Short Story Review: Intruder
Hey Readers!
How’s it hanging? I hope you’re having a nice week so far. I’m in a great mood because I just finished my first grad school class’s coursework, hooray! I have a small week-long break before my other two classes start and am so grateful for the extra time to myself, even if it’s a bit short lived.
Anywho, I’ll stop blabbing because it’s short story review time!
This time I read Intruder by Nick Clausen.
I received this book for free as a perk of being on Nick Clausen’s mailing list. To date I think I’ve received five stories for free. How crazy is that? If you’re interested, you can check that out here or if you want to check it out on GoodReads, do so here. (You can also check out my interview with him here!)
I’ve loved everything I’ve read of his to date, so I figured this would be a great, quick read in between modules of coursework at grad school.
So, did this shape up to Clausen’s other works? Keep scrolling to find out!
The Review
Nick Clausen is a great writer, and like always, I really enjoyed this story.
This short story is about a woman who wakes up to the feeling that she’s not alone. She searches her house, soon finding that her fears may indeed be true.
This was a great, quick read. I finished it in one go, and it flowed really well. The entire story has this slasher vibe to it that made it feel like a classic horror movie. I really loved that and was on the edge of my seat most of the time in anticipation of what would happen.
The main character was easy to relate to, especially with the conflicting voices in her head not helping the situation. I have a feeling I would react like that.
There is something of a twist in this story, and I think it was handled wonderfully. I wasn’t expecting it at all, and I was pleasantly surprised.
This was a perfect little distraction from reality for me and well worth a read if you love slashers. Happy reading!
That’s A Wrap!
Well that’s it for this short story review. I hope you enjoyed it!
Have you read this story? Are there other short stories you’ve read that you simply have to gush about? Feel free to leave a comment. I’d love to start a conversation!
Have a great day!
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Yay! Congrats on your course work. That’s so exciting!!!!!
Great review. I enjoyed this short story as well. 😁
Thanks! I’m just glad I can take a minute to breathe before the real coursework starts.
Yeah, Clausen is quickly becoming a favorite author of mine. 😊
Hooray, a break! Now you can enjoy a few moments of peace before the next round!
This sounds creepy in a realistic kind of way. It will have to go on the old tbr for later.. but I would definitely read this!
Yeah! I’m super happy right now to get to relax. This weekend will be very chill and fun.
I really think anything by this author would make a reader happy. Go for it when you get the time! 🙂
Enjoy it while you can, right? I don’t know where you find the time to sleep.
I’ll check out his other stuff and if they sound anything like this one.. I’ll have plenty more to look forward to! Take care!
Oh believe me i will! I took a look at the other class syllabi and the gloves will definitely be off in a week when classes start. Time to use that elbow grease and hunker down on my studies!
Yeah, hes got a lot of other stuff to consider. Theres this zombie apocalypse series i want to start but given how long the series is i dont want to start it with grad school.
Yikes! It sounds stressful as all get out but.. You just have to remember how much you want it and you’ll get through the tough parts!
Yay, more great books I don’t have the time to read! Not complaining but.. I feel more like a collector these days.
And, damn, that sucks.. but I can see why you wouldn’t want to add writing to your plate right now. Good luck, though, maybe you’ll find some time!
Yeah, it’ll be a large pill to swallow, but I’m ready to charge forward on the attack! Huzzah!
LOL I get the feeling. I have to stick with short reads while in grad school, that or easier reads for younger audiences. I just don’t have the bandwidth for anything else.
I do try and write when I can, but it’s going to be hard to find time for it when things start up again on Thursday. Fingers crossed!
Isn’t all change? That’s the spirit! You’ve got this!
And that would probably be easier to keep up with but, hey, there are plenty of really great (easy to consume) options to choose from.. I have a feeling you’ll find some pretty interesting reads!
Hang in there.. you’re doing a great job keeping up with so much going on! And best of luck!
Thanks, fighting spirit always wins out in my book! I’m also being really smart about after grad and asking some other big questions. Did I tell you I love to plan? I may not be a psychic, but you can definitely control your future more than you think!
I agree! There’s plenty of fun stuff out there.
Thanks for the kind words. I’ll find a way! 😀
A lot can be overcome by willpower alone!
And that’s so great.. it’s important to think and plan ahead. there’s a lot of trouble you can avoid by simply being prepared!
Can’t wait to see what you find! 😊
Any time! Stay positive, keep grounded, and you’ll be just fine!
For sure! Mind over matter I say. I may overplan a little bit and obsess, but I’m always prepared due to that readiness.
Me too! I think I may need to take a brief reading break since classes started on Thursday.
Thank you! 🙂
Direct enough positive energy at something for long enough and it’s bound to have some effect!
I have the same habit! It’s just easier to go through a little trouble now.. than a giant clusterfck later. 😆
Hopefully classes haven’t been too stressful just yet.. you should get to enjoy the learning experience some!
Happy Reading!
And any time! 😋
Oh, most definitely!
Totally! I always like to know what I’m getting myself into, and even though you may be obsessing you can also learn little nuggets of wisdom along the way that you wouldn’t catch otherwise.
Nah, not yet, but my first two serious classes start tomorrow. So nervous! I’ll definitely be in isolation this weekend, haha!
Lol, you have to use these things to your advantage or they’ll drive you up the wall but, you’re right, it can be very useful!
Ooh.. good luck! I’m sure you’ll do splendidly. Things usually aren’t half as bad as they seem the day before. 😉
Stay safe and all good things!
Yeah, it’s better to try even if it’s not completely accurate. I dont like surprises lol.
Yeah I’m kind of overwhelmed right now just looking at all the material but I will get a handle on it sometime this weekend.
You too!
I agree.. It’s always better to try *something than do nothing.
(And are there people who actually like surprises? For real?)
Just think of how much you want to this and you will find a way to make it happen!
Right!
Haha, I have no idea, although I wouldn’t mind a bday surprise party someday. I just need the right boyfriend really, haha!
For sure. This is a transitionary period and I’m going to have a lot of emotions and want to give up. But I can’t. This is the path to my new career!
Careful, sometimes finding the ‘right’ boyfriend can be a surprise on it’s own.. and not one you can easily prepare for. 😂
And I think a surprise birthday sounds nice in theory.. but everything does.
You got this! The first few steps are always the hardest but, once you build up some momentum, you won’t even know why you were worried.
You’re going to do wonderfully, believe it!
I totally agree. I just rarely get out with covid and grad school so I’ve got to find some way to meet up with people. I’m such a hermit haha!
Yeah, I made some really good strides this past weekend and I’m not freaking out quite as much. I can do this!
There are so few ways to stay social and safe these days.. it’s really no wonder it’s complicating all aspects of life.
And I’m a hermit, myself, a cranky one. 😆
That’s so great! Now that you know a little more of what you’re in for.. maybe you can relax a little (mentally). You’ve definitely got this!
Right? It’s definitely a toughie. I don’t prefer apps and wish I could meet in public, but I also refuse to go to a crowded place, whether it’s indoor or outdoor.
Haha, join the club. Irritation is a constant state of mind for me lol.
Yeah, I think I’m coming to grips with things. I’ll also need to modify my writings, since these won’t be fiction pieces.
I will say I definitely prefer one professor over the other. One is very straight forward, while the other is constantly posting announcements about assignments due way further on and micro managing our progress. I really don’t appreciate the latter and am going to unsubscribe from the notifications on there. I really don’t need the pressure!
There’s just something about dating apps that sends up all kinds of warning signals to my brain.. I couldn’t do it. Maybe you’ll make a connection at grad school?
There’s a club? Ooh, maybe I’ll learn to curb my sarcasm!
I think you’ll find a way to make it work well for you.. You just have to remember to be patient with yourself. Change is always difficult to adjust to in the beginning.
Good idea focusing on the problems for today and not tomorrow. One thing at a time!
And remember: Deep breaths. You got this.
I’ve been using dating apps for years so I’m not too concerned but there are flags to watch out for. Probably not to be honest. Almost all students are in CA.
Yeah, it’s a work in progress. I’m getting there!
Thank you, I can do this!
My first instinct is to tell you to make sure to be careful and take precautions! Then I remember you’re a grown man and I’m not your mother. 🤭
My pleasure!
And you Can do this! Believe it!
Oh dont worry, I always make sure to be very careful about who I talk to. It also helps that I’m impossibly choosy.
Totally! Today was a light day of working on coursework but the weekend I’ll hunker back down.
Good! And knowing what you want, what you’re looking for, does not make you choosy! It’s a good thing to be cautious with your heart.. it’s such a precious thing.
That’s great! It sounds like you’re starting to settle into the work nicely, setting up a system, that will help.
Keep it up! You’re almost (not even close to being) there!
Thanks! I’ve been alone for a while, so I’ve kind of built up my walls over the years. That can be both a good and bad thing, but I think I’m coming at it from the right direction. Definitely not wasting my time if someone’s relationship goals aren’t aligned with mine.
Yeah, I am! I will say, the actual research part of things (looking up articles etc) still make me very uncomfortable because I get overwhelmed, but besides that I’m doing very well. Haha, yeah I have a while to go, but I can do this!
Oh, geez, way to pull at a girls heartstrings!
I think that whatever makes you happy is the right way to go and, honestly, waiting for that special someone is hard.. but so worth it!
I bet the research is pretty tedious and miserable sometimes.. it’s probably later you get to all the fun parts. Just stay centered, focused, and well rested.
And may the odds be ever in your favor!
Aww, it’s totally okay. I know I’m doing the right thing for myself, and even though being alone sucks, it’s better than settling for someone who’s not worth your time. I’m actually talking to someone right now and am hopeful. He’s also in grad school so we’ll see how things go.
Yeah, it’s my least favorite part, mainly because you have to work the citations into your writing and it just feels very clunky. But I did find some things I could use and I am hoping to finish my assignment today.
Haha, Effie’s best line ever!
Everyone deserves to have someone that’s just for them, to be cherished and appreciated.. I think it’s really admirable that you’re waiting for that. I’ll keep my fingers crossed!
And I don’t blame you.. It sounds mind numbing but, just think, you could have wanted to be a lawyer. That would be way less interesting.
Best of luck!
Agreed! Some lines just stay with you! 😆
I couldn’t agree more. While it’s hard to find out there, I know it does exist and I’ll wait for it if I have to!
OMG no, I don’t wanna be a lawyer, nor do I wish that on my worst enemy. Man, that is a demanding job! Some lawyers basically work their life away. I could never do that. I have an attorney friend and they go through so much drama all the time.
Totally!
I truly hope you find your very own happily ever after! 😊
Lol! I agree! I can argue and find loopholes with the best of them but.. I don’t think I would want to be my life. Plus, the politics, yikes.
Have a good week and good luck with the workload!
Aww, thank you! That’s very sweet. I hope so too. Mainly I just don’t want to be alone forever haha. After a long time you start to forget what it was like to feel certain things. I’d love some romance!
Haha, here’s my argument: I’m always right! See, I can’t be a lawyer! I’m very blunt and to the point. I hear the politics are a constant thing to deal with as well, such as if a particular judge favors you or your opponent.
Thank you! I read three chapters today from the textbook and will be working this weekend on getting a full week ahead in both of my classes so I can attack future class projects a bit more and focus on those.
You’re so welcome.. and now I just kind of want to cuddle you and tell you that Prince Charming exists and is waiting just for you. The feels, man. 💕
Wow, we can totally be on opposing sides.. My argument: You’re right? Prove it. 🤣
That’s a smart plan, getting ahead of the game, it will give you a little more control over what you have to/need to get done. Good thinking and best of luck! (I’m rooting for your success!)
Aww, thank you! I know he’s out there, it just takes time and patience.
Hahaha, maybe this grad level writing may do me some good after all. I can cite all my references now lol!
Thanks! I read pretty much all weekend and am nearing the end of things so the next week I can just focus on assignments.
You will.. but some days are harder than others. I just hope you know there are people out there rooting for your success and happiness.
Lol, you’re such a positive thinking person, it’s so refreshing. Stay that way always!
And that’s a great way to do it so long as you’re not spreading yourself too thin. Remember.. You come first! 💕
Aww, thank you! Yeah, I have a network of really supportive people that I greatly appreciate.
Haha I was more being silly but beyond the sarcasm it’s true. 🙂 Gotta always stay positive.
Totally! I spent a good portion of the morning reading this book for class and I’m taking an hour or two for me and the cat. I’m hellbent on finishing the book sometime today, but if it doesn’t quite happen that’s okay. I can only push so far.
That’s wonderful.. I’m glad you have that! It’s hard enough without great people to lean on.
And, hey, sarcasm can be about as positive as it gets some days!
Ever think you’d end up spending so much of your life studying?
And you have a kitty! That’s so sweet! Boy or girl and what’s the name? (Sorry, I’m a total cat person!)
Totally!
I like to think I got my sarcasm from my mom. We both have very dry senses of humor but I also love toilet humor because it’s so easy to get.
Haha, I had no idea! I did finish that book though and am ahead of schedule in both classes now, so I feel good. Just gotta keep pushing.
Oh, Ajax is my baby boy black kitty who just turned 8 last week. He’s got the panther face look, and I love him so much!
That’s not a bad thing, a good sense of humor can get you through a lot.. so can sarcasm when used for good. 😆
Hey, Congrats! It must be such a relief getting ahead of the game like that, I’m happy for you!
Awhh! He sounds so sweet and I love his name, too! Mine is named Enzo, he’s a lovable orange pumpkin, just turned 2.. (still my baby.)
Hope you’re staying safe and doing well!
Yeah, too much serious stuff can kill a mood after a while.
I definitely feel a lot better knowing I’m in a better position and can breathe a little.
Awww, a ginger kitty! I usually gravitate between ginger and black kitties as my faves. I hope he earns that pet rent if that’s something you pay for. Ajax never does my laundry! :p
Thanks, I’m mainly keeping away from people still and just focusing on grad school. In October I’m taking some time off from work to get outside and recenter myself. That and I love the fall time so it’s perfect timing.
Some things call for being serious but it can help to have a positive attitude.
I bet! I’m so glad you’ve found a good way of doing things for you.
Yep, he’s my spoiled rotten little redhead! He pays his rent with that sweet smoosh face of his. Black cats are beautiful, I’ve always wanted one but.. really? I’m not picky. I just love cats!
That sounds like a smart plan! I hope you get all the rest and recovery you need.. this time of the year is perfect to be outside and appreciate nature. Enjoy but be safe!
Awww, He sounds adorable and loving. Yeah, I’m not really picky either. If a cat is nice to me, I automatically go into ‘can I have it’ mode. Actually, I almost adopted a ginger cat before I met Ajax at the shelter where I volunteered, but someone snatched the ginger cat up before I could.
Yeah, I want to actually travel locally and do something on those days. It could just be a hike or a haunted visit of some place.