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Laura
George had seen some pretty strange things over his lifetime, travelling those roads. But if he had thought he’d seen it all, he was sadly mistaken. For if he believed finding Laura alone along some deserted roadside, in the middle of the night, was strange, then he had no idea that what was to follow would challenge the very boundaries of everything he’d ever known.
9 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2012
2 people are currently reading
33 people want to read
About the author
E.H. James
19 books84 followersE. H. James has always been fascinated by the unexplained. Wanting to delve deeper into the unknown, James has read and researched in the areas of parapsychology and metaphysics, for the past 40 years.
Taking those first hand experiences, involving the unexplained, James has woven the real and imaginary together into stories of the strange and bizarre.
James' stories range from the paranormal and horror, to fantasy and science fiction, from short stories and novellas, to 100K+ novels.
Taking those first hand experiences, involving the unexplained, James has woven the real and imaginary together into stories of the strange and bizarre.
James' stories range from the paranormal and horror, to fantasy and science fiction, from short stories and novellas, to 100K+ novels.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
November 7, 2017
Liebestod
Canadian author E.H. James is a prolific writer of short stories – stories that test the imagination and call forth ghost like thoughts of the dark world about which we know very little. James is part of that conundrum as there is no biographical information on this gifted author – whether male or female, training, experience in the world at large – as though that is meant to be part of the mysteries presented. We learn that James has read and researched in the areas of parapsychology and metaphysics, for the past 40 years.
LAURA is a nine page short story that shares an evening with newly retired salesman George encountering a young, silent girl on a darkened road. He offers her a ride and warmth but Laura opens the car door and steps out onto a bridge, leaving only the scent of roses in the car from her dress. The benumbed George stop by a lonely old time cafe for coffee, hears from the elderly owner the story of Laura and her wartime romance that ended in the death of her beloved. The circumstances shared dissolve into a strange world of bizarre findings – just the manner in which those inexplicable moments we all encounter so often carry fragments of the past that make the line between reality and occult narrow indeed.
James writes very well indeed – the atmosphere created in such a short story usually takes a full length novel to capture in the hands of others. Think Edgar Allan Poe and H.P. Lovecraft, Stephen King, Clive Barker and Anne Rice. Watch this author carefully.
Canadian author E.H. James is a prolific writer of short stories – stories that test the imagination and call forth ghost like thoughts of the dark world about which we know very little. James is part of that conundrum as there is no biographical information on this gifted author – whether male or female, training, experience in the world at large – as though that is meant to be part of the mysteries presented. We learn that James has read and researched in the areas of parapsychology and metaphysics, for the past 40 years.
LAURA is a nine page short story that shares an evening with newly retired salesman George encountering a young, silent girl on a darkened road. He offers her a ride and warmth but Laura opens the car door and steps out onto a bridge, leaving only the scent of roses in the car from her dress. The benumbed George stop by a lonely old time cafe for coffee, hears from the elderly owner the story of Laura and her wartime romance that ended in the death of her beloved. The circumstances shared dissolve into a strange world of bizarre findings – just the manner in which those inexplicable moments we all encounter so often carry fragments of the past that make the line between reality and occult narrow indeed.
James writes very well indeed – the atmosphere created in such a short story usually takes a full length novel to capture in the hands of others. Think Edgar Allan Poe and H.P. Lovecraft, Stephen King, Clive Barker and Anne Rice. Watch this author carefully.
March 19, 2019
I think its really quite difficult to write a short story that's good enough to capture the imagination and leave you wanting more, it takes a certain type of skill that's not readily available, but seems to me that E.H. James has done this very very well!
I love a good ghost story and really got into these as a teen, so it was a delightful change to read a few of these short stories and enjoy them with as vigor as I used to!
This one was definitely one of those urban legend type - George is a salesman driving along in the middle of nowhere one night wondering where his life is headed. He sees a woman at the side of the road, she is soaked to her skin and he gives her a lift. But things are not quite what they seem.
A great read that leaves you wanting to know more, and is definitely a little thought provoking in itself.
I love a good ghost story and really got into these as a teen, so it was a delightful change to read a few of these short stories and enjoy them with as vigor as I used to!
This one was definitely one of those urban legend type - George is a salesman driving along in the middle of nowhere one night wondering where his life is headed. He sees a woman at the side of the road, she is soaked to her skin and he gives her a lift. But things are not quite what they seem.
A great read that leaves you wanting to know more, and is definitely a little thought provoking in itself.
August 21, 2017
I am always skeptical when I read short stories, because if they are not written nicely then you left wondering why they even tried. To write a short story and capture the reader takes a great skill.
Well, E.H.James did the trick for me.
The story was captivating and left me wanting more. This story is one of those urban legends that you know it might have happened and then you experience it and you like I knew it! The only thing I wish about this short story is that needed to be longer dah! I want to know what happens next! I love a good ghost story.
mytrendingbooks.blogspot.co.nz
Well, E.H.James did the trick for me.
The story was captivating and left me wanting more. This story is one of those urban legends that you know it might have happened and then you experience it and you like I knew it! The only thing I wish about this short story is that needed to be longer dah! I want to know what happens next! I love a good ghost story.
mytrendingbooks.blogspot.co.nz
November 22, 2017
Laura by E.H. James is a short story that gives an urban legend feel. You hear of those stories about seeing the woman on the side of the road. You don’t believe it until it happens to you. A captivating read that will leave you wanting more! I give this 5 stars.
October 5, 2017
Rating
5 out of 5 Hearts
This is the first time reading a story by E.H. James, and it most certainly won't be my last. For a short story - it kept me flipping pages!
Meet George, a man who has traveled many a road in his life. But nothing like this last one. Finding Laura was an eye-opener for sure. The ending was an unexpected twist.
This is a well written, easy to follow, and captivating read. I really enjoyed the picturesque writing style that beautifully brought the scenes to life. Awesome job!!
5 out of 5 Hearts
This is the first time reading a story by E.H. James, and it most certainly won't be my last. For a short story - it kept me flipping pages!
Meet George, a man who has traveled many a road in his life. But nothing like this last one. Finding Laura was an eye-opener for sure. The ending was an unexpected twist.
This is a well written, easy to follow, and captivating read. I really enjoyed the picturesque writing style that beautifully brought the scenes to life. Awesome job!!
January 31, 2019
Caught in the middle of nowhere late one night, George wonders just where it is that his life was going. The life a traveling salesman was tiring, at best, though he looked forward to the moment when he could finally retire, and enjoy the rest of his life. Sadly, he never anticipated having to take a trip to God-knows-where.
Coming across an unexpected stranger along the road, George has taken it upon himself to give her a helping hand. After all, it's late, and there's no one else around to do just that. She's soaked to the skin, something he finds slightly alarming, but he tacks it down to the fact that it was raining not too long ago. He knows he can't leave her there to walk home alone, and does what any other kind soul would do, he decides to give her a ride home.
Hoping to make conversation, he tries to glean a little information from her as to who she is and what she was doing on the side of the road. Unfortunately, she's not that forthcoming. Within the blink of an eye, she disappears, causing him to now question his sanity. Thankfully, there's a town on the horizon which keeps him from dwelling on the strangeness he's encountered, thus far.
Thankful for a momentary respite, George allows himself to feel at home in the little cafe. It's keeper is quite willing to fill him in on the goings-on around the town. To his shock, he learns a little more than he'd expected to. Laura isn't quite what she seems to be, and neither is the town he now finds himself in.
Another delightful short story written by E. H. James - it's definitely thought-provoking. The paranormal elements in it are just enough to leave you questioning as to whether such a thing really happened. Sometimes, love lives on, no matter what's happened in the past, even if we don't think it does. The description of the story was just enough to paint a vivid picture to leave a lasting impression. It's that good!
