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Frankenstein's Hamster: A Christmas Horror novella. Part One of the Hamster Horror Trilogy

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Monsters can be small... And furry


Harvey Collins is a seventeen year-old prodigy gifted with a scientific mind that even has Oxford University excited.
When his sister's Christmas present of an adorable hamster falls foul of their alcoholic rodent-phobic father, Harvey is the best person to give him a new lease of life. 
Using what's left of the hamster and parts of a rat and even himself, Harvey soon develops a pet like no other. Bestowed with remarkable intelligence and a thirst for revenge, Harvey's hamster is a monster in waiting.
Will anyone make it out alive? 

Released just in time for Christmas, this short novella packs in Carter's reknowned depth of characters and a thrill-a-minute read in a small package ideal for a car-journey to visit the relatives!

Buy yours today and put the thrill in Christmas

97 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 6, 2018

15 people are currently reading
15 people want to read

About the author

Michael Christopher Carter

33 books84 followers
I grew up in the Home Counties of Hertfordshire and Cambridgeshire. I always felt I wanted to be somewhere else and dreamed of sunny beaches and shady woods. I imagined a move abroad would be the answer but when I visited Pembrokeshire to visit my then fiance's family, I succumbed to the 'Pembrokeshire Pull' and have lived in the National Park ever since.
I have always wanted to be a writer and flirted with the idea, buying a word processor and beginning a number of manuscripts, with very little idea how to actually write a book. When I turned forty something polarised within me, or I just stumbled upon the right advice, and I found the whole thing immensely enjoyable. In fact, I would say I'm only truly happy when I'm writing (I have just completed my fourth book since beginning writing mid-way through 2013!)
Prior to writing I was a dreaded double glazing salesman. I ended up running my own conservatory design and build company for a number of years before the ill-health of a family member meant moving away from the industry.
Opportunities can be found in adversity. It began with studying Welsh language and then Psychology. Then I found my confidence in my own life experiences to know I had plenty to give as an author. I am now able to focus on my writing where the long working hours of my past life never would have allowed.
I live and write in South-West Wales, with my wife, four children and dog!
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5 stars
14 (36%)
4 stars
14 (36%)
3 stars
7 (18%)
2 stars
1 (2%)
1 star
2 (5%)
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
Profile Image for Deb.
825 reviews27 followers
October 27, 2020
3.5 rounded up. A fun little horror story about what happens when a boy brings his sister's pet hamster back to life, using "parts" from a rat, plus his own blood! A good story to read around Halloween!
Profile Image for Lindsay Crook.
1,073 reviews38 followers
December 18, 2022
You need this

Omg!!!.. After seeing this on Facebook a few times I decided to give it ago and I'm now a fully fledged Justin Beaver fan. That little rodent has me need g book 2 asap.
Profile Image for Michelle Lewis.
20 reviews1 follower
October 27, 2019
Gets straight into the action and keeps on going. I knew what was going to happen, as the title suggests, but it kept me thrilled and I loved the ending.
Profile Image for Kimberley.
3 reviews
January 2, 2026
I discovered Frankenstein’s Hamster through a Facebook ad and, as a devoted hamster mum (to eight!) and a lifelong admirer of Frankenstein, I couldn’t resist the premise.

I went in with fairly modest expectations, anticipating something light and comedic. I was genuinely surprised by the depth of the story. Beneath the playful concept lies a darker narrative: a young boy growing up in an abusive household, shaped by both physical and psychological harm. His compulsion to “fix” what is broken, particularly what lies beyond his control, becomes the emotional core of the story, lending an unsettling authenticity. The dynamic between the violent father and the forgiving, complicit mother is rendered with uncomfortable realism, and for me, these scenes were deeply triggering, requiring frequent pauses.

Despite this, or perhaps because of it, the novel succeeds in confronting difficult themes. I was relieved when the father finally met his fate. The writing is engaging with only minor typographical errors that did little to detract from the overall experience.

An unexpectedly serious and affecting read and one that has left me keen to continue on to part two.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Bill Boswell.
563 reviews1 follower
December 26, 2025
A child in an unloving family, a mother who ignores the violence she and her children receives from her alcoholic father, does a good thing for the sister he thinks likes him.

After the father kills their Hamster, Justin Beaver, he revives it, using his medical learning skills and a christmas kit, but the Hamster promptly learns about the child's family and attacks them for the boy who saved his life
Profile Image for Debby.
1,739 reviews75 followers
October 28, 2019
What an intriguing story! It will leave you wondering what is in your walls. Harvey is brilliant and brings back his sister's hamster. What happens next is the stuff of nightmares. If you enjoy this type of story this one is perfect for you.
479 reviews4 followers
November 1, 2022
Creepy, reminiscent of the rat movie Harvey

Sad, creepy, strange. Due to a series of events VA let hamster is hurt. Instead of letting him go a young boy transplants parts. The hamster is saved but turns on everyone.
Profile Image for Natasha O'Brien-Fernandez.
65 reviews
January 2, 2026
loved it! a nice quick, easy read! parts 2 and 3 will certainly be interesting!! The genius teenager clearly has no clue what he is capable of creating!!!

trigger warnings, though! does contain alcohol abuse, mild drug use, and domestic violence, so take care when deciding to read.
47 reviews1 follower
January 28, 2019
Quick read

Quick read with a twist. .Enjoyed every moment. Good characters. Wanted to kick the heck out of the dad. Will read more from this author.
Profile Image for Dee Darby.
96 reviews4 followers
February 24, 2020
This is a unique tale of what happens when Harvey saves his sister’s pet hamster by reanimating it with bits from a rat and himself! A fast paced tale and I can’t wait to see what happens next!
2 reviews
May 13, 2020
It’s a creepy little novella, fun, fast pace! I found myself rooting for the hamster! Now I need to read the rest of the trilogy.
Profile Image for Vanessa Hoyles.
130 reviews1 follower
November 3, 2024
Wasn't a bad little read, very unique was fun to read something different, not sure I'd read it again took quite a while to get going loved the twist at the end
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews

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