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Gloom
In Ricky Olson's gritty debut collection you'll dive into stories that aren't afraid to tell it like it is. He draws a grim landscape where men and women are caught in equally disturbing scenarios. In one, a "model" addicted to the internet gets invited to an elite party by a stranger. In another, a high school student obsessed with death tries to quench an ever-growing thirst that can't be satiated. In others, embarrassing sex is explored, survival of the fittest is exercised, and death is redeemed. Throughout these twelve short stories one thing is common: Olson isn't afraid to leave any rock unturned while exploring the dark and taboo side of the human condition.
123 pages, Paperback
Published August 14, 2018
63 people are currently reading
692 people want to read
About the author
Ricky Olson
1 book585 followersRicky Olson plays guitar for the metal band, Motionless in White. He currently lives in Northeastern Pennsylvania and spends his time between there and touring the rest of the world.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
November 11, 2020
These are beautiful and very dark stories. This book is mesmerizing. But I was a little disappointed. Gloom's men are capable of real deeds but girls for some reason are not. This is a little unfair.
November 12, 2023
You know when you're pretty sure you will love something annnnd it fucking delivers!?!? That is definitely this dark, little fucked up collection! Summitview Crest and Steel Casket were a tie for my favorite, but honestly loved them all. I tried to take my time with this one simply because I didn't want it to be over, hoping for more twisted tales from Olson!!
May 9, 2024
Just went through the reprinted copy I got back in November and... wow I am crying
October 16, 2024
A friend of mine recommended the book to me because we are fans of the metal band Motionless In White, I am so glad I listened to my friend's recommendation and bought the book because the stories are really good and not for the faint of heart. I wish I could give Gloom more than five stars.
July 29, 2024
I don't quite know how to review this. Though I've waited too long to read it, I'm glad I gave it its own special window of time, and for once, insomnia was on my side. I could say a million things about this book and I have sat for a while wondering what I could say about it, but none of them can measure up to the actual stories Ricky wrote and the realness he brought to life with his words. They are as brilliant and breathtaking as they are brutal and soul-crushing, and I can't convey how much I enjoyed Gloom. I was intrigued, laughing, crying, and wincing all at the same time. It is an endearing and horrifyingly honest collection that slams the worst of the human condition into you, and I'd expect nothing less. Ricky has proved time and time again that he is no stranger to the shittiest sides of life, and I have always respected and admired him for broaching topics no one else will. Gloom is a dark gem that throws you into the gutter of society, and honesty like this is rare, and on my part sought after. Congratulations on such a triumph, Lovely! I have to read it again!
And so concludes my attempt at a review. In any case, thank you, Ricky, for always telling it like it is and never bullshitting or sugarcoating life. It's a welcome breath of fresh air. Good luck with your next project!
And so concludes my attempt at a review. In any case, thank you, Ricky, for always telling it like it is and never bullshitting or sugarcoating life. It's a welcome breath of fresh air. Good luck with your next project!
March 21, 2019
Ricky did a great job in showing the dark and twisted side of people. When I first bought this book I didn’t realize it’d be so short! I finished it so quickly and I enjoyed every single story. I personally give this book five out of five stars. Some of my favorite stories are Vanity, Wet Socks, and Paper or Plastic?.
Vanity is a story of a young girl named Chelsea. Who during prom had a horrendous accident that got her the nickname “Razor ass”. Ever since her incident she became home-schooled and became a new person online, Marilyn. “This eighteen- year- old, online she calls herself Marilyn instead of boring, unremarkable Chelsea. In another life, could’ve sung happy birthday to the president. She’s 26 according to her profile and, naturally, a professional model.” (Olson 10). At some point, however, she gets an email from a username of TheRed00 stating that she is invited to a party where “the hottest of the hot are invited” (Olson 18). She decides to go to the party with this stranger. Since the party is a masquerade party, she is even more eager to go. She meets up with this man and they go to the party together. “ The man smiles with big, faintly yellowed teeth and he says, ‘Marilyn?’ His voice gruff and rattles around his throat.” (Olson 20). While at the party the stranger tells her to call him Red. They both get intoxicated and start to dance. Red then suggests to be alone together with Marilyn. “After cup four, Red leans into Chelsea’s neck and yells as sensually as possible ‘You want to go find a place where we can be alone?’ His breath is whiskey straight from the bottle. Nod and smile.” (Olson 23). They go into a room alone, and like any two young and intoxicated people, they hook up. Only that during this Red finds out that Chelsea is not only different from the pictures she posts, but also that she is his younger sister. “The confusion in his face must have concerned her, because she leans up, throws off the mask and says ‘Are you okay?’ But seeing her face in person only slams all the puzzle pieces faster into their respective slots.” (Olson 26). Chelsea’s older brother who left for the military and came back with an awful scar on his face. “ That’s why his voice is different The whole side of his face had to be rebuilt.” (Olson 27). In the end Chelsea ends up pregnant and her parents never find out about what happened between them.
Wet socks is a story of a man named Jake who wants to see his ex lover for the last time to tell her important news. He wants to get in contact with her but has to call through a payphone. “I have to call from a payphone, from a number you don’t recognize, because if you know it was me you’d never answer. And this is important” (Olson 62). When he calls he hears the voice of her sister. He demands to put his ex lover on the phone or he’ll go there himself. “I’m losing the patience I never had and I’m just like a child waiting out the last minutes before summer break”(Olson 64). Jake ends up going to her house where the sister is the one to open the door and explain to him that she is busy. Jake grows impatient and barges into the house. “And before I have time to think, my hand is on the door and I’m pushing it open and shoving your sister out of the way” (Olson 66). He walks his way to her room and what he sees next enrages him. “And I realize you’re not alone. There’s a man sitting there cross-legged folding the socks I’m supposed to fold. Touching the clothes I’m supposed to touch. The clothes that we used to share” (Olson 66). He starts to fight the other poor man close to death. His ex-lover tries to stop him but he shoved her aside. Once he stops he takes a handful of folded socks and leaves the house. Later he stands far away and observes what chaos he’s caused. He never got to tell her he had cancer, that he only had a month to live.
The third and last story I will write about is Paper or Plastic?. A young man, Johnathan, working at a grocery store coming home and finds his pet dog dead. “It’s after work, after my clothes are changed, when my mouth still has crumbs hanging from a ham sandwich, that my dog dies” (Olson 94). That is the start of a dark and sinister side of Jonathan. He is the one to bury the dog and not tell his mother. But what is odd is that he didn’t feel anything. “There are no tears, not even after I bury him in the backyard, after I pat the soil down in the back corner near the garden. I don’t think about his life. I don’t feel a thing” (Olson 95). After that incident Johnathan became death obsessed and starts watching people die online. He later starts to kill the entire neighborhood's pets starting with a cat he complains about. “I see that black and white mound blobbing up and down in the bushes, weaving in and out of flowerbeds everyday after work. That damn cat” (Olson 96). He strangles the cat with a plastic bag. After killing all the animals he felt the urge to kill again and tries to avoid plastic bags. “I try to avoid plastic bags altogether because it just brings back the hunger. The craving that courses through my veins with every waking moment. Every time someone says they prefer plastic, I cringe” (Olson 97). Johnathan describes his hunger to be like a volcano about to erupt but nowhere for the lava to go. So he strangles his mother. “I yank my prey back into the shadows of the alley and it doesn’t take much effort because she’s so tiny’(Olson 99). He drags his small indefensive mother into an alley and kills her. “I slide the off her face I roll her over and see those dead eyes staring back at me, the crows feet from smiling so much. Her mouth open, she look like a zombie” (Olson 99). He returns home and waits for the police to arrive. They later arrive and inform him of his mother’s death. He is shocked and starts crying not because he’s sad, it’s because he’s getting away with murder.
