Home & Other Stories by P.J. Blakey-Novis is a collection of chilling short stories that will make readers question if they are truly safe in their own homes. After all, who knows what the previous owners were up to…
Full disclosure: I was given a free copy of this book from the author per request of an honest review. This did not affect my rating in any way.
Let’s dive in!
My Thoughts on Home & Other Stories by P.J. Blakey-Novis
These short stories were all incredible.
I actually had to stand up from my chair and go do something after reading each one as the imagery and plot of each tale really dug it’s claws into me! PHEW.
Per usual, here are my notes on each story:
Quake –
Obsessed with things like earthquakes since childhood, when presented with a sudden gift of money, this man travels under the guise of volunteer work in order to experience a quake for himself. While there, a large one hits, and he can’t help himself but to go explore the crack in the earth that was created.
Ugh, my gosh this one had me so claustrophobic! What happens next was even more terrifying!
Cemetery of the Living –
This man has a cemetery growing in his backyard. Only one of the many issues? The people aren’t yet dead when he buried them.
This man is absolutely unhinged!
Deep Breaths –
Killing four people following a trend of water, air, earth, and fire, we see this character kill his first two victims.
This one was brutal! Content Warning for animal abuse that, of course, turns into killing people.
Shielded –
When a freak weather occurrence leaves a caravan park in shambles, the one person unaffected was a little boy, who sat right in the middle of it all. Determined to save his mom, the boy has to make a tough choice.
This one was heartbreaking! This poor kid.
The Flames of Hell Are Coming –
After discovering some items in the attic that we’re left behind by previous owners, something comes over one of the twins, sending this family into a living nightmare.
Another heartbreaking one! This poor family.
Burt’s Rage –
Burt is one that you certainly do NOT want to make angry! If you do, there will be fiery consequences!
This one was intense! I struggle with internal rage and my goodness… if I was like this man, it would be bad.
Home –
When a girl is warned away from a well, she can’t help but be drawn to it. Determined to find out how deep it is, she comes up with a plan. But later, something comes out of the well.
This one was so heartbreaking! These poor little girls.
Dark Waters –
While on a trip, a local offers to bring this couple to a waterfall at night. But once there, they realize they’re stuck! But there’s something lurking in the water that they don’t know about yet.
This one was so creepy! There were so many red flags! But that ending. Phew!
My Favorite Passage from Home & Other Stories
Manners cost nothing, but a lack of them can be deadly.
My Final Thoughts on Home & Other Stories
There’s an amazing range in this collection! Many will leave you chilled to the bone as you look at your living space with a fresh set of very paranoid eyes.
I cannot recommend this one highly enough to fans of horror! There’s something here for everyone!
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