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The Girl in the Woods: A Ghost's Story
You’re tired, it’s the dead of night, and you’re driving down a dark country lane alone. You think you see a child wondering through the woods. Do you stop?
Andy must make that choice. Either option will change his life forever. But with a life like his, maybe change is a good thing.
The Girl in the Woods - A Ghost’s Story is the first in a collection of Off-Kilter Tales. It’s a short story about a man in the wrong place at the wrong time. Or the right place at the right time. You decide.
74 pages, Paperback
Published May 19, 2019
278 people are currently reading
382 people want to read
About the author
Michael Robertson
98 books206 followersMichael Robertson is an author and blogger. He has had several short stories published, including one with HarperCollins. He is the author of Crash - http://michaelrobertson.co.uk/crash--...
You can connect with Michael on Twitter at @MicRobertson, Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/MichaelRober... and you can also contact him through his website at www.michaelrobertson.co.uk
You can connect with Michael on Twitter at @MicRobertson, Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/MichaelRober... and you can also contact him through his website at www.michaelrobertson.co.uk
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
December 12, 2019
I just never got into the flow of the story. It changed direction on me several times when I wasn't paying attention. Too many characters and aspects of the story just felt irrelevant to telling the story. I just didn't enjoy reading it.
July 26, 2021
'Ninety-eight miles per hour. He watched the speedometer, barely able to see the numbers through his tears.'
This is a brilliant short story, jam packed with a deep backstory, shocking action and a very unlikely hero. Along with one hell of a twist. You may devour this book in 30 mins, but it'll definitely stay with you.
This is a brilliant short story, jam packed with a deep backstory, shocking action and a very unlikely hero. Along with one hell of a twist. You may devour this book in 30 mins, but it'll definitely stay with you.
September 13, 2020
Cannibals!
This post-apocalyptic short story (one in a series) literally eats way at you. Andy makes a decision and as the reader you must go through his hell as he tries to figure out where it all went wrong.
This post-apocalyptic short story (one in a series) literally eats way at you. Andy makes a decision and as the reader you must go through his hell as he tries to figure out where it all went wrong.
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September 9, 2020I downloaded this for free from Amazon. Unfortunately for whatever reason there would be blank pages and then it would jump to another part of the book. I gave up after the third blank page. I won't rate it since I wasn't able to actually read it.
May 6, 2021
This book has a sad underlying story. It ramps up to an horrific twist. I found I was holding my breath at times with the incredible suspense. Nice length of novella. Overall as my first Michael Robertson book, I'd happily read more from him. 😃
February 22, 2025
I think the idea behind this short story was good but very poorly executed. I think the addition of the mediums was unnecessary and Liz was super juvenile and aggressive for just no reason at all. I don’t think I’ll be reading the other short stories connected to this one.
May 9, 2019
The return of the classic ghost story
Although short this story keeps you riveted to the end. A good old fashioned ghost story set in modern times. Look forward to more 👍👍👍
Although short this story keeps you riveted to the end. A good old fashioned ghost story set in modern times. Look forward to more 👍👍👍
December 17, 2025
A pair of paranormal investigators turn up at a crime scene at an abandoned asylum and speak to the deceased victim, Andy. Andy shares his story about his failing marriage and cannibals in the woods.
This was a fun standalone horror tale. The story mostly focuses on Andy and his life where he is numb from grief. His wife breaks off their marriage and he drives out to the woods which usually relaxes him, but he thinks about ending things until he spies a girl lost in the forest. He follows her and ends up a prisoner of cannibals. Is the girl going to help him or is she playing him? He must decide to try to help her or just escape himself. I really liked the paranormal investigators as they were quirky, but there wasn't much with them. A solid scary story.
This was a fun standalone horror tale. The story mostly focuses on Andy and his life where he is numb from grief. His wife breaks off their marriage and he drives out to the woods which usually relaxes him, but he thinks about ending things until he spies a girl lost in the forest. He follows her and ends up a prisoner of cannibals. Is the girl going to help him or is she playing him? He must decide to try to help her or just escape himself. I really liked the paranormal investigators as they were quirky, but there wasn't much with them. A solid scary story.
November 2, 2020
The author offered an ARC in exchange for an honest review. I don’t read a lot of ghost/horror stories, so I was a bit surprised that this story drew me in and kept me engrossed to the end. The plot slowly built up the tension as the main character lost his marriage as a result of not resolving a major tragedy from three years previously, debates about killing himself, then discovers a young girl walking in the woods. As he attempts to befriend her, things go horribly wrong, but the end of the twisted story is surprisingly appropriate. This is an easy read and I recommend it if you like this genre.
June 26, 2023
An intriguing story, and although you find out what happened to Andy before his story really starts, I still held out hope that he would be able to get away!
Although we have paranormal investigators at the start of the book, it is not as paranormal as you would believe. The story mainly focuses on the past 24 hours of Andy’s life and how he came to be where he was when he died.
The mystery of the book is whether or not the little girl manages to escape, whether she is at fault for Andy dying or whether she is also killed.
I felt that the ending was very satisfactory, as much as I hoped for a different ending for Andy, it was still a satisfying end all round.
Although we have paranormal investigators at the start of the book, it is not as paranormal as you would believe. The story mainly focuses on the past 24 hours of Andy’s life and how he came to be where he was when he died.
The mystery of the book is whether or not the little girl manages to escape, whether she is at fault for Andy dying or whether she is also killed.
I felt that the ending was very satisfactory, as much as I hoped for a different ending for Andy, it was still a satisfying end all round.
January 17, 2022
Recommended. People have disappeared never to be seen again. Where did they go?
Liz & Bart set out to right a horrible wrong that only people like them can do. They stand at the edge, out of sight until just the right time. Andy is on his own to try to help as much as he can. With a girl named Worm their situation seems hopeless & you'll have to read the book to find out what happens from there on. I enjoyed the characters of Worm, Andy, Liz & Bart, well crafted by the author. Hope you enjoy it like I did. Recommended.
Liz & Bart set out to right a horrible wrong that only people like them can do. They stand at the edge, out of sight until just the right time. Andy is on his own to try to help as much as he can. With a girl named Worm their situation seems hopeless & you'll have to read the book to find out what happens from there on. I enjoyed the characters of Worm, Andy, Liz & Bart, well crafted by the author. Hope you enjoy it like I did. Recommended.
July 20, 2019
I started this book and finished it within a day or two. Once I started, I couldn't put it down. It was a great read. I am hoping that the 2 "investigators" might get more development as the series continues. They were fleshed out enough in this book to be characters, but I really would like to know more about them & how they came to their positions, etc. The actual storyline was super good with a bit of a surprise twist. Really enjoyable.
August 3, 2019
A Short Read
This is a short story but was very difficult to read. It's not my favorite genre. It's not even my least favorite. So, why I kept reading, I can't even say. I started it because I thought it was a paranormal story. And it is, sort of. I'm not going to give any spoilers, so I'm not going to say what my objection was. However, I pushed myself to complete it and was very glad I did. The ending is it's complete redemption.
This is a short story but was very difficult to read. It's not my favorite genre. It's not even my least favorite. So, why I kept reading, I can't even say. I started it because I thought it was a paranormal story. And it is, sort of. I'm not going to give any spoilers, so I'm not going to say what my objection was. However, I pushed myself to complete it and was very glad I did. The ending is it's complete redemption.
December 18, 2019
I received a free copy of this book with no obligation to leave a review. This is one of the best short stories that I have read in a long time. While it is easy read for one sitting, it will definitely play on all your emotions. Well written and even though it’s a short read it feels as if the main character was developed over several chapters. Even if a ghost stories aren’t your thing give this book a try as it is far more than just that.
October 16, 2021
Great unique little ghost story
I really like this book, it was full of suspense and it was also heartwarming. If you can handle a little gore, definitely not as much as I thought there would be when I started reading it. Other than that it is a great little story that hooks you in. I don't normally like short stories but this one worked. I honestly don't think that it would have added anything if it was longer. Wish the author had more ghost stories.
I really like this book, it was full of suspense and it was also heartwarming. If you can handle a little gore, definitely not as much as I thought there would be when I started reading it. Other than that it is a great little story that hooks you in. I don't normally like short stories but this one worked. I honestly don't think that it would have added anything if it was longer. Wish the author had more ghost stories.
August 10, 2022
Great story...but not a satisfying ending
What a great short story. Just about 60 ish pages, its well written and the characters were complex and memorable. I don't wanna say too much but this is how you write a horror short, I just wish the ending was better. All that build up and the ending just didn't serve. Its like the writer gave up. At least our main character gets a redemption arc and some modicum of a happy ending. Great story. Tehn out of ten would recommend.
What a great short story. Just about 60 ish pages, its well written and the characters were complex and memorable. I don't wanna say too much but this is how you write a horror short, I just wish the ending was better. All that build up and the ending just didn't serve. Its like the writer gave up. At least our main character gets a redemption arc and some modicum of a happy ending. Great story. Tehn out of ten would recommend.
August 13, 2022
This is a 4.5 🌟 read rounded ⬆️ to 5 🌟.
This is a spectacular long short-story read - it is SO much more than a horror tale. While the author kept me suitably engrossed in the chilling part, the bugger snuck up behind me and poked me with the "tears" stick! How dare he!?! 😳 It's not often that you're deep into a decidedly creepy story and yet end on a real "feel good" note. VERY entertaining read and highly recommended for short story aficionados.
This is a spectacular long short-story read - it is SO much more than a horror tale. While the author kept me suitably engrossed in the chilling part, the bugger snuck up behind me and poked me with the "tears" stick! How dare he!?! 😳 It's not often that you're deep into a decidedly creepy story and yet end on a real "feel good" note. VERY entertaining read and highly recommended for short story aficionados.
June 28, 2024
The Girl in the Woods: A Ghost's Story (Off-Kilter Tales Book 1), my first read from author Michael Robertson and the first book of the Off-Kilter Tales series. A well-written, entertaining read. 76-page horror read. “I was given a Kindle copy of this book back in November of 2021 and am just now getting around to reading it after discovering a free audio version on Youtube and leaving a review." (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
July 6, 2025
Unique
I started this book without reading anything about it. I was a little off set by the story starting where it did to them listen to someone else's story. It's very well done. They go for emotional damage at the end but it seems to fit as a good book end . Not 100% sure if it's a 5 star currently giving it 4 as it's good but I am still processing my feelings about it . It wont go lower then a 4 just not sure if it's a 5 star yet.
I started this book without reading anything about it. I was a little off set by the story starting where it did to them listen to someone else's story. It's very well done. They go for emotional damage at the end but it seems to fit as a good book end . Not 100% sure if it's a 5 star currently giving it 4 as it's good but I am still processing my feelings about it . It wont go lower then a 4 just not sure if it's a 5 star yet.
July 22, 2019
Awesome read.
This is a new to me author, who I have to say has great writing style. Although the story is short, it pulls you in and holds you firm until the end. My only gripe is that I wanted more, especially from the two mediums. The ending hits you right in the heart, and has made me want to read more from this author.
This is a new to me author, who I have to say has great writing style. Although the story is short, it pulls you in and holds you firm until the end. My only gripe is that I wanted more, especially from the two mediums. The ending hits you right in the heart, and has made me want to read more from this author.
September 27, 2020
Pleasantly Surprised!
This book is well-written with a unique plot. The novel moved at a fast clip, keeping this reader intrigued and firmly planted in the story. Though I knew Andy's fate, I still held my breath, hoping for a different outcome. Mr. Robertson is a talented writer, and I look forward to reading more books by this author.
This book is well-written with a unique plot. The novel moved at a fast clip, keeping this reader intrigued and firmly planted in the story. Though I knew Andy's fate, I still held my breath, hoping for a different outcome. Mr. Robertson is a talented writer, and I look forward to reading more books by this author.
January 7, 2022
Entertaining listening 🔰😀
Another will written fantasy thriller adventure novel by Michael Robertson about a man 🚹 dealing or with the death of his daughter. I would recommend this novel to anyone looking for a quick read. Enjoy the adventure of reading 👓 or 🎶 listening to 👍novels 🔰🏡 2022😮
Another will written fantasy thriller adventure novel by Michael Robertson about a man 🚹 dealing or with the death of his daughter. I would recommend this novel to anyone looking for a quick read. Enjoy the adventure of reading 👓 or 🎶 listening to 👍novels 🔰🏡 2022😮
September 13, 2022
This book surprised me. It's a short story of a man hitting rock bottom with grief and bottled up emotions meeting a young girl on a night he was gonna end his life. The relationship Andy develops with Worm was beautifully written. His heroic actions so that she could have a life outside her prison and captors moved me. Loved the ending...
May 9, 2019
Loved this book! Read it last night. Can’t say much as it is not a long book.
I will say the characters are brilliantly written. You might think you have it figured out but no. I cried at the end. I was way off on my guess at what was happening.
Buy this, relax and enjoy. Here are a few Kleenex.
I will say the characters are brilliantly written. You might think you have it figured out but no. I cried at the end. I was way off on my guess at what was happening.
Buy this, relax and enjoy. Here are a few Kleenex.
September 30, 2019
This is such a wild tale. I sat on the edge of my seat through most of this book. The main characters bring your feels to the surface and you are rooting for them the whole time. I cried, I got mad and a felt lost. I hope you are ready for a terrifying emotional roller coaster.
December 17, 2019
Rose
Short and sweet. That's what I want sometimes. When an extremely good writer lens a book like this on and I enjoy it so much, that an accomplishment. Not everyone can do this. Great writing and a great story Michael Robertson!
Short and sweet. That's what I want sometimes. When an extremely good writer lens a book like this on and I enjoy it so much, that an accomplishment. Not everyone can do this. Great writing and a great story Michael Robertson!
January 11, 2020
This is a haunting story of a man dealing with loss. He unexpectedly see a child running through the woods and it will change everything for him. You can't go wrong with a Michael Robertson story. I highly recommend this for fans of the horror genre.
May 12, 2020
Very interesting.....
I was expecting a ghost story.. It delivered a ghost story and a twist of cannibalism which iant really my style of reading. All in all i felt it was a good book and a quick read.
I was expecting a ghost story.. It delivered a ghost story and a twist of cannibalism which iant really my style of reading. All in all i felt it was a good book and a quick read.
October 11, 2023
I love a frame story. This one has a nice set-up. At first, I was very lost and wasn't sure I wanted to continue, but I'm glad I did. Andy's encounter with the Girl in the Woods led somewhere I wasn't expecting! This novella delivers a satisfying finish.
December 31, 2023
Uhhhh...gross
To think these things actually happen is horrific. I think this story was well thought out and planned. However, the ending was very abrupt. I would like to have known what happened to Andy.
To think these things actually happen is horrific. I think this story was well thought out and planned. However, the ending was very abrupt. I would like to have known what happened to Andy.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews