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Nightmares from a Desk: A Collection
Enter “Nightmares from a Desk.” A chilling collection of horror stories bound to take you on a rollercoaster of terror and suspense. Each tale is meticulously crafted to take you through twists and turns, designed to lure you into a world of spine-tingling encounters, unearthly creatures, and unspeakable nightmares.
- GenresHorrorShort Stories
170 pages, Paperback
Published September 27, 2023
1 person is currently reading
31 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
June 20, 2024
Nightmares from a Desk is a great blend of different sub-genres of horror. The short stories are all super digestible and even more importantly very creative.
Heredia is a talented author and I haven't read a story from him that I haven't enjoyed yet.
This collection has entries that range from Insidious Crossing Guards at a school to Carnivals that appear out of nowhere. Families that come together to kill together, and more.
My personal favorites in this were "The Lies of Miguel", "The Midnite Family", & "The Ol' Antique Shop".
I've read some Stephen King short stories and some of these feel very much in the same realm of being horror in concept but not "scary". I personally enjoyed these stories more though as they were concise and to the point.
I will recommend this book to anyone interested in something short and easy to tear through.
Heredia is a talented author and I haven't read a story from him that I haven't enjoyed yet.
This collection has entries that range from Insidious Crossing Guards at a school to Carnivals that appear out of nowhere. Families that come together to kill together, and more.
My personal favorites in this were "The Lies of Miguel", "The Midnite Family", & "The Ol' Antique Shop".
I've read some Stephen King short stories and some of these feel very much in the same realm of being horror in concept but not "scary". I personally enjoyed these stories more though as they were concise and to the point.
I will recommend this book to anyone interested in something short and easy to tear through.
September 28, 2023
This is a debut collection of nine Horror stories that are all vastly different from one another. Not knowing what to expect next is what made for an enjoyable and entertaining reading experience. You’ll find crossing guards from hell, insects from outer space, creepy porcelain dolls, strangers in dark alleys, amusement park horror (hunger games style), deadly bees, a family that slays together, a pen that tells the future and more!
I had a lot of fun reading this collection and found myself looking forward to reading this book any chance I got. My favorite was obviously “The ‘ol Antique Shop” because creepy dolls hold a special place in my dark heart. Followed by “Poppy Stings” which was a clever story about revenge and the use of bees to make it happen! This collection reads like middle-grade/YA horror as most of the protagonists are young with light descriptions of violence and because of that, I feel like it caters to a wide audience. Each story is plot-driven with some humor expressed through witty dialogue that helps lighten the tone of the horrors the characters experience. My only criticism is the pacing was a bit too fast at times and would leave me with questions and wanting to have more of an in-depth explanation. I also would have liked more detailed descriptions to paint a better picture in my head. Which isn’t all necessarily a bad thing, it just meant I liked the story enough to crave more of it.
If you’re looking for a unique collection of stories that are occasionally creepy with fun and unexpected moments, I recommend checking this out! It also serves as a book for those who are new to Horror and looking to dip their toes into the genre.
I had a lot of fun reading this collection and found myself looking forward to reading this book any chance I got. My favorite was obviously “The ‘ol Antique Shop” because creepy dolls hold a special place in my dark heart. Followed by “Poppy Stings” which was a clever story about revenge and the use of bees to make it happen! This collection reads like middle-grade/YA horror as most of the protagonists are young with light descriptions of violence and because of that, I feel like it caters to a wide audience. Each story is plot-driven with some humor expressed through witty dialogue that helps lighten the tone of the horrors the characters experience. My only criticism is the pacing was a bit too fast at times and would leave me with questions and wanting to have more of an in-depth explanation. I also would have liked more detailed descriptions to paint a better picture in my head. Which isn’t all necessarily a bad thing, it just meant I liked the story enough to crave more of it.
If you’re looking for a unique collection of stories that are occasionally creepy with fun and unexpected moments, I recommend checking this out! It also serves as a book for those who are new to Horror and looking to dip their toes into the genre.
November 22, 2023
This collection contains 9 short stories (plus a preview of another story at the end). Some stories were scarier than others for sure, but all were enjoyable to read. I think the best part of these is the descriptive language and the details. It’s so easy to picture it all, which for me only adds to the scariness lol.
I’m trying to decide which story was my favorite.
The Ol’ Antique Shop f*cked up 🤣 but I also really liked Needless Questions. It kinda felt like a Black Mirror episode to me.
I’m trying to decide which story was my favorite.
The Ol’ Antique Shop f*cked up 🤣 but I also really liked Needless Questions. It kinda felt like a Black Mirror episode to me.
October 9, 2023
Once I started the 9 short story collection I couldn't put it down. If you've read the author's other stories you know they paint scenes with words. While the stories are short you get a full picture of information. It gives the stories an edge of a fairy tale feel.
Some of my favs:
"The Midnite Family" Slasher style story about destiny and if it's chance or choice
"The 'ol Antique Shop" Dolls, yikes dolls. I love spooky doll stories.
"The Carnival of Little Salem"
Evil clowns and a carnival.
Some of my favs:
"The Midnite Family" Slasher style story about destiny and if it's chance or choice
"The 'ol Antique Shop" Dolls, yikes dolls. I love spooky doll stories.
"The Carnival of Little Salem"
Evil clowns and a carnival.
October 8, 2023
This debut collection from Willie R. Heredia is a great way to introduce his writing, stories, and dark imagination to the world. Each story was unique; it kept me guessing and wondering, and I wanted more. My favorite stories in Nightmares from a Desk are "The Ol' Antique Shop," "Dreams in Between," and "Needles Questions." Heredia has major potential, and I'd love to read more stories from him.
July 16, 2024
I've always loved short stories, wether in films or books. They usually pack a punch in a short amount of time, taking you on a brief but intense roller coaster ride.
Heredia's 'nightmares' are no exception. The title perfectly captures the feel of the book. Any of these stories could be the reason your body yanks you back violently to reality if you manage to doze off at your desk for a few troubled minutes.
🕸️🕸️🕸️🕸️🕸️🕸️🕸️🕸️🕷️🕷️🕷️🕷️
These dark tales are original and refreshing, full of twists, turns, unexpected places and vivid scenarios. I read the book in no time at all - my scattered brain had no problems playing these stories in my mind like movies. They all felt like they could evolve into full length novels.
😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱
My favourites were:
🏚️The Ol' Antique Shop
🎢 The Carnival in Little Salem
👨👩👦👦 The Midnite Family
💭The Dream in Between
I also loved the cover art and the illustrations inside really added to the whole experience.
I would gladly recommend this book. 😊
Heredia's 'nightmares' are no exception. The title perfectly captures the feel of the book. Any of these stories could be the reason your body yanks you back violently to reality if you manage to doze off at your desk for a few troubled minutes.
🕸️🕸️🕸️🕸️🕸️🕸️🕸️🕸️🕷️🕷️🕷️🕷️
These dark tales are original and refreshing, full of twists, turns, unexpected places and vivid scenarios. I read the book in no time at all - my scattered brain had no problems playing these stories in my mind like movies. They all felt like they could evolve into full length novels.
😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱
My favourites were:
🏚️The Ol' Antique Shop
🎢 The Carnival in Little Salem
👨👩👦👦 The Midnite Family
💭The Dream in Between
I also loved the cover art and the illustrations inside really added to the whole experience.
I would gladly recommend this book. 😊
September 18, 2024
Great Collection of Scares
Diving into this collection of short horror tales, I would encounter one of my favorites of the collection, “The Crossing Guard.” This was a twisted tale about a kid named Eric (great name for a character, by the way) who feels there is something off about the school crossing guard (SPOILER ALERT - there is). Throughout the remainder of the stories, we get a warning on what not to do when a suitcase-sized object falls from the sky and how to survive a haunted carnival. You may end up with a fear of not only bees, but you’ll think twice before going antiquing ever again. And there’s always a catch when a cursed fountain pen gives you all of life’s answers. My favorite story was “Dreams In Between,” a chilling tale of how dream stalkers don’t need a glove of knives to be dangerous. Overall, this collection was a fun read and recommended if you want to take in some quick scares.
Diving into this collection of short horror tales, I would encounter one of my favorites of the collection, “The Crossing Guard.” This was a twisted tale about a kid named Eric (great name for a character, by the way) who feels there is something off about the school crossing guard (SPOILER ALERT - there is). Throughout the remainder of the stories, we get a warning on what not to do when a suitcase-sized object falls from the sky and how to survive a haunted carnival. You may end up with a fear of not only bees, but you’ll think twice before going antiquing ever again. And there’s always a catch when a cursed fountain pen gives you all of life’s answers. My favorite story was “Dreams In Between,” a chilling tale of how dream stalkers don’t need a glove of knives to be dangerous. Overall, this collection was a fun read and recommended if you want to take in some quick scares.
October 14, 2024
I’ve had this paperback for a while, so I decided to get to it as a spooky season read, as well as a Hispanic Heritage Month read.
The first story, The Crossing Guard, is also available separately as a kind of sample to the author’s writing. There is something off about Val the crossing guard. Eric has taken notice, and he feels certain. She’s doing something funky to the water bottles she offers out to the school kids. But when she catches him trying to destroy them, he quickly blames another passing kid. Safe for the moment, but no less culpable.
It read like a Goosebumps short, like something from Tales to Give You Goosebumps or even the newer series Stinetinglers. It even has the kind of classic cliffhanger ending you’d expect. I look forward to the sequel story.
While many of these shorts read like the author’s version of Goosebumps, they do range from middle grade characters/feeling to adult reads. Some of which are definitely more extreme too. One of my favorites is a story about a break in that’s mixed the feelings of slashers/The Strangers vibes with those of the more mysterious and ancient ritual tropes. Think home invasion times un-killable killer. It allowed for some really interesting twists, and even got my own creative ideas flowing honestly.
From monsters to aliens, theme parks to bugs, magic napkins and evil lies, Heredia knows his way around some horror tropes. And this collection has a fantastic set of story headers.
There’s also a great deal of diversity present in these stories that I feel as if you don’t exactly see elsewhere. That remembrance to include others. If it wasn’t the main character, it was a named character that was involved. And I thought that was perfect for Hispanic Heritage Month.
https://fanfiaddict.com/review-nightm...
The first story, The Crossing Guard, is also available separately as a kind of sample to the author’s writing. There is something off about Val the crossing guard. Eric has taken notice, and he feels certain. She’s doing something funky to the water bottles she offers out to the school kids. But when she catches him trying to destroy them, he quickly blames another passing kid. Safe for the moment, but no less culpable.
It read like a Goosebumps short, like something from Tales to Give You Goosebumps or even the newer series Stinetinglers. It even has the kind of classic cliffhanger ending you’d expect. I look forward to the sequel story.
While many of these shorts read like the author’s version of Goosebumps, they do range from middle grade characters/feeling to adult reads. Some of which are definitely more extreme too. One of my favorites is a story about a break in that’s mixed the feelings of slashers/The Strangers vibes with those of the more mysterious and ancient ritual tropes. Think home invasion times un-killable killer. It allowed for some really interesting twists, and even got my own creative ideas flowing honestly.
From monsters to aliens, theme parks to bugs, magic napkins and evil lies, Heredia knows his way around some horror tropes. And this collection has a fantastic set of story headers.
There’s also a great deal of diversity present in these stories that I feel as if you don’t exactly see elsewhere. That remembrance to include others. If it wasn’t the main character, it was a named character that was involved. And I thought that was perfect for Hispanic Heritage Month.
https://fanfiaddict.com/review-nightm...
September 2, 2025
❇️This collection was so imaginative and creative and covered many topics. From bees, to aliens, to clowns, to immortals, it had a lot of entertainment! Some stories were more brutal than others and some of the plots were to die for and right up my alley! Each story had its own personality and I thoroughly enjoyed this collection. Thank you to @willie.writes.words for the ebook! 🤗
❇️I give this a solid 4 stars and have rated each of the stories below. Some of my favorites include:
1️⃣Carnival of Salem - An involuntary game of survival at a carnival that is home to many fears that want to kill you
2️⃣Midnite Family - A home invasion where the intruders can’t die and they are looking for someone
3️⃣Needless Questions - A man mysteriously has all the answers to life’s questions thanks to his magical pen, but how far will that get him?
4️⃣The Crossing Guard (special shout-out) - A mean crossing guard with a dark secret works at a school where children tend to go missing
The Crossing Guard ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Tiny Crashers ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
The Ol’ Antique Shop ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Lies of Miguel⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Carnival in Little Salem⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Poppy Stings ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Midnite Family⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Dreams In Between⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Needless Questions⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
❇️I give this a solid 4 stars and have rated each of the stories below. Some of my favorites include:
1️⃣Carnival of Salem - An involuntary game of survival at a carnival that is home to many fears that want to kill you
2️⃣Midnite Family - A home invasion where the intruders can’t die and they are looking for someone
3️⃣Needless Questions - A man mysteriously has all the answers to life’s questions thanks to his magical pen, but how far will that get him?
4️⃣The Crossing Guard (special shout-out) - A mean crossing guard with a dark secret works at a school where children tend to go missing
The Crossing Guard ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Tiny Crashers ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
The Ol’ Antique Shop ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Lies of Miguel⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Carnival in Little Salem⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Poppy Stings ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Midnite Family⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Dreams In Between⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Needless Questions⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
November 9, 2023
This collection has everything a horror reader could be looking for
Aliens, clowns, demons, unexplainable events that give you the creeps
Plus, the author is an awesome human so that extra fact makes the reading experience even cooler
Looking forward to more of your words in the future!!
Aliens, clowns, demons, unexplainable events that give you the creeps
Plus, the author is an awesome human so that extra fact makes the reading experience even cooler
Looking forward to more of your words in the future!!
December 25, 2023
These stories were all awesome
What a great debut book by Willie Heredia! This is a collection of short horror stories and they are all intriguing. Tough to put it down.
Great imagination and great story telling. My favorite story here was the carnival of nightmares!
Well done to this author and I’m looking forward to seeing more of his work.
What a great debut book by Willie Heredia! This is a collection of short horror stories and they are all intriguing. Tough to put it down.
Great imagination and great story telling. My favorite story here was the carnival of nightmares!
Well done to this author and I’m looking forward to seeing more of his work.
January 21, 2024
Each story is remarkably crafted and unique. I enjoyed all of them! Can't wait to read more by this author. It was really hard to put this book down, I pretty much devoured it two sittings (would have been one if it wasn't for that pesky enemy WORK). Creepy and fantastic!
December 17, 2025
My read of this has been long overdue, it's been on my TBR list for about 2 years now! Having only recently snagged a copy, I had to get into it asap. And hooooh boi I'm glad I did.
This right here's a collection of short stories, and it's a very mixed bag indeed. It jumps from grounded horror to batshit insanity and everything in between. Each story is imaginative and felt unique, but if you pay attention you'll notice a sneaky thread woven through stories to link them. My personal favourite of the collection was The Ol Antique Shop - an awesome twist on the cursed/haunted doll trope. Absolutely loved it.
Do yourself a favour and pick up a copy immediately.
Five of my shiniest!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This right here's a collection of short stories, and it's a very mixed bag indeed. It jumps from grounded horror to batshit insanity and everything in between. Each story is imaginative and felt unique, but if you pay attention you'll notice a sneaky thread woven through stories to link them. My personal favourite of the collection was The Ol Antique Shop - an awesome twist on the cursed/haunted doll trope. Absolutely loved it.
Do yourself a favour and pick up a copy immediately.
Five of my shiniest!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
August 30, 2024
A unique set of horror short stories that I enjoyed reading through! Looking forward to reading more of Heredia's work!
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews