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The Call
When Jamie Lee arrives at the rented accommodation (her usual spot) to engage in a dirty weekend with the man she is seeing behind her husband's back, she hears the house phone is ringing. As it rings and rings and rings, she wonders if it might be Michael calling her. Perhaps to tell her that he is stuck in traffic and running late? Maybe he isn't coming? Something could have come up with his own family? With her mind in overdrive, not stopping to wonder how he even had the house number and why he didn't even call her mobile, she answers the phone...
It will be the last call she ever hears.
It will be the last call she ever hears.
53 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 2, 2021
About the author
Matt Shaw
543 books2,246 followersBiography
MATT SHAW was born, quite by accident (his mother tripped, he shot out) September 30th 1980 in Winchester hospital where he was immediately placed on the baby ward and EBay. Some twelve years later (wandering the corridors of the hospital and playing with road kill when he was on day release), the listing closed and he remained unsold, he was booted out of the hospital to start his life as a writer and hobbit – beginning with writing screenplays and short stories for his own amusement before finally getting published when he was twenty-seven years and forty-five seconds old.
Once Published weekly in a lad's magazine with his photography work, Matt Shaw is also a published author and cartoonist. Has to be said, can be a bit of a flirt and definitely, without a shadow of a doubt, somewhat of a klutz.
Favourite books
"Roald Dahl's Collection of Short Stories"
Tim Burton's Melancholy Death of Oyster Boy
Anything, really, written by himself. Because he is that good.
MATT SHAW was born, quite by accident (his mother tripped, he shot out) September 30th 1980 in Winchester hospital where he was immediately placed on the baby ward and EBay. Some twelve years later (wandering the corridors of the hospital and playing with road kill when he was on day release), the listing closed and he remained unsold, he was booted out of the hospital to start his life as a writer and hobbit – beginning with writing screenplays and short stories for his own amusement before finally getting published when he was twenty-seven years and forty-five seconds old.
Once Published weekly in a lad's magazine with his photography work, Matt Shaw is also a published author and cartoonist. Has to be said, can be a bit of a flirt and definitely, without a shadow of a doubt, somewhat of a klutz.
Favourite books
"Roald Dahl's Collection of Short Stories"
Tim Burton's Melancholy Death of Oyster Boy
Anything, really, written by himself. Because he is that good.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
September 24, 2021
If you are thinking about cheating on your significant other, read this story. I'm sure nothing as horrific or depraved would happen to you. But I could be wrong. Be good.
September 5, 2021
That sure was fun. It was short, but the length fit the story perfectly. The amount of time building the suspense was perfect. Especially for the gruesome ending. I've always heard that hell hath no fury like the wrath of a scorned woman. Maybe that works both ways
September 8, 2021
“Extreme horror” is one thing. Violent sexual imagery, especially including child characters, is a whole different thing. Absolutely vile and not in a good way.
December 29, 2025
This was ok for me. I saw the twist coming a mile away and most of the story was basically like any other tie'm up and torture'm kinda concepts, i.e. Saw, Hostel, etc. Yeah, it was sexually deviant, in nature, and there are some really gross and nasty portions, but it all just felt like an excuse to write certain content. This needed to be a lot more than it was for any type of fanfare from the Topside compound. Far from Shaw's best, it wasn't a terrible way to spend a half hour, but definitely not the best, either.
September 7, 2021
Predictable but a fun read nonetheless.
September 8, 2021
Absolutely a fantastic short story. This book has lots of gore in it and it is EXTREME HORROR at its best. If you can’t handle that then this book is not for you.
August 26, 2023
"Ejaculated blood" is my new favourite line.
"Fun" story, predictable, but enjoyable.
"Fun" story, predictable, but enjoyable.
April 21, 2022
It was kinda gruesome!!!
November 11, 2021
I’m all for extreme horror. I’ve read many books that truly belong in that category but this does not. The violent sexual imagery done to children was vile and unnecessary. Instead of extreme horror this read like a disturbed persons darkest desires. There has never been a book I’ve regretted reading more than this. If it wasn’t for the inclusion of the sexual violence against children it honestly wouldn’t have been that disturbing of a read but I’ll never support exploitation of children for “shock factor”. If you want to read extreme horror I suggest staying far away from this and looking into any other book.
February 16, 2022
I think that the author has a talent for writing horror. I feel all the anxiety leading up to the climax with is exactly want I want from horror.
However, I believe that the story could have achieved the same point and same amount of horror and shock if it had left out the way the second child was killed.
I can understand having children in the story to drive the plot but I feel as though it was taken too far. And while I understand this is an extreme horror I feel that it could have reached the same level without that type of abuse towards a child and therefore it was uncalled for and not needed.
TW.
Sexual abuse towards a minor
However, I believe that the story could have achieved the same point and same amount of horror and shock if it had left out the way the second child was killed.
I can understand having children in the story to drive the plot but I feel as though it was taken too far. And while I understand this is an extreme horror I feel that it could have reached the same level without that type of abuse towards a child and therefore it was uncalled for and not needed.
TW.
Sexual abuse towards a minor
September 29, 2021
Woah!!! Great book! I’ve read quite a few Shaw books and his stories continue to be great and develop well no exception here. Some of the extreme scenes are really extreme. Don’t piss people off!!!
August 16, 2025
Quite underwhelming.
The ending was disappointing. But I enjoyed the writing, the thrill was ok.
Maturity edit: Underwhelming my foot! This was nasty
The ending was disappointing. But I enjoyed the writing, the thrill was ok.
Maturity edit: Underwhelming my foot! This was nasty
September 14, 2021
Sick
What a trashy story. The worst I've ever read. You're a sick bastard Shaw and can't believe this made it to print.
What a trashy story. The worst I've ever read. You're a sick bastard Shaw and can't believe this made it to print.
October 1, 2022
Want to see more bookish things from me? Check out my Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfer...
Jamie Lee and her lover booked a romantic getaway in a remote AirBnB. When she arrives, the house phone rings. Thinking it is the man she is having an affair with, she picks it up. Only to discover the person on the other end of the line doesn't like cheaters, and plans to make her pay.
I read another of Matt Shaw's novellas, Her Name Was Amber, and wasn't the biggest fan. This on the other hand, I actually had a good time reading. Definitely go into this with caution if you aren't the biggest fan of extreme horror as there are some scenes that involve sexual violence toward children. I would have preferred that being left out of the story all together as it was a bit much for me. Other than that though, I did feel like the suspense and reveal was well-done.
Jamie Lee and her lover booked a romantic getaway in a remote AirBnB. When she arrives, the house phone rings. Thinking it is the man she is having an affair with, she picks it up. Only to discover the person on the other end of the line doesn't like cheaters, and plans to make her pay.
I read another of Matt Shaw's novellas, Her Name Was Amber, and wasn't the biggest fan. This on the other hand, I actually had a good time reading. Definitely go into this with caution if you aren't the biggest fan of extreme horror as there are some scenes that involve sexual violence toward children. I would have preferred that being left out of the story all together as it was a bit much for me. Other than that though, I did feel like the suspense and reveal was well-done.
July 20, 2022
If there is anyone who can call himself a king of extreme horror it is this author.
Welcome to hell hath no fury like a husband scored.
This book is disturbing in some scenes and will definitely divide audiences.
An extra marital affair gone wrong, an anonymous caller ensuring that this getaway becomes a murderway
Welcome to hell hath no fury like a husband scored.
This book is disturbing in some scenes and will definitely divide audiences.
An extra marital affair gone wrong, an anonymous caller ensuring that this getaway becomes a murderway
February 13, 2024
Matt is an amazing author, however, this one was wayyy too much for me. I was throughly enjoying the story until the kids were brought in. I had to force myself to finish this book in hopes that what I was reading was false. It was not. Major triggers for me. Now, some people will really enjoy the entire story, but that part for me, made me really dislike this book
June 27, 2022
An enjoyable short horror story, which freaked me out.
I'm not a fan of stuff happening to kids and I feel like it wasn't that necessary in this story, but overall, it was worth a read.
I'm not a fan of stuff happening to kids and I feel like it wasn't that necessary in this story, but overall, it was worth a read.
January 17, 2023
can’t unrecommend enough tbh
Extreme horror? Dude, just call it what it is, torture porn, and change “easily offended” to “you’re a woman, because I fcking hate you all.”
Extreme horror? Dude, just call it what it is, torture porn, and change “easily offended” to “you’re a woman, because I fcking hate you all.”
August 25, 2022
This book is brutal! Check trigger warnings because there’s some gnarling shit that happens. Super quick read! I love the twist, the suspense, the plot! I loved it all. This book may not be for everyone but for the ones who can read anything and not be triggered, check this one out! A couple things that happened made me cringe 😬 but I’ll still give it 5 ⭐️ mainly for the plot alone but also the writing!
March 29, 2023
Excellent!
At first I was thinking this wouldn't be as full of gore as Shaw usually writes, but well I was wrong. It turned into a bloody brutal read and I loved it.
At first I was thinking this wouldn't be as full of gore as Shaw usually writes, but well I was wrong. It turned into a bloody brutal read and I loved it.
May 24, 2024
Shaw writes a story that should teach you not to cheat on your partner, and I loved it!
I was so engaged in this whole story, needing to know what happens next, and I was not disappointed!
4/5
I was so engaged in this whole story, needing to know what happens next, and I was not disappointed!
4/5
April 7, 2023
Short story summed up, a married woman is arriving to an Air B&B to meet up with her married lover. She gets there before him and as she is setting up the landline rings. She answers it thinking it's the guy she's supposed to be meeting. They have been hooking up for a couple of years, with no intentions of leaving their other spouces. Just some fun.
The person who is on the line is not her lover, but someone else who has been watching and judging her for her actions. This book is a "one shot" in a single Air B&B and is a cat & mouse over the phone.
Quick in-between books read. If you have an hour to kill or want to read something quick, this is a good one. Be warned, this is Matt Shaw, so you can expect all manner of fuckeduppery.
In the end, it's just a book.
The person who is on the line is not her lover, but someone else who has been watching and judging her for her actions. This book is a "one shot" in a single Air B&B and is a cat & mouse over the phone.
Quick in-between books read. If you have an hour to kill or want to read something quick, this is a good one. Be warned, this is Matt Shaw, so you can expect all manner of fuckeduppery.
In the end, it's just a book.
October 27, 2021
What's more disturbing?
Having just finished this story, I'm trying to figure out what is more disturbing; the content itself or the mind of the author who wrote this trash. I have serious doubts as to Shaw's mental health, as he so clearly relishes his descriptive phrasing of physical and mental torture. Is there even a point to this story? Or is it just a showcase for a twisted imagination. Yeah, we all know that it's wrong, on many levels, to cheat on one's spouse. And it didn't take a brain surgeon to figure out that the husband was somehow involved. No "spoiler alert" necessary. But to drag into his plot innocent children as an excuse for more shock and gore is inexcusable. This book us disturbing on many levels.
Having just finished this story, I'm trying to figure out what is more disturbing; the content itself or the mind of the author who wrote this trash. I have serious doubts as to Shaw's mental health, as he so clearly relishes his descriptive phrasing of physical and mental torture. Is there even a point to this story? Or is it just a showcase for a twisted imagination. Yeah, we all know that it's wrong, on many levels, to cheat on one's spouse. And it didn't take a brain surgeon to figure out that the husband was somehow involved. No "spoiler alert" necessary. But to drag into his plot innocent children as an excuse for more shock and gore is inexcusable. This book us disturbing on many levels.
January 22, 2022
RA
A pretty twisted 'morality' tale in which the punishment far exceeds the 'crime'. Who it was supposed to gratify I'm not sure. It came across as traditional male revenge justice, which, like the Taliban, is no justice at all, just grotesque misogynistic violence. We even had to experience the female protagonist's sense of guilt!!! And, like many holy books, the children have to suffer the punishment of their father's sins. Having said the tone was a male gaze of sexual violence, the tension and unflinching telling of the story were good. It's satisfying to read a no-holds barred narrative nasty sometimes.
A pretty twisted 'morality' tale in which the punishment far exceeds the 'crime'. Who it was supposed to gratify I'm not sure. It came across as traditional male revenge justice, which, like the Taliban, is no justice at all, just grotesque misogynistic violence. We even had to experience the female protagonist's sense of guilt!!! And, like many holy books, the children have to suffer the punishment of their father's sins. Having said the tone was a male gaze of sexual violence, the tension and unflinching telling of the story were good. It's satisfying to read a no-holds barred narrative nasty sometimes.
December 22, 2022
Jamie arrives at her normal spot to meet the man she's having an affair with, he hasn't shown up but she hears the phone ring. She immediately thinks it's Michael calling to tell her he will be late or that he's stuck in traffic. Little does she know that by taking that call her entire life will change for the worst.
• A breakneck novel featuring gruesome horror scenes and a suspenseful plot throughout.
• A story of revenge and deceit.
• Main characters that are despicable.
• A twisted ending that shocks the reader and enforces a stomach content overhaul.
Matt Shaw does it again, and I always come back for more.
• A breakneck novel featuring gruesome horror scenes and a suspenseful plot throughout.
• A story of revenge and deceit.
• Main characters that are despicable.
• A twisted ending that shocks the reader and enforces a stomach content overhaul.
Matt Shaw does it again, and I always come back for more.
December 26, 2021
Oh Wow...just Wow...read this book and you will never ever want to or have the urge to cheat on your partner! Scary and violent,extreme horror with torture,I really enjoyed reading it....it was quite a short book so very quick to get through...there are some child sexual references so if these kind of books offend you please don't even think of picking it up because it won't be a book for you! Well written with great characters and an extremely good plot....well worth the read. I will most definitely be reading more from this author in the coming months.
January 10, 2023
This was a fucked up story. I get wanting revenge on the person cheating on you, killing both people involved. But to involve the other persons children…. Brutal. As always quick and entertains. This author really has quite the imagination.
September 30, 2021
Extremely twisted!!! As usual, Shaw's books are not for the faint of heart, and The Call was no exception. The violence and gore in this is actually minimal but disturbing enough to leave a mark.
September 5, 2021
READ THIS BOOK, BUT NOT FOR THE REASON YOU THINK
You need to read this little book. If you read one book this year, you need to read this one. I'm going to tell you why. The book has a message and the message could save your life or change your whole life in a positive manner, because the message is very wise. In fact it's probably the wisest advice you could get for you to have a moral and successful life. Now the story was fine, his writing is fine, it's very clear and uncomplicated. I took off the 5th star because the last scene where the extreme horror was supposed to be I thought it was silly and I personally thought the girl was dreaming it was so stupid. However the book stayed with me long enough for me to write this. Very important. The message is very important. I'm not going to tell you what it is cuz then it's a spoiler and it will ruin the book review. I don't even know if the US and knew how important it was what his message was. It's a life message. It's a way to live a message. If everyone practice the message in this book everyone's interaction with each other would change in the whole world would change. What I'm writing sounds over the top for a little book that's written to be an extreme horror, but if you read the book you'll understand. Read this book.
You need to read this little book. If you read one book this year, you need to read this one. I'm going to tell you why. The book has a message and the message could save your life or change your whole life in a positive manner, because the message is very wise. In fact it's probably the wisest advice you could get for you to have a moral and successful life. Now the story was fine, his writing is fine, it's very clear and uncomplicated. I took off the 5th star because the last scene where the extreme horror was supposed to be I thought it was silly and I personally thought the girl was dreaming it was so stupid. However the book stayed with me long enough for me to write this. Very important. The message is very important. I'm not going to tell you what it is cuz then it's a spoiler and it will ruin the book review. I don't even know if the US and knew how important it was what his message was. It's a life message. It's a way to live a message. If everyone practice the message in this book everyone's interaction with each other would change in the whole world would change. What I'm writing sounds over the top for a little book that's written to be an extreme horror, but if you read the book you'll understand. Read this book.
August 17, 2024
Life is full of choices.
Jamie Lee had a choice, not to cheat on her husband. But she did.
Michael had a choice, not to cheat on his wife and his two daughters. But he did.
When some people make their choices, others are left without any choice and heads start rolling (literally), people get screwed in ways they shouldn't, things burn down and as always someone walks out with a heavy pocket and a smile.
Why is it okay to hurt someone mentally but we will think twice before taking a knife to work them over ? In the caller we meet someone who has both the desire and capacity to manifest the mental hurt into physical pain and shut down Jamie Lee's little enterprise for good.
And after all this, some people like Jamie Lee still get choices, to save her cheating ass :
But making good choices was never her strong suit.
Jamie Lee had a choice, not to cheat on her husband. But she did.
Michael had a choice, not to cheat on his wife and his two daughters. But he did.
When some people make their choices, others are left without any choice and heads start rolling (literally), people get screwed in ways they shouldn't, things burn down and as always someone walks out with a heavy pocket and a smile.
Why is it okay to hurt someone mentally but we will think twice before taking a knife to work them over ? In the caller we meet someone who has both the desire and capacity to manifest the mental hurt into physical pain and shut down Jamie Lee's little enterprise for good.
And after all this, some people like Jamie Lee still get choices, to save her cheating ass :
All you had to do was call him and ask his forgiveness. That was it.
But making good choices was never her strong suit.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews