When Did I Go: A short story

by C.S. Jones

Taken from notes left at the scene, something... some creatures have attacked the hunting lodge. They're ravenous, slaughtering anyone and everyone in their path. Seeking shelter, two survivors manage to lock themselves away and, faced with the grim prospect of nowhere to go, must work out how to survive, all while the music of the damned calls them on.

This short story offering is intended as a thank you to all who have helped make C S Jones's 2024 a monumental one.
with the success of Colours, Tethered, Baba Yaga & Yuletide Offerings, along with the upcoming Do Not Unlock, he wanted something to show his gratitude.

Genres: Horror

25 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 2, 2025

Reviews

[Catriona Mowat · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really short, punchy read that starts off in the thick of the action and doesn’t let you go.

Chris knows how to spin an incredible story, and this is no exception. It’s a really easy read, full of drama and emotion. Folk horror and survival horror combine to make this a unique story that will have you feeling uncomfortable right from the start.

[sugarnsass_reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

A hunting lodge is attacked by antlered creatures and two survivors are forced to face their bleak reality. This book had me chewing over the thought that there are worse things than death. Visceral, Intense, and Chilling read, especially for a hunter’s spouse surrounded by walls of antlers. I found the writing to be deliberate, vivid and perfectly timed to deliver the biggest bang for your 🦌. Well worth the read!

[Jim Ody · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a folky-creature-feature-mind-bending gem of a story. So much packed in short-sharp punches of chapters and through dark and twisted narrative. This is Chris's year. He is going to rise to where he belongs. Be warned! 😀💀

[Sharron Joy Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Starving creatures attack a hunting lodge killing all they meet and two survivors hide, locked away but trapped, how do they survive?

A short sharp thriller of a horror short story with glorious gore and dire choices for the survivors.

[Milt Theo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wild survival horror told in a sort of epistolary or diary form. Very short, but hugely effective for all that (or because of it!).

[Kimmy C · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick read, in which deer-like creatures invade a remote hunting lodge, savaging the inhabitants. Two survivors remain, locked in a cupboard, but then the real battle for survival begins. Don’t open the door!

[Craig Matthews · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5* - but only for the length leaving me wanting more. This is a very, very good short story.

When Did I Go is a folk horror, spanning 9 days in around 20 ebook pages. Made up of notes found at the scene, it follows two survivors of an attack as they barricade themselves inside, surrounded and with nowhere to go. The threat of what is outside is ever-present, not helped by the fact the remaining couple of people within are starting to slowly turn on eachother—not least because one of them will not stop making chewing noises...

A creature feature of this length really needs to hit the ground running, and it certainly does here, with the attack on day 1 and things only escalating from there. This is a real short, sharp shock of a read that does not pull any punches—Jones says he has released it as a 'thank you' for the success his other books had in 2024, and what a generous gift it was. Grab it ASAP and enjoy the next time you're in the mood for a quick yet detailed and thrilling story.

[Winona · Rating 5 out of 5]

Familiar

I know that I have read this and something else before. It has to be in one of the dozens of selections I read last year or the year before. But it was good enough that I read it again.
Imagine being trapped in a closet with someone you don't know and don't particularly like for days on end it's supernatural creatures rampaging outside. You run out of water, you run out of food. What could possibly happen next?
The ending is both exactly what you would expect and not at all what you would expect.

[Trish · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short story that packs a huge punch!

Taken from notes recovered from the scene, two survivors of a creature attack take refuge in a store cupboard. To open the door, to help, is to die.

This short story packs a huge punch. How a character can be so well developed in such a short piece is astounding!

CS Jones is an auto-read author. This, once again, confirms why!

[Megan Wintrip · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was short and sweet but it was great. I grabbed it the other day when it was free on kindle to buy.

I absolutely loved his book "Colours", so when I saw this cover I was intrigued.

Some men are at a hunting lodge, but things go south when some ungodly creatures arrive to terrify and kill them.

But when two men survive, do they really survive? Is everything as it seems?

[Camille Danciu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, talk about unsettling. This is a fantastic starter book if you’re getting into horror because it’s eerie and unsettling without horrendous gore.

Great imagery and creepy descriptions. I had no idea what was up with Linus, my anxiety was piqued. “What’s he chewing?” “Why’s he not talking?” “Is the narrator unreliable?” What a great short story!

[Lisa Robbins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've heard a lot of good things about C.S. Jones, but this the first I've read of his work. Wow! He packed a lot of suspense into this short story! I found the journal entry style writing perfect for this story. It really showed the narrator's fear and struggles while hiding from whatever has attacked the hunting lodge. I'm definitely looking forward to checking out more of his work!

[Peter · Rating 4 out of 5]

A hunting lodge is under attack by strange creatures. They want to tell every human alive. The narrator and Linus are the last left. Their days seem numbered. Who will be the last man standing? Grim horror story that will send shivers down your spine. Unless you open the door or not the situation seems lost. What happens to the people inside? A true spine tingler. Really recommended!

[Beverly Laude · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a quick read, but full of creepy horror! Set in a hunting lodge with antlered creatures, the story is based on notes found at the scene. This short story is one I will remember for a while! I will definitely be looking for more by this author.

[Glitch In Normality · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick fun read with some great imagery and descriptions. Not too graphic but certainly sets a scene. This would be a nice one to try if you're introducing new horror fans to books

[Erica smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Poetic

As I found myself reading , it was like reading a journal and as the story went on it turned into a twisted , horrific poem. Very nice read

[Kirsty Mills · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an impact from a short story, this is an amazing read and one where I want more but also am glad that I have so many questions.
C. S. Jones is a master of creating a mood and instilling fear, I felt like I was holding my breath the whole time.
Truly amazing writing that created so much imagery and suspense it was a winner for me.