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Dare vs the Doll

A not-actually-scary horror short story

by SI CLARKE

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 bad-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.

This book is on:
  • 1 To Be Read list
  • 1 Read list
Published:
Editors:
Hannah McCall, Nick Taylor

Genres:
Horror, Horror - Comedy, Horror - LGBTQ+, Paranormal, Paranormal - Comedy, Paranormal - LGBTQ+

Tags:
author - british, author - canadian, format - short story <15K, what - condition - disability, what - topic - haunting, when - period - near future

Tropes: Found Family, Vengeful Spirit
Word Count: 4000
Setting: London; Scotland
Languages Available: English
Tropes: Found Family, Vengeful Spirit
Word Count: 4000
Setting: London; Scotland
Languages Available: English

About the Author

SI CLARKE is a Canadian misanthrope who lives in Deptford, sarf ees London. She shares her home with her partner and an assortment of waifs and strays. When not writing convoluted, inefficient stories, she spends her time telling financial services firms to behave more efficiently. When not doing either of those things, she can be found in the pub or shouting at people online – occasionally practising efficiency by doing both at once.

As someone who’s neurodivergent, an immigrant, and the proud owner of an invisible disability, she strives to present a diverse array of characters in her stories.