Who’s There?: A Collection of Short Horror, Supernatural, and Ghost Stories by Dimas Rio is a dark and immersive anthology of supernatural horror stories, each laced with elements of suspense and psychological tension. The collection delves into the realms of fear, exploring themes of guilt, unresolved trauma, and the macabre unknown. From tales of haunted islands to cursed beings hiding in the shadows, the stories are designed to unnerve and provoke reflection on the horrors that lurk not only in the supernatural but also within the human psyche. Rio uses atmospheric settings and introspective character-driven narratives to create unsettling experiences for the reader.

One thing that stood out to me is Rio’s use of atmosphere and psychological depth in the stories. He doesn’t rely on jump scares or typical horror clichés. Instead, the horror often comes from the characters’ internal struggles and guilt. Take, for example, the story of Adam, whose anxiety and fear of commitment bleed into his nightmarish encounters. The tension between reality and supernatural dread blurs in such a way that you’re never quite sure where one begins and the other ends. The vivid description of the cursed island and Adam’s mental spiral left me both unnerved and intrigued. While the ambiance and psychological themes were compelling, the pacing of some stories felt uneven. The buildup often took a while, and by the time the supernatural element kicked in, I sometimes felt like it arrived too abruptly. This left me wanting just a bit more payoff from the slow-burn atmosphere Rio is so good at building. One notable aspect of the book is how Dimas Rio weaves cultural references into his horror, especially drawing from Indonesian folklore. In “At Dusk,” when the old man mentions Kelinting, the blood-sucking spirit, there’s a distinct sense of place and history. It’s refreshing to see horror that taps into cultural myths that aren’t as widely explored in mainstream horror. This adds a layer of authenticity and makes the horror feel more personal, as if these are tales that could truly haunt someone’s village or neighborhood, rather than just abstract concepts of fear.

Who’s There? is a haunting and thoughtful collection that’s perfect for readers who enjoy slow-burn psychological horror with a mix of cultural folklore. It’s not a book for someone looking for quick thrills or gore; instead, it’s for those who appreciate moody, atmospheric horror that leaves you unsettled long after you’ve turned the last page. If you’re into horror that’s more about what’s lurking in the shadows of the mind, this collection is well worth the read.

Pages: 193 | ASIN : B0B29PSLSC