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The Mill
Michael struggles to come to terms with the death of his wife. He has visions of her calling to him, inviting him to the beyond.
At the Bereaved Partners’ Group, he learns that he is not the only one left behind who can hear the departed beckon them… to the Mill.
At the Bereaved Partners’ Group, he learns that he is not the only one left behind who can hear the departed beckon them… to the Mill.
- GenresHorror
Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2011
128 people want to read
About the author
Mark West
67 books173 followersMark West was born in Northamptonshire in 1969. Writing stories since the age of eight, he discovered the small press in 1999 and since then, he’s published more than 90 stories in various publications around the world.
The Book Folks published his debut mainstream thriller DON’T GO BACK in February 2022. It was followed by WATCHING OVER YOU, THE HUNTER'S QUARRY, STILL WATERS RUN, A KILLER AMONGST US and WE WERE SEEN. His latest, TO SEE TOO MUCH, was published in November 2024. He is currently working on his next thriller novel.
His other works include:
Collections: “Strange Tales” (2003) and “Things We Leave Behind” (2017)
Horror Novels: “In The Rain With The Dead” (2005) and “Conjure” (2009)
Horror Chapbooks/Novelettes: “The Mill” (2011), “What Gets Left Behind” (2012), “The Goblin Glass” (2019) and “Mr Stix” (2019)
Horror Novellas: The Lost Film” (2015), “The Factory” (2016) and “The Exercise” (2021).
Dark Thriller Novellas: “Drive” (2014) and “Polly” (2017)
“Anatomy Of Death” (2013) was a Hersham Horror Books anthology edited by West.
Mark lives in Rothwell, with his wife Alison and their son, Matthew, where he is currently working on a new novel. He can be contacted via his website at www.markwest.org.uk
The Book Folks published his debut mainstream thriller DON’T GO BACK in February 2022. It was followed by WATCHING OVER YOU, THE HUNTER'S QUARRY, STILL WATERS RUN, A KILLER AMONGST US and WE WERE SEEN. His latest, TO SEE TOO MUCH, was published in November 2024. He is currently working on his next thriller novel.
His other works include:
Collections: “Strange Tales” (2003) and “Things We Leave Behind” (2017)
Horror Novels: “In The Rain With The Dead” (2005) and “Conjure” (2009)
Horror Chapbooks/Novelettes: “The Mill” (2011), “What Gets Left Behind” (2012), “The Goblin Glass” (2019) and “Mr Stix” (2019)
Horror Novellas: The Lost Film” (2015), “The Factory” (2016) and “The Exercise” (2021).
Dark Thriller Novellas: “Drive” (2014) and “Polly” (2017)
“Anatomy Of Death” (2013) was a Hersham Horror Books anthology edited by West.
Mark lives in Rothwell, with his wife Alison and their son, Matthew, where he is currently working on a new novel. He can be contacted via his website at www.markwest.org.uk
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
December 12, 2011
I've been fortunate to read a few books this year that have moved me emotionally. A Monster Calls, The Five, Apartment Seven, and now Mark West's The Mill.
West's writing had me turning the pages, but I also had to take breaks for fear my heart would shatter.
If you are a fan of shorter fiction (this would equal about 64 pages) and you love stories you can connect with emotionally, you will certainly enjoy The Mill. It was a powerful read.
West's writing had me turning the pages, but I also had to take breaks for fear my heart would shatter.
If you are a fan of shorter fiction (this would equal about 64 pages) and you love stories you can connect with emotionally, you will certainly enjoy The Mill. It was a powerful read.
March 24, 2012
This is a great novella from Mark West - ostensibly a horror story, it is as much about the dislocation of the death of a loved one, and the resulting grief, as it is about the supernatural. Although the supernatural element is there and the book is genuinely creepy in places.
West writes about his character's feelings really well - at times this was a heart-wrenching read. It is paced really well, with no extra fat on the meat of the story, making its bleak story feel even more dark and unremitting. The ending really works well to bring both the realistic and supernatural elements together into a climax that is pitch-perfect, and haunting in more than one sense.
West writes about his character's feelings really well - at times this was a heart-wrenching read. It is paced really well, with no extra fat on the meat of the story, making its bleak story feel even more dark and unremitting. The ending really works well to bring both the realistic and supernatural elements together into a climax that is pitch-perfect, and haunting in more than one sense.
March 8, 2012
I urge you to read everything that Mark West writes. He develops characters in a way that is sorely lacking in most horror fiction. His main characters from In the Rain With the Dead still haunt the back corners of my mind.
The Mill is West's best all-around story so far. Heart wrenching emotion wrapped around a ghost story that is not your typical "haunting from a deceased loved one" theme. It has shades of Blatty's Elsewhere in its non-conventional use of ghosts but it engages in a way that Elsewhere lacked.
Great short story, highly recommended.
The Mill is West's best all-around story so far. Heart wrenching emotion wrapped around a ghost story that is not your typical "haunting from a deceased loved one" theme. It has shades of Blatty's Elsewhere in its non-conventional use of ghosts but it engages in a way that Elsewhere lacked.
Great short story, highly recommended.
November 7, 2011
A novellette well deserving of its plaudits. The theme of losing a loved one is visited with rare sensitivity and once again showcases Mark West's skill at realistically portraying interpersonal relationships with dialogue that shines. Easily the best I have so far read by this writer. Definitely a five-star read. Go and get it, you won't regret it.
November 13, 2011
Over the last twelve months I have rekindled my interested in reading short stories. I’ve been lucky enough to read some marvelous anthologies and some fantastic stand-alone work. I was first exposed to Mark’s writing when a read the anthology Ill at Ease. I thoroughly enjoyed his entry Come See My House In The Pretty Town. I recently got the opportunity to read another one of his short stories, The Mill.
It has always struck me that sadness and grief can be incredibly difficult emotions to convey in writing. When it is successful, however, it can produce work that is not only incredibly effective but also deeply moving. Personally I have only come across writing like this a few times in the past, I think I am going to have to include Mark West on this very short list. The reader gets glimpses of the emotional turmoil that surrounds Michael at every turn. With the death of his wife he has been set adrift in his life and he is unsure how to move on.
As Michael’s fragile emotional state continues to unravel he is drawn to a derelict building on the outskirts of town. Does the Mill act as a doorway to his lost love or is he losing his mind?
The story’s conclusion ends on a bittersweet note that perfectly captures the overall tone of the piece. I was impressed that West’s writing manages to be both upliftingly happy and in the same moment breathtakingly sad.
The Mill is a short, poignant exploration of a man dealing with the devastating loss of his partner. The supernatural elements are subtly blended into the story, and never feel forced. West treats what could be difficult subject matter with a delicate, reverential touch and it shows. Subtle and affecting, this is a captivating read.
The Mill is published by Greyhart Press and is available now from the Amazon Kindle store.
It has always struck me that sadness and grief can be incredibly difficult emotions to convey in writing. When it is successful, however, it can produce work that is not only incredibly effective but also deeply moving. Personally I have only come across writing like this a few times in the past, I think I am going to have to include Mark West on this very short list. The reader gets glimpses of the emotional turmoil that surrounds Michael at every turn. With the death of his wife he has been set adrift in his life and he is unsure how to move on.
As Michael’s fragile emotional state continues to unravel he is drawn to a derelict building on the outskirts of town. Does the Mill act as a doorway to his lost love or is he losing his mind?
The story’s conclusion ends on a bittersweet note that perfectly captures the overall tone of the piece. I was impressed that West’s writing manages to be both upliftingly happy and in the same moment breathtakingly sad.
The Mill is a short, poignant exploration of a man dealing with the devastating loss of his partner. The supernatural elements are subtly blended into the story, and never feel forced. West treats what could be difficult subject matter with a delicate, reverential touch and it shows. Subtle and affecting, this is a captivating read.
The Mill is published by Greyhart Press and is available now from the Amazon Kindle store.
