Wickers Bog: A Tale of Southern Gothic Horror

by Mike Duran, Rachel Marks (Illustrator)

Every autumn, when the weather turned and the wind came off the marsh, the dark waters of Wickers Bog gave up its ghosts and reawakened the old yarns. Julene Ella Haddan is about to be drawn into one of them. It was a grey, joyless day, when young Julene heard the song of the siren and followed its melody into the enchanted swamp... a journey which led her into a tale of murder and deceit. It's only the fated who hear the siren. Yet Julene's fate now seems bound to the fabled Lady of Lisenby, the spectral gatekeeper of the Bog, queen of the haunted deep. However, is it justice the Lady seeks or is Julene the siren's next victim? Myth and mystery collide in this tale of Southern Gothic horror.

Genres: Horror, Short Stories, Fiction, Gothic, Fantasy

64 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 3, 2016

About the author

MIKE DURAN is a novelist, artist, and freelance writer. Mike writes fiction and non-fiction. He is the author of THE GHOST BOX (Blue Crescent Press, 2014), which was selected by Publishers Weekly as one of the best indie novels of 2015 and first in a paranoir series that continues with SAINT DEATH (2016), and THE THIRD GOLEM (2020). He's also the author of several novellas, including KEEPER OF THE WOODS (2024), THE VISITANT (2022), and WICKERS BOG (2016). In addition, Mike has written several non-fiction titles including CHRISTIAN HORROR: ON THE COMPATABILITY OF A BIBLICAL WORLDVIEW AND THE HORROR GENRE (2023) and CHRISTIANS & CONSPIRACY THEORIES (2023). Mike's short stories, essays, and commentary have appeared in Breakpoint, Relief Journal, Cemetery Gates Media, The Gospel Coalition, The Stream, Relevant Online, Bewildering Stories, Rue Morgue, Zombies magazine, and other print and digital outlets. Mike is interested in religion, science, conspiracism, media, books & monsters. You can learn more about Mike Duran, his writing projects, cultural commentary, philosophical musings, and arcane interests, at his website.

Reviews

[Peter · Rating 4 out of 5]

An old weathervane is the only remaining sign of the old Lisenby plantation. But why is the bog said to be haunted? What is the cruel secret about Mrs Lisenby? And why has Yule (the narrator and main character of the novella) seen the dead body of a missing girl floating near that old sunken mansion? All traces lead to her brother Cole. Was he involved in the death of Delphine? The well plotted and highly symbolic story culminated in a nail biting showdown between the siblings. This is southern gothic on a very high and eerie level. You can almost hear the song of the siren and the lure of the bog. Will Yule or Cole survive? I can highly recommend delving into the pages of this fascinating novella. But mind the bog!

[Quirkyreader · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are dangerous places that we are told not to go into when we are children. But the warnings make it even more tempting.

A girl sees something. But what is it? Read this story and find out.

[Latasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

** I received this audiobook in exchange for a honest review**

Wicker's Bog is a story about a haunted bog and a girl with "gifts".

I like this story! The lady reading it (Amy Brock McNew) had a southern accent and she did such a great job. It made me think of sitting around with the family and my Granny telling me the story. Yes, we really do that around here. This was a fast read/listen. The story moved along at a steady pace. The characters were realistic and likable. I would read or listen to more by this author.

[Stacy Wilson · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. I'm interested in Mike Durans writing since I read his book Christian Horror, and I wanted something I could finish in one sitting. This is a true southern gothic tale, only 65 pages long. Definitely creepy but has elements of forgiveness. Not sure how I feel about the supernatural element. Excellent writing style and interesting.

[Stoney Setzer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spooky and Suspenseful with a Southern Flavor

Wicker's Bog grabbed my attention right from the start and held it to the very end. With a plot that would have been right at home as an episode of The Twilight Zone, author Mike Duran weaves a tale of suspense and justice with a distinctly Southern flavor. Highly recommended.

[Jeanine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good, short, horror story.

[Peter Younghusband · Rating 4 out of 5]

Despite its short length, 34 pages, Duran has packed enough into this short to paint some vivid imagery. This is creepy, eerie, suspenseful. Duran has certainly created an atmosphere that is sure to invoke a sense of dread, mystique, horror in the reader's mind. I was tense throughout the whole reading; only had one break in between sittings.

I can picture this short in my mind's eye, I can hear the southern accents, see the stern mannerisms and attitude of Nans, the typical male attitude of a southern male personified in Cole.

All successfully through the eyes of Julene, one determined and well-educated young woman who stands for righteousness and justice through her faith and upbringing.

If a budding film producer wanted to get some experience in a producing a short film, they would not go wrong here. This would make one very enjoyable but horror filled film debut.

What makes shorts like this or any length of a story successful is the back story. Duran has one that supports Wickers Bog very well. In his own words,

"After writing several novels, this year I’d hoped to take a break in order to concoct a tale I’d long imagined — a Gothic Mermaid story. How does that work, you ask? How do mermaids do Gothic? Well, it helps when you set your story in a backwoods bayou and a submerged Southern plantation house. It’s an image that has fomented in my brain for quite some time and actually came to me in a dream. No wonder, I guess. I’ve always been fascinated with denizens of the deep, especially those of the swamp variety. All the way back in my first published novel, The Resurrection, I referenced Nelda the Swamp Witch. In The Ghost Box, I referenced another “swamp witch,” this one anonymous, who attempted to “pickle [Reagan Moon’s] gizzards.” So now, in Wickers Bog, I allowed myself to explore the concept more fully. Frankly, the outcome pleased and rather surprised me."

