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We send you a story instead.

Sign up for a mystery story delivered to your letterbox.

A body with no eyes.

A spectral visitor.

Something sinister is stirring in Codgers Bay.

“

A chapter pack in a brown envelope with mysterious lighthouse icon. This is what's delivered as part of a subscription

A collection of postcards, notes, and papers spread out on a wooden surface. This is what's included in a Stories by Post subscription: puzzles, games, and a story chapter.

In the middle of the night, Detective Will Collins is called to a crime scene in a Northland nature reserve.

On the gravel road through the reserve, Collins discovers a sign hanging from a tree:

IF YOU SEE CHILDREN PLAYING

DO NOT WAVE BACK

Unravel the mysteries of The Retreat every two weeks in new chapters, puzzles, and clues to solve the case.

$9 per chapter

$12

The Author

Person holding a camera taking a selfie, wearing a baseball cap, glasses, in an outdoor setting with trees and sky background.

A man standing behind a table at an outdoor event, smiling. The table has a sign promoting new chapters in your letterbox, and features books, brochures, and a QR code. There is a can of drink on the table and a laptop in front of the man. Other tables and people are visible in the background under a canopy.

Hi, I’m Sam! I’m a writer based in Auckland, New Zealand.

If you’ve made it this far down the webpage, then thanks for your interest in my passion project, Stories by Post.

A little bit about me:

I’ve lived in the Netherlands, Ireland, Canada, and the United States.
I went viral making linguistics-thriller videos on TikTok.
My favourite apple varieties are Pink Lady, SweeTango, and Ambrosia.
Writing is the foremost joy of my life.

Hopefully that paints a picture.

Don’t miss this special offer

$9 per chapter

$12

A pamphlet titled 'The Redacted' on top of an open printed story, placed on a wooden table.

Blurred brochures and pamphlets on a wooden table, including one with the title 'The Great Retreat' with images of a lake and a sand dune.

Frequently Asked Questions

Good question! Stories by Post is run by Sam, an aspiring author based in Auckland, New Zealand. Every two weeks, I send subscribers a new chapter of a story in the mail, along with puzzles, games, clues, and other supplemental story materials. Right now, that story is The Retreat, a mystery thriller set in a Northland nature reserve.
Every two weeks, you’ll receive the latest chapter of The Retreat in your mailbox, along with puzzles, games, clues, and other supplemental story material.
For example, the first chapter pack includes a map of the crime scene, a post card from the fictional setting of Codgers Bay, and an ominous tract from a mysterious prophet.
You can cancel anytime! Just reach out using the contact form below.
Each chapter pack is $9, which means your subscription is $9 fortnightly.
Sure thing! Use UNRAVEL at check-out for free shipping on Chapter 1.
We’ll mail anywhere in New Zealand!
For international subscriptions, reach out at the contact form below and I’ll send you a custom international sign-up link.
Absolutely! Reach out at the contact form below and I’ll send you a custom international sign-up link.
Your first chapter is mailed to you on the day you sign up!
Subsequent chapters are lodged every second Monday. Postage times can vary, depending on where you live in New Zealand, but NZ Post aims to deliver within three days.
NZ Post aims to deliver domestic post within 3 days. If you haven’t received your chapter pack within a week of lodgement date, reach out at the contact form below!
Please allow for delays over public holidays.
Absolutely! Simply select “This is a gift” when checking out.
No problem! Some people prefer to read a few chapters at once. Go at your own pace!
Sure thing! Reach out using the contact form below and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.

Get in Touch

If you have feedback on The Retreat, questions about your subscription, or just want to say hello, send me a message!