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The Cupboard Under the Stairs: A Boy Trapped in Hell...
Paul Mason’s father was a policeman. He was also a member of a sadistic paedophile ring. He would keep Paul locked up and naked in a tiny cupboard under the stairs of their home before sexually abusing him. This cycle of abuse continued for several years and also affected his brother. The cupboard became a horrific prison where fear and terror filled his every moment.
The Cupboard Under the Stairs is a story of abuse at the mercy of adults whom Paul should have been able to trust. There followed a life almost destroyed by their actions. It is the harrowing story of one man’s fight for justice and an end to the horrific memories that still haunt him daily.
The Cupboard Under the Stairs is a story of abuse at the mercy of adults whom Paul should have been able to trust. There followed a life almost destroyed by their actions. It is the harrowing story of one man’s fight for justice and an end to the horrific memories that still haunt him daily.
336 pages, Paperback
First published March 27, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
February 15, 2023
What a heartbreaking read 🥺
To think everything he went through and his brother and mum. Aswel as all the other kids is truly heartbreaking.
It is sickening to think there is people out there who think this Is acceptable behavior.
I feel so sorry for them and what they must have gone through its hard to even imagine.
Had me crying this book :(
To think everything he went through and his brother and mum. Aswel as all the other kids is truly heartbreaking.
It is sickening to think there is people out there who think this Is acceptable behavior.
I feel so sorry for them and what they must have gone through its hard to even imagine.
Had me crying this book :(
December 21, 2014
This book was very difficult for me to read. Where usually I absorb books, but this one I had to take in pieces.... The detail of abuse and pain suffered by Paul throughout his young childhood... To the repercussions it had during his adulthood.... Were simply too much to handle all at once. I believe this book is very important for raising awareness of child sexual abuse.... Physical and emotional abuse.... Spousal abuse.... And the devastating scars they leave behind... There is a desperate need for adults, teachers, doctors, neighbors.... To be on the lookout for children in need of help... To report abuse or even suspected abuse.... To believe children who report abuse... No matter who the abuser may be.... It is made clear in this book that an abuser could be a police officer.... A high ranking official.... Anyone can be an abuser.... Regardless of social standing... Job title.... Gender....
August 26, 2014
Absolutely horrific story about a little boy trapped in a living hellish nightmare. There are no words to describe how I felt towards the evil b*&tard that is this boy's supposed father. Paul is such a brave person to write his story and also, to campaign for other victims of child sexual abuse. I only hope that he is at peace and is happy with his life these days. Goddess bless you Paul.
February 8, 2018
your account
2
A book that will remain with me for a long long time.
I don't even know where to begin. I don't usually read this type of book but was asked to read it by someone I admire. It took me 4 days to read it. Many many times I had to put it down because I could no longer see as the tears became too much. Paul writes so honestly and with such skill that I actually could picture him and felt so unbelievably sad for a boy who was let down at every turn firstly by his vile excuse of a father, then by every grown up he came into contact with. This book is a difficult read because it isn't fiction it actually happened to him and by writing it and by us as the readers being privy to this horrendous tale hopefully if one person reads it and tells others we can raise awareness of this kind of crime. Paul is a true testament that you can survive this awful abuse and not turn into an abuser. I'm hoping there will be a second book so we can see how pauls life has continued. He is a brave and inspiring man and the how he's turned his early life around and helping other victims
2
A book that will remain with me for a long long time.
I don't even know where to begin. I don't usually read this type of book but was asked to read it by someone I admire. It took me 4 days to read it. Many many times I had to put it down because I could no longer see as the tears became too much. Paul writes so honestly and with such skill that I actually could picture him and felt so unbelievably sad for a boy who was let down at every turn firstly by his vile excuse of a father, then by every grown up he came into contact with. This book is a difficult read because it isn't fiction it actually happened to him and by writing it and by us as the readers being privy to this horrendous tale hopefully if one person reads it and tells others we can raise awareness of this kind of crime. Paul is a true testament that you can survive this awful abuse and not turn into an abuser. I'm hoping there will be a second book so we can see how pauls life has continued. He is a brave and inspiring man and the how he's turned his early life around and helping other victims
July 9, 2017
reading this book and hearing about what Paul went through in his childhood and throughout his life is hard hitting. A book that shocked me, and made me cry which doesn't normally happen when reading a book. Although the last 70-100 pages were a bit boring as paul talks about his 6 odd different jobs which becomes very repetitive but I understand that because of his childhood and abuse he has suffered tremendously. A book that I would recommend to anyone
September 15, 2020
"In writing this book, I simply want to spread the word that, no matter how much the Establishment or society in general dislikes or objects to cases like this being written about, the truth must be told if we are to help other children."
A truly horrifying tale. It breaks my heart. Mason goes into great detail in his tellings and it is difficult to read about/digest these horrendous acts. As they should be. There is nothing easy about this topic.
I do not know Paul Mason but am very proud of him (and others) for speaking up and sharing his story. It is a hard and terrifying thing to do.
It is awful how such atrocities occurred and still occur all too often with so many getting away with it like Jack and his cohorts; for the system to constantly let down the victims. Who knows how many others could have been arrested and taken off the street. Who knows how many other children could have been spared.
More people need to be made aware and act against this.
"Believe me when I tell you a paedophile looks no different from your next-door neighbour or the man or woman who lives across the road."
Jack and his ilk deserved to suffer. No punishment would have been too severe.
"The authorities must take a stand and make the reporting of such crimes much easier and less traumatic. Victims suffer not only the trauma of the past but also the trauma of speaking to other people about it – police officers, social workers or health officials who are sceptical and self-centred and don’t know how to deal with such matters. For a start, victims should be listened to, and care and support should be based on individual cases, not on academic reports and surveys. The mechanisms of support must improve throughout, from reporting to post-investigation matters."
A truly horrifying tale. It breaks my heart. Mason goes into great detail in his tellings and it is difficult to read about/digest these horrendous acts. As they should be. There is nothing easy about this topic.
I do not know Paul Mason but am very proud of him (and others) for speaking up and sharing his story. It is a hard and terrifying thing to do.
It is awful how such atrocities occurred and still occur all too often with so many getting away with it like Jack and his cohorts; for the system to constantly let down the victims. Who knows how many others could have been arrested and taken off the street. Who knows how many other children could have been spared.
More people need to be made aware and act against this.
"Believe me when I tell you a paedophile looks no different from your next-door neighbour or the man or woman who lives across the road."
Jack and his ilk deserved to suffer. No punishment would have been too severe.
"The authorities must take a stand and make the reporting of such crimes much easier and less traumatic. Victims suffer not only the trauma of the past but also the trauma of speaking to other people about it – police officers, social workers or health officials who are sceptical and self-centred and don’t know how to deal with such matters. For a start, victims should be listened to, and care and support should be based on individual cases, not on academic reports and surveys. The mechanisms of support must improve throughout, from reporting to post-investigation matters."
August 9, 2018
Evil
How can a father treat his son's like this also his wife this is a pure evil man a pillar of the community a policeman ,my heart goes out to Paul 5 stars .
How can a father treat his son's like this also his wife this is a pure evil man a pillar of the community a policeman ,my heart goes out to Paul 5 stars .
September 14, 2013
I recently bought this book to read while on holiday .
To say it was heartbreaking is an understatement .
To say Paul Mason is a true man among men is another .
I'm not generally a book reader but i found myself unable to put this book down and i had read it word for word in 4/ 5 hours .
I always knew there were adults who were cowards and bullied children , i even knew there were preditors who thought it was acceptable to take a childs innocents BUT this made me realise on what scale this vile behaviour occours and as im writing this now children will be suffrring to the hands of adults who are suppose to love and care .
Its a must read in my opion . And not to feel sympathy for Mr Mason but to make ourselves aware of the underground filth that is happening to babies ,small toddlers , infant school children and children of all ages . If we are awear hopefully some of us can identify the crimes against the generation of children from the past present and future .
I know some who read this may think my spelling and punctuation is terrible but in the scheme of things it,s unimportant .
Paul Mason if i am lucky enough that you read this ,all i can say is you lived a nightmere and you didnt become an abuser . So many victims carry the chain on ,you broke that chain .
Love is an amazing thing . Not a weapon .
To say it was heartbreaking is an understatement .
To say Paul Mason is a true man among men is another .
I'm not generally a book reader but i found myself unable to put this book down and i had read it word for word in 4/ 5 hours .
I always knew there were adults who were cowards and bullied children , i even knew there were preditors who thought it was acceptable to take a childs innocents BUT this made me realise on what scale this vile behaviour occours and as im writing this now children will be suffrring to the hands of adults who are suppose to love and care .
Its a must read in my opion . And not to feel sympathy for Mr Mason but to make ourselves aware of the underground filth that is happening to babies ,small toddlers , infant school children and children of all ages . If we are awear hopefully some of us can identify the crimes against the generation of children from the past present and future .
I know some who read this may think my spelling and punctuation is terrible but in the scheme of things it,s unimportant .
Paul Mason if i am lucky enough that you read this ,all i can say is you lived a nightmere and you didnt become an abuser . So many victims carry the chain on ,you broke that chain .
Love is an amazing thing . Not a weapon .
April 18, 2018
This is not the kind of book you'll enjoy reading. It's not even particularly well written (and hence I took one star off my rating). But it doesn't have to be a literary masterpiece. That is not the area where this book is meant to excel in. It has a completely different purpose and it fulfils that purpose completely. This book is a loud, raw, painfully honest and booming cry of protest by a grown man, in the name of his childhood self.
It will hurt you to read this book but it will be worth it. The most vile of monsters will be unveiled to you and you'll realize that they definitely do not only dwell in closets.
It will hurt you to read this book but it will be worth it. The most vile of monsters will be unveiled to you and you'll realize that they definitely do not only dwell in closets.
July 27, 2017
A completely heartbreaking story of a boy and the incredible abuse he and his brother endured at the hands of their father. It is an important look at the failure of the system to believe and protect children and one that must never be repeated.
December 3, 2018
I have met the author of this book a few times and his such a gentle, caring man. What happened to him as a child is truly devastating. This book is such a heartbreaking read especially when you have had conversations with the person who it’s about.
March 18, 2018
Great read
Once you start reading you won't want to put it down... An emotional book you can really connect too, fantastic read
Once you start reading you won't want to put it down... An emotional book you can really connect too, fantastic read
September 4, 2018
Horrific and sad account of abuse by a 'father'
This book was so difficult to read. It was excellently written, but so brutally honest and horrific in the graphic descriptions of the daily abuse of Paul, John, Mam and possibly Robert, that it hurt to carry on. I felt as if I owed it to them, however, to finish the book. It is an important book for the many revelations of how prolific the abuse was throughout the district where Paul and his family lived, for the numbers of children abused for so many years, and for uncovering the many occupations of those involved in the paedophile rings. I feel such sadness for Paul and his siblings, I feel sorrow at his mum's suffering and inability to escape from the home life with her children, yet at the same time I do feel disappointment at her inaction on occasion. This book is essential reading in order to understand the legacy of child abuse, and I hope some good will come of it being published and read. Paul, you were a lovely child, so brave, and your brother too. I hated Jack while reading your account, I hope the remainder of your life is filled with much love and happiness.
This book was so difficult to read. It was excellently written, but so brutally honest and horrific in the graphic descriptions of the daily abuse of Paul, John, Mam and possibly Robert, that it hurt to carry on. I felt as if I owed it to them, however, to finish the book. It is an important book for the many revelations of how prolific the abuse was throughout the district where Paul and his family lived, for the numbers of children abused for so many years, and for uncovering the many occupations of those involved in the paedophile rings. I feel such sadness for Paul and his siblings, I feel sorrow at his mum's suffering and inability to escape from the home life with her children, yet at the same time I do feel disappointment at her inaction on occasion. This book is essential reading in order to understand the legacy of child abuse, and I hope some good will come of it being published and read. Paul, you were a lovely child, so brave, and your brother too. I hated Jack while reading your account, I hope the remainder of your life is filled with much love and happiness.
July 4, 2025
I really don’t get how everyone is adding the mother into people we should be feeling sorry for in this book. She saw her children beaten up badly from a very young age, locked in claustrophobic spaces etc and you can not tell me she had no idea that her sons were being raped by her husband. Even if they didn’t tell her, how does sexual abuse of children go by undetected in a family home, there’s no way.
There would have been blood on clothing. There would have been blood on bedding. As if her husband was always quiet enough not to wake her up, let alone the screaming from those poor kids. She left them with him to be abused. She too the money her poor son got through being pumped out and never wondered what it was for? I don’t think so. She turned a blind eye and that to me is on par with the evil of the abuser himself. She had a part time job, she could have left. Instead she ruined the lives of two children because she was too weak to do better. I’m absolutely furious, to be honest. Those boys had their lives ruined by those two pathetic, evil people. I am so sorry Paul & John. You deserved so much better. I’m so glad you had at least a glimmer of love through Mrs Hoggs.
There would have been blood on clothing. There would have been blood on bedding. As if her husband was always quiet enough not to wake her up, let alone the screaming from those poor kids. She left them with him to be abused. She too the money her poor son got through being pumped out and never wondered what it was for? I don’t think so. She turned a blind eye and that to me is on par with the evil of the abuser himself. She had a part time job, she could have left. Instead she ruined the lives of two children because she was too weak to do better. I’m absolutely furious, to be honest. Those boys had their lives ruined by those two pathetic, evil people. I am so sorry Paul & John. You deserved so much better. I’m so glad you had at least a glimmer of love through Mrs Hoggs.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 17, 2021
One of the worse stories I've ever read, my heart broke reading this. I've read many books like this and they all touch me, but this one. Honestly. I can't fathom how anything like this can happen. How Paul survived throughout all this, truly ill never know. All that he went through and never got justice and the support he needed or deserved.
The system truly failed him. I'm so glad he went on to find love in his own children, even then struggling to cope in adult life.
It's so hard reviewing and reading a book like this. Honestly I don't know why I do it. It sticks with me and upsets me ever time.
Makes me hug my daughter longer.
Paul if you read this review,
You are so strong for sharing your horrific experiences. Much love to you. And I'm so sorry for all you went through.
Your mum and brother John would be so proud. ❤
The system truly failed him. I'm so glad he went on to find love in his own children, even then struggling to cope in adult life.
It's so hard reviewing and reading a book like this. Honestly I don't know why I do it. It sticks with me and upsets me ever time.
Makes me hug my daughter longer.
Paul if you read this review,
You are so strong for sharing your horrific experiences. Much love to you. And I'm so sorry for all you went through.
Your mum and brother John would be so proud. ❤
September 22, 2024
The Cupboard Under the Stairs by Paul Mason left a weight on my heart that I could barely carry. The emotional gravity of his story was so intense that there were times I struggled to even pick up the book to read.
As I read, I found myself deeply concerned about how I interact with the children around me. Mason’s painful exploration of the long-term effects of childhood trauma made me reflect on my own behavior. I began to question whether I was providing the understanding and care that kids so desperately need or if I might be overlooking things in ways that could unintentionally harm them. This book doesn’t just shine a light on abuse but also challenges readers to be more mindful of the way we treat the most vulnerable among us.
As I read, I found myself deeply concerned about how I interact with the children around me. Mason’s painful exploration of the long-term effects of childhood trauma made me reflect on my own behavior. I began to question whether I was providing the understanding and care that kids so desperately need or if I might be overlooking things in ways that could unintentionally harm them. This book doesn’t just shine a light on abuse but also challenges readers to be more mindful of the way we treat the most vulnerable among us.
April 15, 2020
Couldn't put down
I've read a few reviews prior to reading this book, some of which portray anger towards Paul's father, Jack. I can only agree with each word that was used to describe a vile, evil sadistic excuse for a human being. Absolutely abhorrent to hear of the abuse that a young child was subjected to. I sincerely hope Jack rots in hell. Very well written book and Paul Mason should be highly commended and proud for how he dealt with the trauma, and how he has raised, and continues to raise his own children. The best book I have read in a long time, for the honesty shown in it.
I've read a few reviews prior to reading this book, some of which portray anger towards Paul's father, Jack. I can only agree with each word that was used to describe a vile, evil sadistic excuse for a human being. Absolutely abhorrent to hear of the abuse that a young child was subjected to. I sincerely hope Jack rots in hell. Very well written book and Paul Mason should be highly commended and proud for how he dealt with the trauma, and how he has raised, and continues to raise his own children. The best book I have read in a long time, for the honesty shown in it.
September 19, 2022
This is easily the most horrific and traumatic book I’ve ever read, and I’ve read a lot.
Since I’ve read it, there hasn’t been a day that I’ve not thought of Paul and his brother.
My heart shattered into a million pieces reading this.
I’m so full of hate for his vile father and for his mother who allowed this to happen.
How anyone can do this to a child is something I can not even begin to comprehend.
I wanted to stop reading so many times but continued on in the hope that Paul would get his revenge on Jack, but unfortunately that was not the case.
I hope Paul is living a beautiful life now, and I hope he found writing this book healing.
Since I’ve read it, there hasn’t been a day that I’ve not thought of Paul and his brother.
My heart shattered into a million pieces reading this.
I’m so full of hate for his vile father and for his mother who allowed this to happen.
How anyone can do this to a child is something I can not even begin to comprehend.
I wanted to stop reading so many times but continued on in the hope that Paul would get his revenge on Jack, but unfortunately that was not the case.
I hope Paul is living a beautiful life now, and I hope he found writing this book healing.
July 7, 2020
It seems wrong to give this book a 5* review because it was so harrowing what this little boy went through, nobody should ever have to go through what he did. I really felt what Paul was going through as he tried to get on with his life, I really hope that he has now found some peace. I feel that most adults should read this book. I work with children and couldn't imagine turning them away if they came to me with anything like this. I hope that there are some changes in our system and the way things are done.
February 11, 2019
Sad, Honest and Compelling
This is the saddest, most heart-wrenching book I’ve ever read. It tells a tale of courage and determination in the face of such adversity. What a brave man to relive his nightmare to get it all down in this well-written story. I commend the author and wish him such love and luck for the future.
This is the saddest, most heart-wrenching book I’ve ever read. It tells a tale of courage and determination in the face of such adversity. What a brave man to relive his nightmare to get it all down in this well-written story. I commend the author and wish him such love and luck for the future.
March 28, 2020
Heartbreaking
Not only did Paul go through absolutely horrendous events at the hands of his disgusting father but he was then let down by the system. Truly heartbreaking and scary to think that people in power can get away with such crimes. Although Paul has faltered at times as would be expected, he has shown great strength and tried to do more for victims which is remarkable.
Not only did Paul go through absolutely horrendous events at the hands of his disgusting father but he was then let down by the system. Truly heartbreaking and scary to think that people in power can get away with such crimes. Although Paul has faltered at times as would be expected, he has shown great strength and tried to do more for victims which is remarkable.
May 5, 2020
Gripping at first
Gripping at first. Telling the tale of the vile father and his sadistic ways, makes you just want to cry and you read waiting for the happy ending. The last third of the book just seemed a bit of a drag and disappointment some how. I know it’s real life and still some good things came of it but I was just left disappointed.
Gripping at first. Telling the tale of the vile father and his sadistic ways, makes you just want to cry and you read waiting for the happy ending. The last third of the book just seemed a bit of a drag and disappointment some how. I know it’s real life and still some good things came of it but I was just left disappointed.
October 20, 2020
A sad but courageous book of a young boys journey
From the beginning if this book right to the end I was connected to the authors harrowing, sad but also courageous journey of abuse by the hands of his father. I cried from the start, gripped by the severity of abuse this man had endured as a child and how he dealt with the abuse growing up. A too class book of a man's journey.
From the beginning if this book right to the end I was connected to the authors harrowing, sad but also courageous journey of abuse by the hands of his father. I cried from the start, gripped by the severity of abuse this man had endured as a child and how he dealt with the abuse growing up. A too class book of a man's journey.
June 22, 2019
The Cupboard Under the Stairs
This was a very good read. The details of abuse are shocking and at times it was hard to read,but I had to finish.The book is very well written and held my interest till the very end.
This was a very good read. The details of abuse are shocking and at times it was hard to read,but I had to finish.The book is very well written and held my interest till the very end.
July 7, 2019
Hard to read in places.
One of the most heartbreaking stories ive read. Shocking to believe that these crimes happen and what that poor child and his brother went through by their own father. Just awful.
One of the most heartbreaking stories ive read. Shocking to believe that these crimes happen and what that poor child and his brother went through by their own father. Just awful.
March 8, 2020
Hard book to read
I have read numerous books on this subject and this was a very hard book to read. No child should ever have to go through this abuse and it's disgusting that no one believed him
I have read numerous books on this subject and this was a very hard book to read. No child should ever have to go through this abuse and it's disgusting that no one believed him
March 31, 2020
Injustice
Definitely a hard book to read. Many times I was angered and saddened. This little boy and his family endured horrific abuse. I commend him as an adult and single father.
Definitely a hard book to read. Many times I was angered and saddened. This little boy and his family endured horrific abuse. I commend him as an adult and single father.
March 20, 2021
This book traumatized me. It is not a book I will ever recommend to someone and I will also never re read it. It broke me into a million pieces and I will never ever forget the way this book made me feel.
September 13, 2022
I read this book years ago and it still stays with me as one of the most disturbing things I’ve ever read. Unbelievable abuse that is beyond sick and cruel. I highly recommend for hard core true crime lovers
March 23, 2019
Excellent!
I loved this book and story. I read it and couldn't believe what this family went through. Great story of survival and overcoming abuse.
I loved this book and story. I read it and couldn't believe what this family went through. Great story of survival and overcoming abuse.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews