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Období mlh
Podzim 1974 v hornickém Ashburnu na severozápadě Anglie… poslední podzim naší dětské nevinnosti. Jako třináctileté děti jsme podzim milovali. Noci jiskřící hvězdami nebo naopak zalité mlhou hustou tak, že by se dala krájet. Strašidelné historky o Halloweenu, upalování figurín za Noci Guye Fawkese, vidina Vánoc. Když je vám třináct, toto všechno prožíváte ve stavu velkého vzrušení. Toho roku nás ovšem také sevřel strach; v Ashburnu začal s podzimem řádit vrah. Pod rouškou tmy, v té nejhustší mlze najednou číhal někdo, kdo si za oběť vybíral naše vrstevníky. Prakticky v každém městě se šušká o nějakém zabijáckém přízraku. U nás měla dávná legenda souvislost s uhelným dolem a červenými dřeváky. A tehdy v čtyřiasedmdesátém jsme intenzivně přemýšleli, zda klapot, který v oné tragické době občas zazněl v mlze, s tímto přízrakem nějak nesouvisí…
168 pages, Hardcover
Published January 10, 2025
9 people are currently reading
42 people want to read
About the author
Paul Finch
205 books447 followersPaul Finch is a former cop and journalist, now full-time writer. Having originally written for the television series THE BILL plus children's animation and DOCTOR WHO audio dramas, he went on to write horror, but is now best known for his crime / thriller fiction.
He won the British Fantasy Award twice and the International Horror Guild Award, but since then has written two parallel series of hard-hitting crime novels, the Heck and the Lucy Clayburn novels, of which three titles have become best-sellers.
Paul lives in Wigan, Lancashire, UK with his wife and children.
He won the British Fantasy Award twice and the International Horror Guild Award, but since then has written two parallel series of hard-hitting crime novels, the Heck and the Lucy Clayburn novels, of which three titles have become best-sellers.
Paul lives in Wigan, Lancashire, UK with his wife and children.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
October 7, 2022
"Wherever I am now, I'm always careful while walking alone. Especially when the leaves are falling and the days are short and the season of mist is upon us."
This was a perfect little read for the spooky season. A dark coming of age that has a wickedly good twist!
This was a perfect little read for the spooky season. A dark coming of age that has a wickedly good twist!
January 2, 2025
Ideální čtení do sychravého podzimně-zimního počasí. Vyprávění má krásný nostalgický nádech, který vždy tyhle příběhy doprovází, příběh z období, kdy dětství pomalu končí a pomalu se překlenuje do života dospělých. Je to poměrně tenoučká knížka, ale rozsah příběhu svědčí. Skvělá atmosféra, dobré tempo, které udržuje napětí a nečekané rozuzlení na konci. Moc fajn jednohubka.
November 1, 2020
This was an enjoyable short read, perfect for Halloween. Part coming of age, part horror, part psychological thriller, and all fun to read.
The story follows a group of young teenage boys in England in 1974. The author does a great job with creating the atmosphere of those times, pointing out the differences in this time period and today's modern society. Told from the perspective of one of the boys, the gang has fun with building tree houses, getting into minor scrapes, and just being kids. All of that changes when the body of a boy their age is found murdered in a horrific way. His badly beaten body brings to mind an old horror tale about a man who died while working in the local coal mine.
But, is the murderer really this ghost from the past or someone more real? Which would be more frightening? By the ending, I had a pretty good idea of the truth, but it was still wonderfully written and greatly entertaining. The author has a great way with words and his descriptions made me feel like I was in the story.
The narrator did a great job. It took me a few minutes to be able to follow his accent, but once it caught on, his performance was great. I was given the chance to listen to the audiobook version of this book by the author/narrator/publisher and chose to review it.
The story follows a group of young teenage boys in England in 1974. The author does a great job with creating the atmosphere of those times, pointing out the differences in this time period and today's modern society. Told from the perspective of one of the boys, the gang has fun with building tree houses, getting into minor scrapes, and just being kids. All of that changes when the body of a boy their age is found murdered in a horrific way. His badly beaten body brings to mind an old horror tale about a man who died while working in the local coal mine.
But, is the murderer really this ghost from the past or someone more real? Which would be more frightening? By the ending, I had a pretty good idea of the truth, but it was still wonderfully written and greatly entertaining. The author has a great way with words and his descriptions made me feel like I was in the story.
The narrator did a great job. It took me a few minutes to be able to follow his accent, but once it caught on, his performance was great. I was given the chance to listen to the audiobook version of this book by the author/narrator/publisher and chose to review it.
November 6, 2019
Haunting and addictive reading. Full review to follow.
November 5, 2021
This was a book I listened to on Audible.
It is a story told by a boy, Stephen who is in his early teens and living in a Lancashire town in the late 60s to early 70s. During this time a serial killer is loose, preying on young lads and one of the victims is a friend of Stephen's. The narration is wonderfully delivered by Greg Patmore and is very descriptive of the town and surrounding area and the social mores of the times. I did not guess the perpetrator and the ending is brilliant.
It is a story told by a boy, Stephen who is in his early teens and living in a Lancashire town in the late 60s to early 70s. During this time a serial killer is loose, preying on young lads and one of the victims is a friend of Stephen's. The narration is wonderfully delivered by Greg Patmore and is very descriptive of the town and surrounding area and the social mores of the times. I did not guess the perpetrator and the ending is brilliant.
April 27, 2020
Audible:This was a good read.A town legend about a miner that was in a mine accident starts coming true.A boy whos grandfather made up the story may be the only one to stop it.Greg Patmore was a fine narrator.I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
December 8, 2020
I have a very special love for horror set in spooky, grey British settings. This was well written and ticked all my boxes.
September 11, 2024
While the finale is quite interesting, the only truly frightening thing about the novel is the eagerness of the author to convey that back in the day beating kids ("discipline") was a great idea, keeping British society lovely.
January 7, 2025
Parada. I kdyz se jedna o kratkou knizku, je pribeh neuveritelne nabity a zabavny. Detstvi v roce 1974 a zahadne vrazdy v malem meste. Skvela atmosfera, pribeh frci a je fakt napinavy. Konec je uzasny, chvili jsem nechapal, co se deje.
October 22, 2021
Industrial Lancashire, 1974. Kids in the coal-mining town of Ashburn are looking forward to fancy dress and scary stories for Halloween, fireworks and treacle toffee on Guy Fawkes Night and then, a month after that, snow and the approach of Christmas. But this particular autumn will be memorable for entirely different reasons because this year, someone - or something - is killing the children of Ashburn. While police and parents search for a maniac, Stephen Carter and his schoolmates know better. They may be on the cusp of adulthood, but there’s still enough of the youngster left in each of them to recognise the work of an evil supernatural being unique to these deserts of slagheap and coal-tip.
I’ve known Paul Finch a long time and, before he justifiably became a best-selling crime writer, he worked in small press horror and carved out a fantastic body of work and this slots in perfectly. Told from the present day but set entirely in 1974, this is so well constructed that the story zips by in a flash, the reader turning the pages ever faster. Ashburn is perfectly realised (according to Finch, it’s a thinly-veiled Wigan) and the remains of the colliery - which plays a big part as a location and looms over the story at all times - are terrifying rendered. Where this really hits its stride though is in the characters, all perfectly believable and, for the most part, kids you’d have wanted to be friends with in your early teens. Red Clogs, the monster, is a Halloween nightmare and the suspense and tension build to a memorable climax that works brilliantly, even though it wasn’t at all what I was expecting. Superb story-telling, great characters, oozing with atmosphere, if you love horror then you can’t go wrong with this. Very highly recommended.
I’ve known Paul Finch a long time and, before he justifiably became a best-selling crime writer, he worked in small press horror and carved out a fantastic body of work and this slots in perfectly. Told from the present day but set entirely in 1974, this is so well constructed that the story zips by in a flash, the reader turning the pages ever faster. Ashburn is perfectly realised (according to Finch, it’s a thinly-veiled Wigan) and the remains of the colliery - which plays a big part as a location and looms over the story at all times - are terrifying rendered. Where this really hits its stride though is in the characters, all perfectly believable and, for the most part, kids you’d have wanted to be friends with in your early teens. Red Clogs, the monster, is a Halloween nightmare and the suspense and tension build to a memorable climax that works brilliantly, even though it wasn’t at all what I was expecting. Superb story-telling, great characters, oozing with atmosphere, if you love horror then you can’t go wrong with this. Very highly recommended.
February 16, 2020
I can't express enough how good this book is. Paul Finch is a new to me author and I definitely want to read more from him. This story was told in a true story teller fashion. And Greg Patmore narrating it gave it that much more magic. I felt like this was a story being told to me personally. It had me intrigued from the start. And when I reached the end I was full of so much surprise at the outcome. I was sad it was over. i didn't want the mystery and suspense to end. This is the coming of age tale told from Stephen Carter's point of view. It starts during Halloween season in 1974. As Stephen and his friends are dealing with growing up and discovering themselves and those around them, they also are dealing with kids their age being murdered in their town. Soon everyone is on high alert and there is a mystery that Stephen believes is caused by something supernatural. This story had a spooky feel to it that had me wondering if these kids had a big imagination or if something supernatural was responsible. I loved every minute of it. I highly suggest this to all suspense and mystery fans. You will be as entertained as I was.
October 21, 2022
This might be the longest Finch story I’ve read yet and he did not disappoint. Season of Mist is incredible. A masterfully told story of autumn and boyhood and fear and courage. It’s a crime story, a ghost story, a whodunnit. I usually avoid coming-of-age stories but this one is special. My own boyhood is at least twenty years later and more than three thousand miles away from Finch’s but this story was nostalgic even for me. It believably captures a specific time and place, Northern England in the early 70s, the sights and sounds, the world as it was, beautifully. Highly recommended.
March 29, 2020
I received this book in exchange for my honest review.
This is a creepy and suspense filled novel set in the 70's, before technology took over the free time of our youth. Teens are disappearing and a shroud of supernatural myths surround the murders, leaving the town baffled and scared. Can the police nab the perpetrator, and calm the fear? That is the question that kept me listening until the shocking conclusion. With lots of teenage shenanigans and excellent narration, this book had the feel of a true crime novel rather than fiction. Fans of Stephen King's IT, or the more recent Stranger Things, will love this gripping thriller!
This is a creepy and suspense filled novel set in the 70's, before technology took over the free time of our youth. Teens are disappearing and a shroud of supernatural myths surround the murders, leaving the town baffled and scared. Can the police nab the perpetrator, and calm the fear? That is the question that kept me listening until the shocking conclusion. With lots of teenage shenanigans and excellent narration, this book had the feel of a true crime novel rather than fiction. Fans of Stephen King's IT, or the more recent Stranger Things, will love this gripping thriller!
March 20, 2025
Paul Finch is a superb writer. Season of Mist is a wonderfully atmospheric coming of age mystery, Steve now middle aged remembers the Autumn of 1974 when his 13 year old self built tree houses, made new friends, fell in love for the first time and dodged a serial killer killing teenage boys in northern England. Is it a man or a supernatural force? A novella but one of the best i have ever listened too. Greg Patmore is the perfect narrator for this book. I only figured it out at the very last. Simply wonderful. I received a complimentary copy from the narrator and an leaving a honest complimentary review.
December 10, 2019
An interesting story with a good plot that was well written and enjoyable. The narrator was good too. Not really enough thrills and excitement for my taste and not on par with the author's "Heck" series but still worth a read.
I received a free copy of this audiobook either from the author or a promotion or giveaway and am voluntarily writing an honest and unbiased review.
I received a free copy of this audiobook either from the author or a promotion or giveaway and am voluntarily writing an honest and unbiased review.
October 23, 2025
MY OCTOBER - SPOOKY READ 2025
This was such a Good Read from start to finish!
FIVE STARS AND NOTHING LESS! BRAVO PAUL FINCH.
what an ending, I can't wait to re-read this in time.
Book Rating ★★★★★
Spice Rating ★
Sadness Rating
This was such a Good Read from start to finish!
FIVE STARS AND NOTHING LESS! BRAVO PAUL FINCH.
what an ending, I can't wait to re-read this in time.
Book Rating ★★★★★
Spice Rating ★
Sadness Rating
January 7, 2020
( Format : Audiobook )
"Oh, Dominic, what have you done?"
review to follow
"Oh, Dominic, what have you done?"
review to follow
May 23, 2021
It was a DNF for me.
December 29, 2021
An entertaining creepy novella with lots of red herrings and twists and turns. Loved it
November 4, 2023
As good a short horror story as any!
January 3, 2025
The ending wtf
November 7, 2025
Kniha sama o sobě by si asi 4/5 zasloužila, jednu hvězdičku strhavam za vyloženě "nasírací" odstavce a komentáře, kdy autor lamentuje nad tim, jak dřív byli lidi a společnost mnohem lepší než teď.
November 14, 2025
Je rok 1974 a do anglického města Ashburn přišel podzim. Blíží se Halloween. Období mlh a strašidelných historek. Nadšení z nejstrašidelnějšího svátku v roce a blížících se Vánoc však brzy vystřídá strach. V Ashburnu začal řádit vrah, který si za své objeti vyhlídl právě děti. Do toho všeho se městem šušká o přízraku ze starého uhelného dolu.
Není lepší volby, než během podzimních měsíců sáhnout po knize plné husté podzimní mlhy, strašidelné halloweenské atmosféry a o vražedném přízraku z legend.
Moc se mi líbil podzimní vibe, který na mě dýchl už z prvních řádků. Text byl čtivý, svižný, chytlavý a jako dělaný za dlouhé podzimní večery, kdy se čtení při mihotavém plamínku svíčky tak nějak automaticky předpokládá, na parapet ťukají dešťové kapky, a vy, zachumlaní v teplé dece velmi oceňujete strašidelný příběh na stranách knihy.
Moc jsem si tohle čtení užila, byť zápletka je jednoduchá a vývoj nepřekvapivý. Dětský parta bojující proti zlu je do těchto časů vždycky skvělou volbou.
Není lepší volby, než během podzimních měsíců sáhnout po knize plné husté podzimní mlhy, strašidelné halloweenské atmosféry a o vražedném přízraku z legend.
Moc se mi líbil podzimní vibe, který na mě dýchl už z prvních řádků. Text byl čtivý, svižný, chytlavý a jako dělaný za dlouhé podzimní večery, kdy se čtení při mihotavém plamínku svíčky tak nějak automaticky předpokládá, na parapet ťukají dešťové kapky, a vy, zachumlaní v teplé dece velmi oceňujete strašidelný příběh na stranách knihy.
Moc jsem si tohle čtení užila, byť zápletka je jednoduchá a vývoj nepřekvapivý. Dětský parta bojující proti zlu je do těchto časů vždycky skvělou volbou.
November 23, 2019
Contents almost as amateur hour as the cover art.
January 18, 2022
This is a cracking little novella. A perfect mix of nostalgia for childhood days of freedom and friendship, and fear as the young people of a small Lancashire town are stalked by a brutal killer who becomes linked to a terrifying local legend. Audible version brilliantly narrated by Greg Patmore.
November 1, 2019
Superb...excellent novella with plenty of twists and turns with an unexpected ending. Creepy and ideal for the halloween / autumn period
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews