What do you think?
Rate this book
The Well: A Haunted House Horror Novel
For fans of The Conjuring and The Amityville Horror comes a terrifying new novel about a family haunted by the ghosts of their ancestor’s disturbing past.
The old well has always terrified Jacob. Even as a boy, he couldn’t go near it without feeling sinister eyes searing into his spine. Now he’s an adult, having returned to his old family home for a fresh start, and that feeling has only intensified. Worse yet, a sudden storm of paranormal activity has engulfed the house… and his young niece is in the eye of the storm.
Does Jacob have what it takes to face the insane horrors locked behind his childhood memories? Or will the sinister secrets of the past remain buried beneath the old well?
If you’re a fan of bone-chilling horror, spine-tingling tales, and sinister scares, allow acclaimed indie horror author Samuel Small to take you on a terrifying journey through the woods, to see what secrets lay hidden in the old well.
The old well has always terrified Jacob. Even as a boy, he couldn’t go near it without feeling sinister eyes searing into his spine. Now he’s an adult, having returned to his old family home for a fresh start, and that feeling has only intensified. Worse yet, a sudden storm of paranormal activity has engulfed the house… and his young niece is in the eye of the storm.
Does Jacob have what it takes to face the insane horrors locked behind his childhood memories? Or will the sinister secrets of the past remain buried beneath the old well?
If you’re a fan of bone-chilling horror, spine-tingling tales, and sinister scares, allow acclaimed indie horror author Samuel Small to take you on a terrifying journey through the woods, to see what secrets lay hidden in the old well.
183 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 5, 2023
87 people are currently reading
144 people want to read
About the author
Samuel Small
15 books22 followersSamuel Small has been writing stories since he was five years old. His earliest book, titled Mario, was a thrilling tale in which the titular character had to jump up to get a key to open a door. His stories have gotten even more riveting over the years, now consisting of more than one sentence per page.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
June 23, 2024
A cursed well, three brothers, a derelict farm house somewhere in a remote rural area and an eerie overall setting. Proper ingredients for a fine horror story. Overall the author did a great job here, even though the back story was a bit thin and the references to The Exorcist or Poltergeist were a bit too obvious. The showdown at the end was a bit too long, the characters depicted a bit too plain and the explanation too often read. Nevertheless a very solid horror read with many sinister parts and an evil atmosphere. That horror struck me. Definitely recommended for any haunted house and Exorcist fan.
April 6, 2023
An interesting take on a haunted family story. There is a lot of religion mentioned, but it’s integral to the story and isn’t pushed on the writer. In fact, one of the main characters is a priest (ex) and I really enjoyed reading their background story of previous exorcisms.
I did find the plot was a bit of a rollercoaster, there’d be some intense, action filled scenes that give the reader a feeling of dread (lowering into the well, the manifestations in the house), and then more stagnant scenes (daytime at the house). Some things felt added and possibly important, but then had no resolution (why was Paul fired on his first day? I wasn’t sure if we were going to see that he’s racist, and maybe knew about what happened in the past on “the farm” as he is the oldest child).
Definitely a decent ghost story to add to your reading list.
Thank you to the author for a copy!
I did find the plot was a bit of a rollercoaster, there’d be some intense, action filled scenes that give the reader a feeling of dread (lowering into the well, the manifestations in the house), and then more stagnant scenes (daytime at the house). Some things felt added and possibly important, but then had no resolution (why was Paul fired on his first day? I wasn’t sure if we were going to see that he’s racist, and maybe knew about what happened in the past on “the farm” as he is the oldest child).
Definitely a decent ghost story to add to your reading list.
Thank you to the author for a copy!
March 10, 2023
A fantastic read by an indie horror writer with a terrific future ahead of him! Samuel Small's collection was a gem, and now he offers his debut novel, 'The Well,' releasing on the 5th of April. 'The Well' is perfect for fans of Nick Roberts' 'The Exorcist's House' and 'The Conjuring' movies. With a nod to 'The Exorcist,' Small manages to provide huge entertainment along with finely crafted prose, depicting with equal ease both strained family relationships and disturbing horror situations. 'The Well' should be appreciated widely for its inventiveness and its well-paced plot. The story revolves around Jacob and his two brothers; Jacob had the unfortunate experience, as a young boy, to see something he shouldn't in an old well belonging to his family. Grown up, he returns to his family home with his brothers and his niece, young Melissa, to start over. Mayhem ensues as the past demands justice. It's a past, however, corrupted by evil - an evil known to Jacob first hand. By the time I finished this, I realized I could get addicted to it: the book has everything I want from a horror novel! Highly recommended!
April 6, 2023
5 ✨
The Well was a well written story about a family of brothers and one of their daughters who decide to move back to the large family home. Only, they didn’t know what ghosts and family secrets laid waiting in the family well and property - ready to get revenge!
Religion was heavy in this one, and that’s Ok. I don’t usually go for religious reads myself, but this one was WELL written. It had me on a rollercoaster. Sometimes, I was getting those anxious feelings in my chest, during some of the scenes.
Don’t pass on this one. Well worth the read!
The Well was a well written story about a family of brothers and one of their daughters who decide to move back to the large family home. Only, they didn’t know what ghosts and family secrets laid waiting in the family well and property - ready to get revenge!
Religion was heavy in this one, and that’s Ok. I don’t usually go for religious reads myself, but this one was WELL written. It had me on a rollercoaster. Sometimes, I was getting those anxious feelings in my chest, during some of the scenes.
Don’t pass on this one. Well worth the read!
April 11, 2023
Awesome
This book absolutely blew me away. It hit the ground running and kept up the pace. There was no slow buildup or lulls and I couldn’t stop reading. It is now on my list of favorite demonic/possession books.
This book absolutely blew me away. It hit the ground running and kept up the pace. There was no slow buildup or lulls and I couldn’t stop reading. It is now on my list of favorite demonic/possession books.
April 14, 2023
4.5 rounded to 4 stars for Goodreads.
This is like if The Exorcist, Poltergeist, and Cabin in the Woods had a baby.
It's really atmospheric and not one to read at night, in the dark, where all sorts of shapes can manifest...
It's quite a short book but packs a fair amount in. There's a great, not so much a twist, but more of a reveal near the end. I can't put any more without spoilers, but it adds a lot if impact to the story.
The level of descriptive detail is brilliant and I found myself fully immersed. I enjoyed the interactions between Jacob and his niece Melissa, watching how the trust and relationship grew.
I wasn't expecting religion to play as big a role as it did given the blurb, however it was all fitting to the tale. I did feel that the book could have been slightly longer to delve into the "in-between years" or at least include some of the build up to those to flesh the characters out more.
Overall, a creepy and suspenseful story that reminded me of some classics - definitely recommend.
*I received a complimentary copy of the e-book from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
This is like if The Exorcist, Poltergeist, and Cabin in the Woods had a baby.
It's really atmospheric and not one to read at night, in the dark, where all sorts of shapes can manifest...
It's quite a short book but packs a fair amount in. There's a great, not so much a twist, but more of a reveal near the end. I can't put any more without spoilers, but it adds a lot if impact to the story.
The level of descriptive detail is brilliant and I found myself fully immersed. I enjoyed the interactions between Jacob and his niece Melissa, watching how the trust and relationship grew.
I wasn't expecting religion to play as big a role as it did given the blurb, however it was all fitting to the tale. I did feel that the book could have been slightly longer to delve into the "in-between years" or at least include some of the build up to those to flesh the characters out more.
Overall, a creepy and suspenseful story that reminded me of some classics - definitely recommend.
*I received a complimentary copy of the e-book from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
April 6, 2023
Three brothers are drawn back to the family farm, which they've jointly inherited, while dealing with individual personal tragedies. As they attempt to repair their fractured relationships, something is brewing on the property.
Overall, I thought this was a solidly written novel. The premise was interesting. The pacing was very good. The characters were also interesting, although I did feel that one of the brothers did not receive the same level of attention and I think this did impact the novel. I do question Jacob's employment status - this is something that definitely bears more research. (I'm reasonably certain priests aren't defrocked automatically or without some sort of formal process).
The one area that really gave me pause had to do with the handling of racial elements in this story. The way this element was addressed didn't sit well with me. While this novel does pay homage to a certain style of horror novel that leaned heavily on one variation of this trope, it remains a trope that I wish would just go away completely.
I received an ARC via the author.
Overall, I thought this was a solidly written novel. The premise was interesting. The pacing was very good. The characters were also interesting, although I did feel that one of the brothers did not receive the same level of attention and I think this did impact the novel. I do question Jacob's employment status - this is something that definitely bears more research. (I'm reasonably certain priests aren't defrocked automatically or without some sort of formal process).
The one area that really gave me pause had to do with the handling of racial elements in this story. The way this element was addressed didn't sit well with me. While this novel does pay homage to a certain style of horror novel that leaned heavily on one variation of this trope, it remains a trope that I wish would just go away completely.
I received an ARC via the author.
March 5, 2023
Action filled horror novel. A family's past history comes to light as three brothers are haunted when returning to their childhood home. As a young boy, Jacob was lowered into the well by his brothers, on their grandfather's property. Jacob comes up screaming and is haunted by what he saw in the well. Their grandfather told them to stay away from the well, but they didn't listen. As young adults, they move back home and visit the well again. This visit is something they will soon regret.
Nice mix of vengeful ghosts, family history and the struggle between three brothers. Their lives went in different directions, but they will need to rely on each other and the help of Jacob's young niece to win the battle against the hauntings at home.
I received an ARC copy of this book and this is my honest review.
Nice mix of vengeful ghosts, family history and the struggle between three brothers. Their lives went in different directions, but they will need to rely on each other and the help of Jacob's young niece to win the battle against the hauntings at home.
I received an ARC copy of this book and this is my honest review.
April 5, 2023
This is a story of 3 brothers who come back together after a long time apart. Initially you think it’s about them repairing broken relationships with each other and a niece who’s just a little girl. But pretty quickly to learn that both Jacob and Melissa have psych abilities and the innocent farm they’ve moved back to isn’t innocent at all. The author does a great job transitioning the story from past to present and different POV’s as needed and lays out a good story line. While I was able to guess some of the story line, I was not not able to guess all of it which is always enjoyable. The story even managed to give me goose bumps at times. And it ends with a happy ending which is always good. All in all it’s a good story.
April 6, 2023
For reasons of their own, three brothers return to their ancesteral home. It does not take long before the young daughter of one of them starts having night terrors. But is that all they are? The youngest brother is pretty sure he knows ... and the answer is no. There were definitely some scenes here that triggered childhood fears for me. The hair on my arms and the back of the neck standing at attention type of thing. I had been, at one point, reading late at night and had to stop till the next day. Grown as I am, some things still can give me nightmares. I did not want to take any chances.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and this is my honest and unbiased opinion of the tale.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and this is my honest and unbiased opinion of the tale.
April 11, 2023
💙🕳💀 TO DISCOVER
In the forest, Jake and his brothers Chris and Paul bicker over which way to go to find the old well.
Finally arrived at their destination, Paul and Chris find nothing better to do than to lower little Jake into the sinister well, tied to a rope...
------------------
It's not at all the reading I was expecting.
I was surprised by this mysterious supernatural adventure which is told in a "total goosebumps" atmosphere...
What happened to little Jake in the well?
It's up to you to find out...
I recommend to fans of the genre!
💙🕳💀
PS : beautiful book cover !
In the forest, Jake and his brothers Chris and Paul bicker over which way to go to find the old well.
Finally arrived at their destination, Paul and Chris find nothing better to do than to lower little Jake into the sinister well, tied to a rope...
------------------
It's not at all the reading I was expecting.
I was surprised by this mysterious supernatural adventure which is told in a "total goosebumps" atmosphere...
What happened to little Jake in the well?
It's up to you to find out...
I recommend to fans of the genre!
💙🕳💀
PS : beautiful book cover !
March 22, 2023
The thing that most stands out about this story is the amount of dread and foreboding. At some points I could feel myself physically tensing up wondering what was going to happen.
I normally prefer extreme or splatterpunk type of horror but this really gripped me and I managed to finish it in one day.
The writing flowed so well and was able to consistently send that little chill down my spine.
The plot and the ending were just perfect and I enjoyed every minute of it.
I normally prefer extreme or splatterpunk type of horror but this really gripped me and I managed to finish it in one day.
The writing flowed so well and was able to consistently send that little chill down my spine.
The plot and the ending were just perfect and I enjoyed every minute of it.
April 6, 2023
gave me chills
Not going to lie I had to sit in my living room with the brightest light on to read this book. I had chills running up my arms. I even kept checking over my shoulder every time I would read someone touch Jacob. I really enjoyed reading this book with all the creepy scary moments. Even the ending was great. I definitely recommend this book and even better snuggled in bed in the dark .
Not going to lie I had to sit in my living room with the brightest light on to read this book. I had chills running up my arms. I even kept checking over my shoulder every time I would read someone touch Jacob. I really enjoyed reading this book with all the creepy scary moments. Even the ending was great. I definitely recommend this book and even better snuggled in bed in the dark .
April 10, 2023
A bit of a letdown by the end to be honest. I saw this in a TikTok video and thought it would be a good, spooky book. I just don’t like slow burns..no pun intended.
The overall plot was good, I just didn’t care for the execution. There were great spooky scenes, but everything in between just felt so long. For a shorter novel, I felt I was reading at a snail’s pace. The religious aspect was interesting as I’ve always enjoyed that kind of storyline, but the way it connected at the end just felt off. Maybe this will work better for someone else though!
The overall plot was good, I just didn’t care for the execution. There were great spooky scenes, but everything in between just felt so long. For a shorter novel, I felt I was reading at a snail’s pace. The religious aspect was interesting as I’ve always enjoyed that kind of storyline, but the way it connected at the end just felt off. Maybe this will work better for someone else though!
April 13, 2023
I love a good horror book. This was an enjoyable story with creepy and well-written scenes. A little heavy on spirituality and religion, but it still had a good plot. A little bit thick with the shorter sentences, but it wasn't a problem, just noticeable. I read this book as an arc and am voluntarily leaving my review. I will pick up more from this author.
August 29, 2025
A Chillingly Good Time
The Well is a fast-paced horror story that had me on the edge of my seat. As a big fan of the genre, I can say this book delivers on everything you want in a scary read. It gave me chills and made for good reading in the dark. I enjoyed this read from beginning to end.
The Well is a fast-paced horror story that had me on the edge of my seat. As a big fan of the genre, I can say this book delivers on everything you want in a scary read. It gave me chills and made for good reading in the dark. I enjoyed this read from beginning to end.
April 5, 2023
I really enjoyed this book and I loved how smoothly the author was able to transition back and forth between past and present. What started out as a reunion soon turned into a lovely little scary read.
April 6, 2023
Loved this book. Excellent character development and an ancient injustice combine to take you on a great roller coaster ride. The story closes with an ending that will allow for character continuations. Hopefully, Sam will. Looking forward to Sam's next book where ever it may lead.
April 19, 2023
worth a read
Enjoyed the story and it was written well, would recommend
The characters were enjoyable and the storyline was enjoyable. Will be looking out for more from this author
Enjoyed the story and it was written well, would recommend
The characters were enjoyable and the storyline was enjoyable. Will be looking out for more from this author
December 4, 2024
At the beginning of this book, I thought I was going to be bored. I was very wrong. It is excellent! I enjoyed the characters and the fast-paced plot. Essentially, this is a book about redemption. A family's redemption and how they redeem their ancestors to the community. I definitely recommend it!
October 16, 2025
I enjoyed the plot, but I did get a little lost in the middle when everyone left the house at first. Maybe I just missed something but I couldn’t figure out where Jacob actually was and who the new priest was that was there for a bit. Overall pretty good though!
April 21, 2023
I was kind of wondering where the story was going. It had some great twist and turns. . . "WELL" worth the read
May 1, 2023
I hate being tricked into reading Christian Horror.
January 28, 2024
Awesome
Read this in two days , like eat Hong a movie definitely a must read if you like ghost movie.
Read this in two days , like eat Hong a movie definitely a must read if you like ghost movie.
August 14, 2024
I really did enjoy this. I just wish there was more to the backstory of Jacob’s sensitivity.
October 1, 2024
Narration done in a computer voice
Exorcism
The cover is why I did it
Exorcism
The cover is why I did it
October 9, 2025
This book is creepy from the first page to last. I loved he characters and the story line. Glad I’m not a sensitive !
January 11, 2026
Fast paced, spooky, and with a good ending.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews