R. H. Dixon is a horror enthusiast who, when not escaping into the fantastical realms of fiction, lives in the northeast of England with her husband and two whippets. She is an active member of the Horror Writers Association.
When reading and writing she enjoys exploring the darknesses and weaknesses within the human psyche, and she loves good strong characters that are flawed and put through their paces. Her favourite authors include: Shirley Jackson, John Ajvide Lindqvist, Joe Hill, Ramsey Campbell, Paul Tremblay, Michelle Paver and Stephen King.
As well as reading and writing, she enjoys travelling (particularly wildlife-spotting jaunts involving bears, wolves and corvids), visiting spooky places, collecting animal skulls and drinking full-bodied red wine.
Faye is so tired of her old, ugly mattress. She and hubby, Neil decides it’s time to get a new one. So...one night, after work, she goes into the new mattress shop and finds the perfect mattress...
I think I might have just as warped an imagination and sense of revenge as the author because I absolutely LOVED this creepy, ghoulish little tale that also centres around a theme of vengeance. The author's talent of describing the disgusting outcome had me gagging along with the main character, itching and overwhelmed with the sudden need to change my sheets while reading in bed. Lol. One of the best horror short stories I've read.
I don't know who of you have read the collection of stories by Roald Dahl, Kiss Kiss. This short story kind of reminded me of some of the tales in that collection. A pity it was so short, but well worth the read!
The story captivates the reader's interest and, with a touch more detail, could elevate its depth even further, but it effectively conveys its central themes. The characters, while not deeply developed, exhibit distinctive traits that allow us to grasp their fundamental personalities.
On a chilly Monday night, Faye discovers an unsettling surprise: her mattress has inexplicably broken. Just the evening before, it had been perfectly sound, providing her with the comfort she relied upon.
In search of a replacement, she ventures into a dimly lit backstreet bed shop, where she unwittingly opens the door to a world of horror and unimaginable revelations. As chilling truths start to unfold, a shiver runs down her spine, and she finds herself grappling with unsettling visions that haunt her thoughts.
Can Faye transform this nightmarish situation into an opportunity for empowerment, or has her previously cozy and predictable life slipped beyond her grasp for good?
The narrative is sparse in action, primarily relying on the sharp and witty exchanges between the quirky shop owner and the bewildered Faye. While the climax may not deliver traditional scares, the shocking revelation at the end is grotesque in nature—and sometimes, that jarring twist can evoke a stronger response than a series of smaller frights leading up to it.
Faye discovers that her mattress is inexplicably damaged. There are springs protruding; it becomes abundantly clear that she can’t sleep on that bed.
The next day, she’s able to head over to the new bed and mattress store, Sleep Rite. A delightful lady named Maggie assists Faye in selecting the appropriate mattress, and she has Gordon deliver it the following evening.
The relief is short-lived. Faye and her husband, Neil, can’t get a good night’s sleep on this one, either. Back at Sleep Rite, Maggie is accommodating and agrees to send over a replacement.
As luck would have it, Faye spies (and hears) a truly disturbing exchange between Maggie and Gordon. It’s quite…illuminating.
A very short, yet creepy, fun read. I enjoyed this story. But now I'm all itchy! Lol. Love the revenge twist at the end! I can't help but laugh at the ending! {I just love sweet revenge stories, sigh!} Wish there was some detail on that part! Hint. Hint. Maybe a short from their POV! **keeping fingers crossed** Lol.
I'd say I'm kinda disappointed with this short read which turned out to be even shorter due to a chapter from some novel as a half-part of the book content.
But the main cause of my disappointment is quite an intriguing beginning which led to a simple revenge ending.
I didn't have high hopes for this short story, but honestly it blew my expectations away! Its creepy, weird and had a great twist. Anyone who is a fan of horror will really enjoy this. Check it out!
An absolutely brilliant and insightful story. I found the main character completely relatable. A wonderfully created storyline and one that will definitely leave you with your mind running wild.
Awesome lil short story...scary thought about mattress though lol but really good read loved it...didnt read the bonus cause didn't want to be left hanging
Definitely not the best book I have read.... not scary. Swings between boring and disgusting. and five more words required... let's see. Putrid , icky,
This is an extremely short story about a couple who buy a new mattress and get more than they bargained for. I don't want to spoil it, but it's quite the read. I am glad I downloaded this free short and look forward to reading more from this author. Unlike most shorts you aren't left needing more, you knew exactly where the author was going.
I loved this short story. What's not to like? It just goes to show that if you're cheating on your significant other you might want to check the mattress before going to sleep tonight. I look forward to some more from the author.