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Next Door
From the mind behind "MASTERS OF HORROR" comes a new horror anthology to keep you up at night!
Whilst Matt Shaw is busy producing, writing and directing the feature film NEXT DOOR he decided to put together a horror anthology of the same name, and with the same theme as the motion picture. None of the stories in this collection feature in the film; the two products are completely separate other than the central concept of exploring who does live NEXT DOOR to us?
Given the fact these are some of the biggest names in horror, you can bet that whomever is living next door probably won't be the friendliest of characters...
The year is 2019 and technology has come so far that we spend more time staring at our mobile devices, and screens in general, than getting to know our next door neighbour. Gone are the days of knowing everyone who lives on the same street, or in the same village. Instead we leave our houses, avoid eye-contact or give the bare minimum of grunts to those we see and go about our daily lives without a care for anyone else. No more street parties, no more kindly neighbours checking in on you, no more Christmas cards from the little old lady who lives across the street. There's only "us" and our technology.
This anthology takes a look at who lives NEXT DOOR and what secrets they may be keeping. And who knows, maybe it will serve as warning to you that, really, you should be paying attention to those living close-by. After all, Fred West was someone's neighbour once...
Featuring stories by:
Tim Lebbon
Shaun Hutson
Ryan C. Thomas
Jeremy Bates
David Moody
Guy N. Smith
Matthew Stokoe
Justin Woodward
Gary McMahon
Rich Hawkins
Jim Goforth
Matt Shaw
includes links to 60 second shorts, directed by Matt Shaw
The 60 Second Shorts were filmed whilst NEXT DOOR was being shot, for inclusion in the credits as "a bit of fun".
NEXT DOOR: The Motion Picture
Coming early 2020. Matt Shaw's second feature film after MONSTER. NEXT DOOR is an anthology film made up of short films based upon his F*cked-Up Shorts range of books. Each of the stories is linked together with a central storyline. With Matt Shaw's twisted imagination in full flow you can expect horror, comedy, suspense, thrills, sex, drama and more!
Starring: Jan Anderson, Vas Blackwood, Amanda Clapham, Jamie Lomas, Nathan Sussex, Danielle Harold, Jeremy Edwards and more!
Find Matt Shaw's directorial debut "MONSTER" on Amazon Prime today!
Whilst Matt Shaw is busy producing, writing and directing the feature film NEXT DOOR he decided to put together a horror anthology of the same name, and with the same theme as the motion picture. None of the stories in this collection feature in the film; the two products are completely separate other than the central concept of exploring who does live NEXT DOOR to us?
Given the fact these are some of the biggest names in horror, you can bet that whomever is living next door probably won't be the friendliest of characters...
The year is 2019 and technology has come so far that we spend more time staring at our mobile devices, and screens in general, than getting to know our next door neighbour. Gone are the days of knowing everyone who lives on the same street, or in the same village. Instead we leave our houses, avoid eye-contact or give the bare minimum of grunts to those we see and go about our daily lives without a care for anyone else. No more street parties, no more kindly neighbours checking in on you, no more Christmas cards from the little old lady who lives across the street. There's only "us" and our technology.
This anthology takes a look at who lives NEXT DOOR and what secrets they may be keeping. And who knows, maybe it will serve as warning to you that, really, you should be paying attention to those living close-by. After all, Fred West was someone's neighbour once...
Featuring stories by:
Tim Lebbon
Shaun Hutson
Ryan C. Thomas
Jeremy Bates
David Moody
Guy N. Smith
Matthew Stokoe
Justin Woodward
Gary McMahon
Rich Hawkins
Jim Goforth
Matt Shaw
includes links to 60 second shorts, directed by Matt Shaw
The 60 Second Shorts were filmed whilst NEXT DOOR was being shot, for inclusion in the credits as "a bit of fun".
NEXT DOOR: The Motion Picture
Coming early 2020. Matt Shaw's second feature film after MONSTER. NEXT DOOR is an anthology film made up of short films based upon his F*cked-Up Shorts range of books. Each of the stories is linked together with a central storyline. With Matt Shaw's twisted imagination in full flow you can expect horror, comedy, suspense, thrills, sex, drama and more!
