Probably one of the more strange things I've read in my lifetime but it wasn't bad. I enjoyed the length, not drawing it out to the point where it's not even action anymore, just boring dialogue that you just skip through like a lot of other books in this category. The characters were easy to get to know, not so many that it becomes confusing. Although, I would have liked to know more about the creatures. I also wish the ending had been cleared up a bit more because I'm not sure I understand everything about it but if you're looking for something spooky, this is a good, quick read!

Thank you Netgalley, BrigidsGate Press, LLC and Erica Schaef for the e Arc of This Cold Night .

This Cold Night is a novella that packs a punch straight away. Tackling tangible terrors of " A thing with wings ", death, family ties and many other horrors that lay deep into our psyche. The pacing of the book is fast, building in character development as the plot unfolds. We get a good idea of who these people are and the sense of loss that they have to endure. For me, it came across as a murder mystery with horror elements which worked really well. There is subtle foreshadowing within the narrative so I really enjoyed the direction of the plot itself.

This book has atmosphere, tension, terrifying elements and some great twists. It would definitely make a great audiobook in the future !!

4 Stars

As much as I love a good novella, I think this one needed to be a little longer. I loved the premise -- a remote, isolated mansion during a snowstorm with something trying to kill the main characters. However, I think the suspense could have been built up a little more -- I didn't quite feel it. I also don't think the explanation at the end quite made sense, I still have questions. Also, I noticed a couple of grammar errors -- "I held the power button at the side of cell phone" for example. However, there were a lot of parts to this novella I liked, including the relationship between the main character and Finn, as well as the inclusion of the main character's trichotillomania (that's definitely not spelled correctly). Interesting read, just not exactly what I thought I was getting into, and I think it could have been executed somewhat better.

This was a really good book that I finished in one sitting! I really enjoyed the length and the writing style! Would love to read more

Short, weird, little read. But in this genre, weird is good. 😉 Two longtime friends return to one of their childhood homes, to attend a funeral. Will they be attending their own next? No spoilers here….you’ll have to read to find out.

‘This cold night will turn us all to fools and madmen.’



This horror novella was a read me now here in NetGalley and although the pub date is 2022, I still went ahead and grabbed it. Just the right amount of tension building and creepy characters like Aunt Theodora grabbed my attention and curiosity. It's a quick and interesting read with a cool concept of family members who died or 'killed' were sucked back into some object in the house.

A short horror novel that has all you could want menace, suspense, mystery. The story is set in one night, who or what is killing people. A first class story that leaves you wanting more. Thanks to Brigids Gate press and Netgalley for this review ARC.

Short novellas are nice, especially when it comes to horror. The author is able to tell this story on a few pages and still make it good. Thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for this free eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

2.9 stars for this one.

This was first published several years ago, so don’t be fooled into thinking it is brand new (I thought it was.) Following the death of her best friend Finn’s mother Rachelle Collins, Finn and his family hold vigil at his home, Ferguson Estate while something else on the property is on the hunt.

For me this was saved only my its quick action and what, I thought, was a decent ending. Otherwise there wasn’t much going on in this brief tale which seemed muddled to me.

Well this is terrifying. As a crazy bird lady I was hooked right away. I would have been hiding in a closet. You wouldn't have seen me emerge for days.

This Cold Night is one of those rare horror gems that perfectly balances tension, emotion, and pure terror. The story unfolds over a single night, but every page is packed with suspense that keeps you glued until the very end. What really won me over is how the author masterfully weaves the theme of family - both blood-related and chosen - with visceral and psychological horror elements.
The protagonist Rachelle is perfectly characterized, and her emotional journey through the corridors of Ferguson Estate is as engaging as it is terrifying. The claustrophobic atmosphere and mounting tension are handled impeccably.
I highly recommend this to lovers of atmospheric horror, those who appreciate haunted house stories with an original twist, and anyone looking for an intense read that can be devoured in one sitting. Schaef has gained a new fan - I can't wait to read more from this promising author.

Erica Schneider’s This Cold Night is a chilling exploration of grief, memory, and the terrifying lengths one will go to protect their family. Set within the atmospheric confines of Ferguson Estate, Schneider crafts a gripping tale that blends psychological suspense with tangible horror, ensuring readers are hooked from the very first page.

Rachelle Collins’ return to Ferguson Estate is meant to be a moment of solace, a way to reconnect with fond memories after the loss of a loved one. Instead, it becomes a harrowing journey as the house reveals a sinister secret lurking within its walls. Schneider’s vivid descriptions and sharp pacing heighten the tension, creating an oppressive atmosphere where every creak and shadow feels alive with dread.

What makes This Cold Night stand out is its seamless intertwining of psychological and supernatural elements. As Rachelle confronts her fears, readers are left questioning whether the horrors she faces are manifestations of her own grief or something far more sinister. This ambiguity keeps the story compelling and ensures that the suspense never falters.

Schneider’s writing is both evocative and precise, painting a vivid picture of Ferguson Estate while delving deeply into Rachelle’s emotional turmoil. Her character is relatable and well-drawn, making her struggle to keep her family together all the more poignant.

Fans of atmospheric horror and psychological thrillers will find This Cold Night an unforgettable read. With its eerie setting, complex characters, and relentless suspense, Schneider delivers a masterful tale that lingers long after the final page.

Thanks to NetGalley and Brigids Gate Press for this copy of "This Cold Night."

"This cold night will turn us all to fools and madmen," from King Lear (and I won't spoil why it's quoted in the story.)

I wish this short story by author Schaef was two or three times longer. I wanted to know so much more about Rachelle and Finn and the whole Ferguson clan. They seemed interesting and relatable and kind/caring. And that's a big compliment to author Schaef!

We meet childhood friends Rachelle and Finn at Finn's mother's funeral taking place in the family mansion home. Then the power goes out and their phones are dead and the vehicles won't start.

The action happens quickly and the story moves briskly, but still gives you time to be freaked out. But so haunting - maybe its brevity helps to make it more intense and creepy...? Let me know what you think after you read it.

- I love the cover.
- I wished the content warnings were in the front of the book instead of the back that way the reader knew what was to come.
- After reading this book I felt it wasn't for me. Sadly I DNF'd it. Even though this book wasn't for me it could be for you.

Book: This Cold Night
Author: Erica Schaef
Publisher: Brigids Gate Press, LLC
Pub Date: December 28, 2022

I wish I had reviewed this before Halloween because this was a perfect spooky read. This short story takes place over the course of one night and is terrifying, tense and definitely a gothic thriller. It’s very atmospheric set in an old mansion in the middle of a snowstorm. Everyone is huddled up together in the same room in the creepy mansion and still people are being picked off one by one. I love reading a book that is accurately described as horror and horror is what you actually get. I highly recommend picking this book up. It’s a novella so it’s a fast read.

Thank you Brigids Gate Press, LLC and NetGalley for this sneak peak! Publication date was December 28, 2022.

A fast paced novella but unfortunately I didn't really connect with any of the characters so I didn't have any empathy for them. Also, I didn't find it particularly scary creepy. It reminds me of a movie script where you are told about things instead of being shown them.

A brilliant short horror story that will stay in my head for a while. The atmosphere and setting were great and I loved the pacing. The threat was always there but there were also calm moments which made the horror moments hit so much harder. It was also surprisingly emotional at some points. But again, it helped the horror more than it took away from it. The whole story left me wanting more. I want to know more about the family's back story, the house and especially the something that's haunting it. Definitely one of my favourite reads of the year.

I absolutely LOVED this book! Blitzed through this in one sitting.

The atmosphere was so well set up, especially for a novella, and the pacing was incredible - fast, but still kept me on the edge of my seat. Rachelle was a brilliant protagonist, and her friendship with Finn was so well touched upon.

Really recommend for fans of horror (both psychological and gore), as well as those looking for books with great atmosphere with family themes.

This really felt eerie and creepy. Set in a big old mansion amongst a snow storm. The scene is set and I felt really cold and scared reading this. It felt a bit like Krampus, when the family are huddled up in the house around the fire, not knowing what's going on outside and people being picked off one by one.
With all short stories I wish there was more. I felt tense and kept guessing what is was that was hunting the family. The backstory for the characters was good to build a connection with them which I felt was nicely done for such a short story. Really enjoyed this one

This is a hugely enjoyable, truly ghoulish horror story with heart and loss and some real feels all packed into a relatively short read novella.

Our protagonist had a tough upbringing and was taken under her wing by a loving family who were very much better off than her, but treated her as their own. She grew up with the comfort of their privilege and knowing how it felt to be cherished.

The story begins after the funeral of the matriarch, with all relatives gathered in the stately home as a snowy and dark night begins. The darkness goes beyond just a lack of light, as members of the family are picked off one by one by unknown creatures with a bloodlust beyond imagination.

The story is fast paced, characters built speedily and efficiently, leaving you emotionally invested when it would be better not to be. There is gore, love, respite, terror and a veritable roller coaster of feelings that hurtle you toward a brutal conclusion.

I really enjoyed this and raced through it with glee. Top marks.