The Horror in the Hold: When the Ship Kept Its Darkest Secret

A storm-tossed ship drifts through the Caribbean, its weary crew praying for calm seas—and for mercy from something far worse than the wind. When a pirate known as the Scourge of the Caribbees anchors off a seemingly peaceful island, his men uncover an ancient terror that does not belong to this world. What begins as a tale of gold and glory soon turns to nightmare in the dark recesses of the ship’s hold.

Originally published in Weird Tales in February 1932, “The Horror in the Hold” captures everything readers love about early pulp horror—salt-stung realism, eerie supernatural undertones, and the creeping dread that Frank Belknap Long perfected. Long’s gift for atmosphere makes you feel the creak of timbers, the weight of the sea, and the presence of something watching from below decks.

Long was a central figure in the early Weird Tales circle, a close friend and correspondent of H. P. Lovecraft, and a vital voice in shaping twentieth-century speculative fiction. Born in New York City in 1901, Frank Belknap Long began publishing in the 1920s and went on to write across genres—science fiction, fantasy, mystery, and poetry. His work often bridged the gap between cosmic horror and adventure storytelling, bringing imagination and emotion to both.

Over his long career, Long received the World Fantasy Award for Life Achievement and the Bram Stoker Award from the Horror Writers Association. He wrote for more than half a century, influencing generations of writers who followed. Whether depicting ancient evils or distant planets, Long’s stories remind us that the unknown—like the sea—always hides something beneath the surface.

© 2025 Scott Miller (Audiobook): 9798260850503

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Audiobook: 12 November 2025