Starring: Jan Anderson, Vas Blackwood, Amanda Clapham, Jamie Lomas, Nathan Sussex, Danielle Harold, Jeremy Edwards and more!
Find Matt Shaw's directorial debut "MONSTER" on Amazon Prime today!
- GenresHorrorShort Stories
215 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 11, 2019
221 people are currently reading
331 people want to read
About the author
Matt Shaw
529 books2,193 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 - 16 of 16 reviews
May 28, 2020
I'm not going to go through each story one by one because it would take more time than reading the book, and besides anyone who buys this book is going to do what I did and read them all anyway. So overall this is what I thought..
It’s a fairly decent collection but hard to get really excited about. At one point I started to lose interest, it was all feeling rather mediocre but then there were a couple of good stories towards the end that got my enthusiasm up again so I ploughed on.
I rated each story as I went and had no 1’s, just one each of a 2 and a 5, the rest being mainly 3’s with the odd 4 thrown in. As you can see not bad, some good but not many great.
For a collection of horror stories as you might expect some are more horrifying than others, however some barely seemed like horror to me (Matt Shaw I’m looking at you, what was horror about that story?). However there are some interesting ideas here.
A bit underwhelming so I’m giving this 3.5, rounding down I’m afraid - in summary it's just ok.
It’s a fairly decent collection but hard to get really excited about. At one point I started to lose interest, it was all feeling rather mediocre but then there were a couple of good stories towards the end that got my enthusiasm up again so I ploughed on.
I rated each story as I went and had no 1’s, just one each of a 2 and a 5, the rest being mainly 3’s with the odd 4 thrown in. As you can see not bad, some good but not many great.
For a collection of horror stories as you might expect some are more horrifying than others, however some barely seemed like horror to me (Matt Shaw I’m looking at you, what was horror about that story?). However there are some interesting ideas here.
A bit underwhelming so I’m giving this 3.5, rounding down I’m afraid - in summary it's just ok.
December 6, 2019
Minor spoilers
12 short stories make up this collection, and honestly, it’s the best one I’ve read all year. There weren’t any fillers, which is why it was such a breeze to get through this book centralized around those strange neighbors, creepy townsfolk, or that obscure tenant. But it was so much more. Please allow me to dissect each one:
A FAMILY-FRIENDLY NEIGHBORHOOD-Thomas has always been capable of delivering a knife-edged splatter punk entry. This time killer toys spread slaughter throughout a quiet suburban neighborhood, and they lay it on thick.
FINAL FEAST-A clever silent horror entry dealing with a cannibalistic neighbor.
INSURGENTS-This one was Rod Sterling cold. A veteran of war is dealing ptsd and all the baggage that comes with it-agoraphobia , hallucinations, and alcoholism. That, and the merciless souls he encounters.
MIRROR IMAGE-A couple move into a new home with a DIY handyman residing next door. At first, his skillfulness succors, only to petrify them in the end.
NIEGHBOUR HOOD-Another offering from across the pond. The blackmail segments were humorous and engaging, while the ending was unexpected and shocking.
DINNER DATE-A young woman moves into a new apartment complex, and without hesitation, accepts a dinner date with her neighbor. Bates showcases his usual sarcasm and absurdity with this one. I wasn’t disappointed.
WHY DOES RANDOLPH DRAW?-Well written, trippy, and has an atmospheric notion. I still recommend reading it, but it kind of stems away from the other chills and thrills.
SUNDAY NIGHT WHISKY-Interesting story within a story involving a teacher grading her English term papers.
SIXTEEN-Once again, the setting is an apartment building, and once again, it has a dinner date story line. I have read Goforth before, but he truly kicks ass with this offering. What’s interesting is the progression of the story; it starts with a precarious urban feel, immediately transitions into an elegant and ritzy vibe, and climaxes with what I can only compare to ‘Sentinal/Rosemary’s Baby.’ Amazing, and more splatterpunk.
PORNOGRAPHY-‘Sixteen’ is where the collection started to get a little raunchy, but this is where things get somewhat Erotic. This wasn’t really horror, but was suspenseful until the very end.
SOMEWHERE IN HERE-Creepy Home invasion story involving cell phones and spousal abuse.
DARKNESS HIDDEN-The longest one, and definitely a horrific conclusion to the anthology . A married couple recently move from the city to a Cornwallish village, and the husband immediately finds out that things are not as picturesque as they seem, particularly after attending the local carnival and participating in the local games!
12 short stories make up this collection, and honestly, it’s the best one I’ve read all year. There weren’t any fillers, which is why it was such a breeze to get through this book centralized around those strange neighbors, creepy townsfolk, or that obscure tenant. But it was so much more. Please allow me to dissect each one:
A FAMILY-FRIENDLY NEIGHBORHOOD-Thomas has always been capable of delivering a knife-edged splatter punk entry. This time killer toys spread slaughter throughout a quiet suburban neighborhood, and they lay it on thick.
FINAL FEAST-A clever silent horror entry dealing with a cannibalistic neighbor.
INSURGENTS-This one was Rod Sterling cold. A veteran of war is dealing ptsd and all the baggage that comes with it-agoraphobia , hallucinations, and alcoholism. That, and the merciless souls he encounters.
MIRROR IMAGE-A couple move into a new home with a DIY handyman residing next door. At first, his skillfulness succors, only to petrify them in the end.
NIEGHBOUR HOOD-Another offering from across the pond. The blackmail segments were humorous and engaging, while the ending was unexpected and shocking.
DINNER DATE-A young woman moves into a new apartment complex, and without hesitation, accepts a dinner date with her neighbor. Bates showcases his usual sarcasm and absurdity with this one. I wasn’t disappointed.
WHY DOES RANDOLPH DRAW?-Well written, trippy, and has an atmospheric notion. I still recommend reading it, but it kind of stems away from the other chills and thrills.
SUNDAY NIGHT WHISKY-Interesting story within a story involving a teacher grading her English term papers.
SIXTEEN-Once again, the setting is an apartment building, and once again, it has a dinner date story line. I have read Goforth before, but he truly kicks ass with this offering. What’s interesting is the progression of the story; it starts with a precarious urban feel, immediately transitions into an elegant and ritzy vibe, and climaxes with what I can only compare to ‘Sentinal/Rosemary’s Baby.’ Amazing, and more splatterpunk.
PORNOGRAPHY-‘Sixteen’ is where the collection started to get a little raunchy, but this is where things get somewhat Erotic. This wasn’t really horror, but was suspenseful until the very end.
SOMEWHERE IN HERE-Creepy Home invasion story involving cell phones and spousal abuse.
DARKNESS HIDDEN-The longest one, and definitely a horrific conclusion to the anthology . A married couple recently move from the city to a Cornwallish village, and the husband immediately finds out that things are not as picturesque as they seem, particularly after attending the local carnival and participating in the local games!
June 10, 2021
82 of 250
Kindle
Next Door
Compiled by Matt Shaw
Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments
From the mind behind "MASTERS OF HORROR" comes a new horror anthology to keep you up at night!
Whilst Matt Shaw is busy producing, writing and directing the feature film NEXT DOOR he decided to put together a horror anthology of the same name, and with the same theme as the motion picture. None of the stories in this collection feature in the film; the two products are completely separate other than the central concept of exploring who does live NEXT DOOR to us?
Given the fact these are some of the biggest names in horror, you can bet that whomever is living next door probably won't be the friendliest of characters...
The year is 2019 and technology has come so far that we spend more time staring at our mobile devices, and screens in general, than getting to know our next door neighbour. Gone are the days of knowing everyone who lives on the same street, or in the same village. Instead we leave our houses, avoid eye-contact or give the bare minimum of grunts to those we see and go about our daily lives without a care for anyone else. No more street parties, no more kindly neighbours checking in on you, no more Christmas cards from the little old lady who lives across the street. There's only "us" and our technology.
This anthology takes a look at who lives NEXT DOOR and what secrets they may be keeping. And who knows, maybe it will serve as warning to you that, really, you should be paying attention to those living close-by. After all, Fred West was someone's neighbour once...
Featuring stories by:
Tim Lebbon
Shaun Hutson
Ryan C. Thomas
Jeremy Bates
David Moody
Guy N. Smith
Matthew Stokoe
Justin Woodward
Gary McMahon
Rich Hawkins
Jim Goforth
Matt Shaw
1. A Family-Friendly Neighbourhood by Ryan C Thomas
This was actually quite funny and sweet in a gruesome clever way. All the toys turning into little knife wielding creepy thing only to find out they are their kids souls! They just want to be together 😂
2. Final Feast by Guy N. Smith
Quick little story of the cannibal next door! I loved it!
3. Insurgents by Rich Hawkins
A story of a war ruined mind, a soldier dealing with his demons. Well written just not my normal read.
4. Mirror Image by David Moody
A couple move into a new house with an extra handy neighbour. I enjoyed this one funny how my husband is so crap at DIY too 😂😂
5. Neighbour Hood by Tim Lebbon
Omg this has to be the creepiest one so far and the whole reason I never use my attics’!!!
6. Dinner Date by Jeremy Bates
A bit slower than the others think I just got a little bored. Never accept dinner invitations before getting to know the guy no matter how hot he is! Silly girl!
7. Why Does Randolph Draw by Matthew Stokeoe
Got to be honest I didn’t finish it I just got so bored after page 5! Just wasn’t catching me.
8. Saturday Night Whiskey by Justin M.Woodward
This was really god and well put together a kids last cry for help from his dodgy uncle!
9. Sixteen by Jim Goforth
This felt so rushed even for a short story! Although it’s a good lesson of don’t get involved with swinging neighbours 😂
10. Pornography by Matt Saw
Haha she didn’t see that coming
11. Somewhere in Here by Gary McMahon
This was one creepy ass story and for one so short I’m throughly creeped out!!
12 By Darkness Hidden by Shaun Hutson
This was pretty good a urban legend type story. Villages can be super strange places.
I really enjoyed this compilation got some great new authors added to my list too.
Kindle
Next Door
Compiled by Matt Shaw
Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments
From the mind behind "MASTERS OF HORROR" comes a new horror anthology to keep you up at night!
Whilst Matt Shaw is busy producing, writing and directing the feature film NEXT DOOR he decided to put together a horror anthology of the same name, and with the same theme as the motion picture. None of the stories in this collection feature in the film; the two products are completely separate other than the central concept of exploring who does live NEXT DOOR to us?
Given the fact these are some of the biggest names in horror, you can bet that whomever is living next door probably won't be the friendliest of characters...
The year is 2019 and technology has come so far that we spend more time staring at our mobile devices, and screens in general, than getting to know our next door neighbour. Gone are the days of knowing everyone who lives on the same street, or in the same village. Instead we leave our houses, avoid eye-contact or give the bare minimum of grunts to those we see and go about our daily lives without a care for anyone else. No more street parties, no more kindly neighbours checking in on you, no more Christmas cards from the little old lady who lives across the street. There's only "us" and our technology.
This anthology takes a look at who lives NEXT DOOR and what secrets they may be keeping. And who knows, maybe it will serve as warning to you that, really, you should be paying attention to those living close-by. After all, Fred West was someone's neighbour once...
Featuring stories by:
Tim Lebbon
Shaun Hutson
Ryan C. Thomas
Jeremy Bates
David Moody
Guy N. Smith
Matthew Stokoe
Justin Woodward
Gary McMahon
Rich Hawkins
Jim Goforth
Matt Shaw
1. A Family-Friendly Neighbourhood by Ryan C Thomas
This was actually quite funny and sweet in a gruesome clever way. All the toys turning into little knife wielding creepy thing only to find out they are their kids souls! They just want to be together 😂
2. Final Feast by Guy N. Smith
Quick little story of the cannibal next door! I loved it!
3. Insurgents by Rich Hawkins
A story of a war ruined mind, a soldier dealing with his demons. Well written just not my normal read.
4. Mirror Image by David Moody
A couple move into a new house with an extra handy neighbour. I enjoyed this one funny how my husband is so crap at DIY too 😂😂
5. Neighbour Hood by Tim Lebbon
Omg this has to be the creepiest one so far and the whole reason I never use my attics’!!!
6. Dinner Date by Jeremy Bates
A bit slower than the others think I just got a little bored. Never accept dinner invitations before getting to know the guy no matter how hot he is! Silly girl!
7. Why Does Randolph Draw by Matthew Stokeoe
Got to be honest I didn’t finish it I just got so bored after page 5! Just wasn’t catching me.
8. Saturday Night Whiskey by Justin M.Woodward
This was really god and well put together a kids last cry for help from his dodgy uncle!
9. Sixteen by Jim Goforth
This felt so rushed even for a short story! Although it’s a good lesson of don’t get involved with swinging neighbours 😂
10. Pornography by Matt Saw
Haha she didn’t see that coming
11. Somewhere in Here by Gary McMahon
This was one creepy ass story and for one so short I’m throughly creeped out!!
12 By Darkness Hidden by Shaun Hutson
This was pretty good a urban legend type story. Villages can be super strange places.
I really enjoyed this compilation got some great new authors added to my list too.
April 6, 2020
This is a pretty decent Anthology. I read this during the 2020 Quarantine so that it would kind of make things more creepy considering who else was being quarantined around me. Sixteen by Jim GoForth was definitely the Highlight of the Anthology, while Insurgents by Rich Hawkins, while Dinner Date by Jeremy Bates and Sunday Night Whiskey by Justin M WoodWard were great as well.
March 1, 2020
Great anthology, l am looking forward to seeing the film.
April 15, 2020
Enjoyed
Another good book from Matt shaw certainly got me questioning the neighbours and what they get up to behind closed doors
Another good book from Matt shaw certainly got me questioning the neighbours and what they get up to behind closed doors
September 7, 2020
I was expecting more horror than sex. I didn't consider myself a prude, but after reading this I'm not so sure. Is this is what horror is now?
October 21, 2023
Excellent. Every short story was good, not a dud in the bunch.
February 26, 2020
Great book
Couldn’t put it down a really great read. Each story different and more horrifying that the one before deserves 5stars.
Couldn’t put it down a really great read. Each story different and more horrifying that the one before deserves 5stars.
Read
February 13, 2020Great stories!
Wow, this book kept my interest with each story. Do dishes it quickly and wanted more. Definitely recommend this book.
Wow, this book kept my interest with each story. Do dishes it quickly and wanted more. Definitely recommend this book.
February 8, 2020
A mixed bag!
An eclectic mix of stories, a few were very good but, most were rather boring and one of two were simply incomprehensible. I know these stories received glowing reviews and high marks from other readers but, for me, the collection was a disappointment. That said, there were some very good tales.
An eclectic mix of stories, a few were very good but, most were rather boring and one of two were simply incomprehensible. I know these stories received glowing reviews and high marks from other readers but, for me, the collection was a disappointment. That said, there were some very good tales.
January 20, 2020
Something for everyone
Good mix of stories from the authors, I don't have a favourite because I liked all of them. I will be looking for more books by a few new authors now.
Good mix of stories from the authors, I don't have a favourite because I liked all of them. I will be looking for more books by a few new authors now.
Read
December 7, 2019Lock your doors!
This collection will have you peeking out your blinds, and wondering about that sweet old guy that lives next door!
(He's up to something, I know it!)
An outstandingly creepy collection.
No favorites, but stand outs (to me) include Ryan C. Thomas & Tim Lebbon. It felt like they had fun with this 😊
This collection will have you peeking out your blinds, and wondering about that sweet old guy that lives next door!
(He's up to something, I know it!)
An outstandingly creepy collection.
No favorites, but stand outs (to me) include Ryan C. Thomas & Tim Lebbon. It felt like they had fun with this 😊
January 1, 2020
An average of all.
As a whole collection I'd have to say some stories were better than others. Some made me cringe and others left me with a new perspective on which neighbors I would not like to have. Horror at a new level.
As a whole collection I'd have to say some stories were better than others. Some made me cringe and others left me with a new perspective on which neighbors I would not like to have. Horror at a new level.
November 22, 2019
Good
A good selection of horror stories from our famous horror writers Matt Shaw Shaun Hudson Tim Lebbon. etc. I enjoyed them very much each one different.
A good selection of horror stories from our famous horror writers Matt Shaw Shaun Hudson Tim Lebbon. etc. I enjoyed them very much each one different.
January 4, 2020
There were a few very good stories. One I didn't like at all. Most were ok.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews