Dare vs the Doll: A not-actually-scary horror short story Horror/Comedy/Short Story/NOVELLA
White Hart Fiction
March 30, 2021
27
Who expects a haunted doll to be such a nuisance?
When Dare’s dog discovers an abandoned doll on their doorstep, Dare assumes it’s nothing more than a lost toy… until it begins to talk.
After the doll offers up a string of bad suggestions and unhelpful advice, Dare is left wondering if the isolation of lockdown has finally proved too much.
Struggling to get rid of the bed-tempered toy, Dare has no idea that this not-quite-scary fiend will accidentally change everything.
With a dash of humour, this queer cosy-horror short story is a fun, quirky tale – perfect for readers who like the idea of being scared more than the reality of it.
Reviewed By Aethena Drake
Member of the Paranormal Romance Guild Review Team
The subtitle of this book, A Not-Actually-Scary Horror Short Story, is a very apt description. I was surprised at how much creepiness an author can fit into just a few pages. I was equally surprised at how much characterization and setting can be developed in even fewer pages. SI Clarke is gifted at creating both.
This not quite scary story has a couple interesting surprises that I don’t want to even hint at for fear of giving away too much. The first surprise is the twist at the end. The second surprise is explained after the story, so read the acknowledgements!
If you happen to be on a tea break and need a quick story with some bite, I emphatically recommend this book. You might want to check for any creepy dolls lying about though.
