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The Waiting
"Clinging to life, haunted by the dead. "
Newlywed Cassandra Pagano lies in a state between life and death, her body fed and preserved by the machines at her side. While she struggles, unaware of the world around her, someone waits a boy. A phantom that appears solid, real, "alive." Cassandra s husband, Brian, sees him in the house, by her bedside, running down darkened hallways. The boy walks without sound, whispers words that can t be deciphered.
Terror and tension are driving Brian to the breaking point. Why is the boy there, and what does he want with Cassandra and her fading soul?
Newlywed Cassandra Pagano lies in a state between life and death, her body fed and preserved by the machines at her side. While she struggles, unaware of the world around her, someone waits a boy. A phantom that appears solid, real, "alive." Cassandra s husband, Brian, sees him in the house, by her bedside, running down darkened hallways. The boy walks without sound, whispers words that can t be deciphered.
Terror and tension are driving Brian to the breaking point. Why is the boy there, and what does he want with Cassandra and her fading soul?
- GenresHorrorParanormalNovella
136 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2014
3 people are currently reading
190 people want to read
About the author
Hunter Shea
66 books1,008 followersHunter Shea is the author of over 25 books, with a specialization in cryptozoological horror that includes The Jersey Devil, The Dover Demon, Loch Ness Revenge and many others. As part of the new horror line at Flame Tree Press, his novel Creature has gained critical acclaim. His novel, The Montauk Monster, was named one of the best reads of the summer by Publishers Weekly. A trip to the International Cryptozoology Museum will find several of his cryptid books among the fascinating displays. Living in a true haunted house inspired his Jessica Backman: Death in the Afterlife series (Forest of Shadows, Sinister Entity and Island of the Forbidden). In 2011, he was selected to be a part of the launch of Samhain Publishing’s new horror line alongside legendary author Ramsey Campbell. When he’s not writing thrillers and horror, he also spins tall tales for middle grade readers on Amazon’s highly regarded Rapids reading app.
An avid podcaster, he can be seen and heard on Monster Men, one of the longest running video horror podcasts in the world, and Final Guys, focusing on weekly movie and book reviews. His nostalgic column about the magic of 80s horror, Video Visions, is featured monthly at Cemetery Dance Online. You can find his short stories in a number of anthologies, including Chopping Block Party, The Body Horror Book and Fearful Fathoms II.
A lifetime New Yorker, Hunter is supported by his loving wife and two beautiful daughters. When he’s not studying up on cryptozoology, he’s an avid explorer of the unknown, having spent a night alone on the Queen Mary, searching for the Warren’s famous White Lady of the Union Cemetery and other mysterious places.
You can follow his travails at www.huntershea.com.
An avid podcaster, he can be seen and heard on Monster Men, one of the longest running video horror podcasts in the world, and Final Guys, focusing on weekly movie and book reviews. His nostalgic column about the magic of 80s horror, Video Visions, is featured monthly at Cemetery Dance Online. You can find his short stories in a number of anthologies, including Chopping Block Party, The Body Horror Book and Fearful Fathoms II.
A lifetime New Yorker, Hunter is supported by his loving wife and two beautiful daughters. When he’s not studying up on cryptozoology, he’s an avid explorer of the unknown, having spent a night alone on the Queen Mary, searching for the Warren’s famous White Lady of the Union Cemetery and other mysterious places.
You can follow his travails at www.huntershea.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
October 5, 2021
THE WAITING, by Hunter Shea, is an emotional novella that will keep you at the edge of your seat for the entire ride.
When Cassandra collapses at her wedding reception, her newlywed husband, Brian, finds himself skipping the honeymoon to become a full-time care giver for his wife. Mother-in-law Alice and a very competent home nurse help alleviate the stress, but Brian wants nothing more than to have his wife awaken and be able to live their lives together.
Then, there's the little boy that seems to be hovering near Cassandra a bit too much. Especially since they don't have any boys in the area . . .
This was simply an emotional, heart-in-your-throat type of horror that NEVER lets up. The speculation as to who/what is around, the fact that Cassandra's life could go either way at a moment's notice, and the raw horror behind everything, makes this a story that will stay with you for years to come. This is REAL horror, unrelenting terror on its own, but with something/someone extra to contend with. While Shea is the master of Cryptic tales--in my humble opinion--he does real life trauma almost too well. I cared for every person in this book, and felt like I was part of the events unfolding--although powerless to intervene.
True horror, at its best.
Highly recommended.
When Cassandra collapses at her wedding reception, her newlywed husband, Brian, finds himself skipping the honeymoon to become a full-time care giver for his wife. Mother-in-law Alice and a very competent home nurse help alleviate the stress, but Brian wants nothing more than to have his wife awaken and be able to live their lives together.
Then, there's the little boy that seems to be hovering near Cassandra a bit too much. Especially since they don't have any boys in the area . . .
This was simply an emotional, heart-in-your-throat type of horror that NEVER lets up. The speculation as to who/what is around, the fact that Cassandra's life could go either way at a moment's notice, and the raw horror behind everything, makes this a story that will stay with you for years to come. This is REAL horror, unrelenting terror on its own, but with something/someone extra to contend with. While Shea is the master of Cryptic tales--in my humble opinion--he does real life trauma almost too well. I cared for every person in this book, and felt like I was part of the events unfolding--although powerless to intervene.
True horror, at its best.
Highly recommended.
September 21, 2021
another good read from author.
July 10, 2022
This one hits a little close to home for me especially after reading the author notes after the story. I was hospitalized for a while after my husband and I had been married for 5 months. The recovery was long and hard, but thankfully I was awake more than the wife in The Waiting. It was interesting to read such an intimate pov from the husband during that time. From grief to persistence and patience then frustration...it all rings so real. Then, of course, the ghost just rounds it all out. Solid 4 stars.
April 16, 2014
The opening chapters of The Waiting are gut-wrenching, and in the case of a bride on her wedding day that is taken quite literally. Overcome by searing pain in her abdomen, Cassandra Pagano, collapses and is hospitalized with a seriously debilitating condition that sees her comatose and in need to long-term care as her body heals from not only the sickness, but also the surgery that saved her life.
Her new husband, Brian, dutifully watches over her when she's brought to their new home, along with his mother-in-law and a registered nurse, hoping for Cassandra's full recovery. But a spectre arrives in the house and the question becomes if it's a guardian angel or a malevolent spirit.
This creepy novella from Hunter Shea doesn't waste time, as that opening scene with Cassandra is pretty brutal. From there it just piles on the anguish and the torment, with much of the story seen through Brian's eyes as his wife incrementally deteriorates before his eyes over the weeks and months of caring for her, and alternating chapters from the mother-in-law's vantage, and even brief interlude's from Cassandra. It plays on atmosphere, paranoia, the struggle between managing the terrors at home with the mundane turmoil of life in general, and all handled quite well.
My one hangup came from not really understanding until very late in the story just what the "rules" were for the spirit. It seemed to be linked to the house, then to Cassandra, then to the house again. Moments surrounded that part of the book seemed to contradict each other at points.
Aside from that, it's a very good outing from Hunter Shea, and a reminder to me that I need to read more of his stuff.
Her new husband, Brian, dutifully watches over her when she's brought to their new home, along with his mother-in-law and a registered nurse, hoping for Cassandra's full recovery. But a spectre arrives in the house and the question becomes if it's a guardian angel or a malevolent spirit.
This creepy novella from Hunter Shea doesn't waste time, as that opening scene with Cassandra is pretty brutal. From there it just piles on the anguish and the torment, with much of the story seen through Brian's eyes as his wife incrementally deteriorates before his eyes over the weeks and months of caring for her, and alternating chapters from the mother-in-law's vantage, and even brief interlude's from Cassandra. It plays on atmosphere, paranoia, the struggle between managing the terrors at home with the mundane turmoil of life in general, and all handled quite well.
My one hangup came from not really understanding until very late in the story just what the "rules" were for the spirit. It seemed to be linked to the house, then to Cassandra, then to the house again. Moments surrounded that part of the book seemed to contradict each other at points.
Aside from that, it's a very good outing from Hunter Shea, and a reminder to me that I need to read more of his stuff.
November 14, 2021
A newlywed suffering a deadly infection is rushed to the hospital from her wedding reception. The prognosis is looking pretty bleak and the husband decides that if she has any chance of recovery it will be in their new home instead of the cold sterile hospital.
He brings her home, where he and her mother attempt to care for her along with a visiting nurse.
What he doesn't know, is the history of his new home or why a ghostly apparition of a boy begins to appear.
This was a quick read, more sad than scary, more emotional than chilling, until suddenly the ending gave me a solid case of the heebie jeebies.
4 out of 5 stars
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher under no obligation to write a review.
He brings her home, where he and her mother attempt to care for her along with a visiting nurse.
What he doesn't know, is the history of his new home or why a ghostly apparition of a boy begins to appear.
This was a quick read, more sad than scary, more emotional than chilling, until suddenly the ending gave me a solid case of the heebie jeebies.
4 out of 5 stars
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher under no obligation to write a review.
October 8, 2021
Review to come but BRILLIANT.
December 7, 2021
Realistic depiction of caring for a loved one
Cassandra falls sick on her wedding day, but new husband Brian and her mother rally together to look after her and nurse her back to health. Unfortunately, a dark presence in their new house has other ideas.
The passages referring to illness and caring for a loved one are realistic, moving and emotional. Shea captures the love and anxiety of looking after a very ill family member. He writes sensitively about the physical and emotional stress that carers suffers from. He even gives us insight into Cassandra’s illness and suffering.
The haunted house aspect to the story is suitably creepy and I loved that it was based on his own experiences. However, the ending, although masterfully written, was a little too Hollywood for me.
Cassandra falls sick on her wedding day, but new husband Brian and her mother rally together to look after her and nurse her back to health. Unfortunately, a dark presence in their new house has other ideas.
The passages referring to illness and caring for a loved one are realistic, moving and emotional. Shea captures the love and anxiety of looking after a very ill family member. He writes sensitively about the physical and emotional stress that carers suffers from. He even gives us insight into Cassandra’s illness and suffering.
The haunted house aspect to the story is suitably creepy and I loved that it was based on his own experiences. However, the ending, although masterfully written, was a little too Hollywood for me.
November 7, 2021
This is a reissue (by Silver Shamrock) of a novella first published by Samhain in 2014. Somehow I missed it the first time around so I am really grateful to the publisher for getting it out there again.
A young couple - Cassandra and Brian - on their wedding day, celebrating and enjoying themselves until tragedy strikes and the bride falls to the ground unconscious. She hovers in the twilight world between life and death. Major surgery ensues and then home, on life support and still mostly unconscious. Her husband and mother care for her in the new house the couple had bought to fix up and make their future lives together. But there is something else in that house. Something that clings to Cassandra. Is it a force for good or evil? What does it want?
This is a perfectly paced story with great characterizations and a plotline that has you glancing over your shoulder and making sure all the lights are on. As with his later novel, 'Creature', Hunter Shea draws on some deeply personal experience in The Waiting and this undoubtedly adds an extra dimension to what is already a spellbinding story.
A young couple - Cassandra and Brian - on their wedding day, celebrating and enjoying themselves until tragedy strikes and the bride falls to the ground unconscious. She hovers in the twilight world between life and death. Major surgery ensues and then home, on life support and still mostly unconscious. Her husband and mother care for her in the new house the couple had bought to fix up and make their future lives together. But there is something else in that house. Something that clings to Cassandra. Is it a force for good or evil? What does it want?
This is a perfectly paced story with great characterizations and a plotline that has you glancing over your shoulder and making sure all the lights are on. As with his later novel, 'Creature', Hunter Shea draws on some deeply personal experience in The Waiting and this undoubtedly adds an extra dimension to what is already a spellbinding story.
April 11, 2021
One of my favorite writers, one of my favorite people in the horror fiction world, and one of my favorite novellas.
Must read!
Must read!
April 14, 2014
Wow!!! Shea is an amazing talent. Each time he writes he impresses me further. I could picture it all in my head and would make a great paranormal movie. Scared crapless right now. Review to come.
And here it is:
Shea always impresses me with his excellent writing and fast-moving interesting books. I was scared to death to read this "based on true events" ghost novella, The Waiting. However, was glad I did....I mean....glad I read in the the-waitingDAYLIGHT. From the background stories he told me, I was petrified. I will never vacuum again without looking over my shoulder, want to be alone, or want to be ill. I'm learning more things about ghosts and spirits than I ever wanted to know. Am I curious? Yes, probably too much so. It holds my interest to learn of the unknown. Am I scared still? Yes. And I will forever be haunted by this novella. I read The Waiting in one morning session after I woke up one day, because I couldn't put it down. I HAD to know what was happening as the story progressed. I didn't eat breakfast that day and didn't want to go downstairs until Tim and the kids got home.
This book will be either, depending on your mindset, fun for you to read and be a good, cheap investment for a thrill of a read, OR it will scare you to death and make you incense every corner of your house. I loved the characters in Shea's novel, particularly for some reason, the old woman next door.
There is a ton of back story to this novel. I would really love to see this turned into a movie.
And here it is:
Shea always impresses me with his excellent writing and fast-moving interesting books. I was scared to death to read this "based on true events" ghost novella, The Waiting. However, was glad I did....I mean....glad I read in the the-waitingDAYLIGHT. From the background stories he told me, I was petrified. I will never vacuum again without looking over my shoulder, want to be alone, or want to be ill. I'm learning more things about ghosts and spirits than I ever wanted to know. Am I curious? Yes, probably too much so. It holds my interest to learn of the unknown. Am I scared still? Yes. And I will forever be haunted by this novella. I read The Waiting in one morning session after I woke up one day, because I couldn't put it down. I HAD to know what was happening as the story progressed. I didn't eat breakfast that day and didn't want to go downstairs until Tim and the kids got home.
This book will be either, depending on your mindset, fun for you to read and be a good, cheap investment for a thrill of a read, OR it will scare you to death and make you incense every corner of your house. I loved the characters in Shea's novel, particularly for some reason, the old woman next door.
There is a ton of back story to this novel. I would really love to see this turned into a movie.
April 11, 2014
I love tales with awesome endings! This was really easy to read and the ending was totally unexpected.
Being a short story it's hard to get into the character's heads and get a really good feeling about them but I feel like Hunter did just that. I knew exactly what was going on and how Brian felt about his bride and then how he felt once she was in the coma.
The only downside I think this has is that it felt a little, hmm... I don't want to use the word boring exactly but I was wondering where the story was going to go. But once you get to where you know what's going on I realized that Hunter couldn't have put anything in the beginning because it wouldn't have added up. And then once I got to the ending, which again I loved, I was able to put everything together. Sure the beginning is a little slow but the plot actually increases gradually in intensity and I think it works overall.
Really good and now I cannot wait to read more of Hunter Shea's stuff!
4.5/5 Although that ending deserves a full 5 just by itself!
Being a short story it's hard to get into the character's heads and get a really good feeling about them but I feel like Hunter did just that. I knew exactly what was going on and how Brian felt about his bride and then how he felt once she was in the coma.
The only downside I think this has is that it felt a little, hmm... I don't want to use the word boring exactly but I was wondering where the story was going to go. But once you get to where you know what's going on I realized that Hunter couldn't have put anything in the beginning because it wouldn't have added up. And then once I got to the ending, which again I loved, I was able to put everything together. Sure the beginning is a little slow but the plot actually increases gradually in intensity and I think it works overall.
Really good and now I cannot wait to read more of Hunter Shea's stuff!
4.5/5 Although that ending deserves a full 5 just by itself!
November 7, 2021
Sometimes a book comes to you at just the right time in your life. You're struggling with something and an author comes along to put voice to it and it does your soul good.
The Waiting was that book for me. I won't pad a review with personal information, but the content of this book didn't stray far from home. Brian and Cassandra begin their life together, and even before the vows are set in stone, it deviates from the way they imagined. Shea highlights Brian's sacrifices and the mental fortitude he displays to deal with an onset of lemons life has unexpectedly chucked at him.
Add to this, the spirit of a young boy, appearing at first to be a guardian angel, but as things continue to transpire, Brian suspects there might be a sinister turn to it.
The Waiting is a bit of a departure from Shea's typical fare, but a wonderful showcase that he's a talented author, not a one-trick-pony. Masquerading as a ghost story, The Waiting is a love story, and I adored it.
I'm not ready to read Creature yet, but I'll get there.
The Waiting was that book for me. I won't pad a review with personal information, but the content of this book didn't stray far from home. Brian and Cassandra begin their life together, and even before the vows are set in stone, it deviates from the way they imagined. Shea highlights Brian's sacrifices and the mental fortitude he displays to deal with an onset of lemons life has unexpectedly chucked at him.
Add to this, the spirit of a young boy, appearing at first to be a guardian angel, but as things continue to transpire, Brian suspects there might be a sinister turn to it.
The Waiting is a bit of a departure from Shea's typical fare, but a wonderful showcase that he's a talented author, not a one-trick-pony. Masquerading as a ghost story, The Waiting is a love story, and I adored it.
I'm not ready to read Creature yet, but I'll get there.
October 31, 2014
Perfect Halloween reading from Hunter Shea. Horror, mystery and suspense fans will get chills and thrills in equal measure from The Waiting, a contemporary re-"bhoot" of the classic ghost tale (you'll know what "bhoot" refers too when you read it!)
March 22, 2021
Dear God what was that? The ending dude, it just creep the hell out of me. [Due to some personal issues it took me longer period to finish this awesome novella] But at least I made it...
Cassandra was sick. She'd been hospitalised and needs to be care for longer time. The doctor finally agreed with her husband Brian as he wanted to take her at home and take care his wife. A nurse been always there to monitor her alongside her mother in law. That's pretty much the idea of this book until then the real twist began...
There's someone in the room where Cassandra been kept. Even Brian could see him, it was a boy. The boy seemed very much drown or say attached to her. But the real problem is that boy was not real but something like unnatural in real world. Brian didn't know what should he do. As the day went by the atmosphere around Cassandra's bed grew tensed. The ending I find myself was very much dark and so unexpected that I needed to double check the writing before continuing my read. It just played my mind in terrible harmony. Nothing much after that but the horror with paranormal mixed it was a journey that I don't want to forget. More Hunter Shea for horror? I am going for it, Absolutely!!!
Cassandra was sick. She'd been hospitalised and needs to be care for longer time. The doctor finally agreed with her husband Brian as he wanted to take her at home and take care his wife. A nurse been always there to monitor her alongside her mother in law. That's pretty much the idea of this book until then the real twist began...
There's someone in the room where Cassandra been kept. Even Brian could see him, it was a boy. The boy seemed very much drown or say attached to her. But the real problem is that boy was not real but something like unnatural in real world. Brian didn't know what should he do. As the day went by the atmosphere around Cassandra's bed grew tensed. The ending I find myself was very much dark and so unexpected that I needed to double check the writing before continuing my read. It just played my mind in terrible harmony. Nothing much after that but the horror with paranormal mixed it was a journey that I don't want to forget. More Hunter Shea for horror? I am going for it, Absolutely!!!
October 5, 2021
Also reviewed on www.curiosityboughtthebook.com
A 3 Skull read:
Part medical mystery, part haunted house; Hunter Shea’s The Waiting scares readers with its fear of the unknown.
The beginning of The Waiting introduces us to Cassandra, who collapses during her and Brian’s wedding. After she undergoes life saving surgery and not waking up from a coma, Brian decides to take her home into their new house. What he thought would be the safest thing to do for his new bride, soon turns into a race against the supernatural as a small boy haunts Cassandra.
I enjoyed reading this fast-paced short book, even though sometimes the dialogue felt forced and unnatural. Seeing as this story is based on true events, I can’t say if the author’s relationship with his mother in law truly is this great, but it sometimes felt fake.
Other than that, the atmosphere was excellent, and the ending was the best part of the entire book. I loved that twist so much!
Thank you to the publisher for the review copy.
A 3 Skull read:
Part medical mystery, part haunted house; Hunter Shea’s The Waiting scares readers with its fear of the unknown.
The beginning of The Waiting introduces us to Cassandra, who collapses during her and Brian’s wedding. After she undergoes life saving surgery and not waking up from a coma, Brian decides to take her home into their new house. What he thought would be the safest thing to do for his new bride, soon turns into a race against the supernatural as a small boy haunts Cassandra.
I enjoyed reading this fast-paced short book, even though sometimes the dialogue felt forced and unnatural. Seeing as this story is based on true events, I can’t say if the author’s relationship with his mother in law truly is this great, but it sometimes felt fake.
Other than that, the atmosphere was excellent, and the ending was the best part of the entire book. I loved that twist so much!
Thank you to the publisher for the review copy.
October 24, 2021
The Waiting is a brilliant novella by Hunter Shea that runs in a similar vein to his fantastic novel, Creature. In the afterword, Hunter says Creature probably wouldn't have existed if this story hadn't been written. If you've read Creature and enjoyed it, then you need add this to the top of your TBR. I reckon it will work very well for you. If you haven't but fancy a quick read, something to give you a solid understanding of how good his storytelling is, then you really can't go wrong. The Waiting deserves to do well.
Highly recommended.
5 stars.
Highly recommended.
5 stars.
September 5, 2022
THE WAITING – by Hunter Shea
I Love everything about this story, especially the ending. Make sure you read the Afterword—My Heart!
Source: Own/eBook – I write this review in full support of the Author, Shea’s writing deserves your full attention, sans distraction regarding publication.
Highly Recommend!
I Love everything about this story, especially the ending. Make sure you read the Afterword—My Heart!
Source: Own/eBook – I write this review in full support of the Author, Shea’s writing deserves your full attention, sans distraction regarding publication.
Highly Recommend!
December 1, 2021
I was first lured into Hunter’s writing with Creature, which hooked me right out the gate with its use of the disease, Ehlers Danlos. Not only is it rare, but I have it. This allowed me to connect with the main character and her story in a special way. As it turns out, that novel wouldn’t have existed if not for The Waiting, which was first published in 2014. In it, Hunter tells a (somewhat) fictionalized version of he and his wife’s first year of marriage, in which complications with her Ehlers Danlos almost killed her several times. Again, I was able to make a personal connection to the story, even if my Type (there are several) isn’t as bad as her own. The Waiting beings with the marriage of Brian and Cassandra. When they go to feed cake to one another, Cassandra collapses in horrible pain. Due to a major infection, she nearly dies. And even though she doesn’t, Cassandra ends up in a long coma in which it doesn’t seem likely she’ll overcome. Eventually, Brian removes her from the hospital and sets her up for homecare alongside his new mother-in-law. Life is stressful and scary. Then a ghost boy starts appearing to make it all the more complicated. This is more of a dramatic novella than a horrific one, though the emotional trauma runs deep. There isn’t a lot of excitement, but the reveal near the end was great and the storm was suspenseful. As always, Hunter shows his chops in the dramatic, which is why his brand of horror does so well. You connect with the characters and care. I suspect this story will be especially captivating for someone who has had to care closely for a loved one. I’m glad to have a copy of this one alongside Creature.
P.S. I recommend the Foreword and Afterword! Don’t skip them.
P.S. I recommend the Foreword and Afterword! Don’t skip them.
November 3, 2021
This may be my favorite piece of fiction that Hunter has ever written. It’s a great mix of a paranormal story with the emotional gut punch of everything that is going on with the wife in the story. Hunter always has a great mix of horror along with emotional depth that makes his stories some of the greatest of the modern era in my opinion.
May 14, 2014
Hunter Shea's The Waiting is a horror story that examines the way love haunts those who have lost a beloved. In the main story arc, a newlywed falls into a coma. Her husband brings her to their new home, the one they'd been so excited to buy. When he carries her comatose body across the threshold, he has no idea the hell he delivers her into: their new home has a dark secret. This secret comprises the second arc, and examines a lost love turned malignant.
Shea ramps up the scares against the backdrop of anguish and anxiety. Things go missing in the house, disappearances blamed on the forgetfulness brought on by intense emotional stress. The life support system malfunctions multiple times, all inexplicable. And then the boy appears. Shea interleaves Hindi theories of wandering spirits to excellent effect, and what seemed a guardian angel is something different, and much more calculating. The malevolence increases, and the supernatural horror is intensified by the accurate and detailed medical descriptions of the wife's care. Like the wife's coma, the depths of darkness in this story are unrelenting and devour all physical and metaphysical comforts. In spite of the darkness, the husband never wavers in his commitment to his wife, and this love lights the apparent path to salvation. Shea, in a consummate delivery, closes The Waiting with a surprisingly creepy twist. The salvation was only apparent because there are two kinds of love: the sort that brings light, and the sort that steals the light through obsession. Love twisted by remorse and loss is as dangerous as a coma or a haunting. It is a soul-destroying void, and I hope Shea plans a sequel to let us see the aftermath of succumbing to such darkness.
Although I wish the wife's unconscious struggle was more of a focus, I feel that whatever was lacking from that perspective is more than ameliorated by the gritty, ugly reality of the husband's emotions. His despair at the situation, his determination to be strong, and his anger at his job, the world, everything - it strikes a chord because, yes, that is how people react when the world is turned upside down, but the bills and workweeks keep happening anyways. Shea shows us the painful side of love without flinching, and without treacle. The Waiting is a good ghost story, but a great portrait of a man struggling with the life-in-death of his love, his wife
Shea ramps up the scares against the backdrop of anguish and anxiety. Things go missing in the house, disappearances blamed on the forgetfulness brought on by intense emotional stress. The life support system malfunctions multiple times, all inexplicable. And then the boy appears. Shea interleaves Hindi theories of wandering spirits to excellent effect, and what seemed a guardian angel is something different, and much more calculating. The malevolence increases, and the supernatural horror is intensified by the accurate and detailed medical descriptions of the wife's care. Like the wife's coma, the depths of darkness in this story are unrelenting and devour all physical and metaphysical comforts. In spite of the darkness, the husband never wavers in his commitment to his wife, and this love lights the apparent path to salvation. Shea, in a consummate delivery, closes The Waiting with a surprisingly creepy twist. The salvation was only apparent because there are two kinds of love: the sort that brings light, and the sort that steals the light through obsession. Love twisted by remorse and loss is as dangerous as a coma or a haunting. It is a soul-destroying void, and I hope Shea plans a sequel to let us see the aftermath of succumbing to such darkness.
Although I wish the wife's unconscious struggle was more of a focus, I feel that whatever was lacking from that perspective is more than ameliorated by the gritty, ugly reality of the husband's emotions. His despair at the situation, his determination to be strong, and his anger at his job, the world, everything - it strikes a chord because, yes, that is how people react when the world is turned upside down, but the bills and workweeks keep happening anyways. Shea shows us the painful side of love without flinching, and without treacle. The Waiting is a good ghost story, but a great portrait of a man struggling with the life-in-death of his love, his wife
April 15, 2014
When things are based on a true story, you tend to hold things closer to the heart. You’re reading these events, and you’re just like, “Wow, this actually happened.” In the interview with Hunter Shea, I asked how close to the source material he kept things, because, even when things are based on a true story, there are some liberties that are generally taken in order to make things a bit more interesting, or tie things in. His answer was “As close to it as if we were standing next to each other.” So pretty darn close to what really happened.
While the summary gives you a good run down of the plot of this book, what it doesn’t say is how well the characters are written and how well paced this book is. This is a very slow build, and Hunter Shea brings the tension in droves. You feel the agonizing pain Brian endures as his new wife is in her coma, you feel the terror he feels when he discovers this “boy” that is watching over Cassandra, and the unease when he finds out that his mother-in-law and the in home nurse also see the boy.
The whole story culminates into the discovery of why the boy’s there, just waiting for Cassandra, and an ending that will leave your jaw on the floor.
The Bottom Line: What makes this book 5 stars, even though this is only 112 pages in length, is the story is structured so well, and everything falls into place so perfectly that you get an entire novels worth of emotional processing. You’re not going to have break-neck action, you aren’t going to have laugh out loud moments, but what you will have is a slow, steady, perfectly paced, character story. The chills of the unknown are real, and you’ll not want to put this down until you are done with it. HIGHLY recommended. To purchase this, just click the cover. What are you waiting for?
While the summary gives you a good run down of the plot of this book, what it doesn’t say is how well the characters are written and how well paced this book is. This is a very slow build, and Hunter Shea brings the tension in droves. You feel the agonizing pain Brian endures as his new wife is in her coma, you feel the terror he feels when he discovers this “boy” that is watching over Cassandra, and the unease when he finds out that his mother-in-law and the in home nurse also see the boy.
The whole story culminates into the discovery of why the boy’s there, just waiting for Cassandra, and an ending that will leave your jaw on the floor.
The Bottom Line: What makes this book 5 stars, even though this is only 112 pages in length, is the story is structured so well, and everything falls into place so perfectly that you get an entire novels worth of emotional processing. You’re not going to have break-neck action, you aren’t going to have laugh out loud moments, but what you will have is a slow, steady, perfectly paced, character story. The chills of the unknown are real, and you’ll not want to put this down until you are done with it. HIGHLY recommended. To purchase this, just click the cover. What are you waiting for?
April 14, 2014
Hunter Shea's The Waiting isn't my typical type of read. Paranormal activity and an undercurrent of terror aren't generally selling points that ensure a story gets on my to-read list. And yet I don't regret reading the story; in fact, I enjoyed the book!
The Waiting is part medical mystery, part a journal of the pain of watching a person who you love suffer and struggle to recover, and part spine-tingling paranormal tale.
"A small boy stood in the center of the hall . . . [his] face was expressionless. it was as if he were wearing a mask, and a damn good one at that."
Shea's narrative is succinct, yet rich. The first chapter is brief, but shows a deep history between newlyweds Cassandra and Brian. The result is that, by the end of the first chapter, when Cassandra mysteriously collapses, there is a strong sense of investment and a desire to find out what happens next. Subsequent chapters are the same; Shea's storytelling is skillful.
The threads of fear that run through The Waiting never knit together into a full tapestry of terror - and I'm glad for it. Not only because it would have scared me senseless, but because it's more tantalizing to be giving the teasing tidbits and let your mind do the rest.
The Waiting is a short book and a quick read. I'm glad that I took a chance and side-stepped a little out of my comfort zone to read it.
The Waiting is part medical mystery, part a journal of the pain of watching a person who you love suffer and struggle to recover, and part spine-tingling paranormal tale.
"A small boy stood in the center of the hall . . . [his] face was expressionless. it was as if he were wearing a mask, and a damn good one at that."
Shea's narrative is succinct, yet rich. The first chapter is brief, but shows a deep history between newlyweds Cassandra and Brian. The result is that, by the end of the first chapter, when Cassandra mysteriously collapses, there is a strong sense of investment and a desire to find out what happens next. Subsequent chapters are the same; Shea's storytelling is skillful.
The threads of fear that run through The Waiting never knit together into a full tapestry of terror - and I'm glad for it. Not only because it would have scared me senseless, but because it's more tantalizing to be giving the teasing tidbits and let your mind do the rest.
The Waiting is a short book and a quick read. I'm glad that I took a chance and side-stepped a little out of my comfort zone to read it.
April 30, 2014
I've never seen a ghost and quite frankly I am not sure what I would do if I did. I've watched the ghost hunting shows (I even DVR some of them so I can watch when the kiddos aren't around) and if I were in a dark room and heard a voice whisper something in my ear... I'm not quite sure I would still be standing in that room to ask it another question.
The Waiting is a novella that will have you on the edge of your seat. I couldn't put it down and read it in a few hours. Every little sound in the house had me jumping. The story is well written and the characters are developed exactly as we need them to be. Often times, we see authors that try to put too much depth into a novella and the reader spends chapter after chapter reading about things that, while they give the reader imagery and characterization, have nothing to do with the story and then it seems as though the ending is rushed. Hunter Shea does none of those things. The story is well written and gives the reader exactly the information they need to know...and the ending... well, the ending wraps everything up quite nicely, but there are "loose ends" that leave the reader with that sense of dread that any good horror story should.
Definitely 5 little bookie monsters on fire for The Waiting! My poor Kindle is going to explode one day.... I had to download a few more of Hunter Shea's stories...
The Waiting is a novella that will have you on the edge of your seat. I couldn't put it down and read it in a few hours. Every little sound in the house had me jumping. The story is well written and the characters are developed exactly as we need them to be. Often times, we see authors that try to put too much depth into a novella and the reader spends chapter after chapter reading about things that, while they give the reader imagery and characterization, have nothing to do with the story and then it seems as though the ending is rushed. Hunter Shea does none of those things. The story is well written and gives the reader exactly the information they need to know...and the ending... well, the ending wraps everything up quite nicely, but there are "loose ends" that leave the reader with that sense of dread that any good horror story should.
Definitely 5 little bookie monsters on fire for The Waiting! My poor Kindle is going to explode one day.... I had to download a few more of Hunter Shea's stories...
June 26, 2014
4.5/5.0
Reader beware, although this book begins at the protagonists' wedding, this is NOT a romantic book. Nor is it a horror book a la chainsaws, blood and guts, or zombies. This is a horror book in the classical sense, that of setting up a terrifying prospect of possibility of events that might actually occur, the horror genre at its most pure and intense.
Read full review in the 2014 May issue of InD’tale Magazine.
Reader beware, although this book begins at the protagonists' wedding, this is NOT a romantic book. Nor is it a horror book a la chainsaws, blood and guts, or zombies. This is a horror book in the classical sense, that of setting up a terrifying prospect of possibility of events that might actually occur, the horror genre at its most pure and intense.
Read full review in the 2014 May issue of InD’tale Magazine.
April 20, 2014
What a great ghost story. This novella really did pack a punch, and for once a book with an excellent ending. I love books that make you think about what happens after the last page, and this book certainly does that.
May 16, 2014
Review to come.
September 29, 2021
Classic ghost story
I've been wanting to read Hunter Shea for a while. When I read the description for this book, I knew I couldn't wait any longer. This book has everything I enjoy most in horror: a relatable family/couple in peril, rich atmosphere, nail-biting tension, palpable emotional struggles, and one scary ghost (bonus for being a kid!).
We begin the tale with Cassandra, who isn't feeling well on her wedding day. When she collapses, her new husband's world nearly does as well. Fortunately, Brian is strong and has an excellent support system. He vows to help Cassandra recover no matter how long it takes, helped by his mother-in-law, friends, and a kind nurse. Problem is, someone else is in the house...friend or foe, it's not clear at first. The only thing that is clear, the boy seen slipping through the house or standing beside Cassandra's hospital bed is most likely a ghost. But what in the world could he possibly want?
I felt for Brian, his heartbreak and loneliness, the understandable frustration combined with a stubborn drive. I admired his steadfast devotion to Cassandra. All of the characters were just as vivid, making me feel them beside me as I flipped the pages. And I flipped fast because I had to see what would happen next. That ending...just wow. Out of the many twists I've seen in ghost stories, that's one of my favorites!
This is a short read, but I left fully satisfied. I can't wait to read more from Mr. Shea!
I've been wanting to read Hunter Shea for a while. When I read the description for this book, I knew I couldn't wait any longer. This book has everything I enjoy most in horror: a relatable family/couple in peril, rich atmosphere, nail-biting tension, palpable emotional struggles, and one scary ghost (bonus for being a kid!).
We begin the tale with Cassandra, who isn't feeling well on her wedding day. When she collapses, her new husband's world nearly does as well. Fortunately, Brian is strong and has an excellent support system. He vows to help Cassandra recover no matter how long it takes, helped by his mother-in-law, friends, and a kind nurse. Problem is, someone else is in the house...friend or foe, it's not clear at first. The only thing that is clear, the boy seen slipping through the house or standing beside Cassandra's hospital bed is most likely a ghost. But what in the world could he possibly want?
I felt for Brian, his heartbreak and loneliness, the understandable frustration combined with a stubborn drive. I admired his steadfast devotion to Cassandra. All of the characters were just as vivid, making me feel them beside me as I flipped the pages. And I flipped fast because I had to see what would happen next. That ending...just wow. Out of the many twists I've seen in ghost stories, that's one of my favorites!
This is a short read, but I left fully satisfied. I can't wait to read more from Mr. Shea!
October 14, 2021
Cassandra and Brian's wedding day started as a dream come true but ended in a nightmare. What should have been a day of celebration ends with Cassandra having a health crisis and collapsing into an unexplainable coma. Brian scarcely leaves her side at the hospital, and, as time passes, he becomes sure that she'll recover better and be more comfortable at home. Cassandra's mom Alice moves in with them to help provide the round-the-clock care that is needed. They both notice that things are going missing around the house - they chalk it up to exhaustion and frayed nerves. Then when Brian sees the form of the young boy near his wife's hospital bed, he thinks he's losing his mind. Eventually, he learns that Alice and the visiting nurse have seen him, too. It's a ghost haunting Cassandra, and he has some dark intentions stemming from losing his mother at a young age.
The author notes in the afterward that this novella is based on his real life experiences when he and his wife were first married. It was a creepy and unnerving story to begin with, and that information takes it to the next level. I could really feel Brian's emotional response, his heartbreak and loneliness, his frustrations and not being able to help his wife, and his endless love and hope. So much creepiness and heartbreak packed into this slim little novella - it was like a ghost story wrapped in a medical mystery. I thought it was very skillfully written and I really enjoyed it.
The author notes in the afterward that this novella is based on his real life experiences when he and his wife were first married. It was a creepy and unnerving story to begin with, and that information takes it to the next level. I could really feel Brian's emotional response, his heartbreak and loneliness, his frustrations and not being able to help his wife, and his endless love and hope. So much creepiness and heartbreak packed into this slim little novella - it was like a ghost story wrapped in a medical mystery. I thought it was very skillfully written and I really enjoyed it.
November 6, 2021
A good ghost story can be either scary or sad, and a great ghost story can be both. This is a great ghost story. Stepping away from his his well-known in-your-face blood and guts horror, Hunter Shea has offered us a story of love and devotion laced through with icy veins of fear.
I felt sorry for both the living and the dead in this story. There were moments which gave me goosebumps - always a good sign. And the ending - ((shivers)). I also appreciated the Afterword in which the author describes some real life events which inspired this story.
All in all, a short little novella that packs a big ghostly punch.
I felt sorry for both the living and the dead in this story. There were moments which gave me goosebumps - always a good sign. And the ending - ((shivers)). I also appreciated the Afterword in which the author describes some real life events which inspired this story.
All in all, a short little novella that packs a big ghostly punch.
May 8, 2022
A devastating and heartfelt horror novella. Shea infuses his main character with a palpable sense of helplessness in the face of a loved one healing from a life threatening health issue.
Throw in a bhoot with a tragic backstory of their own and there is almost too much dread.
While the supernatural scares take a slight backseat to the horrors of reality you’ll still be looking twice for movement in shadows in your home after reading The Waiting.
A masterful blend of the myriad horrors one can face in life.
4/5 stars.
Throw in a bhoot with a tragic backstory of their own and there is almost too much dread.
While the supernatural scares take a slight backseat to the horrors of reality you’ll still be looking twice for movement in shadows in your home after reading The Waiting.
A masterful blend of the myriad horrors one can face in life.
4/5 stars.
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