Dark Whispers: Short Tales of Horror

By Carlos Medrano

"Enter a realm of relentless darkness and unsettling suspense in this chilling collection of short stories. Within these pages, you'll encounter the macabre and the mysterious, the supernatural and the sinister. Each tale will draw you deeper into the abyss of fear, where the line between reality and nightmare blurs.

From haunted houses to vengeful spirits, from psychological terrors to spine-tingling encounters, these stories will haunt your dreams and keep you awake at night. The characters you'll meet are ordinary people thrust into extraordinary and horrifying situations, and their struggles will resonate with your deepest fears.

Prepare to be enthralled by the unknown, to embrace the shivers that race down your spine, and to confront the darkest corners of your imagination. This anthology of terror will captivate your senses and leave you craving for more, long after you've turned the final page. Are you brave enough to delve into the abyss? Dare to read, if you dare to dream... or to scream."

• Language: English
• Publisher: El Caserón de Libros
• Release date: Sep 30, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223428329

Carlos Medrano

Carlos Medrano is a passionate communicator, writer, and expert in the field of media and narrative. With a solid background in Communication Sciences and a diploma in Political Marketing, he has forged a versatile and successful career in various communication fields. His journey in the media industry is extensive and diversified. Currently, he excels as a News Coordinator at a prominent television network, where he demonstrates his ability to lead and organize relevant news content. His experience as a Reporter has allowed him to explore and understand reality from multiple perspectives, contributing to his skill in capturing life's complexity in his literary works. Not only has he excelled in visual media, but he has also left a mark in the educational realm. His role as a University Lecturer has enabled him to share his knowledge and experience with the new generations of communicators, inspiring them to reach their full potential in an ever-evolving environment. In addition to his commitment to communication, Carlos Medrano has successfully ventured into the world of writing. His debut book, "Memories of a Lieutenant Colonel," showcases his ability to weave deep and immersive stories that capture the essence of characters and settings. His passion for cinema and television is reflected in his narrative style, evoking vivid imagery and intense atmospheres. As an admirer of renowned writers such as Edgar Allan Poe and Stephen King, Carlos Medrano has found inspiration in the mastery of these authors to create a unique approach in his own literary work. The influence of these literary giants is skillfully intertwined with his personal perspective, resulting in stories that blend mystery, intrigue, and emotional depth. Carlos Medrano is not only an accomplished communicator and writer but also an individual whose passion for artistic expression and effective communication continues to evolve. His ability to captivate readers with compelling stories and his dedication to excellence in media make him an influential and respected figure in both fields.

Book preview

The makeup artist

The waiting line for the makeup session stretched for blocks. The best makeup artist, the comments on social media said, and women crowded the old shop, waiting for hours for the magic of the hands of a stranger who promised to transform them.

With his face inches from the eyes of an elderly woman, he finished giving the final touches of makeup before removing the latex gloves and a stained apron full of vermilion specks.

He hurriedly left and, just a few blocks away, rushed into the old beauty shop. He grabbed a stylist's smock and put it on quickly. He leaned over the woman waiting her turn and greeted her with a smile.

She widened her eyes upon seeing the pinned badge that read Funeral Makeup Artist.

Under the shade of the big cinnamon tree

The travelers had walked along long, tiring paths and looked into the distance, where they saw a tree with dense green leaves that blocked the intense rays of the sun.

A shade that promised respite for bodies that had endured scorching heat for many hours.

—Just a bit more, and we'll reach that shade, John— said the younger of the two with enthusiasm.

The older one raised his gaze and suddenly stopped in his tracks.

—What’s wrong, John?— Asked the bewildered young man.

—That over there is a cinnamon tree, Matthew, and we can't rest in that place because beneath the cinnamon tree lies death.—

—Hahaha, nonsense,— Matthew laughed mockingly at old John.

—Believe me, it's better to continue our journey without stopping,—John warned Matthew, hoping his friend would see reason.

When they reached the tree, Matthew chose to stay, and John continued on his way.

The young man sat down, leaning his back against the rough trunk of the old cinnamon tree. He placed his straw hat over his face and let the breeze embrace him in the shade.

Three days later, John returned to the old cinnamon tree with a companion to look for his young friend.

There he sat, just as he had last seen him, with wide-open eyes and a pained expression on his face. In his right hand, you could still see drops of blood from the bite of a rattlesnake.

—I told you, boy!

The grandmother’s necklace