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A Suburban Haunting
Critically acclaimed bestselling author, Matt Shaw - #1 bestseller in Horror Fiction with hundreds of 5 star reviews - brings you: A Suburban Haunting.
When Craig's uncle passes away, he didn't shed a tear. The pair hadn't spoken for a couple of years now after a family row and - with that in mind - Craig didn't bother to attend the funeral. However, soon after, he is cornered by his uncle's solicitor with some unexpected news. Despite the pair not speaking, Craig had been left his uncle's house. At first Craig believed it to be a generous gift and, perhaps, a way of saying sorry from beyond the grave but he soon realises all is not as it seems and the house is less a gift and more a curse...
WARNING: Whilst there are strong psychological elements within this book, there are also extreme scenes of a sexual nature and strong violence.
When Craig's uncle passes away, he didn't shed a tear. The pair hadn't spoken for a couple of years now after a family row and - with that in mind - Craig didn't bother to attend the funeral. However, soon after, he is cornered by his uncle's solicitor with some unexpected news. Despite the pair not speaking, Craig had been left his uncle's house. At first Craig believed it to be a generous gift and, perhaps, a way of saying sorry from beyond the grave but he soon realises all is not as it seems and the house is less a gift and more a curse...
WARNING: Whilst there are strong psychological elements within this book, there are also extreme scenes of a sexual nature and strong violence.
170 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 3, 2019
169 people are currently reading
353 people want to read
About the author
Matt Shaw
529 books2,205 followersBiography
MATT SHAW was born, quite by accident (his mother tripped, he shot out) September 30th 1980 in Winchester hospital where he was immediately placed on the baby ward and EBay. Some twelve years later (wandering the corridors of the hospital and playing with road kill when he was on day release), the listing closed and he remained unsold, he was booted out of the hospital to start his life as a writer and hobbit – beginning with writing screenplays and short stories for his own amusement before finally getting published when he was twenty-seven years and forty-five seconds old.
Once Published weekly in a lad's magazine with his photography work, Matt Shaw is also a published author and cartoonist. Has to be said, can be a bit of a flirt and definitely, without a shadow of a doubt, somewhat of a klutz.
Favourite books
"Roald Dahl's Collection of Short Stories"
Tim Burton's Melancholy Death of Oyster Boy
Anything, really, written by himself. Because he is that good.
MATT SHAW was born, quite by accident (his mother tripped, he shot out) September 30th 1980 in Winchester hospital where he was immediately placed on the baby ward and EBay. Some twelve years later (wandering the corridors of the hospital and playing with road kill when he was on day release), the listing closed and he remained unsold, he was booted out of the hospital to start his life as a writer and hobbit – beginning with writing screenplays and short stories for his own amusement before finally getting published when he was twenty-seven years and forty-five seconds old.
Once Published weekly in a lad's magazine with his photography work, Matt Shaw is also a published author and cartoonist. Has to be said, can be a bit of a flirt and definitely, without a shadow of a doubt, somewhat of a klutz.
Favourite books
"Roald Dahl's Collection of Short Stories"
Tim Burton's Melancholy Death of Oyster Boy
Anything, really, written by himself. Because he is that good.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
October 27, 2019
Very twisty and twisted but the twisted part was a bit too much for me. Very good twist though. Freaky.
3.5
3.5
January 10, 2022
What just happened? I was reading a kind of creepy haunted house type story. For about 75% of this I was just enjoying it, cool story, kind of like chill horror. A couple of messed up dialogue sequences but nothing terribly disturbing. I could see where this was going, I'm a smart lady. And then BOOM! Matt Shaw was like, no you cocky bitch, you know nothing! The last 25% of this was a complete surprise to me. You win this round Matt Shaw. You got me.
January 10, 2022
I don't read too many haunting books, but when I do, I'm usually picky about the author. Not only am I a Shaw fan, but this was also a buddy read in HA on GR. At first, I was bored..not gonna lie.
