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Someone Else’s Horror Story
Jace Venable lives a quiet life in the house his father left him. He dreams of fixing up the barn out back so that he doesn’t have to return to the city he’s only too happy to leave behind. He likes to be left alone, thank you very much.
And then, one night, he finds a runaway in his barn. A boy with a horrifying story that’s about to upend Jace’s quiet life permanently.
And then, one night, he finds a runaway in his barn. A boy with a horrifying story that’s about to upend Jace’s quiet life permanently.
26 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 26, 2023
3 people are currently reading
78 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
March 21, 2023
A cleverly constructed and claustrophobic tale that would be at home in a classic horror anthology from centuries past, Someone Else's Horror Story kept me guessing and on the edge of my seat.
I read a lot of Victorian and Edwardian horror, and this would fit in right at home with a Gaskel gothic tale or one of Algernon Blackwood's creepier short stories. Very well done.
I read a lot of Victorian and Edwardian horror, and this would fit in right at home with a Gaskel gothic tale or one of Algernon Blackwood's creepier short stories. Very well done.
March 3, 2024
Someone Else's Horror Story is a brilliantly haunting short read that has left me excited to check out more from this talented author.
If you enjoy gothic horror tales that can easily be read in a single sitting, check this out today.
Beautifully done and highly recommended!
If you enjoy gothic horror tales that can easily be read in a single sitting, check this out today.
Beautifully done and highly recommended!
April 2, 2023
You had me at "gothic horror" to be honest.
This fantastic short story throws us straight in from page one and doesn't let up, absorbing us into the simple existence of Jace and his encounter with a young man named Gabe.
Gothic horror relies on slow burning storytelling and (most often) a single terrifying act that upends everything. Mission accomplished.
Say no more. Just read it :)
This fantastic short story throws us straight in from page one and doesn't let up, absorbing us into the simple existence of Jace and his encounter with a young man named Gabe.
Gothic horror relies on slow burning storytelling and (most often) a single terrifying act that upends everything. Mission accomplished.
Say no more. Just read it :)
March 27, 2023
I’m so enjoying Crunden’s shorter works at the moment. She really knows how to pack a punch in a limited amount of words and I’m always instantly engrossed by the way she weaves her stories with so much care and intention.
Someone Else’s Horror Story was a quick, eerie novella reminiscent of Victorian gothic stories. The focus on the house as a living, breathing thing and the source of the characters’ problems reminded me of The Yellow Wallpaper and The Haunting of Hill House, and Crunden did a wonderful job of bringing the environment to life in much the same way.
Though short, this novella is certainly not lacking in excitement or intrigue. And, in a strange way, I really identified with the themes of entrapment as a chronically ill person who isn’t able to do much outside of the house. Also a very apt story post-lockdown, and something we can all relate to. Would recommend for anyone with a spare half hour!
Someone Else’s Horror Story was a quick, eerie novella reminiscent of Victorian gothic stories. The focus on the house as a living, breathing thing and the source of the characters’ problems reminded me of The Yellow Wallpaper and The Haunting of Hill House, and Crunden did a wonderful job of bringing the environment to life in much the same way.
Though short, this novella is certainly not lacking in excitement or intrigue. And, in a strange way, I really identified with the themes of entrapment as a chronically ill person who isn’t able to do much outside of the house. Also a very apt story post-lockdown, and something we can all relate to. Would recommend for anyone with a spare half hour!
February 27, 2023
Contemporary Gothic-Style Mystery
An entertaining short story done in a gothic style but in a contemporary setting. A man inherits an old farm and comes across a young runaway with a dark secret…I will say no more and let the next reader learn their fate.
An entertaining short story done in a gothic style but in a contemporary setting. A man inherits an old farm and comes across a young runaway with a dark secret…I will say no more and let the next reader learn their fate.
February 27, 2023
This was a fun short story that gave me the complete opposite of agoraphobia. A really good concept and well executed!
March 11, 2023
I'm always on a search for the kind of writers who are constantly honing their skills. Rebecca Crunden delivers a knockout with this taut, atmospheric short story.
December 17, 2024
Fun little short story that’s rather eerie… starts nice but gets spooky and the end is quite satisfying and interesting.
May 29, 2023
What a fantastic short story. I'm pretty sure I write this in every single review I do of a short story, but I am always amazed at how much can be put into so little words.
Jace is so kind and generous and it's immediately recognizable. The horror fan in me was yelling at him for his altruism, but I was not expecting that ending. A great and original story.
Truly worth the read.
Jace is so kind and generous and it's immediately recognizable. The horror fan in me was yelling at him for his altruism, but I was not expecting that ending. A great and original story.
Truly worth the read.
March 21, 2023
Eerie yet cozy
This is the second of Crunden's stories I've read and she's really mastered the art of the short story. This give me cozy vibes, made me hungry, and delivered and eerie story all at once.
This is the second of Crunden's stories I've read and she's really mastered the art of the short story. This give me cozy vibes, made me hungry, and delivered and eerie story all at once.
April 2, 2023
Haunting, atmospheric and thought provoking
I loved this!
I tend to be picky on my horror/horror-like stories. But this one fits perfectly into the kind of story I like. One that has a message to tell while subtly weaving in the uncomfortableness.
Jace is a fun main character abnegation you quickly grow to like him. As he interacts with an unexpected visitor, you keep expecting the other show to drop and yet hope it doesn’t.
There’s a lovely twist woven in here that I don’t dare give away but if you like a story with atmosphere and leaves you thinking, give this a read. It’s a good one.
I loved this!
I tend to be picky on my horror/horror-like stories. But this one fits perfectly into the kind of story I like. One that has a message to tell while subtly weaving in the uncomfortableness.
Jace is a fun main character abnegation you quickly grow to like him. As he interacts with an unexpected visitor, you keep expecting the other show to drop and yet hope it doesn’t.
There’s a lovely twist woven in here that I don’t dare give away but if you like a story with atmosphere and leaves you thinking, give this a read. It’s a good one.
February 27, 2023
I think short stories like this are a perfect sampler for an author’s talents and style. And in this regard, this story has done a good job at selling its author. Although short, this story has plenty of atmosphere and great character detail woven in throughout, so that within just these 26 pages, you get a sense of personality from each of them and the lives they lived before we found them on this moody and eventful night.
June 5, 2023
Great fun!
Loved this spooky and original short story. Lots of atmosphere - I’d no idea where it was going! - and it builds to a great ending!
I wish it was longer (the idea is so great, would love to have learned more about it) and because I’m a cruel hearted monster, I would have liked it much, much darker.
Highly recommend this quick, entertaining and engrossing read.
Loved this spooky and original short story. Lots of atmosphere - I’d no idea where it was going! - and it builds to a great ending!
I wish it was longer (the idea is so great, would love to have learned more about it) and because I’m a cruel hearted monster, I would have liked it much, much darker.
Highly recommend this quick, entertaining and engrossing read.
October 17, 2025
I freely admit, I am a sucker for atmospheric gothic horror stories (no matter what timeline they're set in), hence this one's been right up my alley.
Being able to write an atmospheric horror story in less than 30 pages is no small task, yet Rebecca did a truly marvellous job here.
This is a short and quick read - less than 1h, most likely, although it depends on your reading speed, of course -, but a fully fledged story nonetheless.
If you enjoy atmospheric horror stories with a gothic - or folk tale-y - touch you absolutely should read this!
Being able to write an atmospheric horror story in less than 30 pages is no small task, yet Rebecca did a truly marvellous job here.
This is a short and quick read - less than 1h, most likely, although it depends on your reading speed, of course -, but a fully fledged story nonetheless.
If you enjoy atmospheric horror stories with a gothic - or folk tale-y - touch you absolutely should read this!
May 21, 2023
Wanted to venture into different genres a bit with this one, but it was a bit much for me. I'm definitely not a paranormal reader. But the characters were great, plot was enticing (just a bit too intense for me personally), and prose is amazing as always
March 18, 2023
Clever and unexpected
If you have never read any of Rebecca Crunden’s stories, start now. She is the real deal. Someone Else’s Horror Story is gripping and mysterious. It kept me guessing until the end and the payoff was truly unique!
If you have never read any of Rebecca Crunden’s stories, start now. She is the real deal. Someone Else’s Horror Story is gripping and mysterious. It kept me guessing until the end and the payoff was truly unique!
July 2, 2023
I have read a number of Rebecca Crunden's short stories and have enjoyed them immensely, and with Someone Else's Horror Story she again crafts a quick satisfying read that hits the mark.
The story centres Jace Venables, who whilst taking his time clearing his father's house feels that it might be time for him to start afresh and take life at a slower pace.
One night he comes across an intruder in his barn. Upon finding a young runaway, he invites him in, feeds him, listens to his story and then returns him to a place of safety.
Rebecca Crunden carefully plays with your expectations and you soon discover that the story you expect moves in a completely different direction leading you to an unexpected conclusion that takes a while for you to realise the horror of the situation. It's not until it festers in your brain for a while that the ramifications of the story hit home.
As usual, another cracking little story from Rebecca Crunden.
The story centres Jace Venables, who whilst taking his time clearing his father's house feels that it might be time for him to start afresh and take life at a slower pace.
One night he comes across an intruder in his barn. Upon finding a young runaway, he invites him in, feeds him, listens to his story and then returns him to a place of safety.
Rebecca Crunden carefully plays with your expectations and you soon discover that the story you expect moves in a completely different direction leading you to an unexpected conclusion that takes a while for you to realise the horror of the situation. It's not until it festers in your brain for a while that the ramifications of the story hit home.
As usual, another cracking little story from Rebecca Crunden.
April 7, 2023
This is the second story I've read by Rebecca Crunden and I definitely can't wait to read more by her. This atmospheric tale has a fairly slow start for a short story but since it's well written the gradual build is barely noticeable. The main character is likeable and the setting successfully creepy
Without giving any spoilers away I didn't expect the plot to turn out the way it did. Quietly unsettling rather than filled with outright or obvious scares this is certainly an unusual horror story and I like the way it hints at themes and emotions other than evil or terror. I generally prefer horror that's more intense, but I definitely recommend this for anyone looking for something a little different
Without giving any spoilers away I didn't expect the plot to turn out the way it did. Quietly unsettling rather than filled with outright or obvious scares this is certainly an unusual horror story and I like the way it hints at themes and emotions other than evil or terror. I generally prefer horror that's more intense, but I definitely recommend this for anyone looking for something a little different
April 30, 2024
I love a spooky short story, and this one delivered! It's the second short story I've read from Rebecca Crunden, and I plan to read many more.
The dark twist at the end was certainly unexpected. An eerie, magical tale, and I just love her writing. She is able to add so much character and atmosphere to her stories.
If you're looking for a short story full of magic and intrigue, definitely check out her works!
The dark twist at the end was certainly unexpected. An eerie, magical tale, and I just love her writing. She is able to add so much character and atmosphere to her stories.
If you're looking for a short story full of magic and intrigue, definitely check out her works!
March 5, 2023
Truly enjoyed this short story.
Coming into Jace’s story and point of view right away paints a clear picture of the atmosphere and the sweet honest person Jace is. The type of person who will truly give the shirt off his back for a stranger.
Was I expecting that ending, no.. It’s different and interesting and leaves you wondering.
I loved it!
Coming into Jace’s story and point of view right away paints a clear picture of the atmosphere and the sweet honest person Jace is. The type of person who will truly give the shirt off his back for a stranger.
Was I expecting that ending, no.. It’s different and interesting and leaves you wondering.
I loved it!
March 8, 2023
An entertaining horror story that will make you think
Someone Else's Horror Story was a quick yet entertaining read. Each page draws you further in, and the end leaves you asking: "What would I do?" from the perspective of multiple characters. If you're looking for a story to go with your morning coffee or evening tea, grab a copy of this tale!
Someone Else's Horror Story was a quick yet entertaining read. Each page draws you further in, and the end leaves you asking: "What would I do?" from the perspective of multiple characters. If you're looking for a story to go with your morning coffee or evening tea, grab a copy of this tale!
August 21, 2023
To see a full review check it out here.
How can Crunden go from fantasy to horror so perfectly? 10/10
The twist! The atmosphere! The story! I have not a single complaint outside of I need more horror from her!
How can Crunden go from fantasy to horror so perfectly? 10/10
The twist! The atmosphere! The story! I have not a single complaint outside of I need more horror from her!
February 5, 2025
Unexpectedly sweet
I admit, I had no idea what to expect from this story, and wondered if it would leave an impression. To my delight, it did! Jace is an unexpected sort of character, and despite flaws, each character in the story endeared me to their troubles. In under thirty pages!
I admit, I had no idea what to expect from this story, and wondered if it would leave an impression. To my delight, it did! Jace is an unexpected sort of character, and despite flaws, each character in the story endeared me to their troubles. In under thirty pages!
March 1, 2025
Up until this book I loathed short stories. Crunden changed that with this book. She crafted such a fully realized story in dear gods 15 minutes that authors of series should take notes. One of the best books I have ever read, period, hands down, end of story. She moved me while making me say "Well that was fucked." And ya know what? That doesn't happen very often.
July 22, 2024
Genuinely amazed at how invested i got with this considering it being under 30 pages, intriguing story and an interesting twist, this is one short story that left me wanting more,and is well worth picking up and blasting through.
March 28, 2024
Decided to give this one a go to get in another short read for the month, and it was already on my TBR. A tiny review for a tiny read.
This is a 26 page short story, and somehow it packed in a solid and unique plot! Although this isn’t for children, it did have kind of Goosebumps vibes to it! That could be because of its bite-sized format though, making it feel like a TV episode.
Jace is taking over and cleaning up his father’s farm after his passing. He wants to get his affairs in order and perhaps give the country life a try. The solitude is working for him, but one night when he finds a runaway in his barn, he ends up feeling like he’s living someone else’s horror story.
I absolutely love when authors drop their story’s name in the writing. I personally think I’ve done this for everything I’ve ever written. Sometimes it’s even where I pull the names from. It feels like a little wink from the author whenever I read them.
Well written and concise, this short packed a punch with its unique plot and fleshed out atmosphere. Honestly until the author mentioned phones and laptops, I wasn’t even sure what the time period was. It really lended itself to the atmosphere building.
This is a 26 page short story, and somehow it packed in a solid and unique plot! Although this isn’t for children, it did have kind of Goosebumps vibes to it! That could be because of its bite-sized format though, making it feel like a TV episode.
Jace is taking over and cleaning up his father’s farm after his passing. He wants to get his affairs in order and perhaps give the country life a try. The solitude is working for him, but one night when he finds a runaway in his barn, he ends up feeling like he’s living someone else’s horror story.
I absolutely love when authors drop their story’s name in the writing. I personally think I’ve done this for everything I’ve ever written. Sometimes it’s even where I pull the names from. It feels like a little wink from the author whenever I read them.
Well written and concise, this short packed a punch with its unique plot and fleshed out atmosphere. Honestly until the author mentioned phones and laptops, I wasn’t even sure what the time period was. It really lended itself to the atmosphere building.
March 10, 2024
Someone Else's Horror Story is a powerful short story about a man who lives out a young boy's tragic tale. This story shows how one person's actions don't just affect one person's life, but other people's lives as well. It also reveals how those actions can become a domino effect that continues to fall to the next person and the next. I highly recommend this little horror story!
October 22, 2024
A short atmospheric tale of the unexpected!
Rebecca Crunden presents a short atmospheric tale of the unexpected that I read in just one sitting. It has the feels and vibes of the Twilight Zone but with a spooky British style to create an enjoyable reading experience that kept me wondering where it was going.
‘Jace Venable’ will do anything for a quiet life and finds himself moving away from the city after inheriting his late father’s home. On his journey to getting the place in order he takes in a young man who has seemingly run away and so the mysterious intrigue begins. Motivated by kindness and more the desire to keep his life quiet, ‘Jace’ unknowingly puts himself on a path to the unexpected after taking in this person and the repercussions might even be eternal.
With some atmospheric description and writing style that will keep those pages turning, this quick-read tale is perfect for those who enjoy tales with a twist.
Rebecca Crunden presents a short atmospheric tale of the unexpected that I read in just one sitting. It has the feels and vibes of the Twilight Zone but with a spooky British style to create an enjoyable reading experience that kept me wondering where it was going.
‘Jace Venable’ will do anything for a quiet life and finds himself moving away from the city after inheriting his late father’s home. On his journey to getting the place in order he takes in a young man who has seemingly run away and so the mysterious intrigue begins. Motivated by kindness and more the desire to keep his life quiet, ‘Jace’ unknowingly puts himself on a path to the unexpected after taking in this person and the repercussions might even be eternal.
With some atmospheric description and writing style that will keep those pages turning, this quick-read tale is perfect for those who enjoy tales with a twist.
January 2, 2025
This little chiller will suit your tastes if you're a fan of the Twilight Zone, The Outer Limits, or Tales from the Darkside. While the plot is a tad telegraphed, it works well with Crunden's voice and actually acts to heighten the ultimate irony. Her descriptions are vivid and catch the reader up in the mood with ease. The only wrinkle in this story, for me, seems to be that, once his fate dawns upon him, the main character accepts it a tad too quickly and calmly, when I was expecting a lot more denial. But it did not mar the overall work. Well worth the read.
January 19, 2025
This short story is rich in atmosphere and character development. Jace Venable is the focus, being the protagonist, and Gabe is so well developed that he’s practically the deuteragonist. Even Samuel, given his late introduction, is nuanced and feels real. Rebecca is a skilled writer who conveys atmosphere, character and nuance within the limits of this narrative.
The reveal caught me totally by surprise, a rarity considering that I’ve been a fan of horror for more than half a century! But don’t take my word for it: give this little gem a read and judge for yourself.
The reveal caught me totally by surprise, a rarity considering that I’ve been a fan of horror for more than half a century! But don’t take my word for it: give this little gem a read and judge for yourself.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews