Father Dirt

by Taylor J. Thompson

Rural Australia, 1900. Five years have passed since the slope gave out and the dirt fell, but the body of Matthew Faulds has yet to be exhumed.

Mary Faulds, twenty-four years old and five years widowed, struggles to move past the loss of her husband while managing the farm left to her and raising the couple's only child, a bright five-year-old named Lilith.

Mary's problems worsen when, from atop the mountain of dirt that took Matthew from them, Lilith claims she can speak to her lost father from beyond the grave. As Lilith begins delivering sermons in her father's name, Mary's grip on the farm, her family, and her sanity wane. Plagued by disturbing omens, bodily horrors, and the rise of a dirt worshipping cult, she must fight and suffer with all she has to try and find peace for her lost love and a future for their child. 

Father Dirt is a Gothic Horror/Suspense novel that explores grief, greed, faith, and the dangers of groupthink.

Genres: Horror

159 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 2, 2025

About the author

Taylor J. Thompson is an Australian horror and weird fiction author. A lover of punk rock, football, and rum. He currently resides in Australia with his partner and their two cats.

You can find him on Instagram and Threads @taylorjthompsonauthor

Reviews

[Lia's Haunted Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

Children are creepy. Cults are creepy. Put them together, and you get Father Dirt.

The story follows Mary and her daughter, Lillith (because of course her name is Lillith), as they grieve the death of Mary’s husband. He’s buried beneath a mound of dirt, and Lillith (innocent, imaginative, and increasingly unsettling) starts calling him “Father Dirt.” Soon, she begins speaking to him. At first, it feels like a coping mechanism, but as the whispers grow stronger, it’s clear something else is listening back… or is it?

What makes this story great isn’t just the supernatural; it’s the slow unraveling of belief. We see how grief, love, and desperation can warp into blind faith. The way Thompson builds the cult-like devotion that grows around Lillith is fascinating. Through Mary’s eyes, we feel the dread of watching something impossible become real and the horror of wondering if it’s human behavior or something supernatural.

[Charlene (Char)🍁☕️📚 · Rating 5 out of 5]

What in the world did I just read?
This book takes place in rural Australia in the 1900s. A time before electricity and when hard labor was the only job available. This book is about a woman named Mary and her daughter Lilith. Mary unfortunately lost her husband and is left to care for their daughter and the Faulds Farm. What happens when a five year old claims to hear the voice of her father!? Some call it a miracle while others believe there are other sinister forces at play.

While reading the book I was definitely getting true Jim Jones cult energy. We are familiar with how that turned out which wasn’t good at all. When people wholeheartedly trust fully in their religion and they don’t question things that should be questioned. You have to ask yourself, Are you being lead by a shepherd? Are you being led by a shepherd in wolf clothing? This book really does show you the radical and dark side of religion.

Describe this book in three words : Creepy, Intense, Terrifying.

This book is a quick read, but very entertaining. I definitely love the elements that were in the book which added to the mysteriousness of it.

Thank you Taylor, for being so kind with providing me a copy of this book. I am leaving this review voluntarily and all opinions are my own.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

FATHER DIRT by Taylor J. Thompson

Full disclosure: I loved this book a lot, but I've been struggling to write a review for it because I worry that once I start talking about it, I won't be able to stop. I've even considered making a video for it, but I had to scrap that idea. 😅 But if I end up making multiple posts about it, so be it!

At the heart of story is loss and that long-lasting grief that comes along with it; and how a heart that is longing for something it has never met has become vulnerable to something otherworldly that calls out from beyond the grave. It's also about how people who are desperate will believe in anything, ANYTHING, that can pull them out of dire straits, even if it makes them think irrationally and do crazy things, like turn on their neighbor, and capitalize on someone's loss for their own gain by exploiting a child. If all of these sound familiar, it is because we haven't escaped the dangers of cult-like behavior, peer pressure, witch hunts for dissenters (who, ironically, in this book was actually the most religious of them all), and groupthink. I've found out that I'm fascinated with stories about cults because they scare the living daylights out of me and I wish I'll never be in their presence. The author successfully triggered this particular fear of mine. That's how good it is!

If you're a fan of the TV show "Midnight Mass" directed by Mike Flanagan, you will definitely enjoy this book! Because oftentimes, it's not the supernatural or the otherworldly that one must fear; it's people.

Thank you for coming to Part 1 of my TED Talk about this book.

[CozyCreepyCo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don’t put this one off—I loved this book! The opening scene completely caught me off guard and hooked me right away. I’m not usually into historical fiction, but the 1900 rural Australia setting added so much eerie atmosphere—it gave the whole story a haunting, isolated feel that really worked.

The writing is so immersive and vivid—I could see, hear, and feel everything. It’s creepy in all the right ways and emotionally charged throughout.

The story follows Mary and her daughter Lilith as they visit the grave of Mary’s late husband. Lilith begins to connect with her father through the dirt that covers his grave, and soon refers to him as “Father Dirt.” But what starts off innocent takes a chilling turn. As Lilith’s strange behavior grows, a disturbing cult begins to form around her—and that’s when things really unravel.

This book is much more than just horror. It blends grief, religion, and obsession into a deeply unsettling ride. I 100% recommend this book to anyone and at under 200 pages, what do you have to lose?!? DO IT!

HUGE thanks to author, Taylor Thompson for the gifted ebook! I can’t wait to see what you write next!

[haunted.kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got sent a copy of this book from the author and man, am I glad I did. This book was eerily good, it honestly left me just staring at the wall. Like that ending? Holy fuck, I really didn’t expect it.

I genuinely felt for Mary throughout the book. There were times I was just screaming for her, the frustration and anger I had was wild. “Father Dirt”follows a young girl, Lilith, who basically leads a cult into believing that her father is speaking to her. This gets her to command the town folk to do anything he pleases. It was such a delicious slow burn, I honestly could not put it down!

I highly recommend this book. It really goes to show how far people are willing to go when they are so desperate to believe in something higher and just how terrifying that actually is. This book gave me hints of “mother” and the tv series “midnight mass”.

“I go to God laughing, you’ll go to Hell screaming!”

[LottiesLit · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️ 4.5 stars ⭐️

What a book to kickstart the year!
Firstly, a massive thank you to the author, Taylor J. Thompson, for sending me a copy of this to review (and extra thanks for being so patient whilst I was working my way through pre-existing review copies/ARCs!)

Set in rural Australia in 1900, we follow widowed Mary Faulds, left to run her husband Matthew’s farm after he perished in a landfall, whilst also raising their five year old daughter, Lilith. ‘The Pile’, still containing Matthew’s body, is located in the outer paddock of Faulds Farm and is a constant reminder of the loss and pain that Mary feels. One day, Lilith mounts The Pile and claims to communicate with her father. As she protests more and more of her father’s word, Mary struggles to protect Lilith, the farm and her sanity, with the farming community of Yahl following the phenomena and subsequently encroaching on their lives.

For a debut novella, this is honestly fantastic! The focus on the land with the rural setting and farming community, paired with Mary’s mental state, the bodily horror and atmospheric imagery makes for the perfect gothic folk horror story. Taylor has cleverly crafted a narrative that achieves the perfect balance of plot and character backstory, with neither of the elements overtaking the other, but acting in a complementary manner to drive the story forward. The body horror was awesome too, with some really squeamish, visceral parts — just the right amount to enhance the story. He has also captured the very essence of humanity so beautifully, exploring the themes of grief, love and motherhood. I really felt for Mary, particularly in the passages where she reflects on her memories of Matthew, and the fact that she’s so desperately trying to protect her child.

I truly loved this story and it will stay with me for a long time. It’s definitely one of my favourite folk horror/gothic horror stories I’ve ever read, and gives me similar vibes in parts to The Wickerman (one of my all-time favourite films). I’ll certainly be reading anything Taylor writes in the future. Thank you again for giving me the opportunity to read your fantastic story! This is a side note, but I also loved the little illustrations at the start of each chapter and how they subtly change as the story progresses — a really awesome little detail that makes such an impact and shows the author has put so much thought into not only the writing, but also the presentation of the book. The cover artwork is so beautiful too! If you love gothic/folk horror and like the sound of dirt worshipping cults (who doesn’t, right?), conveyed through a throughly enjoyable writing style and descriptive prose, then I highly recommend this book!

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved every moment of this book. I loved the time setting, the farm, and the characters were fascinating. It grips you from the very first chapter and makes you strap in for the ride.

I was also enraged the entire time and hated Lilith! That’s how I know the writing is good. I wanted to smack that child so hard and put her in her place. The way the townspeople all rallied around the little girl was infuriating but was also so believable given the time. But at the same time, I could see some of the fantastical conspiracy theorists still behaving in this way. Especially religious ones.

I felt so much rage for Mary and the ending made me feel so claustrophobic because the writing was so good.

Folky and horrifying, this is a book you won’t be able to put down.

[Shae Bentley · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️ - This is such a unique story and I really enjoyed it! It explores themes of grief, faith, power, and the terrifying consequences of blind belief.

Set in rural Australia in the early 1900s, it follows Mary, whose husband, Matthew, died in a landslide five years ago. His body was never found and only the mound of earth that buried him remains. Mary is now raising their daughter, Lilith, alone. But everything changes when Lilith begins speaking to “Father Dirt,” a presence she believes is her father. He promises her wealth and good fortune, and soon the entire town falls under her sway.

What Mary first believes is just a child’s imagination quickly morphs into something far more dangerous. The cult-like energy builds so naturally, and Thompson does a brilliant job exploring how a desperate community can be consumed by a false prophet when belief and power are at stake. The fanaticism feels disturbingly real.

This is so much more than just horror. It’s a story of enduring grief, the human need to believe in something, and the frightening ease with which people can be led when they’re offered hope. There’s also a body horror element that’s incredibly effective and the grotesque imagery has been living rent-free in my mind ever since I finished it.

I loved how original the plot was. It stirred up so many emotions; frustration, fear, even madness at times. I was left with questions, but they felt intentional, the kind that keep you thinking long after the book ends.

A huge thank you to author @taylorjthompsonauthor for the #gifted ebook! I can’t wait to see what you write next.

[Sophia Cauduro · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all, shout out to whoever did the cover art on this novel, it’s actually gorgeous and spooky and sets the perfect tone for this unique short story.

I absolutely love period piece horrors and Father Dirt takes place in rural Australia in the 1900’s. What’s great about this novel is that the tone and pace are set up perfectly within the first chapter. It’s dreary, and cold and has that haunting gothic vibe that gives you an impending sense of dread as you move through the pages.

In terms of content the story follows recently widowed Mary as she struggles to cope with the loss of her husband all while her daughter Lilith begins to delivers Sermons in her dead father’s name on top of the dirt pile that claimed his life.

At first there are paranormal happenings- incidents of strange sounds and movement in the night. (Scenes described very visually that I could see them straight out of a BLUMHOUSE production). We also get a body horror element from this story. Thompson doesn’t shy away from the descriptive gore, but it’s the monstrous dirt scenes that really stay with you until the end. But we also get a little bit of a cult story and a warning in how a hive- mind can turn so quickly when dealing with a false prophet. There are a lot of elements to explore but everything was expanded on masterfully.

The main thing that carried me through this book was the question - who really is Father Dirt? Is this really Matthew or is this a false prophet that will bring everyone’s demise? I unfortunately don’t think we ever truly do get to solve that mystery but I also think that’s one of the appeals of this book. It’s up to you, the author to decided.

I would have loved a couple extra pages at the end to expand on but this is a personal preference. I do think the ending was supposed to go along with the mystery of father dirt but I think I personally would have liked a little bit of that closure or hint to who Mary really saw at the end.

Overall, this is a solid debut novella that crawls under your fingernails and stays there like dirt. I’ll definitely be recommending this to my horror loving friends and I look forward to seeing what Thompson releases in the future.

Thank you to the author Taylor J. Thompson for sending me an eCopy of this book. All reviews and opinions are my own.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Father Dirt tells the story of a widow named Mary. Her husband Matthew died 5 years earlier when a landslide took place near their house. Matthew got buried under a pile of mud and dirt and his body still needs to be exhumed. Their 5 year old daughter Lilith likes to spend time on the pile and at a given day she claims her father, she names him Father Dirt, delivers sermons to her from beyond the grave. When the townspeople become aware of this a dirt cult starts to rise..

The Australian author Taylor J. Thompson @taylorjthompsonauthor delivers a gripping and mysterious gothic horror novel with his debut Father Dirt. Set in rural Australia in the 1900’s the story quickly takes a dark twist and it held me captivated until the last page. This one will linger in my mind for a long time.

Religious fanatics can turn into a downright threat when there’s a lot at stake, like power and wealth, and they turn against you. Cults are fascinating, yet terrifying and Thompson did an excellent job portraying these fanatics and conveying those uncanny cult vibes. It evoked feelings of frustration, fear and madness in me and many more emotions.

The characters felt so real and vivid. My heart broke for Mary and I just wanted to punch the spinster and the priest in the gut. Awful people, arghh!! And that ending.. 💔

Father Dirt is intense, atmospheric and deeply unsettling and I can’t wait for what’s next to come from this author.

Thank you so much for giving me the chance to read your book in exchange for an honest review Taylor. I’m so glad you reached out to me. 🙏🏻

[Spring (Infinite Ink Society) · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (4.5 – 5 stars)

Spoiler-Free Blurb:
In Father Dirt by Taylor J. Thompson, grief takes root in rural Australia at the turn of the century—literally. When young Lilith starts climbing “The Pile” where her father died and delivering sermons in his name, her mother Mary is forced to question whether this is mourning, madness, or something crawling up out of the dirt itself. A Gothic tale of grief, fanaticism, and the terrifying weight of belief.

My Thoughts:
I flew through this book. The atmosphere is thick, the imagery is unsettling, and the emotional punches had me ready to set the book down and go scream into the void. 😤 Dirt has never been so menacing—and honestly, I’ll never look at a shovel the same way again.

There were moments I was so angry on behalf of certain characters that I almost had to take a breather. That’s how deeply this one hooks into you. It’s not just spooky—it’s infuriating in the best way, the kind that makes you want to argue with the pages while still tearing through them because you need to know what happens next.

It’s a quick read, but don’t mistake that for light. This one lingers. It’s grief-soaked, cult-tinged, and worm-ridden in a way that scratches that Gothic horror itch perfectly.

📚 Quick, gut-punch Gothic
😡 Characters that will make you yell at the page
🌑 Dirt, death, and dread in equal measure

Final verdict: 4.5–5 stars. I’m still staring at a wall trying to process, and I think the dirt stared back. 👁️

[Nicola (deathandthemacabre) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in rural Australia in the early 1900s, a grieving widow finds herself raising her daughter, Lilith alone, after her husband dies in a landslide. His body was never found, and all that remains is "The Pile" that buried him.

Things take a turn for the worst when Lilith begins talking to "Father Dirt" - some sort of being she believes to be her father underneath the burial site. She's the only one who can hear him, but he promises prosperity, wealth, and good fortune, and thanks to the local gossip, the entire town falls under its spell, no matter the cost.

This was such an interesting read for me, particularly because the whole religion/brainwashing trope usually just pisses me off, but this takes it to a whole new level. It's frightening how easily people are able to be manipulated and how far they're willing to go when offered hope or riches. The ease in which they're prepared to believe a child over their own common sense or belief systems, including a priest, is insane.

Parts of it did still drive me crazy because of the characters' gullibility and my overwhelming want for Mary to tell these freaks to gtfo her property 😅 but overall I really enjoyed this one, despite it being out of my comfort zone, it was wonderfully written, suspenseful and thought provoking.

If you're looking for a frustrating but intriguing cult-ish gothic horror, I'd recommend this one.

[ScarlettAnomalyReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a crazy book was I was given, in exchange for a fair review, and wow.
3.75 Stars rounded up

This book was dark, wonderful grief horror that I don't know that I run into very often. I usually say Gage Greenwood is my go too for grief and feeling emotions horror, but I might be adding a new name to that list.

I saw a offhand remark that this has Midnight Mass vibes, and I knew I needed to check it out, Midnight Mass left a mark on my soul that I have yet to to be able to wash off and I mean that as a compliment.

When the author said this was weird dirt horror, I just nodded and smiled, because, what does that mean ?
I still don't know, but I fucking like it.

This was a culty dark dive into old wounds, and the past. Fighting yourself, fighting everything around you and just fighting to survive in a world where it seems like even the very dirt is out to take everything you have and more.

[LX · Rating 5 out of 5]

🧹 Father Dirt 🧹 by Taylor J. Thompson

4.5 ⭐ rounded up!

Want to send a big thanks to Taylor for sending me a copy to review!

oh wow...okay there's so much I want to say about this but I also don't just so I don't spoil anything but this was fantastic. The atmosphere, the grief, the way that I was feeling the unsettling feeling of the community and what was going on, the scene that made me go WTF?!

So so good. The ending THE ENDING! It gives me the same feeling of a short story and I'm here for anything that has the same vibe or sort of dread that built up in me.

ALSO I HAVE TO SAY THIS BUT THIS WOULD BE PERFECT FOR AN A24 MOVIE I STG some of the scenes, especially the creepy body horror ones, I know for a fact A24 would film those to perfection LOOOL

I was looking forward to this but this really did blow itself out the water for me. Loved it!

As always check TW to make sure it's a read for you!

[Madame Strange · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Father Dirt” buried himself deep within my soul. All hail Father Dirt!

★★★★★

I am trying to find the right words, as this novel completely consumed me in the best way.

From the first page I was sucked into the story and got dragged down deeper as I continued.
This novel is so well written and made my heart ache. Every chapter I felt more despair, more darkness and sense of dread that wouldn’t budge.

This one will stay with me for a long time, I don’t think “Father Dirt” is done with me.

Don’t hesitate to add this one to your TBR!
Taylor J. Thompson you are on my radar, whatever comes next, sign me up!

[Amy Josephine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Phwoaaa that ending !?

A 1900's country Australian setting with a folksy horror storyline. The characters are excellent, it is extremely well paced and a shorter read for those that might be interested in trying a horror but not wanting to commit to a longer book.

Honestly? I really enjoyed this, it gave me the heeby jeebies and left me infuriated all at once! Not only does this book incite uneasiness, but feelings of sadness, frustration and suspicion.

Taylor J. Thompson has written a great debut novel here and I look forward to reading more of his work in the future!!

[Graveyardreads Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was wonderfully written by Thompson. It has a unique build-up for a fantastic ending. Many similarities are given from cult like stories that leave you guessing throughout the story.

[Screams & Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

If this isn't a cult book at its finest. I don't know what is. But there is a twist in it. And you will have to read it to find out. But man!

Taylor reached out to me on IG seeing my page and that I love horror. He described this book as. Weird dirt horror! And I swear that it was calling my name. So what is a better way to spend Friday the 13th then read a horror book!

This book starts off with a single mother and a daughter. They live on a farm and since her husband has passed she does a lot of the work herself. Along with a helper she has that really has taken care of them since her husband has passed. She does talk to her daughter about her father a little bit but starts to notice her talking more about a " father dirt" ( hits the name of the book)

This book turns really fast and keeps you on your toes the whole time.

From the spooky vibes it gave me , from the cult this little girl ( yes little girl) has, to the Father dirt. Both really running the show here. Just mostly in the hands of the daughter talking for him. Sounds very intriguing but I can't tell you more unless you read the book.

I really did enjoy how the author did something completely different from what I have read or seen in horror movies. And as you know I love everything horror. So I have seen a lot. He is very detailed in his book and feels that it is a must in horror to really get that feeling and the crappiness! He had me saying " oh my God" In Parts along with " what the".

I really enjoyed this one and am glad the author reached out to me.. I can't wait to see what else this author has in store.

You can find this one on Amazon and I will link this one below 👇🏼

https://a.co/d/0JTZajC

🌟🌟🌟🌟/5 📚

Name of book: Father dirt
Author: Taylor J. Thompson

~screams & Reviews 🖤💋🫶🏼📚

[Ashley Sawyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mary Faulds is a young widow and single mother struggling to maintain the family farm and to raise her five-year-old daughter Lilith. A landslide 5 years earlier had buried Mary's husband Matthew and his body has never been exhumed. Trying her best, Mary is just about able to make ends meet. Until Lilith begins claiming she can speak to her father, and he is speaking back. At first Mary chides Lilith for disrespecting her father's memory, but no harm done. Then when Father Dirt tells Lilith that the townspeople are to expect a storm unlike any they have seen before and it comes true, Mary starts to become unsettled. What follows is a disturbing tale of a mother's loss of her grip on reality, an unnatural communion between daughter and the dead, and a whole lot of dirt!

Set in the early 1900s in rural Australia, this bite size weird dirt horror novella definitely packs a big punch. With creeping tension, an unsettling fanatical religious undertone, and mounting horror, Father Dirt sink it's claws into me. With an eerie, atmospheric isolated farm feel, you can practically feel the dirt under your fingernails. Watching as Mary progresses throughout the story and starts to unravel is brilliant. I also really liked the conflict between maternal love and grief but also the genuine fear that Mary is struggling with. I personally think that Thompson could have gone deeper into the flashbacks with Matthew before his death, it would have been an extra added layer, but it'snotnecessary. Overall, Father Dirt is definitely one of those stories that you find in the wild and it lingers long after the last page.

Thank you so much to Taylor J Thompson for providing me with an eARC of this great novella!! I can't wait to see what comes next!

[Gabriel Gram · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the characteristics of a good horror story is that it doesn’t just inspire fear, but also manages to tie in other emotions. Taylor J. Thompson proves that he is more than capable of this in his debut work, «Father Dirt».

The story is set in the small town of Yahl, a very real place in South Australia. It follows the widow Mary Faulds and her daughter, Lilith, as the town goes through a rather creepy religious revival. Lilith begins to preach the words of her dead father, disrespectfully referred to as ‘Father Dirt’, on top of the pile of earth under which he is buried. People pay little attention to Lilith at first, but after a freak summer storm, converts to the new religion increase rapidly, both in number and devotion.

It’s a story that’s interesting in and off itself, but what truly sets this book apart is the time and effort dedicated to character development. Thompson really goes the extra mile in giving each of the principal actors of the story a distinct personality, personalities that remain consistent even as change sweeps over the little community. Combine this with excellent pacing and well-placed descriptions, and you’ve got an Indie work of rare quality.

At the same time, it can be difficult to get a good grasp of the book. The reader is kept guessing about the existence of ‘Father Dirt’ right up to the very end, and there is at least one body-horror scene that seems a bit of a non-sequitur. This uncertainty doesn’t do much to detract from the book, though, and in many ways adds to its charms.

It’s a book worth picking up, and we can only hope that the author will follow up with more works in the future.

[Tasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are anything like me when it comes to novels that start out strong, you expect them to stay consistent throughout the novel. I can guarantee that Taylor J. Thompson delivers. This story is non-stop with psychological and supernatural horror. On top of being a great story, this one is well edited, which we all know makes a story become superb.


It’s the year 1900 and Mary’s husband has died in a suddenly horrific accident. He leaves his wife and unborn child behind. Years later, Mary and her daughter Lilith are surviving on the family farm with a couple of farm hands. One day, Lilith tells her mom she talks to her dead father. Nothing good can come from that.


The pacing keeps up with the constant melodramatics that keep escalating as the story progresses. The many struggles Mary is presented with only continues to add to the angst that the story evokes. Thompson does a fantastic job keeping the flow smooth. Never does he falter with unbelievable actions from all the characters, encouraging the reader to believe these events can happen, occult and all.


The scenes in which Thompson sets the story are vivid. I saw the events unfold in my mind as if I was there, actually witnessing the hysterics and violence. This is a visual novel, for sure.


As a debut novel, I am completely surprised and in awe at how well this story is written and presented. I can only hope to see more by Thompson in the future. I will be adding this new author to my list of favorite authors to keep up with.

Highly recommended for those that enjoy the occult, supernatural, psychological horror, and mild religious dramatics.

[Dovah Sanguinex · Rating 5 out of 5]

"𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘥𝘪𝘥𝘯'𝘵 𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘯, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘣𝘦 𝘴𝘢𝘷𝘦𝘥, 𝘍𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘋𝘪𝘳𝘵 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘺."

Rating: 🦇🦇🦇🦇🦇

Trope(s)/Element(s):
-Cults
-Body horror
-Rural community in the early 1900s
-False prophets
-Children speaking to the dead
-Historical thriller & suspense
-Community hysteria
-On a farm

It’s the early 1900s in rural Australia, and Mary is a widowed mother raising her five-year-old daughter, Lilith, after her husband was buried in a landslide and never recovered. She’s just trying to get by, until Lilith begins claiming that her deceased father is speaking to her. The little girl spends more and more time at the mound of earth where he was buried, referring to the voice she hears as “Father Dirt.”

At first, it feels like childish imagination. But soon, the messages Lilith receives start coming true and the townsfolk are quick to fall under Father Dirt’s thrall. What begins as small whispers of faith erupts into obsession, fanaticism, and cult-like devotion, until Mary finds herself the only non-believer in a community consumed by madness.

This story is eerie, immersive, and deeply unsettling. It delivers everything you crave in a cult horror: paranoia, omens, betrayal, added with the MC, Mary's grief, rage and helplessness as things continue to escalate. At under 200 pages, it’s a chilling read with a shocking ending. Highly recommend for fans of dread-soaked, cult-driven horror.

Thank you to the author for sending me a copy in exchange for a review!

⚠️TW/CW⚠️:
-Death
-Grief
-Cults
-Body Horror

[Lena Reads Everything · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s 1900, and Mary Faulds has spent several years grieving her husband, whose body remains buried beneath a collapsed hillside. Now raising their five-year-old daughter Lilith alone on the struggling Australian farm, Mary’s world begins to unravel when Lilith claims she can hear her father speaking from the grave. As sermons turn to fanaticism, Mary must confront terrifying horrors to save both her child and herself from the creeping madness of the town.

This felt a lot like David Sodergren’s writing which I really enjoy, with that small-town atmosphere, the slow build of hive-mind mentality, and a creeping sense of darkness. With Midsommer and Midnight Mass vibes, there were definitely moments that were so unnerving they’ll be lingering in my mind for a while.

The isolation of the town, particularly in that era of Australian life, gave the novel a real sense of depth and history. I’d love to see more Australian horror writers emerging—after all, we make great horror films, and our unique environment and history are such a natural fit for the genre. This book is a great example of that potential.

A gripping and atmospheric read! 4/5

[Tams Book Corner · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book, is a genre I have never explored, and it’s safe to say, it's a genre I will read more often thanks to Taylor J. Thompson. This cult like, christianity twisted book, left me on the edge of my seat the entire time while reading. With the creepiness of this ‘Father Dirt’ character, and the unknowing of what’ll happen next to our protagonist Mary, I was hooked. So very few books I’ve realised, are based in Australia. This book being based in a more rural town of Australia, and the main place being a farm, as someone who grew up in a country town, I felt that connection and a deeper understanding to the set. As someone who can't literally see things as I read, having that understanding of where this was set, gave me that needed connection. Since this is a spoiler free review, all I can say about the ending is it’ll leave you shocked, wondering what would happen next, and the tension of being unsure added to that affect. Overall, a genre I will definitely read more of in the future thanks to this author.

[Becki 🤎 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Father dirt

The Author sent me this and I’m so glad he did! A story about a father’s accidental burial, a widows grief & a little girl who never got to meet her father.

Lilith is adamant “Father dirt says there’s a storm coming” & the same night the storm has come…is it a little girls imagination from wanting to know her father or is father dirt really speaking to her from beneath his dirt grave?

The town is convinced a miracle is happening but those that don’t believe start dying, the magpies are watching…is it an omen or a blessing?

This genuinely creeped me out!! It has got such an eerie feel to it from the beginning with little snippets of creepiness keeping you on edge. Once It gripped me, I couldn’t tear myself away from it & needed to know what was going to happen and then came the end, O.M.G

I cannot praise this enough, I am so glad it found me, I know I won’t stop thinking about it for a long time! 5🌟

[Sharron Joy Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

On Faulds Farm in rural Australia, Mary and her daughter Lilith get by as best they can following their death of her husband. Matthew is still on the farm buried deep within a landslide now a huge mound of dirt on the land.

When Lilith starts to speak words of prophecy that come true, from the top of the pile claiming them as with messages from Father Dirt, the townsfolk turn the site into a place of worship and Mary loses control of her farm and her daughter.

A cult horror that will blow you away, it is incredible storytelling from an Australian indie author new to me. The way the tale creeps into your brain is insidious and the characterisation is exceptional.

Exploring themes of grief, fanaticism, greed and mob mentality, with gothic undertones and showing the fragility of sanity in a world of hardship. Excellent!

[Jess Reads Horror · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am completely blown away at how this story GRABBED ME. Starting off, we have a mother daughter duo who seem pretty normal until they reach the resting place of the husband/father. Then hell slowly starts to break loose bit by bit.

This book reminds me of The Auctioneer in the best way possible, as in the anger, dread, and sadness it invoked. What I also loved about this book is the ambiguity it presented. Who’s to be believed? Was Lilith for real? Or was it just some group mentality thing that completely went off the rails? The best and worst part is I will never know, but that means I can do with it as I wish. Not all stories need to have happy or decisive endings, but sometimes it’s needed. Whether or not this one has one… guess you’ll need to read it and find out.

I swear some of these books really don’t paint parenthood as a good time 💀

[Luna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Father dirt is a creepy and intense read that will crawl under your skin with its graphic scenes and eerie feel. It takes place in 1900’s Australia and the historical aspect of the story really gives it that extra scary essence. You’ve got the old houses with squeaking floorboards, no electricity and dark corners where things can hide in the shadows. On top of that you’ve got a whole town turning their backs on you, desperately clinging to their religious belief no matter how crazy it gets. Basically everything you need to be on high alert throughout the whole book.

The way the characters and environment were described made me vividly picture and feel everything that happened. And I mean EVERYTHING. The darkness, the sounds, the anxiety and panic. You’re in for a real ride with this one!

[Horromantasy Book Mom · Rating 5 out of 5]

We follow Mary and her daughter Lilith visiting “The Pile,” a grave site for Lilith’s late dad, Matthew. Living in a super religious, rural Australian town in the late 1800s, Lilith never knew her father—she just calls him Father Dirt. Then one day she goes missing, only to reappear warning of something terrible she claims came from her dad. That night, the entire town becomes convinced Lilith is a miracle child who can speak with her dead father. And oh, all the classic cult horror elements follow: fear, paranoia, deathly omens, betrayal, and possible possessions.

I felt Mary’s horror and rage—especially as a mother watching her be disbelieved by Bible-thumping idiots claiming divine authority. I devoured this in one sitting I couldn’t put it down!

[VibekeN · Rating 5 out of 5]

”When your only way out is a miracle, I suppose you either go mad or start believing in fairytales.“

Welcome to Yahl, a quiet farming community where tragedy strikes for the Faulds family after Matthew Faulds is accidentally buried in a pile of dirt and stones.

His wife Mary and their five-year-old daughter Lilith often visit the site–the pile, until Lilith starts claiming she can talk to Father Dirt, and warns of a coming storm.

The writing pulled me in instantly. The story was fast-paced, eerie, and full of emotional twists–both heartbreaking and unexpected. I couldn’t put it down.

If you enjoy dark, thrilling tales with themes of grief and faith, Father Dirt is a must-read.

-Vibeke.

Thank you, Taylor, for sending me a copy. I’ll remember this one for a long time 🖤