Melody Writes

I have a soft spot for debut books and when I had the chance to read an ARC for Rowan Hills' debut novella, I was excited.. and not disappointed. I was also not prepared for this one. After a painful separation, Sarah is alone in her arctic home when she starts hearing and seeing strange things around her home. Scratches on the roof, doors that won't stay closed and a mysterious presence in her basement are her new companions. Sarah is isolated by more than just her location. As the situation in her home grows more dire, she turns to the men around her, but they in turn doubt and distrust her. In turn, Sarah grows more desperate until she is forced to take matters into her own hands. This novella is tense and gripping. The story builds into a violent climax and an ending I did not predict.     Thanks for reading!  Want to keep in touch? Sign up for my newsletter or Find me around the web Want to support my writing? Buy one of my books or Support me on Ko-fi ...

First, I love the title. It's perfect for a short horror story collection. Isn't that what we read dark stories like this for? That little chill/thrill that opens our eyes up wide in the middle of the night when we hear a noise. It's something that's baffled my mother about my since I was small myself.  Little Paranoias is a mix between longer short stories and flash fiction. The effect is that I was never quite sure how long a story would be or what to expect. There were four stories that I particularly enjoyed: Weary Bones - The collection opens with a tale about a failed attempt to cheat death and gain a second life. More touching than terrifying, "Weary Bones" moved me in ways I did not expect from a horror collection.  Always in my Ear - This story of estranged friends reuniting is also oddly heartwarming (I mean other than all the murder).  Stick Figure Family - A twist on those stick families people put in their car windows that I enjoyed. I never had o...

  Jordan has been working as a reporter for two years, but nothing has prepared her for the story she faces today. While covering a house fire, she sees a vision of a black-eyed girl. Soon she starts seeing the little girl everywhere - and the bodies keep piling up. Soon Jordan realizes that the girl she is seeing has been causing fires all over town, and even more terrifying, she seems to have a special connection to Jordan herself. What Did Not Die is a creepy novella. The little girl is terrifying and gave me shivers in each of her scenes. This story is not a happy ride and not for the faint of heart. Fortunately, I love a dark story with ghost girls and darkness. This story is best read all at once... and with the lights on. Thanks for reading!  Want to keep in touch? Sign up for my newsletter or Find me around the web Want to support my writing? Buy one of my books or Support me on Ko-fi