When I first bought this book I knew I’d like it and while I was reading it I enjoyed more and more. Even though it’s not the typical book anyone would like but I do have a fascination for the dark side of things and this book definitely has that.
Vanity is a story of a young girl named Chelsea. Who during prom had a horrendous accident that got her the nickname “Razor ass”. Ever since her incident she became home-schooled and became a new person online, Marilyn. “This eighteen- year- old, online she calls herself Marilyn instead of boring, unremarkable Chelsea. In another life, could’ve sung happy birthday to the president. She’s 26 according to her profile and, naturally, a professional model.” (Olson 10). At some point, however, she gets an email from a username of TheRed00 stating that she is invited to a party where “the hottest of the hot are invited” (Olson 18). She decides to go to the party with this stranger. Since the party is a masquerade party, she is even more eager to go. She meets up with this man and they go to the party together. “ The man smiles with big, faintly yellowed teeth and he says, ‘Marilyn?’ His voice gruff and rattles around his throat.” (Olson 20). While at the party the stranger tells her to call him Red. They both get intoxicated and start to dance. Red then suggests to be alone together with Marilyn. “After cup four, Red leans into Chelsea’s neck and yells as sensually as possible ‘You want to go find a place where we can be alone?’ His breath is whiskey straight from the bottle. Nod and smile.” (Olson 23). They go into a room alone, and like any two young and intoxicated people, they hook up. Only that during this Red finds out that Chelsea is not only different from the pictures she posts, but also that she is his younger sister. “The confusion in his face must have concerned her, because she leans up, throws off the mask and says ‘Are you okay?’ But seeing her face in person only slams all the puzzle pieces faster into their respective slots.” (Olson 26). Chelsea’s older brother who left for the military and came back with an awful scar on his face. “ That’s why his voice is different The whole side of his face had to be rebuilt.” (Olson 27). In the end Chelsea ends up pregnant and her parents never find out about what happened between them.
Wet socks is a story of a man named Jake who wants to see his ex lover for the last time to tell her important news. He wants to get in contact with her but has to call through a payphone. “I have to call from a payphone, from a number you don’t recognize, because if you know it was me you’d never answer. And this is important” (Olson 62). When he calls he hears the voice of her sister. He demands to put his ex lover on the phone or he’ll go there himself. “I’m losing the patience I never had and I’m just like a child waiting out the last minutes before summer break”(Olson 64). Jake ends up going to her house where the sister is the one to open the door and explain to him that she is busy. Jake grows impatient and barges into the house. “And before I have time to think, my hand is on the door and I’m pushing it open and shoving your sister out of the way” (Olson 66). He walks his way to her room and what he sees next enrages him. “And I realize you’re not alone. There’s a man sitting there cross-legged folding the socks I’m supposed to fold. Touching the clothes I’m supposed to touch. The clothes that we used to share” (Olson 66). He starts to fight the other poor man close to death. His ex-lover tries to stop him but he shoved her aside. Once he stops he takes a handful of folded socks and leaves the house. Later he stands far away and observes what chaos he’s caused. He never got to tell her he had cancer, that he only had a month to live.
The third and last story I will write about is Paper or Plastic?. A young man, Johnathan, working at a grocery store coming home and finds his pet dog dead. “It’s after work, after my clothes are changed, when my mouth still has crumbs hanging from a ham sandwich, that my dog dies” (Olson 94). That is the start of a dark and sinister side of Jonathan. He is the one to bury the dog and not tell his mother. But what is odd is that he didn’t feel anything. “There are no tears, not even after I bury him in the backyard, after I pat the soil down in the back corner near the garden. I don’t think about his life. I don’t feel a thing” (Olson 95). After that incident Johnathan became death obsessed and starts watching people die online. He later starts to kill the entire neighborhood's pets starting with a cat he complains about. “I see that black and white mound blobbing up and down in the bushes, weaving in and out of flowerbeds everyday after work. That damn cat” (Olson 96). He strangles the cat with a plastic bag. After killing all the animals he felt the urge to kill again and tries to avoid plastic bags. “I try to avoid plastic bags altogether because it just brings back the hunger. The craving that courses through my veins with every waking moment. Every time someone says they prefer plastic, I cringe” (Olson 97). Johnathan describes his hunger to be like a volcano about to erupt but nowhere for the lava to go. So he strangles his mother. “I yank my prey back into the shadows of the alley and it doesn’t take much effort because she’s so tiny’(Olson 99). He drags his small indefensive mother into an alley and kills her. “I slide the off her face I roll her over and see those dead eyes staring back at me, the crows feet from smiling so much. Her mouth open, she look like a zombie” (Olson 99). He returns home and waits for the police to arrive. They later arrive and inform him of his mother’s death. He is shocked and starts crying not because he’s sad, it’s because he’s getting away with murder.
When I first bought this book I knew I’d like it and while I was reading it I enjoyed more and more. Even though it’s not the typical book anyone would like but I do have a fascination for the dark side of things and this book definitely has that.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 9, 2021
More...must have MORE. I loved the writing style but the endings to each short story were just too cut off. I need more information on WHAT the heck is going to happen to each character in each story. Just a bit more background as well would be lovely. Hope this author writes some type of sequel. Accurate title for this series of short stories though.
May 19, 2025
Ricky might be a talented guitarist, but as a writer... he truly needs guidance.
The neurotic, prepubescent sex driven stories are written more for shock value than art.
This book was a waste of money.
The neurotic, prepubescent sex driven stories are written more for shock value than art.
This book was a waste of money.
November 11, 2023
I really enjoyed Gloom. The stories were dark and twisted, a glimpse at the darker side of reality that is rarely discussed. There were a few stories in particular that I would love to have expanded to see where the story would go, those being Summitview Crest and Paper or Plastic. For Summitview Crest, I'd love to learn more about how they ended up in the predicament they are in and where the story would go after Mark goes to find food. Can Logan come back from the heinous act he just committed? For Paper or Plastic, I want to see how this story plays out. How many more people does Jonathan kill, and how long can he go without getting caught? Does he feel any remorse for his first kill and who it was? Lastly, thanks to Steel Casket, my fear that when I die, I will still be conscious somehow is now even more reinforced. I can't wait for that to keep me up at night or haunt me when I'm feeling hopeless.
I can't wait to read what Ricky puts out next.
I can't wait to read what Ricky puts out next.
December 31, 2025
I’ll probably need to preface this review by saying that I don’t actually like anthologies, otherwise my rating might come across as mean-spirited.
There are some excellent moments of vivid, albeit uncomfortable, descriptions, that paint a picture of a depressing cast of characters for each story. I’d expected horror elements in every tale, but most were almost conversational, regaling events that I’m fairly sure actually happened. For this reason, I found many of the stories to be quite anticlimactic.
Ricky is a great writer, however, and I found his narrative style very enjoyable. The content just wasn’t my thing.
There are some excellent moments of vivid, albeit uncomfortable, descriptions, that paint a picture of a depressing cast of characters for each story. I’d expected horror elements in every tale, but most were almost conversational, regaling events that I’m fairly sure actually happened. For this reason, I found many of the stories to be quite anticlimactic.
Ricky is a great writer, however, and I found his narrative style very enjoyable. The content just wasn’t my thing.
July 18, 2020
I enjoyed reading it- I really like Ricky Olsen and I LOVE Motionless in White. It wasn't earth shattering and some of the stories were predictable, but it definitely accomplishes the goal of showing the darker sides of every day life.
June 19, 2022
Wow! Just wow. My god, these short stories have completely messed me up! I love it!! Death, sex, love, you name it. Love the writing style from the author as well. Hope he releases more books, because I'll read them all.
November 5, 2018
This book was incredibly dark and disturbing yet beautiful and eloquent. Such an awesome read and from one of my favorite musicians to boot! ❤️❤️❤️
December 29, 2023
Wow. Just wow. Every story was captivating and kept me reading until I couldn't keep my eyes open any longer. I hope he continues writing stories because I NEED more, Ricky.
September 1, 2025
Ріккі «Горор» Олсон — гітарист і бек-вокаліст американського рок-гурту Motionless in White. Його книгу я хотіла прочитати щойно про неї дізналася. І ось звершилося)) Що я можу сказати?.. По-перше, у Ріка однозначно є письменницький хист, його опівдки затягують у свою трясовину з головою. По-друге, книга цілком відповідає своїй назві. Це справді морок, похмурість, темні (я би навіть сказала найтемніші) сторони людських душ. Тут зібрані усі можливі збочення та відхилення. Деякі моменти описані настільки огидно, що хочеться залізти у ванну і довго відмиватися від бруду. У збірці 13 коротких оповідань, після прочитання яких здається, ніби тебе вдарили по голові чимось важким, і виникає єдине запитання: чому? Чому він обирає такі руйнівні теми і таких жахливих персонажів? Як виявилося, це цікавило не лише мене, а і його маму, тож у післямові Ріккі дав вичерпну відповідь, що рожеві поні його не цікавлять, лише темна матерія.
⠀
Зазвичай я не читаю подібні книги. Мене вистачає максимум сторінок на 5. Можливо 10. Та цього разу я й сама не зчулася, як прочитала книжку за два дні. Англійською мовою. Зі словником. Отже, написано шикарно.
⠀
З усіх історій мені найбільше сподобались: The Snowglobe (казка для дорослих про людську жадібність та її наслідки), Sunshine (де автор показує: маніяку плювати, що ти мати чарівного хлопчика, йому потрібне твоє життя), Wet Socks (любовна сповідь абʼюзера, приреченого до смерті), Steel Casket (останні миті життя чоловіка, що потрапив у катастрофу на поромі), Trial & Error (про відновлення справедливості).
⠀
Як ви зрозуміли, книга викликала бурю емоцій, які дуже важко вгамувати, не даремно її прочитала. В деякій мірі я краще зрозуміла Ріка і нарешті збагнула, чому цей хлопчина з янгольськими зовнішністю та голосом став «Горором».
⠀
До речі, сьогодні у Ріккі День Народження, тож принагідно вітаю і зичу усіх гараздів)) Чекаю на нові оповідання і сольний альбом)))))
⠀
Зазвичай я не читаю подібні книги. Мене вистачає максимум сторінок на 5. Можливо 10. Та цього разу я й сама не зчулася, як прочитала книжку за два дні. Англійською мовою. Зі словником. Отже, написано шикарно.
⠀
З усіх історій мені найбільше сподобались: The Snowglobe (казка для дорослих про людську жадібність та її наслідки), Sunshine (де автор показує: маніяку плювати, що ти мати чарівного хлопчика, йому потрібне твоє життя), Wet Socks (любовна сповідь абʼюзера, приреченого до смерті), Steel Casket (останні миті життя чоловіка, що потрапив у катастрофу на поромі), Trial & Error (про відновлення справедливості).
⠀
Як ви зрозуміли, книга викликала бурю емоцій, які дуже важко вгамувати, не даремно її прочитала. В деякій мірі я краще зрозуміла Ріка і нарешті збагнула, чому цей хлопчина з янгольськими зовнішністю та голосом став «Горором».
⠀
До речі, сьогодні у Ріккі День Народження, тож принагідно вітаю і зичу усіх гараздів)) Чекаю на нові оповідання і сольний альбом)))))
March 4, 2021
Allow me to preface this by saying that Motionless In White is by far my favorite band, ever. I did not allow this to sway my opinion of this book. I entered into reading it by disassociating Ricky from his role in the band, and allowing myself to see him solely as a writer.
As I began reading “Gloom”, I was cringing. No, not because it was bad. Because it was chilling. I knew if the book was going to start out as dark as “Vanity” went, then the remaining stories were going to be equally as dark, no holds barred. Olson was blunt, and I respected it.
The true horror of these stories is the fearless nature in which they were written. Olson is not afraid to touch on the discomfort of living. Sex isn’t always a blaze of passion and perfection, love isn’t always fair, everybody has their weird quirks and secrets. I adored this aspect of his writing. I’m glad these stories evoke discomfort, because as Olson said in his Acknowledgement, they weren’t intended to be happy. He succeed in providing a level of chilling discomfort only the best horror stories and movies have given me in the past. These stories were truly thought provoking across a vast array of topics.
There were also a number of lines that stood out to me and made me say “Wow, that is great writing.” I even shared a couple of them with my friends and said “Can you believe how eloquent that sounds?” They are lines I will never forget as examples of extraordinary writing.
Combining my knowledge of Olson as a musical artist with this newly acquired appreciation for him as a writer, I can say wholeheartedly that Olson is a respectable artist through and through, no matter a pen to his hand or a guitar.
I hope to see him write more in the future and I highly recommend “Gloom”.
As I began reading “Gloom”, I was cringing. No, not because it was bad. Because it was chilling. I knew if the book was going to start out as dark as “Vanity” went, then the remaining stories were going to be equally as dark, no holds barred. Olson was blunt, and I respected it.
The true horror of these stories is the fearless nature in which they were written. Olson is not afraid to touch on the discomfort of living. Sex isn’t always a blaze of passion and perfection, love isn’t always fair, everybody has their weird quirks and secrets. I adored this aspect of his writing. I’m glad these stories evoke discomfort, because as Olson said in his Acknowledgement, they weren’t intended to be happy. He succeed in providing a level of chilling discomfort only the best horror stories and movies have given me in the past. These stories were truly thought provoking across a vast array of topics.
There were also a number of lines that stood out to me and made me say “Wow, that is great writing.” I even shared a couple of them with my friends and said “Can you believe how eloquent that sounds?” They are lines I will never forget as examples of extraordinary writing.
Combining my knowledge of Olson as a musical artist with this newly acquired appreciation for him as a writer, I can say wholeheartedly that Olson is a respectable artist through and through, no matter a pen to his hand or a guitar.
I hope to see him write more in the future and I highly recommend “Gloom”.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 27, 2024
This book definitely has an apt title: Gloom it is called and gloom is what you will get. Ricky
Olson has written 13 short stories filled with the mundane and oppressive horror of everyday
America, and it is not for the faint of heart. Sexual predators, budding serial killers, struggling
single parents, failing businesses, crumbling relationships and more line the pages of this
thin but dense book. Some stories have a little sprinkle of the paranormal, but for the most
part there’s no need; the real world is horrifying enough. Each story is delivered with a
caustic nihilism that rips from every word, evoking the darkness of the subject matter. If
these stories were filmed, they’d be filmed in deep shadow, the colours so drained you’d
almost think you were watching a black and white movie. I’d even go so far as to describe
them as modern noir.
It’s a hard to get book at times (at least as a physical copy), not always being available on
Amazon, and when it is there are plenty of people scrambling to buy it. That’s because Ricky
Olson’s ‘day job’ is as the guitarist for goth rock band Motionless In White, and their fans are
eager to support all the members on all their endeavours. Yes, I am a fan of the band, and
yes I admit I did buy the book mainly out of fan loyalty and curiosity. However, I am happy to
report that Ricky’s talents do extend beyond the musical. The book is definitely worth a read,
if you can get it – but be warned, it is not an uplifting read. As I said before, Gloom it is
called, and gloom is exactly what it delivers.
Olson has written 13 short stories filled with the mundane and oppressive horror of everyday
America, and it is not for the faint of heart. Sexual predators, budding serial killers, struggling
single parents, failing businesses, crumbling relationships and more line the pages of this
thin but dense book. Some stories have a little sprinkle of the paranormal, but for the most
part there’s no need; the real world is horrifying enough. Each story is delivered with a
caustic nihilism that rips from every word, evoking the darkness of the subject matter. If
these stories were filmed, they’d be filmed in deep shadow, the colours so drained you’d
almost think you were watching a black and white movie. I’d even go so far as to describe
them as modern noir.
It’s a hard to get book at times (at least as a physical copy), not always being available on
Amazon, and when it is there are plenty of people scrambling to buy it. That’s because Ricky
Olson’s ‘day job’ is as the guitarist for goth rock band Motionless In White, and their fans are
eager to support all the members on all their endeavours. Yes, I am a fan of the band, and
yes I admit I did buy the book mainly out of fan loyalty and curiosity. However, I am happy to
report that Ricky’s talents do extend beyond the musical. The book is definitely worth a read,
if you can get it – but be warned, it is not an uplifting read. As I said before, Gloom it is
called, and gloom is exactly what it delivers.
May 17, 2020
I was so excited to hear Rick Olson had published a book! I love this. The price wad great & I love the front cover.
I'm stupidly biased toward this book because Olson is in one of my favorite metal bands, but I did my best to read this with my Professional Bookseller hat on instead of my Fangirl Trash hat lol.
I liked these stories. They were dark and depraved and edgy. I hadn't read anything in this austere, jarring style in a very long time and I'd missed it-- if there's a name for this sort of subgenre I don't know it lol. Anyway I really appreciated having this break from sunshiney stories and entering something much more warped and dissonant. I did feel like a few of the stories were more like rough drafts than final products, but I absolutely loved the book anyway.
I'm stupidly biased toward this book because Olson is in one of my favorite metal bands, but I did my best to read this with my Professional Bookseller hat on instead of my Fangirl Trash hat lol.
I liked these stories. They were dark and depraved and edgy. I hadn't read anything in this austere, jarring style in a very long time and I'd missed it-- if there's a name for this sort of subgenre I don't know it lol. Anyway I really appreciated having this break from sunshiney stories and entering something much more warped and dissonant. I did feel like a few of the stories were more like rough drafts than final products, but I absolutely loved the book anyway.
August 12, 2025
Ricky is a multi-talent and that shows in his writing as well. My favorite band is Motionless In White and when I saw Ricky Olson, lead guitarist, wrote a book I had to check it out.
This book is a bunch of short stories with different plots and characters that all end bleakly or have you dying of secondhand embarrassment. Each individual story is disturbing and shocking. Some of them so realistic, it truly makes you think. Human beings are vile and a lot of them hide underneath their disguises so well.
Three stories form this debut novel stick with me the most, because they really shocked me, made me think, or had my heart sinking deep in the depths. I would love another novel from Ricky. I am interested in what he would write next.
Check triggers.
This book is a bunch of short stories with different plots and characters that all end bleakly or have you dying of secondhand embarrassment. Each individual story is disturbing and shocking. Some of them so realistic, it truly makes you think. Human beings are vile and a lot of them hide underneath their disguises so well.
Three stories form this debut novel stick with me the most, because they really shocked me, made me think, or had my heart sinking deep in the depths. I would love another novel from Ricky. I am interested in what he would write next.
Check triggers.
September 26, 2022
4.25/5. gloom's stories are grimey, never shying away from taboos no matter how disgusting or uncomfortable they are. the book teeters somewhere in the vague space between horror, sadness, humor, and discomfort. the writing itself is a tad unrefined, with the point of view sometimes shifting at times that don't make sense and with some stories feeling a bit rushed, but overall it's an intriguing collection of stories that, despite being so uncomfortable to read, were hard to tear myself away from.
cws for this book include: abuse, murder, incest, stalking, drugs, animal cruelty/animal death
cws for this book include: abuse, murder, incest, stalking, drugs, animal cruelty/animal death
March 22, 2025
wow, just wow. it was just as dark and just as fucked up as i could expect.
i bought it just because i love motionless in white (ricky's band) but really, it was one of the best books ive read.
i read the reprint (with the black cover), which contains the 13th extra story, and all i can say about it is that it beat the shit out of me.
for anyone who's wondering whether to buy this book, stop wondering and go for it. you won't regret reading it.
i bought it just because i love motionless in white (ricky's band) but really, it was one of the best books ive read.
i read the reprint (with the black cover), which contains the 13th extra story, and all i can say about it is that it beat the shit out of me.
for anyone who's wondering whether to buy this book, stop wondering and go for it. you won't regret reading it.
March 19, 2021
This is truly my favorite book of all time, since i bought it on both kindle and paperback i’ve read it more times than i can count. these stories are absolutely amazing and everything i love in a collection of short stories. they’re dark, suspenseful, and messed up stories but i highly reccomend for anyone who’s into this type of stuff.
November 12, 2023
I am so happy I was able to snag a copy when Ricky re-released this book. I went in completely blind, only hearing bits and pieces online about how dark the book is. It’s VERY dark. Pretty graphic. But very… open and real. Forever grateful I was able to finally read this. I’m so excited to see what other projects Ricky will be working on. His writing is absolutely fabulous.
December 31, 2023
A small collection of stories that I found really enjoyable. 'Summitview Crest' was my favourite, and I found myself wishing for more. 'Steel Casket' gave me anxiety, but in the best way. Ricky has a way with words, and with these stories, you could see he wasn't afraid to rock the boat.
Really looking forward to what he brings us next.
Really looking forward to what he brings us next.
March 18, 2025
Collection of short stories that will leave you wondering what happens next? Some stories their ending is evident, others make you more intrigued as to what would have happened if the story wasn't over.
I have been a huge fan of Motionless in White and so when I found out Ricky had a book I knew I just had to check it out!
I have been a huge fan of Motionless in White and so when I found out Ricky had a book I knew I just had to check it out!
November 30, 2023
Writing this review a little late considering I read this long ago. But this book was addicting. To not completely blast through it in one night, I had to force myself to read one story a night before bed. I love how every story is a completely different experience, and each one will make you feel a range of emotions. These are dark topics that will make you think, cry, cringe and question life. Some of these stories are like watching a movie, some of them are like listening to someone tell you a traumatizing story. No matter the story, the detail in them allows you to imagine things so clearly. Ricky did such an amazing job of writing out experiences people hide or don't like to talk about. They might make you uncomfortable, but that's the point. It was a wild journey the whole way and every day I looked forward to picking the book back up for another story. Well done, Rick! Can't wait to see what you produce in your upcoming novel.
Side note: Don't judge the entire book by the first story. It's the most uncomfortable but it sets the tone for the dark topics you'll encounter in the book.
Side note: Don't judge the entire book by the first story. It's the most uncomfortable but it sets the tone for the dark topics you'll encounter in the book.
January 2, 2024
Literally one of my favorite bands and then the lead guitarist puts out this phenomenal piece of work!!! Ricky great job I read this book in one day and I absolutely loved it!! Hope that you make a new book soon!
February 9, 2024
Holy shit, this was GOOD. I felt claustrophobic and suffocated, and the next moment my jaw would be on the floor. Such different and unique stories that awakened a lot of feelings in my chest. Sir Ricky Horror does his name justice.
April 18, 2024
this was definitely not the style of reading i usually look into, but all these stories were so good regardless!
i support ricky olson and his band motionless in white, and heard nothing but good things about GLOOM.
i wanted to show my support by reading, and it was definitely worth it!
i support ricky olson and his band motionless in white, and heard nothing but good things about GLOOM.
i wanted to show my support by reading, and it was definitely worth it!
July 11, 2024
I typically have 1 of 2 problems with short stories. Either I am so thankful it's a short story because I can't wait for it to be over, or I'm irritated that it's a short story because I need more. This book was no exception. I'm glad it started off with a story that made me profoundly uncomfortable because it hooked me. I had to know what else was floating from his brain to the page. Only a couple of stories found me holding the book, glad I was so quickly moving on to the next. A couple left me with questions I wish I could reach out to have answered (what cut him?!). And a couple had me gripping the book in frustration because I needed more. What happened to bring us to this point? What happens next?! I need to pick his brain.
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