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Six Stories #3
Misterul din pădure
În Ajunul Crăciunului, în 1988, Alfie Marsden, în vârstă de șapte ani, a dispărut în pădure, după ce tatăl său, Sorrel, fusese nevoit să oprească mașina din cauza unei defecțiuni și să caute ajutor. După ce s-a întors, Sorrel nu și-a mai găsit fiul. Nu au fost găsite urme ale copilului și nici rămășițele sale. Alfie Marsden a fost declarat oficial mort în 1995.
Jurnalistul online, Scott King, ale cărui podcast-uri au devenit o senzație pe internet, investighează dispariția, intervievând șase martori, inclusiv pe Sorrel, pentru a încerca să afle ce s-a întâmplat cu adevărat în acea noapte fatidică.
Jurnalistul online, Scott King, ale cărui podcast-uri au devenit o senzație pe internet, investighează dispariția, intervievând șase martori, inclusiv pe Sorrel, pentru a încerca să afle ce s-a întâmplat cu adevărat în acea noapte fatidică.
232 pages, Paperback
First published November 15, 2018
125 people are currently reading
2656 people want to read
About the author
Matt Wesolowski
24 books672 followersMatt Wesolowski is an author from Newcastle-Upon-Tyne in the UK. He is an English tutor for young people in care.
'Six Stories' was published by Orenda Books in the spring of 2016 with follow-up ‘Hydra’ published in the winter of 2017, 'Changeling' in 2018, 'Beast' in 2019 and 'Deity in 2020
‘Six Stories’ has been optioned by a major Hollywood studio; ‘Changeling’ was longlisted for the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year, 2019 Amazon Publishing Readers’ Award for Best Thriller and Best Independent Voice.
'Beast' won the Amazon Publishing Readers' Award for Best Independent Voice in 2020
Matt is represented by Sandra Sawicka at Marjacq
Film/TV Rights - Luke Speed at Curtis Brown
'Six Stories' was published by Orenda Books in the spring of 2016 with follow-up ‘Hydra’ published in the winter of 2017, 'Changeling' in 2018, 'Beast' in 2019 and 'Deity in 2020
‘Six Stories’ has been optioned by a major Hollywood studio; ‘Changeling’ was longlisted for the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year, 2019 Amazon Publishing Readers’ Award for Best Thriller and Best Independent Voice.
'Beast' won the Amazon Publishing Readers' Award for Best Independent Voice in 2020
Matt is represented by Sandra Sawicka at Marjacq
Film/TV Rights - Luke Speed at Curtis Brown
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 457 reviews
October 22, 2019
1988 - Christmas Eve
Sorrel Marsden and his 7 year old son Alfie are driving home when an engine noise forces them to pull over. While Sorrel is checking the engine it appears little Alfie disappears into Wentshire Forest Pass. He has never been seen again and is declared officially deceased in 1995.
Scott King is back with his pod cast to interview 6 different people that knew Sorrel and Alfie personally. With their help he hopes to solve the puzzle of Alfie's disappearance.
Wentshire Forest is a place known for strange occurrences and sightings. Some even believe that the forest is haunted. Did Alfie leave the car on his own will? Was he lured by someone or something? Or was it something a little closer to home to have caused his disappearance? You'll have to read this to find out.
The ending was superb! 5 *Spooky* Stars!
Sorrel Marsden and his 7 year old son Alfie are driving home when an engine noise forces them to pull over. While Sorrel is checking the engine it appears little Alfie disappears into Wentshire Forest Pass. He has never been seen again and is declared officially deceased in 1995.
Scott King is back with his pod cast to interview 6 different people that knew Sorrel and Alfie personally. With their help he hopes to solve the puzzle of Alfie's disappearance.
Wentshire Forest is a place known for strange occurrences and sightings. Some even believe that the forest is haunted. Did Alfie leave the car on his own will? Was he lured by someone or something? Or was it something a little closer to home to have caused his disappearance? You'll have to read this to find out.
The ending was superb! 5 *Spooky* Stars!
January 15, 2022
Christmas Eve in 1988
Alfie Marsden a seven-year-old boy goes missing when his father stops due to car trouble. His father turned his back and the next thing he knows the back door of his car is open, and Alfie is missing! Gone! Sadly, Alfie is never found. He appears to have gone missing in Wentshire Forest. A forest with a dark history if you believe the locals. What happened to Alfie that night and why did he leave the car? After many years of not having answers, Alfie is declared dead in 1995.
Scott King, an online journalist, has an investigative podcast where he tells/looks at a case in six stories. “Stories” is what he refers to the input he receives from six witness and those involved/affected by what he is investigating. In this book, he interviews Alfie's father, Sorrel, his mother, a teacher, and those in their lives.
This series does not disappoint - EVER. The first book in the series, Six Stories blew me away. If you have not read this book, I highly recommend it as I highly recommend all the books I have read in this series. As a different case is examined in each book, the books in this series could be read out of order. Fans of books which utilize podcasts will enjoy this one (and the others).
I listened to the audiobook and enjoyed the various voices. This book is very clever, very well thought out and so very enjoyable. Whether you read or listen to this book, you will not be disappointed.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
Alfie Marsden a seven-year-old boy goes missing when his father stops due to car trouble. His father turned his back and the next thing he knows the back door of his car is open, and Alfie is missing! Gone! Sadly, Alfie is never found. He appears to have gone missing in Wentshire Forest. A forest with a dark history if you believe the locals. What happened to Alfie that night and why did he leave the car? After many years of not having answers, Alfie is declared dead in 1995.
Scott King, an online journalist, has an investigative podcast where he tells/looks at a case in six stories. “Stories” is what he refers to the input he receives from six witness and those involved/affected by what he is investigating. In this book, he interviews Alfie's father, Sorrel, his mother, a teacher, and those in their lives.
This series does not disappoint - EVER. The first book in the series, Six Stories blew me away. If you have not read this book, I highly recommend it as I highly recommend all the books I have read in this series. As a different case is examined in each book, the books in this series could be read out of order. Fans of books which utilize podcasts will enjoy this one (and the others).
I listened to the audiobook and enjoyed the various voices. This book is very clever, very well thought out and so very enjoyable. Whether you read or listen to this book, you will not be disappointed.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
December 10, 2023
Reread December 2019, December 2023. Original review (November 2018): Matt Wesolowski's Six Stories books have become something of a winter tradition for me. Ever since I read
Six Stories
on Christmas Eve two years ago, I have been hungry for more – I love the format, the tone, the storytelling – and Wesolowski has delivered with a new book in the series two years running. I really enjoyed
Hydra
in 2017, and now there's Changeling. It's just as addictive as the others and incredibly creepy at times, yet it also tells a very important, sensitively researched story about people and relationships.
Like the others, this is a mystery – presented in the form of episodes of a true-crime podcast – which weaves in elements of horror. This time the plot concerns the disappearance of a seven-year-old boy, Alfie Marsden, 30 years ago. The case is long cold; with no leads, Alfie was officially declared to be presumed dead seven years after he went missing. His father, Sorrel, has never given up hope of finding Alfie and makes an annual pilgrimage to the place the boy was last seen. His mother Sonia, however, was an alcoholic who had little involvement in the search for her son and has since withdrawn from the public eye.
Alfie went missing when Sorrel briefly stopped his car in the Wentshire Forest – a place that's been the locus of folklore and ghost stories for generations. There's a local legend about a witch luring passers-by into the forest; tales of 'fair folk' who take children. A plan to build a holiday park in the area was abandoned after a spate of inexplicable events around the same time as Alfie's disappearance. In the present day, the whole area is fenced off by the MOD, fuelling the conspiracy theories still further. Scott King, the podcaster behind Six Stories, keeps an open mind, considering the strange rumours as a possible factor in the Alfie case.
I read a lot of ghost stories and I watch a lot of horror films. I used to scare easily, but over time I have become inured to many common horror tropes. I still enjoy them; I just don't actually feel spooked. Changeling, though – it got to me. Got to me in that-hairs-standing-up-on-the-back-of-the-neck way; made me feel nervous in the dark, made me start at unknown sounds. There are some memorable scenes, with a miserable camping trip to the forest particularly standing out, and I defy anyone not to experience a creeping dread at some of the detail in the recordings made by Delyth, Alfie's one-time teacher.
If the tangled mystery and the creepy atmosphere were all Changeling had to offer, it'd be a great read. But there's more: an extra layer of character development that really elevates the book. This is not really a story about a crime, and who did it, and how they covered it up; it's about what led to something that looks like a crime, the insidious ways in which someone can push another person to breaking point. What makes it work so well is that Wesolowski plays tricks on the reader, mirroring the manipulative behaviour of the villain. Will you – like so many characters in the book – fall into the trap of believing their lies, so effortlessly told, so carefully calculated? When the full story was revealed, I looked back at what I'd read earlier and felt ashamed for accepting certain claims at face value, for not properly understanding who the victims were.
I guessed the ending fairly early, but I still thought it was an ingenious twist. Not just for this book but for the series as a whole: it feels as though everything that's happened in Six Stories has been leading to this. (It also makes you realise how clever the title is!)
I'd love to read more 'episodes' of Six Stories, but if the series is to remain a trilogy, Changeling makes a fantastic conclusion.
Like the others, this is a mystery – presented in the form of episodes of a true-crime podcast – which weaves in elements of horror. This time the plot concerns the disappearance of a seven-year-old boy, Alfie Marsden, 30 years ago. The case is long cold; with no leads, Alfie was officially declared to be presumed dead seven years after he went missing. His father, Sorrel, has never given up hope of finding Alfie and makes an annual pilgrimage to the place the boy was last seen. His mother Sonia, however, was an alcoholic who had little involvement in the search for her son and has since withdrawn from the public eye.
Alfie went missing when Sorrel briefly stopped his car in the Wentshire Forest – a place that's been the locus of folklore and ghost stories for generations. There's a local legend about a witch luring passers-by into the forest; tales of 'fair folk' who take children. A plan to build a holiday park in the area was abandoned after a spate of inexplicable events around the same time as Alfie's disappearance. In the present day, the whole area is fenced off by the MOD, fuelling the conspiracy theories still further. Scott King, the podcaster behind Six Stories, keeps an open mind, considering the strange rumours as a possible factor in the Alfie case.
I read a lot of ghost stories and I watch a lot of horror films. I used to scare easily, but over time I have become inured to many common horror tropes. I still enjoy them; I just don't actually feel spooked. Changeling, though – it got to me. Got to me in that-hairs-standing-up-on-the-back-of-the-neck way; made me feel nervous in the dark, made me start at unknown sounds. There are some memorable scenes, with a miserable camping trip to the forest particularly standing out, and I defy anyone not to experience a creeping dread at some of the detail in the recordings made by Delyth, Alfie's one-time teacher.
If the tangled mystery and the creepy atmosphere were all Changeling had to offer, it'd be a great read. But there's more: an extra layer of character development that really elevates the book. This is not really a story about a crime, and who did it, and how they covered it up; it's about what led to something that looks like a crime, the insidious ways in which someone can push another person to breaking point. What makes it work so well is that Wesolowski plays tricks on the reader, mirroring the manipulative behaviour of the villain. Will you – like so many characters in the book – fall into the trap of believing their lies, so effortlessly told, so carefully calculated? When the full story was revealed, I looked back at what I'd read earlier and felt ashamed for accepting certain claims at face value, for not properly understanding who the victims were.
I guessed the ending fairly early, but I still thought it was an ingenious twist. Not just for this book but for the series as a whole: it feels as though everything that's happened in Six Stories has been leading to this. (It also makes you realise how clever the title is!)
I'd love to read more 'episodes' of Six Stories, but if the series is to remain a trilogy, Changeling makes a fantastic conclusion.
November 3, 2018
Insanity!! And that's just me....
Brilliant. Scary as all hell. Horrific. Wonderful. Did I say brilliant?
Don't read this when it's dark. No. Seriously. Trust me.
Review will be forthcoming later on the official tour.
Brilliant. Scary as all hell. Horrific. Wonderful. Did I say brilliant?
Don't read this when it's dark. No. Seriously. Trust me.
Review will be forthcoming later on the official tour.
May 28, 2025
Alfie Marsden disappeared without a trace from his father’s vehicle near the Wentshire Forest in 1988. These episodes explore interviews from those who knew Alfie as well as those who were quite familiar with the folklore of the forest.
Since the books are formatted kinda like a podcast, I figure the best way to review is similar to what I did with the last book in the series and rate/review each episode hopefully without giving too much away.
Episode 1-2: These episodes gave us a little backstory in regards to the folklore associated with the forest along with those who knew Alfie‘s dad, Sorrel. Basically the groundwork of what was to come. I mostly enjoyed this group of episodes, but felt some of it became a little redundant and boring. It just seemed to scratch the surface and I wanted more of the backstory.
Episode 3: This was by far my favorite episode. This dives into those familiar with the Marsden family, specifically Alfie.
Episode 4: We circle back to the Wentshire Forest, I feel like this would’ve nicely fit into the first group of episodes. As much as I like folklore, I again found my mind wandering. Maybe I just don’t like forests.🤷🏻♀️🌲
Episode 5-6: As I was going through the episodes I was waiting to hear from those closest to Alfie himself, his mother and father, and finally we get that opportunity. These interviews did not disappoint!
Overall, it had a very satisfying conclusion and meshed well with the title of the book.
What I really enjoy about this collection of books, is that each one can be read as a standalone, but if you read them in order, you also get to understand more of the podcaster, Scott King. Also, Wesolowski has a way of leaving the supernatural/folklore into “normal” cases….Off to book number four.
Since the books are formatted kinda like a podcast, I figure the best way to review is similar to what I did with the last book in the series and rate/review each episode hopefully without giving too much away.
Episode 1-2: These episodes gave us a little backstory in regards to the folklore associated with the forest along with those who knew Alfie‘s dad, Sorrel. Basically the groundwork of what was to come. I mostly enjoyed this group of episodes, but felt some of it became a little redundant and boring. It just seemed to scratch the surface and I wanted more of the backstory.
Episode 3: This was by far my favorite episode. This dives into those familiar with the Marsden family, specifically Alfie.
Episode 4: We circle back to the Wentshire Forest, I feel like this would’ve nicely fit into the first group of episodes. As much as I like folklore, I again found my mind wandering. Maybe I just don’t like forests.🤷🏻♀️🌲
Episode 5-6: As I was going through the episodes I was waiting to hear from those closest to Alfie himself, his mother and father, and finally we get that opportunity. These interviews did not disappoint!
Overall, it had a very satisfying conclusion and meshed well with the title of the book.
What I really enjoy about this collection of books, is that each one can be read as a standalone, but if you read them in order, you also get to understand more of the podcaster, Scott King. Also, Wesolowski has a way of leaving the supernatural/folklore into “normal” cases….Off to book number four.
January 15, 2019
Bloody hell! Like, seriously! WHAT?! I said it last time and I’ll say it again, Matt Wesolowski’s books are just impossible to review! My vocabulary doesn’t stretch far enough to find the words to describe the sheer level of awesomeness this author comes up with time and time again.
If you’re not familiar with the Six Stories series (OMG WHAT THE HECK IS WRONG WITH YOU?!), it’s centred around a true crime podcast in which Scott King investigates cold cases. This time around, the focus is on seven year old Alfie Marsden who disappeared thirty years ago and was never found. Alfie was officially declared dead in 1995 but questions remain. Now, via six stories from six different sources, will the answers surrounding Alfie’s disappearance finally be found and will we learn what happened to this little boy all those years ago?
This is one of those stories that worms its way under your skin, one that will just not let you go. Dark, disturbing and chilling, Changeling had my heartbeat racing throughout and I was gripping the pages so tightly that my knuckles turned white! This tremendously addictive page-turner is insanely thought-provoking and also absolutely terrifying, though possibly not in the way you might expect. Monsters are real. Also, I’m never stepping foot into a forest ever again!
With a fantastic plot that kept me on tenterhooks and even managed to leave me with a lump in my throat, Changeling is without a doubt fiction from the top shelf and worthy of all the stars and praise I can possibly shower it with. Matt Wesolowski deftly guides the reader through a realistic and, sadly, believable scenario and if that wasn’t marvellous enough, ends up sucker punching you in the final pages, leaving your head utterly spinning. You, sir, are a genius!
Changeling was one of my most anticipated releases this year. Thank goodness it was published this month or I may have just spontaneously combusted. Matt Wesolowski has most definitely done it again and Changeling is the best one in the series yet. Considering the brilliance of its two predecessors, that’s really saying something. I would undoubtedly like some more, please! In the meantime, you can be sure you’ll be seeing this book again when I compile my list of top books of the year in December.
If you’re not familiar with the Six Stories series (OMG WHAT THE HECK IS WRONG WITH YOU?!), it’s centred around a true crime podcast in which Scott King investigates cold cases. This time around, the focus is on seven year old Alfie Marsden who disappeared thirty years ago and was never found. Alfie was officially declared dead in 1995 but questions remain. Now, via six stories from six different sources, will the answers surrounding Alfie’s disappearance finally be found and will we learn what happened to this little boy all those years ago?
This is one of those stories that worms its way under your skin, one that will just not let you go. Dark, disturbing and chilling, Changeling had my heartbeat racing throughout and I was gripping the pages so tightly that my knuckles turned white! This tremendously addictive page-turner is insanely thought-provoking and also absolutely terrifying, though possibly not in the way you might expect. Monsters are real. Also, I’m never stepping foot into a forest ever again!
With a fantastic plot that kept me on tenterhooks and even managed to leave me with a lump in my throat, Changeling is without a doubt fiction from the top shelf and worthy of all the stars and praise I can possibly shower it with. Matt Wesolowski deftly guides the reader through a realistic and, sadly, believable scenario and if that wasn’t marvellous enough, ends up sucker punching you in the final pages, leaving your head utterly spinning. You, sir, are a genius!
Changeling was one of my most anticipated releases this year. Thank goodness it was published this month or I may have just spontaneously combusted. Matt Wesolowski has most definitely done it again and Changeling is the best one in the series yet. Considering the brilliance of its two predecessors, that’s really saying something. I would undoubtedly like some more, please! In the meantime, you can be sure you’ll be seeing this book again when I compile my list of top books of the year in December.
November 2, 2018
“We’re beneath different trees this series, but our feet are sounding against the same darkness and once again we’re facing our fears head-on.”
If ever a quote summed up the experience of reading Matt Wesolowski’s books, this chiller from Changeling is perfect.
I had been dying to read Changeling ever since I saw the beautiful cover on Twitter a few months back, and let’s face it, being a superfan means I have literally NO PATIENCE when it comes to waiting for these things. So huge thanks to both Karen and Matt for letting me read an early copy.
Reader, it does not disappoint.
In Changeling, Scott King is back investigating again. This time it is the disappearance of Alfie Marsden from his father’s car in the Wentshire Forest Pass on Christmas Eve 1988. Alfie disappeared without a trace and was officially declared dead seven years and three months after he disappeared. Scott sets out with his usual investigative zeal in search of answers.
I read Changeling over the course of today, making notes as I went, which I never do. And even with these notes, I still feel like I can’t do this book the justice it deserves.
Changeling is by far, my most favourite of the Six Stories books, and I love them all, I mean I REALLY love them. So just know I am not saying that lightly. Changeling got under my skin in a way the others didn’t.
The tension and sense of menace is there from the outset. It builds steadily, rolling like waves in a storm, until it crashes around your consciousness and leaves you almost breathless. Hidden and implied horror help to make Changeling a thoroughly bracing read, leaving the reader more than a little unsettled in its wake.
Much like the Changeling in old folklore, this book itself goes through a metamorphosis. But the author does this slowly, almost imperceptibly, and it creeps up on you gradually that what you are reading is a little different to what you started reading.
I PROMISE I will do a more in-depth review, but for now, know this;
Changeling is an intense, dark and utterly absorbing book. The pages crackle with tension, the characters have real depth and the writing is truly stunning.
Matt Wesolowski has to be one of the most imaginiative and talented young writers out there at the moment. His ability to make his writing current in terms of style, while still managing to write the perfect kind of crime/horror/psychological thriller mash-up, astounds me more with every book of his I read.
Highly, highly recommended.
Always.
If ever a quote summed up the experience of reading Matt Wesolowski’s books, this chiller from Changeling is perfect.
I had been dying to read Changeling ever since I saw the beautiful cover on Twitter a few months back, and let’s face it, being a superfan means I have literally NO PATIENCE when it comes to waiting for these things. So huge thanks to both Karen and Matt for letting me read an early copy.
Reader, it does not disappoint.
In Changeling, Scott King is back investigating again. This time it is the disappearance of Alfie Marsden from his father’s car in the Wentshire Forest Pass on Christmas Eve 1988. Alfie disappeared without a trace and was officially declared dead seven years and three months after he disappeared. Scott sets out with his usual investigative zeal in search of answers.
I read Changeling over the course of today, making notes as I went, which I never do. And even with these notes, I still feel like I can’t do this book the justice it deserves.
Changeling is by far, my most favourite of the Six Stories books, and I love them all, I mean I REALLY love them. So just know I am not saying that lightly. Changeling got under my skin in a way the others didn’t.
The tension and sense of menace is there from the outset. It builds steadily, rolling like waves in a storm, until it crashes around your consciousness and leaves you almost breathless. Hidden and implied horror help to make Changeling a thoroughly bracing read, leaving the reader more than a little unsettled in its wake.
Much like the Changeling in old folklore, this book itself goes through a metamorphosis. But the author does this slowly, almost imperceptibly, and it creeps up on you gradually that what you are reading is a little different to what you started reading.
I PROMISE I will do a more in-depth review, but for now, know this;
Changeling is an intense, dark and utterly absorbing book. The pages crackle with tension, the characters have real depth and the writing is truly stunning.
Matt Wesolowski has to be one of the most imaginiative and talented young writers out there at the moment. His ability to make his writing current in terms of style, while still managing to write the perfect kind of crime/horror/psychological thriller mash-up, astounds me more with every book of his I read.
Highly, highly recommended.
Always.
January 23, 2019
Just in case you’ve missed me completely raving about this series in the past, here are my thoughts on Six Stories and Hydra. Changeling is the third book and while they can all be read as standalones, you really and truly do not want to miss any of them. They’re all so amazing and innovative, completely unlike anything else I’ve read before and they all come highly recommended by me. AND, they get better with each book, they honestly do and this one? I was utterly blown away in the end.
Scott King is back with a whole new podcast and this one focuses on a famous cold case, I just love those types of premises, how does a seven year old boy just completely vanish into thin air? All is slowly and methodically revealed throughout the six episodes of the podcast and god do I love the format of these books SO much! Each episode features an interview with one person who is somehow related to the case and you just never know exactly what will come to light by the end of the episode. Things get tenser and tenser the further along you get and the creep factor was super high in this one.
Wesolowski creates the most eerie and terrifying atmospheres in his novels and this was no exception. There is a hint of the supernatural surrounding the case, the forest where little Alfie disappeared is somewhat of an urban legend and the stories about the things that are rumored to have happened there are the kind that make your hair stand on end. Then, you have this intricately crafted plot that gets under your skin and the resolution?! Jaw dropping, holy shit, what did I just read moment, the kind you have to read again just to make sure you have it right. This was masterful my friends, do yourself a favor and read this ASAP!
Changeling in three words: Menacing, Frightening and Original.
Scott King is back with a whole new podcast and this one focuses on a famous cold case, I just love those types of premises, how does a seven year old boy just completely vanish into thin air? All is slowly and methodically revealed throughout the six episodes of the podcast and god do I love the format of these books SO much! Each episode features an interview with one person who is somehow related to the case and you just never know exactly what will come to light by the end of the episode. Things get tenser and tenser the further along you get and the creep factor was super high in this one.
Wesolowski creates the most eerie and terrifying atmospheres in his novels and this was no exception. There is a hint of the supernatural surrounding the case, the forest where little Alfie disappeared is somewhat of an urban legend and the stories about the things that are rumored to have happened there are the kind that make your hair stand on end. Then, you have this intricately crafted plot that gets under your skin and the resolution?! Jaw dropping, holy shit, what did I just read moment, the kind you have to read again just to make sure you have it right. This was masterful my friends, do yourself a favor and read this ASAP!
Changeling in three words: Menacing, Frightening and Original.
November 13, 2018
This review can also be found on my blog The Tattooed Book Geek: https://thetattooedbookgeek.wordpress...
Sometimes with a book you just know within the first few pages that you are in for an exceptional read and Changeling is one such book. In short, I fucking loved this book and I fucking love this series! The Six Stories series deserves to be read, Changeling deserves to be a hit and Wesolowski deserves to be a huge name.
The first Six Stories was a fantastic debut and a deliciously dark tale. The second, Hydra was even better, far darker, it ramped up the sinister scale and was an all-around more complete book. Now, with the third, Changeling, simply put, it is phenomenal and with it, Wesolowski has created one hell of a fiendish book.
I will mention that even though Changeling is the third Six Stories book it can easily be read as a standalone. Each Six Stories book acts as a separate entity, a complete Six Stories podcast series and an individual story. Admittedly, a couple of things that have happened to Scott King due to the Six Stories podcast are alluded to and mentioned but it is only in minor passing. Yes, if you’ve read the previous two books then you will get the references but without that knowledge, it won’t hinder your enjoyment of Changeling at all and enjoy Changeling you most assuredly will.
Six Stories is the renowned podcast series hosted by Scott King. The premise is simple, six episodes, six people, six stories that are all tied to and that all relate to a cold case that King has chosen to investigate.
The case that King is looking at in Changeling is that of Alfie Marsden. Thirty years ago Seven-year-old Alfie tragically vanished from his Dad’s car on December 24th, 1988, Christmas Eve and was officially declared ‘presumed dead‘ in 1995. It was late at night and Alfie was asleep in the car when his Dad pulled over at the Wentshire Forest Pass opposite Great Escapes, a building development site. His Dad stopped driving due to hearing a knocking coming from the engine of the car. Subsequently, his Dad got out to investigate, looking under the bonnet for the source of the noise. Only a matter of minutes passed but on his return, Alfie wasn’t there, he was just gone, the car door was now open, his seat empty and of little Alfie, there was no trace, it was as if without a sound he had vanished into thin air.
Alfie’s disappearance is an ideal case for the Six Stories podcast but King has previously been reluctant to investigate it and is still reticent about it now. It is the case of a missing child, a soul lost to time, a life that has been taken before it had the chance to start and perhaps, it is respectful not to disturb that child, to allow him to rest in peace, to leave his memory alone and to let him sleep. But, a letter promising to reveal new and never before seen insights into the case piques King’s interest. And so, despite his reticence King decides to dip his toes into the murky waters of the disappearance of Alfie Marsden.
Over the course of the Six Stories series, we get six different angles, perspectives and stories from Sir Harrison Baxter, one-half of the developers of Baxter and Blackwood’s Great Escapes, the company who, at the time of Alfie’s disappearance were trying to build their latest development in Wentshire Forest. Callum Wright, a labourer on the Great Escapes site at the time of Alfie’s disappearance. Anne, a psychic who upon his disappearance claimed to know what had happened to Alfie. Wendy Morris, a former friend and a former work colleague of Sorrel Marsden. And, finally, the stories of Sonia Lewis and Sorrel Marsden, Alfie’s parents.
To go along with those six individual stories King’s research into the case includes snippets from various other sources. Giving additional insights, more information and also peeling back the layers of those involved in the case whilst adding extra detail to the story.
Changeling isn’t just a look at the night that Alfie Marsden disappeared. No, it is so much more. It is a look at the location of Alfie’s disappearance, Wentshire Forest, a place that is known for its folklore and links to the hidden people/fairies the supernatural. It is a look at the life of Alfie, the lives of Alfie’s parents, their relationship, their pasts and their personalities. It is a look at everything that came before, everything that built towards and everything that transpired culminating in what took place on that fateful night.
You know that there are secrets, lies and shocking revelations (yes, holy shit moments are included) to be revealed during the course of the series of interviews. The pleasure is in joining King. Diving in right alongside him and watching it all unfold through each individual account and recollection. Delving deeper into the mystery, searching for the truth and putting together the pieces of the puzzle as the full picture begins to take shape.
Sometimes it’s not what is written but what isn’t written. What is implied and what the author leaves open for you to draw your own opinions from that will needle and nettle away at you. Creeping into your mind, reading between the lines and making you think on the unwritten words and what they could mean. You will find yourself comparing, questioning and thoughts will be rolling around in your mind as you compare the stories of those involved.
Changeling has a compelling narrative that eddies and flows like a river and you will find yourself carried along on the current by Wesolowski’s hypnotic writing. There’s a palpable sense of tension keeping you company that is tied together by a captivating yet tragic mystery and a haunting truth.
It’s the power of the writer to fully transport you into their work and with Changeling you find yourself forgetting that you are reading a book and a story involving fictional characters. Wesolowski’s creation feels real. The tragic disappearance of Alfie Marsden that haunts the pages doesn’t come across as a story but a real tragedy that could have happened. His characters for all intents and purposes are real and you genuinely feel like you are reading real-life accounts from real people.
There’s a disquiet, an unease that runs throughout Changeling suffusing the story that Wesolowksi is telling and imbuing it with an unsettling sense of darkness.
Changeling is a chilling read, a sinister story and the best Six Stories yet.
Sometimes with a book you just know within the first few pages that you are in for an exceptional read and Changeling is one such book. In short, I fucking loved this book and I fucking love this series! The Six Stories series deserves to be read, Changeling deserves to be a hit and Wesolowski deserves to be a huge name.
The first Six Stories was a fantastic debut and a deliciously dark tale. The second, Hydra was even better, far darker, it ramped up the sinister scale and was an all-around more complete book. Now, with the third, Changeling, simply put, it is phenomenal and with it, Wesolowski has created one hell of a fiendish book.
I will mention that even though Changeling is the third Six Stories book it can easily be read as a standalone. Each Six Stories book acts as a separate entity, a complete Six Stories podcast series and an individual story. Admittedly, a couple of things that have happened to Scott King due to the Six Stories podcast are alluded to and mentioned but it is only in minor passing. Yes, if you’ve read the previous two books then you will get the references but without that knowledge, it won’t hinder your enjoyment of Changeling at all and enjoy Changeling you most assuredly will.
Six Stories is the renowned podcast series hosted by Scott King. The premise is simple, six episodes, six people, six stories that are all tied to and that all relate to a cold case that King has chosen to investigate.
The case that King is looking at in Changeling is that of Alfie Marsden. Thirty years ago Seven-year-old Alfie tragically vanished from his Dad’s car on December 24th, 1988, Christmas Eve and was officially declared ‘presumed dead‘ in 1995. It was late at night and Alfie was asleep in the car when his Dad pulled over at the Wentshire Forest Pass opposite Great Escapes, a building development site. His Dad stopped driving due to hearing a knocking coming from the engine of the car. Subsequently, his Dad got out to investigate, looking under the bonnet for the source of the noise. Only a matter of minutes passed but on his return, Alfie wasn’t there, he was just gone, the car door was now open, his seat empty and of little Alfie, there was no trace, it was as if without a sound he had vanished into thin air.
Alfie’s disappearance is an ideal case for the Six Stories podcast but King has previously been reluctant to investigate it and is still reticent about it now. It is the case of a missing child, a soul lost to time, a life that has been taken before it had the chance to start and perhaps, it is respectful not to disturb that child, to allow him to rest in peace, to leave his memory alone and to let him sleep. But, a letter promising to reveal new and never before seen insights into the case piques King’s interest. And so, despite his reticence King decides to dip his toes into the murky waters of the disappearance of Alfie Marsden.
Over the course of the Six Stories series, we get six different angles, perspectives and stories from Sir Harrison Baxter, one-half of the developers of Baxter and Blackwood’s Great Escapes, the company who, at the time of Alfie’s disappearance were trying to build their latest development in Wentshire Forest. Callum Wright, a labourer on the Great Escapes site at the time of Alfie’s disappearance. Anne, a psychic who upon his disappearance claimed to know what had happened to Alfie. Wendy Morris, a former friend and a former work colleague of Sorrel Marsden. And, finally, the stories of Sonia Lewis and Sorrel Marsden, Alfie’s parents.
