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Five Demons: An Occult Detective Novel
You’re right to be scared of the dark…
Professor Aldous Crane, paranormal expert and ghost hunter, knows all too well the things that lurk beyond the thin veil of our reality. Dark spirits hide just beyond our reach, waiting for their chance to strike – and when disturbed, vengeful ghosts will stop at nothing to exact their revenge on the living. In these five haunting and horrifying tales, you’ll delve into the darkest depths of the supernatural, discovering the shocking and macabre cases that this master detective must bring to light.
Here are the five cases you’ll discover inside:
In The Taster, Aldous Crane will get his first taste of the paranormal as he searches for a priceless wine collection in the dark halls of the late Matthew Boudin… whose ghost still stands guard over it.
In Wishing Bones, a fake medium is forced to seek Aldous Crane’s help after she finds herself being hunted by someone from beyond the grave.
In The Dollhouse, a talented artist’s new dream home hides more than she bargained for… and she learns that sometimes, children are right to be afraid of the dark.
In The Severed Souls, after workers are attacked while opening a museum for a demented collector’s macabre art display, Aldous Crane must expose the secrets lurking in its gothic halls.
And in The Sacred Knives, Aldous must once again venture into the dark halls of Matthew Boudin’s estate to solve the biggest – and most terrifying – case of his life.
Perfect for fans of paranormal suspense, occult horror, and anything supernatural, these tales will remind you why you should be afraid of the dark.
Professor Aldous Crane, paranormal expert and ghost hunter, knows all too well the things that lurk beyond the thin veil of our reality. Dark spirits hide just beyond our reach, waiting for their chance to strike – and when disturbed, vengeful ghosts will stop at nothing to exact their revenge on the living. In these five haunting and horrifying tales, you’ll delve into the darkest depths of the supernatural, discovering the shocking and macabre cases that this master detective must bring to light.
Here are the five cases you’ll discover inside:
In The Taster, Aldous Crane will get his first taste of the paranormal as he searches for a priceless wine collection in the dark halls of the late Matthew Boudin… whose ghost still stands guard over it.
In Wishing Bones, a fake medium is forced to seek Aldous Crane’s help after she finds herself being hunted by someone from beyond the grave.
In The Dollhouse, a talented artist’s new dream home hides more than she bargained for… and she learns that sometimes, children are right to be afraid of the dark.
In The Severed Souls, after workers are attacked while opening a museum for a demented collector’s macabre art display, Aldous Crane must expose the secrets lurking in its gothic halls.
And in The Sacred Knives, Aldous must once again venture into the dark halls of Matthew Boudin’s estate to solve the biggest – and most terrifying – case of his life.
Perfect for fans of paranormal suspense, occult horror, and anything supernatural, these tales will remind you why you should be afraid of the dark.
278 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 15, 2021
9 people are currently reading
17 people want to read
About the author
Marc Layton
35 books143 followersMarc Layton is the internationally bestselling horror author of The Haunting Of Bridge Manor, The Evergreen Motel and The Evil Inside. The only child of American expats, he grew up on a farm in northern Germany, went to boarding school in a remote part of Scandinavia and then returned to his familial roots for University in New Hampshire where he then settled. As an avid traveler, a voracious reader and a professional antiques dealer, Layton is never at a loss for inspiration and ever since he can remember he’s been consumed by the things that go bump in the night. Layton lives and works out of a cottage near the water in Portsmouth, NH and spends his free time hiking with his wife and trusty Australian Shepard Lily.
Visit https://linktr.ee/MarcLayton to learn more or find Marc Layton on social @authormarclayton
Visit https://linktr.ee/MarcLayton to learn more or find Marc Layton on social @authormarclayton
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
March 10, 2023
This is the collection of 5 stories from An Investigative Horror Series by Marc Layton. They were previously published separately.
The Taster - A short but creepy story. Brings new meaning to things that go bump in the night, or in this case, the dark wine cellar. The epitome of obsession and the extent some will go to in order to always keep things in their possession. This was a good enough story that I've started reading the next in the series.
The Wishing Bones - I didn't enjoy this 2nd story in the book as much as the first. It wasn't creepy or scary and it was very short. I hope the next story in the book is better.
The Dollhouse - This had some of the creepy unknown factor as the 1st in the series and definitely better than the 2nd. Imagine moving into your new place and finding your upstairs room filled entirely with spider webs. These webs weren't there a few weeks ago when you looked at the place with a realtor. Now imagine the access door to the attic in that upstairs room. When you move in, it is suddenly an open black unending hole. To make matters worse, you start hearing things from that attic space above your bedroom. This is the premise to this story and was an interesting one to read.
The Severed Souls - This one had a good creepiness to it. I thought the ending was a little lacking compared to the rest of the story. The ongoing interactions between Aldous and Tammy are getting good. I just wish the ending was a bit more dramatic than what it was. After all the hype of everyone getting hurt, it just seemed a bit lacking. I'll be glad to read the final one in the series.
The Sacred Knives - Overall I enjoyed the series but found the endings of most of the books a bit disappointing. Like the others in this series, the story builds to what feels like a rushed ending. In this particular book, I really disliked the ending. I prefer to see good win or at least hold their own. I enjoyed the characters and creepiness of the stories.
The Taster - A short but creepy story. Brings new meaning to things that go bump in the night, or in this case, the dark wine cellar. The epitome of obsession and the extent some will go to in order to always keep things in their possession. This was a good enough story that I've started reading the next in the series.
The Wishing Bones - I didn't enjoy this 2nd story in the book as much as the first. It wasn't creepy or scary and it was very short. I hope the next story in the book is better.
The Dollhouse - This had some of the creepy unknown factor as the 1st in the series and definitely better than the 2nd. Imagine moving into your new place and finding your upstairs room filled entirely with spider webs. These webs weren't there a few weeks ago when you looked at the place with a realtor. Now imagine the access door to the attic in that upstairs room. When you move in, it is suddenly an open black unending hole. To make matters worse, you start hearing things from that attic space above your bedroom. This is the premise to this story and was an interesting one to read.
The Severed Souls - This one had a good creepiness to it. I thought the ending was a little lacking compared to the rest of the story. The ongoing interactions between Aldous and Tammy are getting good. I just wish the ending was a bit more dramatic than what it was. After all the hype of everyone getting hurt, it just seemed a bit lacking. I'll be glad to read the final one in the series.
The Sacred Knives - Overall I enjoyed the series but found the endings of most of the books a bit disappointing. Like the others in this series, the story builds to what feels like a rushed ending. In this particular book, I really disliked the ending. I prefer to see good win or at least hold their own. I enjoyed the characters and creepiness of the stories.
March 20, 2023
Professor Aldous Crane is an expert in the paranormal and a ghost hunter, therefore he is well aware of what lies beyond the frail border of our reality. When disturbed, malevolent ghosts would do whatever to exact their retribution on the living. Evil spirits lurk just beyond our reach, waiting for their moment to strike. See the horrific and gruesome cases that this expert investigator must bring to light as you explore the darkest corners of the paranormal in these five frightening tales. These tales, which are ideal for lovers of occult horror, paranormal suspense, and everything otherworldly, will serve as a good reminder of why you should be terrified of the dark.
The stories are perfectly paced and beautifully crafted. An easy-to-read compendium of the professor's findings that is truly engaging. This book is a wonderful bargain for those who want to binge-read all of his cases, even if I read them one at a time. These stories are all broken up into chapters and, given how excellent and well-written they are, might easily be five different novellas. I liked this book because I experienced a wide range of emotions while reading these stories rather than because it was frightening. I enjoy how each of the distinct stories is interconnected and comes to an appropriate conclusion. Every tale contributes something unique to the discussion. They move quickly and are interesting. The characters are imaginative and spooky. I was immediately drawn into each of the stories in this well-written work.
Although first unquestionably skeptical of the supernatural, by the conclusion of the five tales of the devil he has most certainly changed his mind. It's hard not to finish this book in one sitting, and some of you will. In one of Marc Layton's books, historical details are often threaded in to increase the creep factor. It is fiction. Even though I believed I closely followed the plot until the end, the finale nevertheless caught me off, guard.
The stories are perfectly paced and beautifully crafted. An easy-to-read compendium of the professor's findings that is truly engaging. This book is a wonderful bargain for those who want to binge-read all of his cases, even if I read them one at a time. These stories are all broken up into chapters and, given how excellent and well-written they are, might easily be five different novellas. I liked this book because I experienced a wide range of emotions while reading these stories rather than because it was frightening. I enjoy how each of the distinct stories is interconnected and comes to an appropriate conclusion. Every tale contributes something unique to the discussion. They move quickly and are interesting. The characters are imaginative and spooky. I was immediately drawn into each of the stories in this well-written work.
Although first unquestionably skeptical of the supernatural, by the conclusion of the five tales of the devil he has most certainly changed his mind. It's hard not to finish this book in one sitting, and some of you will. In one of Marc Layton's books, historical details are often threaded in to increase the creep factor. It is fiction. Even though I believed I closely followed the plot until the end, the finale nevertheless caught me off, guard.
March 16, 2023
Five Demons is a collection of five stories of the paranormal and supernatural, filled with suspense, thrills, and horror. The stories are about five cases being investigated by the amazing Professor Aldous Crane, who is a paranormal expert and ghost hunter. Each story is different from the other, but all of them offer the same thing: a lot of fun and an amazing time for fans of horror and spooky reads.
The stories are very well written, and they have the perfect length. I didn't feel like they should have been longer; I was satisfied with what I read. All these stories are divided into chapters, and they could very well be five separate novellas because they are so good and well written. The author has a way with words, as when I was reading the book, some of the scenes formed a picture in my mind without any effort and gave me chills.
All the stories are really good and offered more than I expected; they were thrilling and spooky; however, the last story was my favorite. In my opinion, it was the best. Overall, this book was a great read, and I definitely recommend it to you if you want to read something that has both suspense and horror.
The stories are very well written, and they have the perfect length. I didn't feel like they should have been longer; I was satisfied with what I read. All these stories are divided into chapters, and they could very well be five separate novellas because they are so good and well written. The author has a way with words, as when I was reading the book, some of the scenes formed a picture in my mind without any effort and gave me chills.
All the stories are really good and offered more than I expected; they were thrilling and spooky; however, the last story was my favorite. In my opinion, it was the best. Overall, this book was a great read, and I definitely recommend it to you if you want to read something that has both suspense and horror.
March 23, 2023
This book ties together five investigations that Aldous explores. While everything becomes fairly clear as the book progresses, there are parts of the story that do not explicitly state what happens and you are left to infer a bit until you read further into the story. I did not mind it because I thought it added to the mystery and suspense of the book, although I did have to reread parts to fully grasp what happened. The only issue I did have with this book is the jumping of the timeline. It would start explaining in present, then jump to a character experiencing an event that already happened, and then back to the present with no clear indication of the changes. I think if more distinct indications were made with jumping between past events and present in the book, it would have flowed a bit better; however, this was not significant enough to take away from the overall enjoyment of the book.
February 28, 2023
A thoroughly enjoyable, easy read collection of the Professor's investigations. Whilst I read them individually this book represents good value for readers who prefer to binge read all of his cases. My favourite story concerns the doll whom you don't want to dismiss as a previous generation's 'Barbie'. Treasure her or else!
Once you're hooked on this author's works you'll be as impatient as me for him to scribble another one. If you've read any of my reviews before you'll know that I don't give away the plots so as not to spoil readers pleasure.
For the record I got an ARC but, as the author knows if he reads my comments I don't burnish his reputation so the views expressed here are my own.
Once you're hooked on this author's works you'll be as impatient as me for him to scribble another one. If you've read any of my reviews before you'll know that I don't give away the plots so as not to spoil readers pleasure.
For the record I got an ARC but, as the author knows if he reads my comments I don't burnish his reputation so the views expressed here are my own.
March 4, 2023
Wow. Herein lay five absolutely wonderful tales that will thoroughly thrill you. I knew the kind of books that Marc writes having read some others of his but this collection blew me away. What terrific stories. A totally cohesive collection of stories featuring Professor Aldous Crane. Certainly not a believer of the supernatural in the beginning , by the end of the 5 demonic tales he most definitely has had a change of opinion. Really difficult to not read this book in one huge gulp and some of you will absolutely do that. The ending came as quite a shock and completely unexpected. What a delicious read this was. I would heartily recommend it to anyone looking for a chilling read.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and this is my honest opinion of the tale
I received a complimentary copy of this book and this is my honest opinion of the tale
March 16, 2023
Five fine tales that lead you through some of the best that horror has to offer. This is a combination of psychological thriller, mystery, and just flat-out right evil. It is everything I want when I set out to read something of this genre. There are always historical facts woven into one of Marc Layton's novels that lend to the credibility of the creep factor. Fiction that it is. Although I felt I followed the storyline very closely all the way to the end, the ending still threw me for a loop. As I closed the book, I sat there mystified. What did I miss? I look forward to adding this to my rotation of books I will read again. Hopefully, more closely this time. This is a collection for the devout horror fan that shouldn't be missed.
March 1, 2023
I absolutely love Marc Layton's books! He has to have the most amazing mind. I always said that I couldn't imagine how Stephen King's mind works but now I have to change that to Marc Layton. If you have not read any of his books, please pick one up. You won't regret it! I gave Five Demons 4 stars because that is my highest rating, as I believe no one could have 5 as no one is perfect.
I received this book as part of the ARC team for Marc Layton and give this review honestly and freely.
I don't want to give away anything in the book, so if you like psychological, horror stories, please pick one up!
I received this book as part of the ARC team for Marc Layton and give this review honestly and freely.
I don't want to give away anything in the book, so if you like psychological, horror stories, please pick one up!
May 31, 2023
Wow, just frigging wow!!
Absolutely outstanding book! Totally blew me away!
Professor Aldous Crane is an expert in the paranormal and occult, but a non-believer in ghosts/spirits until he's face to face with what he thought unbelievable!
This is 5 stories that get more incredible into the worst nightmare of his life.
Before it's over he's turned into a ghost hunter thrown in with a medium that he's debunked, a friend turned enemy and the chance of loving again.
These stories are truly terrifying and I'm hooked on Mr Layton! I'm telling you that you definitely want to read this book and I'd leave a light on! ;)
Absolutely outstanding book! Totally blew me away!
Professor Aldous Crane is an expert in the paranormal and occult, but a non-believer in ghosts/spirits until he's face to face with what he thought unbelievable!
This is 5 stories that get more incredible into the worst nightmare of his life.
Before it's over he's turned into a ghost hunter thrown in with a medium that he's debunked, a friend turned enemy and the chance of loving again.
These stories are truly terrifying and I'm hooked on Mr Layton! I'm telling you that you definitely want to read this book and I'd leave a light on! ;)
March 19, 2023
5 short stories that get scarier and scarier as each unfolds and entwines with the next. The hero of the hour is Professor Aldous Crane, a famous paranormal expert and ghost hunter, who after a phone call at "stupid o'clock" becomes immersed into a world that he has all his life tried to debunk.
Great characters and brilliantly descriptive creepy scenes that will have you looking over your shoulder and pulling the covers over your head at night!
I was sent complimentary copy of this novel and am voluntarily leaving this review.
Great characters and brilliantly descriptive creepy scenes that will have you looking over your shoulder and pulling the covers over your head at night!
I was sent complimentary copy of this novel and am voluntarily leaving this review.
June 6, 2023
Absolutely outstanding book! Totally blew me away!
Professor Aldous Crane is an expert in the paranormal and occult, but a non-believer in ghosts/spirits until he's face to face with what he thought unbelievable!
This is 5 stories that get more incredible into the worst nightmare of his life.
Before it's over he's turned into a ghost hunter thrown in with a medium that he's debunked, a friend turned enemy and the chance of loving again.
These stories are truly terrifying and I'm hooked on Mr Layton! I'm telling you that you definitely want to read this book and I'd leave a light on! ;)
Professor Aldous Crane is an expert in the paranormal and occult, but a non-believer in ghosts/spirits until he's face to face with what he thought unbelievable!
This is 5 stories that get more incredible into the worst nightmare of his life.
Before it's over he's turned into a ghost hunter thrown in with a medium that he's debunked, a friend turned enemy and the chance of loving again.
These stories are truly terrifying and I'm hooked on Mr Layton! I'm telling you that you definitely want to read this book and I'd leave a light on! ;)
March 13, 2023
Let me be completely honest, I was completely in the dark about what 5 demons was about, I really thought this would be like the whisper investigations, but you know what? This book just smacked me straight in the face, I almost couldn’t stop reading (but I really had to force myself to stop, life got in the way) but going back to the review, Aldous doesn’t believe in the paranormal, so when we first go with him into the first localization I was really intrigued in how he would react, yeah the whole book was a grow in believing he went from sceptic to a believer, it was a combination of stories that brought characters together and gave way to the climax that was the ending, yeah you don’t want to miss this one, for me this book will stay with me, but because of the hopelessness… and more I wont say! Yeah, you want to know what I mean, just read for yourself…
I really enjoyed this book not because it was ultra scary, but because I felt many different emotions while reading this stories, I only got to know Aldous in this book, and believe me when I say, he is an interesting character, I also did like Tammy she reminded me of a Jane before Red John, Sadie story was my favorite…
I highly recommend this book for all fans of horror and ghost stories, and to tell you the truth, this author never disappoints haha
I got a free ARC from this book through BookFunnel and this is my honest opinion.
I really enjoyed this book not because it was ultra scary, but because I felt many different emotions while reading this stories, I only got to know Aldous in this book, and believe me when I say, he is an interesting character, I also did like Tammy she reminded me of a Jane before Red John, Sadie story was my favorite…
I highly recommend this book for all fans of horror and ghost stories, and to tell you the truth, this author never disappoints haha
I got a free ARC from this book through BookFunnel and this is my honest opinion.
March 12, 2023
This is a really good creep you out book. I like how it has seperate stories but they are all connected and basically end where it starts. The characters are easy to get to know and you feel for the main character. The plot flows smooth from story to story and you can see them all interconnect. Will not put in any spoilers. Would definitely recommend to friends who love a good scare. Recieved this book as an ARC and am giving an honest opinion.
March 15, 2023
I loved this series when it came out as individual books. Now that they are grouped into a set, it was much easier to follow along. I was glad to read each book because I needed more cases solved by Aldous. My only critique was that the books were not longer. So it was exciting when the author listened to all of his fans and wrote longer books later. My favorite book out of this series was The Wishing Bones. Can you imagine if someone could really use these bones to do whatever they wanted?
March 17, 2023
This is a great collection of short stories by this author. I have enjoyed this author from the first book I picked up. Each story brings something different to the table. They are fast paced and engaging. The characters are supernatural and creative. This is a well written story where I was pulled into each of the stories from the beginning. You don't want to miss the twists and turns in them. I really enjoyed this collection. I highly recommend this book.
March 14, 2023
This is comprised of 5 creepy novellas featuring Aldous Crane, a man who doesn't believe in the paranormal but studies it.
It is really creepy and each story stands alone, but I highly recommend reading them all in order.
Layton has a special gift for atmospheric creepiness and his characters are never safe. I love his writing; it's perfect for a rainy night read and even better on Halloween.
It is really creepy and each story stands alone, but I highly recommend reading them all in order.
Layton has a special gift for atmospheric creepiness and his characters are never safe. I love his writing; it's perfect for a rainy night read and even better on Halloween.
March 8, 2023
Five Demons: An Occult Detective Novel By : Marc Layton . Professor Aldous Crane is a paranormal expect. He is fearless to ghost story and very suspicious of those acting on the behalf of the dead. Tammy was one of my favorite characters in this story. Love it .
March 16, 2023
This book contains 5 cases that protagonist Professor Aldous Crane a paranormal expert and ghost hunter dares to solve. Well written and engrossing Marc Layton delves into the afterlife and how revenge carried on from the grave. Keep the lights on!
June 27, 2023
It is a good thing I read this during the day. It seriously creeped me out. I love horror and most of the time it feels a bit contrived. Not this book. It was horrifying and terrifying and absolutely spell-binding. I loved it!
February 28, 2023
This was a fantastic and fast paced read
February 28, 2023
Five stars for 5 Demons because it will frighten and excite you. You won't want to put this book down until it's finished. Beware and Be Aware. Highly Recommended.
March 9, 2023
This was an awesome collections of tales that will delight and scare the reader. Marc Layton is the horror writer supreme and knows how to tell a great scary story.
March 13, 2023
I really enjoyed this collection..I can't say enough good things about this book and author..always an excellent cast of characters and gripping stories..highly recommended!
March 15, 2023
As always, Marc can scare the daylights out of you!! These stories are all ones you don’t want to read at night by yourself…..so keep the lamp on. Great read and truly scary!
March 26, 2023
Really enjoyed this story. I jumped into series late and need to go back to the beginning. Just started reading this author and definitely adding him to my list.
March 9, 2023
Demonic Mayhem
Professor Aldous is an expert on the paranormal. However, dealing with demons is a mammoth task fraught with the danger of losing your very soul. Each story is enthralling and scary. The author depicts the terrifying events vividly.
Professor Aldous is an expert on the paranormal. However, dealing with demons is a mammoth task fraught with the danger of losing your very soul. Each story is enthralling and scary. The author depicts the terrifying events vividly.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews