After Dark: A Horror Story

by Michael Campling

When another body is discovered, it seems that someone stalks the streets after dark. A killer who preys on young women, taking their lives in a very singular manner. And as crowds of Goths arrive to celebrate an annual festival, the scene is set for a gothic tale with a contemporary twist. After Dark is a horror story set in modern-day Whitby, the town where, according to Stoker, a certain Count came ashore. In recent years, Whitby has held an annual Goth festival, and this surreal event sets the stage for a deliciously dark tale.

Genres: Horror, Fiction, Short Stories

43 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 3, 2017

About the author

See also GoodReads Author's profile under Mikey Campling

Reviews

[Ami · Rating 5 out of 5]

After Dark is a superb short story. It has all the elements of a truly scary tale and I thought I could see what was going to happen. But, wow whee was I wrong or was I wrong? I would NEVER have guessed the ending and that makes me so happy 😁.

I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author and wanted to write this review as soon as I finished reading. It is that good.

[Rosemary · Rating 5 out of 5]

After Dark - a review by Rosemary Kenny

This brief but very intense psychological tale is another winner for master of mystery and mayhem Mikey Campling; I heartily recommend it to short-story/vampire-werewolf/psychological thrillers and Gothic/horror fans among others.

It's the annual Festival season in the Yorkshire seaside town of Whitby and visiting Goths are in full costume and make-up to match - a sight for sore eyes to lovers of the genre and spectating visitors and locals alike.
Then the body of a young girl with strangely familiar puncture marks on her throat is found near the seafront. Police move swiftly to 'process' the grisly crime with minimum disruption to the Festival - and minimum publicity.
On their way out for a meal, Matt and Jen notice among others a 'biker Goth' who seems aloof from [and even disdainful toward], other costumed revellers. Unconcerned they make their way to the beach where eventually they hear and then discover a huge beaten and exhausted dog, which Jen insists they rescue and they struggle and manage to get it home just before dark.

What happens between Jen and the mysterious Goth? Is he linked to the local murders?
Is Jen's kindness towards the dog repaid in an unexpected way? Will Jen survive to tell the tale? Read this fantastically fascinating novella to find out...the answers will amaze you!

[Gypsy Madden · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked how this very short piece brought to life the small coastal town. And, yes, I picked it up because of the location being in Dracula and the description sounded like it might try to play on the vampire lore, which it did. There was blood drinking to be had here, as well as danger, and even a monster or two, though don’t get me wrong, there was real violence threatened here rather than just vampiric violence. The true stars of this were the monsters, while the tourist couple seemed rather bland, but then considering how short it was, they didn’t really have much room to grow personalities.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to confess I don't normally review short stories, as a general rule, partly because I'm not typically a fan, and partly because they're not usually detailed enough for a reader to properly form cohesive thoughts or opinions.

However, having recently signed up to Mikey Campling's email newsletter I received this short story for free, and curiosity compelled me to check it out.

It had me hooked from early on, with its engaging narrative and interesting story. After Dark is very well written and I would highly recommend it to horror fans.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a 4.25 🌟 read rounded ⬇️ to 4 🌟.

This really had me hooked from the outset and I love how the setting is a real place and that the Goth Festival is also real. (Thank you Google for the glorious pics and info!) I had previously only read the author's horror short stories, and it was some time ago, so this short crime read initially threw me, but I noticed a huge improvement in his writing skills that was an exciting surprise. A really enjoyable read and one that has ensured I will now check out the author's crime novels.

[Teri Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, this guy can write!

I'm not a big fan of horror stories, they give me nightmares, but this story was 100% satisfying! So well written I was never jerked from the tale trying to parse out a sentence. Sweet!

Having said that let me tell you that I recommend this book to anyone. The bad guy is awful, and the ending left a smile on my face. I will not be having a nightmare tonight. I will be snuggling with my cat pretending she is a dog, a big dog!

[Bonnie Dale Keck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Used to be kindle unlimited, don't think many if any are now, but have gotten his books that way before as well as instafreebie and freebie days and even some ARCs, and no, I usually am not able to keep up with it, because doesn't matter to me how got the book, it's going to be my own opinions and all that.

When another body is discovered - a young woman washed up by the tide - it seems that someone stalks the streets of the nearby town of Whitby, after dark. Someone who preys on young women, and kills them in a very singular manner. And as crowds of Goths arrive to celebrate an annual festival, the scene is set for a gothic tale with a contemporary twist.After Dark is a horror story set in modern day Whitby, the town where, according to Stoker, a certain Count came ashore.In recent years, Whitby has held an annual Goth festival, and this surreal event sets the stage for a deliciously dark tale. {SHORT STORY}

After Dark (Thoughtful Horror Book 1)
Once in a Blood Moon (Thoughtful Horror Book 2)
A Dark Assortment (Thoughtful Horror Book 3)

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story has several elements that don't seem to relate to each other, but they do. The setting has a certain atmosphere and tension, and you think you've figured out the characters' fates and know what's going to happen, but you don't. Mikey Campling writes the best kind of horror, the kind that keeps you reading right to the last sentence of the unexpected ending. It's creeps up on you, so to speak. Excellent all around.

[Cheryl Joy Szalkowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 1 after dark

Wow what a story it really draws you in until the end. This story really surprised me it's a really good short story well developed and written. I glad I took a chance I us ally have a hard time reading this type of book with male authors but this one is really good. I can recommend read this book with highest regards.

[Aviar Savijon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great compelling, exceptional book of horror. The talent of Mikey Campling is ever present on each page. I loved It!

[Lori Niemuth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good original horror story

I really liked this book. Even when I knew where the author was headed, I enjoyed the journey. Definitely recommended.

[Jeanine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite good and unexpected.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great little horror story, can't wait to read the next one.

[K.J. Chapman · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book had an interesting concept. I enjoyed the various POVs and how they linked up at the end of the narrative. It's not often that you get the POV of an animal.

[Lynn]

This must be short story week. Just read After Dark by Mickey Campling. Haven't read a horror story in forever. This one is an "I'm not sure " story. And of course it has a cliff hanger. Would be good for in the days when you went to the movies and you would get a couple of chapters then have to go back the next week for more. Loved it.
Cheers
Lynn