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The Text
A single text changed her life. Did it end his?
Emily Latimer is furious. Her boss Andrew is being so unreasonable, as always. She fires off a text to her boyfriend, only in her haste she sends it to her whole office group.
In it she says Andrew's being difficult about letting her have time off work. That she is angry. That she hopes he dies. The next day her face burns in the office. No one believes her when she says it was a typo, she meant to say does. She hopes he does.
It's a nightmare. But it gets worse - Andrew doesn't turn up for work. And then the police come knocking. Because Andrew Burton has been murdered . . .
43 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 31, 2017
894 people are currently reading
4390 people want to read
About the author
Claire Douglas
18 books5,972 followersClaire Douglas always wanted to write novels and, after many years of trying to get published, her dream came true when she won the Marie Claire Debut Novel Award in 2013 with THE SISTERS.
Her second and third novels, LOCAL GIRL MISSING and LAST SEEN ALIVE (Penguin), are Sunday Times bestsellers.
Her second and third novels, LOCAL GIRL MISSING and LAST SEEN ALIVE (Penguin), are Sunday Times bestsellers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 578 reviews
August 26, 2024
Letters - there are 26 of them in the alphabet, and in The Text, author Claire Douglas demonstrates how, by inserting just one of those 26 letters incorrectly, it can change the entire meaning of a text message!
Emily is furious with her boss Andrew, after he tells her that she might not be allowed time off for her trip to Edinburgh the following week. He’d known about it for quite a while, and she’d been organising it with her friends for months now, and was really looking forward to it. She sends a text to her boyfriend Stuart, telling him what Andrew has said, and believe me, she doesn’t hold back on her feelings, but in her haste, she not only makes a typo, but she sends it to everyone in the office too!
Her colleagues are shocked at the content of the message, they don’t believe that it was a typo, and from there things just go from bad to worse!
I'm not normally a fan of short stories, and at just 40 pages, this one is definitely short! I always feel it's difficult, due to the lack of brevity, to flesh out the characters, and provide a great plot, one full of suspense, that instantly pulls the reader in, and retains their interest. However, Claire Douglas has demonstrated that she has the skill needed to tick all of those boxes, and I enjoyed it immensely!
Emily is furious with her boss Andrew, after he tells her that she might not be allowed time off for her trip to Edinburgh the following week. He’d known about it for quite a while, and she’d been organising it with her friends for months now, and was really looking forward to it. She sends a text to her boyfriend Stuart, telling him what Andrew has said, and believe me, she doesn’t hold back on her feelings, but in her haste, she not only makes a typo, but she sends it to everyone in the office too!
Her colleagues are shocked at the content of the message, they don’t believe that it was a typo, and from there things just go from bad to worse!
I'm not normally a fan of short stories, and at just 40 pages, this one is definitely short! I always feel it's difficult, due to the lack of brevity, to flesh out the characters, and provide a great plot, one full of suspense, that instantly pulls the reader in, and retains their interest. However, Claire Douglas has demonstrated that she has the skill needed to tick all of those boxes, and I enjoyed it immensely!
March 4, 2021
¿Puede un simple error al enviar un mensaje de texto desencadenar un efecto escabroso?
Interesante lectura sobre los peligros de la tecnología. Además, hay una reflexión muy acertada sobre los peligros que tiene una mujer de estar sometida, sin pretenderlo y sin ser consciente de ello, al yugo de un hombre dominante y manipulador.
Can a simple error when sending a text message trigger a rough effect?
Interesting reading on the dangers of technology. In addition, there is a very accurate reflection on the dangers a woman has of being, unintentionally and unconsciously, subjected to the yoke of a dominant and manipulative man.
Interesante lectura sobre los peligros de la tecnología. Además, hay una reflexión muy acertada sobre los peligros que tiene una mujer de estar sometida, sin pretenderlo y sin ser consciente de ello, al yugo de un hombre dominante y manipulador.
Can a simple error when sending a text message trigger a rough effect?
Interesting reading on the dangers of technology. In addition, there is a very accurate reflection on the dangers a woman has of being, unintentionally and unconsciously, subjected to the yoke of a dominant and manipulative man.
October 5, 2024
The Text by Claire Douglas is a crime thriller. It revolves around the sudden death of a person when a text is accidentally sent to the office group. It will change the life of a female protagonist. The cover page is appealing, and that's one of the reasons I chose this book.
The main character is Emily Latimer; she works in an office under Andrew. Emily lives with her boyfriend, Stuart. She plans a trip to Edinburgh, but Andrew doesn't give her time off.
Furiously, she typed a text to send her boyfriend, but she sent it to the office group by mistake. The next day, a dead body was found. Emily creeps out when she finds out that someone close to her did something horrible and has secrets.
The story is fast-paced, but the plot isn't well executed. The story has an office romance, abusive behaviour, gossip, jealousy, and suspense, but it lacks proper characterization. There are a handful of characters who don't have a space to grow with time, and women are portrayed as weak ones.
Men like Stuart and Andrew are easily seen in real life, who think that a woman has to stay at home and take care of children. The story starts with a text and ends with it too. The language is simple. I wish for a good suspense story, but Claire Douglas failed to deliver that. If you like short stories then give it a try.
Read more here - https://www.bookschharming.com
The main character is Emily Latimer; she works in an office under Andrew. Emily lives with her boyfriend, Stuart. She plans a trip to Edinburgh, but Andrew doesn't give her time off.
Furiously, she typed a text to send her boyfriend, but she sent it to the office group by mistake. The next day, a dead body was found. Emily creeps out when she finds out that someone close to her did something horrible and has secrets.
The story is fast-paced, but the plot isn't well executed. The story has an office romance, abusive behaviour, gossip, jealousy, and suspense, but it lacks proper characterization. There are a handful of characters who don't have a space to grow with time, and women are portrayed as weak ones.
Men like Stuart and Andrew are easily seen in real life, who think that a woman has to stay at home and take care of children. The story starts with a text and ends with it too. The language is simple. I wish for a good suspense story, but Claire Douglas failed to deliver that. If you like short stories then give it a try.
Read more here - https://www.bookschharming.com
March 4, 2018
I like this authors work so when this short story came my way I thought, yep, a handy read between larger novels.
All I will say is, beware of mixing up the recipients of your text message. It may have dyer consequences.
And harmful unhealthy relationships should be put to bed.
All I will say is, beware of mixing up the recipients of your text message. It may have dyer consequences.
And harmful unhealthy relationships should be put to bed.
August 20, 2018
I really love short stories as they give me a chance to see what the author is like before I go on to read further books.
Well I can honestly say I really loved The Text by Claire Douglas which is free to read on Kobo at the moment.
The storyline was brilliant and had me guessing till the end and I will certainly be looking for more books from this author.
It must be quite a challenge to write a short story but Claire has this down to a fine art which left me feeling very impressed and leaves me wanting more.
Well I can honestly say I really loved The Text by Claire Douglas which is free to read on Kobo at the moment.
The storyline was brilliant and had me guessing till the end and I will certainly be looking for more books from this author.
It must be quite a challenge to write a short story but Claire has this down to a fine art which left me feeling very impressed and leaves me wanting more.
August 26, 2024
As a short story, this hit all the right notes for me – limited but good character set, intriguing scenario and engrossing.
Emily Latimer has been told by her boss Andrew (in Accounts) that he is not sure he can allow her time off during the upcoming long weekend, a week away. Emily and Yasmin (who works in HR in the company) carpool to work as they stay close to each other. Emily vents out her frustration as they are on their way back from work. She also quickly types text for her boyfriend Stuart (a microbiologist for a drugs firm) explaining the scenario. She accidentally sends it to her work group, and misspells one word, and the text now suggests she wants Andrew dead. Andrew is not in office the next day. Police visit her place in the evening and tell her that Andrew was stabbed & murdered, and question her about the message she sent out.
This is a well-paced read which kept me engrossed. Considering the format, the story does a great job of building context around Emily’s job, her relationship and friends. There is a twist involving Yasmin which I felt was unnecessary, but it does make a point as well. The reveal of the plot passes too quickly though and that is about the only thing I did not like about the story.
My rating: 4.25 / 5.
Emily Latimer has been told by her boss Andrew (in Accounts) that he is not sure he can allow her time off during the upcoming long weekend, a week away. Emily and Yasmin (who works in HR in the company) carpool to work as they stay close to each other. Emily vents out her frustration as they are on their way back from work. She also quickly types text for her boyfriend Stuart (a microbiologist for a drugs firm) explaining the scenario. She accidentally sends it to her work group, and misspells one word, and the text now suggests she wants Andrew dead. Andrew is not in office the next day. Police visit her place in the evening and tell her that Andrew was stabbed & murdered, and question her about the message she sent out.
This is a well-paced read which kept me engrossed. Considering the format, the story does a great job of building context around Emily’s job, her relationship and friends. There is a twist involving Yasmin which I felt was unnecessary, but it does make a point as well. The reveal of the plot passes too quickly though and that is about the only thing I did not like about the story.
My rating: 4.25 / 5.
November 20, 2022
You can read this.
Well, I mean, you can definitely read this.
Only if:
1) You bought it for free (as I did).
2) You don't have an account in Wattpad but want to know how a typical story in there "sounds" like.
3) You're simply procrastinating. It is 35 pages long so won't take you more than, 20 minutes?
4) You want to re-understand that everything that's tagged "bestseller" can hardly be...you know.
That's basically my opinion. The story had an interesting synopsis, I mean, you know that thing: when you visit Amazon for free ebooks, and you check the contents of the stories just to see if they're good enough to download? It's interesting in that sort of a way.
" What if you hate someone too much and wish him dead, aloud; and the very next morning he turns up dead? "
Trust me. I'm not being arrogant. But this line is more interesting than the entire story.
And the ending. Really??
Why...just, why??
You could've just not clarified it all to make it a better story.
Not 1 star because it knows where, at least, to stop bragging.
Well, I mean, you can definitely read this.
Only if:
1) You bought it for free (as I did).
2) You don't have an account in Wattpad but want to know how a typical story in there "sounds" like.
3) You're simply procrastinating. It is 35 pages long so won't take you more than, 20 minutes?
4) You want to re-understand that everything that's tagged "bestseller" can hardly be...you know.
That's basically my opinion. The story had an interesting synopsis, I mean, you know that thing: when you visit Amazon for free ebooks, and you check the contents of the stories just to see if they're good enough to download? It's interesting in that sort of a way.
" What if you hate someone too much and wish him dead, aloud; and the very next morning he turns up dead? "
Trust me. I'm not being arrogant. But this line is more interesting than the entire story.
And the ending. Really??
Why...just, why??
You could've just not clarified it all to make it a better story.
Not 1 star because it knows where, at least, to stop bragging.
September 13, 2017
Last Seen Alive has been one of my favourite books this year as you can tell if you read my review of that book HERE . So I was thrilled to see this short story free over on Amazon! If you’ve never read any books by Claire before it’s the perfect opportunity to check out what you’re missing and I’m convinced that when you do, you will be fangirling as much as I do about this authors books. And even better you can read the beginning of Last Seen Alive at the end of The Text.
This really is the perfect length for your lunch or coffee break or even your daily commute depending on how long it is! I read it in about 30 minutes and it may be short but it packs a perfect punch. Twisty and intriguing with plenty of suspects for you to sprinkle your suspicions on. Claire Douglas writes with such obvious pleasure at leading her readers on a merry dance in all of her books, be they long or short, and I loved every single moment. So grab your copy now whilst it’s free and settle down to enjoy some “me time”-cake and coffee optional!
This really is the perfect length for your lunch or coffee break or even your daily commute depending on how long it is! I read it in about 30 minutes and it may be short but it packs a perfect punch. Twisty and intriguing with plenty of suspects for you to sprinkle your suspicions on. Claire Douglas writes with such obvious pleasure at leading her readers on a merry dance in all of her books, be they long or short, and I loved every single moment. So grab your copy now whilst it’s free and settle down to enjoy some “me time”-cake and coffee optional!
January 12, 2018
For a short story this was a really good read.
It's hard to say to much about it without giving away the whole story but it is packed with suspense and easily had me read it in one go as I wanted to know who was behind killing Emily's boss.
I think fans of the author are going to really enjoy this and if you haven't read any of their books, then you will certainly want to after reading this!
It's hard to say to much about it without giving away the whole story but it is packed with suspense and easily had me read it in one go as I wanted to know who was behind killing Emily's boss.
I think fans of the author are going to really enjoy this and if you haven't read any of their books, then you will certainly want to after reading this!
July 17, 2020
I have never read such a short mystery, end was not that interesting though. It was very easy to read. Triggers- physical abuse, toxic relationship
September 1, 2017
The Text is a free kindle short story by one of my favourite authors. And that's also the only reason why I picked it up because I don't normally read short stories. I find them, wait for it, too short. . Just when you feel you're getting to grips with things, it's over. But did I mention this is Claire Douglas? I'll pretty much read anything she comes up with, to be fair.
Emily Latimer is angry at her boss, Andrew. She's planned a weekend away with her friends but Andrew is reluctant to give her the time off. On her way home, Emily fires off a text message to her boyfriend. But there's one gigantic typo and the text doesn't just get sent to her boyfriend, but to the entire office. And then Andrew turns up dead.
This scenario is particularly scary because it's so realistic and believable. We've all been there with the unfortunate typos, the annoying autocorrect and sending things to the wrong person. Now, at 40 pages short, you wouldn't expect much, would you? And yet, Claire Douglas manages to weave an intricate web, provide us with quite a few suspects and even a twist or two. So we have a thoroughly enjoyable mystery but most of all, it just leaves you wanting so much more and I'm very much looking forward to this author's next book!
Emily Latimer is angry at her boss, Andrew. She's planned a weekend away with her friends but Andrew is reluctant to give her the time off. On her way home, Emily fires off a text message to her boyfriend. But there's one gigantic typo and the text doesn't just get sent to her boyfriend, but to the entire office. And then Andrew turns up dead.
This scenario is particularly scary because it's so realistic and believable. We've all been there with the unfortunate typos, the annoying autocorrect and sending things to the wrong person. Now, at 40 pages short, you wouldn't expect much, would you? And yet, Claire Douglas manages to weave an intricate web, provide us with quite a few suspects and even a twist or two. So we have a thoroughly enjoyable mystery but most of all, it just leaves you wanting so much more and I'm very much looking forward to this author's next book!
May 22, 2018
A contemporary crime thriller written with skill, it has all the trademarks of a full size thriller packed into only forty pages. Quite a feat!
Our protagonist is 26 year-old Emily Latimer who works as a junior accountant in an office. Disappointed that her boss, Andrew Burton, will not let her have the weekend off to travel to Edinburgh with her girlfriends, she writes a quick text to her live-in boyfriend, Stuart, in which she vents her frustration. Andrew (whom she has nicknamed 'Android', is not a very nice man. He bullies and humiliates his staff). The text, written quickly, contains a typo AND was sent to her work group instead of her boyfriend as was her intention.
Emily's relationship with her boyfriend, a doctor named Stuart, is volatile. He has a nasty temper and is jealous and controlling. Emily chooses to stay with him as she loves him and the comfortable little house they live in. Also, she feels too cowardly to reenter the dating scene.
When Andrew Burton is found murdered, Emily's life takes a bizarre turn. She comes home to find this note:
YOU WANTED HIM DEAD. YOUR WISH IS MY COMMAND.
It is obvious that one of her co-workers must have written the note. Could someone she knows have killed Andrew Burton on her behalf???
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Just forty pages and this little story satisfied in every way. The characters were realistic and the plot well rendered. It is at once a 'whodunit', and a contemporary novel of relationships.
I very much enjoyed this brief fiction, and it has confirmed for me that Claire Douglas can write both short stories and longer novels with equal skill.
Our protagonist is 26 year-old Emily Latimer who works as a junior accountant in an office. Disappointed that her boss, Andrew Burton, will not let her have the weekend off to travel to Edinburgh with her girlfriends, she writes a quick text to her live-in boyfriend, Stuart, in which she vents her frustration. Andrew (whom she has nicknamed 'Android', is not a very nice man. He bullies and humiliates his staff). The text, written quickly, contains a typo AND was sent to her work group instead of her boyfriend as was her intention.
Emily's relationship with her boyfriend, a doctor named Stuart, is volatile. He has a nasty temper and is jealous and controlling. Emily chooses to stay with him as she loves him and the comfortable little house they live in. Also, she feels too cowardly to reenter the dating scene.
When Andrew Burton is found murdered, Emily's life takes a bizarre turn. She comes home to find this note:
YOU WANTED HIM DEAD. YOUR WISH IS MY COMMAND.
It is obvious that one of her co-workers must have written the note. Could someone she knows have killed Andrew Burton on her behalf???
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Just forty pages and this little story satisfied in every way. The characters were realistic and the plot well rendered. It is at once a 'whodunit', and a contemporary novel of relationships.
I very much enjoyed this brief fiction, and it has confirmed for me that Claire Douglas can write both short stories and longer novels with equal skill.
September 18, 2017
This short story is currently free on Kindle and well worth downloading. Its only about 40 pages and it took under an hour to read but its a quality story with very good characterisation and a twisty storyline.
September 8, 2017
If like me you happen to look for a read that snugly fits between an early morning cup of tea and waking the kids for school, this short story is perfect!! It was good!
June 27, 2020
It's an average story. Though the climax is predictable, it gives us a couple of likely scenarios.
December 31, 2019
The Text is a short story by Claire Douglas. It’s a murder mystery that revolves around a text message that is accidentally sent from Emily who is enraged with her boss Andrew.
The plot illustrates how easily a text message can be misconstrued with just one letter of the alphabet typed incorrectly. This one text changed Emily’s life forever!
The story held my attention and it was a page-turner for me, I’m interested in reading more from this author.
The plot illustrates how easily a text message can be misconstrued with just one letter of the alphabet typed incorrectly. This one text changed Emily’s life forever!
The story held my attention and it was a page-turner for me, I’m interested in reading more from this author.
September 8, 2017
2.5, really... The short story was just OK... I've read a ton of short stories which have blown me away. This one didn't quite hit the mark. The writing was a bit clunky... But... worth a read for the theme.
September 17, 2017
This was a stunning short story that had me riveted from start to finish! What starts out as an opening premise quickly morphs into a mystery that not only includes murder but the ones we cover ourselves with.
Why have I not read this author before? I'm off now to rectify that!
Why have I not read this author before? I'm off now to rectify that!
June 1, 2018
An engaging read, you can take this one up on a lazy afternoon.
August 31, 2017
It's something that most is us do every day,stupid annoying typos in our messages. But did her boss really die just because she made one stupid mistake in her text message.
Emily Latimer is furious,her obnoxious,bully of a boss has just ruined her plans to go away for a weekend with her work colleagues. She fires off a text to her boyfriend saying how angry she is,that she hopes her boss dies. Only in her haste she accidentally sends it to her whole work group.
The next day no one in the office believes her when she tries to explain that it was a typo. She meant to say does as in does let her have the time off.
It's a nightmare but then it gets worse - Andrew doesn't turn up for work. Then when Emily get home from work,the police are waiting for her,Because Andrew has been murdered.
This is a gripping short story that like all of Claire Douglas`s books is well written,has realistic characters,plot twists,a satisfactory ending and keeps the reader guessing.
Emily Latimer is furious,her obnoxious,bully of a boss has just ruined her plans to go away for a weekend with her work colleagues. She fires off a text to her boyfriend saying how angry she is,that she hopes her boss dies. Only in her haste she accidentally sends it to her whole work group.
The next day no one in the office believes her when she tries to explain that it was a typo. She meant to say does as in does let her have the time off.
It's a nightmare but then it gets worse - Andrew doesn't turn up for work. Then when Emily get home from work,the police are waiting for her,Because Andrew has been murdered.
This is a gripping short story that like all of Claire Douglas`s books is well written,has realistic characters,plot twists,a satisfactory ending and keeps the reader guessing.
August 31, 2017
We've all been there, the boss who annoys us. We send a ranting text to a friend and in the red mist of annoyance, there's a typo. For Emily, that typo turns the text to a threat.
This fast paced short story kept me guessing. Who killed Andrew??!
I've not read Claire Douglas' work before but after this short story I will be hunting out my copy of The Sisters before long!
This fast paced short story kept me guessing. Who killed Andrew??!
I've not read Claire Douglas' work before but after this short story I will be hunting out my copy of The Sisters before long!
September 28, 2023
Very very predictable, maybe cuz of less characters 🤷🏻♂️
October 23, 2017
I was expecting a lot more from this short story and was highly disaaponited, you can get this book free from the kindle store. The story is very predictable and I wont call this a suspense or thriller. Though I like the issue they raised.
Happy Reading.
:)
Happy Reading.
:)
May 3, 2020
This short story written in well imaginative way as creates suspense till end. I enjoyed reading and it's suspense .
June 8, 2020
A nice little nugget, nicely crafted and just perfect to read inbetween things.
December 3, 2020
Emily Latimer is annoyed. His boss, Andrew, is being difficult and not giving her a time off for a weekend holiday. Infuriated, she sends a text to her boyfriend, Stuart, 'hope that he dies'. But the text message is sent to two of her office friends by mistake. Next day, Andrew is nowhere to be seen. She tries to cover up among her friends saying that it was a typo, and she meant to write ‘does’ instead of dies. But the problem is created when, Emily finds two cops knocking at her door, and Andrew Burton is found dead!!
The story is set-in modern-day lifestyle. The author touches the relatable aspects of every office going person. The twists that take place in the story could not be predicted like – Yasmine having an affair with Andrew. Some parts of the story also represents the present relationships which are based on jealousy and secrecy.
Emily Latimer is portrayed as a timid, twenty-six-year-old girl. But by the end of the story she becomes strong enough to leave her boyfriend who did trap her and brain-washed her against one of her acquaintances.
For the mystery part, as the end drew closer, I was eager to know who killed Andrew and who sent such threatening notes to Emily. It is an engaging story which wants the reader to stick in to every part and then jumble the puzzle parts to make way for the conclusion.
The story is set-in modern-day lifestyle. The author touches the relatable aspects of every office going person. The twists that take place in the story could not be predicted like – Yasmine having an affair with Andrew. Some parts of the story also represents the present relationships which are based on jealousy and secrecy.
Emily Latimer is portrayed as a timid, twenty-six-year-old girl. But by the end of the story she becomes strong enough to leave her boyfriend who did trap her and brain-washed her against one of her acquaintances.
For the mystery part, as the end drew closer, I was eager to know who killed Andrew and who sent such threatening notes to Emily. It is an engaging story which wants the reader to stick in to every part and then jumble the puzzle parts to make way for the conclusion.
May 24, 2021
I'm not quite sure how to feel about this because it's the first short mystery story (35 pages) I've ever read. I guess it was ok, mostly. There were plot twists I didn't expect and overall it's an okay read but definitely forgettable.
(if you think you'd enjoy this book it's currently free on Amazon so make sure to grab it)
October 19, 2023
Mehhh… what the fuck did I just read? I wanted more!! :/
September 6, 2017
The Text is a free Kindle short by British author, Claire Douglas. Emily Latimer is incensed when she sends a text to her boyfriend about her boss, Andrew. In her anger, she makes a critical spelling error and picks the wrong recipient. But when Andrew turns up dead the next morning, that text message causes her problems. A very short story (25 pages) with a few twists and populated with a few nasty types. The last 15 pages are an extract of Last Seen Alive. Average.
June 7, 2019
'The Text' is a short story about how Emily's life changes after she mistakenly sends a hate text to her work group, a mistake that cost the life of her boss. Spanning just 40 pages, Claire Douglas manages to keep the readers hooked till the last page through her neat narration and characterization. Although it ended on an abrupt note, I felt that the climax was satisfactory. I wouldn't really call it a hair raising or spine chilling thriller but it was pretty decent. She set out to entertain the readers through this short format and she did a fine job in doing that.
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