The Rail Yard Apparitions: A Horror Novella

by Samuel Brower

Ben Suarez, a college student with the need for third shift work, takes a job as a night watchman at a nearby rail yard. On his first night, as he makes his rounds, he begins to discover clues that tell him he will have to face more than just sleep deprivation in his new profession. Strange things begin to take place, and using his smart phone and text exchanges with his girlfriend to research, he finds that the grounds he walks upon are home to a terrible and murderous past.

Genres: Horror

120 pages, Paperback

First published July 3, 2015

About the author

Bestselling author Samuel Brower crafts haunting, immersive tales that blur the line between horror, dark fantasy, and the supernatural. His breakout novel, Haint, became an Amazon bestseller in 2024, cementing his reputation as a must-read voice in modern horror fiction. To date, Brower has published ten gripping novels and dozens of chilling short stories, with his work featured in renowned magazines like Voices, Nine Tales, and Zero Flash. A professional member of both the Horror Writers Association and the Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers Association, Brower brings a seasoned, masterful touch to every eerie world he creates.

Reviews

[David Caldwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

A young man takes a job as a night watchman in a barnyard. He figures it will be long, boring hours through the night but it is the only time he can fit a job into his schedule. He wasn't counting on the spirits that haunt the yard. This is the tale of his first night at work. He will be lucky to survive.

A really creepy tale. Murders that took place during the Great Depression have created restless spirits. Now both the victims and their killers roam the train yard nightly.

The story is atmospheric and flows nicely. It is excellent in editing which is not often the case with short stories in e-book format. There are two instances where the wrong word is used (hair for hear and wretched for retched). The characters, living and dead, are well developed.

My only problem with this story was the way it ended. It was just a tale of his first night on the job but it left a little too much hanging to be fully satisfying for me.

[Lou Canning · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this! Had me hooked on the first few pages, I just knew it was going to be good.
It’s a very well written book about a haunted railyard and the very powerful ghosts trapped inside to repeat the things they did.
I’m not saying anymore, only that this is the third book of Samuel Brower’s I’ve read and I can definitely say I’m a fan! I advise you to read his books. They are so good!

[Fayma Shedelbower · Rating 5 out of 5]

Waking up the dead

I did not think I would like this book but I was wrong. Working night shift is bad enough but scary when you are alone. What this man went through on night shift with the dead workers of the train in early 1900's and killings that went on will keep you on the edge of your seat.

[Bruce Schoenfeld · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rail Yard Apparitions

Great novella for those who are interested in the paranormal and liked the twilight zone as well. It's left open to continuation in the future.