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ktjaeeeee's review
3.0
3.25⭐️s
It’s spooky season, of course I had to read this novella. The story was interesting, set in colonial times and focused purely on a family living in the middle of a forest.
There were some creepy vibes to it, the drawn picture was definitely unexpected. However, I didn’t find this to be very scary.
Most of the story focuses on the family’s daily activities instead of the more creepy stuff; like the witch and the creature in the night.
For as short as this was, I was expecting a lot more bang in the horror but the story was decent.
It’s spooky season, of course I had to read this novella. The story was interesting, set in colonial times and focused purely on a family living in the middle of a forest.
There were some creepy vibes to it, the drawn picture was definitely unexpected. However, I didn’t find this to be very scary.
Most of the story focuses on the family’s daily activities instead of the more creepy stuff; like the witch and the creature in the night.
For as short as this was, I was expecting a lot more bang in the horror but the story was decent.
irv_in_the_books's review
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
mikefromarkansas's review
4.0
I hope I don’t have nightmares tonight. The lady with the pointy teeth? Oh heck no! This is a short story based in colonial times, perfect to share at a slumber party with the lights out except for a flashlight. I kept wondering is this all really happening or all in Teddy’s head? There are some gruesome scenes in the novella. Careful for what’s under the bed and don’t get me started about the shadows! I’ll keep reading David’s stories. Teekoo! Teekoo! Teekoo!
connorjdaley's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
I grabbed this in paperback in my quest to buy all indie novellas.
The author does a very good job of painting the picture of a loving family in a small number of pages. A working father, a dutiful wife and learning daughter, and a son that wants to prove himself while making his father proud. Time period appropriate, while still allowing the daughter and son their playtime. They eat dinner as a family and both children are tucked in each night lovingly…with maybe a couple visits from the tickle monster.
Teddy is soon to be a man, so his father is letting him know more and handle more responsibility. Carrying the water in from the well, attempting to swing the woodcutting axe on his own, and hearing all about his father’s traumatic childhood experience in the woods by their house. Of course a story like that would stick in a young boy’s mind, and of course it’s only a matter of time before something forces them back into those woods. Forces the past and the present to collide.
SOME SPOILER-Y THINGS
The first instance involving the entity is creepy, ambiguous enough to let your mind wonder, and of course fast enough to leave you asking, “what just happened?” And with that being said, the second does much the same for the reader while being entirely different. A house in the woods, the dog trapped, a woman in all black. But when Teddy’s sister wakes him up, was any of it real?
Much like the visits in the night that follow, as well as the echoes of what happened to his father’s best friend, Teddy’s descent into madness comes at a loss of sleep and a few bumps in the night. The descent might be quick, but the creepiness is awfully high.
I really love horrors that take childhood fears/monsters and turn them into real, flesh and blood nightmares. My main gripe with this one (while small) is that it didn’t actually do that, not entirely. The Tickle Monster is a manifestation of fear and anxiety for Teddy, and I suppose I was more so expecting a creature feature. Still very worth a read! Personally 3.5/5*.
nickbennett's review
4.0
4⭐️ a creepy story that was interesting to follow. Very simple writing with one goal to accomplish. A very good short read for a horror novella book.
panicatthebookstore's review
4.0
This was a short story set in colonial times, which immediately put it firmly outside my comfort zone. It had a brilliant opening chapter and then slowed down a little, taking time to get back into it. However, I thoroughly enjoyed how the rest of the story played out.
kianarhawley's review
5.0
A great little spooky book that really brings a big childhood fear to life.