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Harrowing Horrors: Hanged Man
Deep within the darkness of the night lies the keeper of stories—the Hanged Man.
Bound by the neck and strung to his tree, he waits for ears to listen, for he has stories to tell.
Won't you come and listen?
Peek inside for six Harrowing Horror reads from top writing talent including J.Z. Foster, Lori Foster (Writing as L.L. Foster) and Justin M. Woodward.
Bound by the neck and strung to his tree, he waits for ears to listen, for he has stories to tell.
Won't you come and listen?
Peek inside for six Harrowing Horror reads from top writing talent including J.Z. Foster, Lori Foster (Writing as L.L. Foster) and Justin M. Woodward.
- GenresHorror
131 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 26, 2019
62 people are currently reading
88 people want to read
About the author
J.Z. Foster
29 books130 followersJ.Z. Foster is an Urban Fantasy / Horror writer originally from Ohio. He spent several years in South Korea where he met and married his wife and together they opened an English school.
Now a first time father, he’s returned to the states - and his hometown roots.
He received the writing bug from his mother, NYTimes best selling author, Lori Foster.
You can follow his writing progress on his Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/JZFosterAuthor/
Now a first time father, he’s returned to the states - and his hometown roots.
He received the writing bug from his mother, NYTimes best selling author, Lori Foster.
You can follow his writing progress on his Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/JZFosterAuthor/
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
October 25, 2019
Some great stories! Perfect for the spooky season. 5 stars - full review to come soon! But now I need to go read Harrowing Horrors: Demon Weed which is free at JZFoster.com if anyone wants to join me!
March 2, 2020
I know, I know... I said I was done reading short story collections but... I've had this for ages so apologies to the author for taking so long AND never say never, right? *wink*
This is 122 pages of absolute horror fun. This reminds me of those scary stories in the dark, goosebumps, etc. type of stories. Short, to the point, and leaving you with that horrific grin of horror happiness. I especially loved how it starts and ends with the Hanged Man. Proper book ends (ahem) if you will. And now I'm curious as to what type of woods these authors have been frolicking out there.
Since these are so short, I don't want to ruin anything but I will say that if you're a fan of horror fiction and those campfire type ghost stories we all love so much, I encourage you to pick up this collection... and anyone know where I can get me one of those yellow boxes? 😈
This is 122 pages of absolute horror fun. This reminds me of those scary stories in the dark, goosebumps, etc. type of stories. Short, to the point, and leaving you with that horrific grin of horror happiness. I especially loved how it starts and ends with the Hanged Man. Proper book ends (ahem) if you will. And now I'm curious as to what type of woods these authors have been frolicking out there.
Since these are so short, I don't want to ruin anything but I will say that if you're a fan of horror fiction and those campfire type ghost stories we all love so much, I encourage you to pick up this collection... and anyone know where I can get me one of those yellow boxes? 😈
September 24, 2019
This is a collection of six dark tales by J.Z. Foster, Lori Foster (writing as L.L. Foster) and Justin M. Woodward.
“Stories are only good if there’s someone to hear them.” Four teenagers head out to the woods with candles, under the full moon, to investigate the legend of the Hanged Man. They say he is bound by the neck and strung to his tree, waiting for ears to listen, for he has stories to tell.
My favorites in this collection include:
The Picture by J.Z. Foster. Megan and Nick leave the stress of the city behind to do a little hiking and relax at a small B & B. There are lots of opportunities for Megan to indulge her love of photography but things are not what they seem here.
The Skin Beneath by L.L. Foster. Peter has helped Mina escape from some kind of asylum. When they are caught in a trap set by two men who are up to nothing good, we get a better idea of who Mina really is.
Little Yellow Box by Justin M. Woodward. When Tobias was a kid his dad found a mysterious yellow box on a job site and brought it home to Tobias. It disappeared after his dad passed. Years later, Tobias and his girlfriend run across an identical yellow box...
This is a solid collection of stories that will definitely get you in the Halloween spirit. Highly recommended!
“Stories are only good if there’s someone to hear them.” Four teenagers head out to the woods with candles, under the full moon, to investigate the legend of the Hanged Man. They say he is bound by the neck and strung to his tree, waiting for ears to listen, for he has stories to tell.
My favorites in this collection include:
The Picture by J.Z. Foster. Megan and Nick leave the stress of the city behind to do a little hiking and relax at a small B & B. There are lots of opportunities for Megan to indulge her love of photography but things are not what they seem here.
The Skin Beneath by L.L. Foster. Peter has helped Mina escape from some kind of asylum. When they are caught in a trap set by two men who are up to nothing good, we get a better idea of who Mina really is.
Little Yellow Box by Justin M. Woodward. When Tobias was a kid his dad found a mysterious yellow box on a job site and brought it home to Tobias. It disappeared after his dad passed. Years later, Tobias and his girlfriend run across an identical yellow box...
This is a solid collection of stories that will definitely get you in the Halloween spirit. Highly recommended!
September 26, 2019
"I've been waiting for you, ears that listen, with stories to tell. Stories are only good if there's someone to hear them."
These stories were so fun and several were straight up creepy! The Picture gave me the most chills, as it was way too realistic and I could see that actually happen. I love that we got a mix of different types of horror, including some vampires and monsters that I'd love to see more of. Definitely a nod to the Scary Stories and other folklore type story books we grew up with, but way way more adult and CREEPY! So fun, but also just the right amount of scary to retell around a campfire. Remember, "...monsters are patient, and they always come back. They always do."
Also, cover artist! SO FREAKING PERFECT!!!! Nailed it!! This is definitely a book you will want to have for both aesthetics and when you need a little horror to wind down at night.
These stories were so fun and several were straight up creepy! The Picture gave me the most chills, as it was way too realistic and I could see that actually happen. I love that we got a mix of different types of horror, including some vampires and monsters that I'd love to see more of. Definitely a nod to the Scary Stories and other folklore type story books we grew up with, but way way more adult and CREEPY! So fun, but also just the right amount of scary to retell around a campfire. Remember, "...monsters are patient, and they always come back. They always do."
Also, cover artist! SO FREAKING PERFECT!!!! Nailed it!! This is definitely a book you will want to have for both aesthetics and when you need a little horror to wind down at night.
October 11, 2020
A really good varied selection of horror stories which range from scary monsters and psychopathic abductors to magical, mystical wicca cubes that can change the fortunes for people forever.
Note - A clever and novel idea has been applied to the book’s format which sees the bulk of these creepy tales bundled together between the first story, which has been split into two, and acts as the Prologue and Epilogue for the actual ‘Hangman’ tale. A good device that worked well, though I did feel that this first story was the weakest and tended to suggest that all the other enclosed tales were written for a teenage and YA audience. Believe me - this is certainly not the case!
Lots to admire and enjoy, with some great ideas - go meet the Hangman, you won’t be disappointed!
Rating: 4.2 stars.
Note - A clever and novel idea has been applied to the book’s format which sees the bulk of these creepy tales bundled together between the first story, which has been split into two, and acts as the Prologue and Epilogue for the actual ‘Hangman’ tale. A good device that worked well, though I did feel that this first story was the weakest and tended to suggest that all the other enclosed tales were written for a teenage and YA audience. Believe me - this is certainly not the case!
Lots to admire and enjoy, with some great ideas - go meet the Hangman, you won’t be disappointed!
Rating: 4.2 stars.
September 25, 2019
I enjoyed this book. It starts out with the Prologue, which is the first half of the first story. The idea is that these stories are told by the Hanged Man (in the prologue) to the kids listening. The other stories follow, and the book is closed by the end of the first story.
The first of the short stories framed by The Hanged Man is written by JZ Foster. It is frightening rather than spooky. Then comes one written by LL Foster. This one is my favorite. Mina Hanson has been committed to an asylum by her family because they cannot deal with her. After ten years, when she turns 19, Peter Grogan is assigned to become her handler. The story begins as they are fleeing the asylum. During the course of the night, Mina learns that she is not a monster, after all.
JZ Foster brings us a frightening tale of a travelling salesman, Abe Gaylord. Like a lot of us, he is having trouble adjusting to the age of ecommerce.
All of the stories are frightening, but they have an interesting twist. I think you will enjoy this one.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader copy of this book.
The first of the short stories framed by The Hanged Man is written by JZ Foster. It is frightening rather than spooky. Then comes one written by LL Foster. This one is my favorite. Mina Hanson has been committed to an asylum by her family because they cannot deal with her. After ten years, when she turns 19, Peter Grogan is assigned to become her handler. The story begins as they are fleeing the asylum. During the course of the night, Mina learns that she is not a monster, after all.
JZ Foster brings us a frightening tale of a travelling salesman, Abe Gaylord. Like a lot of us, he is having trouble adjusting to the age of ecommerce.
All of the stories are frightening, but they have an interesting twist. I think you will enjoy this one.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader copy of this book.
October 12, 2019
The book begins in a town with a creepy legend of The Hanged Man. A group of teens goes into the woods to investigate and test the legend. The "stories" of The Hanged Man are then told as short stories on multiple subjects. My favorite of the stories was Cold Sleep. The monster in that tale truly creeped me out! I could relate to the story as a child in fear of the dark or shadows in the room. All of the stories are well written and entertaining. I really liked how the book begins with the teens searching for the legend and ends with the outcome of their search while incorporating the individual tales in between. It worked well. JZ has penned a fantastic adventure and you won't be disappointed.
November 7, 2019
Wonderfully spooky collection of horror stories perfect read for the season.
September 26, 2019
As promised this book just delights with wonderful short stories, alas they are to short with each one leaving me wanting more. I have missed the stories from L.L. Foster having enjoyed her Servant series very much and she did not disappoint with "The Skin Beneath". This was my first time reading Justin M Woodward and I found his story "Little Yellow Box" very intriguing I will definitely be reading more of his books and J.Z. Foster still is my favorite horror author. I find his writing style to be unique and a bit quirky and his stories are always a great read. I look forward to his next book.
December 1, 2019
If your looking for a mix between scary stories and Are You Afraid of the Dark then this is the Anthology to read. Amazing short stories that will take your breath away and yet continue to make you think of what is going to happen next J.Z. Foster L.L. Foster and Justin Woodward has taken this to the next level! Is the hanged man really real or is it just a story to scare the children to stay out of the woods at night?
September 23, 2019
Excellent stories and worlds. Fun quick read.
September 27, 2019
Awesome book!
Loved this book! It has amazing short stories that are wonderfully written and keeps you pulled in! I definitely recommend reading it
Loved this book! It has amazing short stories that are wonderfully written and keeps you pulled in! I definitely recommend reading it
May 1, 2022
Even from the cover, I got feels about those scary story books from when I was a kid. Yes, I'm old, but that's not the point. This is a novella, so each story is short (I'm not exact, maybe 20-30 pages each) but each story is being told and happening as a bigger story is happening. I think that's pretty cool.
I really don't scare easy.... those books as a kid never scared me, either. I'm more of a LOL person when other people might get chills. So don't take this the wrong way when I say I did LOL at some of these stories, (but in the perfectly natural way of realizing fear is impossible for me), but in a good way. In a, 'Yep I'm being entertained kind of way'>
I really don't scare easy.... those books as a kid never scared me, either. I'm more of a LOL person when other people might get chills. So don't take this the wrong way when I say I did LOL at some of these stories, (but in the perfectly natural way of realizing fear is impossible for me), but in a good way. In a, 'Yep I'm being entertained kind of way'>
March 28, 2020
I really enjoyed it the stories were great and really well written. I even thought the cover illustration was good can't wait to read the next one.
October 2, 2019
I am a big fan of horror stories and anything scary. This book, is a collection of several short scary stories. I really enjoyed this collection. The three authors included in this book done a great job on their stories.
I think my two favorite stories in this book were The Picture, by J. Z Foster, which is about a couple going to a small town bed and breakfast, to get away from the city, and enjoy some hiking. But experience a lot more than the beauty of the hiking trails. And Cold Bed, also by J. Z. Foster. This story was about a little boy that is terrified by the monster in his room. But his parents don’t believe him, blaming bad dreams caused by scary movies that he watches. He’s afraid to sleep, afraid the monster will get him.
I think that all of these stories were had the creep factor. They weren’t terribly scary to me, but then, I’m a hard person to scare.
I was happy to learn that this is going to be part of a series, with new authors stories included. I will be looking forward to checking them out.
I definitely recommend this book if you enjoy a good creepy story. The authors did great in telling their stories. This was the perfect little quick read to start out the month of October.
I think my two favorite stories in this book were The Picture, by J. Z Foster, which is about a couple going to a small town bed and breakfast, to get away from the city, and enjoy some hiking. But experience a lot more than the beauty of the hiking trails. And Cold Bed, also by J. Z. Foster. This story was about a little boy that is terrified by the monster in his room. But his parents don’t believe him, blaming bad dreams caused by scary movies that he watches. He’s afraid to sleep, afraid the monster will get him.
I think that all of these stories were had the creep factor. They weren’t terribly scary to me, but then, I’m a hard person to scare.
I was happy to learn that this is going to be part of a series, with new authors stories included. I will be looking forward to checking them out.
I definitely recommend this book if you enjoy a good creepy story. The authors did great in telling their stories. This was the perfect little quick read to start out the month of October.
September 26, 2019
A great read!
This anthology is filled with great stories that really take you on an adventure. J. Z. Foster, L. L. Foster, and Justin M. Woodward really deliver on the creep factor with excellent story telling! This anthology has romance, friendship, family ties, and one smooth talking salesman. A must read just in time for.Halloween!
This anthology is filled with great stories that really take you on an adventure. J. Z. Foster, L. L. Foster, and Justin M. Woodward really deliver on the creep factor with excellent story telling! This anthology has romance, friendship, family ties, and one smooth talking salesman. A must read just in time for.Halloween!
October 1, 2019
This is a great selection of short horror stories! J.Z. Lori and Justin all weave perfectly paced horror tales. I could not put this book down. I would absolutely recommend reading these stories, and I look forward for the next release!
October 4, 2019
Absolutely thrilling collection of stories.
It keeps you captivated by the horror that flows off the pages.Easily one of my ebooks this year. Thrilling tales of fright.This author is the next Stephen king!
It keeps you captivated by the horror that flows off the pages.Easily one of my ebooks this year. Thrilling tales of fright.This author is the next Stephen king!
September 26, 2019
With author J.Z. Foster leading the pack, and featured stories from authors Justin M. Woodward, Harrowing Horrors is an instant classic!
September 29, 2019
I loved this book! A great way to start off October. Good scary stories. I can't wait for the next one.
October 1, 2019
Really enjoyed all the stories except "Hell of a Deal".
October 2, 2019
Great collection of spooky stories just in time for Halloween..
October 8, 2019
October was the perfect time to read this collection of short horror stories. Some took me back to a time when I was glued to my seat watching Alfred Hitchcock or Rod Sterling’s Night Gallery.
July 31, 2020
This a fun collection of stories that I enjoyed. Even if it didn't blow me away, I still liked it enough to plan on checking out the other books in the series. And check out that cool cover! It's very reminiscent of the spooky Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark books.
The Hanged Man, the wraparound story had a neat, urban legend feel to it. Four teens go looking for a local spirit, the titular hanged man, in the woods. Legend has it, if you find him, he'll tell you scary stories. However, these stories come with a price. I enjoyed the way this one wrapt up; the ending wasn't really surprising, but it was fitting in how it brought everything full circle.
The Picture-This was probably the strongest story in the collection, with characters I really cared about. Nick and Megan are visiting a bed and breakfast in the countryside for a romantic getaway. Right away, Megan gets weird vibes from the inn's proprietor, Doloris. And what's the deal with her mysterious grandson?
The Skin Beneath's writing was a bit more amateur than the previous tale, but it was still an interesting story. Mina is escaping from an asylum where she has been locked up since childhood. On the run, she and her boyfriend, Peter, get in a car accident. Mina goes for help with two suspicious men, but when the nature of the men's unsavory plan is revealed, so are Mina's powers. I enjoyed the two men's comeuppance in this story-it was cathartic reading Mina's revenge, even if the story overall could have been stronger.
Hell of a Deal reminded me a little bit of an old Tales From the Crypt episode. An aging salesman gets more than he bargained for when making a big sale to a local hotel. Will a little bit of luck and a lifetime of skilled persuasion get him out of the biggest mess he's ever been in? This one had a fun little twist to it.
Little Yellow Box concerned a cursed yellow box that our main character finds at a flea market. He recognizes the box as something his father had given him years before, something his mother had gotten rid of shortly after his father's death. This was probably my least favorite story, just because the subject matter didn't really interest me, but others may find it more enjoyable.
Finally, Cold Sleep was a fun little monster story, about a boy and a frightening creature who only comes out at night when the boy tries to sleep. This one was a bit lighter in tone than the others and was probably my favorite in the collection.
Overall, not the best collection of stories I've ever read, but I was entertained and will probably be reading more by these authors.
The Hanged Man, the wraparound story had a neat, urban legend feel to it. Four teens go looking for a local spirit, the titular hanged man, in the woods. Legend has it, if you find him, he'll tell you scary stories. However, these stories come with a price. I enjoyed the way this one wrapt up; the ending wasn't really surprising, but it was fitting in how it brought everything full circle.
The Picture-This was probably the strongest story in the collection, with characters I really cared about. Nick and Megan are visiting a bed and breakfast in the countryside for a romantic getaway. Right away, Megan gets weird vibes from the inn's proprietor, Doloris. And what's the deal with her mysterious grandson?
The Skin Beneath's writing was a bit more amateur than the previous tale, but it was still an interesting story. Mina is escaping from an asylum where she has been locked up since childhood. On the run, she and her boyfriend, Peter, get in a car accident. Mina goes for help with two suspicious men, but when the nature of the men's unsavory plan is revealed, so are Mina's powers. I enjoyed the two men's comeuppance in this story-it was cathartic reading Mina's revenge, even if the story overall could have been stronger.
Hell of a Deal reminded me a little bit of an old Tales From the Crypt episode. An aging salesman gets more than he bargained for when making a big sale to a local hotel. Will a little bit of luck and a lifetime of skilled persuasion get him out of the biggest mess he's ever been in? This one had a fun little twist to it.
Little Yellow Box concerned a cursed yellow box that our main character finds at a flea market. He recognizes the box as something his father had given him years before, something his mother had gotten rid of shortly after his father's death. This was probably my least favorite story, just because the subject matter didn't really interest me, but others may find it more enjoyable.
Finally, Cold Sleep was a fun little monster story, about a boy and a frightening creature who only comes out at night when the boy tries to sleep. This one was a bit lighter in tone than the others and was probably my favorite in the collection.
Overall, not the best collection of stories I've ever read, but I was entertained and will probably be reading more by these authors.
August 27, 2020
Eh
It was OK. Some of the stories were pretty good but most were just OK. I don't think I'll be reading the other hanged man books.
It was OK. Some of the stories were pretty good but most were just OK. I don't think I'll be reading the other hanged man books.
September 18, 2020
Good fun read
This was a good fun read, I enjoyed the short stories (every one). I will definitely read part 2. .
This was a good fun read, I enjoyed the short stories (every one). I will definitely read part 2. .
February 2, 2022
Great collection of creepy stories. I loved 4 out of 6 of the stories, the other 2 were ok but not my favorite. Can't wait to read the next collection.
March 4, 2025
Reminded me of a book I read as a kid so I got it. It’s cool and interesting.
November 18, 2019
This is a great anthology style written book with multiple original dark stories from multiple authors and I had a hard time putting it down!
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews