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Sweetmeat
A chilling novella from the No.1 bestselling author of The Retreat, The Magpies, Follow You Home and Here To Stay.
When four-year-old Nicky goes missing from a housing estate in north Wales, the local kids are sure they know what happened to him. He was taken by Sweetmeat, a creature who loves nothing more than the taste of a naughty child. But when best friends Philip and Sam set off across the valley to Sweetmeat’s lair, they have no idea that the journey will change the course of their lives forever.Originally released as a limited edition hardcover which sold out within minutes, Sweetmeat is finally available as an ebook. Please note, this is a novella which is approximately one quarter the length of a regular novel. A perfect, quick creepy read for darker nights. Praise from readers of the hardcover on Goodreads, where Sweetmeat has a 4.8 average "Just as much a nostalgic coming-of-age story as it is a horror story, SWEETMEAT is loaded with 80s references and a Stephen King Stand by Me vibe. In just under 150 pages, this story came to life with vivid descriptions, rich character development, and the dark folklore of the region. The author's notes were a treasure trove of information and Easter eggs; some I caught, and others I didn't!""As usual Mark blew me away with this one. I had a warm satisfied glow of satisfaction and contentment when I had finished-it had lived up to all my expectations and more. I loved the relatable 80s references like the ads on TV, they made me smile and think back on my own childhood.""Absolutely devoured this book and really really loved it. A little bit of nostalgia thrown in and it reminds me of a good old horror story from camp!"
When four-year-old Nicky goes missing from a housing estate in north Wales, the local kids are sure they know what happened to him. He was taken by Sweetmeat, a creature who loves nothing more than the taste of a naughty child. But when best friends Philip and Sam set off across the valley to Sweetmeat’s lair, they have no idea that the journey will change the course of their lives forever.Originally released as a limited edition hardcover which sold out within minutes, Sweetmeat is finally available as an ebook. Please note, this is a novella which is approximately one quarter the length of a regular novel. A perfect, quick creepy read for darker nights. Praise from readers of the hardcover on Goodreads, where Sweetmeat has a 4.8 average "Just as much a nostalgic coming-of-age story as it is a horror story, SWEETMEAT is loaded with 80s references and a Stephen King Stand by Me vibe. In just under 150 pages, this story came to life with vivid descriptions, rich character development, and the dark folklore of the region. The author's notes were a treasure trove of information and Easter eggs; some I caught, and others I didn't!""As usual Mark blew me away with this one. I had a warm satisfied glow of satisfaction and contentment when I had finished-it had lived up to all my expectations and more. I loved the relatable 80s references like the ads on TV, they made me smile and think back on my own childhood.""Absolutely devoured this book and really really loved it. A little bit of nostalgia thrown in and it reminds me of a good old horror story from camp!"
107 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 1, 2023
170 people are currently reading
294 people want to read
About the author
Mark Edwards
36 books5,900 followersMark Edwards writes psychological thrillers in which scary things happen to ordinary people.
He loves hearing from readers and always responds. Mark can be contacted in the following ways:
Email: mark@markedwardsauthor.com
Twitter @mredwards
Facebook/Instagram: @markedwardsauthor
You can download a free box set of 'Short Sharp Shockers' by visiting www.markedwardsauthor.com/free
Mark has sold over 5 million books since his first solo novel, The Magpies, was published in 2013 and has topped the bestseller lists numerous times. His other novels include Follow You Home, Here To Stay and The Psychopath Next Door. He has also published six books co-authored with Louise Voss. His next novel, The Wasp Trap, will be published in the UK/Australia in July 2025 and the US/Canada in September 2025.
Mark lives in the West Midlands, England, with his wife, their three children, two cats and a golden retriever.
He loves hearing from readers and always responds. Mark can be contacted in the following ways:
Email: mark@markedwardsauthor.com
Twitter @mredwards
Facebook/Instagram: @markedwardsauthor
You can download a free box set of 'Short Sharp Shockers' by visiting www.markedwardsauthor.com/free
Mark has sold over 5 million books since his first solo novel, The Magpies, was published in 2013 and has topped the bestseller lists numerous times. His other novels include Follow You Home, Here To Stay and The Psychopath Next Door. He has also published six books co-authored with Louise Voss. His next novel, The Wasp Trap, will be published in the UK/Australia in July 2025 and the US/Canada in September 2025.
Mark lives in the West Midlands, England, with his wife, their three children, two cats and a golden retriever.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
October 22, 2023
"In the blazing summer of 1981, when I was two weeks shy of twelve, my best friend and I went searching for a missing boy and found a monster."
Sam and Philip, mere preteens, travel the Welsh countryside to find out what happened to Sam's cousins and the other missing kids. As kids, the logical explanation lies in the local lore: A monster who eats naughty children called Sweetmeat. Of course its a lead the adults haven't looked into which gives it more validation. But what the end up finding is so much more horrid than the tales.
Excellent monster read for Halloween. This has a nostalgia about it that is so rare and precious of kids out on an adventure and the purity of innocence on the precipice. As aleays, Edwards knocks this outta the park.
Sam and Philip, mere preteens, travel the Welsh countryside to find out what happened to Sam's cousins and the other missing kids. As kids, the logical explanation lies in the local lore: A monster who eats naughty children called Sweetmeat. Of course its a lead the adults haven't looked into which gives it more validation. But what the end up finding is so much more horrid than the tales.
Excellent monster read for Halloween. This has a nostalgia about it that is so rare and precious of kids out on an adventure and the purity of innocence on the precipice. As aleays, Edwards knocks this outta the park.
October 3, 2022
So being a Mark Edwards fan, when i heard this was being released, and with very limited copies available i knew, i needed to have one to add to my collection.
As always with Mark's books, i wasnt disappointed. Although its a very short read, it still had me on the edge of my seat. I would have preferred this book to go on for a lot longer but even at the length it was, Mark did a great job with it. If you are one of the lucky ones to have got a copy of this book, read it as soon as you can, im pretty sure you wont be disappointed with it. Now its off for pride of place on the book shelf, and im off to read my next Mark Edwards book
As always with Mark's books, i wasnt disappointed. Although its a very short read, it still had me on the edge of my seat. I would have preferred this book to go on for a lot longer but even at the length it was, Mark did a great job with it. If you are one of the lucky ones to have got a copy of this book, read it as soon as you can, im pretty sure you wont be disappointed with it. Now its off for pride of place on the book shelf, and im off to read my next Mark Edwards book
April 29, 2023
Excellent novella! Great ending!
January 24, 2024
Pretty creepy and a quick read.
October 4, 2022
I was lucky enough to get myself one of the 500 copies that were printed, and yet again its another amazing book from Mark.
A quick read that was prefect as I needed to know what happened to nicky
A quick read that was prefect as I needed to know what happened to nicky
March 1, 2023
𝐒𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐚𝐬 𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐚𝐬 𝐖𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐬. 𝐀𝐬 𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐯𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐲𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬. 𝐇𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐛𝐞𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐡𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐬. 𝐇𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐝𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐫𝐮𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝. 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐚𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫, 𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐥 𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐡𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐬 𝐨𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭. 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐭𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐠𝐨𝐨𝐝. 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐭𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐭.
With only 500 limited signed copies, I knew I had to have a copy of SWEETMEAT! Add in the fact that this story is steeped in regional folklore, and I was sold!
Just as much a nostalgic coming-of-age story as it is a horror story, SWEETMEAT is loaded with 80s references and a Stephen King 𝑺𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒃𝒚 𝑴𝒆 vibe. Four-year-old Nicky goes missing in Wales, and 12-year-old best friends Philip and Sam, sure that Nicky is a victim of Sweetmeat, go on a quest to find the monster's lair and unknowingly alter the course of their lives forever.
In just under 150 pages, this story came to life with vivid descriptions, rich character development, and the dark folklore of the region. The author's notes were a treasure trove of information and Easter eggs; some I caught, and others I didn't!
I count myself so lucky to have a signed Mark Edwards in my collection. I hope he releases this book to the masses because it needs a wide audience!
With only 500 limited signed copies, I knew I had to have a copy of SWEETMEAT! Add in the fact that this story is steeped in regional folklore, and I was sold!
Just as much a nostalgic coming-of-age story as it is a horror story, SWEETMEAT is loaded with 80s references and a Stephen King 𝑺𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒃𝒚 𝑴𝒆 vibe. Four-year-old Nicky goes missing in Wales, and 12-year-old best friends Philip and Sam, sure that Nicky is a victim of Sweetmeat, go on a quest to find the monster's lair and unknowingly alter the course of their lives forever.
In just under 150 pages, this story came to life with vivid descriptions, rich character development, and the dark folklore of the region. The author's notes were a treasure trove of information and Easter eggs; some I caught, and others I didn't!
I count myself so lucky to have a signed Mark Edwards in my collection. I hope he releases this book to the masses because it needs a wide audience!
November 6, 2023
So so. The title of the book (and the monster) ‘Sweetmeat’ is silly, like a knock off of Bisto products.
The so called homage to the 1980s is achieved by product placement such as Adam Ant on the radio, references to the ‘stranger danger’ campaign at schools, and Panda pops drinks.
The monster is reduced to a shadow underwater, which is a shame given the grisly build up of it consuming children, and the IT like urban legend behind it, so the pay off is non-existent. There is also far too much detail of the protagonists’ journey through the forest.
Like a lot of authors in this genre this one shamelessly mines Stephen King. He acknowledges ‘The body’ (known more famously as the film Stand by me) reference, in terms of reminiscing about childhood adventures.
IT is heavily referenced, with the aforementioned urban legend of ‘Sweetmeat’, a young child being taken who’s under the protagonist’s care, how the monster eats in cycles with years between each one, the bullies, and the dead kids existing in spirit form.
The narrative is easy to follow, and if you need a quick read you can do worse.
The so called homage to the 1980s is achieved by product placement such as Adam Ant on the radio, references to the ‘stranger danger’ campaign at schools, and Panda pops drinks.
The monster is reduced to a shadow underwater, which is a shame given the grisly build up of it consuming children, and the IT like urban legend behind it, so the pay off is non-existent. There is also far too much detail of the protagonists’ journey through the forest.
Like a lot of authors in this genre this one shamelessly mines Stephen King. He acknowledges ‘The body’ (known more famously as the film Stand by me) reference, in terms of reminiscing about childhood adventures.
IT is heavily referenced, with the aforementioned urban legend of ‘Sweetmeat’, a young child being taken who’s under the protagonist’s care, how the monster eats in cycles with years between each one, the bullies, and the dead kids existing in spirit form.
The narrative is easy to follow, and if you need a quick read you can do worse.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 5, 2022
One of my favourite Mark Edwards books is The Retreat, so when I heard Sweetmeat was coming I was sooo excited. I was delighted Mark was doing something different and knew I had to get my hands on this special gem. I have to admit I was nervous because my hopes and excitement were built up so high. I also wondered how it would be writing about this creature, this too was new and different, would it be real or an animalistic human? I need not have worried... As usual Mark blew me away with this one. I had a warm satisfied glow of satisfaction and contentment when I had finished-it had lived up to all my expectations and more. I loved the relatable 80's references like the ads on TV, they made me smile and think back on my own childhood.
The signed hard back, attached bookmark ribbon with beautiful artwork and sleeve made the reading experience a delight. Sweetmeat is definitely in my treasured collectibles.
The signed hard back, attached bookmark ribbon with beautiful artwork and sleeve made the reading experience a delight. Sweetmeat is definitely in my treasured collectibles.
October 24, 2022
I was one of the lucky people to get a limited edition copy of Sweetmeat (92/500) and it was money well spent.
Sweetmeat reads like classic Stephen King, with inspiration from The Body but also with enough Mark Edwards to make it brilliantly unique. I also love that this novella ties into the Mark Edwards universe, which is growing all the time.
When Sam's cousin Nicky disappears without a trace, she and her best friend, Philip travel the Welsh countryside in search of Sweetmeat, a mythical creature who apparently lives in the river and eats naughty children. What they find is worse than they imagined and changes the rest of their lives.
Written from Philip's point of view, Sweetmeat is a fast-paced, nostalgic look at the past with references to loads of 80s pop culture and it has that feel of classic 80s horror as well.
I loved this book.
Sweetmeat reads like classic Stephen King, with inspiration from The Body but also with enough Mark Edwards to make it brilliantly unique. I also love that this novella ties into the Mark Edwards universe, which is growing all the time.
When Sam's cousin Nicky disappears without a trace, she and her best friend, Philip travel the Welsh countryside in search of Sweetmeat, a mythical creature who apparently lives in the river and eats naughty children. What they find is worse than they imagined and changes the rest of their lives.
Written from Philip's point of view, Sweetmeat is a fast-paced, nostalgic look at the past with references to loads of 80s pop culture and it has that feel of classic 80s horror as well.
I loved this book.
October 6, 2023
Superbly written, took me right back to childhood with the references and story (minus the child snatching!). You can't help but feel tense for the main characters as they begin their journey, you know there can be no such monster out there (right?) but childhood imagination just goes into overdrive- mine did as well as I was reading. What I love about Mark's writing when it comes to stories like this is they are clearly aimed at getting the reader to think of the supernatural, but usually there ends up being a logical explanation. Maybe in this case, maybe not, you'll need to read it to see. I love the possibility though, he totally grips you with his writing.
Really enjoyed this. Would highly recommend it.
Really enjoyed this. Would highly recommend it.
October 16, 2023
I’m really suffering with my insomnia right now and have taken to reading short stories and novellas in the night when sleep alludes me.
I enjoy Mark Edwards stories and I was excited for this one as I enjoy stories with a mythical element but a horror core.
This is quite soft horror. A man retells the story of him and his best friend looking for a missing child from their estate in Wales. The pair believe that little Nicky was taken by sweetmeat, a monster that abducts and eats naught children.
It’s a simple narrative with some eerie moments but it failed to “creep me out”.
That being said, I enjoyed how the story was told and the little Easter eggs Mark uses from his other novels to build the story.
A quick, enjoyable read that for the job of padding the hours until morning.
I enjoy Mark Edwards stories and I was excited for this one as I enjoy stories with a mythical element but a horror core.
This is quite soft horror. A man retells the story of him and his best friend looking for a missing child from their estate in Wales. The pair believe that little Nicky was taken by sweetmeat, a monster that abducts and eats naught children.
It’s a simple narrative with some eerie moments but it failed to “creep me out”.
That being said, I enjoyed how the story was told and the little Easter eggs Mark uses from his other novels to build the story.
A quick, enjoyable read that for the job of padding the hours until morning.
November 4, 2023
What a brilliant book! I managed to get one of the limited edition paperbacks and feel so luck to have grabbed one!
This story follows Sam and Philip on their quest to find Nicky, Sam's little brother. Is Sweetmeat just legend? A tale? Or is he real? This book is so descriptive and keeps you on the edge of your seat! It is well thought out and I love how it is linked to other books by characters reading about it.
I love Mark's books and I wanted this one as the title intrigued me but who doesn't want a good horror/thriller book! This novella is worth a read and I really enjoyed it. This will be a book I will read again, would recommend this book and others by Mark.
This story follows Sam and Philip on their quest to find Nicky, Sam's little brother. Is Sweetmeat just legend? A tale? Or is he real? This book is so descriptive and keeps you on the edge of your seat! It is well thought out and I love how it is linked to other books by characters reading about it.
I love Mark's books and I wanted this one as the title intrigued me but who doesn't want a good horror/thriller book! This novella is worth a read and I really enjoyed it. This will be a book I will read again, would recommend this book and others by Mark.
October 22, 2023
Stranger Danger Magnified
This novella could be read in one sitting. Philip is the most likeable character with his young attitude and his dedication as Sam's best friend. Sam could get on your nerves, but as the story concludes, you realize why she did what she did, but also the sadness of what happened as she grew older. Nicky's story is a sad reality of what is still very real in our society, and it's the true underlying darkness of missing/murdered children. Be sure to read the author notes at the end of the book.
This novella could be read in one sitting. Philip is the most likeable character with his young attitude and his dedication as Sam's best friend. Sam could get on your nerves, but as the story concludes, you realize why she did what she did, but also the sadness of what happened as she grew older. Nicky's story is a sad reality of what is still very real in our society, and it's the true underlying darkness of missing/murdered children. Be sure to read the author notes at the end of the book.
August 17, 2025
Already a big fan of Mark Edwards and this book is no exception. Immediately drawn into the story and didn’t want it to end. It’s shorter than his other books but it certainly packed a lot in. The relationship between Sam and Philip was really sweet and this story kind of gave me ‘Stand By Me’ vibes. The legend of Sweetmeat was done really well and I could feel the fear of the characters. I liked the fact that it kept me internally debating throughout whether the creature was real or a mask for something else more human.
July 15, 2024
Creepy yet nostalgic
As much as this book is an immensely creepy and also sad tale, it also is nostalgic in the innocence of being a kid. I could relate so much to the characters, Mark Edwards did a fantastic job. I will recommend this short story till my last breath!
I would also like to add that I did get chills when reading this book, especially since it is from a child's point of view. I loved it and would definitely read this again.
As much as this book is an immensely creepy and also sad tale, it also is nostalgic in the innocence of being a kid. I could relate so much to the characters, Mark Edwards did a fantastic job. I will recommend this short story till my last breath!
I would also like to add that I did get chills when reading this book, especially since it is from a child's point of view. I loved it and would definitely read this again.
October 3, 2022
Only 500 copies of these ever to be published and I’m the proud owner of signed copy 142/500 🍁🎃🧡
I am a Mark Edwards super fan and I absolutely LOVE all of his work. This was a lovely little read and it’s extra special too. I will treasure it always.
Slightly different to his usual offerings but it gripped me all the same. Thank you Mark ♥️
I am a Mark Edwards super fan and I absolutely LOVE all of his work. This was a lovely little read and it’s extra special too. I will treasure it always.
Slightly different to his usual offerings but it gripped me all the same. Thank you Mark ♥️
October 20, 2022
Reading whilst on my jollies in Cleethorpes!
Absolutely devoured this book and really really loved it. A little bit of nostalgia thrown in and it reminds me of a good old horror story from camp!
Well done Mark you never fail to enthral me with your fantastic story telling abilities!
5⭐️ of course!
Absolutely devoured this book and really really loved it. A little bit of nostalgia thrown in and it reminds me of a good old horror story from camp!
Well done Mark you never fail to enthral me with your fantastic story telling abilities!
5⭐️ of course!
February 5, 2024
scary
Atmospheric tale about a child-eating monster in rural Wales, and of two kids who went searching for him and his latest victim, a little, bratty boy they we’re supposed to be watching. It’s also a story of irresponsible parents who drink too much and don’t pay close enough attention to their children. Grim but not gory, and a short, quick read.
Atmospheric tale about a child-eating monster in rural Wales, and of two kids who went searching for him and his latest victim, a little, bratty boy they we’re supposed to be watching. It’s also a story of irresponsible parents who drink too much and don’t pay close enough attention to their children. Grim but not gory, and a short, quick read.
October 22, 2022
As a big fan of Mark Edwards I was excited to hear he had written Sweetmeat that was referenced in his previous book The Retreat and he was releasing it as a limited edition hardback….I had to have one!
Just a short novella but a great, gripping read as always with beautiful illustrations.
Just a short novella but a great, gripping read as always with beautiful illustrations.
November 7, 2022
I literally started this book during Mark's live reading after being lucky enough to get a signed copy and oh gosh it didn't disappoint! Brilliant quick read, I was hooked from start to finish. Perfect little halloween book.
November 14, 2022
I’m so glad I got my hands on this book since there were only 500 copies printed (numbered and autographed) and Mark says they’ll never be reprinted in any format and will only be available in ebook format in 2023. I got a taste for Sweetmeat while reading his book, The Retreat, and had to get my hands on this when he opened up sales. Love thrillers and love knowing where this idea came from and to see the story come to fruition.
November 28, 2022
After all the connecting references in Marks books, I knew reading this was a must. I was a bit wary though that it might not live up to expectations, but I was wrong. Great short read, and fantastic details on the hardback.
October 7, 2023
Another great book
I have read all of mark Edwards books and they are all brilliant. This book I read in a day it's so addictive I couldn't put it down it was scary and sad . I definitely recommend this book
I have read all of mark Edwards books and they are all brilliant. This book I read in a day it's so addictive I couldn't put it down it was scary and sad . I definitely recommend this book
October 8, 2023
Sweeeeeeet!
Mark Edwards has written a short story that if it were read by children it would keep them awake at night (even having checked under the bed for monsters). A good short story from Mark, and a good addition to the rest of his excellent novels.
Mark Edwards has written a short story that if it were read by children it would keep them awake at night (even having checked under the bed for monsters). A good short story from Mark, and a good addition to the rest of his excellent novels.
October 15, 2023
Superb
Brilliant 👏
Mark Edwards is one of my favourite authors and unsurprisingly was not disappointed with this digital read!
If you're a fan of horror or thrillers, then do yourself a favour and read this! (You won't be disappointed)
Brilliant 👏
Mark Edwards is one of my favourite authors and unsurprisingly was not disappointed with this digital read!
If you're a fan of horror or thrillers, then do yourself a favour and read this! (You won't be disappointed)
October 31, 2023
Nice quick read
The story flowed very well, it was easy to read and nostalgic. It was short but enjoyable. I hope the author will write more about what sweetmeat was, how it became or maybe even King Badger and how he became involved.
The story flowed very well, it was easy to read and nostalgic. It was short but enjoyable. I hope the author will write more about what sweetmeat was, how it became or maybe even King Badger and how he became involved.
January 2, 2024
Mark Edwards is one of my favourite authors, I have read everything he has written. This has to be up there as one of his best. Massive Stand By Me vibes. It’s tragic, beautiful, terrifying and heartbreaking but also really nostalgic and heartwarming.
October 6, 2022
Another great read from Mark Edwards. A scary, thrilling tale that is suspenseful all the way through. Read in one sitting!
October 25, 2022
I received book 495/500. This was a great read. One that kept you on the edge holding your breath & not even realizing it. It's a quick read. Well done!
November 2, 2022
This was a terrific classic horror story,
loved the '80s vibe and the illustrations were so beautiful!
Thank you Mark Edwards for this beautiful gem!
loved the '80s vibe and the illustrations were so beautiful!
Thank you Mark Edwards for this beautiful gem!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews