I came across this short story thanks to a Goodreads friend, and the description hooked me faster than a sailor spotting dry land after months at sea. A creepy tale set in the Bermuda Triangle? Count me in!

“When ships begin disappearing in the Bermuda Triangle, something survives long enough to show the gruesome tale of what may have been behind the disappearances.”

Blurb

As with many short stories, my main issue here was the length. It was good but simply too short. More than once I caught myself thinking, “Wait, how did she come to that conclusion so quickly?” or “That escalated fast!” I get that short fiction doesn’t allow much room for detours, but in this case, just a couple of extra pages could have added much-needed depth. The pacing often felt rushed, which weakened the otherwise gripping atmosphere.

And then there was the ending. Oh, the ending. Not my favourite part. It landed more on the side of abrupt and confusing than terrifying, which was a real shame given how strong the buildup had been.

That said, Hicks deserves credit for crafting a chilling setting and vivid, unsettling imagery. The atmosphere drips with tension, and the concept itself is imaginative and full of potential. With a bit more breathing room, this story could have been outstanding.

For me, it’s 3 stars, awarded for the mood, the horror vibes, and the creativity, but not more. Still, if you’re in the mood for a quick, eerie read on a stormy evening, this little tale might be worth your time.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️