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The Diggers
This is The Diggers Edition 2 - It is still read-in-one-sitting, but now with a bonus tale - Rest Home !
A note from the editor -
'When Jonathan Maas sent me the read-in-one-sitting manuscript for The Diggers, it left me shaken - because tales of the undead tend to do that.
But at the same time, this is no ordinary tale of the undead.
The standard tropes of power outages, societal collapse and roving militias -
No, those aren't in The Diggers.
But something far, far worse lies beneath the soil.
And the characters herein are more than willing to dig it up.
Originally published in the collection Thylacine Dreams, this is a page-turner novella that will hook you from the first word to the last. So download it today, and see what lies beneath our feet. You'll find that there are terrors far greater than the roving undead - far greater indeed.'
- J. Shaw, editor, Cynical Optimist Press
For fans of - Read-in-one-sitting tales, short fiction, zombies, the undead, The Walking Dead, Robert Kirkman, 28 Days Later, Stephen King, horror, philosophy, and tales from the perspective of the Universe
A note from the editor -
'When Jonathan Maas sent me the read-in-one-sitting manuscript for The Diggers, it left me shaken - because tales of the undead tend to do that.
But at the same time, this is no ordinary tale of the undead.
The standard tropes of power outages, societal collapse and roving militias -
No, those aren't in The Diggers.
But something far, far worse lies beneath the soil.
And the characters herein are more than willing to dig it up.
Originally published in the collection Thylacine Dreams, this is a page-turner novella that will hook you from the first word to the last. So download it today, and see what lies beneath our feet. You'll find that there are terrors far greater than the roving undead - far greater indeed.'
- J. Shaw, editor, Cynical Optimist Press
For fans of - Read-in-one-sitting tales, short fiction, zombies, the undead, The Walking Dead, Robert Kirkman, 28 Days Later, Stephen King, horror, philosophy, and tales from the perspective of the Universe
42 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 4, 2020
66 people are currently reading
123 people want to read
About the author
Jonathan Maas
31 books367 followersJon Maas was born in New Haven, Connecticut and grew up in San Antonio, Texas. After graduating from Stanford University with degrees in Biology and History, he's earned a living as a Musician, Peace Corps Volunteer, Standup Comedian, TV Producer and Web Designer.
He has published ten books, and has more on the way.
He has also directed the movie 'Spanners' starring Shawn Christian and Eric Roberts, and wrote its sequel book - 'Spanners: The Fountain of Youth.'
He writes on his bus commute to and from work, and has a soft spot in his heart for all types of Public Transportation.
He has published ten books, and has more on the way.
He has also directed the movie 'Spanners' starring Shawn Christian and Eric Roberts, and wrote its sequel book - 'Spanners: The Fountain of Youth.'
He writes on his bus commute to and from work, and has a soft spot in his heart for all types of Public Transportation.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
August 23, 2023
The Diggers by Jonathan Maas really has the feel of an introductory chapter in a much longer story. As far as narrative is concerned, the short story appears to situate in a milieu very different from our own. The various characters are repeating “stories that they have heard before.” They are speaking / communicating for the sole purpose of informing the audience. This is not necessarily a bad thing, but I needed more. What the reader receives is good stuff in my opinion. There just is not a sufficient amount of it. I hope to see a novel written around this story very, very soon.
May 8, 2025
Yawn!
One hour and thirty minutes of talking. That’s right.
I started this book seven hours ago, but it is because I stopped reading it several times. The book is definitely dull and boring, and this l cannot do.
First of all, it isn’t a read in one sitting book. And secondly, it definitely isn’t far worse than the undead. And third, the book is one of the most dullest books I’ve ever read in my life.
The talk about the creatures in this book is so much talk. Talk, talk, talk. The people in the book just talk about the people who died and are back to life.
They have multiple soliloquies to share with us all their opinions on why this is happening and how nobody is doing nothing about it.
You see, the dead have come back to life and when they do it they attack people. So, a group of do-gooders are going around digging up the undead that are still buried. They lock them down until they can set them on fire. This is their way of eliminating them.
I have gathered this information from all the talking to each other that they have done. No action. Just talk. Finally, the last five minutes of the book display a little bit of activity, but just a little. And then the book is over.
Don’t waste your time on this book. You won’t get it back. I wouldn’t recommend reading this book. It is a ding dong.
One star. ✨
One hour and thirty minutes of talking. That’s right.
I started this book seven hours ago, but it is because I stopped reading it several times. The book is definitely dull and boring, and this l cannot do.
First of all, it isn’t a read in one sitting book. And secondly, it definitely isn’t far worse than the undead. And third, the book is one of the most dullest books I’ve ever read in my life.
The talk about the creatures in this book is so much talk. Talk, talk, talk. The people in the book just talk about the people who died and are back to life.
They have multiple soliloquies to share with us all their opinions on why this is happening and how nobody is doing nothing about it.
You see, the dead have come back to life and when they do it they attack people. So, a group of do-gooders are going around digging up the undead that are still buried. They lock them down until they can set them on fire. This is their way of eliminating them.
I have gathered this information from all the talking to each other that they have done. No action. Just talk. Finally, the last five minutes of the book display a little bit of activity, but just a little. And then the book is over.
Don’t waste your time on this book. You won’t get it back. I wouldn’t recommend reading this book. It is a ding dong.
One star. ✨
March 15, 2024
There are some things far worse than the Undead
When the reanimated rise, that is only the beginning.
There are terrors beneath the surface, and it's up to The Diggers to find them.
I recommend this Read-in-one-sitting book to anyone who is a fan of Robert Kirkman, The Walking Dead, 28 Days Later, SciFi - or are just looking for a unique take on things.
Download The Diggers today - you might like what you uncover.
When the reanimated rise, that is only the beginning.
There are terrors beneath the surface, and it's up to The Diggers to find them.
I recommend this Read-in-one-sitting book to anyone who is a fan of Robert Kirkman, The Walking Dead, 28 Days Later, SciFi - or are just looking for a unique take on things.
Download The Diggers today - you might like what you uncover.
June 5, 2024
There is nothing here but an extended monologed about theories regarding the explanation of zombies.
October 28, 2023
Enjoyable
Two great little stories in this. Stephen King would probably approve. This one is worth sitting down and reading. The zombie fans might just glean some answers.
Two great little stories in this. Stephen King would probably approve. This one is worth sitting down and reading. The zombie fans might just glean some answers.
October 31, 2023
That was something different for a quick read for Halloween, to finish off my month’s reading. I liked the concept, it could easily be used part of a greater story.
February 18, 2024
This is an interesting quick zombie story! A nice change, as a completely different idea to the normal run of the mill zombie adventure! A good way to spend a quick break!
January 19, 2021
Not sure what to say about this - it was very (!) short. Diggers - they dig up and destroy? set free? the bodies of the dead, who for some reason start roaming around. The diggers in this story seem to be normal office worker, with digging and saving mankind their self-assigned weekend task.
Are or were they part of an official task force doing this? There is mention of some time in the past when all this moving around of the dead started - what may have caused this? And exactly what did they do to the living? Why do governments seem to ignore the still existing threat?
This story made me ask a lot of questions, and I have a feeling that I was looking at a sort of introduction to a longer book (hopefully!) with zombie-like creatures.
This, Mr Maas, was a teaser I hope?
Are or were they part of an official task force doing this? There is mention of some time in the past when all this moving around of the dead started - what may have caused this? And exactly what did they do to the living? Why do governments seem to ignore the still existing threat?
This story made me ask a lot of questions, and I have a feeling that I was looking at a sort of introduction to a longer book (hopefully!) with zombie-like creatures.
This, Mr Maas, was a teaser I hope?
December 17, 2022
An Eerie Tale of the Undead
This was a fascinating story of a group of people who dig up the dead to put the souls trapped in decayed bodies to rest and stop their unbearable suffering. The world has changed and now every living thing is reanimated when it dies whether it be people, whales, or ants. This includes the dead of the past.
The living can sense the suffering of the undead and now volunteer groups travel to ancient burial sites to free souls.
The concept behind the story is fascinating and the story is told by the diggers as they talk among themselves. The world building is perfect and The Diggers is a story filled with thought and emotion.
This was a fascinating story of a group of people who dig up the dead to put the souls trapped in decayed bodies to rest and stop their unbearable suffering. The world has changed and now every living thing is reanimated when it dies whether it be people, whales, or ants. This includes the dead of the past.
The living can sense the suffering of the undead and now volunteer groups travel to ancient burial sites to free souls.
The concept behind the story is fascinating and the story is told by the diggers as they talk among themselves. The world building is perfect and The Diggers is a story filled with thought and emotion.
February 9, 2024
Quick as promised
The advertisement was that it was a quick read, which it was; but the stories seemed to lack any real substance. A story about zombies barely featured zombies as anything more than a plot point and a story about a depressed vampire with delusions of grandeur.
I received a copy of this book for free as part of membership in an online reading community; which is the only reason I read it.
The advertisement was that it was a quick read, which it was; but the stories seemed to lack any real substance. A story about zombies barely featured zombies as anything more than a plot point and a story about a depressed vampire with delusions of grandeur.
I received a copy of this book for free as part of membership in an online reading community; which is the only reason I read it.
November 3, 2022
Torn opinion
The first story, The Diggers, isn't really horror. Certainly there are zombies involved. But the story is more science fiction with the characters spending time considering the how's and whys. The second story fits into horror, a bit. Both are well written and well thought out.
The first story, The Diggers, isn't really horror. Certainly there are zombies involved. But the story is more science fiction with the characters spending time considering the how's and whys. The second story fits into horror, a bit. Both are well written and well thought out.
July 28, 2024
Creepy And Thought Provoking
"The Diggers" is the first thing that I've read by Jonathan Mass - it won't be the last!
Although short, this novella packs a punch. It's exceptionally well written. And it'll give you the creeps while giving you plenty to think about at the same time.
I highly recommend reading "The Diggers"!
"The Diggers" is the first thing that I've read by Jonathan Mass - it won't be the last!
Although short, this novella packs a punch. It's exceptionally well written. And it'll give you the creeps while giving you plenty to think about at the same time.
I highly recommend reading "The Diggers"!
September 17, 2020
Blah...blah...blah...the end. Didn't do anything for me.
February 20, 2021
Two quick stories.
May 14, 2022
Horror
This edition has two short stories. First, The Diggers, is a good story. The second, Rest Home, surprised me. The story had me enthralled.
This edition has two short stories. First, The Diggers, is a good story. The second, Rest Home, surprised me. The story had me enthralled.
April 12, 2024
It was very philosophical for a zombie book and throughly lacking in action. It probably would have been 2 stars if it weren’t for the bonus vampire story at the end.
June 1, 2024
The Diggers
The diggers aren't who you think they are. A zombie tale that strays into the philosophy of undeadness. Unique and thought-provoking.
The diggers aren't who you think they are. A zombie tale that strays into the philosophy of undeadness. Unique and thought-provoking.
October 21, 2024
Strangest Undead Ever
Don’t think I ever read an undead story like this one. Jonathan spins a story worthy of standing against Stephen King.
Don’t think I ever read an undead story like this one. Jonathan spins a story worthy of standing against Stephen King.
January 25, 2025
Horror? Not so much. That being said, I really enjoyed this novella. It made me think about zombies on a different level. A little bit philosophical mixed with a bit of science.
June 30, 2022
I know I shouldn’t get into a book expecting something, sometimes I do though. This definitely wasn’t what I was expecting or really hoping for. I wish there was more action, events. It was however, very interesting and unique. A totally different way of looking at the reanimated, and I did like that, and glad I read it.
November 13, 2024
3.5 stars for this unique and fun novella. It has a long story called The Diggers, and a short bonus story at the end. I think that Jonathan Maas definitely has writes in a style that remains captivating. I really enjoyed this and I’m looking forward to reading more from him in the future.
March 2, 2024
I would have to say that this just struck me as OK. It certainly was a quick read overall but I felt like The Diggers could be expanded and perhaps make a bigger impact. Certainly an interesting concept. To tell you the truth, I barely remember reading the second short included in the book.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews