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Alone
All things must end.
Recovering from a recent accident and faced with the prospect of spending another Christmas alone, Jessica accepts the invitation of an old flame to spend Christmas with him and his aged aunt at his manor house in the midst of the Brecon Beacons.
Feeling her arrival is unwelcome, Jessica awaits her reunion with a face from the past, while a snowstorm postpones his arrival and renders her trapped within the house. Behind the silence, something dark is lurking.
Left with little choice, Jessica finds she must face the secrets the old house hides. Yet what she may come to learn is that nothing haunts us more than the secrets of our own pasts, and that burying them does not make them forgotten.
Recovering from a recent accident and faced with the prospect of spending another Christmas alone, Jessica accepts the invitation of an old flame to spend Christmas with him and his aged aunt at his manor house in the midst of the Brecon Beacons.
Feeling her arrival is unwelcome, Jessica awaits her reunion with a face from the past, while a snowstorm postpones his arrival and renders her trapped within the house. Behind the silence, something dark is lurking.
Left with little choice, Jessica finds she must face the secrets the old house hides. Yet what she may come to learn is that nothing haunts us more than the secrets of our own pasts, and that burying them does not make them forgotten.
124 pages, Paperback
First published December 21, 2014
3 people are currently reading
107 people want to read
About the author
Lee Allen
14 books98 followersBorn in South Wales, Lee Allen was an avid reader from a young age, already beginning to develop his fascination with mystery, intrigue, crime, horror and the supernatural. He soon turned to creating his own stories and hasn’t stopped writing since. He completed the manuscript for his first full-length novel while still in secondary school, which was later published as his debut crime thriller "Those Crimes of Passion" in 2012.
Heavily influenced by gothic fiction, he later released supernatural mystery "Alone" (2014); horror chiller "The Jack O’Lantern Men" (2015); short story collection "Whispers from the Dead of Night" (2020), a hybrid of horror and multiple sub-genres; and erotic horror crime thriller "Bitten" (2021).
His first children's book, "The Ghost Train", was published on Hallowe'en 2022, followed by the sequel, "The Ghost Tree", published on the Autumn Equinox 2023.
Lee continues to reside in Wales with his feline writing companion, immersing himself in imagination and research.
Heavily influenced by gothic fiction, he later released supernatural mystery "Alone" (2014); horror chiller "The Jack O’Lantern Men" (2015); short story collection "Whispers from the Dead of Night" (2020), a hybrid of horror and multiple sub-genres; and erotic horror crime thriller "Bitten" (2021).
His first children's book, "The Ghost Train", was published on Hallowe'en 2022, followed by the sequel, "The Ghost Tree", published on the Autumn Equinox 2023.
Lee continues to reside in Wales with his feline writing companion, immersing himself in imagination and research.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
December 13, 2024
This is such a haunting gothic story, set in December, it is a perfect read for this time of year.
The story is mostly told from Jessica's point of view. As the reader we are fed little bits of information gradually as the story develops. This is beautifully done as it leaves you feeling confused and not knowing who to trust which mirrors the characters emotional turmoil as she tries to recover her memories from her past.
It has a claustrophobic feel as the snow falls and phonelines stop working. This helps to build the tension. There are lots of moments with a supernatural feel and the author does this so well that again you are left wondering what is real.
It was a quick read and I read it in one setting. The story resolves in a very satisfying way!
I highly recommend if you like a claustrophobic, gothic haunting for Christmas (or any other time of the year!).
The story is mostly told from Jessica's point of view. As the reader we are fed little bits of information gradually as the story develops. This is beautifully done as it leaves you feeling confused and not knowing who to trust which mirrors the characters emotional turmoil as she tries to recover her memories from her past.
It has a claustrophobic feel as the snow falls and phonelines stop working. This helps to build the tension. There are lots of moments with a supernatural feel and the author does this so well that again you are left wondering what is real.
It was a quick read and I read it in one setting. The story resolves in a very satisfying way!
I highly recommend if you like a claustrophobic, gothic haunting for Christmas (or any other time of the year!).
December 29, 2016
I would firstly like to thank Lee Allen for kindly sending me a copy of his book for review!
I absolutely loved this psychological read. Set in December, it was perfect for me to read over the holiday season and left me feeling incredibly emotional. It's one of those stories that really makes you think about life and makes you appreciate everything within it.
Such a fast paced read too!
I must admit I was very confused throughout most of the book but honestly I think that's the point. Allen makes you question what's true and what isn't, revealing everything within the very last chapter. His writing style is beautiful, using descriptive language throughout so you can really imagine the scenery around you. He draws you in completely and makes you feel a part of the story and the characters lives.
If I had one criticism, it would be that the main character Jess cries too much. It started to get irritating after a while.
Aside from that, fantastic book, I would definitely recommend you pick this up and I will 100% be reading more of his work.
Check out a full review at: http://adailycloud.blogspot.com
I absolutely loved this psychological read. Set in December, it was perfect for me to read over the holiday season and left me feeling incredibly emotional. It's one of those stories that really makes you think about life and makes you appreciate everything within it.
Such a fast paced read too!
I must admit I was very confused throughout most of the book but honestly I think that's the point. Allen makes you question what's true and what isn't, revealing everything within the very last chapter. His writing style is beautiful, using descriptive language throughout so you can really imagine the scenery around you. He draws you in completely and makes you feel a part of the story and the characters lives.
If I had one criticism, it would be that the main character Jess cries too much. It started to get irritating after a while.
Aside from that, fantastic book, I would definitely recommend you pick this up and I will 100% be reading more of his work.
Check out a full review at: http://adailycloud.blogspot.com
January 3, 2025
This creepy supernatural thriller gave me goose bumps. Jessica accepts an invitation to spend Christmas with her old flame, at his manor, that he shares with his crotchety old aunt. But once she arrives, Jack is nowhere to be found.
This is where the creepiness starts. Jessica is still recuperating from a bicycle accident where she was hit by a car. Feeling sore and a bit spacey she begins to hear a small girl singing but no one is there. Knowing she should leave before she's sucked in and can't escape a blizzard makes it impossible to go anywhere. The phone goes dead but not before she receives a call from Jack saying he can't make it home due to the storm. And another call with the child as she eerily sings.
Jessica starts questioning her own sanity wondering what's real and what's not. Jacks aunt is making her extremely uncomfortable as she basically floats from room to room. Weird stuff starts happen that is down right haunting.
Kudos to the author for getting into Jessica's head. As a reader I could feel the tension and the unease as she struggles with what to believe to be true. Is Jack ever coming back? Who is singing and why is Jack's aunt so weird?
I highly recommend this ghostly thriller for anyone who loves alternating timelines, creepy characters and a plot that keeps you guessing.
This is where the creepiness starts. Jessica is still recuperating from a bicycle accident where she was hit by a car. Feeling sore and a bit spacey she begins to hear a small girl singing but no one is there. Knowing she should leave before she's sucked in and can't escape a blizzard makes it impossible to go anywhere. The phone goes dead but not before she receives a call from Jack saying he can't make it home due to the storm. And another call with the child as she eerily sings.
Jessica starts questioning her own sanity wondering what's real and what's not. Jacks aunt is making her extremely uncomfortable as she basically floats from room to room. Weird stuff starts happen that is down right haunting.
Kudos to the author for getting into Jessica's head. As a reader I could feel the tension and the unease as she struggles with what to believe to be true. Is Jack ever coming back? Who is singing and why is Jack's aunt so weird?
I highly recommend this ghostly thriller for anyone who loves alternating timelines, creepy characters and a plot that keeps you guessing.
December 4, 2024
Thank you to the author and @indie_visible_services for letting me have a copy of this book.
I first read Lee's writing in the awesome Bloody Hell: A UK Horror Anthology. Lee really is quite the magical writer. His words are so vivid and he really brings the story and setting to life. The writing feels like an old classic with a poetic touch, and reminds you of the beauty of writing, regardless of whether you like the actual plot of the story or not.
However, I'm sure you'll like both writing and plot. As I did with "Alone".
At first, I was confused what was going on. Not in a bad way, it was actually very intriguing. What is going on with Jessica and what we will we find out about her on the way? The plot changes in time and in person and this is what really makes you keep reading.
I had an idea what was going on. This may be because I saw a potential spoiler, but it did not take any enjoyment away and the ending was still surprising! I'm not sure what genre this fits into, perhaps dark fiction? Either way, I suggest reading it and following this unique journey yourself.
A book for an evening with a hot drink and cosy blanket. A novella too so a fairly quick read.
I first read Lee's writing in the awesome Bloody Hell: A UK Horror Anthology. Lee really is quite the magical writer. His words are so vivid and he really brings the story and setting to life. The writing feels like an old classic with a poetic touch, and reminds you of the beauty of writing, regardless of whether you like the actual plot of the story or not.
However, I'm sure you'll like both writing and plot. As I did with "Alone".
At first, I was confused what was going on. Not in a bad way, it was actually very intriguing. What is going on with Jessica and what we will we find out about her on the way? The plot changes in time and in person and this is what really makes you keep reading.
I had an idea what was going on. This may be because I saw a potential spoiler, but it did not take any enjoyment away and the ending was still surprising! I'm not sure what genre this fits into, perhaps dark fiction? Either way, I suggest reading it and following this unique journey yourself.
A book for an evening with a hot drink and cosy blanket. A novella too so a fairly quick read.
December 16, 2024
Alone by Lee Allen is a gothic supernatural thriller and the 2nd book of the authors I have read following The Jack O’Lantern Men
The story follows Jessica, who accepts the invitation to go and stay with an old flame, and his aunt, over Christmas, following a recent accident. When she arrives, Jessica immediately feels unwelcome when meeting the aunt again but waits for the arrival of her old love but a snow storm keeps them apart for now. While in the house, supernatural occurrences begin and the secrets of the house soon become known.
As expected with Lee’s books this one is filled with many surprises along the way and some whopping revelations you just don’t see coming. The supernatural element doesn’t play as big a role as I expected but is actually a very big part about how things unfold when the realisations hit you at the end of the book. From the start of the story you get the feeling of a love story but also one of emotional struggle as we begin to learn what Jessica has been going through in her recent history from failed relationship and family deaths. As you progress you begin to tell there are secrets being held within the walls of the house but as the full story unfolds telling there are secrets reader everything that has occurred you will have moments when your mouth is left open in surprise at how everything unfolded prior to Jessica coming to stay for Christmas.
Having now read two books by Lee Allen I must say he is a master story teller taking the reader on a journey of emotion and shock with mystery mixed in for good measure. The entire catalogue of books are now on my TBR. Amazing writing pretty much wraps it up.
The story follows Jessica, who accepts the invitation to go and stay with an old flame, and his aunt, over Christmas, following a recent accident. When she arrives, Jessica immediately feels unwelcome when meeting the aunt again but waits for the arrival of her old love but a snow storm keeps them apart for now. While in the house, supernatural occurrences begin and the secrets of the house soon become known.
As expected with Lee’s books this one is filled with many surprises along the way and some whopping revelations you just don’t see coming. The supernatural element doesn’t play as big a role as I expected but is actually a very big part about how things unfold when the realisations hit you at the end of the book. From the start of the story you get the feeling of a love story but also one of emotional struggle as we begin to learn what Jessica has been going through in her recent history from failed relationship and family deaths. As you progress you begin to tell there are secrets being held within the walls of the house but as the full story unfolds telling there are secrets reader everything that has occurred you will have moments when your mouth is left open in surprise at how everything unfolded prior to Jessica coming to stay for Christmas.
Having now read two books by Lee Allen I must say he is a master story teller taking the reader on a journey of emotion and shock with mystery mixed in for good measure. The entire catalogue of books are now on my TBR. Amazing writing pretty much wraps it up.
December 5, 2024
A random click on my Kindle whilst trying to choose a book.
A woman goes to say with her ex for Christmas and whilst she's in the house strange things begin to happen. Can the woman come to terms with her past? Or will it haunt her forever?
This book gave me goosebumps, I had no idea what was going to happen next and the more the plot unravelled the more gripped I got
A woman goes to say with her ex for Christmas and whilst she's in the house strange things begin to happen. Can the woman come to terms with her past? Or will it haunt her forever?
This book gave me goosebumps, I had no idea what was going to happen next and the more the plot unravelled the more gripped I got
January 16, 2022
At first when I started reading Alone, by Lee Allen nothing was grasping my attention in the first few chapters, more so I think through confusion on my half. Purley for the reason the story kept going back in time.
But as I preservered the story line thickened and you start to get a sense of who Jessica is and who Jack is and the future they once had, the book becomes more interesting.
You also feel intuned with the characters and how the past must have haunted them both for many years that neither of them both forgot about the pain they felt like many of us as adults.
I was really taken by suprise at the ending of the story which was a real twist. without spoiling the details for other readers to yet to find out.
I couldnt put the book down eventually and had to read to the end in one sitting because it drawed my attention and I wanted to know more.
Definitely a 5* star book. I thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of it and would re-read again. Would recommend.
But as I preservered the story line thickened and you start to get a sense of who Jessica is and who Jack is and the future they once had, the book becomes more interesting.
You also feel intuned with the characters and how the past must have haunted them both for many years that neither of them both forgot about the pain they felt like many of us as adults.
I was really taken by suprise at the ending of the story which was a real twist. without spoiling the details for other readers to yet to find out.
I couldnt put the book down eventually and had to read to the end in one sitting because it drawed my attention and I wanted to know more.
Definitely a 5* star book. I thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of it and would re-read again. Would recommend.
November 17, 2016
Tenderly written with a satisfying twist. An interesting plot idea where you get to know the characters intimately. The writing is atmospheric making you feel you are a part of the book. This is a book you can read in one sitting and will want to!
December 5, 2024
Lee Allen’s Alone is a blend of suspense, psychological depth, and atmospheric storytelling. The novella transports readers to the snowy isolation of a manor house in the Brecon Beacons, where protagonist Jessica confronts the mysteries of her surroundings and the secrets of the past. From the first page, Allen draws you into a world shrouded in quiet tension.
Recovering from a recent accident, Jessica reluctantly accepts an invitation from an old flame. But what begins as a chance to escape her loneliness quickly turns sour as a snowstorm traps her in a house that seems to breathe with its own secrets. The slow unraveling of the house’s dark history mirrors Jessica’s own emotional journey.
As a novella, Alone stands out because of its perfect balance of psychological exploration and supernatural intrigue. While whispers of something dark lurk behind the silence of the old house, Allen uses the tension to move into deeper themes of memory, guilt, and the way our pasts shape our present. The house itself feels like a living entity and amplifies Jessica’s vulnerability and isolation.
The novella's tight narrative and stunning prose (Allen’s prose is ALWAYS stunning) make Alone a succinct and haunting read—reminding us that sometimes the most terrifying ghosts are the ones we carry within ourselves. Perfect for fans of Gothic fiction and psychological thrillers and perfect for the holiday season, Alone is a thought-provoking story that will stay with you long after the snow has melted. Highly recommended!
Recovering from a recent accident, Jessica reluctantly accepts an invitation from an old flame. But what begins as a chance to escape her loneliness quickly turns sour as a snowstorm traps her in a house that seems to breathe with its own secrets. The slow unraveling of the house’s dark history mirrors Jessica’s own emotional journey.
As a novella, Alone stands out because of its perfect balance of psychological exploration and supernatural intrigue. While whispers of something dark lurk behind the silence of the old house, Allen uses the tension to move into deeper themes of memory, guilt, and the way our pasts shape our present. The house itself feels like a living entity and amplifies Jessica’s vulnerability and isolation.
The novella's tight narrative and stunning prose (Allen’s prose is ALWAYS stunning) make Alone a succinct and haunting read—reminding us that sometimes the most terrifying ghosts are the ones we carry within ourselves. Perfect for fans of Gothic fiction and psychological thrillers and perfect for the holiday season, Alone is a thought-provoking story that will stay with you long after the snow has melted. Highly recommended!
December 24, 2024
I am grateful to have received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I had trouble getting into this story. It is short and quick, which is nice. It is easy to read and enjoy in one sitting; perfect for a snowy afternoon! This writing jumps back and forth between dates that are within a few weeks of each other, which felt a little more difficult for me to organize than other books written this way. I also was not the biggest fan of the way in which the author tied everything together. However, I do believe readers who love mysteries with numerous twists and turns, readers who get excited about the overlaps of who did what to whom and when, will absolutely love this read! It is fun, quick, and will keep you reading for the answers.
November 24, 2024
The past is hurting,
But I cannot let it go,
For without the comfort of its cold embrace,
I may forever be alone.
In 'Alone' Lee Allen produces a haunting story of isolation, buried shame, and personal transformation.
Jessica rekindles with an old flame in the Brecon Beacons after an accident sees her give up hope of having another Christmas without putting up with her troubled family. She contemplates the house's gruesome secret and the memories that their holiday at his country home gives her no escape from.
The setting, a misty snowy Welsh landscape, is laid out for the reader in detail setting the suspense as Jessica takes out her feelings of loneliness. The concept of the novel reflects when we have buried pain that comes out and ties into relationships which leads to an ever-growing depression in conflict and tension.
It is gripping writing from Allen and deep character development throughout moving on themes that it discovers in the story.
Thank you to Lee Allen and Love Book Tours for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.
But I cannot let it go,
For without the comfort of its cold embrace,
I may forever be alone.
In 'Alone' Lee Allen produces a haunting story of isolation, buried shame, and personal transformation.
Jessica rekindles with an old flame in the Brecon Beacons after an accident sees her give up hope of having another Christmas without putting up with her troubled family. She contemplates the house's gruesome secret and the memories that their holiday at his country home gives her no escape from.
The setting, a misty snowy Welsh landscape, is laid out for the reader in detail setting the suspense as Jessica takes out her feelings of loneliness. The concept of the novel reflects when we have buried pain that comes out and ties into relationships which leads to an ever-growing depression in conflict and tension.
It is gripping writing from Allen and deep character development throughout moving on themes that it discovers in the story.
Thank you to Lee Allen and Love Book Tours for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.
December 9, 2024
‘Alone’ is a haunting and atmospheric read set in December and you can almost feel the cold air as you read it. It’s very confusing at the beginning but that’s on purpose because you really don’t know what’s real and what isn’t and this just adds to the overall feeling of unease that this story generates. It’s fast paced and a quick read, a story that you will be thinking about for a while. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a supernatural thriller to read over the Festive holidays.
December 12, 2024
Alone by Lee Allan.
This was a really good read. I did like the cover. This was a quick read which was cleverly written. I was confused while reading this book although I couldn't put it down. I had to read until the end. I had goosebumps while reading this. I love the paranormal parts in this book. I was very surprised. I never would have guessed. This is definitely worth a read. Perfect for Christmas. I would definitely recommend this book.
This was a really good read. I did like the cover. This was a quick read which was cleverly written. I was confused while reading this book although I couldn't put it down. I had to read until the end. I had goosebumps while reading this. I love the paranormal parts in this book. I was very surprised. I never would have guessed. This is definitely worth a read. Perfect for Christmas. I would definitely recommend this book.
February 3, 2025
Stepped outside my preferred genres for this one and I’m so glad that I did. I honestly had no idea what to expect but the plot was truly gripping. This was a ghostly psychological thriller novella that expertly weaved little snippets of information that had me turning those pages so quickly to get to the bottom of it.
March 16, 2025
This was a fantastic gothic supernatural mystery novel, it had that element that I was looking for and enjoyed the overall concept that happened. Lee Allen has a strong writing style and was able to weave the concept and character development that I was looking for.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 27, 2025
This book was strange at first and I thought I wouldn’t be able to get into it, but it soon made sense and I loved it. It’s a short ghost story but talks about love and loneliness in such a way that you feel so much emotion for the characters. This is my first book by this author and I’ll definitely be reading more!
December 9, 2024
This is a really thought provoking read that I loved. I have read a couple of books by this author previously that I really enjoyed and this was no exception.
The book is well written with a compelling story line that really makes you question everything that is going on in the book, doubting everything including yourself. The characters are really well developed and really drew me into the story line too.
The book is full of such vivid description and rich imagery that I felt like I was right there with the characters, I was utterly immersed in the book and just couldn't put it down.
I would highly recommend reading both this book and anything by the author because you won't be disappointed.
The book is well written with a compelling story line that really makes you question everything that is going on in the book, doubting everything including yourself. The characters are really well developed and really drew me into the story line too.
The book is full of such vivid description and rich imagery that I felt like I was right there with the characters, I was utterly immersed in the book and just couldn't put it down.
I would highly recommend reading both this book and anything by the author because you won't be disappointed.
December 24, 2024
Having read The Jack O'Lantern Men by this author back in October - and loving the super creepy vibe - I just couldn't resist giving this one a read too!
Set in December, this was the perfect addition to my festive reads and a brilliant contrast to the lovely fluffy reads I had - my only complaint is that it just wasn't long enough!
A super short read at just under 100 pages and the fact that it was so fast paced and drew me right in from the start meant that I flew through this in one sitting!
Allen has a real talent for creating a chilling atmosphere and on top of the chilly winter setting, this also had me on edge throughout.
This starts off with a few tricky chapters where things don't quite make sense, but as the storyline develops it all starts to come together and you realise why this was written that way.
Being so short I wondered whether the characters would make a huge impact - but they are so well written that you can't help but feel for them and their sad story.
Another great read and I'm convinced enough now that I'll definitely be adding more books by this author to my tbr for next year!
Set in December, this was the perfect addition to my festive reads and a brilliant contrast to the lovely fluffy reads I had - my only complaint is that it just wasn't long enough!
A super short read at just under 100 pages and the fact that it was so fast paced and drew me right in from the start meant that I flew through this in one sitting!
Allen has a real talent for creating a chilling atmosphere and on top of the chilly winter setting, this also had me on edge throughout.
This starts off with a few tricky chapters where things don't quite make sense, but as the storyline develops it all starts to come together and you realise why this was written that way.
Being so short I wondered whether the characters would make a huge impact - but they are so well written that you can't help but feel for them and their sad story.
Another great read and I'm convinced enough now that I'll definitely be adding more books by this author to my tbr for next year!
January 28, 2024
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. A strange tale where Jessica has to face the truth and what she had done.
December 13, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. It was a quick and easy read. Jessica not wanting to spend another Christmas alone accepts an invitation to spend Christmas with her long-lost love. She does not get a very friendly welcome and questions if this was the right choice. This book had me confused at times, but it all makes since in the end. Can Jessica accept her past to be able to move on with her future? This was a twisty psychological thriller. Highly recommend!
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews