What if the horrors of a seemingly innocent and fun haunted house attraction were real? What if someone were inside with you, stalking you and feeding on your fear? What if every corner of the maze were deadly? What if you couldn't get out?

The Horror tells the story of Lisa and Alan, two college teens visiting a theatrical haunted maze themed after local urban legends. Once inside it becomes clear that the macabre, grisly sights are not just smoke and mirrors, and gallons of fake blood, but the gory work of a deranged psychopath who is inside the house, hunting them.

This 43-page one-shot novelette (aka an extended short story) was a labor of love, a tribute to the slasher genre, and was inspired by one of author Randy L. Shaffer's worst fears: that someone sinister could easily stalk an unassuming guest in a haunted house maze. The result is a terrifying, atmospheric ride through a fast-paced, nail-biting narrative that simply does not let up. Be on the lookout for a follow-up one-shot in fall 2014.

Also, check out Randy L. Shaffer's other books, including the spirited Christmas novella, Vampire Zombie Claus, his "Goosebumps for adults" short story series, Wicked Neighborhood (with titles including The Stray Cats and The Foot), and the dramatic short story, Does She Smile at Home?

Praise for The Horror

"The Horror offers fresh scares within the traditional feel of the scary story ... Shaffer has possibly ruined haunted houses for most of his readers, but in a good way." - Horror-Writers.net

"Shaffer takes a common neighborhood attraction to the next level and leaves you wondering if the cost of admission for your next haunted adventure is really worth it." - Amazon Review

"Visceral and Terrifying." - Amazon Review

"Once you start this short story you won't want to put it down until it's done." - Amazon Review

"Chilling!" - Amazon Review

"The true sign of a good horror story is the impact of the realistic fear on its reader...and this is as realistic as it can get!" - Amazon Review

The Horror has enjoyed more than 120 days as one of Amazon's Top 100 best-selling horror stories!