Something Close

A community cracking under the weight of multiple hauntings. Old ghosts in our world of new fears. The residents of Somerset Close have been learning to live with Covid-19: social distancing, self-isolating and ‘clapping for carers’. But as national restrictions begin to ease, the grip of something else takes hold. Graeme and his son Charlie invite elderly neighbour Iris into their support bubble. Except somebody else is already lurking in her house… Ex-teacher Nigel Fleeting is trying to write his novel, but he is haunted by a past that won’t allow him to move on with his future… And the Wodesons have baby news. But by shielding themselves further, shunning the outside world completely, something malevolent is allowed to take root in their home… Before too long all the residents of the close experience the paranormal. But by then, there is no way any of them can leave. A channel has been opened, and when it is ready, something terrible is coming through. From Stephen Barnard, author of the horror/suspense novels ‘Corner House’ and ‘The Deleted’, the collections ‘Bitterly’, ‘Unlucky Numbers’ and ‘A Very Bad Year’, and the science fantasy drama ‘Portentous’. Amazon / Goodreads reviews: Praise for ‘The Deleted’: This was engrossing and engaging read, excellent plot and believable fallible characters. Would recommend to anyone with imagination not just tech horror geeks. Praise for ‘Bitterly’: I am so impressed with this book. The prologue, stories and epilogue tie together seamlessly to illustrate the weird, disturbing, horrific and odd happenings in a relatively short time in the town of Bitterly. In some ways, it sort of reminds me of the Twilight Zone. It's like this town is in another dimension where the strange, fantastic, and nightmarish occur on a regular basis for 18 months or so. Do yourself a favor and read this book.

Reviews

News