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Shepherd's Cross
Shepherd’s Cross - an isolated, remote moorland village, renowned for being the last place in England to have executed a woman for witchcraft. Three hundred years later, the locals remain superstitious: aside from a handful of wealthy newcomers, modern society has passed by largely unnoticed….until the unexpected arrival of two mysterious strangers to nearby Fellside Hall; a derelict mansion that has stood empty for eighty years.
One by one, a series of harrowing events descends on the village, prompting Sergeant Brian Jennings and PC Cara Jones to investigate; a task made almost impossible by the relentless onslaught of winter. When prolonged snowfall isolates Shepherd’s Cross from the outside world, the superstitions of the old-timers clash with the rational minds of the newcomers; challenging the community’s strength and testing its resolve to rally together against an ancient horror unfolding around them...a horror that is intent on returning forever.
Fast-paced and utterly compelling, Shepherd’s Cross is a supernatural thriller that will appeal to readers who enjoy the work of authors such as Stephen King, James Herbert and Graham Masterton.
One by one, a series of harrowing events descends on the village, prompting Sergeant Brian Jennings and PC Cara Jones to investigate; a task made almost impossible by the relentless onslaught of winter. When prolonged snowfall isolates Shepherd’s Cross from the outside world, the superstitions of the old-timers clash with the rational minds of the newcomers; challenging the community’s strength and testing its resolve to rally together against an ancient horror unfolding around them...a horror that is intent on returning forever.
Fast-paced and utterly compelling, Shepherd’s Cross is a supernatural thriller that will appeal to readers who enjoy the work of authors such as Stephen King, James Herbert and Graham Masterton.
290 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 30, 2014
55 people are currently reading
159 people want to read
About the author
Mark White
3 books10 followersMark Anthony White (April 10th, 1974 -) was born in the small industrial town of Consett in Northeast England. Like hordes of other children across the globe who grew up in the 'innocent', pre-internet days of the 1980s, he spent many an evening curled up in bed (in a literary sense, of course) with horror legends Stephen King and James Herbert. Having spent his twenties and thirties working in a variety of interesting and not-so-interesting jobs that took him well along the road to a mid-life crisis, he decided to do what he always wanted to do, which was to write stories that would remain with the reader long after they had finished the last page.
Mark is married to Felicity, with whom he has a son, Leo, and a daughter, Imogen. Having lived in various locations including London, Malaysia, Vietnam and Japan, he is currently back in Consett...with no plans to leave any time soon.
"Shepherd's Cross" is his first novel, followed by "Career Break." He is currently working on his next book, a supernatural thriller called "Enter the Dead," which he expects to complete around Easter 2015.
Mark can be found very occasionally updating his life on Twitter (#mawhitewriter) and can be emailed at markwhite944@hotmail.com
Mark is married to Felicity, with whom he has a son, Leo, and a daughter, Imogen. Having lived in various locations including London, Malaysia, Vietnam and Japan, he is currently back in Consett...with no plans to leave any time soon.
"Shepherd's Cross" is his first novel, followed by "Career Break." He is currently working on his next book, a supernatural thriller called "Enter the Dead," which he expects to complete around Easter 2015.
Mark can be found very occasionally updating his life on Twitter (#mawhitewriter) and can be emailed at markwhite944@hotmail.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
May 10, 2016
Predictable
I really wanted to like this book, but I really didn't. The characters were entirely one dimension, and the dialogue was ridiculous. What father makes jokes while searching for his lost child?!!? Really, I felt insulted. On the plus side, I liked the description of the village and countryside. But, that is the only good thing I can say about this book.
I really wanted to like this book, but I really didn't. The characters were entirely one dimension, and the dialogue was ridiculous. What father makes jokes while searching for his lost child?!!? Really, I felt insulted. On the plus side, I liked the description of the village and countryside. But, that is the only good thing I can say about this book.
July 18, 2015
It didn't take long to realise that this was a self published novel. The production standards of the book are impeccable, with a great cover, typesetting, and I only noticed two typos throughout the piece. (excluding the capitalisation of Police at every mention,) So much that I began to doubt myself and checked on the publication details partway through.
The plot is a fairly standard 'horror by the numbers' scenario where strangers come into an isolated community for nefarious means- Think Stephen King's 'Salem's Lot' crossed with Alison Littlewood's 'A cold season.'
Unfortunately the writing cries out for robust editing. There are dodgy plot points, weak characters and overblown writing.
But.... for a self published novel this is actually one of the best I have seen, the author just needs the impartial distance to the text which a good editor would provide.
The plot is a fairly standard 'horror by the numbers' scenario where strangers come into an isolated community for nefarious means- Think Stephen King's 'Salem's Lot' crossed with Alison Littlewood's 'A cold season.'
Unfortunately the writing cries out for robust editing. There are dodgy plot points, weak characters and overblown writing.
But.... for a self published novel this is actually one of the best I have seen, the author just needs the impartial distance to the text which a good editor would provide.
May 17, 2015
Shepherd’s Cross is a supernatural thriller set in a small, remote English Village. In the opening scenes, a farmer stumbles across a horrifying altar erected on his land with in the sight lines of an old “abandoned” manse. He involves the police and the investigation takes off at a hectic pace as bodies and crimes begin to accumulate with no seeming concern for the police who are investigating.
The plot was interesting and involved satanic rituals, virgin sacrifices, and the dark history of the village with a side plot of romance for one of the police officers. I did feel that it was too rushed and this did not give the characters a chance to develop fully. But overall, it was a decent read, somewhere between 2 to 3 stars.
The plot was interesting and involved satanic rituals, virgin sacrifices, and the dark history of the village with a side plot of romance for one of the police officers. I did feel that it was too rushed and this did not give the characters a chance to develop fully. But overall, it was a decent read, somewhere between 2 to 3 stars.
November 10, 2016
Typical.
Another generic novel about a beautiful, brave police officer who runs into baddies but she and her new boyfriend defeat the baddies. Of course she is beautiful and the new boyfriend is handsome. I'm not sure about the bravery part because she's constantly brimming in tears or bawling. I'm sick of these books always dragging in romance. I'd really like to see a few books that have male and female leads who are equally strong, working together but not in love or lust. And stop with the gorgeous woman with a hot body. I would be happy to see a woman in a role of authority that is just a normal, everyday person. Don't fall for any comments about this book being "scary," because this is a scary as a Mother Goose story.
Another generic novel about a beautiful, brave police officer who runs into baddies but she and her new boyfriend defeat the baddies. Of course she is beautiful and the new boyfriend is handsome. I'm not sure about the bravery part because she's constantly brimming in tears or bawling. I'm sick of these books always dragging in romance. I'd really like to see a few books that have male and female leads who are equally strong, working together but not in love or lust. And stop with the gorgeous woman with a hot body. I would be happy to see a woman in a role of authority that is just a normal, everyday person. Don't fall for any comments about this book being "scary," because this is a scary as a Mother Goose story.
December 5, 2015
Fast read. There's gore but not much psychological fright. A person who doesn't usually read horror novels may be spooked but a seasoned horror fan will find plot holes abound.
June 12, 2018
I don't usually read horror/ supernatural stories but Shepherd's Cross had such good reviews. I really enjoyed the scene setting and earlier part of the book but the second half really let it down - predictable plot, too many similar characters (are all lonely English country people alcoholics? Do they not collect stamps anymore?). It didn't unfortunately live up to reviews, lacking any real scare factor (coming from a complete scaredy cat).
January 1, 2018
I loved the setting and that the village was snowed in. I liked the tales of witch burning and devil worship from the past. I liked the comradeship between the villagers. Not one hundred per cent sure about the baddies. Good story if a little bloodthirsty.
December 14, 2023
Interesting
Quite an interesting and entertaining novel with some good description and an appropriate, sinister atmosphere created. The characters. however, were rather formulaic I found.
Quite an interesting and entertaining novel with some good description and an appropriate, sinister atmosphere created. The characters. however, were rather formulaic I found.
August 13, 2017
Not really a GHOST story ..
...as some reviewers have called it, this supernatural tale is nevertheless part of a long established ghostly genre. Good for a binge read! Fun, too.😊
...as some reviewers have called it, this supernatural tale is nevertheless part of a long established ghostly genre. Good for a binge read! Fun, too.😊
July 6, 2018
Shepherd's cross
I'm not into the occult. It's a fast-paced story. This is more a murder mystery. With a little horror thrown in at the end
I'm not into the occult. It's a fast-paced story. This is more a murder mystery. With a little horror thrown in at the end
March 30, 2019
Well Done!
Kept my interest up with believable characters and a solid storyline. Made me want to read more from this author.
Kept my interest up with believable characters and a solid storyline. Made me want to read more from this author.
August 29, 2023
I enjoyed this book. Very atmospheric. The author paints a vivid picture of the town and characters. The ending felt a little rushed but that won't keep me from reading another of his novels.
November 23, 2015
This is an okay book. I wanted to read it and it kept me reaching for my husbands pad so I could read a few pages. it has suspense, it has drama, the characters are easy to imagine and either love or hate depending. The story moves fairly quickly and throws in some unexpected events. I wasn't sure if I like the time given at the beginning of each chapter, but understood why it was there. Hated the blank page between every chapter - a waste of paper and it is my own personal thing. It didn't detract from the story, but got me thinking each time why it was there? Who made this choice? It did just end quickly which ruined it for me. The last chapter could have been longer, more suspense and then perhaps the ending might have worked better, but as it was, it felt like the author had got bored, here's the story, then end. Shame really as three quarters of the book was engaging :(
February 8, 2017
This book deals with mysterious forces and things best left.
A police constable doing part of her training with a trained sergeant come upon the start of problems in a quiet but old village with a dark past.
From 2 new people moving into an old house to an inverted cross on a farmers field starts a chain of events that have far reaching consequences.
An enjoyable interesting read for those who like supernatural books
A police constable doing part of her training with a trained sergeant come upon the start of problems in a quiet but old village with a dark past.
From 2 new people moving into an old house to an inverted cross on a farmers field starts a chain of events that have far reaching consequences.
An enjoyable interesting read for those who like supernatural books
February 11, 2017
Worth the read. A bit of a rushed ending.
October 11, 2015
I did enjoy the book as having grown up in a sleepy village myself I could appreciate the countryfied, isolated setting and the varried characters that you meet. I have not read many thrillers myself so this book gave me a good, positive introduction. Fantasy is my usual genre.
I liked the main plot, though it was became quite obvious who was the culprit quite early on in the book but it still kept me intrigued. The cult aspect of it was well written and provided a good back drop as to why the murders took place and how it all began. Liked the main characters I.e the two Police officers, the older one almost being a father figure to the youngest.
Over all thought it was a decent thriller hence why five stars.
I liked the main plot, though it was became quite obvious who was the culprit quite early on in the book but it still kept me intrigued. The cult aspect of it was well written and provided a good back drop as to why the murders took place and how it all began. Liked the main characters I.e the two Police officers, the older one almost being a father figure to the youngest.
Over all thought it was a decent thriller hence why five stars.
April 19, 2015
Not quite what I look for in a scary story. Set in an insular village, I suppose the book captures the plodding feel of village life, but as a 'well-desensitized' horror fan it was far too twee for my tastes - at least the first two thirds of the book were, because that is where I gave up. There are just too many great books out there for me to invest my time in a story that beats around the bush and subjects me to never ending dull conversation between dull characters. As soon as tension arises, which at times it does, it evaporates in a cloud of mind-numbing description. Sorry book, but you bored me.
August 18, 2015
Energetic, enjoyable and spooky
A small rural town, with a haunted history, is threatened and put to the test of faith and resilience when followers of satan return, wreaking havoc on this tight knit community, thus reminding them how history has the potential to repeat itself.
The book is thrilling and fun. It's a story I would of loved to hear near the campfire. The author tells the tale using time (e.g. 7:00 am, 2:00 pm, etc). Keeping time kept me engaged and interested in following the race between good and evil and the final showdown.
Horror stories need not be complicated to be enjoyable. Definitely Grade: A
A small rural town, with a haunted history, is threatened and put to the test of faith and resilience when followers of satan return, wreaking havoc on this tight knit community, thus reminding them how history has the potential to repeat itself.
The book is thrilling and fun. It's a story I would of loved to hear near the campfire. The author tells the tale using time (e.g. 7:00 am, 2:00 pm, etc). Keeping time kept me engaged and interested in following the race between good and evil and the final showdown.
Horror stories need not be complicated to be enjoyable. Definitely Grade: A
September 6, 2015
Not Quite Storm of the Century
The idea started off right enough. The author painted a rural village, developed some interesting characters, attempted to build a Frankenstein Castle that held potential. Unfortunately, the creep factor of Mastermind and Henchman was not taken far enough. The physical violence was there; but, the psychological cat and mouse, that is essential to a good fright, was not conveyed effectively. The ending is so abrupt as to make the reader feel they were invited to a party that must end at an exact time and once the bell rings, one is shoved out the door---glass in hand---and the door shut in one's face.
The idea started off right enough. The author painted a rural village, developed some interesting characters, attempted to build a Frankenstein Castle that held potential. Unfortunately, the creep factor of Mastermind and Henchman was not taken far enough. The physical violence was there; but, the psychological cat and mouse, that is essential to a good fright, was not conveyed effectively. The ending is so abrupt as to make the reader feel they were invited to a party that must end at an exact time and once the bell rings, one is shoved out the door---glass in hand---and the door shut in one's face.
May 23, 2015
I don't know why I bought this book. I read Dying to Tell by Rita Herron and that had me jumping out of my skin when I got an email notification. I was expecting supernatural but on the other end of the spectrum. With that being said, they book was pretty awesome! Gruesome? Yes. Scary? Yes. A little funny with a touch of romance? Yes. Some things happened that I would have preferred not to have happened. But, those events made sense and were true to the character of the antagonist.
November 25, 2015
My interest in this book just petered out, though since I was reading Patrick Rothfuss at the same time, the competition was grossly unfair.
Some good ideas, and the main characters were fairly relatable, though the villains of the piece I found less believable.
Overall it's a good idea, but really needs some editing (the incorrect use of'route' when he meant 'root', for example). I might give it another go later.
Some good ideas, and the main characters were fairly relatable, though the villains of the piece I found less believable.
Overall it's a good idea, but really needs some editing (the incorrect use of'route' when he meant 'root', for example). I might give it another go later.
December 10, 2015
I love horror books and despaired that the books of James Herbert et al had been replaced by the numbness zombie / romantic vampire culture that pervades our kindle store. Mark White has a beautiful style that captures the essence of the characters, atmosphere and fear. Simply put, I loved this story, the characters and the setting. At last a proper horror writer. I cannot recommend highly enough.
February 3, 2016
Hauntingly good
Good supernatural yarn along the the lines of James Herbert, John Saul etc. The inhabitants live quite peacefully in Shepherd's Cross until the arrival of two men who move into Fellside Hall an old mansion that has been neglected for 80 years. Obviously the house has rumours and stories. That's when the fun begins and the people of Shepherd's Cross begin to die. Will good overcome evil.
Good supernatural yarn along the the lines of James Herbert, John Saul etc. The inhabitants live quite peacefully in Shepherd's Cross until the arrival of two men who move into Fellside Hall an old mansion that has been neglected for 80 years. Obviously the house has rumours and stories. That's when the fun begins and the people of Shepherd's Cross begin to die. Will good overcome evil.
September 8, 2016
This book was just okay for me. I loved the creepy, eerie quality of the storyline as well as the characters. I felt like I got to know them over the course of the story. However, the story just ended! I wish the author would have taken a little more time wrapping up the story after the climax. All in all, this was an easy, supernatural themed book that definitely held my attention. I just wanted a little more!
February 27, 2017
A great first novel
Really enjoyed this book, read in a few days was hooked.
Characters were really believable and felt connected to.
The situation was gripping and the mix of the normal and paranormal was well balanced.
Some paragraphs/descriptors were a bit cheesy on first encounter but in hindsight fitted in well.
Enjoyed so much I'm actively looking at purchasing the second novel .
Really enjoyed this book, read in a few days was hooked.
Characters were really believable and felt connected to.
The situation was gripping and the mix of the normal and paranormal was well balanced.
Some paragraphs/descriptors were a bit cheesy on first encounter but in hindsight fitted in well.
Enjoyed so much I'm actively looking at purchasing the second novel .
November 28, 2015
Very Well Developed Story
I really enjoyed this book and the development of its characters. There were definitely pretty scary and gory moments that I enjoyed and found unexpected. My only negative was the ending. It wasn't a bad ending, I just would have enjoyed an epilogue.
I would definitely recommend this book.
I really enjoyed this book and the development of its characters. There were definitely pretty scary and gory moments that I enjoyed and found unexpected. My only negative was the ending. It wasn't a bad ending, I just would have enjoyed an epilogue.
I would definitely recommend this book.
October 18, 2018
now i am hooked. This was such a great, easy and creative book. i was hooked after the first page.
The characters were easy to fall in love with and follow, along with the story. the author made the mental visions so easy and vivid of the surroundings and the characters actions felt so real.
i would highly recommend this author and this book.
The characters were easy to fall in love with and follow, along with the story. the author made the mental visions so easy and vivid of the surroundings and the characters actions felt so real.
i would highly recommend this author and this book.
March 4, 2015
Great start with a preachy disappointing end
I guess these books are free for a reason. I was in until the preachy drivel started about the evils of modern technology and thoughtless rich people vs. poor god fearing country folk.
Was the author in a hurry to finish?
I guess these books are free for a reason. I was in until the preachy drivel started about the evils of modern technology and thoughtless rich people vs. poor god fearing country folk.
Was the author in a hurry to finish?
March 16, 2016
Why did I finish this book? Guess that's what happens when you're sick and doped up on sinus meds: you make poor choices in reading material. Gratuitous gore, weak characters, stop & go plot, rushed ending, quite a few typos...sigh....
July 7, 2016
This book kept my interest the entire way. I'm always wary of reading horror because it tends to seep into my psyche and I have crazy dreams. This definitely made you trip out at moments. But I loved every page. Beautifully depicted. I felt like I was in Shepherd's Cross.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews