A Haunted Encounter

A Short Story

By: Adam McKim

Narrated by: Daniel Hord

When Emily and Jack set out in search of something to break the monotony of small-town life, they never imagined where that longing would take them. Drawn to a forgotten mansion on the edge of Meadow Brook, they enter a world where history lingers in the shadows, silence carries the weight of unfinished stories, and the echoes of the past still walk the halls.

What begins as a simple thrill soon turns into something far more profound, an encounter with the past that will test their courage, their bond, and their understanding of what it truly means to let go.

A Haunted Encounter is a chilling and emotionally rich tale about the echoes of loss, the ties that bind us, and the unexpected places where freedom begins.

©2025 Adam McKim (P)2025 Adam McKim

An Eerie Adventure into the Past

If you grew up watching Are You Afraid of the Dark? or devouring R.L. Stine’s Goosebumps, or if you’re a bit younger and were into Supernatural, this story will feel pleasantly familiar. A Haunted Encounter follows two bored teenagers who go searching for excitement and end up unraveling a century-old mystery in a creepy manor at the edge of town.

I’d call it supernatural, though not quite horror. It’s more eerie than frightening, perfect for the Halloween season without being nightmare fuel. There are some mature themes, so I wouldn’t call it all-ages, but I think middle schoolers and up would appreciate it. The atmosphere builds nicely, and the ending has a bittersweet note that stuck with me.

Overall, it’s a quick, enjoyable read (or listen) that delivers exactly what it promises: a spooky, nostalgic Halloween story with heart. Perfect for when you want something seasonal but not too intense.

Nice Short Story

~ I was given this audiobook for free in exchange for an honest review ~

3.5 ⭐️
Nothing spectacular about this one, but it was still entertaining and a quick listen:
- Pleasing imagery and descriptions (made it a little creepy but not scary)
- Clean / no language or sexually explicit scenes
- Good message at the end

* I listened at 1.5 speed, which was perfect for taking my time to enjoy the story while not feeling like the reader was dragging.

Short but sweet!

This was such a wonderful short story. It's a great listen or read. Narrator was wonderful.

Kept my interest from start to finish

I enjoyed the intrigue of this story. Between the writing and the narration, the story was very compelling.

Upon seeing a ghost, do you run toward or away?

If we believe ghosts are souls trapped in this Earthly plane, then the least we can do is help them move on, right? This is but one of several difficult questions that our young couple must contemplate when they discover a haunted house that is unlike the ones we visit during Halloween. This one has stories, both public and private, true and fabricated, and the path to saving lost souls only has one correct response. Crafted with care and attention to detail, the natural dialogue and realistic experiences are woven into a believable story shrouded in mystery and tension. You won't find any jump scares here, or much horror, but there was death, and there is sorrow. One can be cured. The other, not so much. Narrated with clarity and appropriate dark undertones, Daniel Hord delivers a short but tantalizing story. [Disclosure: I received this title for free and listened at 2.0x.]