They Hide: Short Stories to Tell in the Dark

by Francesca Maria, Kealan Patrick Burke (Illustrator)

Who are we if not for the monsters that we keep?

They Hide: Short Stories to Tell in the Dark collects thirteen chilling tales that weave through the shadows, exploring the nature of fear, powerlessness, and control.

- A series of murders in a New England colony
- An untamed beast in pre-revolutionary France
- A mysterious stranger who invades 18th-century Ireland
- A traveling circus that takes more than the price of admission
- A gathering of the Dark, telling tales on the longest night of the year, and more.

Come play with vampires, werewolves, ghosts, zombies, ghouls and the devil himself. Make sure you check under the bed and don’t turn out the lights.

Genres: Horror, Short Stories

246 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 7, 2023

About the author

Francesca Maria is the award winning author of They Hide: Short Stories to Tell in the Dark. She is also the co-creator and writer of the Black Cat Chronicles comic book series featuring a mystical black cat. When not writing, Francesca is co-chair for the San Francisco Bay Area Horror Writers Association Chapter, helping to foster horror writers and the love of all things that go bump in the night. You can learn more about Francesca at francescamaria.com.

Reviews

[Lezlie The Nerdy Narrative · Rating 4 out of 5]

For readers who just want a little scare, or enough dark intrigue to let their own imaginations take over - this is the collection for you.

Thirteen tales that cover a wide variety of delicious tropes, such as hauntings, cursed objects, urban legends, folklore, strangers at crossroads, clowns and even Christmas! (Seriously, nothing is safe!) Readers also visit different regions and time periods as they read through this collection, which showed how much effort this author took to research locations, styles of dress, manner of speech and history/legends regarding folklore. The little historical sponge in me just soaked it up! I even learned a few true facts about historical figures I had not known previously. Enjoyable AND educational!

Along with the suspense, fear, dread and uncomfortable knowledge shared in these stories, there were also moments of humor that I loved. Sometimes you need a good laugh to give yourself a break from the dark path your imagination is traveling. Of course, that opens you up for something to sneak up behind you too - you've been warned.

Francesca Maria's writing style is excellent - it's accessible and allows the reader to focus on the plot and the characters rather than puzzling out complex prose and getting pulled out of the story. I don't mind complex prose or purple prose, but for my horror stories/books - stay out of the way of my fear! Write it so I can fly forward, reading as fast as my racing heartbeat to see what's about to happen. Maria had this nailed down and her pacing was spot on.

A few of these stories were absolutely made better by their atmosphere. Francesca Maria knows how to set the scene for her tales, the mark of an excellent storyteller. Make the reader feel the cold and creeping dread, the hair raising on the back of the reader's neck along with the character in the story! Yes!!! This is what I live for!

I thoroughly enjoyed this collection, start to finish. This was my first time reading anything by this author, so I owe a huge thank you to the publisher, Brigids Gate Press for reaching out to me to see if I'd be interested in reading a copy in consideration for review.

[Melina Lobo · Rating 5 out of 5]

"They Hide" is a collection of thirteen short stories written by Francesca Maria that are sure to send chills down your spine. As a reader who's too scared to read full-fledged horror novels, I loved reading this book as it had a great collection of scary short stories. However, I made a mistake by completing it at 2 in the morning, which left me feeling a little spooked when I had to go to sleep.

The author's writing covers a variety of horror stories ranging from monsters to mummies, making it a perfect read for anyone who loves this genre. However, I would suggest being careful while reading this book, depending on your tolerance for horror, as the author's writing style and twists might make your heart beat faster than you'd like.

Although I am a chicken, this book was alright for me in terms of scariness, and I read most of the stories during the day. Out of all the stories, "My Brother Andy" stood out to me the most as it was particularly engrossing and left a lasting impression.

Overall, the author has done an amazing job, and I would highly recommend this book to all the horror lovers out there. The short story format makes it a quick and engaging read, and you'll definitely be left wanting more.

[Ben Monroe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to have had the opportunity to read an advance copy of "They Hide" recently. It's a solid collection, with stories ranging the full spectrum of horror, from grim and grisly, to suspenseful, to dark humor, and one true heartbreaker.
All your classic monster tropes are represented here, and all done really well. Personal favorites were "A Game of Ghost" (playing an evil card game with sinister results), "Imhotep" (a great take on the idea of an undead mummy), and "Spreckles" (A Rankin Bass Christmas special goes full on Creepshow/Tales From the Crypt).
Whatever your taste in horror, I'm sure you'll find something in "They Hide" that you'll enjoy. I highly recommend this book.

[Sabrina Catherine Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this purely to support Lucy Kay's work and I must say, I definitely got more than I bargained for! each story was entertaining, left me thinking, cringing, sad, laughing, and lost in the words. Frencesca's tales are wonderful and imaginative, and Lucy and Spencer are AMAZING narrators (which I already knew Lucy would kill it). Thank you all for enriching my life with this book! 💚💚💚💚

[Christina Pfeiffer · Rating 5 out of 5]

https://www.uncomfortablydark.com/chr...

Well, Francesca is now officially on my radar with this collection. Like, damn. I want to chat about my four favorites (even though there are thirteen).

The Wysterfield Murders - Goody Sarah keeps losing friends in a horrific way. When she sets out to find the cause — she finds more than she bargains for. (This has some of the most disturbing non-splatter imagery I have read in years.)

My Brother Andy - What evil wants, evil gets. Possession, loyalty, and ignorance are all prevalent in this short story. The story is complete and phenomenal, but selfishly I wanted 150 pages more. (Can I whine for a novella maybe?)

The Perfect Partner - a spicy telepathic, body suspended sex scene. Friends, you know I love smut and this one is hooooooooooot. (I didn’t reread this story in particular. *wink*)

A Game of Ghosts - A card game that plays for keeps. Maria uses journal entries and interviews for this story and it is my favorite out of the whole collection. It is creepy and oppressive. I couldn’t get enough.

Usually I go through each story but I wanted to talk about this collection as whole a bit more. The title is literal perfection. Now, I don’t want to say it took me until the sixth story for it to dawn on me the point of THEY HIDE but… it did. Sometimes I have to be hit over the head to get things (you guys will get it earlier). Francesca’s ability to scare the hell out of me and make me squirm without being splatterpunk is remarkable. Somehow, there isn’t a bad story in the collection and that fascinates me.

I could see this collection being on the Stokers ballot easily. It’s as close to perfect as a collection can get. DOUBLE HIGHLY RECOMMEND 10/5.

[Tasha Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm so excited for this collection to go live on April 7th, so everyone has the opportunity to enjoy it as much as I did! Francesca compiled a fantastic collection full of stories that cover so many different eras and things that go bump in the night, and it kept me on my toes from start to finish.


Her character development is brilliant from the very start, ranging from a New England colonial woman out to solve the mystery behind supernatural murders plaguing her small village, to a twist on already terrifying clowns, to an inside look at the monsters haunting our existence. Goody Sarah is a smart, inquisitive woman - two things that are highly frowned upon when it comes to women in those days (and sometimes even now, to be honest). While clowns tend to instill a sense of dread in most people by just existing, silent ones who can pack up and disappear overnight feel even more ominous. And who knew that monsters/demons/boogeymen held conventions?!


My Brother Andy was my favorite story in the collection. It's a brilliant possession tale, covering the bases from childhood fears consistently dismissed by adults (I'm sure we've all seen enough movies to know that never ends well), to the final stretch where we see the devastation caused by ignoring those warnings. Unlike a typical possession tale where we see a relatively short period where everything is turned on its head, and the situation is then resolved, this story stretches over years and emphasizes the potential horrors that could be committed with that much time.


With such a variety of stories in terms of content and length, it's a piece of cake to break the collection into pieces and read bit by bit, or just sit down for a healthy dose of mass consumption. Francesca was also kind enough to provide content warnings at the end of the book, should you want to check those first.

[Shubham Lakhina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Review
My Ratings - 4.8/5

“They Hide” by Francesca Maria is a collection of short stories that delves into the darkest corners of the human psyche, offering readers a chilling and thought-provoking journey through the shadows of fear, powerlessness, and control.

This collection comprises thirteen tales, each a haunting gem that lingers in the mind long after the book is closed. Maria’s storytelling prowess shines through as she explores a variety of settings and time periods, from a New England colony plagued by a series of murders to pre-revolutionary France with its untamed beasts, and 18th-century Ireland invaded by a mysterious stranger. The diversity of these settings adds depth and intrigue to the collection, showcasing the author’s versatility.

What sets “They Hide” apart is its ability to plunge readers into the supernatural and macabre. Vampires, werewolves, ghosts, zombies, ghouls, and even the devil himself make appearances, each with their own unique and spine-tingling tales to tell. The author’s skill in weaving together the paranormal with the human experience adds a layer of complexity to the stories, making them not just about monsters, but also about the hidden monsters within us all.

The pacing of the stories is expertly done, with each one building a sense of unease and anticipation. The writing is atmospheric, immersing readers in the eerie and unsettling worlds created by Maria. The tales are as much about psychological horror as they are about the supernatural, making them deeply relatable on a visceral level.

While “They Hide” may send shivers down your spine and keep you awake at night, it also prompts deeper contemplation about the human condition. It’s a collection that invites readers to confront their own fears and the monsters that reside within themselves.

[Agata Popęda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would recommend this book to both genre readers (horror) and to those who are not sure if they want to be afraid... The collection has a strong element of fantasy, and Maria is a skilled storyteller, playing with various genres (crime, erotica, fairytale) and various monstrous characters (zombies, witches and devils). A couple of stories bear strong autobiographical traces, starting with “My Brother Andy,” a story that takes us to the haunted house of the author’s childhood. "The Hide"... hides 13 little adventures, each making our heart beat faster, each time for different reasons... A fun and promising debut!

[Sonia LeeAnn Hyder · Rating 5 out of 5]

These stories are extremely well crafted and thought out. The pacing of each story is excellent and there are so many different concepts. I loved several of the stories and find it hard to even pick a favorite. I was lucky to snag an advance copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Santiago Flores · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book

The short stories included in this book were so well told that I must confess I was a bit scared. They’re the stories to read to those who like horror and suspense. The author, Francesca Maria, has such great story telling skills that I was trapped by the pages; I couldn’t put the book aside.
The collection of stories is solid and well structured. The settings for the stories were well chosen and the author’s descriptions added a lot to the stories for me to feel engaged and imagine all that was happening. A must read for sure!

[Willow DeHart · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the authors writing. The stories were creepy and unique and I enjoyed them as well!

[Ann Keeran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spooky and scary short stories that will usher in the goosebumps. My Brother Andy is particularly awesome.

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

They Hide was a fascinating, suspenseful and enjoyable collection of short stories delving into the deepest recesses of evil within demons, humans and creatures of the night. I thoroughly enjoyed The Wysterfield Murders ( a cult who worshipped a demon from the depths of hell allowing it to wreak havoc on their small town), Imhotep (a woman who was mummified to then wake up for the thirst of revenge on those who buried her) and The Circus (where certain visitors paid dearly for the price of admission). The other stories were also quite riveting with twisted endings and I would gladly read other works by the author in the future.

[Stephanie Moon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to the audiobook. The stories were entertaining and different. The author writes well and sometimes leaves creepy cliffhangers which I enjoy. Perfect for Halloween/spooky season. The narrators spoke clear and created a spooky atmosphere.

[Katy The Sleepy Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a good anthology and this one did not disappoint. The book contains thirteen tales that are sure to give you a spine-tingling good time.

The stories have everything you could want in horror. Witches, mummies, ghosts and more. The book has such a large variety of stories you will not get bored. Each story unique and well written. I thought the pace of each story was spot on. This is a fast read and is a must read for sure. I received this book free from Booksirens for an honest review.

[Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Review

The author does such an incredible job of weaving together a moving yet horrifying collection of stories. The way each story flowed smoothly and kept a great pacing, while still allowing the tension to build and the chills to build up in the reader’s mind made for a truly compelling and captivating collection.

To me, it was the author’s use of both emotional storytelling and shocking horror moments that made each story shine. Some of my favorite stories in the collection touched upon the dark side of some of my favorite things, from ancient Egyptian mythology in the story “Imhotep”, to the shocking real story of Christmas in “Spreckles” and the gasp-worthy finale in the story “Wendigo”, each story wove between the horrors and emotions of reality with the twisted nature of the strange and the bizarre side of our world and cultures.

The Verdict

Memorable, entertaining, and thrilling, author Francesca Maria’s “They Hide: Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark” is a must-read collection of horror short stories that is one of my favorite short story collections of 2023 thus far! The suspense, drama, and heartfelt connection readers make to the characters of these stories and the rich world-building that the author employs throughout this collection will keep readers engaged and eager for more as the last story ends and a new one begins.

[Jay Bechtol · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advanced copy of this book. Lucky me!

I like horror stories. I like seeing ordinary people dropped into extra-ordinary circumstances and dealing with the fallout. And Ms. Maria is very good at writing those stories.

In these 13 (yes, 13!) stories, Maria introduces us to ghosts and demons, takes us to Ireland and the North Pole, unleashes zombies and mummies, all while maintaining a humanistic approach to the horror that makes it somehow all the more terrifying.

That may be the key to her storytelling. The people and things that populate these tales are relatable, whether they be monsters or human or somewhere in between, and that makes for great reading. Add in great descriptions, new takes, and a sly sense of humor, and you've got the horror version of a bag of potato chips. You can't read just one...

If you like short stories that bring new perspectives to things you thought you already knew, you’ll want to check this collection out. You will not be disappointed

[Milt Theo · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author has a masterful grasp of the written word and is a gifted storyteller. This gets her automatically 3 stars in my book. Why not go higher? Well, the problem is the utter lack of originality. Is that a problem? Not always, but it sure is a major drawback for the experienced horror reader. The ambiguous endings (when there was an ending at all!) were dispiriting. At some point, I thought I was reading a YA book, but then I came across the last story, 'The Gathering,' where there's a riveting description of a possessed 10-year-old girl destroying her father's genitals, and I realized it was (probably) not meant for young adults. This story, Rachel's story, is a tale within a tale, and I enjoyed it very much. But nothing else clicked for me; I was also troubled by the story 'Zombies Are Real,' where the narrator tries to push the rather trivial idea of a dementia patient as a kind of zombie. In sum, I doubt I'm the intended audience of this book.

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

[Horror DNA · Rating 4 out of 5]

The latest from writer Francesca Maria, They Hide: Short Stories to Tell in the Dark, is a varied collection full of fun and frightening stories with unique twists. The stories are delightful and most importantly full of extreme variety that manages to play well off one another. Kicking off the collection is “The Wysterfield Murders,” a folk horror set in a rural religious community concerning a Goodwife attempting to solve a series of murders with a demonic edge to them. The writing is enjoyable and engaging, the characters strong. The story treads familiar territory, but with enough freshness to keep the pages turning.

You can read Zachary Rosenberg's full review at Horror DNA by clicking here.

[Sonja · Rating 3 out of 5]

With a title like 'They hide' I expected storys about creeping and unseen monsters lurking in the dark, what I got were sometimes graphic and violent storys about monsters enjoying toying with human life, sometimes mundane appearing ones with at terrible twist.

The storys span different times and countrys (Amazonas over America over Northpole and between hundreds of years before Christ to today) and different creatures, which made a nice change from the regular Vampies and Zombies.

And while I liked the take and presentation of different forms of evil in truly all storys, I was never scared. Which annoyed me because the writing style was wonderful and descriptive (smells and sounds and overall atmosphere). Maybe in a longer novel(la) the creeping feeling could be worked in better.

Thank you go to Francesca Maria and the publisher for giving me an ARC and the chance to review this book.

[Romuald Dzemo · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book that will make you cringe, shudder as you see your shadow at night, and feel the chills as you follow the characters, They Hide: Short Stories to Tell in the Dark by Francesca Maria has everything readers look for in horror. It features compelling short stories that filled with complex characters and the darkness that hides in the ordinariness of life.

Francesca Maria has a wonderful gift for storytelling and she demonstrates a strong economy of word. Yes, she doesn't waste them. She condenses a lot of action and information in a few sentences. The book has a lot to offer, grisly murders, a powerful beast in France, a mysterious stranger in Ireland, a circus, and a lot more. In these stories, readers encounter werewolves, vampires, ghosts, ghouls, and more.

Apart from her strong storytelling skills, Maria excels are delivering prose that is enticing and crafting scenes that are focused and cinematic. This one was a gorgeous treat.

[Mary Polzella · Rating 5 out of 5]

A collection of 13 chilling and eerie short stories that may have you sleeping with the light on. The stories are of varying lengths, very well-written and imaginative, and a little frightening too!

This is a great collection that I really enjoyed reading. They were really all fabulous but the standouts were:

The Wysterfield Murders - a small community experiences several grisly killings but the source of the horror is where they least expect

My Brother Andy - a young family lives in a haunted house where the youngest is not believed and most affected by what goes on in their home.

The Circus - an unusual circus comes to town, leaving it's mark on the community

A Game of Ghost - a card game not for the feint hearted

Zombies are real - a young person watches a loved one slowly fade away

A must for those who enjoy this genre! Highly recommended.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author and Publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.

[Edwin Caparaz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advanced copy of Francesca Maria's They Hide: Short Stories to Tell in the Dark. All in all, the stories were as horrific and entertaining as I hoped. It's not uncommon to find unrelenting brutality, humor, and tension in a single tale. Tales of vampires, sirens, and all manner of strange beasts abound and the writing never disappoints!

While They Hide can be read in one or two reading sessions, looking back, I should have paced myself to better enjoy the storytelling. Without spoiling it, They Hide culminates in scintillating fashion with perhaps its best story. In the end, I found the author's vision to be both tangible and visceral. Without a doubt, Francesca Maria is an ascending talent in dark fiction and horror.

[Ava · Rating 5 out of 5]

Francesca Maria is a dexterous storyteller and her writing will easily hook you. I was lucky enough to read the ebook version of They Hide before the paperback release date and now I'm eager to receive the paperback version in a few days. I have ordered several copies to give as gifts to horror fans. I am very new to reading the genre but know that it has serious fans.

The stories in this beautiful collection are varied, showing the author's ability to tackle a variety of subjects, voices, settings, characters, and themes. My absolute favorite was My Brother Andy. The last story in this compelling collection, The Gathering, was several stories in itself. I hope to read more of Francesca's stories in the future.

[ᴄᴏᴜʀᴛ ☠︎︎ · Rating 4 out of 5]

🙏🏻 Big thank you to Brigids Gate Press & NetGalley for the chance to read They Hide ✨

Francesca Maria will be responsible for my nightmares for a while after reading those horrifying tales! Thirteen stories that creep into your mind and keep with you long after reading... also, very happy to see that a Content Warning page was included 🥲👏🏻

While I found most of the stories to be truly horrifying and well-written, each are vastly different in length—with some feeling incredibly long for a short story collection—which slowed my reading progress, but personally, I'm glad I stuck with it because my favorite story, The Gathering, was saved for the end (think nostalgic, Are you afraid of the Dark? vibes 🫣) and that really pulled this book together for me 🖤

[Gregg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful short story collection! Francesca Maria’s voice and style are captivating, and she’s done an incredible job of checking all the horror boxes in a familiar yet refreshing way. And that's not easy.

My favorites were The Gathering for its empathy and richly layered storytelling, and The Perfect Partner for being short, sweet, and super-hot—but I loved them all!

I think this collection will have something for every horror reader, and it will be EVERYTHING for any diehard horror fan! Highly recommend.

[Nancy Middleton · Rating 5 out of 5]

They Hide is a fascinating and imaginative collection of stories, full of gripping suspense and terror.
The locations are wide-ranging--from Puritan New England to Ireland to the Loire Valley in France--proving that nowhere is safe from the scary and the supernatural. Not being a regular reader of horror fiction myself, I wasn't sure what to expect...but I found myself on the edge of my seat as I fell into the world of each tale. Francesca Maria is a master storyteller whose stories should delight horror fans and intrigue those new to the genre.

[Mia C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I totally enjoyed this book! The stories were fascinating and totally engaging. I think the author’s narrative style is exquisite.
They Hide: Short Stories to Tell in the Dark by author Francesca Maria is a book which lovers of suspense and mystery will enjoy. The stories are different and from various kinds, horror, suspense, and dark humour to mention some.
I will recommend reading it with the lights on but for those who are brave enough, you can follow the advice of the title.
I enjoyed this book from beginning to end!

[Valérie Marchal · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘They hide’ is a collection of thirteen chilling tales which shows a whole other perspective on the human psyche and fears.
Francesca Maria managed to leave me wanting for more. Her writing is great and easy to follow. The tales are very well crafted and did what they had to do: creep you out in the best way. There are a few short stories with an open ending, leaving you guessing what would have happened.
This collection is best enjoyed with the light on or during the day.

Thank you to Netgalley for sending me a copy of the e-book.

[Toni · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great book of shorts! I loved it. There were a couple of stories that I thought were lacking but what is good for one is bad for another. I enjoyed the stories. Definitely a must read!

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