I toughed it out, and out of nowhere, the author throws a curve ball and has my eyes glued to the pages. If you're looking for something more 'tame' from Shaw's catalog, this one won't disappoint
I toughed it out, and out of nowhere, the author throws a curve ball and has my eyes glued to the pages. If you're looking for something more 'tame' from Shaw's catalog, this one won't disappoint
September 29, 2023
I have to say this haunted house story was one of the best I have read! It had possession, a server lying messed up back story and an emotional ending. When reading this I was immersed in this story and was not sure how it was extreme and bam there it was. If you have read Matt before you know how deep and morbid he can go. For me this was one of his tamer novels and if you're looking to get into splatterpunk then start with this one. I personally love how he writes and this is now another great story with much depth and emotion. Dying for more of this world he created!
March 27, 2020
A Suburban Haunting by Matt Shaw is not your typical Matt Shaw. This is neither extreme horror nor Splatterpunk, as most of us are used to from him. This is something else. This is a brilliantly crafted haunted house story as only Matt Shaw can do.
A Suburban Haunting has all the elements of a classic haunted house tale, spiced up with Matt Shaw’s flair for the irreverent. I found myself momentarily lulled into a sense of excited expectation right before the story took a hard left turn and then spiraled into Matt Shaw land. I am a fan of Shaw’s extreme horror, but I humbly admit I did not know he had this level of writing in him, in spite of meeting him in person (or maybe because of it).
This story is a blend of haunted house thriller, psychological horror, and edgy Matt Shaw content. The warning contained in the synopsis is specifically directed at those who may not be familiar with Shaw. This is a fantastic horror novel, but while it does not qualify as extreme horror, it does contain some very extreme content that may be offensive to mainstream readers. Said content is blended seamlessly into the story and is a relevant part of the storyline, so nothing gratuitous here. For those who are fans of Shaw’s extreme horror, you will find this tame for him, but the quality of the story is truly worth your time.
I have already told Shaw what words I had for him after the ending was done violating my brain.
I am happy to have a hard copy of this shelf-worthy tale. I will read this one over and over again. It’s fast-paced, fun, and creepy.
A Suburban Haunting has all the elements of a classic haunted house tale, spiced up with Matt Shaw’s flair for the irreverent. I found myself momentarily lulled into a sense of excited expectation right before the story took a hard left turn and then spiraled into Matt Shaw land. I am a fan of Shaw’s extreme horror, but I humbly admit I did not know he had this level of writing in him, in spite of meeting him in person (or maybe because of it).
This story is a blend of haunted house thriller, psychological horror, and edgy Matt Shaw content. The warning contained in the synopsis is specifically directed at those who may not be familiar with Shaw. This is a fantastic horror novel, but while it does not qualify as extreme horror, it does contain some very extreme content that may be offensive to mainstream readers. Said content is blended seamlessly into the story and is a relevant part of the storyline, so nothing gratuitous here. For those who are fans of Shaw’s extreme horror, you will find this tame for him, but the quality of the story is truly worth your time.
I have already told Shaw what words I had for him after the ending was done violating my brain.
I am happy to have a hard copy of this shelf-worthy tale. I will read this one over and over again. It’s fast-paced, fun, and creepy.
November 4, 2022
I liked the story. It was more of a creepy story than a scary one.
May 18, 2019
Nice twist!
Just when you think you have the punchline, Shaw yanks the rug out from under you! Great read but not for the faint of heart!
Just when you think you have the punchline, Shaw yanks the rug out from under you! Great read but not for the faint of heart!
November 16, 2020
Warning ⚠ Not for everyone who never read Matt Shaw's work...
Not the kind of Matt Shaw book you read but to me that was brilliant from him. No way I disliked this piece of sh*t. From the beginning to the end I thoroughly enjoyed every elements or events that the tale provide. Of course at some point you will find extremely violence sex fact so because of that you should be beware of reading this one. But for me it was ok as I already been a fan of Matt Shaw and also very much known to his work of horror fiction...
Craig couldn't believe his luck when his uncle died for whom he has less emotion but in most unpredictable way his uncle did left his house in Craig's name. It was all then started while Craig move his entire family in that big creepy looking house. At first they didn't think nothing of that house. But as the day passed away there could seem more things happening around the house. There's no real explanation but those changes obvious to notice. Craig's wife Laura didn't believe all of them at first, while the more times she spents in there the more she could see and senses there's something very wrong with where they're living. Even her two little boy and daughter too couldn't sleep at night in sound. They need to hurry before time runs out from there hand...
I enjoyed the ending session most. As it did deliver the pure horror through my brain. It was really f***ing awesome. I could sense the fear and creepiness inside while reading the book. But obviously I been little bit disappointed by the injustice that what took place in the ending. Though if there's not that negative end the story couldn't be that much enjoyably terrible, I hope you get my saying...
Total 5...
Not the kind of Matt Shaw book you read but to me that was brilliant from him. No way I disliked this piece of sh*t. From the beginning to the end I thoroughly enjoyed every elements or events that the tale provide. Of course at some point you will find extremely violence sex fact so because of that you should be beware of reading this one. But for me it was ok as I already been a fan of Matt Shaw and also very much known to his work of horror fiction...
Craig couldn't believe his luck when his uncle died for whom he has less emotion but in most unpredictable way his uncle did left his house in Craig's name. It was all then started while Craig move his entire family in that big creepy looking house. At first they didn't think nothing of that house. But as the day passed away there could seem more things happening around the house. There's no real explanation but those changes obvious to notice. Craig's wife Laura didn't believe all of them at first, while the more times she spents in there the more she could see and senses there's something very wrong with where they're living. Even her two little boy and daughter too couldn't sleep at night in sound. They need to hurry before time runs out from there hand...
I enjoyed the ending session most. As it did deliver the pure horror through my brain. It was really f***ing awesome. I could sense the fear and creepiness inside while reading the book. But obviously I been little bit disappointed by the injustice that what took place in the ending. Though if there's not that negative end the story couldn't be that much enjoyably terrible, I hope you get my saying...
Total 5...
April 8, 2024
Screw the old expression..... you should ALWAYS look a gift horse in the mouth. If a family member I didn't get on with suddenly bequeathed me his house I'd instantly assume its haunted, cursed or built on a burial ground especially after this book. Starts off as your typical haunting book then...... it takes a real turn and becomes something unique and very matt shaw-y. Great book with some real dark stuff going on.
March 26, 2025
Matt Shaw doesn’t do lighthearted horror, and A Suburban Haunting is no exception. If you’re expecting a classic haunted house story with spooky whispers and creepy shadows, think again—this book is dark, brutal, and completely unforgiving.
It starts off like your typical ghost story: a family moves into a new home, hoping for a fresh start. But almost immediately, things feel wrong. The eerie noises, the sense of being watched—it’s that slow, creeping dread that gets under your skin. And just when you think you know where it’s going, Shaw takes it somewhere much darker.
This book isn’t just about ghosts; it’s about real, human horror too. The violence is intense, the atmosphere is suffocating, and by the time you reach the ending, you might need a minute to process what just happened. Shaw doesn’t hold back, and honestly? That’s what makes it so effective.
If you like your horror raw and unfiltered, A Suburban Haunting delivers. But if you need a little light at the end of the tunnel, be warned—this one is relentless.
⭐ 4/5 – Disturbing, fast-paced, and seriously messed up.
It starts off like your typical ghost story: a family moves into a new home, hoping for a fresh start. But almost immediately, things feel wrong. The eerie noises, the sense of being watched—it’s that slow, creeping dread that gets under your skin. And just when you think you know where it’s going, Shaw takes it somewhere much darker.
This book isn’t just about ghosts; it’s about real, human horror too. The violence is intense, the atmosphere is suffocating, and by the time you reach the ending, you might need a minute to process what just happened. Shaw doesn’t hold back, and honestly? That’s what makes it so effective.
If you like your horror raw and unfiltered, A Suburban Haunting delivers. But if you need a little light at the end of the tunnel, be warned—this one is relentless.
⭐ 4/5 – Disturbing, fast-paced, and seriously messed up.
January 1, 2020
The story was alright with a decent twist, but I couldn't believe the ending left it there!
While Shaw's writing is short and sweet and you can definitely kill this book off in 2-3 hours, there were a good amount of typos and other annoyances, like repetition of phrases ('butter wouldn't melt in their mouths'-yes, we get it, but to use the phrase twice was a bit lazy). There's other ways to describe children acting innocently.
Also while I get the need to mislead readers with Craig's behavior, any woman worth her salt would've slapped the shit out of her husband several times between verbally assaulting their kid, attempting to rape them while covered in puke, etc. I get that being shocking is a Shaw-Thang, but I'd rather have realism.
While Shaw's writing is short and sweet and you can definitely kill this book off in 2-3 hours, there were a good amount of typos and other annoyances, like repetition of phrases ('butter wouldn't melt in their mouths'-yes, we get it, but to use the phrase twice was a bit lazy). There's other ways to describe children acting innocently.
Also while I get the need to mislead readers with Craig's behavior, any woman worth her salt would've slapped the shit out of her husband several times between verbally assaulting their kid, attempting to rape them while covered in puke, etc. I get that being shocking is a Shaw-Thang, but I'd rather have realism.
May 4, 2019
I'm not sure this book even rates 3 stars, frankly. First of all, I keep forgetting that Shaw is a Brit. I generally shy away from British authors because the overall vernacular is awkward for U.S. readers (e.g., using the word "whilst" instead of "while") and the slang is often indecipherable to me (e.g., "bits"... I get the meaning, but it's just an odd choice of word). Second, the book wasn't all that scary, at least not to me. And last, the ending -- while somewhat intriguing -- was too abrupt and not particularly well-articulated. I don't think I'll be purchasing any more of this author's books.
May 14, 2019
An okay but disappointing story
The premise was pretty awesome and I had really high hopes because of who wrote it. I was disappointed. The writing wasn't smooth and there were a decent amount of grammatical and punctuation errors. It felt like I was reading his first story from high school. I felt like it ended abruptly as well. But the story was good, I enjoyed reading it. Overall, a solid 3.
The premise was pretty awesome and I had really high hopes because of who wrote it. I was disappointed. The writing wasn't smooth and there were a decent amount of grammatical and punctuation errors. It felt like I was reading his first story from high school. I felt like it ended abruptly as well. But the story was good, I enjoyed reading it. Overall, a solid 3.
September 25, 2019
Matt Shaw is actually an author I go to first when wanting to read something terrifying and psychologically messed up, but this book has me so angry that I couldn't help but to sign up for this website just to warn other avid readers not to waste your time. Don't get me wrong the story is great, the ending however is nonexistent. The book just ends. It's like reading 3/4 of a book and then throwing it away. Very very very disappointing.
September 28, 2023
SO. GOOD.
In my experience up to (and including) this point, Matt Shaw has never written a bad book. This one had a few unexpected twists that really gave it a extra "wow" factor, and I devoured it in one sitting like I'd gone feral. I just couldn't stop reading, except to grab a fresh cuppa and a snack.
It's one of my favourite tropes - haunted house left in a will to a young family - but it had such an insane couple of twists that I can't help but feel he made the trope his own.
In my experience up to (and including) this point, Matt Shaw has never written a bad book. This one had a few unexpected twists that really gave it a extra "wow" factor, and I devoured it in one sitting like I'd gone feral. I just couldn't stop reading, except to grab a fresh cuppa and a snack.
It's one of my favourite tropes - haunted house left in a will to a young family - but it had such an insane couple of twists that I can't help but feel he made the trope his own.
February 11, 2025
In this story we follow a family who recently got a house passed down to them from an uncle passing. When arriving to the house the late uncles wife is there to warm against staying in the house, claiming it to have a possessive spirit who affects men.
This was one of the times i’ve actually been surprised by the events and twists in a book, this one for sure had me going for a loop, between the characters and the hauntings this was a good read.
This was one of the times i’ve actually been surprised by the events and twists in a book, this one for sure had me going for a loop, between the characters and the hauntings this was a good read.
May 4, 2019
Disappointed
I usually love his books. I’m disappointed in this one though. *Spoiler* in the year 1980, a character in his book meets females online. Not possible. The internet did not come into being until 1983.
It also has a open ending, with no resolution.
However, there was a very crafty plot twist that I did not see coming. And the writing was good, as always.
I usually love his books. I’m disappointed in this one though. *Spoiler* in the year 1980, a character in his book meets females online. Not possible. The internet did not come into being until 1983.
It also has a open ending, with no resolution.
However, there was a very crafty plot twist that I did not see coming. And the writing was good, as always.
June 7, 2019
An unpleasant little story!
I really didn't enjoy this book, the plot reminded me both of the real life Fred and Rose West and the fictional Norman Bates. The swearing, throughout the book, seemed gratuitous rather than adding anything to the story. Just not for me, I'm afraid. Mind you the twist at the end was certainly unexpected.
I really didn't enjoy this book, the plot reminded me both of the real life Fred and Rose West and the fictional Norman Bates. The swearing, throughout the book, seemed gratuitous rather than adding anything to the story. Just not for me, I'm afraid. Mind you the twist at the end was certainly unexpected.
June 22, 2019
Completely unexpected journey!
This was a fabulous book, that once I started i had difficulty putting it down. Unlike many horror novels, the details did not give away the ending. It was a engaging build-up of information and the mental twists and turns carried out through the very end...dad to have finished BUT so enjoyed experiencing it.
This was a fabulous book, that once I started i had difficulty putting it down. Unlike many horror novels, the details did not give away the ending. It was a engaging build-up of information and the mental twists and turns carried out through the very end...dad to have finished BUT so enjoyed experiencing it.
May 6, 2019
Not happy.
Was disappointed with the way this book ended, I didn't know it would end that way. Very good book otherwise, love his books usually. But not happy with this one. Thanks for sharing your gift with us. Keep writing and I'll keep reading.
Was disappointed with the way this book ended, I didn't know it would end that way. Very good book otherwise, love his books usually. But not happy with this one. Thanks for sharing your gift with us. Keep writing and I'll keep reading.
May 9, 2019
Just plain creepy!
One can't help but wonder just what kind of overly vivid imagination can come up with such unbelievable stories. And true to form the author leaves you wanting more. And as an added bonus his stories might even leave you with some new brightening nightmares.
One can't help but wonder just what kind of overly vivid imagination can come up with such unbelievable stories. And true to form the author leaves you wanting more. And as an added bonus his stories might even leave you with some new brightening nightmares.
July 12, 2019
This is one of the worse books I've ever read. The plot is so slow, there are unnessecary and graphic sexual references and it us so poorly written that the main character Craig is randomly referred to as Pete on several occasions. Don't waste your time reading this.
September 15, 2022
Super easy read and loved the writing style! Although I found nothing extreme about it, it was still a bit creepy.
I would've loved to see it have more days within the house. But it's a nice, short read.
I would've loved to see it have more days within the house. But it's a nice, short read.
May 13, 2019
Good book
Very interesting book I hoped the ending would be different but it was ok I hope it continues so I can see what happened
Very interesting book I hoped the ending would be different but it was ok I hope it continues so I can see what happened
May 25, 2019
The story grabs you, culminating in an abrupt ending. I enjoyed the book, despite many grammatical errors. The ending leaves much unexplained, maybe the author is thinking of a second book?
June 1, 2019
A decent haunted house story marred by too many twists and a lot of grammatical errors. I give three stars out of kindness.
August 9, 2019
Very good
I enjoyed this book very much. It reminded me of an old fashioned horror. Great story and nice twist in the end. Didn't see it coming. Thanks Matt for a great read📕👍👍
I enjoyed this book very much. It reminded me of an old fashioned horror. Great story and nice twist in the end. Didn't see it coming. Thanks Matt for a great read📕👍👍
August 13, 2019
A good read
Never read anything by this author before but was pleasantly surprised by the book
Will be reading more from Matt Shaw
Never read anything by this author before but was pleasantly surprised by the book
Will be reading more from Matt Shaw
August 24, 2019
The ending
Do not like ending. It didn't tell if the parents got them back or not, and whether the house was still haunted.
Do not like ending. It didn't tell if the parents got them back or not, and whether the house was still haunted.
Read
September 20, 2019Missed Ending
Hated the ending left th kids with someone else. Loved the twist at the end. Didn't see that coming though.
Hated the ending left th kids with someone else. Loved the twist at the end. Didn't see that coming though.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews