Transfer

by Terry M. West

Prepare to scream forever! Howie Payne and Nick Enlow work the midnight shift at Big Carl’s Video Transfer and Media Services. An odd AVI clip begins to appear in their public drive on a nightly basis. At first Howie and Nick think it’s a serialized art house horror film someone on the day shift is sending them in secret. As the clips progress, however, the now obsessed duo discover something deeper and darker in the videos. Horror author Terry M. West would like to introduce you to the Green Room and its primary occupant, The Screamer.

Genres: Horror, Short Stories

88 pages, Hardcover

First published October 31, 2019

About the author

Terry M. West is an American horror author. His best known works: What Price Gory, Car Nex, Dreg and his Night Things series. He was a finalist for 2 International Horror Guild Awards and he was featured on the TV Guide Sci-Fi hot list for his YA graphic novel series, Confessions of a Teenage Vampire. Terry was born in Texas, lived in New York for two decades and he currently hangs his hat in California.
www.terrymwest.com

Reviews

[Mort · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good short story. Wasn't brilliant, but well worth the read.

[Janie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick, creepy and entertaining. Grab some popcorn and put your feet up. Really, don't touch the floor. Insert earplugs if you have them. I will be looking for more by this author.

[destiny ♡ howling libraries · Rating 5 out of 5]

He heard the whispers from the darkness. It sounded like a hundred voices — a hundred ghosts — calling his name.

I've been meaning to check out Terry M. West's work for years, and own a few of his books on my kindle, but somehow hadn't read anything until Transfer—and I'm only mad at myself for waiting so long, because wow, I am such an instant fan.

Transfer follows a couple of guys who work overnights in a video editing shop, where they pass the time in fairly mundane ways—that is, until they start finding unnatural video clips intermingled with their other files each night, each evening's snippet growing more and more sinister and strange. It begins to completely consume Howie and Nick until they can't possibly walk away, and the two men decide they have to know where these files are coming from.

I was absolutely blown away by how powerful of a punch this tiny novella packed. The characters immediately draw you in, and the fear element is so... primal, for lack of a better word. It felt like the terrors being described in this story were simultaneously incredibly modern, given their relation to technology, and yet so deep-rooted in me that I couldn't imagine having not been chilled to the core by the descriptions Terry offers of this wicked, cruel threat. I'm honestly an incredibly difficult reader to rattle, but for a couple of days after finishing this novella, I kept finding my thoughts drifting back to this awful creature and it unsettled me a little every time.

Whether you love horror novellas or are brand new to the format, Transfer is one you can't afford to miss. It's original, brutal, and downright horrifying — truly, Terry's imagination is twisted in the best way and I can't wait to read more from him.

All quotes come from an advance copy and may not match the final release. Thank you so much to the author for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

[Peter Topside · Rating 3 out of 5]

DNF at 32%. The premise seemed fun, but the dialogue between Nick and Howie was really hard to stick with. Just a ton of it, at least early on, and not enough plot substance to keep me engaged. And there was an information dump, of sorts, early on with Howie, as well, which felt very forced. I didn’t dislike anything here, but I just could not hang with the style it was written. A good content editor may have worked wonders here.

[Kirk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even though this book takes place in the present, I got a 70s/80s vibe here. The description of the work place left me with enough room to place the characters in a room with wood paneling, off-color carpeting, and wooden desks with partial dividers, kind of like the ones that used to be found in school and college libraries.

The author never took the imagery I conjured up away from me, and I admire that.

This book has a tangible mystery, one I could see myself getting sucked into. I spent many nights during the early 2000s getting sucked down less nefarious rabbit holes online, and I know I’m not alone because entire communities, YouTube channels, and Reddit threads are dedicated to this kind of shit. So this book should resonate with a lot of people.

It is a great, quick read. You get to escape into a few guys leading low-stakes lives. The older fellow is disillusioned a bit but still hanging onto dreams, and I dig that. There’s part of me that thinks I wouldn’t mind escaping into a world like that sometimes.

I miss the days when the disparity between dream and reality was so expansive that my naïveté made the distance I still had left to go seem small. Sometimes I think my dreams would feel closer if I had never published and just sat on a couch drinking and planning than they do after getting my shit together and getting a few books out there.

Anyway, I got to live that life through the old protagonist for a short while last night, and that was nice.

So as usual, I enjoyed this story for personal or unconventional reasons. Will my review help you? Probably not, so I’ll close by saying the book is definitely worth reading at the length and price point.

[Steve Stred · Rating 5 out of 5]

** Edited as review is now live on Kendall Reviews! **

'Transfer’ wasn’t on my radar until a few days ago. How crazy is that? Especially considering now that I’ve read it, it’ll sit easily in my top reads of the year?!

Duncan Ralston is the culprit to get this into my hands. I recently read ‘Ghostland’ by Ralston and noticed him also raving about ‘Transfer.’ I’ve connected with Terry on various social media platforms, but haven’t really developed a relationship with him – yet. When I saw his comment on Tim Waggoner’s Facebook post sharing Bark’s fantastic reviewers list, I asked Duncan if he wouldn’t mind putting in a good word with Terry for me – and voila!

‘Transfer’ is damn good. I read it in a single sitting last night, not because I wanted to push this above my TBR or prioritize, but because the synopsis was so enticing and once I started reading, I was hooked, much like our two main characters.

The story follows Howie and Nick at their workplace, a video editing company that digitizes or fixes sentimental self-shot video; think weddings, birthdays etc, as well as professionally filmed movies.

Because of the wide range of submissions they receive to clean up and fix, it doesn’t strike them as odd when an unnamed AVI file appears. At first, the video only plays a very short clip, ending in static, but as things progress, West does a fantastic job of sucking both the characters into wanting to see what’s next, but also forcing the reader to want to know more.

The imagery in this is outstanding. Cinematic in scope, we both feel the horror and fear within the clip but also the sense of dread and foreboding in the small office/cubicle the two men inhabit.

One thing I do want to point out – the back and forth banter between Nick and Howie was fantastically done. It didn’t feel forced and helped to elevate the connection I had between their relationship as well as their situation.

The ending is sublime, really working to keep the storyline going but also making how things play out feel even more real and grounded in the real world.

Several times I had to stop and google some specific things that West mentioned in it, the link to Creepypasta type horror was really fantastic.

Just an outstanding read and one I’m so thankful to have stumbled on. This really is a must-read and falls equally into the found-footage category as well as the creature feature category.

[Mindi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review to follow...

[Lukas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Creepy little short story. It won’t win any awards, but it was well-written, engaging, and straight-to-the-point.

[Duncan Ralston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terry M West's latest novella is a real treat. Like the story's protagonist's I was thinking about it long after the story ended. The Screamer is easily one of the creepiest creatures in recent memory. It's also great to read about film and television production by somebody who actually gets it - either West has worked in the industry for some time or is a damned thorough researcher. The characters are well-drawn and entertaining. Their comradery and jokes work well. And the "Green Room" is a terrifying concept. I love stories about video horror, especially when the author does something new and this is one of the better and more original ones out there. Highly recommended.

[Kelsi - Slime and Slashers · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up for GR. This is a short and creepy story that is easy to digest in one sitting!

[Paul Ataua · Rating 2 out of 5]

Howie and Nick work the late shift at a video transfer and media services when a strange AVI clip appears. They watch and then it mysteriously disappears. Each night another clip arrives and they are slowly drawn in. The story then slowly builds right up to its pretty weak ending. Two stars tells it all.

[Becca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Terry M. West for providing me with a copy of Transfer in exchange for an honest review.

First off, apologies to Terry M. West -- I just found this review written and unpublished on my blog & wow -- this is how behind I am in the world. But!!!! It says I finished this in December & I would like to say that I still vividly remember this story so if that tells you anything, let it be that this is a fantastic and memorable short. Okay, everything after this is from the review I wrote back in December:

Transfer by Terry M. West first reeled me in by that cover. I was getting all of the nostalgic VHS & video rental vibes.

Howie & Nick work at a video-editing company, and one day while looking through their work files, they discover a corrupted file titled ‘green room’.

After the initial video, each day that the two work together, a new file will appear; as if someone is sending it in a serialized format. Here’s the thing though, it only appears when Howie and Nick are in the same room.

Things get crazy & Transfer is honestly a Hell of a time. One of my favorite aspects of this read is the relationship between Howie & Nick. There are huge differences between the two in terms of age and personality; yet, the duo works so well together, it’s hard not to love them.

And, of course, there is the ~creepy~ factor. Terry M. West does a fantastic job of causing fear in both the characters & quite honestly, the reader. In an odd way, Transfer felt believable? Even though, what occurs in this tale will most likely never happen.

& imagery, oh wow — the imagery. Each scene of Transfer was so easy to visualize. Terry M. West is officially on my radar.

[Anne Secher · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was sent to me on exchange for an honest review (which will later be on my blog).
I really enjoyed this book!
I must set a warning for language, but I have no issue with that.
Perfect length and natural dialogues, credible and well-rounded characters that get to your heart, good sense of humour that keep you stick to the pages from beginning to end.
A great horror story with a stereotyped epilogue you wouldn't want to miss if you're into this genre!!!
Highly recommended.
Thanks, Terry!

[Kami Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

The joy of working alongside other bibliophiles is that very often someone has a recommendation of an author you have never heard of, even if they may have been around awhile. That was certainly the case here with our author Terry M West. It just so happens, when I went to go check out his work after a highly recommended voice from my Night Worms counterpart, Mr. Zakk Madness, I noticed Mr. West had this new Novella on the brink of release! And low and behold he was in search of active reviewers. Talk about perfect timing! I am so glad I jumped at the opportunity because I know I have found a new favorite author here!

This novella was certainly one that right off the jump has eye candy appeal. This has cover-buy written all over it.
Our story opens up by introducing us to two main characters Howie and Nick who both work for Big Carl at Video Transfer Service. Working graves, the two discover an AVI video file that is unnamed and its source can not be verified. Overcome with curiosity the two open the clip to find themselves in The Green Room… enter in The Screamer.

Novellas are challenging to review as to not give too much of the plot away, but what I will say is that the concept of this story is one of the most original I have seen to date. I was both creeped out and smiling as I continued turning pages which played out like a movie; frame by frame.
This story still has me thinking and guessing well after its completion, so much so that I need a follow-up!! I hope West decides to gift us with the presence of The Green Room again someday because I feel like my brain is on permanent loop mode looking for someone behind the monitor to dub in the mix, to create the finished layer to stop the screaming.
This spin is wicked cool! A MUST Read!

[Shadow Girl]

The wait is over!

The pre-release of TRANSFER showing up in the New Releases section of my Kindle has been driving me batty!
Now that the wait is over, I already devoured it.
The throwback cover and creepypasta vibe are awesome. (Yes, I was a creepypasta fan... don't judge.)
The setting at the video transfer store, (night-shift!), is the perfect backdrop. I was sucked in instantly.

[Edward Brock · Rating 5 out of 5]

I ate this up in less than an hour. Awesome, creepy and cool. Buy it.

[Thomas Flowers · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first read from Terry M. West, and certainly will not be my last. Transfer is a short punch of horror that grabs hold and doesn't relent--even after the story ends. The characters were well developed, which is saying something in itself given the novella length novel. Lots of technical jargon but not muddied by it. I'm sure there are those in "the biz" that were more impacted by this extra layer. Wasn't crystal clear on how the author intended the "Screamer" to look like, but in my head I was picture Pumpkinhead. Concept with an interesting mix of the Ring and any late night creature feature.

[S.B. (Beauty in Ruins) · Rating 4 out of 5]

What happens when found footage and cursed videos meet creepypasta Internet memes? When Slender Man becomes The Screamer? Ask Terry West, because he knows . . . and he’s not afraid to share all the grisly details.

Of course, in an age of cloud computing and steaming media, cursed VHS tapes are a quaint memory. So, how do you keep the cursed footage genre alive? If you’re talking Transfer, then you take that technology and make it a part of the story. Howie and Nick are media professionals, digitizing and restoring amateur video footage, working in cloud folders, and bantering over their work when they discover an incomprehensible file.

It appears from nowhere. It has no time coding. It can’t be re-watched. It can’t even be recorded on a cell phone. And the nauseating, blood-curdling scream of its monstrous star cannot be contained by volume controls or mute buttons. It’s impossible. It can’t exist. And the two men are obsessed.

Because of them, because of their camaraderie and their intensity, this story gets under your skin and in your head. We want answers as much as they do, but the more we know, the less we want them to keep searching. It’s too dangerous, and the stakes are literally life and death.

The grainy, poorly lit footage of the green room with its cannibalistic inhabitants and moss-covered graves is creepy enough on its own, but when it begins infecting real life, that’s when the story gets interesting.


https://femledfantasy.home.blog/2019/...

[Neil D'Silva · Rating 4 out of 5]

This short novel was a fun read. The concept is of a cursed movie that smites whoever watches it. Two people get a hold of a tape and happen to watch this movie and then hell is unleashed. There were two things that stood out for me in this one:

The way in which the author slowly seeds in the horror of the clip. Throughout the length of the novel, you will see a bit more of the clip each time, the full extent of it showing up only at the end.

The relationship between the two main characters is excellently portrayed. One of them appears to be a father figure to the other, but they are also friends and they rib each other good-naturedly. The story was elevated by the camaraderie between them.

I won't give out spoilers, but the climax was a quite contrary to what you would expect from books with such concepts. That made the entire experience of reading more worthwhile.

Pick it up. It's a short read, but will stay with you for long.

[Netanella · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spooky as hell!

Terry M. West blends found footage horror with the creepiness of haunted video tapes that change you once you've viewed them. Howie and Nick are digital editing professionals, working the night shift at Big Carl’s Video Transfer and Media Services. They prefer to work nights as they are both social misfits, and Howie has taken Nick under his wing, so to speak. When they notice an untitled video file in the common drive, they investigate the contents and discover a mystery unlike anything they've seen before. Driven to solve the puzzle of the mysterious file, Howie and Nick are caught up in a nightmare that they can't seem to escape.

[Kirsten · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love a good creepypasta, especially when it comes to technological spooks, and this short story had all of the bones but not too much meat. Dialogue felt forced, in a "this is what Millennials and Boomers sound like together, right??" sort of way, but even beyond that and embracing the premise it never reached the fear factor I was hoping for. I like when horror makes me cling to the light of my lamp, and while I'm sure I'll remember the imagery and the promise this story had for a long time, when it was over I was perfectly happy to put out the lights and go to sleep.

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars...I liked this one. Short and creepy. It's not something I see myself reading again but I'd recommend it if you're looking for a short, creepy video kinda story. But it's not the BEST compared to similar stories I've read before. Mostly, I think it's the characters that fell short for me...they were just ok and I wasn't super invested in them so I think the story lacked the impact I was looking for.

[Kerry]

Terry M. West again shares his wicked imagination with another short story, this one exploring a suspicious film file and a famous work of art. (It will forever change the way you view that particular painting.) As always, Terry M. West creates strong, visual settings. (Visceral, too, once you enter the green room. - When you read it, you’ll understand!) He also creates an engaging friendship/mentor relationship between the work buddies. A creepy story from an amazing story teller!

[Daniel Volpe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great novella. The characters were realistic and relatable. I really liked the plot and the dialogue moved the story right along. I had an idea of the ending, but the author threw a nice twist in at the end. A perfect length for a horror story, not being too short or long. Great job and I look forward to reading more from this author.

[Rechan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'd give this 3.5 stars. Liked the overall premise, how the characters are written, the main character, etc. While the ending leaves me with questions of the How, the way things play out is enjoyable and I leave satisfied. The story is as long as it needs to be, and overall makes me want to read more by the author.

[Mkittysamom · Rating 3 out of 5]

The twilight zone in a video studio

I am confused to what happened to Howie and his coworker, and why only missing Ppl signs for other Ppl but not them.. ? I liked this story I just think it could’ve ended better. And I’m not quite clear on what their jobs actually were..

[Rich Padzik · Rating 5 out of 5]

A passing note about john.

It keeps you in suppence about the film they are trying to figure out.. Howie and nick work well together, and each night they get a new piece of the film to edit.

[Robert · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first story of Mr West after seeing him on social media. I enjoyed it very much, it was nice and creepy, and I was able to finish it in an afternoon. I look forward to reading more of his books.

[Mel Blumen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Transfer is one of my favorites by Terry! Is short, creepy, and has a retro/cool vibe, as if it was a Black Mirror's episode from 1980! I had the privilege of translating this (among many others) into their spanish version! I higly recomend this one!!

[Thomas Barragan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good. I enjoyed it enough.