The Night House Files – The Deadsoul Project

by Dan Smith, Luke Brookes (illustrator)

Master of sci-fi horror Dan Smith delivers an action-packed adventure as secret organisation The Night House exposes the terrifying truth behind the Alpine Heights disaster.

Kyle and Lauren Dempsey believe their soldier stepdad is dead, killed in action in Northern Ireland. But then he turns up at their flat in the Alpine Heights tower block, terrifying changed.

One day later, a mysterious virus seems to be running rampant through the building and many residents are dead.

Nobody has ever discovered what really happened – until now …

192 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 13, 2025

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Reviews

[Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Deadsoul project" fantastically weaves intriguing elements of surprises and curveball of a polarizing twisted action packed adventure. This is the first book in The Night House Files.

The story navigates through the strange events and situations that transpires after Kyle and Lauren Dempsey find that their dead solider stepfather is back in their apartment sort of alive. However no sooner has he entered the apartment complex, a strange virus has been wrecking rampant on the other residents. Kyle will do anything to save his sibling and protect her from all dangers.

It turned out that government had initiated an experiment that was supposed to test out the viability of teleportation but incurred a major flaw which was obviously ignored by the authorities. The project was aptly titled and approved as "The DeadSoul Project." An exclusive classified interview with one of the lead scientists reveals the candour. The Alphine Heights apartment incidents was just the beginning.

This book is perfect amalgamation of mystery, suspense, horror and thrills. The mutation and terror inflicted upon unassuming residents to escape the chaos was vividly explored. It was spine- tingling experience that as a reader, will feel absolutely real. The conclusion will fetch a sense of unbridled curiosity followed by expectations for a sequel. The writing style is engaging and will keep you on the edge of your seat. This book is definitely a must read for all the sci-fi enthusiasts who luxuriate in high stakes perils and unexpected twists winding up and down the storyline.

[Evangeline Munster · Rating 5 out of 5]

This had me absolutely gripped and I read it in one sitting. Turning the page over to that first illustration after reading made me JUMP! It was so eerie and gave me such chills! This is a horrifying and thrilling story with gruesome illustrations. The paperback is dyslexia friendly and it's not too long so it will be perfect to recommend to those who want a quick but captivating fright and also for more reluctant readers to give a go as well! This would be fantastic for fans of Stranger Things and Attack The Block (aka perfect for me)

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story worked really well, The shorter chapters worked so well, and I was hooked by the time I had finished the firat page. There was tension from the moment you started reading and it got stronger and stronger as the book went on. The interviews with very minor characters was a stroke of genuis and worked so well, it was a clever way to give the reader more information. And it makes an refreshing change from other books currently on the market.

I re read the last couple of chapters so I could get my head around what I had read.

This series promises to be amazing.

[L · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story worked really well, I often find shorter stories can be unsatisfying but not with this one. There was a good build up at the start- you knew something bad had happened, but didn’t know what, creating tension. I liked the interviews interspersed throughout the story too. It was a good way to give extra information about what was going on and the different style broke the story up nicely. An exciting, easy read.

[Kaitlyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is great for young people who have reading disabilities or don't have the patience to read longer novels, but want to dip their toes into the horror genre. Some of the scenes I saw so vividly in my mind. In such a short page count, I was able to feel for the characters and enough information was given that the conclusion was satisfying. I can't wait to see what horrors the next book in the series holds.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was really exciting. Like an X-Files episode with a can't-look-away pace that kept me turning the pages. I read it in one night. Possibly shouldn't have as my dreams were crazy that night.
I had to find out what had returned in place of the sibling's stepfather.

I hope this is the start of a series as will be picking up as soon as The Night House Files are transcribed.
A bit gory so would say definitely for secondary school age.
If they've read Hunger Games this will be fine.

[Yuri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading this to check if it could be an interesting read for my students, I think it could! easy to read, plenty of action, and a lovely focus on siblings trying to protect each other. It does leave you wanting to know what happens next for one of the characters, so I think the author has enough material here for a follow-up novel. If you are a teacher of tweens and they are into horror/sci-fi, this could appeal to them.

[Steph · Rating 4 out of 5]

Man, this was brilliantly spooky and eerie. Spooked me out enough; I loved it! Dan Smith does Y6/Y7/Y8 horror SO WELL.This is scary without being utterly terrifying. I can’t wait for more in this series!!

[Mrs Walsh · Rating 4 out of 5]

I do love a good horror book by Dan Smith. This is for an older age range than I usually read so was a bit more graphic. Some great moments and twists in the story. I’m just not entirely sure how I feel about it being left with a mystery that I know will plague me for a while.

[Meghani Shanthakumar · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was amazing ! It’s rare I find a sort of horror book ever and this was fantastic ! I loved how this was a graphic novel and the drawings made it a lot more scary and terrifying:)