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The Window in the Ground
On the outskirts of town, hides a secret.
If you follow a path through the trees, read the rules (always twice) on the sign post, go up a hill and across a grassy clearing, that secret will reveal itself.
You see, for hundreds of years, this seemingly normal town has done its part, kept the balance.
But on this day, a rule will be broken.
You might have heard the rumors shared in whispers.
You may have been told about someone who’d seen it with their own eyes.
But now, on this day, you’ll join us.
You’ll come for a car ride and we’ll park.
Then we’ll walk along a path, read some rules (always twice), and go up a hill and arrive at a clearing.
Across the grass, you’ll see just what the town’s been hiding, protecting for centuries.
Then you’ll feel a pull.
And we’ll make our way over to it.
Over to the window in the ground.
“I looked at the mound and could see that a light was shining up from the under, from inside the window. Something was happening below.”
If you follow a path through the trees, read the rules (always twice) on the sign post, go up a hill and across a grassy clearing, that secret will reveal itself.
You see, for hundreds of years, this seemingly normal town has done its part, kept the balance.
But on this day, a rule will be broken.
You might have heard the rumors shared in whispers.
You may have been told about someone who’d seen it with their own eyes.
But now, on this day, you’ll join us.
You’ll come for a car ride and we’ll park.
Then we’ll walk along a path, read some rules (always twice), and go up a hill and arrive at a clearing.
Across the grass, you’ll see just what the town’s been hiding, protecting for centuries.
Then you’ll feel a pull.
And we’ll make our way over to it.
Over to the window in the ground.
“I looked at the mound and could see that a light was shining up from the under, from inside the window. Something was happening below.”
ebook
Published July 1, 2020
14 people are currently reading
402 people want to read
About the author
Steve Stred
86 books668 followersAn award-winning author, Steve Stred lives in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, with his wife and son.
Known for his novels, ‘Mastodon,’ ‘Churn the Soil,’ and his series ‘Father of Lies’ where he joined a cult on the dark web for four years, his work has been described as haunting, bleak and is frequently set in the woods near where he grew up. He’s been fortunate to appear in numerous anthologies with some truly amazing authors.
His novel ‘Mastodon’ will be translated into Czech and Italian over the next few years.
His novel 'Churn the Soil' won the Best Horror Novel award in the 2024 Indieverse Awards.
His novel 'Mastodon' and his novella' Sacrament' were both nominated for Splatterpunk Awards.
He is represented by Kodie Van Dusen at The Rights Factory and Alec Frankel at Independent Artist Group.
Outside of writing, Steve received his Bachelor Degree in Kinesiology from the University of the Fraser Valley in 2008, and became a Certified Canadian Pedorthist in 2013.
Known for his novels, ‘Mastodon,’ ‘Churn the Soil,’ and his series ‘Father of Lies’ where he joined a cult on the dark web for four years, his work has been described as haunting, bleak and is frequently set in the woods near where he grew up. He’s been fortunate to appear in numerous anthologies with some truly amazing authors.
His novel ‘Mastodon’ will be translated into Czech and Italian over the next few years.
His novel 'Churn the Soil' won the Best Horror Novel award in the 2024 Indieverse Awards.
His novel 'Mastodon' and his novella' Sacrament' were both nominated for Splatterpunk Awards.
He is represented by Kodie Van Dusen at The Rights Factory and Alec Frankel at Independent Artist Group.
Outside of writing, Steve received his Bachelor Degree in Kinesiology from the University of the Fraser Valley in 2008, and became a Certified Canadian Pedorthist in 2013.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
December 20, 2020
The story started strong with Gramps showing his grandson a mysterious window in the ground after hiking for more than an hour into a wooden area near town. What about the secret of this town? What is behind that window and why is it referred to as "gateway to somewhere else" by grandpa? Things are getting strange when grandson and a friend named Fred go to that place again. Alone. From then on the story has some bizarre moments but really doesn't go forward. I read page for page but didn't find what I expected. Planned by the author? I don't know but a promising start lost momentum from the middle on. What a pity. Would have liked it but so a got lost... something for Stred fans!
July 28, 2025
Ah, secrets. Anxiety-producing, nerve-rattling secrets. Is there anything scarier than a secret? Perhaps a bigfoot with a lusty look in his eyes aimed at you, but honestly think about it. A secret could very well be something minimal like a rumor or a bit of self-disclosure, or another matter entirely. A national security subject, something otherworldly, or even beyond on a much larger scale. But it all comes down to not knowing about something. There’s nothing worse than being totally clueless about something that directly impacts you. And that’s the beauty of this story. It takes a very simplistic, yet unique, concept and shows it to us through the eyes of a child. So many different levels of depth here, and, despite me wanting to critique it to death about a lack of proper development, it was made that way by design. Kids take everything at face value and only know what’s immediately being said to them or in front of their eyes. And our lead here being brought into a situation that has always existed, but still completely misunderstood by the community, and he is now being brought into the inner circle of this secret place. Terrifying to a child. It’s intense and scary, and leaves you needing to continue to read, totally disoriented, as we discover the truth about this mysterious place surrounded by a strange set of circumstances in this tiny community, that will change the life of our main character forever. A solid outing by Steve Shred.
July 10, 2020
4.5 stars.
THE WINDOW IN THE GROUND, by Steve Stred, is a horror novella that blends mystery, coming-of-age, and the supernatural. I read this in a single sitting, and later re-read it because I couldn't get certain scenes out of my mind.
Our unnamed narrator is fifteen at the beginning of this tale, when his Gramps arrives to pick him up unexpectedly--his only words being "to make you a man". The town harbors a . . . responsibility . . . that only those over the age of 18 are deemed mature enough to know about.
Far out in the woods, there is a sinister "window in the ground".
". . . back then folks treated it as a curiosity. A place to go and look, but not touch . . . "
The origins and reason for this phenomenon are not revealed--a tactic that I feel worked decidedly in this novella's favor. There was something far more unnerving in the not knowing, the lack of information here, that made my mind continue dwelling on the story and going through all kinds of different scenarios.
". . . Now, I couldn't be sure as I'd never spent much time there myself, but it looked like a place bodies got dumped . . . "
We see everything through the eyes of a confused teenage boy, and nothing more than his own observations and thoughts. Personally, I felt this drew me even closer to the tale. Everything from the tone abruptly set at the beginning, the utter uncertainty of . . . anything . . . and all events that unfolded, held me in a thrall. This was a fantastic novella that had me focused throughout every page.
Highly recommended.
THE WINDOW IN THE GROUND, by Steve Stred, is a horror novella that blends mystery, coming-of-age, and the supernatural. I read this in a single sitting, and later re-read it because I couldn't get certain scenes out of my mind.
Our unnamed narrator is fifteen at the beginning of this tale, when his Gramps arrives to pick him up unexpectedly--his only words being "to make you a man". The town harbors a . . . responsibility . . . that only those over the age of 18 are deemed mature enough to know about.
Far out in the woods, there is a sinister "window in the ground".
". . . back then folks treated it as a curiosity. A place to go and look, but not touch . . . "
The origins and reason for this phenomenon are not revealed--a tactic that I feel worked decidedly in this novella's favor. There was something far more unnerving in the not knowing, the lack of information here, that made my mind continue dwelling on the story and going through all kinds of different scenarios.
". . . Now, I couldn't be sure as I'd never spent much time there myself, but it looked like a place bodies got dumped . . . "
We see everything through the eyes of a confused teenage boy, and nothing more than his own observations and thoughts. Personally, I felt this drew me even closer to the tale. Everything from the tone abruptly set at the beginning, the utter uncertainty of . . . anything . . . and all events that unfolded, held me in a thrall. This was a fantastic novella that had me focused throughout every page.
Highly recommended.
June 2, 2020
Steve’s done it again with this twisted tale of dark folklore.
May 27, 2020
‘You see, for hundreds of years, this seemingly normal town has done its part, kept the balance.'
'But on this day, a rule will be broken.’
I had a lot of fun reading THE WINDOW IN THE GROUND by Steve Stred, and I’m hoping to revisit the creatures down below via a sequel. *wink wink*
Thank you, Steve, for providing me with an eBook of THE WINDOW IN THE GROUND in exchange for an honest review.
'But on this day, a rule will be broken.’
I had a lot of fun reading THE WINDOW IN THE GROUND by Steve Stred, and I’m hoping to revisit the creatures down below via a sequel. *wink wink*
Thank you, Steve, for providing me with an eBook of THE WINDOW IN THE GROUND in exchange for an honest review.
June 26, 2020
I read this nearly 3 months ago and cannot find the review I wrote for it! It's no longer fresh in my mind, so this will be short. THE WINDOW IN THE GROUND is a brilliant novel with a seemingly simple premise. However, there's more to it than you realize, and some you'll never know! There's a cool mystery going on in this novella, as well as some oddities in behavior and disappearances that I really loved. I hope Stred expands upon this story some day!
February 18, 2024
After reading (and absolutely loving) CHURN THE SOIL by Steve Stred, I knew I had to read more from this author! I love love his writing style and his ability to grab the reader from the very first page!
THE WINDOW IN THE GROUND is a novella that packs the punch of a full blown novel! The story is incredibly imaginative, with a very unique plot. So many, many parts of the novella are chilling, and the creep factor is off-the-charts! Steve Stred’s writing is so incredibly descriptive, that as you read, you can just about picture the action unfolding right there in the pages.
But THE WINDOW IN THE GROUND is much more than suspense, or horror, in my opinion. It is a story about choices and consequences, about secrets and the power they hold. Our protagonist is a teenage boy who learns about his own town’s terrible secret, one that will impact his life and the lives around him in unimaginable ways. The story is told in first person from his point of view, and done so well that we, the readers, feel his fear and sheer horror as events unfold in the novella. And oh, that ending! I didn’t expect it!
Do yourself a huge favor and start reading Steve Stred’s books if you haven’t already. Great horror stories, rich characters, and enough suspense to keep you up way past your bedtime!! Oh, and I have to say that I loved this book cover!!
THE WINDOW IN THE GROUND is a novella that packs the punch of a full blown novel! The story is incredibly imaginative, with a very unique plot. So many, many parts of the novella are chilling, and the creep factor is off-the-charts! Steve Stred’s writing is so incredibly descriptive, that as you read, you can just about picture the action unfolding right there in the pages.
But THE WINDOW IN THE GROUND is much more than suspense, or horror, in my opinion. It is a story about choices and consequences, about secrets and the power they hold. Our protagonist is a teenage boy who learns about his own town’s terrible secret, one that will impact his life and the lives around him in unimaginable ways. The story is told in first person from his point of view, and done so well that we, the readers, feel his fear and sheer horror as events unfold in the novella. And oh, that ending! I didn’t expect it!
Do yourself a huge favor and start reading Steve Stred’s books if you haven’t already. Great horror stories, rich characters, and enough suspense to keep you up way past your bedtime!! Oh, and I have to say that I loved this book cover!!
April 3, 2020
The Window In The Ground is a delightful coming of age horror; it blends the feelings you get from Stephen King’s ‘The Body’ with the horrors of an amalgamation of the top horror writers today - something new and terrifying!
The folk horror vibe runs deep with this one and I love how it flows so easily and creeps over the readers subconscious (it felt at times I was reliving something from my childhood - a story or a lore that I’d been told) - Stred paints a world and a lore that is delightfully beguiling and terrifying in equal measure, making us believe that this thing in the ground is real... that it exists, that it lives and breathes and it wants to consume us!
The voice of our protagonist is a delight and pulls the reader in and the other members of the story all serve their part in making this an immersive read; a small town with a bleak and dark secret that is waiting to get out... or to welcome others in!
Terror has never felt so fresh and alive than it does with The Window In The Ground!
The folk horror vibe runs deep with this one and I love how it flows so easily and creeps over the readers subconscious (it felt at times I was reliving something from my childhood - a story or a lore that I’d been told) - Stred paints a world and a lore that is delightfully beguiling and terrifying in equal measure, making us believe that this thing in the ground is real... that it exists, that it lives and breathes and it wants to consume us!
The voice of our protagonist is a delight and pulls the reader in and the other members of the story all serve their part in making this an immersive read; a small town with a bleak and dark secret that is waiting to get out... or to welcome others in!
Terror has never felt so fresh and alive than it does with The Window In The Ground!
July 18, 2023
Steve’s mind is really such a treasure. The more I read by him the more impressed I am. I’m a big fan of his novellas in general and this is no exception. I love that he keeps you guessing, even when you get to the end. Absolutely fascinated by this idea of a ‘Window in the Ground’ that separates one realm from another.
For some reason this vaguely reminded me of ‘Mister B Gone’ by Barker but in the other direction. A human soul, sprung into the underworld to serve an unclear purpose. The whole time you’re begging the young boy to leave well enough alone while simultaneously sitting on the edge of your seat to know what the fuck is going on with this Window. My 5th read for Canadian Indie Horror Month and what a home run!
For some reason this vaguely reminded me of ‘Mister B Gone’ by Barker but in the other direction. A human soul, sprung into the underworld to serve an unclear purpose. The whole time you’re begging the young boy to leave well enough alone while simultaneously sitting on the edge of your seat to know what the fuck is going on with this Window. My 5th read for Canadian Indie Horror Month and what a home run!
February 25, 2021
Shades of Lois Lowry's "The Giver" in this one from Stred, with a dark twist. Definitely worth the read.
July 1, 2020
There is something in the woods, a “thing” on the outskirts of town. There is a mound in the woods and it has a window on it, a window in the ground. The window in the ground has rules!
The author once again takes us on a journey into the woods/forest where we find a town’s secret! Gramps takes his Grandson out to see the secret long before the age stated in the rules! Is the windows purpose to keep things in or to keep things out? The place keeps drawing him back and he will come to understand his fate is tied to that window! Another good story from this author and I’ve come to look forward to each new yarn he throws our way!
The author once again takes us on a journey into the woods/forest where we find a town’s secret! Gramps takes his Grandson out to see the secret long before the age stated in the rules! Is the windows purpose to keep things in or to keep things out? The place keeps drawing him back and he will come to understand his fate is tied to that window! Another good story from this author and I’ve come to look forward to each new yarn he throws our way!
August 25, 2022
I loved this eerie story. It flows nicely. I would have liked more details on the creatures, but it still kept me entertained. A little sad, and the ending is perfect.
September 2, 2024
Not as good as the first book I read of Steve's.
Easy to read, I will give it that. Mysterious and exciting, at first.
The Window In the Ground by Steve Stred is a horror / thriller / mystery about a gut wrenching, fear inducing window in the ground and a community that was hiding it in the first place.
It started out brilliantly and continued on at a rather nice pace, however, I did find that the end felt rushed slightly and it ended up a bit confusing for me. By the end, I didn't really know what was happening. I got the general gist, though and still enjoyed it.
I would definitely read more by Steve, he has a great writing voice.
Easy to read, I will give it that. Mysterious and exciting, at first.
The Window In the Ground by Steve Stred is a horror / thriller / mystery about a gut wrenching, fear inducing window in the ground and a community that was hiding it in the first place.
It started out brilliantly and continued on at a rather nice pace, however, I did find that the end felt rushed slightly and it ended up a bit confusing for me. By the end, I didn't really know what was happening. I got the general gist, though and still enjoyed it.
I would definitely read more by Steve, he has a great writing voice.
September 15, 2024
A fun romp. Grandfather introduces grandson to old age tradition of the window in the ground. Boy become haunted by what he sees, no happy ending. Honestly Steve's writing is always entertaining. Just wish it'd been longer.
February 18, 2025
“ you’d have been better off if you’d never found out about the window in the ground.”
July 1, 2020
Whenever Steve Stred says “you want to read this? “ it’s instantly a holiday for me. This author can spin the best stories, original ideas and whole lot of surprises!
I loved this novella and I consider it one of the best I’ve read. Gramps decides today is the day to show his grandson something special, something secret in the woods. Told in the first person by the grandson I’ll not even sure we are given a name. I like that! The adventure shows that what ever secrets lie under that window are not meant to be disturbed. Our protagonist can’t keep this to himself and brings his best friend Fred back to the woods, ignoring every warning sign, every odd thing they see, to maybe open the window...
No spoilers which is so easy with this story because it’s wrapped up tight and you need to discover this on your own. That ending though...
Nope, enough from me and read immediately! I rarely give novellas 5 stars but Mr. Stred racks them up pretty consistently because his storytelling is the best! Grab a copy and don’t tell anyone I didn’t warn you. Enjoy!
I loved this novella and I consider it one of the best I’ve read. Gramps decides today is the day to show his grandson something special, something secret in the woods. Told in the first person by the grandson I’ll not even sure we are given a name. I like that! The adventure shows that what ever secrets lie under that window are not meant to be disturbed. Our protagonist can’t keep this to himself and brings his best friend Fred back to the woods, ignoring every warning sign, every odd thing they see, to maybe open the window...
No spoilers which is so easy with this story because it’s wrapped up tight and you need to discover this on your own. That ending though...
Nope, enough from me and read immediately! I rarely give novellas 5 stars but Mr. Stred racks them up pretty consistently because his storytelling is the best! Grab a copy and don’t tell anyone I didn’t warn you. Enjoy!
July 17, 2020
An old man makes a choice.
Does he know the spiral of horror this choice will unleash?
Does the child he thrusts towards adulthood have a say in the matter?
And above all...does the Window in the Ground expect its pound of flesh?
Bittersweet, somehow nostalgic, and vivid as blood on snow, this novella has everything you could want from a short, sharp kiss of horror.
It doesn’t skimp on the nasty. It doesn’t let up on the pace. It means to be remembered, and it succeeds and then some.
This was my first Stred novella and I had a blast! The descriptive, familiar prose makes the pages fly and the characters as real as you need them to be.
Like others have said, you’ll want more as soon as you turn that final page...but isn’t that the way of all good things?
I’m looking forward to reading more of Steve Stred. If you are new to his work, The Window In The Ground is an excellent place to start.
Does he know the spiral of horror this choice will unleash?
Does the child he thrusts towards adulthood have a say in the matter?
And above all...does the Window in the Ground expect its pound of flesh?
Bittersweet, somehow nostalgic, and vivid as blood on snow, this novella has everything you could want from a short, sharp kiss of horror.
It doesn’t skimp on the nasty. It doesn’t let up on the pace. It means to be remembered, and it succeeds and then some.
This was my first Stred novella and I had a blast! The descriptive, familiar prose makes the pages fly and the characters as real as you need them to be.
Like others have said, you’ll want more as soon as you turn that final page...but isn’t that the way of all good things?
I’m looking forward to reading more of Steve Stred. If you are new to his work, The Window In The Ground is an excellent place to start.
June 19, 2020
Steve Stred does it again. This was a beautifully dark coming-of-age tale. Read it all in one night.
August 27, 2020
Over the years on this planet I’ve learnt a few things about life. Snow is cold, water’s wet, baby poo stinks even when it emerges from the butt of your own kid, and Steve Stred knows how to creep you out with words!
This latest offering was one I was obviously going to be checking out sooner rather than later. Admittedly, the title didn’t put me on edge straight away. Aww, a pretty, decretive window in the ground; sounds lovely does it not? But I found the more this novella got its stained-glass teeth into my soul, the scarier the whole idea became.
The aforementioned ground window has been something of a local legend for hundreds of years. Those living in the quiet town are only permitted to learn of this thing when they reach 18 years of age. Before then, well, would they be able to cope with it?
The story is narrated by an unnamed character who tells of his tragic experiences with this bloody window. (NB this unnamed thing was not something I picked up originally and while writing this review I flicked through the story again to look for his name but couldn’t find it anywhere. This is just one way the tale completely sucked me in; not once did I question who in the hell was telling me all this. Awesomeness without me even realising it!)
Anyway, this kid, at 15, is shown the window by his grandfather in the hope that it ‘makes him a man’. Unfortunately things don’t quite work out how Gramps had planned.
The woods in which this window lives is almost a character in itself, as though the titular thing is guarded by the trees. At least that was the impression I got from the disconcerting descriptions on offer. There is a sign on the way to the window with a set of rules to obey. Basically don’t look inside, don’t go there alone, or even approach it as it’s gonna mess you right up.
The thing is, though, this window puts some kind of mystical spell on our protagonist and some unseen power forces him to act in ways the rules clearly state are not a good idea.
Once back home from his ordeal with Gramps, although he was not permitted to look inside the window, he needs to tell his best friend all about it. The two end up at the window and things go from bad to worse, to horrifying.
As this is a shortish tale I don’t want to say too much more. But if folklore horror is your thing then this should be right up there on your TBR pile!
The Stred has done it again, although that seems to be the way things are in this world!
This latest offering was one I was obviously going to be checking out sooner rather than later. Admittedly, the title didn’t put me on edge straight away. Aww, a pretty, decretive window in the ground; sounds lovely does it not? But I found the more this novella got its stained-glass teeth into my soul, the scarier the whole idea became.
The aforementioned ground window has been something of a local legend for hundreds of years. Those living in the quiet town are only permitted to learn of this thing when they reach 18 years of age. Before then, well, would they be able to cope with it?
The story is narrated by an unnamed character who tells of his tragic experiences with this bloody window. (NB this unnamed thing was not something I picked up originally and while writing this review I flicked through the story again to look for his name but couldn’t find it anywhere. This is just one way the tale completely sucked me in; not once did I question who in the hell was telling me all this. Awesomeness without me even realising it!)
Anyway, this kid, at 15, is shown the window by his grandfather in the hope that it ‘makes him a man’. Unfortunately things don’t quite work out how Gramps had planned.
The woods in which this window lives is almost a character in itself, as though the titular thing is guarded by the trees. At least that was the impression I got from the disconcerting descriptions on offer. There is a sign on the way to the window with a set of rules to obey. Basically don’t look inside, don’t go there alone, or even approach it as it’s gonna mess you right up.
The thing is, though, this window puts some kind of mystical spell on our protagonist and some unseen power forces him to act in ways the rules clearly state are not a good idea.
Once back home from his ordeal with Gramps, although he was not permitted to look inside the window, he needs to tell his best friend all about it. The two end up at the window and things go from bad to worse, to horrifying.
As this is a shortish tale I don’t want to say too much more. But if folklore horror is your thing then this should be right up there on your TBR pile!
The Stred has done it again, although that seems to be the way things are in this world!
August 19, 2020
Back in March 2019 I reviewed Steve Stred’s The Girl Who Hid in the Trees, giving it the middling 3/5 stars, and sometime later I read The One That Knows No Fear, which made a stronger impression. I would suggest that Stred’s writing is on a seriously upward trajectory, as The Window in the Ground is significantly stronger and more complete than those earlier works and if not for a telephone interruption, I would have undoubtedly devoured this in a single sitting. It is not a particularly long story, probably about seventy minutes of reading, and if you have never tried Stred before, this is a very classy introduction.
You can read Tony's full review at Horror DNA by clicking here.
You can read Tony's full review at Horror DNA by clicking here.
December 27, 2020
"Curious. If you stumble on a window in the ground in the woods, would you want to go look? Bet so. Bet so."
Loved this story. Great metaphor for how immense traumatic exposure to the horrible potentials of reality at an early age (especially sexual abuse, it seems?) breaks us open to the unconscious, and how deep, deep within that unconsciousness is where we find the true light of consciousness, separate from our ego and always quietly watching us from the dark--keeping us and all the hideous things we observe from plunging into the pure non-existence of the darkness. Great pacing, clean prose, excellent metaphor I related to very much.
Loved this story. Great metaphor for how immense traumatic exposure to the horrible potentials of reality at an early age (especially sexual abuse, it seems?) breaks us open to the unconscious, and how deep, deep within that unconsciousness is where we find the true light of consciousness, separate from our ego and always quietly watching us from the dark--keeping us and all the hideous things we observe from plunging into the pure non-existence of the darkness. Great pacing, clean prose, excellent metaphor I related to very much.
March 30, 2024
I was pretty impressed with this really short read that can be read in one sitting. It made you wonder and somehow had all the bases covered with explaining, but not explaining everything. Definitely recommend. It will be living in my head for a long time.
July 14, 2020
Wow I have to say this is by far the best thing Steve Stred has ever written and the standard of his work was already really high!
Previously the last thing I'd read by Steve Stred was The One That Knows No Fear released through Demain Publishing which I loved, it had all the amazing elements for a great horror tale but also packed a real emotional punch.
The Window in the Ground is equally powerful. It begins with a small American town with a dark secret that is only revealed once the townsfolk reach 18. Unfortunately for our protagonist he is initiated into the secret way before his time which has dire consequences.
The suspense in this story is absolutely insane. I was warned by fellow friend and writer, Theresa Braun, that once you start reading it you want be able to put it down, and she was absolutely right. As the story progressed I was desperate to see the window in the ground but also screaming at the characters to stay away from it.
I don't want to spoil the experience for those who've yet to read it but I'll say the story is so gripping and genuinely terrifying!
Previously the last thing I'd read by Steve Stred was The One That Knows No Fear released through Demain Publishing which I loved, it had all the amazing elements for a great horror tale but also packed a real emotional punch.
The Window in the Ground is equally powerful. It begins with a small American town with a dark secret that is only revealed once the townsfolk reach 18. Unfortunately for our protagonist he is initiated into the secret way before his time which has dire consequences.
The suspense in this story is absolutely insane. I was warned by fellow friend and writer, Theresa Braun, that once you start reading it you want be able to put it down, and she was absolutely right. As the story progressed I was desperate to see the window in the ground but also screaming at the characters to stay away from it.
I don't want to spoil the experience for those who've yet to read it but I'll say the story is so gripping and genuinely terrifying!
April 9, 2020
Loved the journey of this book, although it didn’t end how I expected which is totally okay in the long run. The main character is flawed but you find yourself hoping for the best for him even if he is a coward (his words), and the story flows so that you find yourself done with it in a matter of seconds. Thoroughly enjoyed the journalistic approach to the story and will definitely be recommending this book.
November 22, 2020
Let me tell you about THE WINDOW IN THE GROUND.
Well, the first I saw of this nasty little folk horror novella was catching a brief look at the cover. I saw it on Twitter. You've already seen the cover, unless you magically beamed into this short review I am writing. There's this oval window planted into the ground.
Okay, I said to myself, what's behind that window. I need to know.
I wanted to know more.
Which is precisely how this short, sharp novella starts out - with this young fellow who gets a look at that window in the ground and wants to know more.
In this way, the novella reminded me just a little bit of PET SEMATARY. It had that same folk-horror feel to it. It was a magic that was older than the paths of memory, older than dirt, older than evil itself. But where Stephen King came along with a twenty pound post maul, kind of like what you'd use to hit-the-bell at a travelling carnival, Steve Stred preferred to use one of those short, sharp and deadly chops that Bruce Lee used to use. You know, those nasty quick little punches that he would use on the bad guys, hitting them maybe thirty or forty times and crippling them in their vital organs while they were trying to futilely take a swing at their adversary, maybe with a twenty pound post maul.
THE WINDOW IN THE GROUND had the kind of feel of one of those dreams of falling that you might have experienced. You know, those dreams where you are falling out of an airplane and every time that it looks as if you might stop falling you hit a hole, or a trapdoor, or maybe even a window in the ground and just keep on falling.
This little novella is written in the pace of a plummet through a nightmare.
Go on. I dare you to jump in.
But it is going to scare you.
Don't say I didn't warn you...
Yours in storytelling,
Steve Vernon
Oops, I almost forgot to PS you this important bit of information.
Another reason for buying this novella is that ‘All proceeds are being donated to The Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada.’
So buy a copy now, would you?
Well, the first I saw of this nasty little folk horror novella was catching a brief look at the cover. I saw it on Twitter. You've already seen the cover, unless you magically beamed into this short review I am writing. There's this oval window planted into the ground.
Okay, I said to myself, what's behind that window. I need to know.
I wanted to know more.
Which is precisely how this short, sharp novella starts out - with this young fellow who gets a look at that window in the ground and wants to know more.
In this way, the novella reminded me just a little bit of PET SEMATARY. It had that same folk-horror feel to it. It was a magic that was older than the paths of memory, older than dirt, older than evil itself. But where Stephen King came along with a twenty pound post maul, kind of like what you'd use to hit-the-bell at a travelling carnival, Steve Stred preferred to use one of those short, sharp and deadly chops that Bruce Lee used to use. You know, those nasty quick little punches that he would use on the bad guys, hitting them maybe thirty or forty times and crippling them in their vital organs while they were trying to futilely take a swing at their adversary, maybe with a twenty pound post maul.
THE WINDOW IN THE GROUND had the kind of feel of one of those dreams of falling that you might have experienced. You know, those dreams where you are falling out of an airplane and every time that it looks as if you might stop falling you hit a hole, or a trapdoor, or maybe even a window in the ground and just keep on falling.
This little novella is written in the pace of a plummet through a nightmare.
Go on. I dare you to jump in.
But it is going to scare you.
Don't say I didn't warn you...
Yours in storytelling,
Steve Vernon
Oops, I almost forgot to PS you this important bit of information.
Another reason for buying this novella is that ‘All proceeds are being donated to The Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada.’
So buy a copy now, would you?
August 15, 2020
You know what I like about Steve Stred's writing?
I'll tell you. He knows how to hold stuff back. Just enough to keep you turning the page.
He's really good at it.
Same with that last one I read of his: Wound upon Wound (Great story as well by the way). And he'll occasionally catch you off guard. He's quite good at that too.
I'll tell you something else. Steve seems to be churning out stories like nothing else at the moment. Sometimes it feels like he has a novella out every other week. I'm not kidding. It's mental. And you'd think the quality would suffer from it, wouldn't you? Nope. It never seems to. Not from what I've seen, anyway.
To think the amount of books he reads and the reviews he writes, I don't know how he does it.
The love, I guess
Anyway, the flow's great here, the characters are interesting and unique. Never dull.
Just great balance, you know.
So what's it about?
If you must know, go and read the synopsis. Sorry. I'd rather just say how a book makes me feel most of the time. Trust me though, it's good.
You'll be lucky if this takes you any longer than an hour to read. Maybe that's why I enjoyed it so much.
I'm also in a good mood today... Lol.
Think that's because of the story though.
It was done in one sitting. I blasted through it.
I could be nitpicking and remove a half star or even give it a solid four, but you know what?
Nah. Not this time.
This is getting five stars.
It's deserved.
I'll tell you. He knows how to hold stuff back. Just enough to keep you turning the page.
He's really good at it.
Same with that last one I read of his: Wound upon Wound (Great story as well by the way). And he'll occasionally catch you off guard. He's quite good at that too.
I'll tell you something else. Steve seems to be churning out stories like nothing else at the moment. Sometimes it feels like he has a novella out every other week. I'm not kidding. It's mental. And you'd think the quality would suffer from it, wouldn't you? Nope. It never seems to. Not from what I've seen, anyway.
To think the amount of books he reads and the reviews he writes, I don't know how he does it.
The love, I guess
Anyway, the flow's great here, the characters are interesting and unique. Never dull.
Just great balance, you know.
So what's it about?
If you must know, go and read the synopsis. Sorry. I'd rather just say how a book makes me feel most of the time. Trust me though, it's good.
You'll be lucky if this takes you any longer than an hour to read. Maybe that's why I enjoyed it so much.
I'm also in a good mood today... Lol.
Think that's because of the story though.
It was done in one sitting. I blasted through it.
I could be nitpicking and remove a half star or even give it a solid four, but you know what?
Nah. Not this time.
This is getting five stars.
It's deserved.
June 20, 2020
"He took me to the window in the ground. Things haven't been right since."
Am I the only one who would be absolutely fucking terrified if there was just a WINDOW in the GROUND? "This was a place the earth didn't like." Yeah, me neither.
This novella had me from the beginning. Small town secrets, rules that were never supposed to be broken, obsession. A boy is taken to see the town's strange landmark--a window in the ground. It's just a window. In the ground. But it terrifies you and draws you in at the same time. You want to touch it, even if the rules tell you no. You want to visit it at random times at night, even if it's forbidden. You want to open it.
I love novellas, but if a story is this good, I always want more. I want more backstory. (Steve, I'll be expecting a sequel... 😉.)
You best bet if I see a window in the ground, my ass is running.
THE WINDOW IN THE GROUND will be available on July 1st! Thanks Steve for terrifying me once more!
Am I the only one who would be absolutely fucking terrified if there was just a WINDOW in the GROUND? "This was a place the earth didn't like." Yeah, me neither.
This novella had me from the beginning. Small town secrets, rules that were never supposed to be broken, obsession. A boy is taken to see the town's strange landmark--a window in the ground. It's just a window. In the ground. But it terrifies you and draws you in at the same time. You want to touch it, even if the rules tell you no. You want to visit it at random times at night, even if it's forbidden. You want to open it.
I love novellas, but if a story is this good, I always want more. I want more backstory. (Steve, I'll be expecting a sequel... 😉.)
You best bet if I see a window in the ground, my ass is running.
THE WINDOW IN THE GROUND will be available on July 1st! Thanks Steve for terrifying me once more!
May 7, 2024
Although I enjoy Stred's storytelling ability, this novella hit right in the middle for me. The story is fun and unique, but there were some explanations that didn't quite make sense or add up. Stred is truly the kindest guy, so this pains me to go middle of the road on this story, but want to stay true as a reader.
3/5
3/5
July 5, 2020
I loved the narrator's voice and the rising suspense in this coming of age story. Short chapters and creeptastic teasers kept me turning the pages to that unexpected conclusion. One of Stred's best to date!
December 8, 2021
“The Window in the Ground" is my first book by Steve Stred horror author extraordinaire.
We meet an ordinary 15 year old boy who lives in an ordinary town, but this town holds a secret, at the outskirts of town there is a hill with a window in the ground, it’s been there for….. well no one really knows how long. Before you reach the window there is a signpost with 12 rules written on it, I won't tell you all the rules because we’re going to concentrate on rule No: 1
No one under 18.
One fine day, he is outside his house and this pick up truck pulls over, it’s his granddad, he shouts at the boy “It’s time, there’s something I need to show you” from there it gets really creepy, remember the first rule “No one under 18” but the boy is only 15!!!. Isn’t he too young to visit the window? Oh boy he’s really going to find out!!
The chapters are short and to the point which I liked, he has a way with words which I love, it kept me hooked till the end. Definitely will check his other works.
Highly Recommended.
We meet an ordinary 15 year old boy who lives in an ordinary town, but this town holds a secret, at the outskirts of town there is a hill with a window in the ground, it’s been there for….. well no one really knows how long. Before you reach the window there is a signpost with 12 rules written on it, I won't tell you all the rules because we’re going to concentrate on rule No: 1
No one under 18.
One fine day, he is outside his house and this pick up truck pulls over, it’s his granddad, he shouts at the boy “It’s time, there’s something I need to show you” from there it gets really creepy, remember the first rule “No one under 18” but the boy is only 15!!!. Isn’t he too young to visit the window? Oh boy he’s really going to find out!!
The chapters are short and to the point which I liked, he has a way with words which I love, it kept me hooked till the end. Definitely will check his other works.
Highly Recommended.
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