Really enjoyed this one. Now, Duran, when are more coming? You have whetted our appetites, now don't leave us hungering for more and not deliver!

Strongly Recommended. 4/5 Stars

[JB · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wickers Bog is short, but still a worthy read. Duran creates a memorable dark tale with a classic tone that fills the reader with a subtle sense of foreboding. The layered backstory utilizes many familiar elements like the unknown beneath dark waters, an old forbidden property, and a dark southern swamp to fashion a unique story that is hauntingly entertaining. The first story perspective may provide too much insight into the ending, but some unanswered questions and the older brother and younger sister dynamic makes for a compelling end. One minor detail did seem off kilter (perhaps only to southerners like me who grew up listening to the whippoorwill's call, which always sounded chipper and upbeat, but was described differently in the text), but overall it left me very satisfied.

[Mark Carver · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are many adjectives I could use to describe Wickers Bog - creepy, whimsical, sentimental, atmospheric, ominous, warm-hearted - but the best would be "enjoyable." If you like gore-free chillers as sticky as the Southern swamps, then Wickers Bog is just your cup of moonshine.

[Dev · Rating 3 out of 5]

Packs a good amount of story into a small amount of pages. I feel like it could have been much better if it was expanding even 10-15 pages, but it's still a nice quick read and has a decently suspenseful feel to it. My main complaint is the difference between the character's spoken words and the internal narration. The main character is a teenage girl in the south and her speaking accent reflects this, but her internal narration - which is her telling us the story some unknown amount of time later - feels like the author had his thesaurus nearby. It's not purple prose by any means, but sometimes using simpler words is better for the flow of the story, especially depending on who your narrator is.

[Michael Petty · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Wickers Bog" is a delightful Southern Gothic tale that goes from delightfully nostalgic to horribly depraved over the course of 65 pages (or an hour if you listen to the audiobook), but ends with a hopeful finish. Mike Duran sure knows how to craft both interesting characters and a compelling piece of folklore while maintaining period language that enthralls you with the times. If you're looking for a creepy short story to read this Halloween, "Wickers Bog" is the perfect one for you.

[Shylock · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was terrific. I have to admire the southern Gothic horror vibe in this novella, it is really well done and made me think a little of A Rose for Emily by Faulkner. Durhan's style tends to make his beginnings a little slow, so you really need to stick with him. In this case, it is worth your patience.

[Danielle (Arabbitinwonderland) · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice creepy tale to send shivers down your spine.

Want to spend an hour on a nice chilling story but don't feel like watching a movie? than this is perfect, in only 34 pages the author has provided a nice mostly satisfying story and engaging read.

My only disappointment is we never found out why? I was left asking why did he kill the girl? this was theorize briefly however never confirmed.

[Leta Hawk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short and spooky

I read and enjoyed this book in a single afternoon. The interplay between Jules and her brother, her grandmother, and the supernatural beings she encountered was well-written and believable, and the supernatural elements were creepy without being overdone. There was also a Christian theme woven throughout that was present without being preachy.

[Lynxman44 · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't really know what to expect going into this book. I understand what it was about however I personally felt it was confusing at times and I felt it didn't make much sense at times. I felt this might have been better as a longer book. I do recommend this as maybe others will like it more than me. it's on kindle unlimited

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not too bad, it ramped up better in the second half. I found my mind wandering though, but maybe that just speaks to my own state of mind at the time of reading.

The main character didn't really have much of a personality to me. The antagonist had more of a personality than the protagonist.

[Sherry Bledsoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

The definition of Southern Gothic

I loved his descriptions of his scenery. It felt like a cross between Harper Lee meets Flannery O'Conner and dredged up memories of living in the South of my youth.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Southern Gothic Horror

I actually felt like I was traversing the southern swamps towards the mysterious flooded house. I wanted more story! You will love this novella

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Horror and more

I liked the plot, but I could see where the story was going. I didn't expect it to have deeper themes. So it is a horror story, but there is more than just horror to it.
I would have liked a little more character development, but it is only a novella.

[A.C. Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this story. Mike drew me in and kept my attention.

You won't regret having this story in your library!

Thanks, Mike for the great read!

[Aviar Savijon · Rating 5 out of 5]

A vivid unique story of horror that matches no other. I loved it! get your copy now!

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great short story!

Quick read that doesn't skimp on lush imagery and a really good story. I'm a fan of bayou horror, and this does not disappoint.

[Chris Thorndycroft · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very atmospheric chiller that taps into the Southern Gothic tradition and drips with decay and damp terror.

[T Tramel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good story, and a good read.

[Kathleen Kuipers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick read

A tale of a mermaid, murder and woe.. A quick read. Perfect for that empty spot between novels. A nice story to fill 20 minutes or so of free time.

[Suzanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written story with both suspense and some traditional Southern magic. I enjoyed it and will look for more from this author.

[shannon Stubbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spooky American ghost short story. I really enjoyed it.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a 3.5 🌟 read rounded ⬆️ to 4 🌟.

[Aneta · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short horror story, written in the most flowery English I have read in a while. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

[Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

The truncated nature of the story undercuts the horror and the themes of it a lot, but I can't hate it either, because it's a really solid outline type of story.