Title: The Hollow Gaze

Author: T.D. Lawler

Link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0DK1ZVJPJ/

Summary

Trigger warning – This short story deals with death, grief and suicide.

An emotionally raw and haunting tale of grief, fear, and the struggle to survive.

After the sudden deaths of several family members, a man finds himself haunted by an ominous figure—Death itself. Unlike the traditional skeletal figure, this version of Death wears a long black coat and a fedora, with a face of smooth, featureless skin. For two years, the protagonist sees this faceless figure everywhere, triggering suffocating panic attacks that spiral into deepening isolation. His wife, consumed by her own grief, drifts further away as depression overtakes them both.

Told with visceral detail and heart-wrenching honesty, The Hollow Gaze explores how loss fractures the mind, body, and spirit, and how the terror of death can loom like a constant shadow. Will the protagonist ever escape his torment, or will Death’s gaze consume him entirely?

Perfect for readers who enjoy psychological horror and deeply personal, emotional narratives, The Hollow Gaze is a gripping short story about confronting the darkest corners of grief.

My Review

5/5 Stars

Emotionally gripping, The Hollow Gaze read like haunting poetry with its intense tones of grief and loss.

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Title: Shadows Left Behind

Author: T.D. Lawler

Link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0DPTC6FK9/

Summary

Trigger Warnings: Child abuse, Alcoholism and Substance Abuse, death and loss

In Shadows Left Behind, Kevin’s life is defined by the trauma of his past—a past shaped by a violent, abusive father and the brutal murder of his mother. From the warmth of a once-innocent childhood to the devastating loss that changes everything, Kevin struggles to reconcile his painful memories with the man he has become. Now, as an adult battling addiction and haunted by unresolved anger, he faces a final, fateful decision: confront his past, or allow it to destroy him.

A gripping and emotional journey through pain, regret, and the pursuit of redemption, Shadows Left Behind explores the long-lasting effects of trauma, the complexities of forgiveness, and the power of choice. Kevin’s story will resonate with anyone who has faced the weight of their past, searching for a way forward in the face of overwhelming darkness.

My Review

5/5 Stars

Lawler is skilled at weaving complex emotions into only a few pages. After reading The Hollow Gaze, I was excited to dive into this one, and it didn’t disappoint. Everyone has generational trauma and the decision of whether to let it consume us or rise above it is something we can all relate to. This was a beautiful emotional rollercoaster.