The Monster of Old Lincoln Road: a short story

by Erica Damon

Zayd can handle a night watchman gig, he isn’t afraid of a few coyotes. But something menacing is prowling the woods on Old Lincoln Road and his campfire is about to go out.
A silent forest.
An unexplained shadow.
Who, or what, is watching him?

Genres: Thriller, Horror

41 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 2, 2023

About the author

Erica Damon is a writer, equestrian, and artist living in Western Massachusetts. She calls herself compulsively creative, and that has led to a collection of ‘what ifs?’ in her back pocket. A self-directed degree from UMass Amherst Commonwealth Honors College furthered her exploration outside of the ordinary. That same sense of wonder weaves its way into her fiction. If she’s not writing, she’s likely out riding horses while the ideas swirl in the background

Reviews

[Jacquetta Harvey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I wanted to keep reading! This Author will become one of my "Watch For" Authors.
A combination of what's next and OMG was in my mind as I read it. I am searching for more of her books to read right now.
If you are a horror fan, this book is short but great!

[Matt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zayd finds a ad for a night watchman job that pays $250 per night and decides to go for it. When he arrives for the job, he has no idea what the night has in store for him. Sometimes monsters are real and Zayd is about to find it the hard way.

[Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story, though very short, is very suspenseful and creepy

[Cassia Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're looking for an atmospheric horror story that will get you in the mood for Hallowe'en season, this is it. This short story draws you in from the start, builds the creepy atmosphere slowly but surely, and then whacks you over the head with a twist that you won't see coming.

I'm not a big horror fan, but I was completely taken in by the creepy vibes. Basically, the author snatches you by the collar, shakes you up, and then finishes you off...I mean, finishes the story off... with a chilling flourish. Edge-of-the-seat stuff. You have been warned.

[Naito Diamond · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a person who read a lot of King and Lovecraft stories, I enjoyed The Monster of Old Lincoln Road. The author strikes all the horror threads that should apply to a good horror story: the appealing character, the mystery, the suspense, and the end of the psychological thriller.
Great short story for a spooky season.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good and thrilling short horror story. It took about a half hour to read, but that half hour was packed with enough suspense and creepiness, that you felt you read something longer.

I really enjoyed reading this short story and look forward to reading more from this author.

Totally recommend for any horror fans.

[Camille Danciu · Rating 4 out of 5]

We all know it’s a bad idea to take a nighttime gig for a lump sum of cash in the middle of nowhere. But Zayd is desperate to get settled and stable. Curtis seems easy going and his cabin seems normal. That is, until it doesn’t. Then it’s too late for Zayd. This was an unpredictable ending and I was pleasantly surprised.

[Blythe Brandenburg · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a short, creepy story story that's perfect for the season. Damon builds the suspense and atmosphere very well and creates a good "small town" feel for the setting. I don't want to give away any spoilers, but if you want a quick case of the shivers on a cozy October evening, it's worth it.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short but definitely scary story. Zayd is fine with his job but what is that lurking in the dark. Read and find out.

[Leah Orr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this short story. It kept me intrigued from beginning to end and loved the ending.

[Priyanka · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whoa!!!
Fantastic short story. Looking forward to reading more from this author

[Ashlyn Mitchell · Rating 2 out of 5]

Stupid story

[Hyacinth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was crazy good. At first
I thought it was going to be something else, then boom, lol. If it looks too good to be true...it is!

[Keeley Webb Author · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a quick and exciting read. Erica packs a lot of punch into just 41 pages. It’s dark, descriptive, and enjoyable! I’ll be downloading some more of her work very soon. Great job!