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Doggem
"Sentience? I’m just a throwaway toy, an inanimate object. How can I have thought and emotion? Opinion and experience? I’d shrug my shoulders if I could. The world is brimful of mystery."
All the kids adore Doggem, the class cuddly toy. They each get to take him home. Hug him and love him and show him their world outside of school. All they have to do in return is write his diary.
It’s George Gould’s turn and he’s going to introduce Doggem to a rather unusual family. Before we go any further, it’s worth pointing out that both the stuffed toy and little boy are far from ordinary. Doggem is no longer your run-of-the-mill snuggle doggy. Designed to fall apart after a few years. Perfect for squishing and squashing into a comfort blanket. He’s a million miles from that now. Doggem has just become a living creature. Thinking and reasoning. Trying to make sense of an unexpected existence. Strange places and scary experiences are in store during this sojourn with his latest custodian. Things no respectable fluffy dog should ever have to witness. It might end up in deadly territory.
Make no mistake, there is magic here. Some of it as black as a starless night. And George? Well, George is descended from decidedly dicey stock. There are folk in delightful George’s lineage who have indulged in practices of a somewhat shadowy nature. The ramifications of which aren’t ready to be consigned to history. They want to spill out of the past and have their say in the future.
Doggem is a spooky little tale about toy dogs and dark doings. A gently disturbing horror story. But beware, this charming cocktail of witchcraft, imagined folklore and paranormal fantasy might just bewitch you. Not easy to pin down genre. Without doubt it has a certain heart-breaking beauty to it. Maybe it’s a modern fairytale. A scary one, flavoured with a dash of the occult, written for an adult audience. After all, fairy tales feature the supernatural and have a magical aspect to them. They often have old cottages and eerie, unnerving woodland settings. Wickedly enchanting women and innocent children. Ancient evil and everyday greed.
Doggem is a short story, one in a series of sinister tales from the Dead Boxes Archive. The Dead Boxes? Some objects are frightening things and the Dead Boxes definitely fall into that category. They can be easily overlooked. Ordinary on the surface. At first glance anyway. A mobile phone, a piece of art... a child’s plaything.
Take a closer look. You’ll see something unique. You could very easily have one and not know it. Exercise caution. They hold miracle and mystery. Horror and salvation.
None are the same. Except in one regard. You don’t need one. You might think you do, but you really don’t.
Believe me.
All the kids adore Doggem, the class cuddly toy. They each get to take him home. Hug him and love him and show him their world outside of school. All they have to do in return is write his diary.
It’s George Gould’s turn and he’s going to introduce Doggem to a rather unusual family. Before we go any further, it’s worth pointing out that both the stuffed toy and little boy are far from ordinary. Doggem is no longer your run-of-the-mill snuggle doggy. Designed to fall apart after a few years. Perfect for squishing and squashing into a comfort blanket. He’s a million miles from that now. Doggem has just become a living creature. Thinking and reasoning. Trying to make sense of an unexpected existence. Strange places and scary experiences are in store during this sojourn with his latest custodian. Things no respectable fluffy dog should ever have to witness. It might end up in deadly territory.
Make no mistake, there is magic here. Some of it as black as a starless night. And George? Well, George is descended from decidedly dicey stock. There are folk in delightful George’s lineage who have indulged in practices of a somewhat shadowy nature. The ramifications of which aren’t ready to be consigned to history. They want to spill out of the past and have their say in the future.
Doggem is a spooky little tale about toy dogs and dark doings. A gently disturbing horror story. But beware, this charming cocktail of witchcraft, imagined folklore and paranormal fantasy might just bewitch you. Not easy to pin down genre. Without doubt it has a certain heart-breaking beauty to it. Maybe it’s a modern fairytale. A scary one, flavoured with a dash of the occult, written for an adult audience. After all, fairy tales feature the supernatural and have a magical aspect to them. They often have old cottages and eerie, unnerving woodland settings. Wickedly enchanting women and innocent children. Ancient evil and everyday greed.
Doggem is a short story, one in a series of sinister tales from the Dead Boxes Archive. The Dead Boxes? Some objects are frightening things and the Dead Boxes definitely fall into that category. They can be easily overlooked. Ordinary on the surface. At first glance anyway. A mobile phone, a piece of art... a child’s plaything.
Take a closer look. You’ll see something unique. You could very easily have one and not know it. Exercise caution. They hold miracle and mystery. Horror and salvation.
None are the same. Except in one regard. You don’t need one. You might think you do, but you really don’t.
Believe me.
79 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 2, 2018
17 people want to read
About the author
John F. Leonard
13 books119 followersJohn was born in England and grew up in the midlands where he learned to love the sound of scrapyard dogs and the rattle and clank of passing trains. He studied English, Art and History and has, at different times, been a sculptor, odd-job man and office worker. He enjoys horror and comedy (not necessarily together). Married with two astonishing children, he now lives a few miles from the old Victorian house in which he was born. Scribbling scary stories seems to keep him vaguely sane (accurate at time of writing).
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
December 19, 2018
What a fun and dark short story this was!
It's young George's turn to take Doggem home from school over the holidays. Doggem is a cute little stuffed toy and George is excited. The one responsibility that comes along with Doggem is his diary entries. George is required to write about Doggem's life from Doggem's point of view over their time off. George is a little worried about that, but is proud and happy to give it a shot. He will soon discover though, that Doggem is much more than he seems to be. What will happen over the holiday? Will George be able to keep up with Doggem's diary entries? You'll have to read this to find out!
This is a charming little tale about George, his family, and Doggem. It didn't spool out quite the way I expected it to, and that's what made this bite-sized tale so much fun!
You can get your Kindle copy here: https://amzn.to/2rIXtyl
Recommended!
*I was provided a free e-book copy in exchange for my honest feedback. This is it.*
It's young George's turn to take Doggem home from school over the holidays. Doggem is a cute little stuffed toy and George is excited. The one responsibility that comes along with Doggem is his diary entries. George is required to write about Doggem's life from Doggem's point of view over their time off. George is a little worried about that, but is proud and happy to give it a shot. He will soon discover though, that Doggem is much more than he seems to be. What will happen over the holiday? Will George be able to keep up with Doggem's diary entries? You'll have to read this to find out!
This is a charming little tale about George, his family, and Doggem. It didn't spool out quite the way I expected it to, and that's what made this bite-sized tale so much fun!
You can get your Kindle copy here: https://amzn.to/2rIXtyl
Recommended!
*I was provided a free e-book copy in exchange for my honest feedback. This is it.*
February 2, 2019
A unsettling short story centred around a small toy named Doggem. Doggem has been the class educational toy for some time, his purpose to be taken home by a particular child who then in turn is tasked with writing a diary about time with the stuffed animal. Being cuter and more adorable than most toys Doggem easily endears himself to those who come into contact with him. One day it is the turn of a young student named George to take Doggem and complete a diary. Something extraordinary happens to Doggem and the toy begins to experience the world and the family he’s been introduced to in disquieting ways.
Doggem is a tale with a sense of unease. The intentions and motivations of the few characters remain elusive, creating an uncomfortable and intriguing atmosphere. A very enjoyable creepy short story with nods to the occult and ancient ritual.
Doggem is a tale with a sense of unease. The intentions and motivations of the few characters remain elusive, creating an uncomfortable and intriguing atmosphere. A very enjoyable creepy short story with nods to the occult and ancient ritual.
January 10, 2019
The Velveteen Rabbit meets Rosemary’s Baby.
John F. Leonard’s little story of Doggem is a sweet tale of a small boy, a favorite toy, murder, horror, and (possibly) the end of the world. Narrated by the toy dog Doggem—whose job is to go home with the five-year-olds in Mrs. Snady’s class and inspire them to practice their fledgling writing skills by writing up Doggem’s diary—we soon realize that the recently sentient toy is an unreliable narrator at best. His vocabulary and observations are far removed from those of his tiny guardians’ abilities, while he himself freely admits to ‘many failings’: "I’m already digressing. I fear that will be one of my many failings. Acquiring a voice when muteness was your original condition tends to engender a certain garrulous quality."
Despite our immediate suspicions, Doggem’s observations and comments convey an intelligence that is both clueless and timelessly jaded. We start to get small hints that George is such an unusual child that he was actually the source of Doggem’s change from toy to sentient being. “Some strange and unknowable energy smeared across the universes and settled behind my glassy eyes.” But almost immediately we realize that something else is going on as the still innocent toy and child overhear troubling adult comments.
If I have any complaint about the story, it’s just that it is too short. The genre demands a slow buildup, and I think the questions raised by the unreliable little narrator would have been even more devastating with a little more description behind them. With such a short story, descriptions of people and settings are necessarily pared back to the minimum, but are nevertheless razor sharp. Describing George’s mother, for example, Doggem observes, “There was a certain sharpness to Cath Gould’s features that meant her face eluded true beauty. As if God had taken his eye off the ball at the last minute and allowed something snappish to creep into the mix. She was a strikingly attractive woman nonetheless, never more so than when she was charming her way through a difficult subject.”
Or as the little family, Doggem in tow, heads for a reluctant and ominous visit to his grandmother, we hear about menace in the surrounding woods. “How heavy the branches sat against the sun. As if they were tears in the fabric of reality rather than vibrant, growing things.”
But as the story swiftly develops into malice, evil, and death, we realize how unreliable Doggem’s observations really are. Is he reporting what actually happened? Is George a strange child or the pivotal result of untold years of plotting with evil? Is Doggem, who owes his awareness and “real” self to George, also part of that growing evil? Or even, is the entire tale something made up by the retired schoolteacher recording the events?
I have my theories, but you’ll have to read this elegantly simple and elaborately confusing little jewel of a cozy horror tale and decide for yourself.
***I received this book from the publisher or author to facilitate an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.***
John F. Leonard’s little story of Doggem is a sweet tale of a small boy, a favorite toy, murder, horror, and (possibly) the end of the world. Narrated by the toy dog Doggem—whose job is to go home with the five-year-olds in Mrs. Snady’s class and inspire them to practice their fledgling writing skills by writing up Doggem’s diary—we soon realize that the recently sentient toy is an unreliable narrator at best. His vocabulary and observations are far removed from those of his tiny guardians’ abilities, while he himself freely admits to ‘many failings’: "I’m already digressing. I fear that will be one of my many failings. Acquiring a voice when muteness was your original condition tends to engender a certain garrulous quality."
Despite our immediate suspicions, Doggem’s observations and comments convey an intelligence that is both clueless and timelessly jaded. We start to get small hints that George is such an unusual child that he was actually the source of Doggem’s change from toy to sentient being. “Some strange and unknowable energy smeared across the universes and settled behind my glassy eyes.” But almost immediately we realize that something else is going on as the still innocent toy and child overhear troubling adult comments.
If I have any complaint about the story, it’s just that it is too short. The genre demands a slow buildup, and I think the questions raised by the unreliable little narrator would have been even more devastating with a little more description behind them. With such a short story, descriptions of people and settings are necessarily pared back to the minimum, but are nevertheless razor sharp. Describing George’s mother, for example, Doggem observes, “There was a certain sharpness to Cath Gould’s features that meant her face eluded true beauty. As if God had taken his eye off the ball at the last minute and allowed something snappish to creep into the mix. She was a strikingly attractive woman nonetheless, never more so than when she was charming her way through a difficult subject.”
Or as the little family, Doggem in tow, heads for a reluctant and ominous visit to his grandmother, we hear about menace in the surrounding woods. “How heavy the branches sat against the sun. As if they were tears in the fabric of reality rather than vibrant, growing things.”
But as the story swiftly develops into malice, evil, and death, we realize how unreliable Doggem’s observations really are. Is he reporting what actually happened? Is George a strange child or the pivotal result of untold years of plotting with evil? Is Doggem, who owes his awareness and “real” self to George, also part of that growing evil? Or even, is the entire tale something made up by the retired schoolteacher recording the events?
I have my theories, but you’ll have to read this elegantly simple and elaborately confusing little jewel of a cozy horror tale and decide for yourself.
***I received this book from the publisher or author to facilitate an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.***
December 16, 2018
When John F. Leonard offered me to read this short story, I didn’t have to think twice and jumped at the chance. Having read his Call Drops, I knew I was in for a quirky treat!
In short, I absolutely loved this story. LOVED. IT! It is a simple idea, inspired by real life- a kid bringing home a soft toy from school to take care of it and diarize the events. It is a lovely little idea and surely has some benefits to it, however for the parents… well, I don’t blame any parents looking at this exercise as a surveillance method in disguise. Now, sure, even the surveillance can bring about positive change for those whose childhoods aren’t set dinners and supporting parents. It’s always the question about where do you draw the line in between privacy and enabling proactive interference. Anyway…
John’s writing is sublime and it comes across especially from Doggem’s pov chapters. An inanimate object with the ability to observe and think and understand. I enjoyed Doggem’s pov so much, it reminded me yet again why I love to read! Doggem is a child’s toy, but he doesn’t have childish thoughts. He has something deep inside him… a certain kind of wisdom to enable him to think in a certain way, to enable him to ask certain kinds of questions that only comes with age. Leonard took an inanimate object and gave it such a personality, such a setting!
Doggem is taken home by 5 year old George. A little boy who’s surrounded by typical adult behaviour: electrified atmosphere ingited by anxious parents, an atmosphere filled with dark secrets and even darker agendas! And throughout it all: George is blissfully unaware and Doggem can only witness.
I do not wish to tell you all about the story because it’s better when you go into it without knowing as little about it as possible. All I know, is that it sucked me in from the very beginning and I didn’t want to stop reading until I knew the end… It brought some surprises: by where the story was heading, by everyone it involved, and as I mentioned above- the beautiful ideas that have been delivered through beautiful writing. It really did hit the mark with me! What I’m trying to say is that whilst it is a short story, it delivers a lot! I am so glad I got to read it and I hope you will give it a chance too!
In short, I absolutely loved this story. LOVED. IT! It is a simple idea, inspired by real life- a kid bringing home a soft toy from school to take care of it and diarize the events. It is a lovely little idea and surely has some benefits to it, however for the parents… well, I don’t blame any parents looking at this exercise as a surveillance method in disguise. Now, sure, even the surveillance can bring about positive change for those whose childhoods aren’t set dinners and supporting parents. It’s always the question about where do you draw the line in between privacy and enabling proactive interference. Anyway…
How could a face have so many lines and retain the capacity to smile? How could hair be so raven black and yet streaked with burnished chrome. How could such crooked hands produce such yummy cakes? He hoped it would provide some material for Doggem’s diary.
John’s writing is sublime and it comes across especially from Doggem’s pov chapters. An inanimate object with the ability to observe and think and understand. I enjoyed Doggem’s pov so much, it reminded me yet again why I love to read! Doggem is a child’s toy, but he doesn’t have childish thoughts. He has something deep inside him… a certain kind of wisdom to enable him to think in a certain way, to enable him to ask certain kinds of questions that only comes with age. Leonard took an inanimate object and gave it such a personality, such a setting!
The nimble industry of a spider as it spins a web of hope and hunger. To witness such small things and truly see them is to witness that which defies explanation. The glorious wonder of creation.
Doggem is taken home by 5 year old George. A little boy who’s surrounded by typical adult behaviour: electrified atmosphere ingited by anxious parents, an atmosphere filled with dark secrets and even darker agendas! And throughout it all: George is blissfully unaware and Doggem can only witness.
I do not wish to tell you all about the story because it’s better when you go into it without knowing as little about it as possible. All I know, is that it sucked me in from the very beginning and I didn’t want to stop reading until I knew the end… It brought some surprises: by where the story was heading, by everyone it involved, and as I mentioned above- the beautiful ideas that have been delivered through beautiful writing. It really did hit the mark with me! What I’m trying to say is that whilst it is a short story, it delivers a lot! I am so glad I got to read it and I hope you will give it a chance too!
January 5, 2019
A nice little short about an adorable educational toy that is going home with a very promising young boy. What could possibly go wrong with that.
P.S. My daughter had a bee named "Bumble" that she got to take home in first grade. Had a great week. Lots of activities. If only "bumble" could think, I wonder what he or she would have thought of it.
P.S. My daughter had a bee named "Bumble" that she got to take home in first grade. Had a great week. Lots of activities. If only "bumble" could think, I wonder what he or she would have thought of it.
June 8, 2019
A well written and twisted little tale.
Loved it!
The story of a little boy given an educational toy dog to look after over the summer holiday. A toy dog with a difference. George has to keep a diary of Doggem's time with him, but from Doggem's perspective. The thing is, as soon as Doggem came into contact with George something quite amazing happened. To say any more than that would give it away.
The tale is original, creepy, clever, and has a deceptive charm.
I didn't like it, I loved it.
Brilliant work, Mr John F Leonard.
Loved it!
The story of a little boy given an educational toy dog to look after over the summer holiday. A toy dog with a difference. George has to keep a diary of Doggem's time with him, but from Doggem's perspective. The thing is, as soon as Doggem came into contact with George something quite amazing happened. To say any more than that would give it away.
The tale is original, creepy, clever, and has a deceptive charm.
I didn't like it, I loved it.
Brilliant work, Mr John F Leonard.
March 16, 2019
This review first appeared on scifiandscary.com
‘Doggem’ is a creepy little delight. A small but very nearly perfectly formed short story that made me smile and kept me flipping its pages. It has a fun concept which puts a nice spin on the standard “inanimate object comes to life” horror trope and it uses that to good effect in a satisfying and well-structured story.
The ‘Doggem’ of the title is a stuffed toy, one of those that primary/elementary school classes have and which the kids get to take home over the weekend and bring back along with diary entries detailing all the fun they’ve had. As the parent of a 10-year old I no longer have to endure such things, but it’s only a few years since we had similar visitors in our home and felt the pressure to do something suitably exciting/educational with them so that the other parents didn’t judge us.
In this case, Doggem is aware of what’s going on around him, even if his inability to move means he can’t directly influence events. His weekend with young George Gould and his parents is filled with the kind of stuff a horror story should be, murder, revenge and fiendish twists. The story that author John F Leonard tells is a relatively simple one, but he tells it beautifully, with engaging prose and an enjoyably dark sense of humour. Doggem gets some chapters of his own, and his take on the events he is witnessing is amusingly world weary.
The big question with solo short stories is always value for money one and there are certainly books you could buy for the same price that would last you a lot longer. In fact, the 79 pages the Amazon listing claims for ‘Doggem’ is padded out with some other material at the end. What you get for your money though is a story that is delightfully dark and genuinely different. I’d definitely recommend it, and if you have Kindle Unlimited I’d suggest snapping it up now for a coffee break read,
‘Doggem’ is a creepy little delight. A small but very nearly perfectly formed short story that made me smile and kept me flipping its pages. It has a fun concept which puts a nice spin on the standard “inanimate object comes to life” horror trope and it uses that to good effect in a satisfying and well-structured story.
The ‘Doggem’ of the title is a stuffed toy, one of those that primary/elementary school classes have and which the kids get to take home over the weekend and bring back along with diary entries detailing all the fun they’ve had. As the parent of a 10-year old I no longer have to endure such things, but it’s only a few years since we had similar visitors in our home and felt the pressure to do something suitably exciting/educational with them so that the other parents didn’t judge us.
In this case, Doggem is aware of what’s going on around him, even if his inability to move means he can’t directly influence events. His weekend with young George Gould and his parents is filled with the kind of stuff a horror story should be, murder, revenge and fiendish twists. The story that author John F Leonard tells is a relatively simple one, but he tells it beautifully, with engaging prose and an enjoyably dark sense of humour. Doggem gets some chapters of his own, and his take on the events he is witnessing is amusingly world weary.
The big question with solo short stories is always value for money one and there are certainly books you could buy for the same price that would last you a lot longer. In fact, the 79 pages the Amazon listing claims for ‘Doggem’ is padded out with some other material at the end. What you get for your money though is a story that is delightfully dark and genuinely different. I’d definitely recommend it, and if you have Kindle Unlimited I’d suggest snapping it up now for a coffee break read,
January 31, 2019
Doggem, is a short story from John F Leonard and is a tale of a toy dog and dark deeds. I chose to read this as a member of Rosie's Book Review Team and received a copy from the author but that has not effected my review in any way.
In a bid to encourage literacy Mrs Snady encourages the pupils in her primary class to take the class toy dog, uninspiringly called Doggem, home for a week at a time. The child who has him in their possession is meant to document his time in their care. George Gould, age 5, is chosen to take him home for the whole of the summer holidays.
George's parents, Cath and Tom, are taking him, and Doggem, to stay with his grandmother in her cottage in Jordemain Wood. However, it is clear that all is not well with the relationship between his parents and the grandmother, but she has asked to see her grandchild so the trip is on.
And this is where the story takes a darker turn as while Cath and Tom cook up a plan, a level of perception has been brought to Doggem by George's abilities which, while hidden from his parents, have been spotted from afar by his grandmother.
Doggem gets to see and hear things he probably shouldn't because no one suspects a toy dog and after what happens in the holidays things take an even more sinister turn when Doggem returns to school and life gets creepy for Mrs Snady as his powers increase.
This short story is very well written, thoroughly enjoyable and I'd highly recommend it to everyone who wants a fairly quick read. Excellent!
In a bid to encourage literacy Mrs Snady encourages the pupils in her primary class to take the class toy dog, uninspiringly called Doggem, home for a week at a time. The child who has him in their possession is meant to document his time in their care. George Gould, age 5, is chosen to take him home for the whole of the summer holidays.
George's parents, Cath and Tom, are taking him, and Doggem, to stay with his grandmother in her cottage in Jordemain Wood. However, it is clear that all is not well with the relationship between his parents and the grandmother, but she has asked to see her grandchild so the trip is on.
And this is where the story takes a darker turn as while Cath and Tom cook up a plan, a level of perception has been brought to Doggem by George's abilities which, while hidden from his parents, have been spotted from afar by his grandmother.
Doggem gets to see and hear things he probably shouldn't because no one suspects a toy dog and after what happens in the holidays things take an even more sinister turn when Doggem returns to school and life gets creepy for Mrs Snady as his powers increase.
This short story is very well written, thoroughly enjoyable and I'd highly recommend it to everyone who wants a fairly quick read. Excellent!
January 7, 2019
Clever plot with a nicely done twist. My review is posted here ---> https://wp.me/p5t5Tf-1KU
July 8, 2019
It's been 20 years since I was the parent of a kindergartener, but I still remember my son coming home with a stuffed toy and a note from the teacher telling me it was our turn to host said toy for the weekend, and to record in it's diary the events of our time together. I don't remember what we shared with the class but I do remember keeping quiet about our cat dragging it to the litter box in an attempt to bury it or maybe murder it. Perhaps the cat sensed something? In this short story Doggem goes home with a very special boy. George is to host Doggem for the entire 6 week school break. This is more than enough time for Doggem to become privy to dark family secrets that even little George has yet to discover.
Is there such a category as whimsical horror? If not, I think the author has invented it. This was an enjoyable read that would have fit in perfectly as an episode of Amazing Stories or Tales from The Darkside.
I received a complimentary copy for review.
Is there such a category as whimsical horror? If not, I think the author has invented it. This was an enjoyable read that would have fit in perfectly as an episode of Amazing Stories or Tales from The Darkside.
I received a complimentary copy for review.
February 4, 2019
I loved this unusual short story. Well written and atmospheric with a wry humour, by the time I finished the story it seemed completely possible that toys can come to life. Will definitely read more by this author.
April 26, 2019
Amazing short story!
A plush toy dog that’s part of a school program finds his way into the life of a special boy and becomes witness to a horror. This review is brief because at 60 pages? Any comment is a spoiler. I don’t know if this is an introduction to a longer work ( I hope) and I can get to know more about the adventures of Doggem! Enjoy!
A plush toy dog that’s part of a school program finds his way into the life of a special boy and becomes witness to a horror. This review is brief because at 60 pages? Any comment is a spoiler. I don’t know if this is an introduction to a longer work ( I hope) and I can get to know more about the adventures of Doggem! Enjoy!
December 7, 2018
I previously read Mr. Leonard’s fun horror short Call Drops and thoroughly enjoyed it. I have seen John teasing this story on twitter and was looking forward to its release.
Now after reading it, all I can say is WOW!
Doggem is a stuffed toy that resides at a local elementary school. Our furry friend is a school project that gets to go home with a student for a short amount of time. The student gets to care for Doggem and gets to write diary entries for Doggem telling about each of his days.
While the idea is cute, it’s also a way for teachers to get a bit of an insight into how the student’s home life is. Do the parents participate? What condition does Doggem come back in? Doggem spends a moment describing just how awful life can be behind closed doors.
Now you wouldn’t be wrong to think this is a fantasy tale about a stuffed toy. Doggem though, is so much more.
We follow a boy as he goes on holidays to his grandma’s cottage, way off in the countryside. He is told that he isn’t allowed to play in the woods alone. His grandma is mysterious but the boy doesn’t mind, she takes an interest in him and in Doggem.
What John has created here, in a short novella will fill your heart with joy and sorrow in equal parts. He creates such a lush landscape in such few pages that by the end you will be surprised it wasn’t 800 pages long, and I mean that in the best way possible. This is a fairy-tale with unbridled darkness. This is a fairy-tale filled with moments of childhood sweetness and simple love. The love a stuffed toy that has come alive has for a small boy who treats him with kindness and care.
This was such an unexpected delight and I can’t wait for the literary world to read this.
Part “The Art of Racing in the Rain,” part fairy-tale, but in the end one of the finest pieces of fiction I have read in some time.
Now after reading it, all I can say is WOW!
Doggem is a stuffed toy that resides at a local elementary school. Our furry friend is a school project that gets to go home with a student for a short amount of time. The student gets to care for Doggem and gets to write diary entries for Doggem telling about each of his days.
While the idea is cute, it’s also a way for teachers to get a bit of an insight into how the student’s home life is. Do the parents participate? What condition does Doggem come back in? Doggem spends a moment describing just how awful life can be behind closed doors.
Now you wouldn’t be wrong to think this is a fantasy tale about a stuffed toy. Doggem though, is so much more.
We follow a boy as he goes on holidays to his grandma’s cottage, way off in the countryside. He is told that he isn’t allowed to play in the woods alone. His grandma is mysterious but the boy doesn’t mind, she takes an interest in him and in Doggem.
What John has created here, in a short novella will fill your heart with joy and sorrow in equal parts. He creates such a lush landscape in such few pages that by the end you will be surprised it wasn’t 800 pages long, and I mean that in the best way possible. This is a fairy-tale with unbridled darkness. This is a fairy-tale filled with moments of childhood sweetness and simple love. The love a stuffed toy that has come alive has for a small boy who treats him with kindness and care.
This was such an unexpected delight and I can’t wait for the literary world to read this.
Part “The Art of Racing in the Rain,” part fairy-tale, but in the end one of the finest pieces of fiction I have read in some time.
March 18, 2022
3.5 stars
Doggem is a cute stuffed pup who goes home with different elementary school students regularly. With their parents’ help, each student is to keep a journal of their time spent with Doggem. When it’s George Gould’s turn to bring Doggem into his private afterschool world, some unusual and frightening things occur.
The story alternates between a third person narrative and a first person narrative or, more accurately, a first stuffed dog narrative. Doggem shares what he sees when he goes home with young George.
I found it amusingly ironic for Doggem to have such an intellectual tone. He told his story with eloquence, revealing himself as an old soul. I did enjoy the voice the author gave to this adorable toy.
I thought the book would be a fun, creepy oddity, and I wasn’t completely mistaken, but it didn’t satisfy me in the way that I’d hoped it would. In part, I had the wrong expectations, as I thought Doggem would play a much different role in the story, but that wasn’t my only issue.
Although it was easy to devour in one sitting, it seemed to take a very long time for anything interesting to happen. With less than sixty pages of text, that’s saying a lot. There was mild foreshadowing, as Doggem repeatedly suggested doom was on its way, but getting there involved a lot of filler. Once I had an idea of what that doom was, everything quickly climaxed, and then it was over. I just wanted a little more from all of that.
Building horror around a class stuffed animal is certainly a clever idea and Leonard’s writing style is very enjoyable. I liked this enough to say that I’d love to see what he has done with his other books. And who doesn’t want a cute plush dog on a book cover? There’s no denying that this successfully lured me in!
Doggem is a cute stuffed pup who goes home with different elementary school students regularly. With their parents’ help, each student is to keep a journal of their time spent with Doggem. When it’s George Gould’s turn to bring Doggem into his private afterschool world, some unusual and frightening things occur.
The story alternates between a third person narrative and a first person narrative or, more accurately, a first stuffed dog narrative. Doggem shares what he sees when he goes home with young George.
I found it amusingly ironic for Doggem to have such an intellectual tone. He told his story with eloquence, revealing himself as an old soul. I did enjoy the voice the author gave to this adorable toy.
I thought the book would be a fun, creepy oddity, and I wasn’t completely mistaken, but it didn’t satisfy me in the way that I’d hoped it would. In part, I had the wrong expectations, as I thought Doggem would play a much different role in the story, but that wasn’t my only issue.
Although it was easy to devour in one sitting, it seemed to take a very long time for anything interesting to happen. With less than sixty pages of text, that’s saying a lot. There was mild foreshadowing, as Doggem repeatedly suggested doom was on its way, but getting there involved a lot of filler. Once I had an idea of what that doom was, everything quickly climaxed, and then it was over. I just wanted a little more from all of that.
Building horror around a class stuffed animal is certainly a clever idea and Leonard’s writing style is very enjoyable. I liked this enough to say that I’d love to see what he has done with his other books. And who doesn’t want a cute plush dog on a book cover? There’s no denying that this successfully lured me in!
May 21, 2020
I really enjoyed John F. Leonard's surprisingly robust little novella about a classroom's stuffed dog and the exceedingly strange humans it comes in contact with. Recommended!
May 31, 2019
Doggem is an educational tool, used to help in the development of children. It's George Gould’s turn to take him home for the holiday season, where he and his parents will pay a visit to his grandmother. As observed, not all is right in the Gould clan. Certain schemes are talked about behind closed doors, yet are heard all the same.
(WARNING: This review contains minor spoilers.)
I received this book in exchange for an honest review. I thank John F Leonard for giving me the opportunity.
Doggem, despite its overall length, involved many elements within its pages, from the crimes of human greed, to the mysteries of an ancient forest. Whilst I can appreciate conveying so much in so little space, it struck me as a little too jam-packed, to the point I felt that particular aspects weren't given enough justice. Joan Demdike, for instance, was such an intriguing character, yet her presence was so fleeting. If only she had been further explored, adding more meat to her bones, then perhaps I wouldn't have been left so dissatisfied. The same goes for Jordemain Wood as a whole.
Saying that, the entity that was Doggem fascinated me a great deal. I couldn't help but recall all those times wishing life into my own stuffed toys, yet that childhood fantasy brings with it a frightening prospect. Imagine a sentient mind stuck inside a thing as inconspicuous as a child's plaything, seeing and hearing everything. It makes me uncomfortable, so I applaud Leonard's ability in that regard. Doggem's voice was distinct and memorable, and by goodness I wouldn't hesitate to read a longer novel all about him.
In conclusion: Doggem was an introduction to an interesting world, one with many secrets teeming beneath its surface. I truthfully had some issues, such as the sheer amount of factors that were mentioned yet neglected, but that's short pieces of fiction in general; sometimes it's difficult to connect entirely. I'd still however recommend it, for Leonard's imagination is something to admire.
Notable Quote:
Skin to skin contact with his wife had slowly dripped the devil into his soul.
© Red Lace 2019
Wordpress ~ Twitter
(WARNING: This review contains minor spoilers.)
I received this book in exchange for an honest review. I thank John F Leonard for giving me the opportunity.
Doggem, despite its overall length, involved many elements within its pages, from the crimes of human greed, to the mysteries of an ancient forest. Whilst I can appreciate conveying so much in so little space, it struck me as a little too jam-packed, to the point I felt that particular aspects weren't given enough justice. Joan Demdike, for instance, was such an intriguing character, yet her presence was so fleeting. If only she had been further explored, adding more meat to her bones, then perhaps I wouldn't have been left so dissatisfied. The same goes for Jordemain Wood as a whole.
Saying that, the entity that was Doggem fascinated me a great deal. I couldn't help but recall all those times wishing life into my own stuffed toys, yet that childhood fantasy brings with it a frightening prospect. Imagine a sentient mind stuck inside a thing as inconspicuous as a child's plaything, seeing and hearing everything. It makes me uncomfortable, so I applaud Leonard's ability in that regard. Doggem's voice was distinct and memorable, and by goodness I wouldn't hesitate to read a longer novel all about him.
In conclusion: Doggem was an introduction to an interesting world, one with many secrets teeming beneath its surface. I truthfully had some issues, such as the sheer amount of factors that were mentioned yet neglected, but that's short pieces of fiction in general; sometimes it's difficult to connect entirely. I'd still however recommend it, for Leonard's imagination is something to admire.
Notable Quote:
Skin to skin contact with his wife had slowly dripped the devil into his soul.
© Red Lace 2019
Wordpress ~ Twitter
May 10, 2019
At last, a short story that grips you in that warm and darkly fuzzy place. I love my horror stories to have an element of the supernatural and Doggem delivered.
After dutifully completing the doggy diary (or Edward the Bear in our case!) every year with my three kids, it gave me a deliciously skewed idea of why teachers force these stuffed creatures upon us every weekend and holiday – I took the bear but always refused the hamster!
A fabulous story and an easy read. Shall definitely be reading more from this author.
I received a copy of this book from the author via Rosie Amber’s Book Review Team in exchange for an honest review.
After dutifully completing the doggy diary (or Edward the Bear in our case!) every year with my three kids, it gave me a deliciously skewed idea of why teachers force these stuffed creatures upon us every weekend and holiday – I took the bear but always refused the hamster!
A fabulous story and an easy read. Shall definitely be reading more from this author.
I received a copy of this book from the author via Rosie Amber’s Book Review Team in exchange for an honest review.
October 26, 2019
Dark and delightful
Doggem, a toy dog, gains sapience unexpectedly, and a vocabulary to rival Frankenstein’s monster. Taken home by a little boy, the poor toy is not prepared for what he encounters. Neither was I. A delightfully dark tale. I loved it.
Doggem, a toy dog, gains sapience unexpectedly, and a vocabulary to rival Frankenstein’s monster. Taken home by a little boy, the poor toy is not prepared for what he encounters. Neither was I. A delightfully dark tale. I loved it.
June 15, 2019
Most of us had a favorite stuffed animal when we were young. We knew it was just cloth and thread and filler, but it was always so much more than that, wasn't it? Could it hear? Could it think? Could it feel? Probably not, but that didn't stop us from treating it like it did. We slept with it, we talked to it, and we carried that inanimate thing around with us everywhere we went, just so those little button eyes could share in our little piece of the world.
In his short story, Doggem, John F. Leonard takes that adorable childhood friend one furry step closer to the creepy. By Doggem's own account, he is a toy. A plaything. A cuddly stuffed dog made for hugging and squishing and squeezing the life out of. But the fact that Doggem has his own account at all shows that he is so much more than that. The story begins when young Georgie Gould takes Doggem along on a family vacation to his grandmother's house, and by skillfully switching between third person and 'first dog' narrative, Leonard creates a tale that grows spookier and spookier by the page.
I wouldn't call Doggem a horror story. At least, not exactly. In fact, I'd be hard pressed to categorize it at all, unless 'Twilight Zone' was a genre. Like the best of those shows, Doggem is at once spooky, eerie, and endearing, and that is all due to Leonard's impeccable timing and pacing. Right from the start, when all we really need to know is that a young boy has adopted the classroom's mascot for the summer holidays, we get our first hints of darkness. And the darkness only grows from there. It seems that something is not quite right with Oakhill, or with Georgie, and though the Goulds seem at first to be your average, everyday, run-of-the-mill dysfunctional family, we find out by perfectly measured degrees how truly screwed-up they really are. In Doggem's world, apparently, nothing is quite what it appears to be. Just like this sweet little story about a stuffed dog and the boy who loved him.
Five big fluffy stars for Doggem, by John F. Leonard.
In his short story, Doggem, John F. Leonard takes that adorable childhood friend one furry step closer to the creepy. By Doggem's own account, he is a toy. A plaything. A cuddly stuffed dog made for hugging and squishing and squeezing the life out of. But the fact that Doggem has his own account at all shows that he is so much more than that. The story begins when young Georgie Gould takes Doggem along on a family vacation to his grandmother's house, and by skillfully switching between third person and 'first dog' narrative, Leonard creates a tale that grows spookier and spookier by the page.
I wouldn't call Doggem a horror story. At least, not exactly. In fact, I'd be hard pressed to categorize it at all, unless 'Twilight Zone' was a genre. Like the best of those shows, Doggem is at once spooky, eerie, and endearing, and that is all due to Leonard's impeccable timing and pacing. Right from the start, when all we really need to know is that a young boy has adopted the classroom's mascot for the summer holidays, we get our first hints of darkness. And the darkness only grows from there. It seems that something is not quite right with Oakhill, or with Georgie, and though the Goulds seem at first to be your average, everyday, run-of-the-mill dysfunctional family, we find out by perfectly measured degrees how truly screwed-up they really are. In Doggem's world, apparently, nothing is quite what it appears to be. Just like this sweet little story about a stuffed dog and the boy who loved him.
Five big fluffy stars for Doggem, by John F. Leonard.
February 4, 2019
Doggem: A Tale of Toy Dogs and Dark Deeds takes a school project which is often innocent and fun and paints a much darker side of it. In this short story, Doggem is a beloved stuffed dog that is sent home with school children along with a diary. The child is supposed to have the toy for a weekend or whatever and record what the child and Doggem did during the toy's stay at the child's house. What should be a fun project for the child - and an insight to home life for teachers - becomes something much more to Doggem.
Doggem is a toy with the ability to see and hear what is going on in his surroundings, although is not able to move or make noise. He usually likes going home with the children and for much of his tenure as the take-home toy, it was usually quite pleasant or at least tolerable. Doggem is sent home with a little boy named George for the whole summer. and Doggem becomes witness to a sinister plot devised by the boy's parents. Unable to do anything to prevent the plot's outcome, poor Doggem must be a miserable innocent bystander to the parents' dark deeds.
I love the dark and moody plot of this story. John took a memory from my childhood and added a worst case scenario to it that made me cringe, in a good way. I fondly remember when I was 5 and brought home a Curious George stuffed toy and notebook inside a cute drawstring knapsack. I loved playing with the toy and then crafting a diary entry to take back to school (maybe that's what inspired me to write, haha!). After reading Doggem, I can only imagine what types of scenes these toys must witness and it is a heart-wrenching, chilling feeling.
And I absolutely loved the ending, but I won't spoil it for you.
The only thing that kept me from fully enjoying Doggem was the style in which Doggem's chapters were written. The story oscillated between chapters told by the toy Doggem's point of view and chapters told in third-person narrative. I had a hard time finding a good flow when reading Doggem's chapters because the sentences were so choppy (to me anyway). I know as part of his character he was supposed to have a short and wandering attention, but the distraction was just too much for me. And I felt like a lot of time was spent on Doggem's feelngs and how it feels to be a "real toy" when I personally would have rather liked to be in the thick of the plot. I became more engrossed in the other chapters because I could see more of what was happening.
Overall, I am impressed with the originality and darkness of this story! I plan on reading more of John's work, I know Bad Pennies looks interesting to me, and perhaps the book's style may be more of my taste.
Doggem is a toy with the ability to see and hear what is going on in his surroundings, although is not able to move or make noise. He usually likes going home with the children and for much of his tenure as the take-home toy, it was usually quite pleasant or at least tolerable. Doggem is sent home with a little boy named George for the whole summer. and Doggem becomes witness to a sinister plot devised by the boy's parents. Unable to do anything to prevent the plot's outcome, poor Doggem must be a miserable innocent bystander to the parents' dark deeds.
I love the dark and moody plot of this story. John took a memory from my childhood and added a worst case scenario to it that made me cringe, in a good way. I fondly remember when I was 5 and brought home a Curious George stuffed toy and notebook inside a cute drawstring knapsack. I loved playing with the toy and then crafting a diary entry to take back to school (maybe that's what inspired me to write, haha!). After reading Doggem, I can only imagine what types of scenes these toys must witness and it is a heart-wrenching, chilling feeling.
And I absolutely loved the ending, but I won't spoil it for you.
The only thing that kept me from fully enjoying Doggem was the style in which Doggem's chapters were written. The story oscillated between chapters told by the toy Doggem's point of view and chapters told in third-person narrative. I had a hard time finding a good flow when reading Doggem's chapters because the sentences were so choppy (to me anyway). I know as part of his character he was supposed to have a short and wandering attention, but the distraction was just too much for me. And I felt like a lot of time was spent on Doggem's feelngs and how it feels to be a "real toy" when I personally would have rather liked to be in the thick of the plot. I became more engrossed in the other chapters because I could see more of what was happening.
Overall, I am impressed with the originality and darkness of this story! I plan on reading more of John's work, I know Bad Pennies looks interesting to me, and perhaps the book's style may be more of my taste.
June 8, 2019
Review by Terry Melia
John F Leonard has created a dark tale centred on the innocent theme of a school educational cuddly toy that is taken home in turn by school class members for a short period with the intention of keeping a regular diary of their home life whilst the toy is in residence. Things turn dark very quickly when we are introduced to the thoughts and feelings of the not so inanimate cuddly toy – Doggem.
A young boy – George has the honour of ‘possessing’ Doggem over a six week during summer holidays which include an ominous visit to Grandma’s. It is difficult to add more to a bite sized short story without spoilers. Suffice to say that Dark Magic is at large here. The tale is masterful and I’m looking out for more from John F Leonard
John F Leonard has created a dark tale centred on the innocent theme of a school educational cuddly toy that is taken home in turn by school class members for a short period with the intention of keeping a regular diary of their home life whilst the toy is in residence. Things turn dark very quickly when we are introduced to the thoughts and feelings of the not so inanimate cuddly toy – Doggem.
A young boy – George has the honour of ‘possessing’ Doggem over a six week during summer holidays which include an ominous visit to Grandma’s. It is difficult to add more to a bite sized short story without spoilers. Suffice to say that Dark Magic is at large here. The tale is masterful and I’m looking out for more from John F Leonard
May 13, 2020
It’s a hard dogs life
Doggem is just the class toy.
Children take him home, write his adventures in his diary, and send him back to school.
Until George gets him.
And then suddenly Doggem starts to develop sentience...
This was a great little short story and a lot of fun to read. It will certainly encourage me to pick up more by this author, and there is a darkness to this tale that perfectly and almost flawlessly compliments its sweetness.
A real gem of a short story!
Five stars.
Doggem is just the class toy.
Children take him home, write his adventures in his diary, and send him back to school.
Until George gets him.
And then suddenly Doggem starts to develop sentience...
This was a great little short story and a lot of fun to read. It will certainly encourage me to pick up more by this author, and there is a darkness to this tale that perfectly and almost flawlessly compliments its sweetness.
A real gem of a short story!
Five stars.
January 11, 2019
Wow, such an awesome story, check out my review here... https://horrornovelreviews.com/2019/0...
August 21, 2019
This book offered an intriguing and thoughtful take on the horror concept of a child's toy come to life. It's well worth reading!
December 25, 2018
Very surprise ending to this short book. Didn't see it coming, even with the breadcrumb dropped early on in the story.
Reason for only 3 stars; Doggem is filled with waxing philosophical thoughts. This ole dog [me] likes bone and meat in a story and pages of waxing and waning leave me feeling empty.
Reason for only 3 stars; Doggem is filled with waxing philosophical thoughts. This ole dog [me] likes bone and meat in a story and pages of waxing and waning leave me feeling empty.
June 5, 2019
A few months ago I read a very creepy short story written by this author, so I was looking forward to checking this one out too.
Doggem is the class toy. A stuffed dog that gets passed around the class so the teacher can assess the kids in her class, as well as the parent involvement.
When George gets to take Doggem home for the holidays, his parents don't seem to care. They're too wrapped up in the visit they're planning to Grandma's house. And when they get there, something awful looms in the woods around the cottage...
That was such a great story!
I have to admit, when I first started reading, I wasn't sure if I was going to like it because the main character was wandering all over the place. But, of course he would--he's a toy!
Anyway, it didn't take long for me to get sucked into the story because Doggem's voice became virtually impossible to shake. The story he witnesses while in the care of George was quite unexpected. Wow! Didn't expect it to go there. Didn't think this toy would experience something so... dark.
Trust me, I'm not just talking about the end to George's family drama, I'm also talking about where Doggem ends up. It's almost like two endings in one story, which totally fits because the plushie is like a fly on the wall watching everything unfold.
Yep. I really enjoyed this! And it also reminded me of the time my daughter actually did this at school. A strange experiment, but one that seems to work. LOL.
This is a shortie worth reading.
Doggem is the class toy. A stuffed dog that gets passed around the class so the teacher can assess the kids in her class, as well as the parent involvement.
When George gets to take Doggem home for the holidays, his parents don't seem to care. They're too wrapped up in the visit they're planning to Grandma's house. And when they get there, something awful looms in the woods around the cottage...
That was such a great story!
I have to admit, when I first started reading, I wasn't sure if I was going to like it because the main character was wandering all over the place. But, of course he would--he's a toy!
Anyway, it didn't take long for me to get sucked into the story because Doggem's voice became virtually impossible to shake. The story he witnesses while in the care of George was quite unexpected. Wow! Didn't expect it to go there. Didn't think this toy would experience something so... dark.
Trust me, I'm not just talking about the end to George's family drama, I'm also talking about where Doggem ends up. It's almost like two endings in one story, which totally fits because the plushie is like a fly on the wall watching everything unfold.
Yep. I really enjoyed this! And it also reminded me of the time my daughter actually did this at school. A strange experiment, but one that seems to work. LOL.
This is a shortie worth reading.
December 20, 2019
Winning combination of a creepy story with a toy dog coming to life. Doggem is a school mascot who is shared among the young pupils along with a diary for the kids to recount their shared adventures over holidays and weekends. Rather like the monster in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, Doggem springs to life with enviable language skills with which he narrates an unexpectedly dark tale. I found this a very enjoyable read, and I would like to read further Doggem adventures and more from this author. 5 star.
June 10, 2019
A great campsite read
I (probably shouldn’t have) read it to my boys over a campfire when we were out camping. It was an eerie atmospheric read setting the scene with the sparks crackling into the black trees on a starry night. Well done John. We all enjoyed it. And at least we finished it -unlike some gormless rude fat nonenetitities who pretend to review books but cannot be bothered to read them
I (probably shouldn’t have) read it to my boys over a campfire when we were out camping. It was an eerie atmospheric read setting the scene with the sparks crackling into the black trees on a starry night. Well done John. We all enjoyed it. And at least we finished it -unlike some gormless rude fat nonenetitities who pretend to review books but cannot be bothered to read them
December 31, 2019
Wow! 😳 Never saw it coming.
A very unique tale told from a unique perspective. Although this book has a very satisfying end, I am still left wanting more. Doggem is no doubt my most recent favorite read.
A very unique tale told from a unique perspective. Although this book has a very satisfying end, I am still left wanting more. Doggem is no doubt my most recent favorite read.
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