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Stokebridge
Some towns are better left dead.
At 12am, August 1st, 1975, the town of Stokebridge, Wisconsin held 232 residents. Twenty-four hours later, it was a ghost town. Morris Stanhope woke up at midnight on that humid August morning, and before the day was over, the town would be decimated. Murdered one by one by Morris Stanhope. The few who survived his rampage were quickly relocated across the country and sworn to secrecy. The town was soon wiped off the map as if it never existed. Morris Stanhope became a footnote. A myth. Now, nearly fifty years later, a child tells a terrifying story in class. A man named Morris Stanhope went out in the early hours of August 1st, 1975 and murdered over two hundred people in a single day. A man whose specter still haunts the town in which he once lived. It’s a story that was told to him by his grandfather. A man who grew up in Stokebridge. A man who survived Morris Stanhope. When a group of ghost hunters with a failing podcast get wind of the story, they set out to find this haunted town and expose all of its secrets. To prove the myth of Morris Stanhope is real. But what they uncover eclipses their most terrifying nightmares. Because this long-forgotten town is more than rundown buildings and quiet nights. More than the ambience of a time long since buried. They are about to uncover the truth about the town known as Stokebridge … and discover that some towns are better left dead.
At 12am, August 1st, 1975, the town of Stokebridge, Wisconsin held 232 residents. Twenty-four hours later, it was a ghost town. Morris Stanhope woke up at midnight on that humid August morning, and before the day was over, the town would be decimated. Murdered one by one by Morris Stanhope. The few who survived his rampage were quickly relocated across the country and sworn to secrecy. The town was soon wiped off the map as if it never existed. Morris Stanhope became a footnote. A myth. Now, nearly fifty years later, a child tells a terrifying story in class. A man named Morris Stanhope went out in the early hours of August 1st, 1975 and murdered over two hundred people in a single day. A man whose specter still haunts the town in which he once lived. It’s a story that was told to him by his grandfather. A man who grew up in Stokebridge. A man who survived Morris Stanhope. When a group of ghost hunters with a failing podcast get wind of the story, they set out to find this haunted town and expose all of its secrets. To prove the myth of Morris Stanhope is real. But what they uncover eclipses their most terrifying nightmares. Because this long-forgotten town is more than rundown buildings and quiet nights. More than the ambience of a time long since buried. They are about to uncover the truth about the town known as Stokebridge … and discover that some towns are better left dead.
304 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 3, 2024
About the author
Eric Woods
17 books66 followersEric Woods reluctantly resides in Springfield, Illinois and has been writing since grade school. He has published seven novels, two novellas, one book of stage plays, and several short stories.
He mostly writes scary stories, although his debut novel (Pummeled) and it’s 2021 sequel (Pummeled: Submission) are more action/drama. His middle three novels Dragon’s Blood (2019), Welcome to Oblivion (2020), and Clippings (2021) are all in the horror genre. In 2022 he published the novella, “The Man on the Roof at Midnight,” and in 2023, he published This Is How He Collects Them.His most recent work includes the first two books in the STOKEBRIDGE trilogy (2024), and HELL'S DINER: 13 Devilish Delectables in June 2025 along with debut author Kerri Jane.
Eric has been a local freelance writer since 2005, writing for such outlets as Springfield Business Journal Illinois and SO Magazine. He served as a tour guide for the Lincoln Ghost Walk in Springfield and was a collegiate speech and debate coach for seven years. He earned a Bachelor's Degree in English and a Master's Degree in Communication from the University of Illinois Springfield.
He mostly writes scary stories, although his debut novel (Pummeled) and it’s 2021 sequel (Pummeled: Submission) are more action/drama. His middle three novels Dragon’s Blood (2019), Welcome to Oblivion (2020), and Clippings (2021) are all in the horror genre. In 2022 he published the novella, “The Man on the Roof at Midnight,” and in 2023, he published This Is How He Collects Them.His most recent work includes the first two books in the STOKEBRIDGE trilogy (2024), and HELL'S DINER: 13 Devilish Delectables in June 2025 along with debut author Kerri Jane.
Eric has been a local freelance writer since 2005, writing for such outlets as Springfield Business Journal Illinois and SO Magazine. He served as a tour guide for the Lincoln Ghost Walk in Springfield and was a collegiate speech and debate coach for seven years. He earned a Bachelor's Degree in English and a Master's Degree in Communication from the University of Illinois Springfield.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
June 27, 2024
4.5 / 5
What a phenomenal read! it is often said that small towns possess an uncanny aura, and their inhabitants are even more mysterious... but imagine the chilling sensation when the small town you are delving into has a haunting past of its population being ruthlessly slain by a single individual. when a group of ghost hunters decide to do just that... they get more than they bargain for.
The creep factor is executed perfectly (it felt like i was IN Stokebridge); the building to the climax of the story was executed near flawlessly. While I don’t want to spoil what happens, let me tell you that you will be shocked by the ending. If you’re a fan of stories that have that “tales by the fire” vibe and love psychological and gritty horror, give this a read.
What a phenomenal read! it is often said that small towns possess an uncanny aura, and their inhabitants are even more mysterious... but imagine the chilling sensation when the small town you are delving into has a haunting past of its population being ruthlessly slain by a single individual. when a group of ghost hunters decide to do just that... they get more than they bargain for.
The creep factor is executed perfectly (it felt like i was IN Stokebridge); the building to the climax of the story was executed near flawlessly. While I don’t want to spoil what happens, let me tell you that you will be shocked by the ending. If you’re a fan of stories that have that “tales by the fire” vibe and love psychological and gritty horror, give this a read.
July 5, 2024
(Review of Audible Book)
A slick, paranormal mystery.
Eric Wood has a knack for paranormal mysteries. This book takes you into a ghost town that isn't supposed to exist, but ghosts aren't all that's waiting for the
characters.
This story was fun, engaging and a quick read with
unexpected revelations throughout. I honestly went in expecting one thing and was pleasantly surprised when it went in an entirely different direction. I love the bits of llore built into this story, which were what ultimately hooked me.
A slick, paranormal mystery.
Eric Wood has a knack for paranormal mysteries. This book takes you into a ghost town that isn't supposed to exist, but ghosts aren't all that's waiting for the
characters.
This story was fun, engaging and a quick read with
unexpected revelations throughout. I honestly went in expecting one thing and was pleasantly surprised when it went in an entirely different direction. I love the bits of llore built into this story, which were what ultimately hooked me.
May 28, 2024
Woods is a master at giving his readers that trapped, fix-it-or-die feeling, and Stokebridge is further evidence of that. Stokebridge is a little town that shouldn’t exist - and according to all recent maps, it doesn’t. But when a crew of paranormal investigators stumble onto mention of it - and then actually find the town - all hell breaks loose. They find themselves fighting for their lives to escape while simultaneously piecing together just what makes this town so unique - and deadly.
January 13, 2025
Loved this creepy ghost story! Ghost hunters for a podcast search for the illusive Stokebridge and find more than they bargained for. This would make a great movie or show!
I'm already looking forward to reading the next book in this series which I think takes us back to 1975 where it all started.
Tense and shocking. This has it all.
I'm already looking forward to reading the next book in this series which I think takes us back to 1975 where it all started.
Tense and shocking. This has it all.
June 14, 2024
Every town has a secret, but not nearly as dark a Stokebridge. A town that was wiped from the map back in 1975 with the government ordering the surviving residents were moved away & paid off for their silence. Forty-nine years later a team of paranormal investigators giving a lead decide to visit this dark town to discover what secrets the town holds.
The story & pacing of the book were top notch. I found the cast of characters interesting & likeable. The villain was severely twisted.
Would recommend this book to a horror fan.
The story & pacing of the book were top notch. I found the cast of characters interesting & likeable. The villain was severely twisted.
Would recommend this book to a horror fan.
July 16, 2025
I'm not much of a horror person, but I really enjoyed this book.
The plot at times can be a little silly. A town hidden by the government so well that they have full time staffers dedicated to keeping its secrets, yet constantly found by people independently.
That being said, I truly had no idea where this book was going to take me. Every twist and turn kept the book glued to my hands. The ending has me ordering the next book as I need to see what's next for this town. It's a unique blend of paranormal and slasher without heavily leaning into either of them.
The plot at times can be a little silly. A town hidden by the government so well that they have full time staffers dedicated to keeping its secrets, yet constantly found by people independently.
That being said, I truly had no idea where this book was going to take me. Every twist and turn kept the book glued to my hands. The ending has me ordering the next book as I need to see what's next for this town. It's a unique blend of paranormal and slasher without heavily leaning into either of them.
September 15, 2024
Wow! What a ride! I'm glad this is a series because I HAVE to know more about Stokebridge and its history. Very compelling and I eagerly await book 2!
February 1, 2026
I originally discovered this author while at an author signing/book fair event back home. I love a good thriller/horror book and my Dad showed me Stokebridge and said the summary sounded like something I would like. I think this has to be one of my favorite thriller reads so far! Once I started it, I found it really hard to put down. It gave me a mix of ghost adventures and Blair Witch Project vibes. The Epilogue literally had my jaw on the floor because I simply was not expecting it. If someone is wanting to dip their toes into reading something more about paranormal this will be my first recommendation. The only thing I’m mad about is that I didn’t buy the rest of the series when I had the chance!
December 23, 2024
An excellent read that blends horror, mystery, and government conspiracy. The story plays out in a way that slowly reveals more and more of the history behind this small abandoned town. The twists as the story progressed and concluded makes me thirsty for more, especially knowing that there is a deeper history to Stokebridge!
As of this review, 1975 is out and I already have it ordered to read. Looking forward to discovering the dark corners of this series!
As of this review, 1975 is out and I already have it ordered to read. Looking forward to discovering the dark corners of this series!
April 23, 2025
I've been reading more horror books recently, mostly because I bought a bunch at the excellent Scares That Care AuthorCon in St. Louis last October. Stokebridge was one such, signed by the author. Its concept - a small rural town was erased from the map and all historical records after a horrific one man killing spree fifty years ago - intrigued me. And the book did not disappoint.
Opening with a splash of gore and mayhem, the plot simmers after a young boy's school assignment inadvertently traumatizes classmates and teacher alike. Rumors of the town of Stokebridge surface, and before the "authorities" ruthlessly squash them again, a group of paranormal podcasters sets out to discover the truth. The characters are distinct and well realized, and the pace picks up like a runaway train. Shocks and surprises abound, before the haunting finale - for now.
If Stephen King wrote an episode of the X Files, it might read like this. I can't wait for the next book!
Opening with a splash of gore and mayhem, the plot simmers after a young boy's school assignment inadvertently traumatizes classmates and teacher alike. Rumors of the town of Stokebridge surface, and before the "authorities" ruthlessly squash them again, a group of paranormal podcasters sets out to discover the truth. The characters are distinct and well realized, and the pace picks up like a runaway train. Shocks and surprises abound, before the haunting finale - for now.
If Stephen King wrote an episode of the X Files, it might read like this. I can't wait for the next book!
July 24, 2025
Eric Woods tells a story of Stokebridge that will hook anyone the least bit interested in ghost hunting or the paranormal. The way he brings the group of podcaster ghost hunters together was good but the added twist involving Mia just added to the mystery even more. Plus the mystery behind Morris Stanhope and the events of August 1st 1975 have me excited to see what will happen in book 2. I’ve always been a fan of the paranormal shows and this story does those shows justice adding in twists and turns that give it a spooky feeling.
February 3, 2025
Engaging story - fast read! Writing style a little on the mundane side...
October 18, 2025
I really enjoyed this, kept my interest. I don't write reviews often but want to support this author and hopefully others will see this and enjoy the Book as well!!
November 18, 2024
A paranormal thriller with spine-tingling suspense.
Stokebridge, Wisconsin is a town meant to be forgotten. Following a mass murder by one man, Morris Stanhope, the few remaining survivors from Stokebridge are whisked away by the government, sworn never to speak of the tragedy, and the town is effectively wiped off the face of every map.
Almost fifty years later, the secret of the ghost town and its alleged haunting is exposed during a young boy’s classroom presentation where he shares his grandfather’s story of survival, setting off a chain of events that turn deadly. A group of ghost hunters catch wind of the mysterious town and set off to investigate the eerie tale. But what they find leads to more questions, unexpected dangers, and has them ultimately fighting for their lives.
This exceptionally written book is thoroughly entertaining and thrumming with suspense. It provides a fresh spin on the ghost town mystery trope with an extra splash of slasher movie vibes. This was a quick read for me with it’s tight pacing, darkly dramatic and interesting characters and dialogue, and the unforgiving, thrilling twist at the end.
Woods knows how to hook you and keep you flipping through the pages until you reach the end. And then you still want more. I’m just happy this is part of a series so I can continue this saga and get the much needed answers to what REALLY happened in Stokebridge the day Morris Stanhope went on his killing spree.
I recommend this book to people who enjoy invigorating paranormal thrillers and horror stories.
Stokebridge, Wisconsin is a town meant to be forgotten. Following a mass murder by one man, Morris Stanhope, the few remaining survivors from Stokebridge are whisked away by the government, sworn never to speak of the tragedy, and the town is effectively wiped off the face of every map.
Almost fifty years later, the secret of the ghost town and its alleged haunting is exposed during a young boy’s classroom presentation where he shares his grandfather’s story of survival, setting off a chain of events that turn deadly. A group of ghost hunters catch wind of the mysterious town and set off to investigate the eerie tale. But what they find leads to more questions, unexpected dangers, and has them ultimately fighting for their lives.
This exceptionally written book is thoroughly entertaining and thrumming with suspense. It provides a fresh spin on the ghost town mystery trope with an extra splash of slasher movie vibes. This was a quick read for me with it’s tight pacing, darkly dramatic and interesting characters and dialogue, and the unforgiving, thrilling twist at the end.
Woods knows how to hook you and keep you flipping through the pages until you reach the end. And then you still want more. I’m just happy this is part of a series so I can continue this saga and get the much needed answers to what REALLY happened in Stokebridge the day Morris Stanhope went on his killing spree.
I recommend this book to people who enjoy invigorating paranormal thrillers and horror stories.
January 31, 2026
Stokebridge was a town erased after 200 residents were murdered in one day back in 1975--or so the government thought. Then a simple report given by a child covering the interview he chose to do with his grandfather reveals it again. When a podcast group gets wind they must find it. There must be high paranormal activity, right?
This one grabbed me from the first page. I was intrigued how someone could pull off massacring a town with just a spike. This is a slasher that is also a trilogy, and while I don't usually read series, there is no way I can't continue now. This is a pretty smart slasher if ya ask me.
This one grabbed me from the first page. I was intrigued how someone could pull off massacring a town with just a spike. This is a slasher that is also a trilogy, and while I don't usually read series, there is no way I can't continue now. This is a pretty smart slasher if ya ask me.
April 8, 2026
The story is definitely unique in how it mixes supernatural suspense with slasher horror. Reading through it, and hearing the characters discussing the mystery and horror surrounding the titular town of STOKEBRIDGE, I was definitely getting a “scary campfire story” vibe from the whole thing. The ending left me wondering if what the characters told me really was the true explanation of why things were happening the way that they were. With an ending where not every question is answered, it makes you feel like you need to immediately jump into book 2 while all of the details are still fresh in your mind.
November 1, 2024
The Goods - I really enjoyed the idea of a town that's been "disappeared" by the government. The idea of a super serial killer who took out an entire town in one night and whose spirit still occupies the town is super creepy. I enjoyed the ghost hunters. I also enjoyed how the mystery played itself out.
The Bads - There was a bit of confusion for me about 3/4s of the way through that required me to re-read some pages. The characters also occasionally felt flat.
The Verdict - I really enjoyed this novel and it stuck with me. I look forward to reading other books by Eric.
The Bads - There was a bit of confusion for me about 3/4s of the way through that required me to re-read some pages. The characters also occasionally felt flat.
The Verdict - I really enjoyed this novel and it stuck with me. I look forward to reading other books by Eric.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews