Monsters Really Do Exist

by David B Harrington

Monsters Really Do Exist.....

From a strange little schoolgirl to bizarre sea creatures that creep around on the sand. From a prehistoric giant to shape-shifters disguised as seductive beauties - This semi-cohesive collection of supernatural tales is a little exotic, slightly erotic and totally neurotic.

Genres: Horror, Short Stories

99 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 11, 2022

Reviews

[Bryan Moyer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm giving 3 stars, because I see a lot of potential here. A couple of the stories were phenomenal. My problem was that the rest weren't that great. It wasn't that the author lacks skill, but I felt that stories that weren't phenomenal just rehashed the same plot with only a few changes. The stories I truly liked give me hope for this author. He has what it takes; I just think he needs more time to hone his craft. While, I may not have enjoyed the majority of this collection, I won't write this author off. I do see something here, and I will give him another chance.

[Amanda Ruzsa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the story of the janitor, but the end left me wanting more. It didn’t feel ‘done.’ Really enjoyed the foxes and their odd behaviors, as well as the beached whale moment. Don’t want to give much away, definitely giver it a read. :) you’re in for some goodies. :)

[Pam · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not my cup of tea.

[Alayna · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a short horror anthology of monster stories, but it didn’t really feel like one. Some of the stories had monsters, but it was harder to find the connection in others. I found some of the stories creepy but others felt more random. My biggest problem was that almost every story felt incomplete. From the first story, I was left confused. There would be build up, but there was no conclusion to a lot of them. It felt like they were leading up to nothing. I’m not talking about ambiguous endings…a lot of them genuinely felt like they stopped in the middle of the story. Most of them were interesting enough to keep my attention, but I found a few boring, especially because a couple of them felt very similar. Salamanders also showed up in multiple stories, which made it seem like they would be somewhat connected, but other than that they didn’t seem related. Overall, this collection was not my favorite.

👺2 stars

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting little book. It's a short book of short stories so is perfect if you want a break from long books or need something for a long car ride or something. First the good parts. The stories are interesting, some of them have tie-ins with each other which is always fun. They are very diverse in location and subject matter. The characters are engaging. There was definitely something for everyone.

Now the things that bothered me but didn't necessity deflect from the enjoyment of the book. First, what was up with the salamanders? They seemed to be a theme because they were a part of multiple stories but I really didn't understand. I wasn't thrilled by a lot of the endings. It was like watching YouTube. Sometimes things are wrapped up neatly in a bow and sometimes it ends abruptly and you don't even know it was over until the next video starts. Some of the stories felt like that. Just "the end." And sometimes I didn't know if the end of the story even fit in with the rest. But in all fairness I think that could just be me. I don't venture out of my genre often so when I come upon something unique it takes my brain a minute to wrap around it and this book is short and it moves fast. Maybe I just didn't have enough time to acclimate. I may need to read it again to absorb it more! And that's the thing, it was definitely good enough for me to go for round two.

The only other thing that bothered me, and it had nothing to do with the stories but more the writing style, is that it seemed like some places there was literally no segue between scenes and it wasn't exactly confusing but, yeah it was a little confusing. I can't say specifically because I finished the book a couple of days ago so let's just go with a made up generalization. So two people are in a certain location doing something like having lunch and then a sentence later it's several hours later and they are in a completely different location watching a movie (this isn't the scenario, just a way to point out what threw me). So this happens without any indication that they are somewhere else later in the day. There'd no break, no written clue, you just have to go "whoa wait a minute when did that happen?" It's kind of ok but kind of unexpected and for me it made me think I missed something so I'm backtracking a few sentences to find what I missed. Was I not paying attention? So again that is just a personal preference. I have a very poor memory for details so it threw me off!

But the great news is, this is a collection of unique stories and if you like salamanders, you should definitely like this! Oh, and as I'm thinking back on it while writing this, I think I definitely want to read it again so obviously it was pretty good! Read it! It's a fun book!

[CreepyChronicles · Rating 4 out of 5]

𝑴𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝑹𝒆𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒚 𝑫𝒐 𝑬𝒙𝒊𝒔𝒕

ꜰᴏʀᴍᴀᴛ: Paperback
ʙʟᴏᴏᴅ ʀᴀᴛɪɴɢ: 0/5
ꜱᴛᴀʀ ʀᴀᴛɪɴɢ: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
ʀᴇᴠɪᴇᴡ: A short book, filled with 12 short stories! There seems to be a common theme of water and salamanders.

My favorite stories are Apparatus Hill and The Ghosts of Dragonhorn Manor.

Apparatus Hill - small town folklore. You won’t believe in unless you see it for yourself! This story didn’t feel rushed and had a good flow from start to finish.

The Ghosts of Dragonhorn Manor - THIS STORY is something I would love to see as a book! It has the potential to make a great read! Rich family living in a mansion. But it’s like a Dragonborn family curse. Everyone dies young, but why? Big house = bigger secrets.

Small blurbs of each story

Walrus in a Brothel ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
- but what was wrong with little Christina? The title has nothing to do with the story. So no, there isn’t a walrus in the brothel😂
- She said she was a slimy salamander?
- It just ended. Wish there was more to it.

Salamander Springs ⭐️⭐️⭐️
- felt more of a story about the journey GETTING to salamander springs than what happens there.
- Ended kinda abruptly

Girl on the #9 Bus ⭐️⭐️⭐️
- has the potential to be a great story! But I have so many questions and no answers. Who is she? How does she know Billy? Who started the fire?

Madalyne Vandeveer ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
- wonderful story! Gives me Salem vibes.

County Library ⭐️⭐️⭐️
- don’t full send with pretty girls you just met😂 story was enticing but I feel the ending was rushed. What happened to Maggie? How did Tommy get out?

Salt Creek ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
- new species of a giant salamander
- Prehistoric salamander exists! 🥳

Maggona Beach ⭐️⭐️⭐️
- felt the story took a turn. No further mention of Calvin’s death.
- The melon head looking monsters are vicious and can apparently clean out a whale.

Uncle Salty ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
- Shipwrecked sailor comes face to face with a monster
- Very short, didn’t feel rushed

Apparatus Hill ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
- wonderfully written!
- Great flow from start to finish.

The Gravedigger ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
- the fear of being buried alive!

The Ghosts of Dragonborn Manor ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
- has the potential to have an extended version. I’d love to know what secrets lie within the manor.

Metro Zoo ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
- again…don’t full send with pretty girls😂 is she a snake? A stalker? A stalker snake?

Overall, some stories I felt were rushed. The timing felt a bit jumpy. For example, we’re in one location and the next sentence we’re someplace different. No transition. However, the stories that I absolutely enjoyed - great transition, scenery, and storyline.

If you love short stories or just want an easy read that allows you to use your imagination, give this book a try.

Stay frightfulˁ῁̮ˀ
S

[Eunice · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Monsters Really Do Exist," a collection of spine-chilling horror stories that will have you checking under your bed before you sleep. And let me tell you, I am officially a fan of this author after just one book!

From the get-go, I was blown away by the author's writing skills. The way he paint vivid and engaging narratives had me hooked right from the first page. The flow of the stories is so darn good that I found myself unable to stop turning those pages. It's like being caught in a whirlpool of suspense and you just can't escape!

Now, I have to be real with you - not every story packed the scare punch I was expecting. Maybe it's just me not being entirely used to horror tales with creatures, but hey, that's part of the fun, right? Despite that, there were some real gems in this collection that stood out for me. "Girl on the #9 Bus" and "County Library" were absolute favorites, and I am crossing my fingers for longer versions of these because they had me on the edge of my seat craving more. And let's not forget "Maggona Beach" - that story had me feeling like I was huddled around a campfire, swapping spooky tales with a friend. It was pure storytelling magic!

All in all, I am pumped to pick up more books by this author. His ability to weave captivating and descriptive stories is something I can't resist.

If you're up for a thrilling ride through the realm of monsters and mayhem, "Monsters Really Do Exist" is the ticket you need for a hauntingly good time. Keep your flashlight handy and get ready to lose yourself in these chilling tales. I can't wait to see what else this author has up his sleeve, and I bet you won't be able to either!

[Bethany · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an entertaining collection of short stories that makes for an overall quick read and is great for the spooky season.

Each story was unique, however I will mention a few favourites:-

- Walrus in a Brothel
This story was eerily effective and had some real creepy vibes. To begin with, I was disappointed by its ending....but only because I wanted more! But when I sat with my thoughts for a little longer, I realised it had a really good ending. This is the sort of story that lingers in your mind for a while. It leaves you with all sorts of questions: what was really going on? What do I think it meant?
I'm sure it could work as a longer novel, but it also worked well like this. I'd say this one stood out the most to me out of the whole collection.

- Salamander Springs
I'd say this one was the spookiest! The author crafted this tale very vividly.

- Girl on the #9 Bus
Another weird and unsettling tale, one that leaves you feeling on edge and afraid for the main character.

Overall, a good bunch of stories! I deffo recommend.

[Brideofdestruction · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a collection of horror novellas where you meet everything from sea monsters to ghosts to prehistoric monsters you probably have never heard of before.

My favourites were:
-The county library👻👻👻👻
-The metro zoo👻👻👻👻
-The girl on bus9👻👻👻👻👻
-The gravedigger👻👻👻👻

The county library reminded me of an episode of Supernatural...and I do enjoy horror stories with libraries in them.

The metro zoo was fast-paced and well-written and was maybe a bit more X-files.
I like when horror writers manages to come up with a bit more original monsters too,so🖤👍

The girl on bus9 was my favourite.
It reminded me of the Tales you heard on
"Are you afraid of the dark"

"The gravedigger" was a short but a classic hhost story which I enjoyed.I found it elegantly written.

If you are an impatient horror reader like me,
Then you need to read this!
Thank you so much to the aughtor for the gifted copy.

[Matt Ferenczy · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you have a taste for the macabre and an insatiable curiosity for the unknown, look no further than Monsters Really Do Exist by David Harrington. This collection weaves together chilling tales of monsters that lurk in the shadows, each story more unsettling than the last.

As a devoted fan of ghostly narratives, I was entranced by the eerie atmosphere permeating every page. Harrington masterfully conjures a sense of dread that lingers long after you’ve closed the book. Each tale draws you deeper into a world where fear is palpable, and the monsters—both real and imagined—are hauntingly vivid.

This collection is an absolute must-read for those who thrive on spine-tingling chills and the allure of great storytelling. Prepare to be captivated and unsettled, as these tales will linger in your mind, awakening your own fears in the dead of night.

[Beverly Laude · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting collection of short stories. The reader is introduced to a few ghosts, a few beautiful siren-like women (and what do they really want?), and some truly terrifying creatures.

The author has done a good job in writing creepy tales in many different settings. After the first few stories, I thought that all of them would be related in some way (but they really weren't). I would have liked to know more about some of the monsters introduced by Mr. Harrington, maybe in a full length novel.

If you enjoy horror without a lot of gore, some thought provoking monsters, and well-written short stories, give this collection a try. I will definitely be looking for more books by this author.

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wasn't expecting much of it with it being short stories, but the stories suck you in. They are really well written and capture your interest early on. Ranging from actual monsters and humans, which could hit close to home for some people. Downside is that just as you're sucked in, it ends with what feels is a rushed and somewhat lacking ending. Fair few of them have you craving to know more of how it ended. Others just end it in way that's disappointing as feels like they were on word count and had to cut some out to be under the word count maximum.

[Lia's Haunted Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a solid 3.5 and entertaining read. I enjoyed the overarching theme where monsters can be anything or anyone, lurking in everyday places. The way the author wove connections between the stories was a great touch, making the collection feel more cohesive. Overall, it's a well-rounded anthology that keeps you engaged throughout.

Here’s a breakdown of the individual stories with my ratings:

• Walrus in a Brothel - ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
• Salamander Springs - ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)
• Girl on the #9 Bus - ⭐⭐⭐✨ (3.5/5)
• Madalyne Vandeveer - ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
• County Library - ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)
• Salt Creek - ⭐⭐ (2/5)
• Maggona Beach - ⭐⭐✨ (2.5/5)
• Uncle Salty - ⭐⭐⭐✨ (3.5/5)
• Apparatus Hill - ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
• The Gravedigger - ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
• The Ghosts of Dragonhorn Manor - ⭐⭐⭐✨ (3.5/5)
• Metro Zoo - ⭐⭐⭐✨ (3.5/5)

[Brianna Cobbs · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 /5 All the reviews about this book are so spot on. There were some good stories...and some not so good ones where it was just confusing or boring. The part I hated most was how incomplete some of the stories felt. Most of the stores could have been saved by a good ending but that didn't happen, and you were just left wanting more. With that being said the #9 story I'm begging for a book from that that was the highlight of the book very well done!!! loved his writing style. Even with this book being kind in the middle I'll be looking for the next book for sure.

[Paige Ray · Rating 3 out of 5]

Monsters Really Do Exist is a spooky collection of short stories. This collection is perfect for an evening under the stars with a campfire going. Each story is filled with a special type of “monster.” Anything from critters, creatures, ghosts and the biggest monster of all…humans. My personal favorite was The GraveDigger. I enjoyed all of the creepy settings throughout the stories as well. If you enjoy horror without the gore factor, this is your book!

[Jolene · Rating 3 out of 5]

What is it with salamanders? This strange little collection of short stories really has me wondering.

Also, thanks for the nostalgic trauma memories, those monkey bars were a death trap back in the day!

But seriously, this book has something for everyone. It’s under 100 pages, available on KU, and perfect for a one afternoon binge. You just might find yourself asking the same question I did: what is up with salamanders? 🤔

[Zee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I genuinely enjoyed this collection. Like another collection some stories I liked more than other but overall it’s really enjoyable and captivating. I love the writing style of the author as it’s simple and understandable, the author doesn’t exaggerate, and he does enough to capture the eerie atmosphere.

For my short stories people this book is the one :)

[Wordy Bookworm · Rating 2 out of 5]

I recently finished reading Monsters Really Do Exist by David B. Harrington. This was a cute little book of 12 horror-esque short stories.

I enjoyed the ideas that the author presented in his creepy stories, and I enjoyed the variety of creatures present within the collection. However, the implementation of these ideas did not seem complete and seemed rather disconnected from themselves and each other. The stories left me wanting more and some of them didn't feel complete in my mind.

[Rhonda Bobbitt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book review
Author David B. Harrington
Book... Monster really Do Exist

4☆☆☆☆
12 little monster story's. My favorite two stories were.. Girl on the #9 Bus and Madalyne Vandeveer.
Very well written collection of horror stories. Super easy and fast read. My only dislike was I felt some of the stories just ended too fast. Definitely would have liked more of the Janitor story

[Rachel Browning · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Monsters Really Do Exist" by David B. Harrington is a gripping collection of short, supernatural horror stories that had me hooked from start to finish. I read it all in one day—I just couldn’t put it down. Each story builds its own unique sense of dread and anticipation, keeping me on edge with eerie twists and chilling surprises. A must-read for horror fans.

[Laura Howell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastic fun!
have never read anything quite like it before. You will love it if you enjoy feeling creeped out, it guarantees to leave your skin crawling. Buy it and you'll soon see what I mean lol 😂. I can highly recommend this to horror fans.

[Maryanne Chappell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished 'Monsters Really Do Exist' by David B. Harrington which is a short story anthology of creepy, somewhat connected stories that left me wanting more! 'Walrus in a Brothel' was truly creepy and my favorite! Try this one out, you won't be disappointed!

[LZW · Rating 4 out of 5]

Monster Variety

This was a book of short stories about monsters, some monsters are just regular humans & those stories definitely hit home. Well written, some slower paced, some fast, over all a good fun read

[Manda Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

These gave me a feel of the spooky stories you would grow up being told. The kind that had children standing in front a mirror saying “Bloody Mary” to see if anything would happen. It’s a short read but interesting.

[Eve Moss · Rating 4 out of 5]

An odd little read that I enjoyed, of course with my experience in reading collections of short stories there’s always going to be some you like and some you don’t. I would love to see this author release a novella.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable little book. The stories were about all different kinds of monsters, human and non-human. Monsters Really Do Exist 😉

Some of my favorite stories were

Walrus in a Brothel
Girl on the #9 Bus
County Library
The Gravedigger

[Amber Wood · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this collection of short, spooky, monster stories. Some of these I would have given more stars, but there were a couple I felt there were some holes in the writing. overall, give it a shot if you want some fast-paced spooky reads and to support an indie author!

[Desiree Gamboa · Rating 4 out of 5]

what a great campfire horror story book.

I loved these short stories. I actually can’t wait to share them with others. It was creepy and fun if you love short horror stories like me. Great read

[kaitlyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fun read! The stories were well written and got straight to the point. I loved how some connected to others through little Easter eggs. It was a great book!

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Monsters Really Do Exist was such a fun group of creature features! It brings to mind memories of old ghost stories, urban legends, and things that go bump in the night! I loved it!