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Nightmares
"Jacobs Ladder" meets "A Nightmare On Elm Street" in Matt Shaw's new Extreme Horror Jamie Harris was tired of his job. He travels around the country meeting with criminals to discuss what is on their minds and assess whether they're ready for a possible parole hearing. It was once a job with meaning; to help those whom needed it the most. A belief he held right up until the moment the prisoners' crimes followed him home, stuck in his own mind. The worst of the criminals he'd met was Billy-Ray. He'd plagued his dreams and his waking hours since the moment they'd met. This monster. The one man who'd managed to convince Jamie he had been reformed from his time in prison. The one man whose own murder-spree - done after his early release from his cell - haunted Jamie the most...
- GenresHorror
174 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 2, 2019
165 people are currently reading
206 people want to read
About the author
Matt Shaw
536 books2,225 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 - 25 of 25 reviews
March 1, 2026
This was a mindscrew! The story focuses on the trauma of our main character, as he interviews killers, and suffers through his relationships, work, and everything else. The ugly stories from these troubled people and the awful things that they've done just demolishes his sanity little by little. You really have to pay attention, as the story jumps around a bit, but that doesn't necessarily make it hard to understand. It was a fairly quick read, and the ending could have used a bit more time to be fleshed out, but this was a really good psychological thriller. Be cautious, as some of the descriptions of the victims being slaughtered can be quite uncomfortable and graphic. They take up a good deal of the book, but all serve a purpose. This felt like a bit of a deviation from the normal Matt Shaw fare, which he does prompt before the story starts, but is an example of how change can be a positive thing.
January 16, 2022
Jamie’s job involves long discussions with violent criminals to assess whether or not they should be given parole. It’s the kind of job you shouldn’t take home with you, but, unfortunately, Jamie has no say in that, and the nightmares begin. I was impressed with Shaw’s ‘Don’t Read’ and this extreme horror was just another example of the quality of his writing. The unexpected end didn’t work for me this time, but it was still a good read.
February 5, 2024
Even though this book was good and it messed with my mind a little it wasn't one of Matt Shaws books that stood out. It lacked something that I couldn't quite put my finger on! Some of the scenes were gruesome and rather detailed edging on extreme but the storyline wasn't really for me... I've read so much better from this author.
Only ⭐⭐⭐ sorry!!!
Only ⭐⭐⭐ sorry!!!
December 11, 2019
This is a VERY disturbing book (to be fair there is a comment at the very start warning of this!) There is no gentle easing in, it starts off horrific and doesn’t really let up.
The premise and the way the story is written is very interesting - we are told a person's story which encompasses the story of many people, unfolding before our eyes as we look in on the nightmares of the protagonist. Whilst the stories might vary and some are more upsetting than others they are all nightmarish. Please note there is a sexual element to some of these which I don’t particularly like, I’m not sure all of it is even necessary to the story, I think some of it is about creating a shock factor. Anyway they are there and they are not fun by the way in case anyone was under any impression this might be titillating - it is traumatic. I almost gave up at just around the 5% mark because I thought this might be a terrible reading mistake but I carried on for some (possibly stupid) reason.
I can’t say too much about the content of the stories without giving the game away and spoiling someone else's read. Overall quite well written though with a real feeling of absolute horror that increases the further into this dark book you go.
So in summary this is indeed the stuff of nightmares, no argument there - it does what it says on the tin as it were. The disturbing idea for me is that whilst the protagonist’s story reads like fiction, his memories/nightmares do not. It feels very much real and that is what is scary for me. It makes me think there are some truly evil people in the world - for while these are not real I dread to think what horrors real people actually do get up to. It is a frightening thought.
I was so unsure how to rate this. Yes it was truly horrifying in places, nightmarish definitely, a little too much so at times (particularly the sex as I mentioned before) having said that - this is supposed to be a hardcore horror so it ticks that box. Also the ending was excellent. I am giving this a 4/5 it started out as a 2, went up to 3 and the ending tipped it over.
The premise and the way the story is written is very interesting - we are told a person's story which encompasses the story of many people, unfolding before our eyes as we look in on the nightmares of the protagonist. Whilst the stories might vary and some are more upsetting than others they are all nightmarish. Please note there is a sexual element to some of these which I don’t particularly like, I’m not sure all of it is even necessary to the story, I think some of it is about creating a shock factor. Anyway they are there and they are not fun by the way in case anyone was under any impression this might be titillating - it is traumatic. I almost gave up at just around the 5% mark because I thought this might be a terrible reading mistake but I carried on for some (possibly stupid) reason.
I can’t say too much about the content of the stories without giving the game away and spoiling someone else's read. Overall quite well written though with a real feeling of absolute horror that increases the further into this dark book you go.
So in summary this is indeed the stuff of nightmares, no argument there - it does what it says on the tin as it were. The disturbing idea for me is that whilst the protagonist’s story reads like fiction, his memories/nightmares do not. It feels very much real and that is what is scary for me. It makes me think there are some truly evil people in the world - for while these are not real I dread to think what horrors real people actually do get up to. It is a frightening thought.
I was so unsure how to rate this. Yes it was truly horrifying in places, nightmarish definitely, a little too much so at times (particularly the sex as I mentioned before) having said that - this is supposed to be a hardcore horror so it ticks that box. Also the ending was excellent. I am giving this a 4/5 it started out as a 2, went up to 3 and the ending tipped it over.
September 24, 2019
Amazing!
A completely different novel than Matt’s usual.
This book isn’t the normal “splatter punk” I’ve grown to
love from him.
It still has a twisted ending that doesn’t disappoint.
Loved it :)
A completely different novel than Matt’s usual.
This book isn’t the normal “splatter punk” I’ve grown to
love from him.
It still has a twisted ending that doesn’t disappoint.
Loved it :)
June 9, 2019
Excellent read
Once again another great read from Matt shaw. I always know I'm in for an good read when I find one of his books tho I'm struggling to find new ones now. This one has to go into one of my favourites full of twists and not sure if what is going to happen at the end. One where you don't know and can't see how it will go. Love it as it drives you further into the book. So a definite read recommendation from me. And if your about to read them make sure you have nothing planned for the next hour and a half as you won't move til the end.
Once again another great read from Matt shaw. I always know I'm in for an good read when I find one of his books tho I'm struggling to find new ones now. This one has to go into one of my favourites full of twists and not sure if what is going to happen at the end. One where you don't know and can't see how it will go. Love it as it drives you further into the book. So a definite read recommendation from me. And if your about to read them make sure you have nothing planned for the next hour and a half as you won't move til the end.
June 8, 2019
Excellent!
This is right up my alley... Serial killers, psychology and a fantastic twist. While this is extreme horror, it is not as "extreme" as some of Shaw's work. Highly recommended.
This is right up my alley... Serial killers, psychology and a fantastic twist. While this is extreme horror, it is not as "extreme" as some of Shaw's work. Highly recommended.
September 18, 2022
DNFed it pretty soon after starting it. worst rubbish I ever came across.
January 30, 2022
A really good psychological thriller. You need to pay much attention to the story if you don't want to miss the part here and there. Which means it does need attention to be read. I liked the story as well, though it jumps around a bit but overall as a Matt Shaw fan I liked it very much. It's been long time that I read his work...
The story about Jamie the prime character whos job was to interview some of the very disturbed criminals and their know their crime so that he could write a book by himself. But doing that he eventually got himself into big trouble. Experiencing of nightmare and living in their story was the least that he could think of. Some of the events from the tale very much violence and disturbing to endure. Of course you have to careful about that if you are a new reader of Matt Shaw...
To say honestly I had to try and needed to concentrate fully to the story to indulge myself to the characters. Which was bit of hard for me. But anyway I liked it. I wish I could have more of it. Giving it 4...
The story about Jamie the prime character whos job was to interview some of the very disturbed criminals and their know their crime so that he could write a book by himself. But doing that he eventually got himself into big trouble. Experiencing of nightmare and living in their story was the least that he could think of. Some of the events from the tale very much violence and disturbing to endure. Of course you have to careful about that if you are a new reader of Matt Shaw...
To say honestly I had to try and needed to concentrate fully to the story to indulge myself to the characters. Which was bit of hard for me. But anyway I liked it. I wish I could have more of it. Giving it 4...
October 23, 2019
Pretty Gruesome...
....and that's a compliment! I love Matt Shaw's writing. He really knows just how to make the reader squirm. As far as extreme horror goes, Mr. Shaw is the master. You never really know what is up his sleeve, and that is half the fun. Beware, though. Not for the squeamish.
....and that's a compliment! I love Matt Shaw's writing. He really knows just how to make the reader squirm. As far as extreme horror goes, Mr. Shaw is the master. You never really know what is up his sleeve, and that is half the fun. Beware, though. Not for the squeamish.
June 7, 2022
4 ⭐
I thought this one had such an amazing premise. I got the chills with this one. Quick and easy
I thought this one had such an amazing premise. I got the chills with this one. Quick and easy
June 5, 2019
The first few pages in, I was trying to get a feel for what was actually happening. Something just felt off. Then the story started and I was totally hooked, waiting for whatever Shaw had planned for his readers. I'm a long time Matt Shaw fan, and it was in the back of my mind that things aren't usually what they seem. This book has a perfect balance of violence and psychological torture. I don't wanna give the twist away, but I absolutely loved it.
So the story is about a head doctor, trying to write a book about his patients he had evaluated in prison. Their stories haunt him. As you get deeper in the pages you realize he's even more haunted than expected. I loved this short read!! 5 stars
So the story is about a head doctor, trying to write a book about his patients he had evaluated in prison. Their stories haunt him. As you get deeper in the pages you realize he's even more haunted than expected. I loved this short read!! 5 stars
June 18, 2019
Was Prepared For Less, Pleased To Find More
First: Better titles, please! Exclamations play as well in movie titles - cheap and desperate.
Dude I wasn't really expecting anything from this book. It was a quick read, a guilty scan into a tabloid, something to finish and quickly discard. Instead it was a chilling read, the shoots from one horror to another! (See what I mean about exclamation points - and yes, I know, also poorly written sentences.) Truly though, great nightmare fuel.
Heard you're into movies now. I might see one.
First: Better titles, please! Exclamations play as well in movie titles - cheap and desperate.
Dude I wasn't really expecting anything from this book. It was a quick read, a guilty scan into a tabloid, something to finish and quickly discard. Instead it was a chilling read, the shoots from one horror to another! (See what I mean about exclamation points - and yes, I know, also poorly written sentences.) Truly though, great nightmare fuel.
Heard you're into movies now. I might see one.
May 17, 2024
Basic. It’s like those stories we used to write as kids where all this stuff happens and “then I woke up.” Not sure who edited this book, but my copy had lots of issues which were distracting. The best way I can describe this book is that it’s a long short story.
July 4, 2019
Matches title
This book might just give ME nightmares!! Matt Shaw once again writes a morbid tale. Must not be squeamish! Caution! Lol.
This book might just give ME nightmares!! Matt Shaw once again writes a morbid tale. Must not be squeamish! Caution! Lol.
August 4, 2019
The Sweetest Dreams Unbelievable
I have never read a book by this author, until now!! I haven't decided whether I will it not !!!!
I have never read a book by this author, until now!! I haven't decided whether I will it not !!!!
February 10, 2020
Nightmares
I thought it was a good read. I wasn’t expecting the interesting twist at the end. I would be recommend if you’re looking for a quick and interesting book.
I thought it was a good read. I wasn’t expecting the interesting twist at the end. I would be recommend if you’re looking for a quick and interesting book.
April 10, 2020
This is kind of what it’s like to be stuck in sleep paralysis during medication withdrawals. Nightmares is a fitting title. Well done sir.
April 30, 2020
Spellbinding.
Highly recommend. Captivating and couldn't put it down. Just when you think you know how it ends..think again..and keep reading.
Highly recommend. Captivating and couldn't put it down. Just when you think you know how it ends..think again..and keep reading.
May 7, 2020
Nightmares Author Matt Shaw
Excellent book, slightly different to the x rated books i have read by the same Author but this Author can do no wrong
In my eyes
Excellent book, slightly different to the x rated books i have read by the same Author but this Author can do no wrong
In my eyes
January 5, 2021
Not bad
Not a bad little read with a twist at the end. If you have not read any of this authors works then I recommend you check him out.
Not a bad little read with a twist at the end. If you have not read any of this authors works then I recommend you check him out.
February 13, 2023
True to form, there’s gore and horrors around every corner. I didn’t see the ending coming, and I loved it. Such a good read
July 31, 2019
Good read!!
Good reading!!
Weak ending, I expected more. I will read more Matt Shaw!
I will keep posting my thoughts on his work
Good reading!!
Weak ending, I expected more. I will read more Matt Shaw!
I will keep posting my thoughts on his work
October 1, 2019
First book by Matt Shaw is have read, will read more of his work!
Good scary and nightmareish tale.
Good scary and nightmareish tale.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews