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In the Blood
Don't open the door. Especially if it's someone you know.
The sleepy English village of Crosseby is a nice place. A safe place. A place where everyone's roots are generations deep. For Alf Schaeffer, it is a haven from a cruel world.
Then the newcomers arrive.
At first, Alf doesn't understand why an attractive young couple would buy a long-abandoned plot of land, especially one whose stony soils and waist-high nettles hide the darkest chapter of Crosseby's history.
But then people start to disappear.
At first, people panic. Disappearances don't happen in places like Crosseby; that's why people live there. But then the disappeared come home, and panic turns to jubilation. Only later, when the sun sets, does jubilation turn to terror. The newcomers have brought with them an ancient evil, one that Alf and a small band of survivors must defeat before it destroys them, their town, and their country.
The sleepy English village of Crosseby is a nice place. A safe place. A place where everyone's roots are generations deep. For Alf Schaeffer, it is a haven from a cruel world.
Then the newcomers arrive.
At first, Alf doesn't understand why an attractive young couple would buy a long-abandoned plot of land, especially one whose stony soils and waist-high nettles hide the darkest chapter of Crosseby's history.
But then people start to disappear.
At first, people panic. Disappearances don't happen in places like Crosseby; that's why people live there. But then the disappeared come home, and panic turns to jubilation. Only later, when the sun sets, does jubilation turn to terror. The newcomers have brought with them an ancient evil, one that Alf and a small band of survivors must defeat before it destroys them, their town, and their country.
- GenresHorror
242 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 14, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
February 9, 2024
I almost gave up on this one in the first 150/200 pages because it really took a minute to get going. I'm glad I didn't because once it picked up steam it was pretty good and it really gutted me at the end. I think this book would make a really good movie, it really read like one but in a good way if that makes any sense.
May 4, 2023
The author creates a fantastic small town vibe amongst the pages with rich characters and interactions.
I think I would’ve preferred this almost as a murder mystery than a vampire novel; it had a ragtag bunch of locals trying to solve the town’s missing person problem. In this case, it happens to be a nocturnal infestation.
The bloodsuckers felt secondary to the plot in a way, as the main characters arcs were first and foremost and they each had a number of personal problems/issues as well.
The arcs of the main characters ended in a way I wasn’t a huge fan of. I was puzzled about some of their actions. I also noticed that one person who was killed in the story randomly reappeared later on which seemed like a mistake.
This was a good story, but more of a character study than a creature feature in my opinion.
I think I would’ve preferred this almost as a murder mystery than a vampire novel; it had a ragtag bunch of locals trying to solve the town’s missing person problem. In this case, it happens to be a nocturnal infestation.
The bloodsuckers felt secondary to the plot in a way, as the main characters arcs were first and foremost and they each had a number of personal problems/issues as well.
The arcs of the main characters ended in a way I wasn’t a huge fan of. I was puzzled about some of their actions. I also noticed that one person who was killed in the story randomly reappeared later on which seemed like a mistake.
This was a good story, but more of a character study than a creature feature in my opinion.
July 2, 2025
In The Blood offers a new take on the vampire legend, set in a quiet English town with a sense of creeping dread flooding every page. A slow burn horror, with a whole host of characters that will make you feel the full spectrum of human emotion, Samuel’s has a poetic way with prose that flows easily with a purpose, and a delightful ability to really make the characters leap from the page. Complex, flawed characters, you will be rooting for them even if you don’t like them! They will break your heart, make you angry, and make you smile in all of the best ways.
E C Samuels’ writing style reminds me of King, in the way that she builds a deep and harrowing world that the reader finds themselves drawn into like a fly in a web. It creeps under your skin, with a sense of slow creeping dread, before the explosive ending suddenly bursts forth. It is an excellent skill to have, and for a debut novel, it is clear that Samuels has an incredible future ahead of her in the horror world.
E C Samuels’ writing style reminds me of King, in the way that she builds a deep and harrowing world that the reader finds themselves drawn into like a fly in a web. It creeps under your skin, with a sense of slow creeping dread, before the explosive ending suddenly bursts forth. It is an excellent skill to have, and for a debut novel, it is clear that Samuels has an incredible future ahead of her in the horror world.
March 30, 2023
Well done on writing a vampire novel with a bit of a difference. It could of been a bit shorter and maybe a few less cigarettes, but over all an enjoyable read. It’s a slow burn at the start setting you up and taking you through the town and it’s people which was a nice change instead of lock stock and fuck you vampires right from the start.
March 2, 2023
E.C Samuels has created a gem of a vampire novel, set in a sleepy English village, where the most exciting thing to happen is gossip about Ruth, who works in Qwik Fill's nails.
At first I struggled with the multitude of characters, and keeping track their relationships with one another, but once I had that straight it was a joy to read.
Alf Schaeffer returns to Crosseby, the village of his birth after fleeing from a life ruined by circumstance. But Crosseby holds it own demons, figuratively and literally, especially with the arrival of two enigmatic newcomers, who have bought the abandoned Priory. Crosseby saw the murder of Alf's girlfriend, Charlotte, but had become his refuge. With the arrival of the newcomers, people start disappearing, something that doesn't happen in Crosseby ~ until it does.
Alf becomes the reluctant leader of a group of survivors of the infestation, a rag-tag bunch, who each have their own skeletons to hide. Will the survivors triumph over evil? Or will Crosseby fade into the mists of legend?
The author crafts believable and endearing characters (for all their flaws and foibles) alongside a storyline that has a somewhat different spin on the traditional vampire story.
I really enjoyed this novel, which I received as an advance reader copy from the publisher and am voluntarily submitting my review
At first I struggled with the multitude of characters, and keeping track their relationships with one another, but once I had that straight it was a joy to read.
Alf Schaeffer returns to Crosseby, the village of his birth after fleeing from a life ruined by circumstance. But Crosseby holds it own demons, figuratively and literally, especially with the arrival of two enigmatic newcomers, who have bought the abandoned Priory. Crosseby saw the murder of Alf's girlfriend, Charlotte, but had become his refuge. With the arrival of the newcomers, people start disappearing, something that doesn't happen in Crosseby ~ until it does.
Alf becomes the reluctant leader of a group of survivors of the infestation, a rag-tag bunch, who each have their own skeletons to hide. Will the survivors triumph over evil? Or will Crosseby fade into the mists of legend?
The author crafts believable and endearing characters (for all their flaws and foibles) alongside a storyline that has a somewhat different spin on the traditional vampire story.
I really enjoyed this novel, which I received as an advance reader copy from the publisher and am voluntarily submitting my review
March 5, 2023
It’s been a while since I’ve read a good, creepy book and boy does In The Blood by EC Samuels deliver.
Crosseby is a lovely, quiet village. The type where everyone knows each other, it’s a peaceful place to live. But when a young couple buy a derelict house, things begin to change. People begin to disappear and it’s down to Alf Schaefer, Connor and the mysterious Sarah to try and save the village.
From the first chapter I was wondering why people were shocked to hear of the sale of the old priory but as I was drawn into the story, a sense of unease settled over me and stayed with me throughout, becoming at times truly scary. Alf is a wonderful reluctant hero and Connor? I really did feel for him as he came to terms with what had happened , and how he had to grow up so quickly. I just wanted to hug him and tell him things would be okay. I wasn’t sure about Sarah at first, she’s one of the good guys but she is really unlikeable, adding yet another dimension to the story. I found that although it began as a bit of a slow burner, once the action started, it didn’t stop until the last page, keeping me gripped until the end.
I really enjoyed In The Blood and I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for more by her.
Crosseby is a lovely, quiet village. The type where everyone knows each other, it’s a peaceful place to live. But when a young couple buy a derelict house, things begin to change. People begin to disappear and it’s down to Alf Schaefer, Connor and the mysterious Sarah to try and save the village.
From the first chapter I was wondering why people were shocked to hear of the sale of the old priory but as I was drawn into the story, a sense of unease settled over me and stayed with me throughout, becoming at times truly scary. Alf is a wonderful reluctant hero and Connor? I really did feel for him as he came to terms with what had happened , and how he had to grow up so quickly. I just wanted to hug him and tell him things would be okay. I wasn’t sure about Sarah at first, she’s one of the good guys but she is really unlikeable, adding yet another dimension to the story. I found that although it began as a bit of a slow burner, once the action started, it didn’t stop until the last page, keeping me gripped until the end.
I really enjoyed In The Blood and I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for more by her.
July 15, 2025
I pictured a drone sweeping across the English Countryside in the height of Summer. Swooping and soaring before it enters a small town. It stops briefly with people having conversations moving between them, listening. It will fly past petrol stations and Nursing homes before suddenly plunging into the cold, dark.wet earth.
That’s the beginning of the TV adaption I had in my minds eye reading the opening chapter of In The Blood. Every character is introduced along with all their fears,niggles,motives and scandals. It’s a great start and I immediately felt like I knew these people and was part of the town.
I also love the tag line:
Don’t open the door. Especially if it’s someone you know.
The book wears its Salem’s Lot influences proudly. As the town is slowly taken over by unnatural beings, it’s left to a ragtag, flawed bunch of survivors to try and save the day.
There’s a few twists and turns along the way and some genuinely unnerving moments.
The book is long but I can honestly say I was thoroughly entertained.
That’s the beginning of the TV adaption I had in my minds eye reading the opening chapter of In The Blood. Every character is introduced along with all their fears,niggles,motives and scandals. It’s a great start and I immediately felt like I knew these people and was part of the town.
I also love the tag line:
Don’t open the door. Especially if it’s someone you know.
The book wears its Salem’s Lot influences proudly. As the town is slowly taken over by unnatural beings, it’s left to a ragtag, flawed bunch of survivors to try and save the day.
There’s a few twists and turns along the way and some genuinely unnerving moments.
The book is long but I can honestly say I was thoroughly entertained.
May 16, 2023
A fantastic debut by the amazing E.C. Samuels. A fresh take on a vampire novel no sparkling skim but pure deadly vampires infesting a small countryside village leaving just a few to fight to save the human race.
You really grow a connection to these characters and fear for their lives wondering what actions they will take next and who will be next to turn.
Cannot wait to read more from this author in the future.
You really grow a connection to these characters and fear for their lives wondering what actions they will take next and who will be next to turn.
Cannot wait to read more from this author in the future.
May 23, 2023
I'm not a fan of vampire novels. . BUT THIS!! this book has a different take on the traditional vampire novels we already know of I really enjoyed this fresh take and the characters were brilliant. It made you feel anger, empathy and sorrow for the characters. Will be reading more from E. C. Samuels!
October 8, 2023
Great book by an indie writer ✍️ I got some Stephen King vibes especially at the beginning and the more I read the more I couldn’t put it down. Only thing that could have been better was a little more characters’ depth. The characters still felt strangers to me after finishing the book but, maybe this is the writer wanted to achieve so 5 stars anyway 👌🏻
March 8, 2023
This is a book you want to hide behind a cushion when you’re reading it!
With a whole host of characters in a small village, the author does a great job of setting a great background for an unusual and spooky vampire infestation.
Complete page turner.
With a whole host of characters in a small village, the author does a great job of setting a great background for an unusual and spooky vampire infestation.
Complete page turner.
September 30, 2023
If you love small village vibes in your horror novels, then this is the book for you. I love how Samuels paints the picture of small-town life, and exactly how a village would react if they had an unexpected infestation of a certain creature of the night. A fun, quick, and kind of wholesome, read.
December 12, 2023
Very good
When I first started reading I thought it would be a four star read, in part because of some of the strange actions of the characters, but once the story got going I really got I to it. It's not Salms lot good, but still fun
When I first started reading I thought it would be a four star read, in part because of some of the strange actions of the characters, but once the story got going I really got I to it. It's not Salms lot good, but still fun
May 17, 2024
Excellent book. Really enjoyed it.
Only thing is you have to read a few chapters in till it gets going. Its more about character building at first. Could have been a little shorter. But an excellent read. Defo recommend!!
Only thing is you have to read a few chapters in till it gets going. Its more about character building at first. Could have been a little shorter. But an excellent read. Defo recommend!!
October 23, 2024
A good read.
A great stab at a Salem's Lot-esque story. Being set in the north of England ( where I am from myself) it was lovely to read a book with place names I love . I really enjoyed this read.
A great stab at a Salem's Lot-esque story. Being set in the north of England ( where I am from myself) it was lovely to read a book with place names I love . I really enjoyed this read.
November 12, 2023
Vampire in the modern time
Great read really enjoyed this book good story fantastic could not put it down glad I came across this book
Great read really enjoyed this book good story fantastic could not put it down glad I came across this book
April 4, 2024
What an absolute thrill ride. Next best only to Salem's Lot.
September 27, 2025
Content warning:
Reminiscent of Salem's Lot, set in a small English village.
Reminiscent of Salem's Lot, set in a small English village.
August 11, 2023
Can't describe how much I loved this one.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews