre Sanctuary will get the popularity it deserves!
Profile Image for Sue Coletta.
Author 32 books146 followers
December 9, 2016
Ten talented authors wrote ten creepy tales, some with zombies, spirits, killers, and some that journey into places we'd never want to go in real life. I've read a few of these authors' other works, but I also found new-to-me authors. I look forward to reading their longer works, as well. If you're looking for great plot lines, strong characters, thrills and chills, don't look past this anthology. Keep the lights on while you're reading!
6,726 reviews5 followers
August 31, 2023
Entertaining fantasy listening 🎶🔰

This is a free novella on Amazon. Oh how I love 💘 those free books 📚!

The will written fantasy world 🌎 haunting horror adventure short stories by various authors. Each story is different with interesting well developed characters lots of action and misdirection leading to each conclusion. I would highly recommend this novella and various authors to readers of fantasy haunting adventure novels 👍🔰. 2023 👒😀😡🏡
Profile Image for tina barrington.
56 reviews4 followers
October 15, 2016
The first and the last.

The last was my favourite. Since I've crept up in age, I've stopped reading the really gross, the REALLY scary and the really real stories.

The really gross aren't fun, the REALLY scary last for ages and the really real scare the life out of me since it can really happen.

"There's a cat on my grave" reminded me that as long as someone or something remembers you, you are not gone.
Profile Image for Carol.
1,642 reviews70 followers
October 8, 2016
This is a collection of ten authors horror stories!!
Each story produces the thrills, chills and suspense.
You will find ghosts, zombies, cannibals, killers, demons,
evil spirits, grave robbers and more. Excitement abounds.
2 reviews
October 14, 2016
Like these kind of anthologies

Very good book Very chilling I will gladly read more of these great plots really great book recommends to all
Profile Image for Lexxi Kitty.
2,060 reviews477 followers
own-anthologies
September 12, 2017
A free short story collection acquired specifically because it supposedly contains a story by K.E. Lane (and I and to acquire the book to look at that 'About' to see . . . it isn't the same one I've read before).

The Keeper's House by Joan Hall

The Lady Ghost by Mae Claire

Initiation by Jan Morrill

The All Souls Ritual by Staci Troilo

A Good Place to Die by Pamela Foster

Wanderers by Stacy Claflin

Ascent by Michele Jones

Night by K.E. Lane

The Locked Door by Harmony Kent

There's a Cat on my Grave by C.S. Boyack

Overall
The Keeper's House by Joan Hall
The Lady Ghost by Mae Claire
Initiation by Jan Morrill
The All Souls Ritual by Staci Troilo
A Good Place to Die by Pamela Foster
Wanderers by Stacy Claflin
Ascent by Michele Jones
Night by K.E. Lane
The Locked Door by Harmony Kent
There's a Cat on my Grave by C.S. Boyack
Profile Image for Mark Bierman.
Author 1 book51 followers
February 2, 2020
A good mixture of thriller and supernatural quick reads. Whether the reader is into earthly maleficence or ghostly shenanigans, Macabre Sanctuary, is a grab bag of different thrills for those who enjoy them.

As is generally the case when presented with multiple choices, I preferred some of the tales over others. However, that does not mean one is better than another, your tastes will undoubtedly differ than mine. What I can tell you, is that I enjoy a story that keeps me guessing until the end.

Overall, the book was a good one and worth a look.
Profile Image for Janice Spina.
Author 53 books111 followers
December 17, 2016
Macabre Sanctuary is a collection of stories that are scary, creepy and carry things that go bump in the night. I found the stories to be entertaining by talented authors. Some stories left me looking around and anxious about turning off the lights.

This macabre genre collection is an enjoyable read and is a great way to introduce readers to different authors of the same or similar genre.
Profile Image for Rebecca.
10 reviews1 follower
March 11, 2018
If you like short stories, read these!

A good collection of scary short stories by a variety of authors. A few ghost stories, a couple even have a different take on the typical ghost story. There's a story about a greedy son and even one with a bear, that was very well written. Check it out, you may find your next favorite author.
Profile Image for Missy.
2 reviews
July 2, 2017
Creepy sad strange and weird!

Who doesn't like a good ghost story! The last two were my favorite although they all were good in their own ways.
Profile Image for Jacquie.
Author 84 books885 followers
August 17, 2021
Creepy suspense best read with the lights ON!

This is a multi-author anthology by leaders in the mystery/suspense genre. Each short story begins with a creepy quote that sets the reader up for chilling reads from a variety of settings; an island with a haunted lighthouse, a cemetery haunted by a zombie, demons, ghosts, and so much more…

One of my favorite lines comes from Mae Clair's story, The Lady Ghost:

Clogged with weeds and rubble, the trail vanished into darkness, cutting a crooked finger to a cliff-side cemetery.
MACABRE SANCTUARY (The Lady Ghost)- Mae Clair

There is a touch of the horror factor in a few of the stories, but not enough to totally freak me out (a good thing!). I enjoyed this diverse collection and would recommend it to anyone looking to amp up your heart rate for an afternoon!
Profile Image for Teri.
Author 8 books177 followers
June 22, 2017
This collection of ten short stories delivers exactly what it promises- thrills, chills, suspense, and things that go bump in the night. I've read a couple of these authors before, but the majority were new to me and may now add me to their undoubtedly growing list of fans. There's something for every supernatural fan in this quick read that's guaranteed to have you looking over your shoulder to make sure you're alone. Or maybe you're not.
Profile Image for Karrie.
194 reviews9 followers
November 2, 2018
Fun group of Stories!

This was an Anthology with a variety of very different stories. I quite enjoyed them. The Cat on the Grave certainly gave me a chuckle! And Celeste's story, on my! Check it out if you can, I doubt you'll be disappointed!
Profile Image for Victoria Zigler.
Author 62 books235 followers
May 20, 2019
This was a great collection of well-written stories, guaranteed to give you thrills and chills. As with most collections like this, some of them appealed to me more than others. However, they were all enjoyable reads in their own ways.
16 reviews
February 13, 2017
Amusing

This is a book of short stories. Some are spooky and some not so much. Worth a read if you want something quick and easy to pass a few hours.
Profile Image for Joni Martins.
Author 23 books47 followers
October 24, 2020
Book Review

Basic Details:
Book Title: Macabre Sanctuary
Subtitle:
Author: Multiple Authors
Genre: Suspense
Part of a series? No
Order in series:
Best read after earlier books in series? N/A
Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...
Overall score:
I scored this book 5/5
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Short Summary of the book:
This book is a collection of short stories about all things that go bump in the night. A great choice if you like scary stories.
What I liked about the book:
The many different stories.
What I didn’t like about the book:
I enjoyed the entire book.
My favourite bits in the book:
Several of the stories were page turners
My least favourite bits in the book:
I enjoyed the entire book.
Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?
This is a compilation of many stories by multiple authors.
What books could this be compared to and why?
This book is similar to some other compilations of scary stories. A great read for Halloween.
Recommendation:
In summary, I would recommend this book for the following readers:

Children No
Young Adult Possibly
Adult Yes

If you like reading scary stories, this book may be the book for you.

Book Description by Author:
Thrills. Chills. Shadows and superstitions. Things that go bump in the night. Macabre Sanctuary boasts suspenseful fiction designed to elicit goosebumps and raise heart rates.


Learn the lore of a haunted island.

Grapple with the undead while robbing graves Halloween night.

Endure a hazing ritual unlike any other.

Deal with a demon at an All Soul’s Day celebration.

See what happens when you court death in the wild.

Battle zombies and cannibals in a quest to stay alive.

Travel back in time to witness the birth of true evil.

Fear prophetic nightmares made manifest.

Come to terms with new ethereal realities.

Befriend a feline to extend earthly life.

This collection from ten talented authors offers ghosts and demons, spirits and zombies, cannibals and killers… even a ferocious animal. Historical and contemporary tales of violence and fright keep readers on the edges of their seats. There’s something for everyone who loves spine-tingling, bone-chilling, blood-curdling stories.
About the Author:
I grew up knowing family is paramount. I was blessed to spend time with extended family daily, not just on holidays or weekends. Because of those close-knit familial bonds, every day was full of love and laughter, food and fun.

Life took me away from that extended family for twenty years before I finally made it back. And while I'd done my best to keep the traditions alive across the miles, I realize there truly is no place like home.

Through my fiction, I share those traditions and the importance of relationships with you. Mystery or suspense, romance or mainstream, sci-fi or thriller—in my stories, family (however you define it) is paramount.

To learn more about me, visit me at http://stacitroilo.com or connect with me on social media.
Profile Image for Rox Burkey.
Author 39 books125 followers
February 3, 2022
This collection of ghoulish tales will either scare you, make you pull the sheet over your head, or keep you awake jumping at shadows. The anthology is around the dead, undead, and urban legend; these stories are perfect campfire fodder. The fantastic authors of this anthology are Joan Hall, Mae Clair, Jan Morrill, Staci Troilo, Pamela Foster, Stacy Claflin, Michele Jones, K.E. Lane, Harmony Kent, and C.S. Boyack.

These stories contain a delightful Halloween spirit to their plots as they revitalize ghost legends, one scare at a time. I like that each author can showcase their talented skills to this occult brew differently. These stories easily stand on their own. Each tale is unique.

The differences between these stories are the individual style of the author and making this collection creepy fun with free goosebumps. I enjoyed other books by several of these authors yet discovered new authors, and I added a few individual stories to my wish list.

Imagine yourself with friends after supper with the campfire blazing and resident noises supporting the perimeter. Each person, in turn, reads a story from this book, adding inflection and tone in all the right places. I bet everyone sleeps in the same tent—close, but there is the theory of safety in numbers.

I recommend this story to anyone who enjoys horror stories that keep your heart rate elevated. Anytime you want a horror fix, you can pick out one to reread—excellent authors with different styles. You won’t go wrong with Macabre Sanctuary.
Profile Image for Patricia Furstenberg.
Author 57 books138 followers
July 14, 2023
"Macabre Sanctuary" is a spine-tingling anthology by ten talented authors, Joan Hall, Mae Clair, Jan Morrill, Staci Troilo, Pamela Foster, Harmony Kent, Stacy Claflin, Michele Jones, K E Lane, C S Boyack.

This collection offers a wide range of chilling tales, from ghosts and demons to cannibals and killers, satisfying the cravings of any fan of bone-chilling, blood-curdling stories. Each story entices with its macabre allure and unique style, leaving trails of creepy fascination.

Reading this anthology, I couldn't help but be drawn to the distinct voices of the authors, each contributing their own touch of terror to the collection. Whether you read it during Halloween or any time of the year, these stories are sure to thrill and captivate.
Highly recommended for those seeking a thrilling literary experience.
Profile Image for Gwendolyn Plano.
Author 3 books59 followers
November 13, 2020
I'm not one to read horror, but these stories are not hardcore. Rather, they entice and leave trails of creepy, while they pull you into the macabre. I began reading it at Halloween, one story at a time. The thumps during the night made me wonder, but thankfully, there was no terror. With this collection, I was most drawn to the writers themselves. They shared a common theme, but each has a distinct style and I found that difference absolutely intriguing. If you're ready for a thrill, this is one for you. I highly recommend this anthology.
804 reviews
November 4, 2022
As with any anthology, it’s going to be a mixed bag of quality and stories, but this one really had a disparate range of quality. Some stories were just terrible, but it is worth it because there are some good stories in here.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews

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