Coming across an unexpected stranger along the road, George has taken it upon himself to give her a helping hand. After all, it's late, and there's no one else around to do just that. She's soaked to the skin, something he finds slightly alarming, but he tacks it down to the fact that it was raining not too long ago. He knows he can't leave her there to walk home alone, and does what any other kind soul would do, he decides to give her a ride home.
Hoping to make conversation, he tries to glean a little information from her as to who she is and what she was doing on the side of the road. Unfortunately, she's not that forthcoming. Within the blink of an eye, she disappears, causing him to now question his sanity. Thankfully, there's a town on the horizon which keeps him from dwelling on the strangeness he's encountered, thus far.
Thankful for a momentary respite, George allows himself to feel at home in the little cafe. It's keeper is quite willing to fill him in on the goings-on around the town. To his shock, he learns a little more than he'd expected to. Laura isn't quite what she seems to be, and neither is the town he now finds himself in.
Another delightful short story written by E. H. James - it's definitely thought-provoking. The paranormal elements in it are just enough to leave you questioning as to whether such a thing really happened. Sometimes, love lives on, no matter what's happened in the past, even if we don't think it does. The description of the story was just enough to paint a vivid picture to leave a lasting impression. It's that good!
June 24, 2013
I thought this was really good, It was intriguing and left me wanting to know more which I think is good in a short story since it's not designed to give everything away. I found Laura strange and alluring at the same time, Like i wanted her to speak and to find out more about her but I was also weary of who she was. I didn't see the ending coming but I guess I should of as It is a paranormal story, but sometimes I'm an idiot and forget things. I think E.H.James gave a good sense of who George is even in the first few pages I felt like I knew him. I liked the ending especially although I started out a little confused and It could have been explored in a little more detail, but the ambiguous ending works well too since I am wondering what happens next for George. and this story is completely worth the 77p (not sure how much it is in dollars :P) that it costs.It is an amazing read and if it had been a novel I would have even paid a novel price to know more about George!
I think reading this will be the start of me reading more short stories, since I've always just assumed there wouldn't be enough entry into the story world for me to get into it, and have it be thought provoking which I always look for in reading material, but I thought this did it extremely well and opened my eyes a little.
I think reading this will be the start of me reading more short stories, since I've always just assumed there wouldn't be enough entry into the story world for me to get into it, and have it be thought provoking which I always look for in reading material, but I thought this did it extremely well and opened my eyes a little.
July 12, 2012
This short story was well crafted and well written, which is a real art -- telling a complete story in a few pages. The reader gets a feel for the main character George, a traveling salesman out in the middle of nowhere on a lonely road, reflecting on his long career. And the little descriptive details provide the reader with a good mental picture of the action. This new take on the classic lonely hitchhiker story had a twist that I did not see coming -- and I don't want to reveal too much -- but it had just the right amount of "eerie" that you want to see in a good paranormal/horror story, the kind of thing that I might think about before I fall asleep and wonder about. Laura is an entertaining read!
July 25, 2013
Ms. James writes such emotionally driven, intense horror stories that immediately consume her readers. All I can say is that Ms. James knows how to write her genre extremely well. This is another short story that packs so much detail and emotion you find yourself frantically flipping the pages to find out what happens next. This is one author you should keep your eye on because she’s going places. I love her stories so much that I could actually see her storylines turned into snippets in a movie. I’d love to read a full-length horror story from her and I’m eagerly hoping she’ll consider writing one. This is another short story that I highly recommend!
The full review can be found online at: Night Owl Reviews.
Diana Coyle
Book Reviewer
The full review can be found online at: Night Owl Reviews.
Diana Coyle
Book Reviewer
July 8, 2013
E.H. James applies a new coat of paint to a classic, lonely hitchhiker, tale. She has mastered her craft and is able to tell a well written story in just pages. The eerie thing about this story…as a believer in paranormal activity… I can see it as something that could happen.
Laura is approximately 12 pages long but I enjoyed every moment of it and felt like I had taken in a great deal by the time the story was over. My favorite part is that James left things rather open-ended, which makes me wonder just what happened to George and question if Laura had anything to do with it.
Please check out our FULL review by visiting www(dot)griffinshoney(dot)com
Laura is approximately 12 pages long but I enjoyed every moment of it and felt like I had taken in a great deal by the time the story was over. My favorite part is that James left things rather open-ended, which makes me wonder just what happened to George and question if Laura had anything to do with it.
Please check out our FULL review by visiting www(dot)griffinshoney(dot)com
November 27, 2013
I received a copy of Laura for an honest review.
Out of the entire collection of E.H. James’ books I received this was one of the only ones I enjoyed. The writing is really descriptive without being obnoxious and the story while creepy was interesting.
The story is about a man who is retiring from his job and on his way home has a strange occurrence of the ghostly kind.
Interesting story but it didn’t do anything for me.
Thank you E.H. James for the copy of your book Laura for me to read.
Out of the entire collection of E.H. James’ books I received this was one of the only ones I enjoyed. The writing is really descriptive without being obnoxious and the story while creepy was interesting.
The story is about a man who is retiring from his job and on his way home has a strange occurrence of the ghostly kind.
Interesting story but it didn’t do anything for me.
Thank you E.H. James for the copy of your book Laura for me to read.
June 24, 2013
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review by the author.
In this one 12 page, yes read it again 12 page book E.H James managed to create enough suspense that I was seriously creeped out by it. I’m taking goose pimples, hair on my arms standing on end creeped out.
George’s reaction to what he experienced is probably how I’d react and that’s probably why I developed a good understanding with him.
In this one 12 page, yes read it again 12 page book E.H James managed to create enough suspense that I was seriously creeped out by it. I’m taking goose pimples, hair on my arms standing on end creeped out.
George’s reaction to what he experienced is probably how I’d react and that’s probably why I developed a good understanding with him.
July 20, 2013
I received a free copy for an honest review. I don't usually read short stories but thought I'd give this one a chance , I'm glad that I did! 12 pages I hear you ask..surely not enough pages to get a storyline. ..well you would be wrong! Enough details to keep your interest and overall a great short story, I wonder if here will be a follow up to this to see who Laura comes to see next? Give it a go, you won't be disappointed! :-)
March 5, 2012
I really enjoyed this short story of George and Laura. It is short, but well written and easy to read. The author is able to weave such a great tale within the 7 pages of the story, that you wind up wanting more from the author. I can't wait to see what she comes out with next! I would recommend this short read to anyone who likes a good short read about hauntings :)
August 28, 2012
Even through this book is only 7 pages long, this author makes it an amazing short story. You wouldn't think that with only 7 pages it wouldn't be good and you wouldn't even get a story. WRONG!! This book was weird but a good weird. E.H James puts in details and descriptions without making a thick novel out of it.
June 24, 2013
Slightly predictable but worth a read
A great short story! I could see what was coming but it didn't stop me enjoying it! Well written and exciting to read! Great emotion which is difficult considering how short it is! Very good
I was gifted this book for an honest review
June 27, 2013
This was another enjoyable short read by E.H. James. Parts of it for me were predictable, but he managed to toss a few twists in there as well. I do enjoy his work very much, and will continue to read stories written by him.
September 8, 2014
My copy of this book was gifted to me.
Its a short story, but with a powerful story. It had all the makings of becoming a larger novel in my humble opinion, however, the story was so, that it built up page by page. Nice read for an hour or so sat in the sunshine.
Its a short story, but with a powerful story. It had all the makings of becoming a larger novel in my humble opinion, however, the story was so, that it built up page by page. Nice read for an hour or so sat in the sunshine.
July 23, 2013
Very Creepy...
This is the kind of short story that you always hoped to hear sitting around a campfire.
Read along as you meet George, a travelling salesman who finds a girl standing alongside the road and decides to give her a ride.
This is the kind of short story that you always hoped to hear sitting around a campfire.
Read along as you meet George, a travelling salesman who finds a girl standing alongside the road and decides to give her a ride.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews