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Throwing Shadows: A Dark Collection
A woman develops an unhealthy obsession with a scarecrow. A boy plays with a Ouija board and receives a terrifying warning of murder. A down-on-his-luck father learns what happens when you die in your sleep. These stories and six more frightening tales await the reader within the pages of Throwing A Dark Collection .
Throwing Shadows will feed that hungry dark side that lives in your cellar.
Throwing Shadows will feed that hungry dark side that lives in your cellar.
- GenresHorrorCollections
156 pages, Paperback
First published October 25, 2022
11 people are currently reading
115 people want to read
About the author
Jerry Roth
5 books111 followersJerry Roth is an award-winning author of Bottom Feeders, from Sunbury Press. Following up with this success, he released a psychological thriller, On the Tip of Her Tongue, one year later.
His writing career began with his award-winning screenplay, Gray Matter. Switching gears, Jerry created the critically successful Disc Golf website, Inkslingers DG and wrote for the Disc Golf Pro Tour in 2017.
His influences for writing can be traced backed to authors such as Anne Rice and Stephen King. Jerry’s upcoming literary projects include: a Gothic novel, Wish it away, and a Short Story novel, Throwing Shadows: a dark collection— Out now!
Instagram: https://bit.ly/2Y3zeLh
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
November 5, 2022
Excellent collection of spooky short stories, that I enjoyed reading in bed at night.
The stories have an old-fashioned feel to them, like they were written years ago; I'm not saying this is a bad thing.
Tales From The Crypt/Creepshow vibes.
I'm not even a big fan of short stories but the cover drew me in. (designed by Kealan Patrick Burke)
I'll definitely be reading more from this author.
**I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily**
The stories have an old-fashioned feel to them, like they were written years ago; I'm not saying this is a bad thing.
Tales From The Crypt/Creepshow vibes.
I'm not even a big fan of short stories but the cover drew me in. (designed by Kealan Patrick Burke)
I'll definitely be reading more from this author.
**I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily**
October 9, 2023
A Woman's Strength ☆☆☆☆☆
Always Say Goodbye ☆☆☆☆
The Keepsake ☆☆☆
Whispers From The Cellar ☆☆☆☆1/2
The Idiot Box ☆☆☆
The Teddy Bear ☆☆☆☆
Ice Cream Man ☆☆☆
My Soul to Take ☆☆☆ 1/2
Lightning Crashes ☆☆☆☆
Always Say Goodbye ☆☆☆☆
The Keepsake ☆☆☆
Whispers From The Cellar ☆☆☆☆1/2
The Idiot Box ☆☆☆
The Teddy Bear ☆☆☆☆
Ice Cream Man ☆☆☆
My Soul to Take ☆☆☆ 1/2
Lightning Crashes ☆☆☆☆
April 17, 2023
This was an enjoyable collection of short scary stories, perfect for the Halloween season.
There was plenty of variation from story to story and often some kind of link between one story and the next. My only quibble was that some of the stories were maybe a little too simple and linear, although this didn't stop me from enjoying them.
If you enjoy your horror short and sweet, then this is for you.
This review is for an ARC copy received from NetGalley.co.uk.
There was plenty of variation from story to story and often some kind of link between one story and the next. My only quibble was that some of the stories were maybe a little too simple and linear, although this didn't stop me from enjoying them.
If you enjoy your horror short and sweet, then this is for you.
This review is for an ARC copy received from NetGalley.co.uk.
October 31, 2022
I have never read any fiction by Jerry Roth before but with Brigid's Gate Press putting out so much amazing fiction I had really high expectations, and Jerry Roth certainly delivered. This was a great collection.
This is a collection of nine short stories and each one really went on a journey. The stories did not follow the path I though they would go which made them all really exciting to read. There's a lot of horror in these tales but at the same time they can be really heart warming and comforting before the horror once again is ramped up to the max. These stories are steeped in realism, they all start in everyday situations which makes the terror feel very real. Each story is a rollercoaster of emotions and fear! I can't wait to read more from Jerry Roth!
A Woman's Strength
Throwing Shadows starts off really strong with this first tale, it's hard to predict where this tale is going to go, everything seems perfect in Sara's life until it suddenly isn't. I really loved this tale!
Sara has married the man of her dreams. She has found her happily ever after, moving from the cold cruel city to lush countryside. Now she lives on a thriving farm surrounded by cornfields. Sara has just given birth to her first child, a beautiful baby girl called Shelly. Through her marriage she's gained a perfect mother in law to help her transition to motherhood but quickly she is struck with post natal depression. Her mind begins to wander to dark places, she seeing things that aren't there, doing things she's not aware of, is it really her, or the scarecrow that watches their farm house? The only thing that can save her is her strength.
Always Say Goodbye
Rummaging around their attic, Matt's family come across unexpected treasure. The lost writings of the revered Spiritualist, Merill Emerson, the inventor of the Ouija board. Matt's dad also finds a very rare Ouija board and decides to show his son how to play it. As long as you follow the three rules, it's perfectly safe. Always say goodbye.
But Matt is soon drawn in by the Ouija board he plays it night and day after making contact with someone from his past, someone it is impossible for him to say good bye to.
This tale had it all for me, Ouija boards, ghosts, a cold sense of dread! I had no idea where this would go but the ending was epic!
The Keepsake
Rachel and Marie are thrust together as step-sisters when their parents marry. Their parents are so excited for their new future together, even Marie who is still coming to terms with her mother's death. However Rachel will not allow anyone to steal her thunder, particularly Marie. However her plans to ruin Marie won't come easily. Marie's late mother was a witch who kept a keepsake box containing all her spells and curses.
Whispers from the Cellar
When Tabitha moves to a new home after her mother remarries it's not the new life she was dreaming of. Still, she mourns for her father who died last year. She had hoped she would finally be allowed a pet but Eli says no. He lays down the law but there's one thing he can't control, the whispers from the cellar. This was such a dark disturbing story!
The Idiot Box
Jeff has lived his whole life without watching television but when he breaks his leg in a car accident he decides to give it a go. What's the worst that could happen?
The Teddy Bear
When a little child goes missing, two detectives enlist the help of a psychic to help find him, but it will come at a cost. This tale was so dark!
Ice Cream Man
An ice cream man is down on his luck, he's stuck in a rut and he's lost his girlfriend. He decides to change his ways and win back his love.
My Soul to Take
I really enjoyed this tale, it was so unique. I really felt for the protagonist despite his obvious character flaws. In this tale our protagonist signs up for medical experiments as he needs to provide for his estranged daughter with disastrous consequences. This tale stayed with me long after I read it. Poignant and horrific!
Lightning Crashes
Cate is recently married to the man of her dreams, she has it all until she falls pregnant, she's not sure she's ready to become a mother, she's only got a few months to prepare for the big day. This one gave me all the creeps!
This is a collection of nine short stories and each one really went on a journey. The stories did not follow the path I though they would go which made them all really exciting to read. There's a lot of horror in these tales but at the same time they can be really heart warming and comforting before the horror once again is ramped up to the max. These stories are steeped in realism, they all start in everyday situations which makes the terror feel very real. Each story is a rollercoaster of emotions and fear! I can't wait to read more from Jerry Roth!
A Woman's Strength
Throwing Shadows starts off really strong with this first tale, it's hard to predict where this tale is going to go, everything seems perfect in Sara's life until it suddenly isn't. I really loved this tale!
Sara has married the man of her dreams. She has found her happily ever after, moving from the cold cruel city to lush countryside. Now she lives on a thriving farm surrounded by cornfields. Sara has just given birth to her first child, a beautiful baby girl called Shelly. Through her marriage she's gained a perfect mother in law to help her transition to motherhood but quickly she is struck with post natal depression. Her mind begins to wander to dark places, she seeing things that aren't there, doing things she's not aware of, is it really her, or the scarecrow that watches their farm house? The only thing that can save her is her strength.
Always Say Goodbye
Rummaging around their attic, Matt's family come across unexpected treasure. The lost writings of the revered Spiritualist, Merill Emerson, the inventor of the Ouija board. Matt's dad also finds a very rare Ouija board and decides to show his son how to play it. As long as you follow the three rules, it's perfectly safe. Always say goodbye.
But Matt is soon drawn in by the Ouija board he plays it night and day after making contact with someone from his past, someone it is impossible for him to say good bye to.
This tale had it all for me, Ouija boards, ghosts, a cold sense of dread! I had no idea where this would go but the ending was epic!
The Keepsake
Rachel and Marie are thrust together as step-sisters when their parents marry. Their parents are so excited for their new future together, even Marie who is still coming to terms with her mother's death. However Rachel will not allow anyone to steal her thunder, particularly Marie. However her plans to ruin Marie won't come easily. Marie's late mother was a witch who kept a keepsake box containing all her spells and curses.
Whispers from the Cellar
When Tabitha moves to a new home after her mother remarries it's not the new life she was dreaming of. Still, she mourns for her father who died last year. She had hoped she would finally be allowed a pet but Eli says no. He lays down the law but there's one thing he can't control, the whispers from the cellar. This was such a dark disturbing story!
The Idiot Box
Jeff has lived his whole life without watching television but when he breaks his leg in a car accident he decides to give it a go. What's the worst that could happen?
The Teddy Bear
When a little child goes missing, two detectives enlist the help of a psychic to help find him, but it will come at a cost. This tale was so dark!
Ice Cream Man
An ice cream man is down on his luck, he's stuck in a rut and he's lost his girlfriend. He decides to change his ways and win back his love.
My Soul to Take
I really enjoyed this tale, it was so unique. I really felt for the protagonist despite his obvious character flaws. In this tale our protagonist signs up for medical experiments as he needs to provide for his estranged daughter with disastrous consequences. This tale stayed with me long after I read it. Poignant and horrific!
Lightning Crashes
Cate is recently married to the man of her dreams, she has it all until she falls pregnant, she's not sure she's ready to become a mother, she's only got a few months to prepare for the big day. This one gave me all the creeps!
October 31, 2022
A huge 𝗧𝗛𝗔𝗡𝗞 𝗬𝗢𝗨 to Jerry and the publisher for gifting me a complimentary copy!
This is my second book from Jerry Roth and this dark collection of 10 short stories places him among my favorite indie horror authors.
Normally I feel iffy about short stories because a story ends before it’s fully developed or you can’t really root for any character or you wonder what was the point of that story. None of this poses any problem in this dark collection. I found myself invested with the characters, especially the ones I knew were going to get in deep trouble. I also liked that every short story had a twist or reveal at the end, which was fascinating how Jerry easily pulled it off in short stories. I also appreciated women empowerment in several of his stories.
Without revealing too much, there are certain key words throughout the book - you’ll know them when you read the book, trust me - that actually have a SECRET story overall! So get your Sherlock Holmes magnifier ready when you start this book! 5 ⭐️ and a great, quick Halloween read!
This is my second book from Jerry Roth and this dark collection of 10 short stories places him among my favorite indie horror authors.
Normally I feel iffy about short stories because a story ends before it’s fully developed or you can’t really root for any character or you wonder what was the point of that story. None of this poses any problem in this dark collection. I found myself invested with the characters, especially the ones I knew were going to get in deep trouble. I also liked that every short story had a twist or reveal at the end, which was fascinating how Jerry easily pulled it off in short stories. I also appreciated women empowerment in several of his stories.
