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Accidental Death
Jeremiah Steele goes to a simple game night with friends, a night out after three months of staying in with his wife and newborn son. When he has to make a split-second choice, he makes the wrong one, with tragic results. When the consequences seem unbearable, he is faced with a surprising new decision, one that could erase his wrong. But nothing comes without a price.
A dark and emotional tale from Ruth Anna Evans, author of No One Can Help Tales of Lost Children and Other Nightmares, this 6,000-word short story hits hard from beginning to end. You'll wish you hadn't read it--and then you'll want to read it again.
Content Warning can be found at ruthannaevans.com/content-warnings.
A dark and emotional tale from Ruth Anna Evans, author of No One Can Help Tales of Lost Children and Other Nightmares, this 6,000-word short story hits hard from beginning to end. You'll wish you hadn't read it--and then you'll want to read it again.
Content Warning can be found at ruthannaevans.com/content-warnings.
ebook
Published January 23, 2023
20 people want to read
About the author
Ruth Anna Evans
51 books107 followersRuth Anna Evans is a writer of short horror fiction who lives in the heart of all that is sinister: the American Midwest. She has been composing prose of all types since childhood but finds something truly delightful in putting her nightmares on the page. Her stories are full of twists and turns with relatable protagonists and startling endings. If you like Grady Hendrix and Ira Levin, you'll like Ruth Anna Evans. Follow Ruth Anna on Twitter @ruthannaevans for updates on her work.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
September 21, 2025
Another fantastic concept here from Ruth Anna Evans. But, much like some of her other works, it was far too brief to have the full impact that it should have had. Lots of emotion and turmoil here, but the breakneck speed was a bit of a disservice. I wanted a ton more time with Jeremiah, our lead, and his family. And the therapist, while her story needed to stay brief and mysterious, also could have used some additional spotlight. Really great, but just a bit too abbreviated. Ruth Anna Evans has rekindled my interest in short stories, which I didn't think was possible.
January 25, 2023
Jeremiah feels guilty about leaving his wife Sheila, alone with their three month old son AGAIN, but he hasn’t seen ‘the guys’ in so long.
Having drunk four beers, and into his night with his friends, Sheila calls his phone, in a state of emergency, telling him to meet her at the hospital...
Once again, Ruth Anna Evans has created a brilliant, short story, which is unique, and full of ‘what if’s’.
Each time I receive one of Ruth Anna’s Arc’s to read and review, I immediately drop what I’m doing, and excitedly rush to read it.
As a fairly new author, within the horror community, she is fast becoming one of my favourites.
Highly recommended!!
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Having drunk four beers, and into his night with his friends, Sheila calls his phone, in a state of emergency, telling him to meet her at the hospital...
Once again, Ruth Anna Evans has created a brilliant, short story, which is unique, and full of ‘what if’s’.
Each time I receive one of Ruth Anna’s Arc’s to read and review, I immediately drop what I’m doing, and excitedly rush to read it.
As a fairly new author, within the horror community, she is fast becoming one of my favourites.
Highly recommended!!
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
June 15, 2023
'Driving me not to drink.'
A short, fun little tale given a touch of the supernaturals to remind us all that our actions really do have consequences.
Take care, make the right choice - before your reality gets altered...forever!
'Clunk click, click, click...change the clip, every trip.'
Rating: 3.7 stars.
A short, fun little tale given a touch of the supernaturals to remind us all that our actions really do have consequences.
Take care, make the right choice - before your reality gets altered...forever!
'Clunk click, click, click...change the clip, every trip.'
Rating: 3.7 stars.
January 29, 2023
Jeremiah really need to think before he makes a decision! This is a great quick read, full of real life horrors based on the choices of one man. Would you take a “do over” and would you think of the consequences?
July 23, 2023
Short but effectively creepy
In 30 pages you get an Intense story of a man trying to undo a mistake without knowing the price. Great work by the author for giving us a short but creepy tale that has a great plot and characters you can feel for.
In 30 pages you get an Intense story of a man trying to undo a mistake without knowing the price. Great work by the author for giving us a short but creepy tale that has a great plot and characters you can feel for.
January 29, 2023
What a great story! It's short but I was entirely in there from the beginning. Amazing.
April 11, 2023
Great Story!
Another winner from Evans. "Accidental Death" is a fast, tragic, and completely riveting read. You can't go wrong with anything by Evans. Highly recommended!
Another winner from Evans. "Accidental Death" is a fast, tragic, and completely riveting read. You can't go wrong with anything by Evans. Highly recommended!
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April 1, 2024another upsetting turn of events from one of my fav authors of all time
January 27, 2023
As all of Evans' work, this is horror that aims to attack your feelings.
What I loved about this story was its complex protagonist, someone who has done something morally reprehensible but who comes across as genuinely repentant. He finds himself repeatedly faced with unimaginable choices and though you may think he makes the wrong choice often, it becomes increasingly clear that sometimes there are no good options.
If I had one complaint about this story (and I do) it's that it was paced too quickly for my personal tastes. The complex nature of morality and highly speculative elements of the plot hit a sweet spot for me that I would have loved to see explored in deeper detail. I would have loved to see the character stew in the impossible choices, and their consequences, for longer.
My gut reaction to seeing any of Evans' work end is to wish it was still going because I like being immersed in the tragic nature of her prose. I think that's the mark of a good short story, to leave its audience wanting. However in this instance, I genuinely would have liked to sit longer with my feelings about everything that was happening, and felt there were missed opportunities to experience that alongside the protagonist.
It comes down to preference, however.
If you, like me, tend to favor longer stories, I would actually recommend looking to TRIGGER WARNING or EVERYTHING YOU LOVED IS GONE, two pieces that fully explore their potential with a similar emotional impact. However, if you prefer tighter prose that still includes a high speculative element, ACCIDENTAL DEATH is the one for you.
What I loved about this story was its complex protagonist, someone who has done something morally reprehensible but who comes across as genuinely repentant. He finds himself repeatedly faced with unimaginable choices and though you may think he makes the wrong choice often, it becomes increasingly clear that sometimes there are no good options.
If I had one complaint about this story (and I do) it's that it was paced too quickly for my personal tastes. The complex nature of morality and highly speculative elements of the plot hit a sweet spot for me that I would have loved to see explored in deeper detail. I would have loved to see the character stew in the impossible choices, and their consequences, for longer.
My gut reaction to seeing any of Evans' work end is to wish it was still going because I like being immersed in the tragic nature of her prose. I think that's the mark of a good short story, to leave its audience wanting. However in this instance, I genuinely would have liked to sit longer with my feelings about everything that was happening, and felt there were missed opportunities to experience that alongside the protagonist.
It comes down to preference, however.
If you, like me, tend to favor longer stories, I would actually recommend looking to TRIGGER WARNING or EVERYTHING YOU LOVED IS GONE, two pieces that fully explore their potential with a similar emotional impact. However, if you prefer tighter prose that still includes a high speculative element, ACCIDENTAL DEATH is the one for you.
February 6, 2023
I found Ruth Anna Evans through Twitter and have become a quick fan. Her work is always dark and upsetting, but cathartic in that special way good horror is. Accidental Death, her latest short, is a heavy, but engaging read. I blasted through it in one sitting and even though I knew something horrible was going to happen, I had to see it through.
Jeremiah is a young man struggling with his responsibilities as a new parent. He makes a series of choices with dire consequences. What is particularly chilling about this story is that anyone could make the same choices. A night out with the guys or stay at home? Rush to the hospital after a few beers or let someone else drive? These are the choices that many face just in their regular lives. Unfortunately for Jeremiah, he chooses poorly and destroys several lives.
The first half introduces us to Jeremiah and even though it's only a short story, I felt like I knew Jeremiah well. Evans brings him and his little family to life quite efficiently. The second half is where things really take off. The introduction of time travel (something I always love) elevates the tale from a simple morality lesson to a dark thriller that leaves you guessing what Jeremiah will choose next until the ending.
If you enjoy dark tales, time travel, and difficult decisions, you'll enjoy this story.
*content warning for child death/endangerment.
Jeremiah is a young man struggling with his responsibilities as a new parent. He makes a series of choices with dire consequences. What is particularly chilling about this story is that anyone could make the same choices. A night out with the guys or stay at home? Rush to the hospital after a few beers or let someone else drive? These are the choices that many face just in their regular lives. Unfortunately for Jeremiah, he chooses poorly and destroys several lives.
The first half introduces us to Jeremiah and even though it's only a short story, I felt like I knew Jeremiah well. Evans brings him and his little family to life quite efficiently. The second half is where things really take off. The introduction of time travel (something I always love) elevates the tale from a simple morality lesson to a dark thriller that leaves you guessing what Jeremiah will choose next until the ending.
If you enjoy dark tales, time travel, and difficult decisions, you'll enjoy this story.
*content warning for child death/endangerment.
April 22, 2023
ARC Short Story Review: "Accidental Death" by Ruth Anna Evans - thanks to the author for providing me with a copy of her work for an honest review.
I read a LOT of short stories. I mean, a LOT. They are pretty much my favorite medium in the horror genre - well in any genre, actually! Most of the time you read them, you vaguely enjoy them, and then forget them - but sometimes you read one and there's what I can only describe as a 'click'. The 'click' is a feeling of absolute certainty - where you just know that the story is just right, and that all the narrative pieces come together in the right way. It's also usually accompanied by a feeling - it could be shocked, feeling gut-punched, upset, whatever - or it could be where you just smile wryly or grimly, knowing that it couldn't end any other way.
This short story is one that gives me the latter feeling - and the 'click' as well. Not too long, not too short, extremely well written (the lady knows what she is doing!) and with a great understanding of pain, regret and human nature in all its complexity; this story is very, very much worth your time. A classic in the making - 4.5 stars.
(TW: child death,but done sensitively).
I read a LOT of short stories. I mean, a LOT. They are pretty much my favorite medium in the horror genre - well in any genre, actually! Most of the time you read them, you vaguely enjoy them, and then forget them - but sometimes you read one and there's what I can only describe as a 'click'. The 'click' is a feeling of absolute certainty - where you just know that the story is just right, and that all the narrative pieces come together in the right way. It's also usually accompanied by a feeling - it could be shocked, feeling gut-punched, upset, whatever - or it could be where you just smile wryly or grimly, knowing that it couldn't end any other way.
This short story is one that gives me the latter feeling - and the 'click' as well. Not too long, not too short, extremely well written (the lady knows what she is doing!) and with a great understanding of pain, regret and human nature in all its complexity; this story is very, very much worth your time. A classic in the making - 4.5 stars.
(TW: child death,but done sensitively).
June 14, 2023
Accidental Death by Ruth Anna Evans is a short horror story with some Monkey’s Paw and Paradise lost vibes.
Without going too into the plot, we follow a new father, Jeremiah, who goes out for a night with the boys and ends up making a decision he deeply regrets, altering his life permanently. Or so he thinks.
Jeremiah ends up in a position to take a chance to reverse his regrettable choice, and he takes it. The story follows him dealing with the consequences of that.
This is a short and satisfying story of misfortune and tragedy. Though it treads a familiar feeling ground, it does so in a way that keeps a reader engaged. Evans is to the point here, but also manages to weave in a good deal of intriguing lore that the reader is left able to ponder after finishing. I always like when there is a degree of unexplained phenomena in tale and I’m allowed to draw my own conclusions about it.
The plot and characters are simple but well drawn, and for a story that can be read in one quick sitting, I believe it’s listed at 6000 words, this one succeeds!
Without going too into the plot, we follow a new father, Jeremiah, who goes out for a night with the boys and ends up making a decision he deeply regrets, altering his life permanently. Or so he thinks.
Jeremiah ends up in a position to take a chance to reverse his regrettable choice, and he takes it. The story follows him dealing with the consequences of that.
This is a short and satisfying story of misfortune and tragedy. Though it treads a familiar feeling ground, it does so in a way that keeps a reader engaged. Evans is to the point here, but also manages to weave in a good deal of intriguing lore that the reader is left able to ponder after finishing. I always like when there is a degree of unexplained phenomena in tale and I’m allowed to draw my own conclusions about it.
The plot and characters are simple but well drawn, and for a story that can be read in one quick sitting, I believe it’s listed at 6000 words, this one succeeds!
January 25, 2023
Know who will undoubtedly, always punch your feels right in the throat? Ruth Anna Evans. In this newest release, she combines so many different horrific elements that it's hard to decide which hits the hardest. Impaired driving is something that has affected so many lives, my own included, and while most people would give anything for a second chance, you have to wonder how much truth is behind, "Better the devil you know".
March 6, 2023
Thank You Ruth Anna Evans
The author writing style is very strong and inviting.
Accidental death is a tragic story about a horrible mistake that if given a chance to fix it leads to a even worst outcome.
Strong developed of characters with natural flow of banter.
This short story has Twilight Zone vibes. BRING Lots of Kleenex
Moral. Don't Sign Something Without Reading the Small Print.
The author writing style is very strong and inviting.
Accidental death is a tragic story about a horrible mistake that if given a chance to fix it leads to a even worst outcome.
Strong developed of characters with natural flow of banter.
This short story has Twilight Zone vibes. BRING Lots of Kleenex
Moral. Don't Sign Something Without Reading the Small Print.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 27, 2023
Accidental Death by Ruth Anna Evans
As always, Ruth Anna Evans can make a short story feel epic! I have to say, Evans just keeps on getting better and better with her writing. This story is gut wrenching, horrifying, and, believe it or not, heroic.
I will always recommend Evans’ stories for everyone. They are short and sweet and give you a great hour of entertainment which us horror fans need. You definitely need to go check this and all the rest of her stories on Amazon. Many of them are Kindle Unlimited, too!
As always, Ruth Anna Evans can make a short story feel epic! I have to say, Evans just keeps on getting better and better with her writing. This story is gut wrenching, horrifying, and, believe it or not, heroic.
I will always recommend Evans’ stories for everyone. They are short and sweet and give you a great hour of entertainment which us horror fans need. You definitely need to go check this and all the rest of her stories on Amazon. Many of them are Kindle Unlimited, too!
January 30, 2023
A realistic horror story
This story was truly devastating and horrific, but also beautiful in a heartbreaking way. Like most of Evans’s work, it’s a real punch in the gut. Definitely recommend!
This story was truly devastating and horrific, but also beautiful in a heartbreaking way. Like most of Evans’s work, it’s a real punch in the gut. Definitely recommend!
January 30, 2023
4.5 ⭐️ rounded up. Super quick, super intriguing—what if you made one wrong choice, but could have a “do over”? Would it be worth it??
February 1, 2023
Very good story, well written. This is the story of second chances and the prices involved. After reading this I will definitely read more by Ruth Ann Evans
February 18, 2023
Nice story with interesting concept. It have unique way to let human decide future. Wonderful story I able to finish just in few hours so adjusted with my time perfectly too.
April 11, 2023
Great short what if story
A quick and engaging read, about a man given a chance to right a wrong and the unintended consequences that follow.
A quick and engaging read, about a man given a chance to right a wrong and the unintended consequences that follow.
September 12, 2025
Another short but potent story from Ruth Anna Evans, and despite some supernatural elements the horror is very much grounded in reality. The narrator, Jeremiah, reckons with the consequences of his actions and the ripple effect that can happen from a single mistake.
I appreciated that this story tackled the dangers of drunk driving. I’ve known plenty of people that thought they could drive after having a few drinks, but it only takes one time to destroy your life. Accidental Death is a solid story with a powerful message.
I appreciated that this story tackled the dangers of drunk driving. I’ve known plenty of people that thought they could drive after having a few drinks, but it only takes one time to destroy your life. Accidental Death is a solid story with a powerful message.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews