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The Apparitions of Ruin: A thrilling folk horror mystery
In recent years, Friar’s Dale has earned itself the reputation of ‘Britain’s Most Haunted Village’. The body of Nicholas Doyle has been found at one of the village’s renowned haunted locations: at a crossroads, where a gallows still stands. He has a bullet hole to the head, but there is no exit wound - and no bullet.
Due to the paranormal abilities they have inherited, Charlotte, Aaron and Emma Burroughs are recruited by a government agency to look into the strange death. As they investigate, Emma’s ability to trigger a visual playback of a person’s final moments before death reveals a supernatural connection to Doyle’s murder.
But everyone knows ghosts cannot kill!
When a second body is found, the pressure is on to solve the mystery behind the macabre deaths in Friar’s Dale - before they become the next victims.
Due to the paranormal abilities they have inherited, Charlotte, Aaron and Emma Burroughs are recruited by a government agency to look into the strange death. As they investigate, Emma’s ability to trigger a visual playback of a person’s final moments before death reveals a supernatural connection to Doyle’s murder.
But everyone knows ghosts cannot kill!
When a second body is found, the pressure is on to solve the mystery behind the macabre deaths in Friar’s Dale - before they become the next victims.
- GenresHorror
254 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 10, 2024
9 people are currently reading
51 people want to read
About the author
Ian R. Cran
1 book9 followersI’ve had a lifelong interest in horror and the supernatural, and am thrilled to finally be publishing my novel, THE APPARITIONS OF RUIN. It’s quite far removed from your traditional ghost story - certainly an original twist with its central mystery and featuring characters with some really unique paranormal abilities.
When not reading books myself, I can usually be found walking the moors of Lancashire.
I work at Blackburn University Centre supporting students in engaging with their programmes.
When not reading books myself, I can usually be found walking the moors of Lancashire.
I work at Blackburn University Centre supporting students in engaging with their programmes.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
March 12, 2024
This one was absolutely delightful.
All the charm and endearing characters of a cozy but without the romance blended seamlessly with horror, detection, and action elements. I enjoyed every minute of it, the characters' dynamics were great, the bits of humor too, the graphic bits never felt forced or gratuitous. Nothing about this book felt like it was rushed or like it needed more space.
Would recommend for people who enjoy Darcy Coates' cozier titles or monster of the week type shows.
All the charm and endearing characters of a cozy but without the romance blended seamlessly with horror, detection, and action elements. I enjoyed every minute of it, the characters' dynamics were great, the bits of humor too, the graphic bits never felt forced or gratuitous. Nothing about this book felt like it was rushed or like it needed more space.
Would recommend for people who enjoy Darcy Coates' cozier titles or monster of the week type shows.
March 4, 2024
This is a very solid first time novel that gives us a ghostly supernatural story with certain elements that are unique to the genre.
In this case, a trio of young adults consisting of a brother and two sisters have certain "abilities". They're every day normal people and they've been taught by their grandfather to never use those abilities lightly. Their parents died in a tragic fire years earlier and they've all been affected by this event.
One weekend, while getting together for a little reunion, they are told more about their parent's deaths and about their particular gifts. There's a secret government organisation which deals in matters of the supernatural and paranormal. When they agree to go to a small village to investigate a murder that seems suspicious, they find themselves enthralled in not only a mystery but a supernatural nightmare that even their powers might not be able to overcome.
Ghosts are killing people in this small village in brutal ways. But that's not going to be the worst of it!
For a first time novelist, the author has done a fantastic job in creating a world and characters unlike most stories with ghosts and spirits. He's put a lot of thought and research into what exactly ghosts are, how they do what they do, and even if they exist at all.
This book has a great X-Files vibe to it. They believe in the paranormal, even if the lead investigator in the village doesn't at first, but as their own lives are put in danger they'll have to rely on others if they're going to make it.
And just when you think it's all about the ghosts, there will be a twist as it's revealed WHY this is happening and what a madman has planned which could devastate the entire world if they can't stop him.
If you love a good scary ghost story with a paranormal twist and an exciting mystery, you'll definitely want to read this one! I recommend it.
In this case, a trio of young adults consisting of a brother and two sisters have certain "abilities". They're every day normal people and they've been taught by their grandfather to never use those abilities lightly. Their parents died in a tragic fire years earlier and they've all been affected by this event.
One weekend, while getting together for a little reunion, they are told more about their parent's deaths and about their particular gifts. There's a secret government organisation which deals in matters of the supernatural and paranormal. When they agree to go to a small village to investigate a murder that seems suspicious, they find themselves enthralled in not only a mystery but a supernatural nightmare that even their powers might not be able to overcome.
Ghosts are killing people in this small village in brutal ways. But that's not going to be the worst of it!
For a first time novelist, the author has done a fantastic job in creating a world and characters unlike most stories with ghosts and spirits. He's put a lot of thought and research into what exactly ghosts are, how they do what they do, and even if they exist at all.
This book has a great X-Files vibe to it. They believe in the paranormal, even if the lead investigator in the village doesn't at first, but as their own lives are put in danger they'll have to rely on others if they're going to make it.
And just when you think it's all about the ghosts, there will be a twist as it's revealed WHY this is happening and what a madman has planned which could devastate the entire world if they can't stop him.
If you love a good scary ghost story with a paranormal twist and an exciting mystery, you'll definitely want to read this one! I recommend it.
October 22, 2024
I was given a book of supposedly real hauntings for, I believe my tenth Birthday. The cover consisted of a menacing floating head, glaring at me. Terrifying me.
This story bought back the memory of that book. Ghosts abound in an English village becoming increasingly malevolent and violent as the story unfolds. It’s down to three siblings with paranormal abilities (recently recruited by a shady character from a shady Government office) to find out why and how this is occurring.
The story moves along briskly. Family secrets and conflicts meld together with moments of genuinely unnerving paranormal threat.
It all wraps up nicely ( I got the villain wrong which annoyed me) and like my Ghost book I found myself dipping back in for that ‘chills’ fix.
A fine introduction to a series ( I hope) and I look forward to more.
Quick mention for the cover. Dominated by a huge gallows it seems off, unnerving. I can’t put my finger on it, fits the book perfectly and I’d love a poster of it.
This story bought back the memory of that book. Ghosts abound in an English village becoming increasingly malevolent and violent as the story unfolds. It’s down to three siblings with paranormal abilities (recently recruited by a shady character from a shady Government office) to find out why and how this is occurring.
The story moves along briskly. Family secrets and conflicts meld together with moments of genuinely unnerving paranormal threat.
It all wraps up nicely ( I got the villain wrong which annoyed me) and like my Ghost book I found myself dipping back in for that ‘chills’ fix.
A fine introduction to a series ( I hope) and I look forward to more.
Quick mention for the cover. Dominated by a huge gallows it seems off, unnerving. I can’t put my finger on it, fits the book perfectly and I’d love a poster of it.
May 31, 2024
This is a really solid debut novel: the plot is gripping and is a real mystery that kept me guessing
The characters are brilliant, I lived the mash up between the supernatural/paranormal and a good old fashioned detective story, it was skilfully done.
This doesn’t read like a debut, it is cleverly thought through and really well written: you’re definitely in the hands of a professional! I really enjoyed it.
A classic ghost story without too much gore but enough detail to comfortably satisfy most fans of the horror genre, check it out.
The characters are brilliant, I lived the mash up between the supernatural/paranormal and a good old fashioned detective story, it was skilfully done.
This doesn’t read like a debut, it is cleverly thought through and really well written: you’re definitely in the hands of a professional! I really enjoyed it.
A classic ghost story without too much gore but enough detail to comfortably satisfy most fans of the horror genre, check it out.
July 11, 2024
I really enjoyed it.
I found the storyline entertaining and engaging. The characters were imperfect, as they should be, but they were all, ultimately, rather endearing. (I’d certainly read another one starring the siblings). The action scenes were richly developed and there were moments where I was on the edge of my seat and my adrenaline was pumping right along with the characters.
This was a great debut novel and I sincerely hope Ian is writing more stories.
Do yourself a favor and pick up a copy.
Four ghosties: 👻👻👻👻
I found the storyline entertaining and engaging. The characters were imperfect, as they should be, but they were all, ultimately, rather endearing. (I’d certainly read another one starring the siblings). The action scenes were richly developed and there were moments where I was on the edge of my seat and my adrenaline was pumping right along with the characters.
This was a great debut novel and I sincerely hope Ian is writing more stories.
Do yourself a favor and pick up a copy.
Four ghosties: 👻👻👻👻
August 7, 2024
What a great and fun read this was!!
July 22, 2024
Absolutely brilliant! It's an extremely original storyline that is well written, atmospheric, and highly engaging. You will not be disappointed.
March 11, 2024
An enjoyable exploration of the supernatural and paranormal.
Three siblings have ‘talents’ that they have been told not to use since childhood. But, when events in the most haunted place in the UK transpire, they answer their call to use their gifts for the greater good.
The research of the locations and historical incidents were very evident and helped solidify a tale of the supernatural within the reality.
As a solid horror reader, it did take a while to get to the meat of the story, but the character and world building of the first half of the book propelled the read. Would suit fans of paranormal and supernatural investigations and thriller readers alike.
I’ll certainly look out for the next book by this author.
The cover of The Apparitions of Ruin by Ian R Cran shows a winding road with a solitary car. A set of gallows dominates the frame.
Three siblings have ‘talents’ that they have been told not to use since childhood. But, when events in the most haunted place in the UK transpire, they answer their call to use their gifts for the greater good.
The research of the locations and historical incidents were very evident and helped solidify a tale of the supernatural within the reality.
As a solid horror reader, it did take a while to get to the meat of the story, but the character and world building of the first half of the book propelled the read. Would suit fans of paranormal and supernatural investigations and thriller readers alike.
I’ll certainly look out for the next book by this author.
The cover of The Apparitions of Ruin by Ian R Cran shows a winding road with a solitary car. A set of gallows dominates the frame.
April 9, 2024
I freely admit that ghost stories aren't really my thing, as I find most of them to be the same story regurgitated over and over, just with different characters and locations. But this book is definitely NOT like any I've ever read in this subgenre. And I'm very glad that I gave it a go!
The characters, while sometimes annoying, are relatable in the way that I found myself frequently wondering what I would do if I was in their shoes. As an intuitive and occasional paranormal investigator myself, how would I have handled things in these situations? The story is full of new twists that I haven't yet seen in the genre (in books or in movies), which made it an engaging read. The ending did feel a bit abrupt after all the time we spent trying to figure out what was going on, but maybe there is a sequel on the horizon? All in all, give this one a go if the story grabs your interest!
The characters, while sometimes annoying, are relatable in the way that I found myself frequently wondering what I would do if I was in their shoes. As an intuitive and occasional paranormal investigator myself, how would I have handled things in these situations? The story is full of new twists that I haven't yet seen in the genre (in books or in movies), which made it an engaging read. The ending did feel a bit abrupt after all the time we spent trying to figure out what was going on, but maybe there is a sequel on the horizon? All in all, give this one a go if the story grabs your interest!
January 29, 2024
Welcome to the world of “tappers”, abilities that defy logic. Siblings supreme, Charlotte, Aaron and Emma are hunting for killer ghosts in Friar’s Dale, a village which was unbeknown prior and now a hub for ghost hunters and the police. Scary supernatural thrills, horror, it has it all. Hope there is a series on its way there is so much potential in the protagonists. Brilliant storyline! A must read!
March 21, 2024
Highly recommended, especially if you’re into stories full of ominous settings, psychic abilities, ghost hunting, plague, vivid imagery and hordes of the shambling dead.
The writing flowed so well and transported me right beside the characters. Ian specifically told me that things went a bit nuts once the cast arrived at Friar’s Dale, and that is 100% accurate.
The writing flowed so well and transported me right beside the characters. Ian specifically told me that things went a bit nuts once the cast arrived at Friar’s Dale, and that is 100% accurate.
March 22, 2024
This book is incredible and I could not put it down! Ian Cran has taken a bit of English history, and created a brilliant story that twists and turns, and keeps you guessing throughout. I also loved the deeply descriptive passages that made my imagination come alive. I can't wait to see what he writes next!
January 24, 2024
Great read
Read this book over a weekend, really interesting story had me gripped to the end, I Look forward to your next one.
Read this book over a weekend, really interesting story had me gripped to the end, I Look forward to your next one.
February 6, 2024
A great read that had me hooked from the start, with some creepy parts and characters that are personable. This would be a fantastic movie.
November 22, 2024
I absolutely loved the story of Emma, Charlotte and Aaron which brought us their first case as paranormal investigators, trying to unearth the truth from behind some gruesome murders.
This doesnt read as a first story written by the author, Ian Cran. It is so well written, with scenes so detailed and descriptive, that you will feel included in the story. The bloody scenes dont fail to appear and they will be so intense and terrifying, they will chill your blood and send shivers down your spine.
I can totally see this turning into a series of books, centered around the three siblings in their ventures as paranormal investigators.
This doesnt read as a first story written by the author, Ian Cran. It is so well written, with scenes so detailed and descriptive, that you will feel included in the story. The bloody scenes dont fail to appear and they will be so intense and terrifying, they will chill your blood and send shivers down your spine.
I can totally see this turning into a series of books, centered around the three siblings in their ventures as paranormal investigators.
February 1, 2024
As a fan of the supernatural genre, I have to say that this book was fantastic.
From the opening chapter, I was gripped.
The character development, locales and plot progression were all exceptionally thought out.
I must applaud the author for adding such innovative aspects (no spoilers! You'll know when you read it) in a genre that can, at times, be prone to labored tropes.
Best of all, due to the thoroughly imaginative world building, the possibilities of sequels are endless!
From the opening chapter, I was gripped.
The character development, locales and plot progression were all exceptionally thought out.
I must applaud the author for adding such innovative aspects (no spoilers! You'll know when you read it) in a genre that can, at times, be prone to labored tropes.
Best of all, due to the thoroughly imaginative world building, the possibilities of sequels are endless!
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews