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Purgatory
A terrifying descent into the abyss.
Grant has been here before. Years have passed since he last stood upon its hellish shores. Never, did he think he’d go back. That was until someone from his past returns with a ghastly problem only he can resolve.
With two others, he once again finds himself on the frigid waters of Lake Superior. His destination: the island that has haunted him for a lifetime. Dark and unearthly, the place is just as he remembers. They set off on their nightmarish mission, but something is wrong this time. The island’s true nature is realized when an ancient secret awakens, threatening them all.
Will any of them escape or are they doomed to an eternity in a place where death is only the beginning?
Grant has been here before. Years have passed since he last stood upon its hellish shores. Never, did he think he’d go back. That was until someone from his past returns with a ghastly problem only he can resolve.
With two others, he once again finds himself on the frigid waters of Lake Superior. His destination: the island that has haunted him for a lifetime. Dark and unearthly, the place is just as he remembers. They set off on their nightmarish mission, but something is wrong this time. The island’s true nature is realized when an ancient secret awakens, threatening them all.
Will any of them escape or are they doomed to an eternity in a place where death is only the beginning?
90 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 10, 2022
29 people are currently reading
62 people want to read
About the author
Mike Schuhler
4 books3 followersBorn on June 5, 1983, in Oakland, California, Mike Schuhler embarked on a unique path before immersing himself in the world of horror literature. With two decades of dedicated service in the United States Marine Corps, he brings a depth of experience to his writing that few can match. Complementing his military background, Mike holds degrees in both English and Human Services, adding a unique perspective to his storytelling.
Mike Schuhler is the creative mind behind the recently unveiled novella, "Purgatory," a chilling exploration of the macabre. His short story, "Waiting Out the Storm," found its eerie home in Scare Street's "Night Terrors, Volume 13," showcasing his knack for crafting spine-tingling narratives.
Currently, Mike resides in Port Huron, Michigan, where the haunting landscapes and mysterious atmospheres continue to inspire his captivating tales of terror.
Mike Schuhler is the creative mind behind the recently unveiled novella, "Purgatory," a chilling exploration of the macabre. His short story, "Waiting Out the Storm," found its eerie home in Scare Street's "Night Terrors, Volume 13," showcasing his knack for crafting spine-tingling narratives.
Currently, Mike resides in Port Huron, Michigan, where the haunting landscapes and mysterious atmospheres continue to inspire his captivating tales of terror.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
November 14, 2022
Good read!
I was really surprised by how good this was! First time hearing of this author. Well written and interesting. Definitely recommend.
I was really surprised by how good this was! First time hearing of this author. Well written and interesting. Definitely recommend.
October 23, 2022
Scariest island I've read about
This short novella would be at home in a 1980s Stephen King collection.
It quickly sucked me in. A trip to a strange island to perform an evil task, quickly finding yourself in a nightmare. The strange horror just out of sight is even scarier than the terrors chasing you down.
If you want to spend an evening with a weird, scary tale, you can't got wrong with this one.
This short novella would be at home in a 1980s Stephen King collection.
It quickly sucked me in. A trip to a strange island to perform an evil task, quickly finding yourself in a nightmare. The strange horror just out of sight is even scarier than the terrors chasing you down.
If you want to spend an evening with a weird, scary tale, you can't got wrong with this one.
November 4, 2022
Purgatory is a moody, atmospheric novella, deliberately paced and filled with dread. The plot involves a mysterious island destination, and Schuhler describes it in ways that often evokes the rich depth of a 19th-Century painting, giving the narrative a gothic flavor. By contrast, his characters remain gritty and contemporary. Secrets and betrayals come to light as they encounter the dead while trying to fulfill a grim task. I enjoyed the crisp prose as the novella moved toward an unsettling ending.
October 22, 2022
Once I saw the cover for this, I had to read it. Authors, never underestimate to value of a good book cover. I loved this story too. The imagery of the island was fabulous and really created the gloomy and dire atmosphere. This is a unique story with a lot of grim and sad elements, but also a touch of heart. It is easy and fast reading and I read it all in one go. So happy with it.
September 17, 2023
The ominous tone throughout this book had me freaking out. As the character point of view shifts from present, to the past (and back), I was totally captivated as the tale was told. The descriptive writing crystallized the characters, scenes, and horror in my mind.
The deserted village on the eerie island was very intriguing, I’d love to read a prequel on the people who tried to settle there! Also, what is on the other side of the whirlpool?! 😱
Definitely get your hands on this one if you enjoy reading scary stories!
The deserted village on the eerie island was very intriguing, I’d love to read a prequel on the people who tried to settle there! Also, what is on the other side of the whirlpool?! 😱
Definitely get your hands on this one if you enjoy reading scary stories!
January 5, 2023
The dread and creepy atmosphere in this story really keep you going. a quick, fast paced, and creepy story.
May 29, 2023
I'll say it, Mike Schuhler's Purgatory isn't worth the ticket price.
I'm beginning to become furious at indie authors who publish one single short story as a "novella" with large font, fat margins, and a ton of blank space to trick readers into thinking there's enough content here to match the price point. It's not nice and it's beginning to discourage me from supporting indie authors.
The fact that I paid $7.99 USD for Purgatory's pitifully anorexic story has me feeling not just annoyed, but honestly, disrespected.
As a paperback, Purgatory clocks in at a lean 88 pages, which actually sounded like a fairly decent number to me until I realized that this number, as far as it relates to content, is misleading. Not only are there 7 whole blank pages at the beginning and end of this book, but there's also about 25 pages of blank space in chapter breaks and headings here as well. So page count of actual printed words ends up being only about 50 pages.
Imho, that just isn't worth $8. Maybe if this was combined with one or two more short stories of similar length, I could justify it. Or maybe if the one narrative had blown me away... but it didn't.
This is one of those stories within a story where two old friends get together because one has a confession and a request to get off his chest before it's too late. And I just have to say that the story told here, while written competently, just wasn't that good or entertaining. Certainly not for $8.
50 pages wasn't enough time to develop these characters enough for me to care about them. It wasn't enough time to build a spooky atmosphere with tension and dread. It wasn't enough time to describe the setting so I could visualize it clearly.
Long story short (lol), Purgatory just wasn't enough.
Despite being so short, this story also somehow managed to be boring. The opening and first half dragged. Also, there's a ton of foreshadowing that's totally unnecessary when considering how short this story is. It made me want to yell, "just get there already!" while reading this.
Perhaps the worst part of it all is the dialogue, which is stilted and goofy and unnatural.
Actually, that's a lie. The worst part of it all is how predictable this little story is. I could see the end a mile away. Oof.
Taking price out of the equation, I'm rating Mike Schuhler's Purgatory 2 out of 5 stars. It wasn't the worst thing I've ever read and the writing was better than a lot of other indie horror authors I've tried. However, good writing doesn't a good story make.
If I put price back into the equation, I'd rate this 1 out of 5 stars and stamp it with a DO NOT BUY warning. Well, unless you grab it on Kindle for no more than, like $1.99.
I'm beginning to become furious at indie authors who publish one single short story as a "novella" with large font, fat margins, and a ton of blank space to trick readers into thinking there's enough content here to match the price point. It's not nice and it's beginning to discourage me from supporting indie authors.
The fact that I paid $7.99 USD for Purgatory's pitifully anorexic story has me feeling not just annoyed, but honestly, disrespected.
As a paperback, Purgatory clocks in at a lean 88 pages, which actually sounded like a fairly decent number to me until I realized that this number, as far as it relates to content, is misleading. Not only are there 7 whole blank pages at the beginning and end of this book, but there's also about 25 pages of blank space in chapter breaks and headings here as well. So page count of actual printed words ends up being only about 50 pages.
Imho, that just isn't worth $8. Maybe if this was combined with one or two more short stories of similar length, I could justify it. Or maybe if the one narrative had blown me away... but it didn't.
This is one of those stories within a story where two old friends get together because one has a confession and a request to get off his chest before it's too late. And I just have to say that the story told here, while written competently, just wasn't that good or entertaining. Certainly not for $8.
50 pages wasn't enough time to develop these characters enough for me to care about them. It wasn't enough time to build a spooky atmosphere with tension and dread. It wasn't enough time to describe the setting so I could visualize it clearly.
Long story short (lol), Purgatory just wasn't enough.
Despite being so short, this story also somehow managed to be boring. The opening and first half dragged. Also, there's a ton of foreshadowing that's totally unnecessary when considering how short this story is. It made me want to yell, "just get there already!" while reading this.
Perhaps the worst part of it all is the dialogue, which is stilted and goofy and unnatural.
Actually, that's a lie. The worst part of it all is how predictable this little story is. I could see the end a mile away. Oof.
Taking price out of the equation, I'm rating Mike Schuhler's Purgatory 2 out of 5 stars. It wasn't the worst thing I've ever read and the writing was better than a lot of other indie horror authors I've tried. However, good writing doesn't a good story make.
If I put price back into the equation, I'd rate this 1 out of 5 stars and stamp it with a DO NOT BUY warning. Well, unless you grab it on Kindle for no more than, like $1.99.
January 6, 2023
Purgatory is a return to all the elements that make gothic horror great. I enjoyed the fast and satisfying read on Audible. The narrator did a good job with character voices. When the layered storytelling of previous events could have gotten muddied with confusion, the author exhibited clarity with great skill.
There is enough mystery at the beginning of the main character’s tale to keep the reader wondering what in the world is going on. A steady delivery of details about The Place, the unfolding events, and the unsavory characters involved keep you on the edge of your seat. You soon become entwined with their dark expedition, worried for the characters and yourself.
The unsettling finale is the masterstroke of this complete, well-rounded, simple enjoyable story. Not much more to say than a sheer pleasure to read - or listen to.
The superb cover art was designed by Francois Vaillancourt, an artist from Montreal. His imagery illustrates dark worlds and stories where horror and macabre meet.
Mike Schuhler was born in Oakland, California. He served in the United States Marine Corps for 20 years before pursuing a life in dark literature. Mike has earned degrees in English and Human Services.
Beyond Purgatory, he has authored a novella. His short story, Waiting Out the Storm, was published in Scare Street’s Night Terrors, Volume 13. Currently, he lives in Fort Myers, Florida.
Mike can be found online at MikeSchuhler.com
There is enough mystery at the beginning of the main character’s tale to keep the reader wondering what in the world is going on. A steady delivery of details about The Place, the unfolding events, and the unsavory characters involved keep you on the edge of your seat. You soon become entwined with their dark expedition, worried for the characters and yourself.
The unsettling finale is the masterstroke of this complete, well-rounded, simple enjoyable story. Not much more to say than a sheer pleasure to read - or listen to.
The superb cover art was designed by Francois Vaillancourt, an artist from Montreal. His imagery illustrates dark worlds and stories where horror and macabre meet.
Mike Schuhler was born in Oakland, California. He served in the United States Marine Corps for 20 years before pursuing a life in dark literature. Mike has earned degrees in English and Human Services.
Beyond Purgatory, he has authored a novella. His short story, Waiting Out the Storm, was published in Scare Street’s Night Terrors, Volume 13. Currently, he lives in Fort Myers, Florida.
Mike can be found online at MikeSchuhler.com
June 5, 2025
It was a quick short story. The beginning I felt was a little rough - not sure why we needed that first chapter in the first place (because now we know the guy survived so no suspense there). The island was spooky but I wished there was more background on the island and why he supposedly damned his wife to that place. Even though it had an ending - which was anticlimactic- it read like an unfinished piece. It had potential but needed more.
And after the whole drama of what the narrator experienced how come it was so easy for his friend to go there by himself with just the narrator’s written instructions?
And after the whole drama of what the narrator experienced how come it was so easy for his friend to go there by himself with just the narrator’s written instructions?
November 25, 2022
This is a story full of darkness and dire people. We follow Grant who has knowledge of an island few can find where, for a price, he’ll help you dispose of a body. There’s plenty of revelations along the way about the characters. The author really conveys the dankness of the island his characters visit as well as the dark otherworldly force at work there. Overall, I enjoyed it, mainly for the author’s talent for conveying the setting, but never felt totally hooked.
April 14, 2023
Not quite purgatorial of a reading experience, but this one didn’t work for me. For a random kindle freebie, it was commendably well done professionally: decent writing, editing and all that. But the plot was underwhelming, the pacing was slow, and it just didn’t grab me. I’m writing this review two days after reading the book and I can barely tell you what the story was about, so…
But at least it was a quick read.
But at least it was a quick read.
June 23, 2025
This was a creepy and atmospheric short story about a horrifying island in Lake Superior. Grant isn't a great guy, but he's definitely not the worst guy in the story.
The author did a great job with the descriptions of the island (and the smells!), and keeping the tension high.
The author did a great job with the descriptions of the island (and the smells!), and keeping the tension high.
October 24, 2022
2.5 stars but rounding up to 3. This one just wasn't for me I think. The basic premise was ok, but the story felt very slow to me and I just didn't care about any of these characters.
January 2, 2023
This was a short and chilling story that kept me on edge the entire time.
Wasn’t anything special but it was an enjoyable book with great atmosphere.
Wasn’t anything special but it was an enjoyable book with great atmosphere.
April 29, 2023
Atmospheric and creepy island. Well written little novella.
February 24, 2023
A creepy tale of atmospheric horror!
Purgatory is a creepy tale of atmospheric horror about a secret island, supernatural forces, and the darkness that lurks in the hearts of man. It was a quick, entertaining read. Definitely recommend
Purgatory is a creepy tale of atmospheric horror about a secret island, supernatural forces, and the darkness that lurks in the hearts of man. It was a quick, entertaining read. Definitely recommend
December 25, 2022
✨ Recommend
Purgatory was a great novella. It was well written and the story was very interesting.
The description of some of the surroundings is spot on. I was able to easily imagine the looks and feels of most of the surroundings and goings on, which that in itself is awesome. (I have a great imagination, just hard at imagination if something’s being explained to me)
Definitely hoping and going to be on the looking for this Author next adventures
Purgatory was a great novella. It was well written and the story was very interesting.
The description of some of the surroundings is spot on. I was able to easily imagine the looks and feels of most of the surroundings and goings on, which that in itself is awesome. (I have a great imagination, just hard at imagination if something’s being explained to me)
Definitely hoping and going to be on the looking for this Author next adventures
August 19, 2024
Loved this book! And I’m not just saying that because the author was my old Gunnery Sergeant in the Marines 😂 I’m really happy for him because he has talked about writing a horror book for so long and it turned out so well! I recommend this for any horror fan. It’s very well written and has awesome twists and turns. I also recommend following the author, as I’m sure there will be more great books to come!
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews