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The White
Things can change fast in Texas, especially the weather.
Uninvited and unwelcomed, Dan’s estranged mother Margo shows up at his doorstep moments before a freak snowstorm hits their small Texas town. The arctic storm comes fast and hard, trapping Dan and his wife, their teen daughter, and her boyfriend inside with the malicious old woman who seems hell-bent on destroying everything her son and daughter-in-law have built together. Long-buried family secrets are exhumed, causing tensions to flare and tempers to erupt. As things spiral out of control and anger consumes the household, inside is Hell. But outside in the snow there is something far more sinister. Something full of rage. Something violent. And that something has a taste for blood.
*TRIGGER WARNING: Expect some (leaving vague to prevent spoilers)
"A multi-layered thriller that'll chill your blood faster than a freak blizzard, Matt Micheli's The White proves there are scarier things than being trapped at home with family." - Jessica McHugh, Bram Stoker & Elgin Award nominated author of A Complex Accident of Life and Strange Nests
“Reading The White is like jumping naked into an ice-cold dunk tank filled with razor blades and smashed faces, Micheli’s writing is horrifically refreshing.” – Luke Kondor, author and co-founder/host of The Other Stories
“The White is a fun one-sitting romp dealing with high-tension family dynamics and the arrival of a freak snowstorm offering more than just a chill.” – Mark Towse, author of Nana and Crows
Uninvited and unwelcomed, Dan’s estranged mother Margo shows up at his doorstep moments before a freak snowstorm hits their small Texas town. The arctic storm comes fast and hard, trapping Dan and his wife, their teen daughter, and her boyfriend inside with the malicious old woman who seems hell-bent on destroying everything her son and daughter-in-law have built together. Long-buried family secrets are exhumed, causing tensions to flare and tempers to erupt. As things spiral out of control and anger consumes the household, inside is Hell. But outside in the snow there is something far more sinister. Something full of rage. Something violent. And that something has a taste for blood.
*TRIGGER WARNING: Expect some (leaving vague to prevent spoilers)
"A multi-layered thriller that'll chill your blood faster than a freak blizzard, Matt Micheli's The White proves there are scarier things than being trapped at home with family." - Jessica McHugh, Bram Stoker & Elgin Award nominated author of A Complex Accident of Life and Strange Nests
“Reading The White is like jumping naked into an ice-cold dunk tank filled with razor blades and smashed faces, Micheli’s writing is horrifically refreshing.” – Luke Kondor, author and co-founder/host of The Other Stories
“The White is a fun one-sitting romp dealing with high-tension family dynamics and the arrival of a freak snowstorm offering more than just a chill.” – Mark Towse, author of Nana and Crows
- GenresHorrorShort Stories
62 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 30, 2022
About the author
Matt Micheli
21 books116 followersMatt Micheli is an award-winning horror and dark-fiction author out of New Braunfels, TX. He has several fiction and non-fiction pieces featured in various magazines and anthologies and is a multi-contributor to This is Horror, Horror Sleaze Trash, and Horror Tree. A widower (he lost his wife to Cancer) and a loving father to a daughter and husky dogs, he spends his days dabbling in domestication and his nights in Tequila, always searching for the next great story.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
January 8, 2023
This horror novella is a very tense, fast-paced and atmospheric read.
It's ideal as a quick bedtime read and essential winter reading if you're into reading books with snow in them during the winter. 🥶
It was an entertaining little read but I feel like the author should have taken his time and given us more substance.
I received an advance copy through BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
It's ideal as a quick bedtime read and essential winter reading if you're into reading books with snow in them during the winter. 🥶
It was an entertaining little read but I feel like the author should have taken his time and given us more substance.
I received an advance copy through BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 10, 2023
Dan lives with his wife Lillian and teenage daughter Tori, in Texas.
One night his estranged mother Margo (the Ice Queen), arrives unannounced and out of the blue, bringing with her, the usual cruel and callous words.
The next morning they wake early to find that the heating, and all the power has gone out, but outside is covered by a blanket of snow, not usually seen in Texas.
With no power, heating, or water, Dan, along with Tori’s boyfriend Andre, decide to go outside into the falling snow to get firewood from the neighbours.
If only they had stayed inside...
This was a great novella, which cranks up the atmosphere and tension...think if Winter and the movie ‘28 Days/Weeks Later’, had a baby. With enough blood and gore to satisfy the gore hounds, this is a short read, which will keep you on the edge of your seat.
4 pulsating frosty white stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to Book Sirens, D&T Publishing, and the author for sending me a copy, in return for an honest review.
Available now via Amazon and godless.com
One night his estranged mother Margo (the Ice Queen), arrives unannounced and out of the blue, bringing with her, the usual cruel and callous words.
The next morning they wake early to find that the heating, and all the power has gone out, but outside is covered by a blanket of snow, not usually seen in Texas.
With no power, heating, or water, Dan, along with Tori’s boyfriend Andre, decide to go outside into the falling snow to get firewood from the neighbours.
If only they had stayed inside...
This was a great novella, which cranks up the atmosphere and tension...think if Winter and the movie ‘28 Days/Weeks Later’, had a baby. With enough blood and gore to satisfy the gore hounds, this is a short read, which will keep you on the edge of your seat.
4 pulsating frosty white stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to Book Sirens, D&T Publishing, and the author for sending me a copy, in return for an honest review.
Available now via Amazon and godless.com
January 10, 2023
This was a fast, action-packed read. More of a novelette or a long short story. It starts out like a view into family misery and quickly becomes a fight for survival. The writing was great and didn't lag. The only thing I could say was I wanted more. What happened before Dan goes to get wood from his neighbors? What brought it all on? What happened specifically to Andre?
All in all a whirlwind read about the ties that bind... or don't.
All in all a whirlwind read about the ties that bind... or don't.
January 1, 2023
If you're looking for a quick bone-chilling winter read, The White by Matt Micheli is your book!
Are you stuck in the house because the weather outside is frightful? Be thankful you aren't stuck with this family! Dan's estranged mother, Margo shows up unannounced and uninvited with an unprecedented November Texas blizzard hot on her heels. Or should that be cold on her heels? As the snow piles up, chilling things begin to happen.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It's the perfect horror novella setup. You meet the cast of characters, discover what makes them tick and then we get down to the horror! The White has a fair amount of gore and suspense that keeps the pages turning. I'm happy to give this book five out of five snowbound stars.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Are you stuck in the house because the weather outside is frightful? Be thankful you aren't stuck with this family! Dan's estranged mother, Margo shows up unannounced and uninvited with an unprecedented November Texas blizzard hot on her heels. Or should that be cold on her heels? As the snow piles up, chilling things begin to happen.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It's the perfect horror novella setup. You meet the cast of characters, discover what makes them tick and then we get down to the horror! The White has a fair amount of gore and suspense that keeps the pages turning. I'm happy to give this book five out of five snowbound stars.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 17, 2023
Frozen Horror is quite possibly my absolute favorite subgenre of Horror. Whether in exotic locales (Antarctica, Arctic Circle) or nearly so (Alaska, Scandinavia, Siberia, Northern Canada), or right here "At Home," there's such an Implacability about it and there's so many methods by which humans can be destroyed: Snow piles, blizzards, black ice, avalanches, extreme low temperatures, hypothermia....
Author Matt Micheli delightedly offers yet another Frozen Horror possibility, and this is one that's wildly creative, totally implacable and inescapable, and inexpressibly tragic.
Naturally, I devoured it!
Author Matt Micheli delightedly offers yet another Frozen Horror possibility, and this is one that's wildly creative, totally implacable and inescapable, and inexpressibly tragic.
Naturally, I devoured it!
February 28, 2023
Dan gets an unexpected and very much unwanted visit from his mother, Margo, after not seeing her for over a year! The dislike is immense and palpable, apart from when it comes to Margo's granddaughter Tori! Although, when Tori introduces her boyfriend to her grandmother, there is an immediate underlying resentment!
Margo brings with her a sense of misery and downright badness, and a chilling personality!
When a huge and severe snowstorm seems to hit out of nowhere, they are all trapped inside the house. They lose power and water and so Dan and Andre go to the neighbours in search of firewood and water, and that's when the shit (or the snow) really hits the fan! They both get a nasty shock and things go from bad to so much worse!
Meanwhile, the women are left home alone, with some harsh home truths to be faced, and maybe a new beginning….
I disliked Margo from the start, and I'm pretty sure that was the intention. She's a spiteful, selfish, mean, vile woman! Was there a point when I may have felt differently, yes, but it was very short lived 😉
A really eerie, brutal tale, with a short sharp punch to the gut! Matt sets the scene and describes the atmosphere so well that I had to put on a few extra layers to read this! It gave me vibes on a par with Richard Laymon's One Rainy Night (my favourite Laymon ever!) but with snow!! 🖤
Margo brings with her a sense of misery and downright badness, and a chilling personality!
When a huge and severe snowstorm seems to hit out of nowhere, they are all trapped inside the house. They lose power and water and so Dan and Andre go to the neighbours in search of firewood and water, and that's when the shit (or the snow) really hits the fan! They both get a nasty shock and things go from bad to so much worse!
Meanwhile, the women are left home alone, with some harsh home truths to be faced, and maybe a new beginning….
I disliked Margo from the start, and I'm pretty sure that was the intention. She's a spiteful, selfish, mean, vile woman! Was there a point when I may have felt differently, yes, but it was very short lived 😉
A really eerie, brutal tale, with a short sharp punch to the gut! Matt sets the scene and describes the atmosphere so well that I had to put on a few extra layers to read this! It gave me vibes on a par with Richard Laymon's One Rainy Night (my favourite Laymon ever!) but with snow!! 🖤
June 22, 2023
Well this didn't go in the direction I expected. I was shocked when you finally get a hint of what's going on. Excellent work from the author when you get blindsided by their story.
I also have to applaud the author in creating a character I absolutely detested. Even at the end I could find no redeeming qualities for Margo and I'm kind of mad she didn't get what she deserved.
I also have to applaud the author in creating a character I absolutely detested. Even at the end I could find no redeeming qualities for Margo and I'm kind of mad she didn't get what she deserved.
February 7, 2023
I thought The White by Matt Micheli was a very good and fast paced horror Novella.
Imagine having your mother show up, uninvited in her unimproving and snide remark way. Then a storm comes and the power goes out. What could go wrong?
Loved the story and would highly recommend.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Imagine having your mother show up, uninvited in her unimproving and snide remark way. Then a storm comes and the power goes out. What could go wrong?
Loved the story and would highly recommend.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 26, 2023
Dan's not having a good day: first his estranged mother Margo shows up at his doorstep with the worst attitude ever, then a terrible snowstorm hits his town, trapping his family in a house without power and water. And outside in the snow there is something that is thirsty for blood...
The White is the perfect horror novella to read on a cold winter night, wrapped in a warm blanket with a hot beverage. It starts with a bang, and that bang is the "classic" mother-in-law from hell that has a (mean) opinion on everything and can't keep her mouth shut. And then it quickly becomes a survival story, with Dan leaving the house to find some water and wood for the fireplace. I won't share more about the story, it's short and packed with actions so I recommend you to read it! The writing is really good and the pace is fast and entertaining, I actually wish it was a full novel or at least a bit longer to get to know more some of the characters (especially the neighbors!).
I really enjoyed The White and I can't wait to read Micheli's future works!
* I'd like to thank the author Matt Micheli for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
The White is the perfect horror novella to read on a cold winter night, wrapped in a warm blanket with a hot beverage. It starts with a bang, and that bang is the "classic" mother-in-law from hell that has a (mean) opinion on everything and can't keep her mouth shut. And then it quickly becomes a survival story, with Dan leaving the house to find some water and wood for the fireplace. I won't share more about the story, it's short and packed with actions so I recommend you to read it! The writing is really good and the pace is fast and entertaining, I actually wish it was a full novel or at least a bit longer to get to know more some of the characters (especially the neighbors!).
I really enjoyed The White and I can't wait to read Micheli's future works!
* I'd like to thank the author Matt Micheli for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
January 20, 2023
This novella was a mixed bag for me that should easily have been a 5 star effort, but ultimately wasn’t.
In a nutshell, a family and a couple of other characters are brought together when a freak winter storm hits Texas. It turns out that contact with snow from the storm makes people become murderous raging maniacs.
On the positive side, the author has good writing chops and expertly builds tension as the tale unfolds. Considering this is a novella and not a full novel, the character development was also fairly strong. Despite several important unanswered questions the core story is a good one that holds together and there are some nice gory scenes. Overall, I did enjoy reading this and I would likely read other stuff by this author.
There were several things that didn’t work for me however. The most glaring issue is simply that this is not my Texas. Maybe near Austin (or New Braunfels) things are more reminiscent of California, but the authenticity of the setting was all wrong. The characters themselves were also unlikeable and felt contrived in an effort to be “current”. I personally don’t like when entertainment in any form feels like an equity/inclusion brochure. That’s not my experience and I usually bail when I encounter this cliché.
In this story we have: “climate change” and mockery of “climate deniers”, the emasculated, clueless, almost worthless white husband (of course), the purple haired rebel daughter and her black boyfriend who of course is superior to her father, even in the mother’s eyes, the grandmother who is villainous and hateful because she also notices realities and speaks the truth, and the gay neighbors (and poodle), who again are also “superior” and always prepared. These kinds of characterizations read like a Babylon Bee parody of liberal tropes. As with most soups, some “spice” is cool, but you don’t have to throw in every one at the same time for heaven’s sake! Sometimes as the saying goes, “less is more”.
This story could have been so much better and tighter with just a few tweaks that I can think of off the top of my head, but I am just a reader of way too many horror books, not an author.
I received a copy through BookSirens in exchange for an honest review, and this is it.
In a nutshell, a family and a couple of other characters are brought together when a freak winter storm hits Texas. It turns out that contact with snow from the storm makes people become murderous raging maniacs.
On the positive side, the author has good writing chops and expertly builds tension as the tale unfolds. Considering this is a novella and not a full novel, the character development was also fairly strong. Despite several important unanswered questions the core story is a good one that holds together and there are some nice gory scenes. Overall, I did enjoy reading this and I would likely read other stuff by this author.
There were several things that didn’t work for me however. The most glaring issue is simply that this is not my Texas. Maybe near Austin (or New Braunfels) things are more reminiscent of California, but the authenticity of the setting was all wrong. The characters themselves were also unlikeable and felt contrived in an effort to be “current”. I personally don’t like when entertainment in any form feels like an equity/inclusion brochure. That’s not my experience and I usually bail when I encounter this cliché.
In this story we have: “climate change” and mockery of “climate deniers”, the emasculated, clueless, almost worthless white husband (of course), the purple haired rebel daughter and her black boyfriend who of course is superior to her father, even in the mother’s eyes, the grandmother who is villainous and hateful because she also notices realities and speaks the truth, and the gay neighbors (and poodle), who again are also “superior” and always prepared. These kinds of characterizations read like a Babylon Bee parody of liberal tropes. As with most soups, some “spice” is cool, but you don’t have to throw in every one at the same time for heaven’s sake! Sometimes as the saying goes, “less is more”.
This story could have been so much better and tighter with just a few tweaks that I can think of off the top of my head, but I am just a reader of way too many horror books, not an author.
I received a copy through BookSirens in exchange for an honest review, and this is it.
February 9, 2023
Today is a snow day where I live and this was the perfect read for today. It was gripping and exciting and my only complaint was that it wasn’t longer because I loved it and didn’t want it to be over. For being such a short book, there was an amazing amount of character development and storyline. I was thoroughly invested in each of the characters. Super awesome book.
February 5, 2023
The White by Matt Micheli sucks you into a claustrophobic family moment and doesn't let you go until the final word. I definitely went into this novel expecting something a little different, but I was so pleased with the actual direction it took.
First and foremost, this story is very well-written. Like I said above, I was immediately trapped in the same house as Margo and although Micheli makes her an easy character to hate, there was something JUST familiar enough that I felt personally vindicated to hate her too! Stuck between horrible in-laws, a somewhat rebellious teenager, and a mysterious snowfall in November, this was such a fun read from start to finish.
To add an additional layer to this, I was traveling through Texas when I read this and I kept my eyes on the sky just in case any snow flurries started to fall.
Thank you to Booksirens and of course D&T publishing for letting me read a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
First and foremost, this story is very well-written. Like I said above, I was immediately trapped in the same house as Margo and although Micheli makes her an easy character to hate, there was something JUST familiar enough that I felt personally vindicated to hate her too! Stuck between horrible in-laws, a somewhat rebellious teenager, and a mysterious snowfall in November, this was such a fun read from start to finish.
To add an additional layer to this, I was traveling through Texas when I read this and I kept my eyes on the sky just in case any snow flurries started to fall.
Thank you to Booksirens and of course D&T publishing for letting me read a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 20, 2023
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
***
TW: First, if you're sensitive to animal violence, tread carefully. I just thought that was important for folks to know. The book probably needs a few TWs.
I don't always read author remarks, but did happen to read these. The very personal struggle the author had being channeled into / maybe worked out in this text was touching. It certainly made me want to read the story itself.
"The White" is a quick read. It's fast-paced and short. So, it might be great if you're in a reading slump and need that sense of accomplishment to get going again. The last few pages are a real doozy.
There is some homophobia in the book which didn't sit well with me.
***
TW: First, if you're sensitive to animal violence, tread carefully. I just thought that was important for folks to know. The book probably needs a few TWs.
I don't always read author remarks, but did happen to read these. The very personal struggle the author had being channeled into / maybe worked out in this text was touching. It certainly made me want to read the story itself.
"The White" is a quick read. It's fast-paced and short. So, it might be great if you're in a reading slump and need that sense of accomplishment to get going again. The last few pages are a real doozy.
There is some homophobia in the book which didn't sit well with me.
February 16, 2023
This is a short read that's easy to get through in a single, rather enjoyable sitting. It's a small cast of characters, and while it's a shorter story, they are all really nicely put together, to the point where you are going to be wishing that one or two of them meet a bad end.
The author does a nice job of building the tension before unleashing an ending that is insanely violent. It's a final third that will have you flipping the pages to see who, if anyone, makes it out alive.
