The False Ones

by Tim Jeffreys

An ancient evil inhabits the moors that surround Dobcroft. And it wants to come in from the cold.

When Julie Swann flees her husband and job in the city, she thinks she’s leaving her problems behind. But the small Yorkshire village she escapes to has some terrifying secrets.

When romance blossoms with old school friend Aaron Carter, Julie finds herself drawn into the horrors he’s unwittingly stumbled into.

And now…anyone they know could be one of them.

218 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 4, 2025

About the author

Tim Jeffreys’s debut novel, The False Ones, was published by Crossroads Press in February 2025. Reviewers described it as a “beautifully written supernatural mystery” and “British folk-horror that gives that isolated creepiness coupled with body-snatchers horror.” He has also published various novellas and short story collections, including a ghost story, Holburn, published by Manta Press. His short fiction has appeared in Supernatural Tales, The Alchemy Press Book of Horrors, Nightscript, Stories We Tell After Midnight, Cosmic Horror Monthly, Shadowplays from P.S. Publishing, The Ghastling, and many other places.
He lives in Bristol, UK, with his partner and two children. Visit him online at www.timjeffreys.blogspot.co.uk.

Reviews

[Milt Theo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautifully written, dialogue-heavy supernatural mystery, reminiscent of A.M. Shine's "The Watchers" (without the lore) and Jason Mott's "The Returned", but far more oriented towards action and suspense. Several nods to "Invasion of the Body Snatchers" and "Pet Sematary" are also evident (the former is mentioned explicitly in the book).

The story is told in four parts, building up on the idea that monsters may imitate valued dead people, and sustain themselves as much on evil as on love - thus, the need for love may be itself twisted into manipulation, emotional exploitation, and dependence (something otherwise nicely brought out by the inclusion of a domineering husband in the cast). Romance crops up twice in the story, yet consummation is always postponed because of some creepy situations revolving around false identity (the titular "False Ones") and abuse of feeling and power.

The atmosphere is theatrical, with people coming and going, scenes changing abruptly, and conversation going on almost permanently. This often allows the author to keep the action ongoing, keeping explanatory attempts strictly limited around what's happening on the page, but it also forces him into some tiring moments of "tell" rather than "show," especially towards the end.

The ending itself was quite neat (for lack of abetter word), providing a interesting closure to a complex plot. As long as the need for explanation is willingly put aside, "The False Ones" will satisfy any horror's fan craving for a tightly plotted, enjoyable story of eerieness and unsettling mysteries.

[paganfrogs_bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Julia Swan returns to her childhood home after leaving her husband, she learns Dobcroft isn’t the safe place she thought it once was. There are things that prey on the lonely!
It becomes hard to know who to trust!
I enjoyed this story, it's well written British folk-horror that gives that isolated creepiness coupled with body-snatchers horror.

[Kat M · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed getting to read this book, it had that supernatural horror element perfectly and enjoyed how it was used in this universe. The characters were so well written and was hooked on the journey with the characters. Tim Jeffreys has a strong writing style and was glad I was able to read this.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.