Without revealing too much, there are certain key words throughout the book - you’ll know them when you read the book, trust me - that actually have a SECRET story overall! So get your Sherlock Holmes magnifier ready when you start this book! 5 ⭐️ and a great, quick Halloween read!
October 20, 2022
This is my third Jerry Roth book, like with his other books the characters all well fleshed out and nuanced even in short form. My challenge with short stories is always wanting more or being left to assume what happened. In this collection we get creepy tales that give us everything you want in a horror anthology. I was impressed that the stories did not rely wholly on rote horror tropes but rather added a little edge and fear to short stories about relationships and real life scenarios. Even though the stories are short, it's easy to quickly immerse in them and relate to the characters. A few of the stories have that Grimms feel where you can see something bad is coming and you're screaming inside for the characters to wake up to it.
My favorites were the outright scarier ones like Always Say Goodbye, The Teddy Bear and Ice Cream Man.
Thanks to the author via Netgalley for access to this one. All opinions above are my own.
My favorites were the outright scarier ones like Always Say Goodbye, The Teddy Bear and Ice Cream Man.
Thanks to the author via Netgalley for access to this one. All opinions above are my own.
October 27, 2022
BLOG TOUR REVIEW
Review for 'Throwing Shadows' by Jerry Roth.
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Jerry Roth and Aberration Press Books.
Publication date 25th October 2022.
This is the third book I have read by this author. I have previously read 'Bottom Feeders' and 'On The Tip Of Her Tongue' which I would highly recommend.
I was originally drawn to this book by its gorgeous eye catching cover and its intriguing synopsis and title. I am also a huge fan of Jerry and if this is half as good as 'Bottom Feeders' and 'On The Tip Of Her Tongue' it is sure to be a fantastic read. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Bridgits Gate Press. I have yet to read a book published by Brigids Gate Press that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).
This novel consists of 9 short stories.
This book is written in a mix of third and first person perspective with several protagonists. The benefits of books written in first person perspective are as long as they are well written it makes you feel that you are being spoken to by the protagonist and it can create more of a bond between yourselves and them. If there are several protagonists you also get to see more of what is going on. The benefits of third person perspective with multiple protagonists are that it let's you see the bigger picture of what's going on and you get to know more characters more, what they are thinking and what they are doing. It feels like you get to see the whole picture and not miss out in anything. To have the benefit of both first and third person perspective ensures you don't miss out on anything.
Well done Jerry you have done it again!!! What an absolute psychological rollercoaster ride!! Another epic page turner!!
This book is extremely well written with vivid descriptions that drags the reader into the storyline. The synopsis, title and cover suit the plot perfectly.
I've decided that as this book has nine short stories rather than one that I will review them individually. Because there are nine of them I will write shorter reviews instead of the longer ones I normally do. I will also give each of the stories a rating out of 5 and then the whole book will be rated based on the average rating.
A Mother's Strength
A hook, line and sinker storyline about a mother living with her husband, mother in law and a scarecrow who watches over the farm. It has several creepy scenes and a flashback from the past. The ending has a fantastic twist which really does go to show a mother's strength. 5/5
Always Say Goodbye
A creepy tale of a family finding a ouija board and leaving it in the sons possession. The son is given the rules but does he obey them? All is not what you think in this ghostly tale with an ending you would never see coming!! 5/5
The Keepsake
This is a tale of a blended family with step sisters Marie and Rachel that are the complete opposite. Rachel is a horrible bully and takes the mick out of the fact that Marie misses her dead mother so much and even goes as far as allowing one of Marie's favourite possessions from her dead mum to be destroyed. Strange goings on begin happening but the explosive twist is absolutely jaw dropping!! 5/5
Whispers From The Cellar
This is a story of a mother, daughter and a stepfather. After losing her father Tabitha tries to hide the monster of grief deep inside but when the stepfather starts physically assaulting her and her mother will the monster stay inside? A creepy tale that will have the hair on your arms standing on end as you listen for bumps in the night. 5/5
The Idiot Box
The light of a solar flare that engulfed its solar system a million light years away is just reaching Earth. Jeff is not a fan of the TV and the one time he tries it he feels like a voyeur with all the focus being on women's breasts. Jeff locks the TV away but there's strange goings on happening beginning with the mailman burying meat in his garden. What meat is the question? I felt sorry for Jeff at the end but at the same time what a perfect ending for a horror!!! 5/5
The Teddy Bear
The police hire a psychic to find a missing child but is this psychic who he seems to be? I can't say anything more about this one but I will say that I love Karma and I wasn't expecting that shocking twist at all!! 5/5
Ice Cream Man
An ice cream man is fed up of his job, annoyed by the children and devastated that his girlfriend left. This one has a chilling ending!! 5/5
My Soul To Take
A strapped for cash dad takes part in an experiment to discover if the old wives tale of if you die in your dreams you die in real life is true. After the experiment he starts to get some strange visions and feelings. After a visit back to where the experiment was done he gets the shock of his life to discover what has happened to him. I actually felt really sorry for the protagonist in this story. In all the others karma seemed to be involved but this one seems to be about an innocent guy. However I still enjoyed the story so it still gets a 5/5 from me.
Lightning crashes
A newly pregnant mum starts getting some strange visions and feelings not long after becoming pregnant. Some strange goings on take her all the way up to the birth of the baby she has nightmares about. The last story in this book of short stories ends with a satanic twist you just won't see coming. 5/5.
Do not read this book in the dark or on your own!!! AN absolutely spine tingling collection of horror stories that will have you hearing noises at night and feeling the hairs on your arms tingling!!
An absolutely fantastic collection of short stories and I loved each and every one!! With unsuspecting twists, demons, ghosts and so much more this book is one of the best horrors I've ever read!!
Congratulations Jerry on yet another success!!! I am looking forward to seeing what you have up your sleeve next. This would make one heck of a fantastic movie!!!
Overall an absolutely page turning, hair raising and heart racing collection of short horror stories that will keep you guessing until the end!!!
Genres covered in this novel include Psychological Thriller, Horror, Suspense, Thriller and Horror Fiction among others.
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as anyone who loves paranormal, horror, supernatural or mind intriguing novels
158 pages.
This book is just 88p to purchase on kindle, free on kindle unlimited and £10.67 in paperback via Amazon which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 5/5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews
#ThrowingShadows #BrigidsGatePress #JerryRoth #NetGalley #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour
@JerryRoth @BrigidsGatePress @Bookworm1986 @bookworm86
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Review for 'Throwing Shadows' by Jerry Roth.
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Jerry Roth and Aberration Press Books.
Publication date 25th October 2022.
This is the third book I have read by this author. I have previously read 'Bottom Feeders' and 'On The Tip Of Her Tongue' which I would highly recommend.
I was originally drawn to this book by its gorgeous eye catching cover and its intriguing synopsis and title. I am also a huge fan of Jerry and if this is half as good as 'Bottom Feeders' and 'On The Tip Of Her Tongue' it is sure to be a fantastic read. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Bridgits Gate Press. I have yet to read a book published by Brigids Gate Press that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).
This novel consists of 9 short stories.
This book is written in a mix of third and first person perspective with several protagonists. The benefits of books written in first person perspective are as long as they are well written it makes you feel that you are being spoken to by the protagonist and it can create more of a bond between yourselves and them. If there are several protagonists you also get to see more of what is going on. The benefits of third person perspective with multiple protagonists are that it let's you see the bigger picture of what's going on and you get to know more characters more, what they are thinking and what they are doing. It feels like you get to see the whole picture and not miss out in anything. To have the benefit of both first and third person perspective ensures you don't miss out on anything.
Well done Jerry you have done it again!!! What an absolute psychological rollercoaster ride!! Another epic page turner!!
This book is extremely well written with vivid descriptions that drags the reader into the storyline. The synopsis, title and cover suit the plot perfectly.
I've decided that as this book has nine short stories rather than one that I will review them individually. Because there are nine of them I will write shorter reviews instead of the longer ones I normally do. I will also give each of the stories a rating out of 5 and then the whole book will be rated based on the average rating.
A Mother's Strength
A hook, line and sinker storyline about a mother living with her husband, mother in law and a scarecrow who watches over the farm. It has several creepy scenes and a flashback from the past. The ending has a fantastic twist which really does go to show a mother's strength. 5/5
Always Say Goodbye
A creepy tale of a family finding a ouija board and leaving it in the sons possession. The son is given the rules but does he obey them? All is not what you think in this ghostly tale with an ending you would never see coming!! 5/5
The Keepsake
This is a tale of a blended family with step sisters Marie and Rachel that are the complete opposite. Rachel is a horrible bully and takes the mick out of the fact that Marie misses her dead mother so much and even goes as far as allowing one of Marie's favourite possessions from her dead mum to be destroyed. Strange goings on begin happening but the explosive twist is absolutely jaw dropping!! 5/5
Whispers From The Cellar
This is a story of a mother, daughter and a stepfather. After losing her father Tabitha tries to hide the monster of grief deep inside but when the stepfather starts physically assaulting her and her mother will the monster stay inside? A creepy tale that will have the hair on your arms standing on end as you listen for bumps in the night. 5/5
The Idiot Box
The light of a solar flare that engulfed its solar system a million light years away is just reaching Earth. Jeff is not a fan of the TV and the one time he tries it he feels like a voyeur with all the focus being on women's breasts. Jeff locks the TV away but there's strange goings on happening beginning with the mailman burying meat in his garden. What meat is the question? I felt sorry for Jeff at the end but at the same time what a perfect ending for a horror!!! 5/5
The Teddy Bear
The police hire a psychic to find a missing child but is this psychic who he seems to be? I can't say anything more about this one but I will say that I love Karma and I wasn't expecting that shocking twist at all!! 5/5
Ice Cream Man
An ice cream man is fed up of his job, annoyed by the children and devastated that his girlfriend left. This one has a chilling ending!! 5/5
My Soul To Take
A strapped for cash dad takes part in an experiment to discover if the old wives tale of if you die in your dreams you die in real life is true. After the experiment he starts to get some strange visions and feelings. After a visit back to where the experiment was done he gets the shock of his life to discover what has happened to him. I actually felt really sorry for the protagonist in this story. In all the others karma seemed to be involved but this one seems to be about an innocent guy. However I still enjoyed the story so it still gets a 5/5 from me.
Lightning crashes
A newly pregnant mum starts getting some strange visions and feelings not long after becoming pregnant. Some strange goings on take her all the way up to the birth of the baby she has nightmares about. The last story in this book of short stories ends with a satanic twist you just won't see coming. 5/5.
Do not read this book in the dark or on your own!!! AN absolutely spine tingling collection of horror stories that will have you hearing noises at night and feeling the hairs on your arms tingling!!
An absolutely fantastic collection of short stories and I loved each and every one!! With unsuspecting twists, demons, ghosts and so much more this book is one of the best horrors I've ever read!!
Congratulations Jerry on yet another success!!! I am looking forward to seeing what you have up your sleeve next. This would make one heck of a fantastic movie!!!
Overall an absolutely page turning, hair raising and heart racing collection of short horror stories that will keep you guessing until the end!!!
Genres covered in this novel include Psychological Thriller, Horror, Suspense, Thriller and Horror Fiction among others.
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as anyone who loves paranormal, horror, supernatural or mind intriguing novels
158 pages.
This book is just 88p to purchase on kindle, free on kindle unlimited and £10.67 in paperback via Amazon which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 5/5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews
#ThrowingShadows #BrigidsGatePress #JerryRoth #NetGalley #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour
@JerryRoth @BrigidsGatePress @Bookworm1986 @bookworm86
https://kcmw86.wixsite.com/bookworm86
https://m.facebook.com/Bookworm1986/?...
https://m.facebook.com/Bookwork86/?__...
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https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/3...
October 18, 2022
This book has nine short stories of horror. I think the underlying theme is about how a good person can do horrific things and an evil person can do heroic things.
In A Woman’s Strength, a new mom is trying to get her daughter to nurse and can’t figure out why she won’t.
In Always Say Goodbye, is about saying goodbye to whomever you let into your home.
In The Keepsake, two step-sisters can not get along. Come to find out, that is the least of their worries!
The fourth short story, Whispers From the Dead, is such an odd story. A young girl moves into a new house with her mom and step-dad.
The Idiot Box is about watching way too much television.
In The Teddy Bear, a stuffed animal opens up all sorts of possibilities with the mind.
The seventh short story, Icecream Man, a man with a twisted mind does a heroic deed.
In My Soul To Take, what are parents willing to do to save their child?
The last short story, Lightning Crashes, is definitely the most horror-like of them all. Definitely my favorite of all.
Roth has a great way of telling a story with a major plot twist. I am looking forward to more stories. Definitely a great book for the spooky season!
In A Woman’s Strength, a new mom is trying to get her daughter to nurse and can’t figure out why she won’t.
In Always Say Goodbye, is about saying goodbye to whomever you let into your home.
In The Keepsake, two step-sisters can not get along. Come to find out, that is the least of their worries!
The fourth short story, Whispers From the Dead, is such an odd story. A young girl moves into a new house with her mom and step-dad.
The Idiot Box is about watching way too much television.
In The Teddy Bear, a stuffed animal opens up all sorts of possibilities with the mind.
The seventh short story, Icecream Man, a man with a twisted mind does a heroic deed.
In My Soul To Take, what are parents willing to do to save their child?
The last short story, Lightning Crashes, is definitely the most horror-like of them all. Definitely my favorite of all.
Roth has a great way of telling a story with a major plot twist. I am looking forward to more stories. Definitely a great book for the spooky season!
November 10, 2022
Throwing Shadows is a collection of short horror stories that will give you everything you are looking for. This was a perfect read, for the Halloween season, with plenty of thrills and chills to keep me invested. Roth also gives you a great variety with more funny stories like ‘The Idiot Box’ to slightly more intense and emotional ones like I found with ‘Whispers From The Cellar’.
I would highly recommend these stories for anyone looking for a good scare in the night! It’s sure to have you throwing your blankets over your head because we all know that if you’re under the covers, nothing can get you…. no, definately not.
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for this copy of the book!
I would highly recommend these stories for anyone looking for a good scare in the night! It’s sure to have you throwing your blankets over your head because we all know that if you’re under the covers, nothing can get you…. no, definately not.
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for this copy of the book!
October 8, 2022
The Review
The author does an incredible job of crafting each story to fit into the depth of darkness that the overall narrative holds. The level of world-building and setting that the author was able to build upon in each story was remarkable to behold, as each story’s world felt vibrant and alive in the narrative. The imagery that the author utilized in the writing allowed the reader to really feel the tension that kept each of these stories flowing smoothly.
Yet it was the atmosphere and tone that the author was able to achieve in each story and how they played into the narrative, theme, and character development that really drew my attention as a reader. The themes of parenthood, the darkness in our own lives, and the chilling nature of reality itself were well-represented by very relatable and captivating characters who made the reader feel seen and represented in a very real way.
The Verdict
Captivating, entertaining, and haunting, author Jerry Roth’s “Throwing Shadows: A Dark Collection” is a must-read novel of 2022 for the Fall/Halloween season. The chilling narratives take readers to the darkest depths of the natural and unnatural world, and the pulpy, almost noir element of the storytelling felt like a great nod to the old Hollywood style of horror that paved the way for authors like Stephen King, Dean Koontz, and so many others to tell their tales.
The author does an incredible job of crafting each story to fit into the depth of darkness that the overall narrative holds. The level of world-building and setting that the author was able to build upon in each story was remarkable to behold, as each story’s world felt vibrant and alive in the narrative. The imagery that the author utilized in the writing allowed the reader to really feel the tension that kept each of these stories flowing smoothly.
Yet it was the atmosphere and tone that the author was able to achieve in each story and how they played into the narrative, theme, and character development that really drew my attention as a reader. The themes of parenthood, the darkness in our own lives, and the chilling nature of reality itself were well-represented by very relatable and captivating characters who made the reader feel seen and represented in a very real way.
The Verdict
Captivating, entertaining, and haunting, author Jerry Roth’s “Throwing Shadows: A Dark Collection” is a must-read novel of 2022 for the Fall/Halloween season. The chilling narratives take readers to the darkest depths of the natural and unnatural world, and the pulpy, almost noir element of the storytelling felt like a great nod to the old Hollywood style of horror that paved the way for authors like Stephen King, Dean Koontz, and so many others to tell their tales.
Read
October 24, 2022I'd like to begin by talking about my overall impression of this collection. The stories fall unmistakably within the horror genre and yet they feel classic. Some even have a touch of dark fairytale about them. It might sound like an oxymoron, but this is homely horror. It's gentle, even during the moments of terror or violence. This suits my taste as a horror reader and therefore I really enjoyed it. This might in part be due to the fact that many of the stories deal with familial relationships, parent/child, husband/wife and explores issues such as grief, sibling rivalry, post-natal depression and so on. I'm not really sure of the reason, but it works because it taps into a place we all recognize. *There's also a dash of fun and dark humor in some stories which I enjoyed.
Within the collection we find scarecrows and secret doors. Ouija boards and teddy bears. Ice-cream vans and talking TVs, but what we are left with is the realization that sometimes life deals us a rotten hand.
My thanks to the publisher and author for providing an ARC copy through Netgalley.
Within the collection we find scarecrows and secret doors. Ouija boards and teddy bears. Ice-cream vans and talking TVs, but what we are left with is the realization that sometimes life deals us a rotten hand.
My thanks to the publisher and author for providing an ARC copy through Netgalley.
November 25, 2022
These were scary little tales! I don’t usually choose collections of short stories but I’m glad I gave these a go.
I know I will think about the themes in a couple of them again🖤
I know I will think about the themes in a couple of them again🖤
October 15, 2022
Goose bump alert!
If you like old-fashioned, creep-fest stories with bizarre twists and turns, this anthology is for you! It has an almost nostalgic feel to it, reminiscent of old horror shows like Night Gallery. Every single story held me spellbound and kept me glued to the pages. The diversity among the plots is fabulous and the descriptions oozed atmosphere.
I enjoyed all the tales but want to mention my top three favorites:
“A Woman’s Strength” introduces a young mother who learns about the unusual connection her husband’s family has to a sinister scarecrow that has stood for generations on the family farm. A powerful story with an unexpected and dramatic conclusion.
“My Soul to Take” is both unique and haunting and involves a father’s unexpected gift to his young daughter. This one really stuck with me after I finished reading it.
Finally, “Always Say Goodbye” is a brilliant piece of writing involving a thirteen-year-old boy, his dead grandfather, and a Ouija board. This one is my absolute favorite, delivering a roller coaster of creepiness and chills. The ending yanked the proverbial rug from under my feet and left me mesmerized by the author’s skill.
With polished writing, deft pacing, and amazing characters, this collection of tales is perfect reading for the Halloween season but is guaranteed to give you goose bumps any time of year—especially if the wind happens to be howling outside and the sun has slipped below the horizon. Superb storytelling!
If you like old-fashioned, creep-fest stories with bizarre twists and turns, this anthology is for you! It has an almost nostalgic feel to it, reminiscent of old horror shows like Night Gallery. Every single story held me spellbound and kept me glued to the pages. The diversity among the plots is fabulous and the descriptions oozed atmosphere.
I enjoyed all the tales but want to mention my top three favorites:
“A Woman’s Strength” introduces a young mother who learns about the unusual connection her husband’s family has to a sinister scarecrow that has stood for generations on the family farm. A powerful story with an unexpected and dramatic conclusion.
“My Soul to Take” is both unique and haunting and involves a father’s unexpected gift to his young daughter. This one really stuck with me after I finished reading it.
Finally, “Always Say Goodbye” is a brilliant piece of writing involving a thirteen-year-old boy, his dead grandfather, and a Ouija board. This one is my absolute favorite, delivering a roller coaster of creepiness and chills. The ending yanked the proverbial rug from under my feet and left me mesmerized by the author’s skill.
With polished writing, deft pacing, and amazing characters, this collection of tales is perfect reading for the Halloween season but is guaranteed to give you goose bumps any time of year—especially if the wind happens to be howling outside and the sun has slipped below the horizon. Superb storytelling!
October 22, 2022
Short stories are always hit or miss for me. I usually end up wanting more as the story itself isn't fully complete or the characters are lacking somewhat. Not so with Throwing Shadows. This is a collection of 9 short stories that will definitely give you the chills and thrills wanted for Spooktober.
Each story had well written characters and never left me confused or frustrated when they ended. I did want more...but only in the sense that I wanted more stories 😂 I love being creeped out.
With the very first story I was feeling some major Tales From the Crypt vibes, which continued to the end, and I LOVED it. I mean scarecrows, the Ouija board, the ice cream man...and more. The nostalgia is real! It's old school creeptastic and spookperfect!
There is still time...go grab this and add to those Spooktober lists! I sincerely appreciate the author and Brigids Gate Press for the review copy. While a review wasn't expected, I have offered my opinion and these are my own thoughts.
Each story had well written characters and never left me confused or frustrated when they ended. I did want more...but only in the sense that I wanted more stories 😂 I love being creeped out.
With the very first story I was feeling some major Tales From the Crypt vibes, which continued to the end, and I LOVED it. I mean scarecrows, the Ouija board, the ice cream man...and more. The nostalgia is real! It's old school creeptastic and spookperfect!
There is still time...go grab this and add to those Spooktober lists! I sincerely appreciate the author and Brigids Gate Press for the review copy. While a review wasn't expected, I have offered my opinion and these are my own thoughts.
October 19, 2022
This collection is utterly fantastic! The stories hit all the high points! Every story is cleverly crafted with perfect pace and narrative. You bond with the elements of every scene and with the characters that you’re almost sad the story ended already before a new adventure begins!
Scary? Oh yes!
Jerry Roth created one of the best short horror story collections of 2022 and a must read! Just in time for Halloween! Release date 10/25. Highly recommended!!
Scary? Oh yes!
Jerry Roth created one of the best short horror story collections of 2022 and a must read! Just in time for Halloween! Release date 10/25. Highly recommended!!
January 31, 2023
Thank you NetGalley and Brigids Gate Press, LLC., Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members' Titles for accepting my request to read and review Throwing Shadows A Dark Collection.
Author: Jerry Roth
Published: 09/25/22
Genre: Horror | Sci Fi & Fantasy
You never know until you try: I tried and while this was okay, I realized horror is not for me. I believe I am a thriller reader.
There are nine short stories. Each one has its own creep factor.
I would recommend picking this up in October, reading one story at a time, over the entire month as opposed to reading in one sitting.
Of note: I accidentally shredded my notes and can't recall if there was any profanity or other facts.
Author: Jerry Roth
Published: 09/25/22
Genre: Horror | Sci Fi & Fantasy
You never know until you try: I tried and while this was okay, I realized horror is not for me. I believe I am a thriller reader.
There are nine short stories. Each one has its own creep factor.
I would recommend picking this up in October, reading one story at a time, over the entire month as opposed to reading in one sitting.
Of note: I accidentally shredded my notes and can't recall if there was any profanity or other facts.
April 4, 2023
This is a bunch of good fun, traditional scary stories!! These were really entertaining and nostalgic, taking me back to some of the spooky books I used to read in my teens! There’s a definite theme of family dysfunction running throughout but each story tells its own tale of terror. It’s the perfect kind of collection to pick up in between some heavier reads. I would class these as cozy horror. Yes…it’s a thing!!! Read this and see.
October 24, 2022
This review is for an ARC copy received from the publisher through NetGalley.
This was an OK collection of horror short stories. I liked the concepts/themes of many of them. But there was something about the writing, whether the word choice or the overall cadence of the stories, that just felt off for me. The book wasn't bad, I just didn't enjoy it as much as I had hoped.
This was an OK collection of horror short stories. I liked the concepts/themes of many of them. But there was something about the writing, whether the word choice or the overall cadence of the stories, that just felt off for me. The book wasn't bad, I just didn't enjoy it as much as I had hoped.
October 31, 2022
Mr. Jerry Roth is back at it, this time with a collection of short, sweet horror tales!
It’s not always easy condensing a story down to a few thousand words, but Jerry gets it right not just once, but nine times in his debut collection, Throwing Shadows. He brings spooks, scares, and compelling characters within these tales that provide frightening aesthetics to all kinds of horror fans. My personal favorites are “Always Say Goodbye” and “Whispers from the Cellar.”
There was so much meat on these short stories’ bones that I wouldn’t be surprised if Jerry expanded some of them to create full-length novels. You’ll find yourself wanting to spend more time with the characters in these tales. That, to me, is a sign of a great writer. I think you’ll feel the same when you pick up a copy of this awesome collection!
It’s not always easy condensing a story down to a few thousand words, but Jerry gets it right not just once, but nine times in his debut collection, Throwing Shadows. He brings spooks, scares, and compelling characters within these tales that provide frightening aesthetics to all kinds of horror fans. My personal favorites are “Always Say Goodbye” and “Whispers from the Cellar.”
There was so much meat on these short stories’ bones that I wouldn’t be surprised if Jerry expanded some of them to create full-length novels. You’ll find yourself wanting to spend more time with the characters in these tales. That, to me, is a sign of a great writer. I think you’ll feel the same when you pick up a copy of this awesome collection!
November 5, 2022
Creepy
A woman has strange experience's after her daughter is born. What is in the corn? A man who has never watched TV is happy he hasn't when people start acting strangely. And more stories to terrify you.
A woman has strange experience's after her daughter is born. What is in the corn? A man who has never watched TV is happy he hasn't when people start acting strangely. And more stories to terrify you.
October 31, 2022
Thank you NetGalley, Jerry Roth and Aberration Press Books for a chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
This was a fun collection of short stories.
A great ready for spooky season..
There is a really good variety in here so there should be a story for everyone.
This was a fun collection of short stories.
A great ready for spooky season..
There is a really good variety in here so there should be a story for everyone.
December 30, 2022
Throwing Shadows: A Dark Collection, by Jerry Roth is an enticing mix of chilling tales that incorporate varying elements of horror. I liked that each story ramped up in tension and fear, beginning with A Woman's Strength, and climaxing with a terrifying finale in Lightning Crashes.
Each time I thought a story was going to be my favourite, another one came along that I liked even more.
I especially liked the unexpected turn the stories all ended with and Jerry did such a great job of building up to the final outcome, I never saw the end twists coming.
While these stories are filled with creeping dread and terrifying scenarios, they also hold a lot of raw emotion and conflict which weave together to fully immerse the reader into the lives of these haunted characters. In My Soul To Take, the real horror was the dilema faced by the father and the measures he would have to resort to that was the most terrifying aspect. The Ice Cream Man is another tale that builds a chilling picture until the author suddenly casts the lead character in an alternate light. I quite admire Jerry's skilful story building when it comes to unexpected twists and layered plotting.
As a huge fan of classic TV and film, I found the stories to be reminiscent of old favourites like Creepshow, Tales From The Dark Side and such. Overall this is an entertaining collection with enough frightening scenarios to unsettle you while also offering an emotionally charged experience.
Samantha S.L.
Each time I thought a story was going to be my favourite, another one came along that I liked even more.
I especially liked the unexpected turn the stories all ended with and Jerry did such a great job of building up to the final outcome, I never saw the end twists coming.
While these stories are filled with creeping dread and terrifying scenarios, they also hold a lot of raw emotion and conflict which weave together to fully immerse the reader into the lives of these haunted characters. In My Soul To Take, the real horror was the dilema faced by the father and the measures he would have to resort to that was the most terrifying aspect. The Ice Cream Man is another tale that builds a chilling picture until the author suddenly casts the lead character in an alternate light. I quite admire Jerry's skilful story building when it comes to unexpected twists and layered plotting.
As a huge fan of classic TV and film, I found the stories to be reminiscent of old favourites like Creepshow, Tales From The Dark Side and such. Overall this is an entertaining collection with enough frightening scenarios to unsettle you while also offering an emotionally charged experience.
Samantha S.L.
December 18, 2022
This is a collection of short stories, which includes:
🌑 A Woman's Strength
🌑 Always Say Goodbye
🌑 The Keepsake
🌑 Whispers From The Cellar
🌑 The Idiot Box
🌑 The Teddy Bear
🌑 Ice Cream Man
🌑 My Soul to Take
🌑 Lightening Crashes
Wow the first story "A Woman's Strength" gave me goosebumps I was like omg but then I was like oh good for her 😂. I also really enjoyed The Teddy Bear, that was fantastic.
Keep your baby safe, never play with ouija boards, don't trust those who practice witchcraft, never hurt you're wife or stepdaughter, beware of cannibalistic murders, maybe TVs and screens aren't so great after all, Teddy Bears may very well be portals, I don't think I'll visit the Ice Cream Van ever again 👀, father's will always look out for their daughters and finally I will never be getting pregnant again 😂.
These were such great stories. They were very well written and I loved the layout of the book itself it was really nice and easy to read. The names of the stories were intriguing they had me guessing what each story would be about. Overall I really enjoyed the stories from this author and I will definitely be looking into more of his work. Very well done!
🌑 A Woman's Strength
🌑 Always Say Goodbye
🌑 The Keepsake
🌑 Whispers From The Cellar
🌑 The Idiot Box
🌑 The Teddy Bear
🌑 Ice Cream Man
🌑 My Soul to Take
🌑 Lightening Crashes
Wow the first story "A Woman's Strength" gave me goosebumps I was like omg but then I was like oh good for her 😂. I also really enjoyed The Teddy Bear, that was fantastic.
Keep your baby safe, never play with ouija boards, don't trust those who practice witchcraft, never hurt you're wife or stepdaughter, beware of cannibalistic murders, maybe TVs and screens aren't so great after all, Teddy Bears may very well be portals, I don't think I'll visit the Ice Cream Van ever again 👀, father's will always look out for their daughters and finally I will never be getting pregnant again 😂.
These were such great stories. They were very well written and I loved the layout of the book itself it was really nice and easy to read. The names of the stories were intriguing they had me guessing what each story would be about. Overall I really enjoyed the stories from this author and I will definitely be looking into more of his work. Very well done!
November 18, 2022
This was one of the better collection of short stories I have read. Each story gripped me in different ways and meant that my experience with this was very enjoyable.
The level of detail for each short story was excellent as I was able to understand the characters, even though the stories were short and this is something I find some books are unable to do.
One or two of this stories were a little too simplistic, but I still enjoyed these.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The level of detail for each short story was excellent as I was able to understand the characters, even though the stories were short and this is something I find some books are unable to do.
One or two of this stories were a little too simplistic, but I still enjoyed these.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 19, 2022
I love a good collection of short stories and this one did not disappoint. It has a mix of horror, thriller, and science fiction. Each story is well written and there is a great variety. Perfect for the Halloween season.
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves a good scare and a quick read!
I want to thank NetGalley, Jerry Roth and Brigids Gate Press, LLC., Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members' Titles for the e-ARC of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are honest, my own and left voluntarily.
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves a good scare and a quick read!
I want to thank NetGalley, Jerry Roth and Brigids Gate Press, LLC., Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members' Titles for the e-ARC of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are honest, my own and left voluntarily.
May 6, 2023
A decent collection of short stories. I would have liked to see some of the entries developed more to have more depth and description. I found it to be a little boring/dry at times.
Definitely a good book to read for spooky season, or for short bursts of horror.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and Brigids Gate Press for a copy!
Definitely a good book to read for spooky season, or for short bursts of horror.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and Brigids Gate Press for a copy!
February 11, 2023
I have an immense love for anthologies and horror short stories and this book did not disappoint. This is the first book by Jerry Roth, and I think an anthology was a perfect introduction to his writing style. Each character drags you into their world and keeps you reading to find out how it all ends and after you keep thinking about some stories.
While each story is good, my favorite was Always Say Goodbye. Stories about Ouija boards creep me out and this was one of the most original I have read in a while.
This was a fast read that makes you feel like it’s Halloween no matter when you read it.
Thanks to the author and Netgalley for this read.
While each story is good, my favorite was Always Say Goodbye. Stories about Ouija boards creep me out and this was one of the most original I have read in a while.
This was a fast read that makes you feel like it’s Halloween no matter when you read it.
Thanks to the author and Netgalley for this read.
November 9, 2024
I picked this one up purely based on that awesome cover, but luckily, I ended up enjoying the book itself as well. I'm going to focus on my two favorite stories in this review. I Loved both of these stories so much:
Ice Cream Man - A demented ice cream truck driver narrates, making you worry for the safety of the children around him, as well as his ex-girlfriend. When he becomes a local hero, will he change his ways? Or will this just make him crazier?
A Woman's Strength - A woman with a new baby fears the scarecrow in her husband's fields, a scarecrow that has been in his family for ages. She also becomes suspicious of her mother in law who is constantly trying to separate her from her child. I loved the mystery our heroine discovers, and the ending put this into the "Good for Her" category of horror, which is one of my favorites.
I will definitely be reading more by Roth.
Ice Cream Man - A demented ice cream truck driver narrates, making you worry for the safety of the children around him, as well as his ex-girlfriend. When he becomes a local hero, will he change his ways? Or will this just make him crazier?
A Woman's Strength - A woman with a new baby fears the scarecrow in her husband's fields, a scarecrow that has been in his family for ages. She also becomes suspicious of her mother in law who is constantly trying to separate her from her child. I loved the mystery our heroine discovers, and the ending put this into the "Good for Her" category of horror, which is one of my favorites.
I will definitely be reading more by Roth.
March 7, 2023
I truly enjoyed all of the stories in this book. This is a must for horror fans. Each short story is a quick and bone chilling tale. Highly recommend.
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