I would say that this is a story that would benefit from a longer re-telling, as I'd love to know more about the snow and the madness it brings.
The author does a nice job of building the tension before unleashing an ending that is insanely violent. It's a final third that will have you flipping the pages to see who, if anyone, makes it out alive.
I would say that this is a story that would benefit from a longer re-telling, as I'd love to know more about the snow and the madness it brings.
January 6, 2023
Wow! After breezing through this 62 page novella, I will be craving more by this author!
Taking place in Texas a strange snowstorm comes out of nowhere just after a more than cantankerous grandma comes to visit.
Characters are forced to face their inadequacies with nowhere to go but hunker down. But then the power goes out and Dan must venture out for water and firewood. That's when they discover there's something more sinister with this particular snowfall than they ever could have guessed!
Do yourself a favor and pick this one up!
Thank you for the e-copy, Matt!
Taking place in Texas a strange snowstorm comes out of nowhere just after a more than cantankerous grandma comes to visit.
Characters are forced to face their inadequacies with nowhere to go but hunker down. But then the power goes out and Dan must venture out for water and firewood. That's when they discover there's something more sinister with this particular snowfall than they ever could have guessed!
Do yourself a favor and pick this one up!
Thank you for the e-copy, Matt!
January 16, 2023
I absolutely loved this book!!! It was a quick easy read but still packed a punch! This was one of those books that should be made into a movie! I love how the author made you hate Margo but also feel bad for what she is going through all alone. Books that have destructive weather or scary weather are my favorite! I mean what's scarier then being trapped by snow knowing that something is seriously wrong out in the snow and then you find out that the beautiful snow is actually what's wrong and it is infecting people and turning them into blood enraged killers!! Great book! A must read for sure!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 6, 2023
There’s nothing like being trapped in a house with your devious mother in law during a blizzard! Poor Lilly!
Then the power goes out and there’s something…. Wrong with the snow and the people outside in it! Things get gruesome and explosive fast in this short tale.
I would’ve liked to see a bit more to this story actually! The explanation behind the snow, what happens to the survivors, and see more chaos spread throughout the Texan town.
Thank you so much to the author for a copy!
Then the power goes out and there’s something…. Wrong with the snow and the people outside in it! Things get gruesome and explosive fast in this short tale.
I would’ve liked to see a bit more to this story actually! The explanation behind the snow, what happens to the survivors, and see more chaos spread throughout the Texan town.
Thank you so much to the author for a copy!
April 22, 2023
The White(Matt Micheli), was an outstanding short story. Freak weather patterns(almost supernatural, one could say), nasty MIL drama, and a terrified family. It’s so much action and angst packed into very few pages, but done beautifully. You can put yourself into the room with these people, see it unfold before your eyes. The entire time, you get pulled into how relatable the family is, their entire situation, how much you wish you could step in and help.
I have to say, had I not read the authors forward, this book might have resonated so differently with me. Having done so though, I pulled entirely new meaning from it, and it tugged the heart strings even harder. I HIGHLY recommend this, and will immediately be looking into more by Matt.
I have to say, had I not read the authors forward, this book might have resonated so differently with me. Having done so though, I pulled entirely new meaning from it, and it tugged the heart strings even harder. I HIGHLY recommend this, and will immediately be looking into more by Matt.
February 2, 2023
This was a quick and easy read, some parts could have been fleshed out a bit better, like why the storm caused the effect it did and what happened to Andre. An enjoyable read for a quick half hour nevertheless.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you to Book Sirens and the author.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you to Book Sirens and the author.
October 17, 2023
A disturbing and emotional tale. Enjoyed it completely.
January 24, 2026
review to come.
July 12, 2024
Family drama and a strange snowstorm in Texas that brings horror with it had me hooked and I couldn't put this book down. I was on the edge of my seat throughout the whole book.
This book has a twist that I didn't see coming at all. It really snuck up on me.The characters are well developed. Most importantly they are relatable. They had me screaming at them and feeling bad for them. Margo was definitely my favorite character. Talk about having the worse mother-in-law you can have.
Can't wait to read more from Matt Micheli.
This book has a twist that I didn't see coming at all. It really snuck up on me.The characters are well developed. Most importantly they are relatable. They had me screaming at them and feeling bad for them. Margo was definitely my favorite character. Talk about having the worse mother-in-law you can have.
Can't wait to read more from Matt Micheli.
May 18, 2024
It was really a good story, Margo was very well written and I didn’t see the twists coming at all. I loved the characters and felt I knew them, so the twists shook me. Definitely a good read.
January 14, 2023
I love a good mother-in-law from hell story. Whether in a book or real life, these people fascinate me. The way they fracture their whole parent/child relationship in the name of self-righteousness. And the things adult children and their spouses/partners put up with in the name of family.
The first half of Matt Micheli’s The White is all about this dynamic. When poor Dan opens his door one calm, sunny day her sees Margo, his half-estranged mother standing on his doorstep. After a year of not seeing or hearing from her, he can’t fathom why she’s come to his home. He has a pretty good idea though, and he’s right. Even before Margo steps foot in the house she’s berating her son and once she gets through the door she zeroes in on Dan’s wife Lilly. The only one she can seem to tolerate is Dan & Lilly’s teenage daughter, Tori. But even Tori is subjected to Grandma’s cruelty when Margo lets out long buried, painful family secrets Tori is not aware of. In case you do still think she sounds okay at this point, Margo is also racist, as well as homophobic, and she has no problem spouting off her hatred to anyone who’s within earshot.
Unfortunately for the family, the calm, sunny south Texas day takes a turn for the worse as a severe snowstorm approaches. Baffled, but helpless to do anything, they set Margo and Tori’s boyfriend Andre up to stay the night. The forecast calls for 8” of snow, instead they wake up to 12” and no power. It’s then that odd things start to happen. Like the neighbor’s bobcat turned snowplow that’s ideling abandoned in the middle of the street. The man was just there, where did he go? And were those screams Dan heard carrying on the wind? With no power and a freezing house, Dan and Andre have no choice but to go to the neighbors house in search of firewood.
Here is where the story takes a turn into horror. There’s something wrong with the snow. And that leaves Dan’s family and everyone in town at risk. And then there’s still Margo, as cunning and deplorable as can be.
Usually, I take a short story for what it is. A story that is short and to the point. However, with this one there’s still enough meat on the bones for it to be fleshed out into something more. What exactly is it about the snow that causes it to do what it does? How did other people in town fair through the storm and what are the stories of the ones who ventured outside? And just why did Margo bring that particular item to Dan’s home?
The first half of Matt Micheli’s The White is all about this dynamic. When poor Dan opens his door one calm, sunny day her sees Margo, his half-estranged mother standing on his doorstep. After a year of not seeing or hearing from her, he can’t fathom why she’s come to his home. He has a pretty good idea though, and he’s right. Even before Margo steps foot in the house she’s berating her son and once she gets through the door she zeroes in on Dan’s wife Lilly. The only one she can seem to tolerate is Dan & Lilly’s teenage daughter, Tori. But even Tori is subjected to Grandma’s cruelty when Margo lets out long buried, painful family secrets Tori is not aware of. In case you do still think she sounds okay at this point, Margo is also racist, as well as homophobic, and she has no problem spouting off her hatred to anyone who’s within earshot.
Unfortunately for the family, the calm, sunny south Texas day takes a turn for the worse as a severe snowstorm approaches. Baffled, but helpless to do anything, they set Margo and Tori’s boyfriend Andre up to stay the night. The forecast calls for 8” of snow, instead they wake up to 12” and no power. It’s then that odd things start to happen. Like the neighbor’s bobcat turned snowplow that’s ideling abandoned in the middle of the street. The man was just there, where did he go? And were those screams Dan heard carrying on the wind? With no power and a freezing house, Dan and Andre have no choice but to go to the neighbors house in search of firewood.
Here is where the story takes a turn into horror. There’s something wrong with the snow. And that leaves Dan’s family and everyone in town at risk. And then there’s still Margo, as cunning and deplorable as can be.
Usually, I take a short story for what it is. A story that is short and to the point. However, with this one there’s still enough meat on the bones for it to be fleshed out into something more. What exactly is it about the snow that causes it to do what it does? How did other people in town fair through the storm and what are the stories of the ones who ventured outside? And just why did Margo bring that particular item to Dan’s home?
January 2, 2023
"Hell has finally frozen over"
Dan, his wife Lilly, their teenage daughter Tori and her boyfriend Andre are preparing for a severe storm that's going to hit their small Texas town. But when Dan's estranged mother, Margo, shows up, things start to get hostile. Meanwhile, unbeknownst to Dan and his family, something is building outside. Something filled with rage.
"She never believed in violence, but maybe violence was necessary sometimes, and it would feel pretty good to slap the shit out of this old bitch."
I loved this. The base line premise is typical but great, trapped with horrible family members during a stressful storm, BUT ah! The end is amazing. It's mostly told from Dan's perspective but we do get a bit from Andre, Margo and Lilly's pov as well which is a great way to get some insight on how they all feel couped up together and once the shit hits the fan. It's less than 60 pages but those pages deliver on atmosphere and context as well as on blood and guts.
"Everything just seemed so fucked up all of a sudden, like it was brought on by this fucking storm."
The only thing I didn't like about this story was that it was so short 😫 (a plus for getting through it in one sitting, though!) I would have loved being immersed in this horrible storm and the horrible things it made people do. I'm not one to tell authors what I think they should do *cough, cough* BUT if Matt made an entire anthology of short stories about this storm, I'd read the hell out of it.
"Do not touch the snow. I repeat, do not touch the snow."
I would recommend this. Period. Like, go out and get it now. But specifically would recommend it if you have a nightmare mother/mother-in-law, are about to be snowed in, need a quick read to finish up your reading goal for the year or if you like a little 🩸splatter🩸 in your books.
Thanks to the author for the free copy in exchange for a review.
Dan, his wife Lilly, their teenage daughter Tori and her boyfriend Andre are preparing for a severe storm that's going to hit their small Texas town. But when Dan's estranged mother, Margo, shows up, things start to get hostile. Meanwhile, unbeknownst to Dan and his family, something is building outside. Something filled with rage.
"She never believed in violence, but maybe violence was necessary sometimes, and it would feel pretty good to slap the shit out of this old bitch."
I loved this. The base line premise is typical but great, trapped with horrible family members during a stressful storm, BUT ah! The end is amazing. It's mostly told from Dan's perspective but we do get a bit from Andre, Margo and Lilly's pov as well which is a great way to get some insight on how they all feel couped up together and once the shit hits the fan. It's less than 60 pages but those pages deliver on atmosphere and context as well as on blood and guts.
"Everything just seemed so fucked up all of a sudden, like it was brought on by this fucking storm."
The only thing I didn't like about this story was that it was so short 😫 (a plus for getting through it in one sitting, though!) I would have loved being immersed in this horrible storm and the horrible things it made people do. I'm not one to tell authors what I think they should do *cough, cough* BUT if Matt made an entire anthology of short stories about this storm, I'd read the hell out of it.
"Do not touch the snow. I repeat, do not touch the snow."
I would recommend this. Period. Like, go out and get it now. But specifically would recommend it if you have a nightmare mother/mother-in-law, are about to be snowed in, need a quick read to finish up your reading goal for the year or if you like a little 🩸splatter🩸 in your books.
Thanks to the author for the free copy in exchange for a review.
January 11, 2023
An unexpected guest shows up on Dan’s doorstep. Turns out it’s his estranged mother Margo, and he is not impressed. The woman spreads misery everywhere she goes. Before anyone can really settle in, a wicked snowstorm blows in. Now they have no power, no water, and no firewood. Dan and Andre will have to venture out for these supplies. Being trapped inside with a mother you resent is bad enough, but things get much worse when the guys step out into the White.
Just a few pages in and I wanted to slap Margo, so bravo to Micheli for capturing everything that is an awful mother. For a short story, I thought the author did a great job with the characters. You feel the family dysfunction, tension, and how the couple loathes Margo. I felt so bad for Dan and Lilly for having to deal with this rude and condescending woman. Those of us with monster-in-laws know her type so well.
When the guy’s head in to the White for supplies, the story goes off the rails. It gets dark and gruesome, which I was not expecting. I couldn’t imagine making the judgment call that Lilly did. Ouch! Overall, a great story. I loved the wintry setting, especially being in an area that gets hammered with lake-effect snow. I felt for all the characters which isn’t always manageable in a short story. Much darker feelings for Margo though. HA! The gore introduced towards the end was the icing on the cake for me. I enjoyed the book and was very drawn to the story. I would definitely read more from Micheli!
Just a few pages in and I wanted to slap Margo, so bravo to Micheli for capturing everything that is an awful mother. For a short story, I thought the author did a great job with the characters. You feel the family dysfunction, tension, and how the couple loathes Margo. I felt so bad for Dan and Lilly for having to deal with this rude and condescending woman. Those of us with monster-in-laws know her type so well.
When the guy’s head in to the White for supplies, the story goes off the rails. It gets dark and gruesome, which I was not expecting. I couldn’t imagine making the judgment call that Lilly did. Ouch! Overall, a great story. I loved the wintry setting, especially being in an area that gets hammered with lake-effect snow. I felt for all the characters which isn’t always manageable in a short story. Much darker feelings for Margo though. HA! The gore introduced towards the end was the icing on the cake for me. I enjoyed the book and was very drawn to the story. I would definitely read more from Micheli!
January 25, 2023
The White
By Matt Micheli
Publication date Dec 28, 2022
60 pagez
This is NOT on kindle unlimited.
Possible Tw, Cn, Genres, Tropes
Horror, violence, blood, racism, fiction, death of a dog (off page), death of a mother and child (off page), death of parents (on page), snow storm, power outage, psychological horror, psychological fiction, novella, short story, dark, gruesome, gun shot,
This is an ARC review and may contain spoilers please proceed with caution.
This short horror novella was so good y'all. I did not see the twist coming until it was too late, and I loved it.
You end up rooting for everyone but the mean bitch of a grandmother. And when I say she is a bitch, I mean a pos, racist, bigoted, old hag who we all would probably push out of a lifeboat for the luggage.
I found the characters not only real but relatable. Well, all but the grandmother. I mean, I grew up in Texas, I knew people like the grandmother. Soooo, ugh, anyway.
If you enjoy horror, and a quick read, I highly suggest this one.
5/5 stars
-Destynnee
Paperback, and ebook available for purchase.
https://www.amazon.com/White-Matt-Mic...
By Matt Micheli
Publication date Dec 28, 2022
60 pagez
This is NOT on kindle unlimited.
Possible Tw, Cn, Genres, Tropes
Horror, violence, blood, racism, fiction, death of a dog (off page), death of a mother and child (off page), death of parents (on page), snow storm, power outage, psychological horror, psychological fiction, novella, short story, dark, gruesome, gun shot,
This is an ARC review and may contain spoilers please proceed with caution.
This short horror novella was so good y'all. I did not see the twist coming until it was too late, and I loved it.
You end up rooting for everyone but the mean bitch of a grandmother. And when I say she is a bitch, I mean a pos, racist, bigoted, old hag who we all would probably push out of a lifeboat for the luggage.
I found the characters not only real but relatable. Well, all but the grandmother. I mean, I grew up in Texas, I knew people like the grandmother. Soooo, ugh, anyway.
If you enjoy horror, and a quick read, I highly suggest this one.
5/5 stars
-Destynnee
Paperback, and ebook available for purchase.
https://www.amazon.com/White-Matt-Mic...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 17, 2023
This was a rather strange read. From the synopsis, I expected something like a creature feature, or zombies or something. Nope, 'The White' by Matt Micheli has a different agenda. No doubt it's well written, it flows easily, there's almost a theatrical feel to it -the excellent dialogue and the claustrophobic setting encourages a certain urban artificiality, of the literary play type- but, eventually, it felt like a parody of woke culture to me. Everyone in the story who's for diversity, gun control, and non-traditional values gets savagely killed, while the older family values are left vindicated and intact. There is an inner narrative logic to this, so take my judgment with a grain of salt, and the story is in Texas, ok, but I didn't expect THAT ending. That said, I have to praise the author's writing: as in his 'Halloween Story,' it's calm, balanced, and sweet, jarring interestingly with the atmosphere of dread in a horror story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 10, 2023
I enjoyed this quick, yet powerful story. From the opening line to the end, it held my attention. Take one angry, resentful family reunion and mix with an atmospheric, powerful environment and you get one hell of a tale. In a man vs self, vs man, vs almost everything, it’s a fight to the literal death. Even in the short time, I got attached to the characters and fretted as the plot developed.
On the flip side of that, I was pleasantly surprised with the way the story ended. As much as I didn’t like her, it makes sense that Margo be the last one standing. Now, whether Tori has the same muster as her grandmother, I don’t know. But if she didn’t before, she probably does now.
Rated 5/5 and would definitely recommend to others. Plus, this has made me go look at his other work and I’ve found several that I plan to read now!!
On the flip side of that, I was pleasantly surprised with the way the story ended. As much as I didn’t like her, it makes sense that Margo be the last one standing. Now, whether Tori has the same muster as her grandmother, I don’t know. But if she didn’t before, she probably does now.
Rated 5/5 and would definitely recommend to others. Plus, this has made me go look at his other work and I’ve found several that I plan to read now!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 31, 2026
This was a quick but awesome read. Imagine an epic snowstorm comes and your estranged mother comes for a visit. Margo is your typical selfish, narcissistic woman. While there's lots of tension inside, there's even more danger outside with the snow/ice storm.
I didn't expect the twist toward the end where the tables turned. All I can say is Margo was truly a vile person with outdated beliefs. I felt she deserved more, haha, but that is only my opinion. I couldn't stop reading because the story dragged you in right away. Who knew snow could be so sinister? It seems so innocent and beautiful when it's falling. Loved this one!
I didn't expect the twist toward the end where the tables turned. All I can say is Margo was truly a vile person with outdated beliefs. I felt she deserved more, haha, but that is only my opinion. I couldn't stop reading because the story dragged you in right away. Who knew snow could be so sinister? It seems so innocent and beautiful when it's falling. Loved this one!
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