To go along with those six individual stories King’s research into the case includes snippets from various other sources. Giving additional insights, more information and also peeling back the layers of those involved in the case whilst adding extra detail to the story.
Changeling isn’t just a look at the night that Alfie Marsden disappeared. No, it is so much more. It is a look at the location of Alfie’s disappearance, Wentshire Forest, a place that is known for its folklore and links to the hidden people/fairies the supernatural. It is a look at the life of Alfie, the lives of Alfie’s parents, their relationship, their pasts and their personalities. It is a look at everything that came before, everything that built towards and everything that transpired culminating in what took place on that fateful night.
You know that there are secrets, lies and shocking revelations (yes, holy shit moments are included) to be revealed during the course of the series of interviews. The pleasure is in joining King. Diving in right alongside him and watching it all unfold through each individual account and recollection. Delving deeper into the mystery, searching for the truth and putting together the pieces of the puzzle as the full picture begins to take shape.
Sometimes it’s not what is written but what isn’t written. What is implied and what the author leaves open for you to draw your own opinions from that will needle and nettle away at you. Creeping into your mind, reading between the lines and making you think on the unwritten words and what they could mean. You will find yourself comparing, questioning and thoughts will be rolling around in your mind as you compare the stories of those involved.
Changeling has a compelling narrative that eddies and flows like a river and you will find yourself carried along on the current by Wesolowski’s hypnotic writing. There’s a palpable sense of tension keeping you company that is tied together by a captivating yet tragic mystery and a haunting truth.
It’s the power of the writer to fully transport you into their work and with Changeling you find yourself forgetting that you are reading a book and a story involving fictional characters. Wesolowski’s creation feels real. The tragic disappearance of Alfie Marsden that haunts the pages doesn’t come across as a story but a real tragedy that could have happened. His characters for all intents and purposes are real and you genuinely feel like you are reading real-life accounts from real people.
There’s a disquiet, an unease that runs throughout Changeling suffusing the story that Wesolowksi is telling and imbuing it with an unsettling sense of darkness.
Changeling is a chilling read, a sinister story and the best Six Stories yet.
January 21, 2019
If you’re looking for a series with an ingenious plot, a book that’s tense, deliciously dark, a classic mystery with a horror feel then look no further than Changeling by Matt Wesolowski it has all these elements and so much more. This is the third book in the six stories series, although it can easily be read as a stand-alone I would urge you to read the whole series, I loved Six Stories , scared myself silly reading Hydra, which I also happened to love, and Changeling? Definitely the best book in the series YET, I loved it. There aren’t many books that make my heart beat nine to the dozen, but boy this one did! It’s so damn creepy, but surprisingly this novel also made for an intense, thought provoking read.
Changeling is narrated in the form of episodes of a true-crime podcast, created by elusive online journalist, Scott King. Consisting of six episodes, each features the perspective of someone connected to the disappearance of little Alfie Marsden back in 1988. Wesolowski has a unique style of writing, each characters voice makes the story come to life, it feels like you are alongside Scott King as he records his pod cast, trying to decipher the clues hidden within the characters stories to find the answers to Alfie’s disappearance. As each pod cast ends the tension is palatable and although I wanted to race through Changeling, I also wanted to savour each pod cast, and soak up the disturbing atmosphere that radiated from the pages of this brilliantly told story.
The setting of Alfie’s disappearance Wentshire Forest is as much a character as those who appear in the book. The author captures a setting that is shrouded in folklore with tales of mythical beings, legendary beasts, and the supernatural. The forest is one where those who dare enter see and hear strange things. Wesolowski descriptions are so vivid I swear I could smell the damp, cloying earth, hear the trees whispering, sense the malevolence hiding within the forest. Changeling’s first half is very much horror based, but then the author takes the reader down a dark path, one which is horrifying in its telling. The author provides a stark reminder that sometimes it’s the monsters who live alongside us that we should fear the most, and not the monsters depicted in folklore, or maybe we should fear them both. It’s this part that make the book a horrifying and an emotional read, one that causes the reader to feel and experience emotions you would not expect in a mystery/crime novel.
Matt Wesolowski has the unique ability to write a book that mixes genres but at the same time he creates a story that is credible yet memorising in its telling. With a powerful plot, which is intense to say the least, this book made for one of the most thought provoking reads I’ve read in a long time. Changeling, in fact the whole series of Six Stories has to be one of the most exciting and innovative reads EVER written, and that’s not something I normally write in ANY review. I’ve loved every book in the series, but Changeling is definitely my favourite, I constantly found my thoughts returning to this book long after I finished it. Matt Wesolowski raises the bar with each book he writes, each one has been very different and I adore the horror element he weaves into his books (even though they have given me nightmares). Changeling made for an exceptional read that took my breath away, I will definitely be recommending this book/series to anyone and everyone.
All my reviews can be found at http://thebookreviewcafe.com
Changeling is narrated in the form of episodes of a true-crime podcast, created by elusive online journalist, Scott King. Consisting of six episodes, each features the perspective of someone connected to the disappearance of little Alfie Marsden back in 1988. Wesolowski has a unique style of writing, each characters voice makes the story come to life, it feels like you are alongside Scott King as he records his pod cast, trying to decipher the clues hidden within the characters stories to find the answers to Alfie’s disappearance. As each pod cast ends the tension is palatable and although I wanted to race through Changeling, I also wanted to savour each pod cast, and soak up the disturbing atmosphere that radiated from the pages of this brilliantly told story.
The setting of Alfie’s disappearance Wentshire Forest is as much a character as those who appear in the book. The author captures a setting that is shrouded in folklore with tales of mythical beings, legendary beasts, and the supernatural. The forest is one where those who dare enter see and hear strange things. Wesolowski descriptions are so vivid I swear I could smell the damp, cloying earth, hear the trees whispering, sense the malevolence hiding within the forest. Changeling’s first half is very much horror based, but then the author takes the reader down a dark path, one which is horrifying in its telling. The author provides a stark reminder that sometimes it’s the monsters who live alongside us that we should fear the most, and not the monsters depicted in folklore, or maybe we should fear them both. It’s this part that make the book a horrifying and an emotional read, one that causes the reader to feel and experience emotions you would not expect in a mystery/crime novel.
Matt Wesolowski has the unique ability to write a book that mixes genres but at the same time he creates a story that is credible yet memorising in its telling. With a powerful plot, which is intense to say the least, this book made for one of the most thought provoking reads I’ve read in a long time. Changeling, in fact the whole series of Six Stories has to be one of the most exciting and innovative reads EVER written, and that’s not something I normally write in ANY review. I’ve loved every book in the series, but Changeling is definitely my favourite, I constantly found my thoughts returning to this book long after I finished it. Matt Wesolowski raises the bar with each book he writes, each one has been very different and I adore the horror element he weaves into his books (even though they have given me nightmares). Changeling made for an exceptional read that took my breath away, I will definitely be recommending this book/series to anyone and everyone.
All my reviews can be found at http://thebookreviewcafe.com
March 14, 2021
Some stories beg to be told.
It's been thirty years since seven year old Alfie Marsden disappeared near Wentshire Forest, never to be seen again.
A forest full of ghosts, haunted by the Faeries and Witches.
Did the forest swallow little Alfie? Did someone take him on that fateful night? Did he run away? Why?
In Six stories produced by Scott King, we will have a chance to look back at the case through six different perspectives.
October 30, 2019
I read Matt Wesolowski’s eponymous first book in the Six Stories series earlier this year and was THOROUGHLY impressed: a fantastic dose of thrilling chills as well as an in depth look at the complex dynamics of a group of teens. This time, in Changeling (which is actually the third book in the series, don’t make the same mistake I did - pick up Hydra first, which I’ll be reading and reviewing soon!) we get the similar format of podcast-style narrative, creeping horror and social issues - if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, eh?
.
I started reading this one in bed on my own at 9.30pm at night - big mistake, HUGE. The hinted-at supernatural horror stuff occurs at the beginning of the book, so there I was tucked up in bed, convinced I could hear tapping on the walls and see ‘bad piggy’ out the corner of my eye. But then honestly, the true horror of the story kicks in later, when Wesolowski goes down a darker path - domestic abuse. I appreciated that in his author’s note, Wesolowski mentions the research he did as well as provides phone numbers and websites for support for those suffering various forms of domestic abuse.
.
I wouldn’t say it’s just used as a plot device either. The book serves as a comment on the way men dismiss their ex-girlfriend’s as ‘psycho’ to hide their own controlling and manipulative tendencies - and how disposed society is to believe their word over the woman’s. Wesolowski’s day job is working with children with additional needs, and his sensitivity to the topic shows with the character of Miss Rice.
.
Usually when a book has a mystery element I like to just enjoy the ride rather than trying to guess what happened, but Changeling really got the cogs in my brain turning and I actually ended up figuring out what happened - but this didn’t hamper my enjoyment of the last few pages at all, and I found it a very satisfying conclusion!
.
I started reading this one in bed on my own at 9.30pm at night - big mistake, HUGE. The hinted-at supernatural horror stuff occurs at the beginning of the book, so there I was tucked up in bed, convinced I could hear tapping on the walls and see ‘bad piggy’ out the corner of my eye. But then honestly, the true horror of the story kicks in later, when Wesolowski goes down a darker path - domestic abuse. I appreciated that in his author’s note, Wesolowski mentions the research he did as well as provides phone numbers and websites for support for those suffering various forms of domestic abuse.
.
I wouldn’t say it’s just used as a plot device either. The book serves as a comment on the way men dismiss their ex-girlfriend’s as ‘psycho’ to hide their own controlling and manipulative tendencies - and how disposed society is to believe their word over the woman’s. Wesolowski’s day job is working with children with additional needs, and his sensitivity to the topic shows with the character of Miss Rice.
.
Usually when a book has a mystery element I like to just enjoy the ride rather than trying to guess what happened, but Changeling really got the cogs in my brain turning and I actually ended up figuring out what happened - but this didn’t hamper my enjoyment of the last few pages at all, and I found it a very satisfying conclusion!
May 18, 2025
Uau, ce poveste intensa. De mult nu am mai citit ceva asa bine scris. Folclorul englez este foarte interesant ca al majoritatii popoarelor dar a reusit sa ma tina in priza nu gluma. Nota 10*
November 27, 2022
Foarte bună! Îți dovedește că lucrurile pot fi cu totul altceva decât par la prima vedere. La fel și oamenii. Construită inteligent, cartea este alcătuită din 6 interviuri pe care jurnalistul Scott King le ia unor persoane care ar putea ajuta la rezolvarea cazului dispariției unui băiețel de 7 ani.
Cartea face parte dintr-o serie, este volumul 3, însă se poate citi fără probleme și separat (așa cum am făcut și eu).
De ce 4 și nu 5? Din cauza finalului. Mi-a plăcut până la un punct, când autorul a simțit nevoia să sporească și mai mult surpriza. Nu cred că mai era nevoie, am simțit-o ca pe o adăugire inutilă.
Citiți-o dacă aveți ocazia! 👌
Cartea face parte dintr-o serie, este volumul 3, însă se poate citi fără probleme și separat (așa cum am făcut și eu).
De ce 4 și nu 5? Din cauza finalului. Mi-a plăcut până la un punct, când autorul a simțit nevoia să sporească și mai mult surpriza. Nu cred că mai era nevoie, am simțit-o ca pe o adăugire inutilă.
Citiți-o dacă aveți ocazia! 👌
May 6, 2019
I entered this book as a complete newcomer to Six Stories. Indeed, I was not even aware of it until I saw a series of glowing reviews from my fellow book bloggers, who convinced me to pick it up. I am so glad I did, for this was an absolutely superb read that combines excellent and unique storytelling with powerful themes and a continuous sense of atmosphere.
The disappearance of a young child acts as a very common premise in current mystery or crime fiction. However, this book takes a much different approach that makes it stand out completely from the rest, using a range of voices to develop and explore each and every aspect of a compelling story.
What sets this book apart from others the most is unquestionably the format. Six Stories is a podcast, and so the book is therefore told as a sequence of six episodes, examining the disappearance of Alfie Marsden through interviewing the key people associated with the case and uncovering a rather dark family history.
This format is extremely original, and is utilised brilliantly to construct a plot that never really ceases to be gripping. The book is very concise and, helped by my love of a good mystery and interest in cold cases, this enabled me to become fully invested in it from start to finish.
The other main factor was the quality of the writing. Every episode of Six Stories felt so real, so genuine in their portrayal. All of the characters that were interviewed were given great depth and an extraordinary level of believability, whether they happened to be innocent or evil. The presenter, Scott King, also acts as a very sound guide, as though he is speaking on behalf of the reader.
Such is the level of realism that emanates from the podcast, the settings and memes that are described give the book an eerie, somewhat haunting atmosphere. The fear spoken of by some of the interviewees, and the regular allusions to paranormal activity added an even more sinister tone.
Before launching into the next episode of Six Stories, each chapter of the book begins with a log from Scott, and these become increasingly intriguing as the story develops. In fact, as a whole I really appreciated how the book gradually builds towards its astonishing, and hugely memorable conclusion.
When I worked out the final twist at the end, my jaw hit the floor! I certainly did not see it coming, but looking back there some lines that I did not read very much into, that eventually turned out to carry immense significance. It was an ending that makes you stop and think back over everything you have read, and I really liked that.
Some unsettling themes begin to emerge as the tale progresses, and are told with a powerful degree of detail and sensitivity. It gives the book an extra layer, and while the main focus is Alfie's disappearance, it also acts as a profound and occasionally tragic character study that is written very astutely.
Overall, this is a captivating and brilliantly constructed book that provides a lot more than just a fascinating mystery. I loved the format and the quality of the writing, while the ending had the desired effect. It works very well as a standalone, but looking to the future, Six Stories can count me as its newest subscriber!
The disappearance of a young child acts as a very common premise in current mystery or crime fiction. However, this book takes a much different approach that makes it stand out completely from the rest, using a range of voices to develop and explore each and every aspect of a compelling story.
What sets this book apart from others the most is unquestionably the format. Six Stories is a podcast, and so the book is therefore told as a sequence of six episodes, examining the disappearance of Alfie Marsden through interviewing the key people associated with the case and uncovering a rather dark family history.
This format is extremely original, and is utilised brilliantly to construct a plot that never really ceases to be gripping. The book is very concise and, helped by my love of a good mystery and interest in cold cases, this enabled me to become fully invested in it from start to finish.
The other main factor was the quality of the writing. Every episode of Six Stories felt so real, so genuine in their portrayal. All of the characters that were interviewed were given great depth and an extraordinary level of believability, whether they happened to be innocent or evil. The presenter, Scott King, also acts as a very sound guide, as though he is speaking on behalf of the reader.
Such is the level of realism that emanates from the podcast, the settings and memes that are described give the book an eerie, somewhat haunting atmosphere. The fear spoken of by some of the interviewees, and the regular allusions to paranormal activity added an even more sinister tone.
Before launching into the next episode of Six Stories, each chapter of the book begins with a log from Scott, and these become increasingly intriguing as the story develops. In fact, as a whole I really appreciated how the book gradually builds towards its astonishing, and hugely memorable conclusion.
When I worked out the final twist at the end, my jaw hit the floor! I certainly did not see it coming, but looking back there some lines that I did not read very much into, that eventually turned out to carry immense significance. It was an ending that makes you stop and think back over everything you have read, and I really liked that.
Some unsettling themes begin to emerge as the tale progresses, and are told with a powerful degree of detail and sensitivity. It gives the book an extra layer, and while the main focus is Alfie's disappearance, it also acts as a profound and occasionally tragic character study that is written very astutely.
Overall, this is a captivating and brilliantly constructed book that provides a lot more than just a fascinating mystery. I loved the format and the quality of the writing, while the ending had the desired effect. It works very well as a standalone, but looking to the future, Six Stories can count me as its newest subscriber!
December 1, 2019
Finished reading: November 8th 2019
"It's like an urban myth, a legend that has refused to die; this case has resurfaced again and again in my life. This case has an inexorable pull. Whether I like it or not."
P.S. Find more of my reviews here.
February 13, 2019
"This is flowering into something more horrific than I had imagined."
Changeling is the third book in the Six Stories series, and it's a fantastic companion to Six Stories & Hydra. These books can be read as standalones, but they're so damn good & you should read all of them.
These books are labeled as thrillers, but I see them as both horror and thriller since they have such a sense of creeping dread & there's usually a paranormal aspect. It's so easy to get invested in these stories, and they're always wonderfully spooky.
This one will punch you in the heart a little bit, and it deals with some heavy topics (abuse, missing children, sexual harassment, etc.). It's not a light read, but it's one that will stick with you.
I'm going to stop here because I don't want to risk spoiling anything. I adore this series & you need it in your life.
Changeling is the third book in the Six Stories series, and it's a fantastic companion to Six Stories & Hydra. These books can be read as standalones, but they're so damn good & you should read all of them.
These books are labeled as thrillers, but I see them as both horror and thriller since they have such a sense of creeping dread & there's usually a paranormal aspect. It's so easy to get invested in these stories, and they're always wonderfully spooky.
This one will punch you in the heart a little bit, and it deals with some heavy topics (abuse, missing children, sexual harassment, etc.). It's not a light read, but it's one that will stick with you.
I'm going to stop here because I don't want to risk spoiling anything. I adore this series & you need it in your life.
October 3, 2021
Another book in this series which I've enjoyed. I wasn't blown away to start with but by halfway through I was hooked. It developed nicely and the ending took me by surprise!!
I find this podcast format makes a change from more conventionally written books. I guess some won't like it as much but it certainly works for me. I have got the next one in the series 😀
I find this podcast format makes a change from more conventionally written books. I guess some won't like it as much but it certainly works for me. I have got the next one in the series 😀
August 5, 2022
A monster has to practice becoming a monster.
This is the best book in the series, in my opinion.
I must admit it didn't take me long to understand where the plot was headed, but I enjoyed it nonetheless.
Matt Wesolowski is slowly crawling his way into my reader heart and I'm not even worried about it.
June 9, 2021
Let me start by saying I LOVE this series. This is the 3rd one and they've been brilliant so far. I'd push to give it a 3.5 if it were possible. However, it was, in my opinion, the weakest book so far. I felt it was a bit more predictable. But my real issue is with the ending. It's not even the fact I called it way before the end. I just have a hard time believing it. I'm sure a 7year old can forget his previous life due to trauma or other circumstances. My point is more about the fact that there were pictures of this little boy everywhere. And Scott, being part of a loving family, must have had photos taken as he was growing up. My issue is with the fact I don't believe he didn't think "hmm, we actually look alike a bit...". It's written as if the news comes out of nowhere. Maybe it's just me, but I just wasn't convinced by the ending.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 4, 2019
Alfie Marsden, a seven year old boy vanishes on Christmas Eve in 1988 in the Wentshire Forest. He is never seen or heard from again. It has been thirty years and the case of the missing boy has been filed away as a cold case still yet unsolved. What happened to Alfie? Did someone have something to do with his disappearance or is something more sinister and evil at play in Wenstshire Woods?
Scott King, a podcaster who investigates cold cases, is sent a letter asking for him to take a look into the Alfie Marsden cold case. Here begins a series of six stories delving into the case. Will Scott be able to solve the case or will Alfie’s disappearance still remain a mystery.
When I first started reading Changeling by Matt Wesolowsky, I was not sure what I was getting myself into especially since the story reads as if it is a true crime podcast. This is not something that I normally read or even see in fiction books. I am a huge fan of documentaries and true crime television, so I went in with the feeling that this story would be along those lines. I never expected that I would be sucked into such an eerie spine chilling story surrounding the disappearance of Alfie Marsden. Not only do we delve into the story of Alfie but we also learn about the folklore surrounding the Wentshire Forest. I must say, I had chills and goosebumps up and down my arms. At one point my dog started walking and all I heard was “tap tap tap” and I jumped out of my chair. Yes, it is that spooky!
Wesolowsky really has a knack for drawing you into the story and while at first I wasn’t sure if I would enjoy the format, I found myself glued to the pages right from the start and didn’t feel like I was missing out on anything from a traditionally written story. The mystery really kept me guessing and even though I had some ideas of my own as to what happened to Alfie, I was utterly shocked on how it was played out. The twists in this story were brilliantly and masterfully done.
Although this is book three in the Six Stories series, it can definitely be read as a standalone. I am kicking myself right now from not hearing about this series sooner. I am definitely going to be reading the previous two books as The Changeling is a five star read and based on this book alone, I am more than sure the previous two books will be just as great as this one.
The Changeling is an intense and eerily spooky story that really delves into parts unknown with the lore of the forest and parts true crime centering around Alfie that is at best chilling and frightening all at the same time. I encourage you, if you have never heard of this series, to go out and purchase The Changeling. The uniqueness of this story will blow you away! I thoroughly enjoyed this story and may even have a little trouble sleeping with the lights off tonight!
Scott King, a podcaster who investigates cold cases, is sent a letter asking for him to take a look into the Alfie Marsden cold case. Here begins a series of six stories delving into the case. Will Scott be able to solve the case or will Alfie’s disappearance still remain a mystery.
When I first started reading Changeling by Matt Wesolowsky, I was not sure what I was getting myself into especially since the story reads as if it is a true crime podcast. This is not something that I normally read or even see in fiction books. I am a huge fan of documentaries and true crime television, so I went in with the feeling that this story would be along those lines. I never expected that I would be sucked into such an eerie spine chilling story surrounding the disappearance of Alfie Marsden. Not only do we delve into the story of Alfie but we also learn about the folklore surrounding the Wentshire Forest. I must say, I had chills and goosebumps up and down my arms. At one point my dog started walking and all I heard was “tap tap tap” and I jumped out of my chair. Yes, it is that spooky!
Wesolowsky really has a knack for drawing you into the story and while at first I wasn’t sure if I would enjoy the format, I found myself glued to the pages right from the start and didn’t feel like I was missing out on anything from a traditionally written story. The mystery really kept me guessing and even though I had some ideas of my own as to what happened to Alfie, I was utterly shocked on how it was played out. The twists in this story were brilliantly and masterfully done.
Although this is book three in the Six Stories series, it can definitely be read as a standalone. I am kicking myself right now from not hearing about this series sooner. I am definitely going to be reading the previous two books as The Changeling is a five star read and based on this book alone, I am more than sure the previous two books will be just as great as this one.
The Changeling is an intense and eerily spooky story that really delves into parts unknown with the lore of the forest and parts true crime centering around Alfie that is at best chilling and frightening all at the same time. I encourage you, if you have never heard of this series, to go out and purchase The Changeling. The uniqueness of this story will blow you away! I thoroughly enjoyed this story and may even have a little trouble sleeping with the lights off tonight!
May 15, 2019
When I read Changeling, I did not realise it was the third book in the Six Stories series, and I wish to point out my feelings towards the book may well reflect this. Sure, this one can be read as a standalone, but I fear I was missing out on some things that would have made me love this one.
You see, the self-contained story within this one was interesting. It was predictable, yes, but I enjoyed watching the way the details came together. It was easy to get through, and a different way of telling a story, which meant I powered through the tale.
My inability to connect came with the main character, with the details that were more personal and linked to the present, rather than the details of the past. This is where I feel I would have enjoyed it more if I’d read the prior books. I could not connect to them, and the way things linked together felt too easy. I kept hoping I was wrong, that I would be given something else, but my beliefs were confirmed, and it felt like a cheap way of wrapping things up. If I’d read the prior books, it’s possible I would not have felt this way. In my mind, this was a standalone and the conclusion felt too neat and tidy.
I may go back and give the prior books a read, which may influence my rating of this one. After all, it was an interesting read – I simply couldn’t love it the way I’d hoped.
You see, the self-contained story within this one was interesting. It was predictable, yes, but I enjoyed watching the way the details came together. It was easy to get through, and a different way of telling a story, which meant I powered through the tale.
My inability to connect came with the main character, with the details that were more personal and linked to the present, rather than the details of the past. This is where I feel I would have enjoyed it more if I’d read the prior books. I could not connect to them, and the way things linked together felt too easy. I kept hoping I was wrong, that I would be given something else, but my beliefs were confirmed, and it felt like a cheap way of wrapping things up. If I’d read the prior books, it’s possible I would not have felt this way. In my mind, this was a standalone and the conclusion felt too neat and tidy.
I may go back and give the prior books a read, which may influence my rating of this one. After all, it was an interesting read – I simply couldn’t love it the way I’d hoped.
January 29, 2019
Anyone who knows me knows what an incredible wimp I am when it comes to scary movies and books but that I also have a terrible fear of missing out so just have to put myself through them for some weird and wonderful reason. But at least I can hide behind a cushion for movies-it’s very difficult to read a book that way though! Having read the first two books in the Six Stories series there was no way I wasn’t going to immerse myself in the third and I’m so glad that I did as this is the best one in the series so far! The stylish narrative is a creepy investigative tool that retells the story in such a uniquely inventive way you feel like you’re reading an audiobook! Yes, I know that sounds strange but it really does! You don’t need to have read any of Matts previous books to appreciate Scott King and his Six Stories podcasts but I guarantee you will want to after this engrossing episode.
I’m still having nightmares about the Black Eyed Children from the authors previous book especially after my lovely friend Emma Welton decided to wind me up telling me there had been sightings near to where I live (which is apparently TRUE!!) but now I have some new fiends to terrify me in my nightmares. The “wood-knockers” tale told by Sorrel, father of missing Alfie Marsden, once again scared the actual s**t out of me! And the tapping that seemed to reverberate throughout the narrative also freaked me out! I don’t know how Matt Wesolowski does it but he always seems to dig deep into his readers fears, touching on their common fears and dragging them kicking and screaming to the surface. There can be nothing on this earth worse than losing a child but never, EVER actually knowing what has become of them must be the most heartbreaking side of their loss. But that’s the scenario that Scott chooses to investigate for this episode of Six Stories-the disappearance of Alfie Marsden on Christmas Eve 1988 who was never seen again and has now been declared dead. Six witnesses give their own personal versions of what happened on the lead up to that night and hopefully what they tell him means that Scott can come to a conclusion about what really happened to Alfie.
Matt Wesolowski is a brilliantly talented writer who creates an atmospheric and highly addictive storyline that never fails to connect with the reader. I was drawn into the mystery of what happened to Alfie immediately, my scientific brain trying to overlook the supernatural elements and search for a plausible explanation for his disappearance! But then the woods seemed to develop a personality all of their own, becoming pretty much the scariest character in this book and the one that I didn’t want to encounter any more than I had to! As if these books aren’t stalking me enough as it is (I’m not taking it personally, honestly!!) I’m now even more petrified as they have moved to take in Cheshire, an area that I know quite well. The scenes that took place in the fictional Wentworth Forest were definitely some of the most petrifying of the series so far and I’m convinced that the “bad piggy” will also be making himself known in my dreams tonight!
Changeling has been one of the best books I’ve read this month and is one that I can’t recommend highly enough! It’s just so beautifully creative and spellbinding that you will want to devour it in one session. And I have to say the ending is absolute perfection. If you’re looking for something unique in your thrillers then you just have to read this book-you can thank me later (or maybe not, if those wood-knockers start tapping on your windows!). Just brilliant!
I’m still having nightmares about the Black Eyed Children from the authors previous book especially after my lovely friend Emma Welton decided to wind me up telling me there had been sightings near to where I live (which is apparently TRUE!!) but now I have some new fiends to terrify me in my nightmares. The “wood-knockers” tale told by Sorrel, father of missing Alfie Marsden, once again scared the actual s**t out of me! And the tapping that seemed to reverberate throughout the narrative also freaked me out! I don’t know how Matt Wesolowski does it but he always seems to dig deep into his readers fears, touching on their common fears and dragging them kicking and screaming to the surface. There can be nothing on this earth worse than losing a child but never, EVER actually knowing what has become of them must be the most heartbreaking side of their loss. But that’s the scenario that Scott chooses to investigate for this episode of Six Stories-the disappearance of Alfie Marsden on Christmas Eve 1988 who was never seen again and has now been declared dead. Six witnesses give their own personal versions of what happened on the lead up to that night and hopefully what they tell him means that Scott can come to a conclusion about what really happened to Alfie.
Matt Wesolowski is a brilliantly talented writer who creates an atmospheric and highly addictive storyline that never fails to connect with the reader. I was drawn into the mystery of what happened to Alfie immediately, my scientific brain trying to overlook the supernatural elements and search for a plausible explanation for his disappearance! But then the woods seemed to develop a personality all of their own, becoming pretty much the scariest character in this book and the one that I didn’t want to encounter any more than I had to! As if these books aren’t stalking me enough as it is (I’m not taking it personally, honestly!!) I’m now even more petrified as they have moved to take in Cheshire, an area that I know quite well. The scenes that took place in the fictional Wentworth Forest were definitely some of the most petrifying of the series so far and I’m convinced that the “bad piggy” will also be making himself known in my dreams tonight!
Changeling has been one of the best books I’ve read this month and is one that I can’t recommend highly enough! It’s just so beautifully creative and spellbinding that you will want to devour it in one session. And I have to say the ending is absolute perfection. If you’re looking for something unique in your thrillers then you just have to read this book-you can thank me later (or maybe not, if those wood-knockers start tapping on your windows!). Just brilliant!
November 24, 2018
Oh. My. God. What a raw and intense reaction I had when I finished the last lines of this book. I was on the bus going to work (where I always read) and had tears on my cheeks. Such a powerful read. Scary, very much. (If anyone had knocked on ANYTHING while I was reading this I would have died!) Mysterious, always. Intense, yes. Twisty and turny, totally. But emotional too. What an ending! I want to read it all over again soon. Just Wesolowski's best so far.
July 21, 2021
This series continues to impress me. Creepy and captivating, I can’t look away.
December 11, 2019
3.5 stars. An enjoyable quick read which had some really scary moments. I liked the format: written as a podcast with 'audio' tapes from the researcher as well as the six episodes that investigate the disappearance of a young boy in a woodland which is supposed to be haunted. I found the scary scenes the best, and very atmospheric, and I enjoyed the story, and the twist at the end, which I wasn't expecting. By the time I was half way through though, the feeling of each scene being reported secondhand became a little wearing (although I understand if you're writing an interview there's no way to avoid this).
May 12, 2020
This is my favourite book of the series!
It worked so well on audio as always because it is told in the style of a true crime podcast.
I found it really atmospheric and spooky... and the story is superb!
I don't think you necessarily need to have read the other two books as each mystery is different, but I enjoyed this more knowing more about the host Scott King and the style of the previous stories...it does take a bit of getting used to, especially if you're not used to podcasts like me.
It worked so well on audio as always because it is told in the style of a true crime podcast.
I found it really atmospheric and spooky... and the story is superb!
I don't think you necessarily need to have read the other two books as each mystery is different, but I enjoyed this more knowing more about the host Scott King and the style of the previous stories...it does take a bit of getting used to, especially if you're not used to podcasts like me.
January 4, 2020
I really enjoyed this story, loved the way it was written once I had gotten into it which didn't take long, it had a very unsettling, creepy feeling all the way through. I look forward to reading others in the series as this was my first.
November 8, 2023
I loved this! The audio format is excellent and the production outstanding, given that it’s about a podcast. The author had me on tenterhooks, willing to follow him every this way or that.
The podcast is about a little boy who disappeared when he was seven. Rumor has it that the fairies took him, but what really happened? Delicious, heart wrenching and entertaining. I moved straight on to the next in the series!
The podcast is about a little boy who disappeared when he was seven. Rumor has it that the fairies took him, but what really happened? Delicious, heart wrenching and entertaining. I moved straight on to the next in the series!
January 8, 2024
4 stars--I really liked it. This one had a nice twist at the end, and the supernatural metaphor (which has been used in all three books so far, though they're all firmly rooted in the mundane) makes the most sense of the three books.
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