The Flayer

by D.C. Phillips

“Blending an affinity for folklore and local legends with the grisly entertainment of a good slasher, D.C. Phillips' The Flayer seeks to carve out a unique spot in your TBR pile. Highly recommended for fans of Candyman, Urban Legend, or Brian McAuley's Curse of the Reaper.” –William Sterling, Author of String Them Up

Flecks of congealed blood freckled the body’s face, if you could still call it a face. The skin had been expertly flayed from hairline to chin and from ear to ear. All that remained was a raw, pulpy canvas, punctuated by two alarming and alert eyes, two open windows with no shades to pull.

Someone is slaughtering the residents of Felton, a suburb of Anywhere, USA. It’s a flat and largely unremarkable place, and the powers that be strive to keep it that way. However, when the latest body in a string of gruesome murders is discovered by Kyle Bloch, an aspiring journalist, things will never be the same. Alongside Olivia the librarian, he must race the clock–and a pack of ambulance-chasing true-crime hounds–to uncover the truth. Could it be that a legend as old as the town holds the key to this mystery?

138 pages, Paperback

First published March 3, 2025

About the author

D.C. Phillips has received praise for his dynamic and darkly ironic style. As a native of Atlanta, Georgia, D.C. cites Southern culture and classic horror as two of his major influences. He is currently hard at work on several projects. He welcomes interaction via email (FrightfulFables@gmail.com) and across social media (@FrightfulFables).

Reviews

[Donna Robinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very good horror novella! The intensity to find out who was the Flayer, a serial killer on the loose in Felton. Our main character, Kyle, was interesting, along with the other cast members like Olivia and Tanya. The gore and violence were intense, especially towards the end, where things picked up. I absolutely fell in love wth Chrome, the pitbull dog who Kyle met while working as a reporter, and I can safely say that he does live at the end! Overall, this was a great horror novella filled with intense moments.

[Joe Trotter · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great horror novella, with a nice small-town mystery, and unknown (possible) serial killer, several interesting characters, a little fright and lots of suspense.

The writing was excellent—descriptive, succinct, and humorous when needed!
Great tension built throughout and I enjoyed the characters in the story—my favorite being Olivia….and Chrome!!

I appreciated the ARC copy and purchased two other reads by D.C. Phillips.

[Ansley Trandahl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everything I could want from a horror novella! D.C. Phillips is a pro at the horror genre, and he’s especially talented at crafting creepy ambiance. The Old Mill setting feels like a character all its own—eerie and unforgettable. The narrator/protagonist Kyle is the perfect small town sleuth and I’d love to get more stories with him. The Flayer’s twists and turns had me guessing the whole time. My only complaint (albeit cliche) is that I didn’t want it to end. Thankfully, the bonus short story at the end helped soften the blow. ;) If you love horror, this is a must-read.

[Chris F · Rating 5 out of 5]

A nice lil’ story to get in the Halloween mood, plus with a bit of misdirection!

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quick and easy read! It was fun to go through and I thoroughly enjoyed the characters in the book. The extra short story at the end was an added bonus. Can't go wrong if you're looking for a "cozy" horror.

[Kyle Evans · Rating 3 out of 5]

The switch up in perspectives for the “interludes” were a fun detail

[Nichole Norvesh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I stepped out of my norm when I picked this one up, but I’m so glad I did! I really enjoyed this quick read and the short story included. It was down to earth while also keeping you wondering what was coming. Looking forward to more!

[Darrell Grizzle · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Flayer deftly combines slasher horror with an intriguing mystery-thriller. The level of suspense is high throughout the novella, and that suspense continues in the bonus short story at the end of the book. Highly recommended for fans of literate, well-written horror and mystery.

[Kimberly Pinzon · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun quick read that leaves you wanting more. Send more please.