August 22, 2013
Last year, I had the good fortune to read a Spectral Press chapbook called What Gets Left Behind by Mark West, which wound up being one of the best pieces of horror fiction I read in 2012. The Mill, a novella of Mark's published by Grayhart Press, doesn't quite hit the same memorable notes as that little gem, but it comes damned close.
In the wake of his wife's death, Michael joins a supported group for bereaving partners. It's little consolation, especially as he discovers that the voices he's been hearing near the old mill are not just in his head. Others in the group have heard them too, calling them to join their loved ones in the mill.
The atmosphere was enough to make my skin crawl at times, with the isolation and disembodied voices ringing through crystal clear. The quiet horror associated with the story ran right on par with the likes of Gary Fry, Paul Finch, and other writers adept at turning such utterly real events into something a little bit sinister and a little bit macabre.
The ending comes somewhat abruptly, but that's a small criticism, and it definitely didn't take away from the overall effect the story had. It's one more example of how really good horror can come in small packages, and how Britain seems like it's the go-to spot for literary horror.
In the wake of his wife's death, Michael joins a supported group for bereaving partners. It's little consolation, especially as he discovers that the voices he's been hearing near the old mill are not just in his head. Others in the group have heard them too, calling them to join their loved ones in the mill.
The atmosphere was enough to make my skin crawl at times, with the isolation and disembodied voices ringing through crystal clear. The quiet horror associated with the story ran right on par with the likes of Gary Fry, Paul Finch, and other writers adept at turning such utterly real events into something a little bit sinister and a little bit macabre.
The ending comes somewhat abruptly, but that's a small criticism, and it definitely didn't take away from the overall effect the story had. It's one more example of how really good horror can come in small packages, and how Britain seems like it's the go-to spot for literary horror.
April 25, 2012
An excellent short story about loss and the moments of realization that occur every day afterward, The Mill has an added twist of mixing in some mysterious paranormal activity. You won't go through this book quickly because it's short, you'll go through it quickly because you won't want to put it down. The emotions within are intense, but necessarily so, as they guide the reader through the life of one man and his understanding of his broken heart. Nothing will refresh your need to reach out to the one you love like this book will and nothing will have you thinking to yourself "What would I do" more than this story as well. I expect that your only complaint will be that there just isn't enough of it.
Note: Though this book was a free gift from the author, the content of my review was in no way influenced by the gifting. The book speaks for itself and my review would have been worded just this way even if I'd gone out and bought it. I also give bonus points for Text To Speech enabling on Kindle format.... but that also wasn't a factor in the above review.
Note: Though this book was a free gift from the author, the content of my review was in no way influenced by the gifting. The book speaks for itself and my review would have been worded just this way even if I'd gone out and bought it. I also give bonus points for Text To Speech enabling on Kindle format.... but that also wasn't a factor in the above review.
May 10, 2012
I won this book from the member librarything giveaways in exchange for an honest review.
The Mill is a beautifully written novelette by Mark West about a man named Michael and the agonizing loss of his beloved wife, Nicola. This book marks his journey of grief and the overshadowing of something more eerie and creepy from a place called the Mill that harkens in his nightmares.
This book is very fast paced and haunting but makes all the right moves. The mood of the book is dark and creepy, and everything is revealed when it should be. I thought it was well written, well plotted and had characters that were intriguing and real.
I very much enjoyed reading this novelette and look forward to seeing more work from Mark West.
The Mill is a beautifully written novelette by Mark West about a man named Michael and the agonizing loss of his beloved wife, Nicola. This book marks his journey of grief and the overshadowing of something more eerie and creepy from a place called the Mill that harkens in his nightmares.
This book is very fast paced and haunting but makes all the right moves. The mood of the book is dark and creepy, and everything is revealed when it should be. I thought it was well written, well plotted and had characters that were intriguing and real.
I very much enjoyed reading this novelette and look forward to seeing more work from Mark West.
January 16, 2014
The Mill was an novella that intrigued me. At first, it had me very confused. When Michael was dreaming at the beginning, I had no clue what was going on. Also, his trip to the mill made me a little confused. However, once I started to figure out what was going in, I became very emotionally involved in the story.
I felt bad for Michael. I can't even begin to imagine the heartache that comes from losing a spouse, especially in a terrible way like that. I was hoping that Michael and Saskia would be able to push through their grief together, but unfortunately it didn't happen. The ending to The Mill was predictable, yet still shocking. It will stay with me for a long time.
I felt bad for Michael. I can't even begin to imagine the heartache that comes from losing a spouse, especially in a terrible way like that. I was hoping that Michael and Saskia would be able to push through their grief together, but unfortunately it didn't happen. The ending to The Mill was predictable, yet still shocking. It will stay with me for a long time.
October 13, 2014
Creating a story that not only chills you, but grabs at your heartstrings, is a real challenge. Mark West has done just that in this tale of loss and separation - and in not overdoing the horror element, he makes it all the more effective. This is a beautifully written and well-structured novella that stands alone as a satisfying read, but I became so involved with the characters that I wanted to know more. Michael, the hero and Saskia, who react to bereavement in different but equally heart-rending ways, are people you don't forget. I'd love to see The Mill developed into a full-length novel.
March 27, 2012
I was hooked from the first page...... This short story hits the ground running - I couldn't put it down and didn't until I had finished it. My mistake was reading it in the middle of the night....creepy. A very human story of loss and loneliness told with a supernatural element. A very atmospheric, good old fashioned ghost story with an ending I wasn't expecting.
*I received a copy free in exchange for an honest review and I have no hesitation in highly recommending this if you enjoy a good haunting.
*I received a copy free in exchange for an honest review and I have no hesitation in highly recommending this if you enjoy a good haunting.
April 20, 2012
This was an e book from another site.
A very well written novelette about a man who is grieving his wife. He has strange dreams about her and finding her at a local old rundown mill. But he is not the only one with the dreams and he has been advised to avoid the mill.
A few spelling errors, but the story kept my interest and could have been longer. I think this writer will do fine on what ever story he wants to tell.
A very well written novelette about a man who is grieving his wife. He has strange dreams about her and finding her at a local old rundown mill. But he is not the only one with the dreams and he has been advised to avoid the mill.
A few spelling errors, but the story kept my interest and could have been longer. I think this writer will do fine on what ever story he wants to tell.
March 24, 2012
The Mill visits those who are bereaved in their dreams. It calls to them.
Michael hears the call after losing his wife, Nicola. Others hear the call.
A supernatural story, with a chilling end.
I give this Kindle e-Book Five Stars and my Thumbs Up.
****DISCLOSURE: I received a copy of this e-Book from Greyheart Press in exchange for an independent, non-biased review.
Michael hears the call after losing his wife, Nicola. Others hear the call.
A supernatural story, with a chilling end.
I give this Kindle e-Book Five Stars and my Thumbs Up.
****DISCLOSURE: I received a copy of this e-Book from Greyheart Press in exchange for an independent, non-biased review.
May 26, 2012
Even though this novelette is placed in the horror or supernatural categories, it is so much more. This is a sad story about how people handle loss. It is a frank story placed in a light horror setting. The result is that the reader should not feel like this is a clinical approach to loss. The characters are real, the story is fast paced, and you will have empathy for all you read about.
June 20, 2012
A longer short or a short long, either way it's a good read. It keeps your interest throughout and tugs at more than one of your emotional strings on top of creeping you out in parts. I could have done with it being longer as I found myself caught up in what was happening and starting to care about the characters and then BAM it was all over. Either way I would recommend this to anyone.
March 28, 2012
My jaw totally dropped at the end of this story. I never saw it coming. This is a short suspense / ghost/ grief filled story that can be read in one sitting.
NOTE- I received this free in exchange for a review.
NOTE- I received this free in exchange for a review.
September 19, 2012
My review can be read at the following link
http://www.thisishorror.co.uk/read-ho...
http://www.thisishorror.co.uk/read-ho...
November 10, 2012
Grips you with both hands and pulls you in from the first paragraph. Deeply intense, heartbreaking and creepy as hell!
Worth the read without a doubt.
Worth the read without a doubt.
January 22, 2019
Having very briefly met Mark West at a gathering of authors and subsequently followed his blog, I realised that we shared a lot of interests. It seemed the natural step, then, to dip into his fiction. The Mill is the first story of his that I’ve read, but it won’t be the last. His writing is engaging. I remember thinking early on that nothing much was happening, and yet I was racing through it. As it turned out, a lot was happening, if only in the sense that the central character, his history and his state of mind were being explored, effectively setting the scene for what was to come. Indeed, by building up that very credible world, as the more supernatural elements come in to play, they feel, perversely, almost natural. This is a story that deals in horror – and there are some chilling moments – but brings with it reflections on humanity. I loved it.
March 27, 2013
(I received this book as part of the 'read...review...repeat' offer by Grey Hart Press).
(This review may contain spoilers).
I liked the idea behind this story. Dealing with loss is something that I think almost everyone has been through at some time in their lives.
I think that the story was just about the right length. I often find it difficult to get into shorter stories, because the characters don't seem to be as developed, but that wasn't the case here. I was able to 'bond' with the characters fairly quickly.
I did notice a few grammatical and punctual errors, but they didn't really detract from the story. I have to say, I wasn't exactly scared, though the story did make me feel sad in places. I thought the story behind The Mill worked quite well - presumably, that was where the coughing came from.
I would have liked a bit more explanation behind everything. Were the characters really seeing the spirits of their loved ones? What happened to their souls when they died at The Mill? What did the other ghosts want?
This story left me with more questions than answers. I'd like to see a longer story - or perhaps a sequel - exploring more behind The Mill.
(This review may contain spoilers).
I liked the idea behind this story. Dealing with loss is something that I think almost everyone has been through at some time in their lives.
I think that the story was just about the right length. I often find it difficult to get into shorter stories, because the characters don't seem to be as developed, but that wasn't the case here. I was able to 'bond' with the characters fairly quickly.
I did notice a few grammatical and punctual errors, but they didn't really detract from the story. I have to say, I wasn't exactly scared, though the story did make me feel sad in places. I thought the story behind The Mill worked quite well - presumably, that was where the coughing came from.
I would have liked a bit more explanation behind everything. Were the characters really seeing the spirits of their loved ones? What happened to their souls when they died at The Mill? What did the other ghosts want?
This story left me with more questions than answers. I'd like to see a longer story - or perhaps a sequel - exploring more behind The Mill.
April 23, 2016
The Mill is a wonderfully written novellette about a young widower struggling to deal with the death of his wife Nicola.
Michael has lost his focus in life the way that people do after the death of a loved one, lack of concentration, insomnia, strange dreams and hearing and seeing his wife. It's only when he attends a bereaved partner's group and picks up on a seemingly throw away comment made by someone in the group that he begins to think more about his dreams of The Mill.
Combining a chilling atmosphere as well as developing a character that will tug on a readers heartstrings is a hard task, but that's exactly what Mr West has done in this moving but creepy story. The supernatural touches just completed the story for me and made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up.
Michael has lost his focus in life the way that people do after the death of a loved one, lack of concentration, insomnia, strange dreams and hearing and seeing his wife. It's only when he attends a bereaved partner's group and picks up on a seemingly throw away comment made by someone in the group that he begins to think more about his dreams of The Mill.
Combining a chilling atmosphere as well as developing a character that will tug on a readers heartstrings is a hard task, but that's exactly what Mr West has done in this moving but creepy story. The supernatural touches just completed the story for me and made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up.
March 31, 2012
Mark West delivers a chilling look at death from the eyes of a widow. This story will test you resolve. What would you do if you love one died? Nobody knows the answer to that question until it happens.
A very good short story that makes you think about being alone. West has the ability to draw you into the story very quickly and accomplish his goal in a very few pages.
A four star book.
A very good short story that makes you think about being alone. West has the ability to draw you into the story very quickly and accomplish his goal in a very few pages.
A four star book.
June 23, 2018
Re-read as research for novel pitch. It's been several years since I last looked at it and, generally, I thought it held up quite well.
Thank you Gary McMahon for the editing...
Thank you Gary McMahon for the editing...
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews