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The Town That Feared Dusk
Sylvia Bernstein doesn't want to end up on a dead-end path like a former journalism colleague. She begins searching the tabloid's archives for a story that can get her career back on track. A strange bridge, with an abnormally high rate of suicides, seems like the perfect place to start. She journeys to the little town, eager to investigate, but encounters a tale far more sinister than she ever expected…
Paperback includes two bonus tales set in the same world as The Town That Feared Dusk: 'A Gift from the Bridge' and 'From Dusk till Death'.
Paperback includes two bonus tales set in the same world as The Town That Feared Dusk: 'A Gift from the Bridge' and 'From Dusk till Death'.
72 pages, Paperback
First published April 19, 2019
10 people are currently reading
2678 people want to read
About the author
Calvin Demmer
84 books497 followersCalvin Demmer is a South African author of horror, dark fantasy, science fiction, and crime. His books include the flash fiction collection The Sea Was a Fair Master and the short story collections Dark Celebrations, Her Heart Beats for Ancient Beasts, Through the Ravenous Night We Ride, Duel the Darkness for Nightmare Rule, and The Town That Feared Dusk. When not writing, he is intrigued by that which goes bump in the night and the sciences of our universe.
You can find him online at calvindemmer.com or sign up for his newsletter to stay up to date with his latest projects.
You can find him online at calvindemmer.com or sign up for his newsletter to stay up to date with his latest projects.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
August 31, 2020
Enjoyable short story about a town with a high suicide rate and a haunted bridge. A journalist (Sylvia) goes to the town to check the story out and finds more than she expected to.
March 18, 2022
DEMMER!!!
🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤
Honestly, I don't know how he does it.
The ability to elicit such an ominous atmosphere with so few words; it's a true talent.
This short-story follows intrepid reporter, Sylvia Bernstein, as she travels to a small town to investigate their abnormally high suicide rate.
Oddly enough, all the alleged suicides seem to take place at dusk on a certain mysterious bridge in town.
Sylvia decides to visit the bridge herself, scope it out a bit. Once there, she has a shocking supernatural experience which changes her outlook on the whole case.
Now she knows there is way more at play here than just a bunch of suicides.
I just adore Demmer's style of writing. It's like every word is carefully selected to pack the strongest punch.
There are always moments in his stories that hit you like an adrenaline jolt. Moments of quick and genuine fear that are so damn enjoyable!
Thank you to the author, Calvin, for providing me with a copy of this to read and review. I loved it and cannot wait for more!!
🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤
Honestly, I don't know how he does it.
The ability to elicit such an ominous atmosphere with so few words; it's a true talent.
This short-story follows intrepid reporter, Sylvia Bernstein, as she travels to a small town to investigate their abnormally high suicide rate.
Oddly enough, all the alleged suicides seem to take place at dusk on a certain mysterious bridge in town.
Sylvia decides to visit the bridge herself, scope it out a bit. Once there, she has a shocking supernatural experience which changes her outlook on the whole case.
Now she knows there is way more at play here than just a bunch of suicides.
I just adore Demmer's style of writing. It's like every word is carefully selected to pack the strongest punch.
There are always moments in his stories that hit you like an adrenaline jolt. Moments of quick and genuine fear that are so damn enjoyable!
Thank you to the author, Calvin, for providing me with a copy of this to read and review. I loved it and cannot wait for more!!
February 26, 2022
A tabloid journalist is trying to disclose the secret behind the local suicide bridge. Is it possible to force back dark entities looming at that gateway to another realm? What is old Laura's role? Interesting idea mixed with spooky elements and a surprising twist. It was okay but nothing too extraordinary. Would have liked to read more about that evil unleashed. The title reminded me a bit on "From Dusk Till Dawn" (LOL). This here was different. For Demmer fans.
May 3, 2019
This is one of those short stories that packs a punch. It was fun, fast paced and short enough to read on your break from work. You should read it!
"The guilt ate away at her core like maggots feasting on the freshly dead."
How could you not want to know why?
*I bought this short story with my hard earned cash because Steve Stred said it was good. He was right.*
** Here's a link to his review if you're interested: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
***Read 5.3.19.***
"The guilt ate away at her core like maggots feasting on the freshly dead."
How could you not want to know why?
*I bought this short story with my hard earned cash because Steve Stred said it was good. He was right.*
** Here's a link to his review if you're interested: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
***Read 5.3.19.***
October 21, 2025
Great fast pace read!
Holy cow! It was a great short read. I didn’t see the ending coming! I loved the thrill of it and what could happen next.
Holy cow! It was a great short read. I didn’t see the ending coming! I loved the thrill of it and what could happen next.
October 28, 2020
My first foray into The Short Sharp Shocks series by Demain Publishing but not my first Calvin Demmer. I've previously read and praised, THE SEA WAS A FAIR MASTER (a collection of flash fiction) and DARK CELEBRATIONS (a collection of short stories with a nod to our favorite holidays and celebrations).
THE TOWN THAT FEARED DUSK is a short read that can be enjoyed in one sitting. The stars have aligned in a strange and mysterious way because this is the third story I've read this year to draw inspiration from the classic urban legend, Crybaby Bridge. The legend can be told in a variety of ways but Calvin Demmer's take is a journalist, Sylvia, who is investigating a high number of suicides in a rural town at the same location: A bridge.
During Sylvia's time in the small town, Demmer builds an intensifying, engrossing tale leading closer and closer to what is sure to be a big reveal. This tantalizes the reader to keep turning the pages until everything is sorted out. My favorite kind of horror hook! I thoroughly enjoyed my time in THE TOWN THAT FEARED DUSK further convincing me that Demmer has mastered the short fiction format and is just teasing us with his first novel, I'm sure of it!
THE TOWN THAT FEARED DUSK is a short read that can be enjoyed in one sitting. The stars have aligned in a strange and mysterious way because this is the third story I've read this year to draw inspiration from the classic urban legend, Crybaby Bridge. The legend can be told in a variety of ways but Calvin Demmer's take is a journalist, Sylvia, who is investigating a high number of suicides in a rural town at the same location: A bridge.
During Sylvia's time in the small town, Demmer builds an intensifying, engrossing tale leading closer and closer to what is sure to be a big reveal. This tantalizes the reader to keep turning the pages until everything is sorted out. My favorite kind of horror hook! I thoroughly enjoyed my time in THE TOWN THAT FEARED DUSK further convincing me that Demmer has mastered the short fiction format and is just teasing us with his first novel, I'm sure of it!
October 8, 2019
I have been wanting to read more of Calvin Demmer's work after enjoying his story Never Sleep Again, which was a favorite of mine in the collection Deadman's Tome: Monsters Exist. The Town That Feared Dusk did not disappoint.
Sylvia, a budding reporter eager to find an especially intriguing story, drives to a small town where an ominous bridge exists. Rumor has it that many people have jumped to their deaths from the bridge. Upon arrival at the town, Sylvia finds the residents reticent to discuss the bridge and the deadly occurences. Experiencing the pull of the bridge and some unearthly events herself, Sylvia searches for someone to help her put the bridge's malicious influence to rest. Little does she know what she is in for.
This short story reads quickly, and I wish that it had been longer so that the suspense and twists had more time to lead up to the unexpected denouement. Nevertheless, it is a finely written story that certainly delivers the creep factor. Recommended.
Sylvia, a budding reporter eager to find an especially intriguing story, drives to a small town where an ominous bridge exists. Rumor has it that many people have jumped to their deaths from the bridge. Upon arrival at the town, Sylvia finds the residents reticent to discuss the bridge and the deadly occurences. Experiencing the pull of the bridge and some unearthly events herself, Sylvia searches for someone to help her put the bridge's malicious influence to rest. Little does she know what she is in for.
This short story reads quickly, and I wish that it had been longer so that the suspense and twists had more time to lead up to the unexpected denouement. Nevertheless, it is a finely written story that certainly delivers the creep factor. Recommended.
June 24, 2019
4.5 stars.
THE TOWN THAT FEARED DUSK is a story from author Calvin Demmer. Previously, I had only read a collection of his flash fiction, but that had impressed me so much that his name is now easily recognizable to me. As much as I enjoyed his extremely short tales, I was eager to see what he could do with a lengthier work.
I was not disappointed.
Sylvia is a reporter who stumbles upon a disturbing bit of information--a small town with an extraordinarily large rate of suicides.
The story takes off from there.
Demmer has once again impressed me with his ability to write a complex storyline in such a short format. The depth of the town's history and its "main attraction" was riveting every minute of the journey.
The characters also felt fleshed out sufficiently for the readers to be able to generate honest opinions of them. Once you came to this town, you felt like a part of it, yourself. When dusk came, the sensible thing to do would be to stay indoors at all costs.
However, human nature doesn't always go along with the reasonable answer.
"How far could the known reality stretch before the fabric tore . . . ?"
As soon as our main character enters the town, you could sense her light--yet determined--demeanor change into one of vague uncertainty. You'll find your emotions responding to the charged atmosphere as Sylvia's do.
Sure, you're curious, but are you certain this is a journey you're prepared to take?
Even in a tale of this length, Demmer manages to make the story feel complete, including some interesting twists that I, personally, didn't even guess at. This one will keep you thinking long after you've finished reading it.
In my opinion, the only thing it could have used was a few additional pages to make it more enjoyable.
Highly recommended.
THE TOWN THAT FEARED DUSK is a story from author Calvin Demmer. Previously, I had only read a collection of his flash fiction, but that had impressed me so much that his name is now easily recognizable to me. As much as I enjoyed his extremely short tales, I was eager to see what he could do with a lengthier work.
I was not disappointed.
Sylvia is a reporter who stumbles upon a disturbing bit of information--a small town with an extraordinarily large rate of suicides.
The story takes off from there.
Demmer has once again impressed me with his ability to write a complex storyline in such a short format. The depth of the town's history and its "main attraction" was riveting every minute of the journey.
The characters also felt fleshed out sufficiently for the readers to be able to generate honest opinions of them. Once you came to this town, you felt like a part of it, yourself. When dusk came, the sensible thing to do would be to stay indoors at all costs.
However, human nature doesn't always go along with the reasonable answer.
"How far could the known reality stretch before the fabric tore . . . ?"
As soon as our main character enters the town, you could sense her light--yet determined--demeanor change into one of vague uncertainty. You'll find your emotions responding to the charged atmosphere as Sylvia's do.
Sure, you're curious, but are you certain this is a journey you're prepared to take?
Even in a tale of this length, Demmer manages to make the story feel complete, including some interesting twists that I, personally, didn't even guess at. This one will keep you thinking long after you've finished reading it.
In my opinion, the only thing it could have used was a few additional pages to make it more enjoyable.
Highly recommended.
September 29, 2025
The Town That Feared Dusk by Calvin Demmer
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is an interesting and creepy collection of stories all interconnected around this town of Goohill and the “suicide bridge” as the town calls it.
There’s different time periods for each short story in this book, but each one focuses on the mystery of this cursed bridge. Different people have been looking for answers over the years.
For a novella, this book is packed full of twists and intricate details.
I was lucky to get an arc of this fantastic collection. This is my first book from this author and I’ll definitely be looking to read more!
*It comes out October 1st and I recommend checking it out!*
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is an interesting and creepy collection of stories all interconnected around this town of Goohill and the “suicide bridge” as the town calls it.
There’s different time periods for each short story in this book, but each one focuses on the mystery of this cursed bridge. Different people have been looking for answers over the years.
For a novella, this book is packed full of twists and intricate details.
I was lucky to get an arc of this fantastic collection. This is my first book from this author and I’ll definitely be looking to read more!
*It comes out October 1st and I recommend checking it out!*
July 30, 2020
DARK.....ok, FEARED dusk.
A suicide bridge would make a great story, don't you think? Well, Sylvia Bernstein certainly thought so when she noticed a comment on one of the tabloid's old dusty tips/rumor page....a page her recently dead colleague had noted, "must investigate further."
She thought so after arriving at the seemingly sparse, unapproachable town's people....she thought so even more so after a frightening encounter at the old creepy bridge (I would have packed my bags and split) but she continued on....and she really thought so after a brief visit with a suicide's grief and terror-stricken father. (still dusk)
HA! I was so engaged in the atmospheric, investigative part of the short story, I didn't see it slap me in the face with the twist.
Journalist's big story opportunity turns deadly!
June 4, 2019
Stay off the bridge!
A good and fast read about a haunted bridge. I really liked the twist in the story and would love to someday read a story about Laura and her husband. I would read more by this author.
A good and fast read about a haunted bridge. I really liked the twist in the story and would love to someday read a story about Laura and her husband. I would read more by this author.
October 28, 2025
I truly don’t know how Demmer continues to write all of these unique and captivating stories but I will never tire of it. The way he builds these worlds and atmospheres in so few pages is just insane.
September 26, 2025
This is a well-crafted collection of eight short interrelated stories, the titular story included. The latter was first published as a standalone in 2019, but in its current form it ties into a much more complex tapestry of complementary stories explaining what's wrong with the small town of Goohill, as well as building on the reveals to push the tale forward some time after the titular story.
The catch is that the stories are taking place in different time periods, and readers have the task to figure out on their own the sequence of the events and the connections among the characters. I found this a bit annoying at first, but as the story develops I enjoyed tracing out who's who, and how the stories are connected.
Figuring centrally is the "Suicide Bridge," on account of which Goohill has acquired some notoriety in the right (or wrong, you decide) circles. There's something wrong with the town, and people are either ignoring it or covering it up. Is the town cursed? Why so many suicides? Who's trying to keep the truth buried? Tale by tale, we follow the threads back to the bridge's origins, witness its sinister working on visitors, and slowly realize what keeps the mystery alive. The attempts of some residents to deal with the nastiness of the place are also described. However, the end story, funnily enough, could easily stand on its own.
The book is short, yet rich, dark, and often spooky. I read it in one sitting, curious to see how the puzzle pieces fit together. I eagerly recommend it as a fun read bound to surprise you!
The catch is that the stories are taking place in different time periods, and readers have the task to figure out on their own the sequence of the events and the connections among the characters. I found this a bit annoying at first, but as the story develops I enjoyed tracing out who's who, and how the stories are connected.
Figuring centrally is the "Suicide Bridge," on account of which Goohill has acquired some notoriety in the right (or wrong, you decide) circles. There's something wrong with the town, and people are either ignoring it or covering it up. Is the town cursed? Why so many suicides? Who's trying to keep the truth buried? Tale by tale, we follow the threads back to the bridge's origins, witness its sinister working on visitors, and slowly realize what keeps the mystery alive. The attempts of some residents to deal with the nastiness of the place are also described. However, the end story, funnily enough, could easily stand on its own.
The book is short, yet rich, dark, and often spooky. I read it in one sitting, curious to see how the puzzle pieces fit together. I eagerly recommend it as a fun read bound to surprise you!
January 1, 2026
This book was recommended to me and it was my first Calvin Demmer book. I can confidently say that it won’t be my last. This book was well crafted and had me absorbed right from the beginning. If you’re looking for a short, intense and spooky book then this is the one!
April 19, 2019
So good!
4.5, rounding up to 5 stars, but only 4.5 because I wanted more! I could read a full length novel of this story and be on the edge of my seat with the way Calvin Demmer writes! I hardly noticed how quickly I read it until I was done and had to sit a few minutes to process, because what the heck!! And I mean that in a good way! You don't need a summary or "about" for this, as it's a short story and anything I add could just give it all away, so I'm just going to gush on the writing. Short stories can be hard to get immersed in just because, well, they're supposed to be short. Too many details turns it too long, and not enough leaves you feeling like you missed something. Demmer drops you into this story and even though initially I felt like I was lost and needed more info, as it moved along, the puzzle pieces start fitting and the story grips you. Very well done and entertaining. I love when a short story sticks, because I tend to prefer lengthy/overly wordy books. Demmer's stories are like a breath of fresh air for someone like me.
4.5, rounding up to 5 stars, but only 4.5 because I wanted more! I could read a full length novel of this story and be on the edge of my seat with the way Calvin Demmer writes! I hardly noticed how quickly I read it until I was done and had to sit a few minutes to process, because what the heck!! And I mean that in a good way! You don't need a summary or "about" for this, as it's a short story and anything I add could just give it all away, so I'm just going to gush on the writing. Short stories can be hard to get immersed in just because, well, they're supposed to be short. Too many details turns it too long, and not enough leaves you feeling like you missed something. Demmer drops you into this story and even though initially I felt like I was lost and needed more info, as it moved along, the puzzle pieces start fitting and the story grips you. Very well done and entertaining. I love when a short story sticks, because I tend to prefer lengthy/overly wordy books. Demmer's stories are like a breath of fresh air for someone like me.
April 24, 2019
Go ahead, take a walk on the dark side with Calvin Demmer, it’s going to be a quick walk, but be prepared, you are about to enter THE TOWN THAT FEARED DUSK and you probably won’t blame them for their little eccentricity.
What is with the bridge with the unusually high suicide rates? A reporter with big dreams of her own bylines is determined to dig deep and uncover the rest of the story, but she had no idea where it would lead her or the truths she would uncover…how far will Sylvia go to get the full scoop? How far is too far?
The veil between the living and the dead has never felt thinner, thanks to Calvin Demmer’s ability to heap suspense, intrigue and all things demonic into his work then slam home an ending that will have you a touch timid about what may be waiting beneath the next bridge you cross.
Note to Calvin Demmer: this one would make an excellent full length read! I have no problem sleeping with the lights on…
I received a complimentary copy from Calvin Demmer! This is my honest review!
Series: Short Sharp Shocks - Book 17
Publisher: Demain Publishing; 1 edition (April 19, 2019)
Publication Date: April 19, 2019
Genre: Horror short story
Print Length: 32 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com
What is with the bridge with the unusually high suicide rates? A reporter with big dreams of her own bylines is determined to dig deep and uncover the rest of the story, but she had no idea where it would lead her or the truths she would uncover…how far will Sylvia go to get the full scoop? How far is too far?
The veil between the living and the dead has never felt thinner, thanks to Calvin Demmer’s ability to heap suspense, intrigue and all things demonic into his work then slam home an ending that will have you a touch timid about what may be waiting beneath the next bridge you cross.
Note to Calvin Demmer: this one would make an excellent full length read! I have no problem sleeping with the lights on…
I received a complimentary copy from Calvin Demmer! This is my honest review!
Series: Short Sharp Shocks - Book 17
Publisher: Demain Publishing; 1 edition (April 19, 2019)
Publication Date: April 19, 2019
Genre: Horror short story
Print Length: 32 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com
May 8, 2019
My second read from Calvin Demmer, and it's very clear he is a talented author. The Town that Feared Dusk drew me in immediately and kept me hooked the whole way through. I didn't see the end coming, and I'm still thinking about it after putting it down.
This is a very short read, and I think that's what impresses me the most. Calvin Demmer is able to world build and put an awful lot of character development into a very short novel. I love that I was immediately drawn into the story and connected to the characters. There wasn't a minute I was reading where I felt like things were too rushed. This is perfectly paced and definitely shocking!
I highly recommend checking The Town that Feared Dusk out. It's going on my list of favorite reads from 2019 and I can't wait to read more from Calvin Demmer!
*Thank you to Calvin Demmer for allowing me to read this. All opinions are my own.*
This is a very short read, and I think that's what impresses me the most. Calvin Demmer is able to world build and put an awful lot of character development into a very short novel. I love that I was immediately drawn into the story and connected to the characters. There wasn't a minute I was reading where I felt like things were too rushed. This is perfectly paced and definitely shocking!
I highly recommend checking The Town that Feared Dusk out. It's going on my list of favorite reads from 2019 and I can't wait to read more from Calvin Demmer!
*Thank you to Calvin Demmer for allowing me to read this. All opinions are my own.*
May 10, 2022
Anyone who knows me knows that Calvin's THE SEA WAS A FAIR MASTER is one of my top favorite books, ever. I've said it many times, and I'll say it again: he's such a good writer! He's got such a great way with words, and an amazing way of pulling the reader in without having to use a huge number of pages.
THE TOWN THAT FEARED DUSK is no exception to his 'great writer' status, and I'm happy that it stood up so well to the collection that I already loved - I wasn't at all disappointed! I had no idea where this story was going, but had fun along the way - I won't say much due to spoilers, but jeez! How did so much seem to happen in such a short book?!
I'm dying for Calvin to release something much longer so I can have even more, but until then, please feel free to keep these little ones coming -- they're SO good!
THE TOWN THAT FEARED DUSK is no exception to his 'great writer' status, and I'm happy that it stood up so well to the collection that I already loved - I wasn't at all disappointed! I had no idea where this story was going, but had fun along the way - I won't say much due to spoilers, but jeez! How did so much seem to happen in such a short book?!
I'm dying for Calvin to release something much longer so I can have even more, but until then, please feel free to keep these little ones coming -- they're SO good!
December 9, 2025
LOVED this book!! Grips you from the get-go (a bit like the bridge, actually!), immediately intense, and bloody terrifying. How is a story so scary in so few pages?! Looking forward to more like this from Calvin.
April 29, 2019
** Edited as review is live on Kendall Reviews! **
I’m going to sound like a broken record here, but last year I snagged The Sea Was a Fair Master by Calvin Demmer and promptly buried it in my TBR. Then at some point I started it and had to read it in two sittings. It was so astoundingly good. I could have read it in one sitting but I wanted each story to have room to breathe and marinate.
Demmer will end up being remembered long after all of us have passed away, as one of the best short story writers in dark fiction ever. That sounds lofty, but if you’ve read The Sea Was a Fair Master you’ll be nodding your head in agreement.
Calvin launched The Sea… and then appeared to hibernate. He released Trick or Death, a Halloween short and then total radio silence. We all held our collective breath waiting word on his next release.
While we haven’t been fortunate to have a full release (collection/novella/novel) Calvin kindly released The Town That Feared Dusk, which is the 17th book in the ‘Short Sharp Shocks!’ series.
Clocking in at 32 pages, I read this in one sitting and true to Demmer’s nature, it was thoroughly engrossing.
We follow reporter Sylvia Bernstein as she discovers a story her former colleague was tentatively researching, about a small town and its bridge. The bridge has been labelled “Suicide Bridge,” which catches her interest and she heads there, looking to uncover the truth behind the story.
Demmer introduces us to a few characters and does a great job building ‘controlled confusion’ regarding the what’s and the why’s of the back story.
The interesting thing here, for me at least, was that I felt the story would have been better served to either be shorter or longer. Demmer could have easily halved the page count and the story would have been just as punchy. On the other hand, this tale could have been easily 200-300 pages long, as we explore the different deaths and the sheriff’s back story, as well as more about the old lady and it would have been just as explosive.
At the end of the day, this tale does two things – makes you think about what the hell you just read, but also makes you long for more Demmer!
Definitely recommend checking this one out, and if you haven’t read any of his other work, get on it. He’s the rare mix of current star who’ll be a remembered author years from now.
I’m going to sound like a broken record here, but last year I snagged The Sea Was a Fair Master by Calvin Demmer and promptly buried it in my TBR. Then at some point I started it and had to read it in two sittings. It was so astoundingly good. I could have read it in one sitting but I wanted each story to have room to breathe and marinate.
Demmer will end up being remembered long after all of us have passed away, as one of the best short story writers in dark fiction ever. That sounds lofty, but if you’ve read The Sea Was a Fair Master you’ll be nodding your head in agreement.
Calvin launched The Sea… and then appeared to hibernate. He released Trick or Death, a Halloween short and then total radio silence. We all held our collective breath waiting word on his next release.
While we haven’t been fortunate to have a full release (collection/novella/novel) Calvin kindly released The Town That Feared Dusk, which is the 17th book in the ‘Short Sharp Shocks!’ series.
Clocking in at 32 pages, I read this in one sitting and true to Demmer’s nature, it was thoroughly engrossing.
We follow reporter Sylvia Bernstein as she discovers a story her former colleague was tentatively researching, about a small town and its bridge. The bridge has been labelled “Suicide Bridge,” which catches her interest and she heads there, looking to uncover the truth behind the story.
Demmer introduces us to a few characters and does a great job building ‘controlled confusion’ regarding the what’s and the why’s of the back story.
The interesting thing here, for me at least, was that I felt the story would have been better served to either be shorter or longer. Demmer could have easily halved the page count and the story would have been just as punchy. On the other hand, this tale could have been easily 200-300 pages long, as we explore the different deaths and the sheriff’s back story, as well as more about the old lady and it would have been just as explosive.
At the end of the day, this tale does two things – makes you think about what the hell you just read, but also makes you long for more Demmer!
Definitely recommend checking this one out, and if you haven’t read any of his other work, get on it. He’s the rare mix of current star who’ll be a remembered author years from now.
May 8, 2019
Deep down she knew what she had seen was real, but the tale was taking an even stranger turn than what she'd expected. How far could the known reality stretch before the fabric tore and someone was flung out into space, or madness?
The Town That Feared Dusk is one of those short stories that manages to pack such a punch in so few pages, I was beyond impressed by its impact. Calvin Demmer is a pro at flash fiction, and I've loved everything I've read by him so far, so I knew Dusk would be good, but I didn't know it would tell such a complex story so effortlessly.
When Sylvia's colleague takes his own life in the middle of researching a place called the Suicide Bridge, she's convinced that something odd is going on and decides it's a scoop she can't miss out on. Once she arrives, she finds that things are not at all what they seem. With this being such a short story, I can't say more than that about the plot, but I can tell you that it was a tremendously fun read! Not only does it build up a fantastic backstory and setting, but the events are so suspenseful and intriguing. It's no surprise that Calvin Demmer has earned yet another five-star rating from me.
Thank you so much to the author for providing me with this review copy in exchange for an honest review!
September 11, 2019
This short story is part of the Short Sharp Shocks collection, and it really delivers on that. After the death of her colleague, Sylvia needs a story to boost her career. She finds information on a ‘Suicide Bridge’, but the investigation drags her deeper than she ever expected to go.
This is one of those stories that’s really easy to get carried away in, as the reader follows Sylvia to the bridge and beyond, as she discovers there’s more than meets the eye to the suicides reported there. The empty town, the non-cooperative locals, and the eerie imagery all builds up to a tense climax, making the reader as eager to find out what is happening as Sylvia is. The ending packs a shocking punch, as promised in the collection.
The only downside is how short it is – I wanted more, more about the town, more about Sylvia, more about the unfolding events. But that’s just the sign of a good short story. The way elements are combined words really well, and I can’t imagine anyone regretting picking this one up.
This is one of those stories that’s really easy to get carried away in, as the reader follows Sylvia to the bridge and beyond, as she discovers there’s more than meets the eye to the suicides reported there. The empty town, the non-cooperative locals, and the eerie imagery all builds up to a tense climax, making the reader as eager to find out what is happening as Sylvia is. The ending packs a shocking punch, as promised in the collection.
The only downside is how short it is – I wanted more, more about the town, more about Sylvia, more about the unfolding events. But that’s just the sign of a good short story. The way elements are combined words really well, and I can’t imagine anyone regretting picking this one up.
April 20, 2019
Sylvia Bernstein gets the story of her life in a town afraid to go out at dusk, and a bridge with a long history of suicides. The story is a creepy, paranormal, mystery, that is reminiscent of those old Twilight Zone episodes. Total classic.
April 22, 2020
I can say with certainty that Clavin Demmer knows how to write excellent flash fiction.
A couple of years ago I read and really enjoyed his excellent collection THE SEA WAS A FAIR MASTER, so I had no hesitation when he asked me to read his contribution to A Short Sharp Shocks! Book collection, THE TOWN THAT FEARED DUSK. The book actually contains 3 flash stories from Demmer, and all of them are set in the same universe.
Sylvia Bernstein is looking to jump start her journalistic career with a story about a bridge that has an unusually high suicide rate. She visits the bridge hoping to find something that will intrigue readers, but she ends up getting a much bigger story than she bargained for. This tale is tense and takes a sharp turn when you least expect it. I was completely taken by surprise.
I also enjoyed the other two stories A GIFT FROM THE BRIDGE and FROM DUSK TO DEATH. The first story takes place before the events in THE TOWN THAT FEARED DUSK and the second story takes place after. Together, these three stories create a tense and complex universe about a town that fears what happens as the sun goes down. Never has twilight been this creepy.
A couple of years ago I read and really enjoyed his excellent collection THE SEA WAS A FAIR MASTER, so I had no hesitation when he asked me to read his contribution to A Short Sharp Shocks! Book collection, THE TOWN THAT FEARED DUSK. The book actually contains 3 flash stories from Demmer, and all of them are set in the same universe.
Sylvia Bernstein is looking to jump start her journalistic career with a story about a bridge that has an unusually high suicide rate. She visits the bridge hoping to find something that will intrigue readers, but she ends up getting a much bigger story than she bargained for. This tale is tense and takes a sharp turn when you least expect it. I was completely taken by surprise.
I also enjoyed the other two stories A GIFT FROM THE BRIDGE and FROM DUSK TO DEATH. The first story takes place before the events in THE TOWN THAT FEARED DUSK and the second story takes place after. Together, these three stories create a tense and complex universe about a town that fears what happens as the sun goes down. Never has twilight been this creepy.
June 14, 2019
I'd hugely enjoyed reading Calvin Demmer's flash fiction collection, 'The Sea Was a Fair Master,' so I'd been curious for some time to discover how he might handle a longer form work. This novlette release from Demain Publishing seemed like the perfect opportunity to find out.
The story is a gripping one from the off, plunging us straight into the news room of the central character, journalist Sylvia Bernstein and a disturbing mystery, left unsolved by her deceased predecessor. When she decides to dig for more, the sense of foreboding kicks in and the tension steps up and up as we discover the grisly truth.
The characters here are richly portrayed, as is the scene of this small town, and I do wonder if the author might revisit the place, either to continue the tale or to give life to the origin story or some of the side plots established here.
The story is a gripping one from the off, plunging us straight into the news room of the central character, journalist Sylvia Bernstein and a disturbing mystery, left unsolved by her deceased predecessor. When she decides to dig for more, the sense of foreboding kicks in and the tension steps up and up as we discover the grisly truth.
The characters here are richly portrayed, as is the scene of this small town, and I do wonder if the author might revisit the place, either to continue the tale or to give life to the origin story or some of the side plots established here.
April 19, 2019
Prepare to face a menacing supernatural force that’ll have you questioning the veil between heaven and hell. An edge-of-your seat story with a mind-bending conclusion. A great read.
August 10, 2020
My rating went up then down then up again....
I didn’t enjoy it as much as the others.
I didn’t enjoy it as much as the others.
April 19, 2019
Well, this being a Short Sharp Shocks, I’m not going to ruin it for future readers! I will say the Calvin Demmer does it again! He gives you a town with something horrible going on and it centers around a bridge! The ends leaves you wondering and wanting more from this story and the author!
August 1, 2020
This usually is not my go to genre but since it came recommended and it wasn't too long, I decided to give it a go. Let's just say it was a half an hour on my toes looking behind me shoulder. It was good! Calvin Demmer has a way with words that simply transfers you to the screen of your mind showing you the pictures that will freeze your blood. I will have to check out other novellas! And since they're available on KU? That only makes it sweeter.
September 22, 2019
Calvin Demmer writes intense horror stories. Part of a series called Short Sharp Shocks!, this one is a ghost story. Journalist Sylvia Bernstein is looking for that “big story,” which will boost her career into hyperspace. She should be careful what she wishes for.
Scouring a recently deceased colleague’s files, she finds an intriguing story about a “Suicide Bridge.” Who wouldn’t drop everything and chase a lead like that? In the best horror, readers spend time yelling “NO, don’t do it!” to the story’s characters. This story is no exception, of course. As Sylvia tries to get the locals around the bridge to talk with her, she runs into some brick walls. But she keeps digging and uncovers the unexpected.
When Calvin emailed to ask if I’d read and review his latest work, I said yes without hesitation. Thanks to him for the free copy in exchange for this honest review.
My conclusions
My only regret is that I didn’t read this story sooner. On the other hand, reading as we head into the Halloween horror season is highly appropriate.
I’m a fan of Calvin’s writing style. And having just read Stephen King’s collection, and several more stories and novels are on Kindle Unlimited. If you love horror, and appreciate short stories, give this one a go. Just don’t read it at night in a dark house with no one around!
Originally published on my book blog, TheBibliophage.com.
Scouring a recently deceased colleague’s files, she finds an intriguing story about a “Suicide Bridge.” Who wouldn’t drop everything and chase a lead like that? In the best horror, readers spend time yelling “NO, don’t do it!” to the story’s characters. This story is no exception, of course. As Sylvia tries to get the locals around the bridge to talk with her, she runs into some brick walls. But she keeps digging and uncovers the unexpected.
When Calvin emailed to ask if I’d read and review his latest work, I said yes without hesitation. Thanks to him for the free copy in exchange for this honest review.
My conclusions
My only regret is that I didn’t read this story sooner. On the other hand, reading as we head into the Halloween horror season is highly appropriate.
I’m a fan of Calvin’s writing style. And having just read Stephen King’s collection, and several more stories and novels are on Kindle Unlimited. If you love horror, and appreciate short stories, give this one a go. Just don’t read it at night in a dark house with no one around!
Originally published on my book blog, TheBibliophage.com.
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