This Cold Night

by Erica Schaef

Following the death of a loved one, Rachelle Collins visits Ferguson Estate, an expansive country mansion which holds many fond memories, and one sinister secret, within its walls. Throughout the course of a single, terrifying night, Rachelle must confront horrors, both psychological and tangible, to prove just how far she is willing to go to keep her family together.

Genres: Horror, Fiction

100 pages, ebook

Published December 29, 2022

Reviews

[Theresa (mysteries.and.mayhem) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I went into This Cold Night by Erica Schaef blind, only really knowing that it was supposed to be a haunted house story. It was a lot of fun to read blind so I won't give away any of the details of the book here. Instead, I will say that it was full of suspense. I read through it quickly to see what was going to happen next! The character development was great. I absolutely loved the primary characters, and even some of the supporting characters jumped off of the pages for me as I read. There's also a fair amount of gore for those who love that in their horror stories - lots of blood. And the ending was a bit surprising to me.

I like to dig deeper in my reads for themes and hidden meanings. This novella contained the theme of family. Even family that isn't blood relation can be a true family. It was sweet in that way. But don't worry. Schaef doesn't beat her reader over the head with the sweetness. It was very subtle.

I enjoyed this story and I really have nothing negative to say about it at all. I highly recommend it to all my horror loving friends. I'm giving This Cold Night five out of five haunting stars.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC for review. Published December 28, 2022.

2.9 stars for this one.

This was first published several years ago, so don’t be fooled into thinking it is brand new (I thought it was.) Following the death of her best friend Finn’s mother Rachelle Collins, Finn and his family hold vigil at his home, Ferguson Estate while something else on the property is on the hunt.

For me this was saved only my its quick action and what, I thought, was a decent ending. Otherwise there wasn’t much going on in this brief tale which seemed muddled to me.

[Ga.selle (Semi-hiatus) Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘This cold night will turn us all into fools and madmen.’

[Sarah Budd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant review coming soon

[Horror Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short novella packs a punch and manages to tell a story about family, friendship, and acceptance while a blood thirsty "something" stalks a family.

Set in a sprawling estate of sorts, a family gathers for the funeral of a matriarch. Among them is a woman who isn't related but is just like family as she was taken in almost as their own because of her neglectful mother.

A snowstorm buries them in cold and snow. Phones don't work, electricity is out, and their vehicles won't start. But this is the least of their problems as SOMETHING huge with wings begins hunting them one by one, leaving a blood stained path in its wake.

This story takes place on a single night and the action never ceases as the carnage ensues. Between these gruesome deaths, we'll learn more about the characters and whatever is hunting them.

This is a fantastic, short, and atmospheric novella which is perfect for a quick read alone in the dark. I highly recommend it.

[Rebecca White · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got this read as part of the Terrify Your Tablet event and I’m so happy I did.

It was very well written and packed a big punch for being a short story. The background of the characters was explained enough to get the gist of the story without feeling lost but didn’t bog down into unnecessary detail. I loved the setting, too.

[always reading ashley]

3.5 stars
This was fast-paced, entertaining, and mildly creepy. There were a couple of plot holes, but otherwise a solid read. 

[Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Review

This was a short yet powerful horror read. The author took an iconic story trope like the haunted house horror genre and flipped it upside down, crafting a chilling atmosphere and haunting setting that kept the reader glued to the page as the story unfolded. The grim imagery the author employed was balanced well with the emotional weight of the protagonist’s journey.

Yet for this story, it was the narrative and character growth that really held this novel together. The backstory of how the protagonist and her best friend came together as a family and the emotional weight of their shared loss was so profoundly moving, and yet the jarring experience of the horrors they face in this story will leave readers breathless. The mythos the author builds upon for this setting really puts an interesting spin on the haunted house tale and keeps readers invested as the story progresses.

The Verdict

Thoughtful, terrifying, and entertaining, author Erica Schaef’s “This Cold Night” is a must-read novel to end the year. The twists and turns in the narrative and the haunting tone the story sets will keep readers hanging off of the author’s every word, and will keep them wanting more from the author in the future.

[K. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Loved the pacing - it got right down to the business of mutilated bodies with no idea what was happening so I appreciate that since we're talking about 100 pages of horror. This could easily be drawn into a longer thread with some significant grow up back story, the house looming in the background, I was creating that in my head as soon as it was over which made me sad and want a sequel or prequel. I'll not give it all away, but the combination of haunted house and the creature doing the damage truly begged for more drama, and the narrator's issue (medical condition) didn't really fit - I understand keeping secrets from those we love but that time could have been devoted to developing action and creating more suspense around the real evil. I would love to know more about that monster... and Aunt Theodora :-)

[Kaitlin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Probably one of the more strange things I've read in my lifetime but it wasn't bad. I enjoyed the length, not drawing it out to the point where it's not even action anymore, just boring dialogue that you just skip through like a lot of other books in this category. The characters were easy to get to know, not so many that it becomes confusing. Although, I would have liked to know more about the creatures. I also wish the ending had been cleared up a bit more because I'm not sure I understand everything about it but if you're looking for something spooky, this is a good, quick read!

Thank you to Netgalley and Brigids Gate Press for this eARC.

[Danni The Girl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This really felt eerie and creepy. Set in a big old mansion amongst a snow storm. The scene is set and I felt really cold and scared reading this. It felt a bit like Krampus, when the family are huddled up in the house around the fire, not knowing what's going on outside and people being picked off one by one.
With all short stories I wish there was more. I felt tense and kept guessing what is was that was hunting the family. The backstory for the characters was good to build a connection with them which I felt was nicely done for such a short story. Really enjoyed this one

Thanks to Netgally and Brigids Gate Press for my copy

[ScarlettAnomalyReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This had all the things I love in horror, I like Alot of horror but I love trapped too situations like this.

But is it haunted or is this just something all in Rachel's head?
This was a very quick read, but was exactly how it needed to be for the impact, Erica built the tension quick and kept it going and if this had been too long, I don't think it would have hit the same.

I finished this in one setting, I had to find out what was actually going on, because you can never trust the characters in books like this.

This is a high reccomend for me if you want a quick, tense, trapped in a isolated area read.

Short stories with actual plot and substance are few and far between lately, but this one was excellent.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely LOVED this book! Blitzed through this in one sitting.

The atmosphere was so well set up, especially for a novella, and the pacing was incredible - fast, but still kept me on the edge of my seat. Rachelle was a brilliant protagonist, and her friendship with Finn was so well touched upon.

Really recommend for fans of horror (both psychological and gore), as well as those looking for books with great atmosphere with family themes.

A HUGE thank you to Brigids Gate Press and NetGalley for a copy of this book.

[Luna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley for this copy.

A brilliant short horror story that will stay in my head for a while. The atmosphere and setting were great and I loved the pacing. The threat was always there but there were also calm moments which made the horror moments hit so much harder. It was also surprisingly emotional at some points. But again, it helped the horror more than it took away from it. The whole story left me wanting more. I want to know more about the family's back story, the house and especially the something that's haunting it. Definitely one of my favourite reads of the year.

[Kaylee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Cold Night by Erica Schaef

Wow! I didn't think it was possible to fit so much into only 100 pages, but I am happy to be wrong!

This was such a quick read, but you'll never expect what's coming next! Nothing is what it seems but by the end, you'll see why you should never dismiss the abnormal ramblings of anyone! You never know what's nothing more than a conspiracy or in reality, the cold hard truth.

I received an ARC of this book for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Shawnae Aiu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wicked. Can’t even imagine how this happened to this family. This story basically pulls you through a frightening night that tortures a family. What the heck is going on? Who is going to be next? I finished in one night, I had to find out what the hell-o was going on. Wicked is the best way to describe how I felt reading the end. Great author twist!! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jennifer Porter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a quick, gory, wild ride! Thank you, Erica, for this ARC copy. The emotion, vivid details...wow! And the character development is amazing for such a short read. I wasn't sure how I felt about this story at first but am so glad I kept reading.

Readers, if you want a bloody horror story that leaves you on edge and keeps you guessing until the very end, this one is for you!

[Casey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was able to read an advanced copy of this. Schaef tells a haunting story of found family and how much we connect to them. While short and a little too quick on the ending for me, really beautiful writing and a wonderfully spooky read.

[Jasmine Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a quick read, but you'll never expect what's coming next! I was on the edge of my seat the whole time reading this amazing story! definitely recommend

*I received an advanced review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.*

[Joanne Ellis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Erica Schneider’s This Cold Night is a chilling exploration of grief, memory, and the terrifying lengths one will go to protect their family. Set within the atmospheric confines of Ferguson Estate, Schneider crafts a gripping tale that blends psychological suspense with tangible horror, ensuring readers are hooked from the very first page.

Rachelle Collins’ return to Ferguson Estate is meant to be a moment of solace, a way to reconnect with fond memories after the loss of a loved one. Instead, it becomes a harrowing journey as the house reveals a sinister secret lurking within its walls. Schneider’s vivid descriptions and sharp pacing heighten the tension, creating an oppressive atmosphere where every creak and shadow feels alive with dread.

What makes This Cold Night stand out is its seamless intertwining of psychological and supernatural elements. As Rachelle confronts her fears, readers are left questioning whether the horrors she faces are manifestations of her own grief or something far more sinister. This ambiguity keeps the story compelling and ensures that the suspense never falters.

Schneider’s writing is both evocative and precise, painting a vivid picture of Ferguson Estate while delving deeply into Rachelle’s emotional turmoil. Her character is relatable and well-drawn, making her struggle to keep her family together all the more poignant.

Fans of atmospheric horror and psychological thrillers will find This Cold Night an unforgettable read. With its eerie setting, complex characters, and relentless suspense, Schneider delivers a masterful tale that lingers long after the final page.

[Paul Chambers · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a hugely enjoyable, truly ghoulish horror story with heart and loss and some real feels all packed into a relatively short read novella.

Our protagonist had a tough upbringing and was taken under her wing by a loving family who were very much better off than her, but treated her as their own. She grew up with the comfort of their privilege and knowing how it felt to be cherished.

The story begins after the funeral of the matriarch, with all relatives gathered in the stately home as a snowy and dark night begins. The darkness goes beyond just a lack of light, as members of the family are picked off one by one by unknown creatures with a bloodlust beyond imagination.

The story is fast paced, characters built speedily and efficiently, leaving you emotionally invested when it would be better not to be. There is gore, love, respite, terror and a veritable roller coaster of feelings that hurtle you toward a brutal conclusion.

I really enjoyed this and raced through it with glee. Top marks.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the read. Looking forward to more Erica Schaef!

[Chrissy Swarbrooke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley, BrigidsGate Press, LLC and Erica Schaef for the e Arc of This Cold Night .

This Cold Night is a novella that packs a punch straight away. Tackling tangible terrors of " A thing with wings ", death, family ties and many other horrors that lay deep into our psyche. The pacing of the book is fast, building in character development as the plot unfolds. We get a good idea of who these people are and the sense of loss that they have to endure. For me, it came across as a murder mystery with horror elements which worked really well. There is subtle foreshadowing within the narrative so I really enjoyed the direction of the plot itself.

This book has atmosphere, tension, terrifying elements and some great twists. It would definitely make a great audiobook in the future !!

4 Stars

[Dig The Plot · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish I had reviewed this before Halloween because this was a perfect spooky read. This short story takes place over the course of one night and is terrifying, tense and definitely a gothic thriller. It’s very atmospheric set in an old mansion in the middle of a snowstorm. Everyone is huddled up together in the same room in the creepy mansion and still people are being picked off one by one. I love reading a book that is accurately described as horror and horror is what you actually get. I highly recommend picking this book up. It’s a novella so it’s a fast read.

[Diane Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

A solid ghost tale reminiscent of Shirley Jackson..

A funeral. A family in mourning. One girl who may not be blood, but stands by her family, by her adopted home. This is one cold night with the family back together. But something is amiss in the old mansion full of fond memories, and one by one something plans to make it their home forever.

This is a ghost story, pure and simple. A solid 3.5 stars.

[Josette Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cleverly, dark twisted tale about family and how they were brought back “home”. I really enjoyed this tale about a gargoyle. These mythical creatures have always fascinated me. I have always thought these creatures to be protectors. If you like quick stories with a punch, then this is your read.

[Mary Lehnertz · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book to broaden my horizon of genres. It was a quick read but I realized the fantasy portion of this book just wasn’t for me. That being said, I did like the setting in the mansion and the characters.
Thank you for the advanced reader copy.

[Kandice Bentley · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not my favorite novella. It was fine. Not scary or horrific in any way, in my opinion. 2 stars. I've read a lot of novellas and short, horror story but I guess this one was just not for me. I did not get a sense of the characters. I didn't particularly care when a character was killed. Just meh.

[Selina Gomez · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love the setup of the story, the main character's history, and the relationships between the characters. I like that the monster/creature in this book is different from what I normally read on. Recommend as a nice short read.

[Cami · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short, weird, little read. But in this genre, weird is good. 😉 Two longtime friends return to one of their childhood homes, to attend a funeral. Will they be attending their own next? No spoilers here….you’ll have to read to find out.

[J. Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my second read from Brigids Gate Press, and so far I am loving the material they produce. I'll have explore more of their works if this keeps up.

This Cold Night is a quick little novella, around 90 pages or so, and packs a decent little punch. After attending a funeral of a loved one, seven people are trapped in the family mansion for the night by a large snow storm.

This story slams on the gas right out the gate in chapter one, and being a novella, it's going to be hard for me to give a lot of thoughts without spoiling the story itself. For the larger part of the story, we're looking at a strange creature feature story that, for me, had some strong Jeepers Creepers vibes, but there's enough going on with the story that I could tell there was something deeper unwinding between the lines.

The story itself is first person POV from our main character, Rachelle. She's from a broken, neglected past and has found welcoming comfort in the Ferguson family via her best friend Finn. After attending the funeral of Finn's mother, Rachelle and Finn find themselves stuck for the night in the family's mansion along with several other family members as they wait out the storm. Of course, a power outage and mysterious lack of cell phone coverage sets the stage for the rest of the night.

The members of the house start being hunted, one by one, by a strange winged creature. This of course sends everyone into a panic… well, most everyone. Aunt Theodora seems unphased by the chaotic night. After all, she claims to be already dead and has nothing to worry about.

This tale has a well crafted mix of creature feature and gothic horror vibes, and in its short pages even gives us a great emotional study into Rachelle's background and the ways she suffers from it even today.

I will admit though, the story left me wanting more. There's a legend woven through this story that was extremely intriguing, but never gets explained as far as its background or origins. The plus side, is we can use our imaginations and make it whatever we want it to be. If it were to be revealed later that this is a companion novella to some larger works, that would be even better. My lingering questions didn't ruin the story for me though, but still, I would love to know more about the legend of the house and family. That missing detail for me cost it one star, but still leaving This Cold Night at a solid 4 stars.

It was a tale that has me interested in looking into more of Erica Schaef's works, and this story also keeps Brigids Gate Press on my radar. If This Cold Night and In The Grimdark Strands of the Spinneret are prime examples of what all this publishing house releases, I'm in for the long game. For lovers of dark fiction, I recommend you check out these works as well.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

The story itself is first person POV from our main character, Rachelle. She's from a broken, neglected past and has found welcoming comfort in the Ferguson family via her best friend Finn. After attending the funeral of Finn's mother, Rachelle and Finn find themselves stuck for the night in the family's mansion along with several other family members as they wait out the storm. Of course, a power outage and mysterious lack of cell phone coverage sets the stage for the rest of the night.

The members of the house start being hunted, one by one, by a strange winged creature. This of course sends everyone into a panic…well, most everyone. Aunt Theodora seems unphased by the chaotic night. After all, she claims to be already dead and has nothing to worry about.

This tale has a well crafted mix of creature feature and gothic horror vibes, and in its short pages even gives us a great emotional study into Rachelle's background and the ways she suffers from it even today.

I will admit though, the story left me wanting more. There's a legend woven through this story that was extremely intriguing, but never gets explained as far as its background or origins. The plus side, is we can use our imaginations and make it whatever we want it to be. If it were to be revealed later that this is a companion novella to some larger works, that would be even better. My lingering questions didn't ruin the story for me though, but still, I would love to know more about the legend of the house and family. That missing detail for me cost it one star, but still leaving This Cold Night at a solid 4 stars.

It was a tale that has me interested in looking into more of Erica Schaef's works, and this story also keeps Brigids Gate Press on my radar. If This Cold Night and In The Grimdark Strands of the Spinneret are prime examples of what all this publishing house releases, I'm in for the long game. For lovers of dark fiction, I recommend you check out these works as well.

I received an advanced copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.