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The Macabre: 6 Chilling Short Stories.
From International Award-Winning Author Stuart James, Six Chilling Short Stories.
The Intruder.
When Marcia Graham is attacked in her home and loses her memory, her only solace is a man she can't remember, claiming to be her husband. As she experiences flashbacks, Marcia is certain she has a daughter. But why is Daniel dismissing her questions, why are her phone contacts deleted and what are the muffled cries echoing through the house?
The Caller.
Cleo James runs a successful podcast from a room in a creepy parking lot, and tonight, she discusses urban legends. A caller rings into the show, wanting to invent his own story with her in the starring role.
Room 9.
Frank and Carrie run The Oak Hotel in St Ives and love to see their establishment thrive. Only Frank likes to see a lot more. While spying on the guests in room 9, he sees something which chills him to the bone.
Seance.
Chelsy and her friends visit a medium and try to contact the dead.
Only after the seance, the dead won't leave.
The Hitchhikers.
Nate and Becca are lost on a deserted road late at night. When they pick up a couple of hitchhikers, their drive home becomes a living nightmare.
Anything.
Vinnie Cartwright wants nothing more than to lose weight, so when he hears about the shop where you can get anything, he searches for it. Only the mysterious shopkeeper wants something in return.
The Intruder.
When Marcia Graham is attacked in her home and loses her memory, her only solace is a man she can't remember, claiming to be her husband. As she experiences flashbacks, Marcia is certain she has a daughter. But why is Daniel dismissing her questions, why are her phone contacts deleted and what are the muffled cries echoing through the house?
The Caller.
Cleo James runs a successful podcast from a room in a creepy parking lot, and tonight, she discusses urban legends. A caller rings into the show, wanting to invent his own story with her in the starring role.
Room 9.
Frank and Carrie run The Oak Hotel in St Ives and love to see their establishment thrive. Only Frank likes to see a lot more. While spying on the guests in room 9, he sees something which chills him to the bone.
Seance.
Chelsy and her friends visit a medium and try to contact the dead.
Only after the seance, the dead won't leave.
The Hitchhikers.
Nate and Becca are lost on a deserted road late at night. When they pick up a couple of hitchhikers, their drive home becomes a living nightmare.
Anything.
Vinnie Cartwright wants nothing more than to lose weight, so when he hears about the shop where you can get anything, he searches for it. Only the mysterious shopkeeper wants something in return.
- GenresHorror
274 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 10, 2022
61 people are currently reading
128 people want to read
About the author
Stuart James
12 books620 followersAuthor of world wide number 1 best selling thriller, Turn The Other Way, and International Book Award Winner for The House On Rectory Lane.
Apartment Six was a number 1 new release for a month.
Stranded, released October 19th, 2020 on Amazon.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
What authors have said about my thrillers.
Caroline Mitchell, NY Times bestselling author of The Perfect Mother, The Secret Child and Truth And Lies: A great read packed with twists and turns.
John Marrs, author of The Good Samaritan and The Wronged Son: Fans of Mark Edwards will very much enjoy.
Definitely a writer to look out for.
Lisa Hall, author of The Party and Between You And Me: Tense and thrilling, with an ending you won’t see coming.
Jennifer Jaynes, USA Today bestselling author of Disturbed and Malice. Great job. Well crafted, deliciously twisty and kept me glued to the pages.
L A Detwiler, USA Today bestselling author of The Widow Next Door: The author is gritty, raw and dark in his writing. He is also extremely talented. I would highly recommend this read if you love a dark thriller in the same vein as Stephen King. My book of the month.
Natasha Harding from The Sun newspaper wrote about my thriller: A spooky read that will grab your attention from the very first page.
Published by Bloodhound Books.
Reviewers on Amazon and Goodreads have said Stuart James has written some of the scariest thrillers they’ve read in years.
I'm a new author recently published with Bloodhound Books.
My latest thriller, Turn The Other Way, went world wide number 1 on 5 platforms and has been chosen by Barnes And Noble as one of their top Halloween reads.
My other thriller, The House On Rectory Lane, has just won The International Book Award in horror fiction.
Apartment Six will be available 29th January 2020.
Stranded is released October 19th, 2020 on Amazon.
I live in Hertfordshire and am happily married with 2 wonderful children.
My twitter page is @stuartjames73
My website is stuartjamesthrillers.com
Apartment Six was a number 1 new release for a month.
Stranded, released October 19th, 2020 on Amazon.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
What authors have said about my thrillers.
Caroline Mitchell, NY Times bestselling author of The Perfect Mother, The Secret Child and Truth And Lies: A great read packed with twists and turns.
John Marrs, author of The Good Samaritan and The Wronged Son: Fans of Mark Edwards will very much enjoy.
Definitely a writer to look out for.
Lisa Hall, author of The Party and Between You And Me: Tense and thrilling, with an ending you won’t see coming.
Jennifer Jaynes, USA Today bestselling author of Disturbed and Malice. Great job. Well crafted, deliciously twisty and kept me glued to the pages.
L A Detwiler, USA Today bestselling author of The Widow Next Door: The author is gritty, raw and dark in his writing. He is also extremely talented. I would highly recommend this read if you love a dark thriller in the same vein as Stephen King. My book of the month.
Natasha Harding from The Sun newspaper wrote about my thriller: A spooky read that will grab your attention from the very first page.
Published by Bloodhound Books.
Reviewers on Amazon and Goodreads have said Stuart James has written some of the scariest thrillers they’ve read in years.
I'm a new author recently published with Bloodhound Books.
My latest thriller, Turn The Other Way, went world wide number 1 on 5 platforms and has been chosen by Barnes And Noble as one of their top Halloween reads.
My other thriller, The House On Rectory Lane, has just won The International Book Award in horror fiction.
Apartment Six will be available 29th January 2020.
Stranded is released October 19th, 2020 on Amazon.
I live in Hertfordshire and am happily married with 2 wonderful children.
My twitter page is @stuartjames73
My website is stuartjamesthrillers.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
June 16, 2022
The Macabre by Stuart James is a collection of six short stories that can only be described as most fatal. This author rips my heart out again and again and like some addicted book junkie I keep on coming back for more. You see, this is what James does best, he stomps out your heart with his powerful narratives and killer twists, he then hands you some Sellotape and expects you to piece together your broken heart.
I loved James’ recent release Creeper and The House on Rectory Lane. I knew this short story collection was going to be good, but my expectations were exceeded. Imagine a game of rounders, that ball went into orbit, (yeah that good). The title promises dark and dangerous stories and I loved every single one. It’s going to be gloomy, owls hooting in the night, twigs being stood on from behind you, but its this that makes it so appealing. Resistance is futile.
So, Macabre is a short story collection you say? Well what stories can you expect to read about? Sit down my child and we will talk about a few of them (imagine tales from the crypt kind of scenario).
The Intruder – This was a sledgehammer to the skull type introduction. Maria is attacked by an intruder that storms up their stairs and smacks her in the head with a hammer. When she wakes, she is suffering from amnesia, she can’t remember anything from her life before the accident and she doesn’t remember her husband. Why are her phone contacts missing and why have all her photo’s disappeared from her camera reel? This story was shocking and catalogues one of my biggest fears…not remembering my family.
The Caller – This was one of my favourites. It took my breath away from me. This is a story that displays in infinite clarity why Stuart James knows the complexity of people and how our flaws, dreams, and fears can impact our actions and reactions. Cleo James hosts a podcast and this week’s show talks about urban legends. A listener calls in with an inexplicably obscene proposition.
Room 9 – This one chilled me to the bone. Frank and Carrie own the Oak Hotel in Cornwall. One little proviso, Frank is a Grade A Pervert. His actions lead him to see something truly sinister. The ending, wow, I wasn’t sure whether to fist bump Frank or hide in the winding corridors of the hotel.
Séance – Now this was something special. After finishing this story my immediate thoughts were this was a mash-up of From Hell and Insidious. Three friends attend a séance, but who or what does it unleash. The secrets, the pain, the unknown.
The Hitchhikers – Wrong place and wrong time. A couple picks up two hitchhikers known as JJ (Jack and Jules). They have crashed their car in what looks like strange circumstances. A car ride from hell.
Anything – so who hasn’t wanted to just be able to buy anything? Never having to worry about money? Wishing a family member wasn’t ill? Or how about wishing you hadn’t put on weight? That’s exactly the situation Vinnie Cartwright is in. His weight has ballooned, and he’s always struggled to get to grips with it, no amount of fad diets, exercise, or eating one meal a day has helped. Until his friend told him about the shop that sells anything. Could this be the answer to his prayers? However, what is the price he must pay for making all his dreams come true?
Macabre is quite the ride. Buckle up, from the first scene you will be battling the never-ending sense of whiplash. I stepped into the imagination of Stuart James and was swallowed whole.
I loved James’ recent release Creeper and The House on Rectory Lane. I knew this short story collection was going to be good, but my expectations were exceeded. Imagine a game of rounders, that ball went into orbit, (yeah that good). The title promises dark and dangerous stories and I loved every single one. It’s going to be gloomy, owls hooting in the night, twigs being stood on from behind you, but its this that makes it so appealing. Resistance is futile.
So, Macabre is a short story collection you say? Well what stories can you expect to read about? Sit down my child and we will talk about a few of them (imagine tales from the crypt kind of scenario).
The Intruder – This was a sledgehammer to the skull type introduction. Maria is attacked by an intruder that storms up their stairs and smacks her in the head with a hammer. When she wakes, she is suffering from amnesia, she can’t remember anything from her life before the accident and she doesn’t remember her husband. Why are her phone contacts missing and why have all her photo’s disappeared from her camera reel? This story was shocking and catalogues one of my biggest fears…not remembering my family.
The Caller – This was one of my favourites. It took my breath away from me. This is a story that displays in infinite clarity why Stuart James knows the complexity of people and how our flaws, dreams, and fears can impact our actions and reactions. Cleo James hosts a podcast and this week’s show talks about urban legends. A listener calls in with an inexplicably obscene proposition.
Room 9 – This one chilled me to the bone. Frank and Carrie own the Oak Hotel in Cornwall. One little proviso, Frank is a Grade A Pervert. His actions lead him to see something truly sinister. The ending, wow, I wasn’t sure whether to fist bump Frank or hide in the winding corridors of the hotel.
Séance – Now this was something special. After finishing this story my immediate thoughts were this was a mash-up of From Hell and Insidious. Three friends attend a séance, but who or what does it unleash. The secrets, the pain, the unknown.
The Hitchhikers – Wrong place and wrong time. A couple picks up two hitchhikers known as JJ (Jack and Jules). They have crashed their car in what looks like strange circumstances. A car ride from hell.
Anything – so who hasn’t wanted to just be able to buy anything? Never having to worry about money? Wishing a family member wasn’t ill? Or how about wishing you hadn’t put on weight? That’s exactly the situation Vinnie Cartwright is in. His weight has ballooned, and he’s always struggled to get to grips with it, no amount of fad diets, exercise, or eating one meal a day has helped. Until his friend told him about the shop that sells anything. Could this be the answer to his prayers? However, what is the price he must pay for making all his dreams come true?
Macabre is quite the ride. Buckle up, from the first scene you will be battling the never-ending sense of whiplash. I stepped into the imagination of Stuart James and was swallowed whole.
May 31, 2022
It’s rare for me to read short stories but as love this authors books I decided to….and am glad I did
The 6 stories are varied but all had me hooked ( and spooked ) and would say Anything, The Intruder and The Hitchhikers were my favourite 3 although honestly enjoyed all 6, a mix of psychological, thriller and chilling edgy stories where the ending of each one was unexpected ( to me ) and very cleverly done
I really like this authors previous books and would say this collection of stories is amongst his best work, be prepared to be shocked and taken on 6 short but wild story journeys
10/10
5 Stars
The 6 stories are varied but all had me hooked ( and spooked ) and would say Anything, The Intruder and The Hitchhikers were my favourite 3 although honestly enjoyed all 6, a mix of psychological, thriller and chilling edgy stories where the ending of each one was unexpected ( to me ) and very cleverly done
I really like this authors previous books and would say this collection of stories is amongst his best work, be prepared to be shocked and taken on 6 short but wild story journeys
10/10
5 Stars
May 29, 2022
Ooohhhh ok I got an Arc of this today and I could not put it down.
I love short stories and these ones were just fantastic. The first I wasn't sure about..but as I kept reading the stories just got better and better.
What a creepy mind our Stuart James has..(and that's not a complaint)
Great ideas, great stories and I cannot wait for more from him.
Keep them coming. We will continue to dupport and read them.
I love short stories and these ones were just fantastic. The first I wasn't sure about..but as I kept reading the stories just got better and better.
What a creepy mind our Stuart James has..(and that's not a complaint)
Great ideas, great stories and I cannot wait for more from him.
Keep them coming. We will continue to dupport and read them.
July 17, 2022
Delightfully creepy!
A really enjoyable collection of short stories, all dark psychological thrillers. Only two of the stories had a supernatural theme, "Seance" in particular was an outstanding read. Just be very careful before you choose a special gift or enter into an open ended contract. Weigh up the costs and, if in doubt, just make sure you follow the vendor's rules to the letter. This selection of stories started out strongly and just got better and better as I made my way through the book. Dark psychological thrillers just asking to be read before you go to sleep. Pleasant dreams!
A really enjoyable collection of short stories, all dark psychological thrillers. Only two of the stories had a supernatural theme, "Seance" in particular was an outstanding read. Just be very careful before you choose a special gift or enter into an open ended contract. Weigh up the costs and, if in doubt, just make sure you follow the vendor's rules to the letter. This selection of stories started out strongly and just got better and better as I made my way through the book. Dark psychological thrillers just asking to be read before you go to sleep. Pleasant dreams!
June 9, 2022
This is a brilliant collection of short stories. I have read a lot of this authors work and have never read anything I didn’t like. There are a total of 6 chilling stories in this collection. Each one is more scary than the previous one, and I loved each one!
For fans of Psychological thrillers I can highly recommend reading this book, and all the other works from the author.
For fans of Psychological thrillers I can highly recommend reading this book, and all the other works from the author.
June 3, 2022
I enjoy a good short story, but I love a great one. And these are definitely fall into the great category! Nerve jangling at times, tension jumping off each page and the premise of each is one you can relate to. Stuart really does know how to pull you in with his great writing. I loved all of these, but for me, my favourites have to be The Intruder and The Caller.
This book is a brilliant combination of thriller and horror and the only thing I was disappointed about was that when I finished the sixth story, there wasn’t a seventh! I just have to hope that at some point there will be more.
This book is a brilliant combination of thriller and horror and the only thing I was disappointed about was that when I finished the sixth story, there wasn’t a seventh! I just have to hope that at some point there will be more.
May 31, 2022
In this book, there are six short stories. All of the stories are quite scary with Seance scaring me witless but it was so good!
These stories are well written and I enjoyed the characters and reading about their lives in each story.
Welcome to the deliciously freaky world of Stuart James! A great author who knows just how to scare me and keep me awake at night with his brilliant offerings.
These stories are well written and I enjoyed the characters and reading about their lives in each story.
Welcome to the deliciously freaky world of Stuart James! A great author who knows just how to scare me and keep me awake at night with his brilliant offerings.
June 1, 2022
What a great book!
6 short reads, all of which were completely different to each other, but all as enjoyable as the rest - there wasn't one that I didn't enjoy.
Very easy to read, and I would definitely recommend.
6 short reads, all of which were completely different to each other, but all as enjoyable as the rest - there wasn't one that I didn't enjoy.
Very easy to read, and I would definitely recommend.
June 9, 2022
Wow ... What a book!
This is a book of 6 short horror/suspense stories. I enjoy short stories but often find they fall a bit flat with their endings, this book dies not suffer from that. It is a fantastic collection of creepy stories
I would 100% recommend this book but perhaps it's best not to read it late at night into the early hours when you are on your own (Seance really creeped me out)
This is a book of 6 short horror/suspense stories. I enjoy short stories but often find they fall a bit flat with their endings, this book dies not suffer from that. It is a fantastic collection of creepy stories
I would 100% recommend this book but perhaps it's best not to read it late at night into the early hours when you are on your own (Seance really creeped me out)
February 11, 2023
A good small collection of stories
June 5, 2022
What a fantastic collection of short stories, author Stuart James has put together 6 of the creepiest stories I've read so far. I believe it's his first short stories collection released and I'm happy to say keep them coming!!.
I believe I've read all his novels and they're all so creepy/spooky and scary, special mention goes to "Stranded" which was my first book by Stuart and it really had an effect on me, so many twists, I was on edge the whole time.
I highly recommend it to any psychological horror fan, also I urge you to follow him on Instagram @stuartjamesauthor as he posts some really bizarre videos.
I believe I've read all his novels and they're all so creepy/spooky and scary, special mention goes to "Stranded" which was my first book by Stuart and it really had an effect on me, so many twists, I was on edge the whole time.
I highly recommend it to any psychological horror fan, also I urge you to follow him on Instagram @stuartjamesauthor as he posts some really bizarre videos.
June 9, 2022
I love short stories and hadn’t read a horror short story book before. I expected them to be similar, as they often are in anthologies but these were all different and brilliantly similar in their writing.
The stories got better and better as you read them. How the tension became so painfully ramped up so quickly I have no idea. That usually takes time.
I had my favourites, but enjoyed each one. I am quite worried for Stuart who has these stories rattling around in his brain. It must have been a great relief to let them out by writing them down.
Seance affected my night’s sleep. I told myself not to read it before I went to sleep but I didn’t listen. I think it would go Stuart good to keep emptying his mind every so often as I would love to read more. My advice, read it on a sunny day in the park.
The stories got better and better as you read them. How the tension became so painfully ramped up so quickly I have no idea. That usually takes time.
I had my favourites, but enjoyed each one. I am quite worried for Stuart who has these stories rattling around in his brain. It must have been a great relief to let them out by writing them down.
Seance affected my night’s sleep. I told myself not to read it before I went to sleep but I didn’t listen. I think it would go Stuart good to keep emptying his mind every so often as I would love to read more. My advice, read it on a sunny day in the park.
June 9, 2022
Stuart James never disappoints.
I'm not usually a fan of short story collections. In all honesty, I only own a few other collections, all by Stephen King. Stuart may have just changed my mind though.
Each story is down right terrifying. I went from "O.M.G I can't put this down, I don't want to stop reading this" to "OMG I'm freaking out, I can't read this" with the inability to put it down.
These are great little terrifying tidbits when you need a short escape. I highly recommend this collection!
I'm not usually a fan of short story collections. In all honesty, I only own a few other collections, all by Stephen King. Stuart may have just changed my mind though.
Each story is down right terrifying. I went from "O.M.G I can't put this down, I don't want to stop reading this" to "OMG I'm freaking out, I can't read this" with the inability to put it down.
These are great little terrifying tidbits when you need a short escape. I highly recommend this collection!
June 12, 2022
First of all, I would like to thank Stuart for sending me an advanced copy of The Macabre in exchange for an honest review.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I was hooked from the very beginning. Each story was terrifying, and I loved every minute of it!!! Stuart is the king of twists and just when you think you have it figured out, he proves you wrong LOL. This book will leave you reading well into the night. I highly recommend this book to anyone!!
Again, thank you Stuart for letting me take part of your book launch. I am a forever fan!
10/10 stars
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I was hooked from the very beginning. Each story was terrifying, and I loved every minute of it!!! Stuart is the king of twists and just when you think you have it figured out, he proves you wrong LOL. This book will leave you reading well into the night. I highly recommend this book to anyone!!
Again, thank you Stuart for letting me take part of your book launch. I am a forever fan!
10/10 stars
June 4, 2022
This book was captivating! It is made up of six stories that are impossible to put down. I loved how it was broken down into short stories because once I start reading books by Stuart James, I find my self up all night reading. These stories were full of breath holding moments and crazy action. Some of these stories will make you feel like you have heard of this in the back of your mind only to take a plot twist that you could never expect. I cannot say enough how great this book is and I would strongly recommend for anyone looking for a great read! Well done Stuart James!
June 1, 2022
Wow ok so I love short stories. It helps to be able to dip in and out but I’ll be honest. I binged most of this in one day. Unfortunately life got in the way so it’s taken me longer than I’d of liked to read it.
Characters that are relatable from the off, believable story lines, the “look over your shoulder vibe” and a need to know …, ticked all boxes.
Very impressive and I hope for my hyped up little brain there are more short stories to come.
This isn’t the first I’ve read of this author nor will it be my last. This was an arc copy gifted to me in exchange for an honest and unbiased opinion/ review.
Tbf I could literally eat this guys work up. Easy to read. Easy to get sucked up into and totally keeps you on the edge of your seat.
Go get a copy. You won’t be disappointed
Characters that are relatable from the off, believable story lines, the “look over your shoulder vibe” and a need to know …, ticked all boxes.
Very impressive and I hope for my hyped up little brain there are more short stories to come.
This isn’t the first I’ve read of this author nor will it be my last. This was an arc copy gifted to me in exchange for an honest and unbiased opinion/ review.
Tbf I could literally eat this guys work up. Easy to read. Easy to get sucked up into and totally keeps you on the edge of your seat.
Go get a copy. You won’t be disappointed
June 10, 2022
This book of short stories was wonderfully creepy, not to be read at night while alone if you plan on sleeping. I don’t read many short stories usually because so many have abrupt confusing unsatisfactory endings, Not these! I did not want the book to end, was sad when it did. Each story a gem of hold your breath while reading, page turning phycological suspense.
June 7, 2022
A brilliant collection of horror stories. They were short but packed a mighty scary punch and were full of tension, suspense and surprises. Well done Stuart
January 24, 2023
I wish there was a 3.5. While i enjoyed the stories and their ironic twists, somei felt were a little rushed and left a dew plot holes at the end.
February 16, 2023
WOW - The Macabre, six chilling short stories by Stuart James. I was just so glad I do not live alone as I would not be able to ever go to sleep again as they were very frightening.
The Intruder - Marcia Graham is wakened by a noise downstairs she does not want to disturb her husband Daniel as he has work in the morning so she makes her way downstairs to investigate and is attacked but does not see her attacker. Marcia is in a hospital bed suffering from amnesia and does not recognise Daniel when he visits. Daniel discharges his wife from hospital and takes her home and she gets flashes of memory returning. All her contact phone numbers have been deleted from her mobile and she hears muffled cries coming from somewhere in the house.
The Caller - Cleo James works nights as a horror podcaster and receives calls from listeners tuning in to another episode of Tales Of Madness discussing urban legend stories. Then one night someone calls her with a question 'Isn't it possible that urban legends could actually happen?'
Room 9 - Frank and his wife Carrie both run a hotel in St. Ives and Frank works the night shift and Carrie the day shift. What Carrie does not know is that her husband is a Peeping Tom who loves to spy on their guests and gets a kick out of it. The actions of a male guest in Room 9 will send shivers to Frank's bones in more ways than one.
Seance - Chelsey and Daisy has booked a Seance for their friend Annette's birthday treat which was recommended by their friend Darren Fletcher who had already visited the medium.
Wise words from Annette's taxi driver on her way home after their celebration drinks at a bar in town when she told him that she and her friends had gone to a seance and the taxi driver said 'But I think the dead are better left that way. If they wanted to communicate they would.'
The Hitchhikers - Nate and Becca had just visited their son Christopher at Nottingham University and were making their way back to London in their car but Nate has lost all sense of direction and they become lost and there is no signal on their mobile phones. They then take pity on two hitchhikers Jules and Jack. Highway Patrol warns it is dangerous to pick up hitchikers and also for hitchhikers to not take a risk in getting into a stranger's car.
Anything - Vinnie Cartwright overhears a conversation between two elderly gentlemen whilst travelling on a bus about one of them finding 'the shop,' The shop is situated in Cambden and is very difficult to find and the shop was called Anything and it is a shop where all your dreams can come true as you only have to ask the shop keeper.
Vinnie's wish in life was to lose weight as he was over twenty-five stone and he had tried all the diet and exercises to no avail. so he decides to visit this mysterious shop. A quote comes to mind "One can't have something for nothing."
The Intruder - Marcia Graham is wakened by a noise downstairs she does not want to disturb her husband Daniel as he has work in the morning so she makes her way downstairs to investigate and is attacked but does not see her attacker. Marcia is in a hospital bed suffering from amnesia and does not recognise Daniel when he visits. Daniel discharges his wife from hospital and takes her home and she gets flashes of memory returning. All her contact phone numbers have been deleted from her mobile and she hears muffled cries coming from somewhere in the house.
The Caller - Cleo James works nights as a horror podcaster and receives calls from listeners tuning in to another episode of Tales Of Madness discussing urban legend stories. Then one night someone calls her with a question 'Isn't it possible that urban legends could actually happen?'
Room 9 - Frank and his wife Carrie both run a hotel in St. Ives and Frank works the night shift and Carrie the day shift. What Carrie does not know is that her husband is a Peeping Tom who loves to spy on their guests and gets a kick out of it. The actions of a male guest in Room 9 will send shivers to Frank's bones in more ways than one.
Seance - Chelsey and Daisy has booked a Seance for their friend Annette's birthday treat which was recommended by their friend Darren Fletcher who had already visited the medium.
Wise words from Annette's taxi driver on her way home after their celebration drinks at a bar in town when she told him that she and her friends had gone to a seance and the taxi driver said 'But I think the dead are better left that way. If they wanted to communicate they would.'
The Hitchhikers - Nate and Becca had just visited their son Christopher at Nottingham University and were making their way back to London in their car but Nate has lost all sense of direction and they become lost and there is no signal on their mobile phones. They then take pity on two hitchhikers Jules and Jack. Highway Patrol warns it is dangerous to pick up hitchikers and also for hitchhikers to not take a risk in getting into a stranger's car.
Anything - Vinnie Cartwright overhears a conversation between two elderly gentlemen whilst travelling on a bus about one of them finding 'the shop,' The shop is situated in Cambden and is very difficult to find and the shop was called Anything and it is a shop where all your dreams can come true as you only have to ask the shop keeper.
Vinnie's wish in life was to lose weight as he was over twenty-five stone and he had tried all the diet and exercises to no avail. so he decides to visit this mysterious shop. A quote comes to mind "One can't have something for nothing."
June 10, 2022
I very rarely read short stories but having read most if not all of this authors books I thought I’d give it a go. What a sextet of amazing stories. The blurb gives you a good idea of each individual story so I won’t repeat that just to say I think my favourite would probably be The Intruder as it completely wrong footed me. However the most scary was definitely Seance.
It’s a complete mix of genres - psychological thriller/ghost stories/paranormal - and everyone one a cracking read in its own right. I read the whole thing in a morning as I couldn’t put it down but there were wonderfully placed breaks (end of story) for me to keep myself topped up with tea.
The stories really reminded me of, and would have been wonderful stories for, Tales of the Unexpected or Alfred Hitchcock Presents. Brilliant written, suitably scary and edge of the seat reading - I enjoyed them all. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
It’s a complete mix of genres - psychological thriller/ghost stories/paranormal - and everyone one a cracking read in its own right. I read the whole thing in a morning as I couldn’t put it down but there were wonderfully placed breaks (end of story) for me to keep myself topped up with tea.
The stories really reminded me of, and would have been wonderful stories for, Tales of the Unexpected or Alfred Hitchcock Presents. Brilliant written, suitably scary and edge of the seat reading - I enjoyed them all. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
June 13, 2022
Short Masterpieces!
Stuart James writes Brilliant short stories in the Macabre. These are definitely on the same level as Stephen King's. This was by far my favorite book by this author. (He'll probably win another award for this one, like he did for, The House on Rectory Lane)
My Top 3 Favorites were
1. The Intruder
2. Room 9
3. The Hitchhikers
I told myself I wanted to take my time and read slower to really enjoy them, but that's impossible. Never a boring moment. These are adrenaline filled plots that keep you flipping the pages to see where it will end up. He has a real talent for writing short stories and when I read that he'd be writing more, I was beyond thrilled.
Thriller readers, you need this book! This collection will stay with you long after you read the last word.
Highly Recommend! 5-stars!
Stuart James writes Brilliant short stories in the Macabre. These are definitely on the same level as Stephen King's. This was by far my favorite book by this author. (He'll probably win another award for this one, like he did for, The House on Rectory Lane)
My Top 3 Favorites were
1. The Intruder
2. Room 9
3. The Hitchhikers
I told myself I wanted to take my time and read slower to really enjoy them, but that's impossible. Never a boring moment. These are adrenaline filled plots that keep you flipping the pages to see where it will end up. He has a real talent for writing short stories and when I read that he'd be writing more, I was beyond thrilled.
Thriller readers, you need this book! This collection will stay with you long after you read the last word.
Highly Recommend! 5-stars!
June 12, 2022
I am a huge fan of Stuarts books and they have all been a big five stars from me so far! Well, today the streak continues! Stuart has delivered another, not one, but SIX fantastic, chilling stories.
I don't normally read short stories but there was no way I couldn't read this. Stuart is brilliant at gripping his readers and having us on the edge of our seats and each one of these stories did that for me. Each plot was so different yet equally exciting! You can tell alot of thought was put into this with the many shocking moments and the twists which were all so unexcepted! I love a story that shocks me and all six stories gave me a 'did that really just happen?!?' moment!
This is his first book of short stories and I really hope it won't be his last!
I don't normally read short stories but there was no way I couldn't read this. Stuart is brilliant at gripping his readers and having us on the edge of our seats and each one of these stories did that for me. Each plot was so different yet equally exciting! You can tell alot of thought was put into this with the many shocking moments and the twists which were all so unexcepted! I love a story that shocks me and all six stories gave me a 'did that really just happen?!?' moment!
This is his first book of short stories and I really hope it won't be his last!
June 15, 2022
I'm trying for the first time ever short stories. I'm not usually into this kind of books, but if it's written by Stuart James, there's no way I'm missing it !
The Macabre is a collection of six chilling short stories. My favorites were 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘏𝘪𝘵𝘤𝘩𝘩𝘪𝘬𝘦𝘳𝘴 (I was totally at the edge of my seat with this one) and 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘐𝘯𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘥𝘦𝘳. I got all the creepy vibes with 𝘚𝘦𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 but honestly, I loved all of them !
What I love most with short stories is that we don't dwell on useless details, and that got me hooked all along, but what I don't like is that they often end abruptly, leaving me wanting for more.
Anyway, this was super fun to read and I already can't wait to read Stuart's next book !
The Macabre is a collection of six chilling short stories. My favorites were 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘏𝘪𝘵𝘤𝘩𝘩𝘪𝘬𝘦𝘳𝘴 (I was totally at the edge of my seat with this one) and 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘐𝘯𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘥𝘦𝘳. I got all the creepy vibes with 𝘚𝘦𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 but honestly, I loved all of them !
What I love most with short stories is that we don't dwell on useless details, and that got me hooked all along, but what I don't like is that they often end abruptly, leaving me wanting for more.
Anyway, this was super fun to read and I already can't wait to read Stuart's next book !
June 3, 2022
You know when you first start reading a book and can't bring yourself to put it down?
Well The Macabre is most definitely of one them plus you get to read six stories in one unmissable horror book.
Stuart James has a very good knack of telling you the most bone chilling tales that really do keep you awake at night.
And I absolutely loved all Six stories. Each completely different and with fascinating characters.
If you are a lover of Stephen King, Alfred Hitchcock then this is definitely a book for you.
Well The Macabre is most definitely of one them plus you get to read six stories in one unmissable horror book.
Stuart James has a very good knack of telling you the most bone chilling tales that really do keep you awake at night.
And I absolutely loved all Six stories. Each completely different and with fascinating characters.
If you are a lover of Stephen King, Alfred Hitchcock then this is definitely a book for you.
June 17, 2022
I rarely read short stories but I've read of couple of full length books by Stuart James and enjoyed them so I gave The Macabre a go!
There are six short stories, around 40-50 pages each and all with horror or horrific overtones and they are great with neat twists that I tried (and failed) to guess. The Intruder, Room 9 and Seance were my favourites but the other trio weren't far behind and there's not a poor story among them.
Definitely recommended if your into short, quick reads and if you're not, these may change your mind!
There are six short stories, around 40-50 pages each and all with horror or horrific overtones and they are great with neat twists that I tried (and failed) to guess. The Intruder, Room 9 and Seance were my favourites but the other trio weren't far behind and there's not a poor story among them.
Definitely recommended if your into short, quick reads and if you're not, these may change your mind!
October 27, 2022
Six stories with chills Murder is included
I wanted a short book to read as I finished my last one and this book was a recommendation from kindle and I’m glad I listened. This book was good! Lots of murder and twists. This is a book that will keep you up all night. I’ll definitely have to add this author to my list of books to buy. My favorite stories was all of them ! Normally with a book like this it’s a hit and miss but all of these stories were hits ! This is most definitely a good read for the Halloween season. Reader discretion is advised !
I wanted a short book to read as I finished my last one and this book was a recommendation from kindle and I’m glad I listened. This book was good! Lots of murder and twists. This is a book that will keep you up all night. I’ll definitely have to add this author to my list of books to buy. My favorite stories was all of them ! Normally with a book like this it’s a hit and miss but all of these stories were hits ! This is most definitely a good read for the Halloween season. Reader discretion is advised !
June 28, 2023
4.5 rounded to 5
Excellent stories.
The author has the talent to write in a pace that captures out attention and the development of the story is natural and thrilling. Yet, such talent also creates in some circumstances that the author kept describing things to the point of mediocrity and repetitive. Further, it might imply that the author is best at writing short stories rather than a full length novel. Having read the The House On Rectory Lane, I reckon so.
The next story I will read is "The Stranded".
Excellent stories.
The author has the talent to write in a pace that captures out attention and the development of the story is natural and thrilling. Yet, such talent also creates in some circumstances that the author kept describing things to the point of mediocrity and repetitive. Further, it might imply that the author is best at writing short stories rather than a full length novel. Having read the The House On Rectory Lane, I reckon so.
The next story I will read is "The Stranded".
June 10, 2022
I have been a Stuart James fan for a while now. So when I received an early reader of this book for an unbiased review, I was all about it. Every James book is a surprise, a treat, and a GOTCHA! This book is no different. This book is a compilation of six short stories. Every creepy, hair raising story is a snack size Stuart James book. No spoilers here, but I think the opening story “The Intruder” is probably my favorite! Get this book and find your favorite, you won’t regret it.
June 10, 2022
Stuart James...master storyteller has done it again!!! These short stories will suck you in from the beginning. Frightful read and a night of no sleep. These characters in these six short stories are so real and what happens just as disturbing. For a rollercoaster of fright you need to read these hold on to your seat!!!
I am never disappointed by any books Stuart James writes..enjoy The Macabre!!
I am never disappointed by any books Stuart James writes..enjoy The Macabre!!
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