A town that never existed. A box of letters that prove it did. And a chilling truth that refuses to stay buried.
Urkhammer, Iowa, the infamous ghost town, was now widely dismissed as nothing but an Internet hoax. But when a mysterious package arrives on Kristen James' desk, filled with dozens of authentic, aged letters dating back to 1919, Kristen’s understanding of history—and reality—is shattered."
The letters, penned by ordinary residents of Urkhammer, begin innocuously enough, but soon descend into a terrifying chronicle of unexplained disappearances, strange occurrences, and a pervasive sense of dread.
Driven by a growing sense of responsibility—and a chilling personal connection to the town's fate, revealed through the murder of a real historical figure tied to the letters—Kristen is drawn into the enigma of the "Curse of Urkhammer," a malevolent force claiming lives and memories, tied to the "last tears of the dispossessed"
What they find there defies a town that reappears from the mists of time, populated by the tormented spirits of those forgotten. To break the curse and bring peace to the dispossessed, Kristen must confront the past head-on.
But some doors, once opened, can never be fully closed.
In Letters from Urkhammer, prepare for a gripping journey where historical fact blurs with supernatural horror, and the quest for truth unleashes forces beyond imagination. Will Kristen be able to fulfill her promise, or will she become another forgotten soul consumed by the curse of Urkhammer?
Unravel the mystery. Confront the past. Discover the truth.
As a lifelong lover of books, I’ve always had a great appreciation for writers and their craft. Over the course of my 50+ years living in different places around the world, I’ve written a few things, but never took the time to sit and try to write down any of the books I’ve dreamed up. In 2021 that changed. A new opportunity to share stories, one episode at a time, prompted me to try my hand at it.
I never could have imagined the positive response my writing received and now I’m happy to expand those stories to a wider audience to build upon what I’ve already written. Nothing would make me happier than to know that you enjoy my stories. Please find me on social media @HunterCAuthor to send me your feedback.
About me: I grew up in the Midwest and went to a big state school known as much for their football team as anything else. I studied English Literature and History. It was there that I met my wife and we fell in love. We were married when I was in graduate school and during our first few years working after graduation, God showed us the opportunities to be involved in His work around the world.
Since 2000, we’ve lived outside of the United States, having many amazing experiences and meeting people from around the globe. My experiences traveling and my background in counseling are highly influential in my writing.
I can hardly believe it. It's one of the best psychological horror novels, honestly, without a doubt. It's the novel of the month for December. In his novel Letters From Urkhammer, Hunter Chadwick delivers a masterful historical-psychological horror experience, blending documentary and narrative, reality and illusion, in a work based on a seemingly simple yet profoundly impactful idea: ancient letters capable of resurrecting an entire town from nothingness. The novel begins with a clever premise: a town called Urkhammer in Iowa, classified as nothing more than an internet hoax. But the arrival of a mysterious box at the office of the protagonist, Kristen James, containing dozens of original letters dating back to 1919, turns everything upside down. The question is no longer: Did the town exist? But rather: What price was paid to be forgotten? The novel's power lies in its epistolary narrative style, where the tone shifts from the ordinary diaries of simple residents to terrifying confessions of unexplained disappearances, strange phenomena, and a suffocating sense of collective fear. This slow, deliberate progression creates escalating psychological tension, making the reader a partner in the discovery, not merely a passive recipient of events. As Kristen delves deeper into her investigation, the threads of past and present intertwine through the murder of a real historical figure, directly linked to the Urckhammer curse and the "last tears of the forgotten." Here, the novel transforms from a historical enigma into an existential horror exploring the concept of erasure: the erasure of cities, memories, and people themselves. The narrative climax, when the town re-emerges from the mists of time, is one of the novel's most powerful moments; a city inhabited by tormented souls, trapped between oblivion and revenge. The author succeeds in creating a somber atmosphere without excess, relying more on suggestion than direct shock, which lends the work its psychological weight. I give this novel 5 stars.
I didn’t expect this book to get under my skin the way it did. Letters from Urkhammer starts quietly, almost innocently, and then tightens its grip one letter at a time. Reading it feels less like following a plot and more like uncovering something you maybe shouldn’t be reading at all.
I also really appreciated the author’s foreword. His reflection on how a lifelong love of horror—rooted in childhood—shaped this story immediately resonated with me, because that’s where my own love of the genre began, too. The old-school horror vibes really hit for me—I’m all about that, and honestly, the old-school is my school. You can feel that influence throughout the book in how he blends history, atmosphere, and that classic, slow-creeping dread that made horror films great back in the day.
What struck me most was how natural the letters feel—mundane details, passing worries, small-town rhythms—until those same details begin to twist into something deeply wrong. The horror doesn’t shout; it creeps. By the time the full shape of Urkhammer starts to emerge, I was fully invested and more than a little unsettled.
There’s real emotional weight beneath the mystery, and the historical grounding makes the supernatural elements feel disturbingly plausible. Quiet, eerie, and incredibly effective.
“Letters From Urkhammer” is one of those books that sneaks up on you—quiet at first, then suddenly full of meaning you didn’t expect. Hunter Chadwick has a real gift for turning small, everyday moments into something reflective and oddly comforting. The book’s mix of humor, honesty, and small-town wisdom feels authentic, like reading letters from a friend who somehow sees right through you.
The writing style is poetic but accessible, and the tone carries just enough grit to balance out the heart. I especially appreciated how it blends nostalgia with self-awareness—it’s not sugarcoated, but it is deeply human.
The only reason I didn’t give it five stars is that a few sections felt a little repetitive, like certain themes circled back without adding much new. Still, that’s a small thing compared to how thought-provoking and emotionally grounded the book is.
Overall, it’s a thoughtful, soulful read—one that lingers long after the last page.
Letters From Urkhammer starts out feeling simple—just small-town letters and everyday life—but before you realize it, the story shifts into something eerie, emotional, and weirdly addictive. I kept trying to piece things together and second-guessing every clue, and suddenly I was at the end.
The writing feels grounded and surprisingly heartfelt, and the mix of mystery, nostalgia, and unsettling moments really worked for me. Even with a few repetitive spots, the overall experience felt fresh and memorable. It’s one of those books that lingers a little after you close it.
For most of the book, it felt like I was part of the story, living it along its characters. Trying to put two and two together, making assumptions, wondering what was REALLY going on, got a little scared.
Loved this feeling!
And loved the ending too: what a nice, unexpected and interesting way to wrap things up !
Author’s style is concise, fluid and grounded, and that was perfect to tell a story like this one.
What a great surprise ! I will clearly take a look at the rest of Hunter Chadwick’s bibliography!
I read this book in one sitting. I love mysteries such as this, that include historical pieces as clues. The use of the letters to begin linking events was very smart. From the moment I started, I had to keep reading to find out how it would all end. I’m not normally into the paranormal but I really appreciated the need of those departed to be remembered and I’m a sucker for a happy ending.
Very enjoyable read. Not my usual genre but I had read snippets of Letters From Urkhammer on Hunters website so was pleased to see it in full . Hard to categorise the book as it will appeal to people across multi genres. What I enjoyed was the quality of writing, the likeability of the main characters and the short chapters which drove the story. Keeps you wanting to know more .
I loved this book. I initially was drawn in because it was based in Iowa which is where my best friend is from. It’s not my usual genre at all but it has definitely made me a fan of it and I can’t wait to read more! This one is a must read and tell all your friends about it!!
As an author myself, I’m always a little skeptical when a story leans heavily on atmosphere and mystery... because when it works, it’s unforgettable, and when it doesn’t, well... it just falls flat fast. THIS BOOK ABSOLUTELY WORKS!
What pulled me in first wasn’t the horror (though it delivers on that front), but the structure. The use of letters as a narrative device feels intimate in a way modern storytelling often forgets. You’re not just reading about Urkhammer, you’re witnessing it unravel through the voices of people who never expected to be part of something terrifying. That quiet descent from ordinary life into unease, then dread, is handled with impressive restraint.
Kristen’s storyline anchors the novel in a way that keeps it from drifting too far into abstract horror. There’s a very human thread here—grief, responsibility, and that stubborn need to make sense of things we probably shouldn’t touch. The connection to real history adds another layer that makes the story linger longer than you’d expect.
What I appreciated most is how the book respects the reader. It doesn’t over-explain. It lets the unease breathe. The concept of a town erased from memory but still reaching out through fragments is genuinely unsettling, and the “curse” feels more symbolic than gimmicky—rooted in loss, displacement, and forgotten voices.
If I had to nitpick, there are moments where the pacing slows under the weight of its own atmosphere, but honestly, it feels intentional—like the story wants you to sit in that discomfort a little longer.
Overall, this is one of those rare reads that blends historical intrigue with supernatural horror in a way that feels both eerie and thoughtful. It’s not just about what happened in Urkhammer—it’s about what we choose to remember, and what refuses to stay buried.
Letters From Urkhammer is one of those rare books that pulls you in from the very first page and does not let go. The blend of historical detail and supernatural suspense feels so real that I often caught myself wondering what was fact and what was fiction.
The letters at the heart of the story are both fascinating and unsettling. They start out as simple glimpses into daily life but slowly turn into a chilling record of a town slipping into darkness. The pacing kept me engaged throughout and I genuinely felt the tension rise with each new revelation.
Kristen’s journey gave the story an emotional core that balanced out the horror elements. Her determination to uncover the truth while facing a personal connection to Urkhammer made the book not only eerie but also deeply moving.
This is a gripping read for anyone who loves a mix of mystery, history, and the supernatural. Even after finishing, I found myself thinking about Urkhammer and the people whose voices were brought back to life through these letters.
What a fantastic historical/supernatural story. Urban legend has it that the town of Urkhammer, Iowa once existed but was disappeared from history by supernatural entities. This legend was researched and proven to be an internet hoax by the Iowa Historical Society several years ago. Kirsten, a newly hired researcher there receives a package that has no return address. She and her colleague Brenda, open the box to find stacks of letters which appeared to be almost a hundred years old. They decide they’ll spend as much of their time outside of work that they can, in order to read through the letters. Brenda begins to believe that the Society came to an incorrect conclusion regarding the existence of Urkhammer. The reader gets to join in the hunt for whether or not Urkhammer existed and if it did, why/how did it disappear? Very suspenseful mystery!
I received an ARC and this is my personal opinion.
Letters from Urkhammer is a strange and haunting read. There are two story lines unfolding simultaneously. One from the early 1900’s, which is told through letters of long-dead settlers and the current storyline of Kristen and Brenda, who are employees of the Iowa Historical Society. After reading the letters, the two friends set out on a disquieting quest to determine whether the town of Urkhammer, Iowa, ever truly existed, or if the anonymous letters Kristen received in the mail were a hoax. They enlist the help of Chuck, Brenda’s ex, as they search for verification of the letters and proof of the existence of the town. What they uncover is unsettling, creepy, and frightening. Together, they attempt to break a lingering curse and bring peace to an early 1900s settlement. At times near the beginning, I found some of the conversations between Kristen and Brenda a bit repetitive, since the reader is also reading the same letters they are scrutinizing. My favorite part of the book was the historically correct letters themselves. It’s a very clever concept and engaging story structure.
Letters From Urkhammer by Hunter Chadwick is the kind of story that unsettles you quietly rather than relying on cheap scares. It builds dread slowly, using atmosphere, history, and mystery instead of shock value.
The letter format works incredibly well. What starts as ordinary correspondence gradually turns disturbing, making the horror feel intimate and personal. The idea of a town erased from memory, yet stubbornly refusing to stay gone, is chilling, and the way historical detail blends with supernatural elements feels convincing rather than forced.
Kristen is a strong anchor for the story, pulled into the mystery by responsibility rather than curiosity alone, which raises the stakes emotionally. The curse of Urkhammer feels heavy, tragic, and earned, not just spooky for effect.
If you enjoy slow-burn horror, lost towns, buried histories, and stories where the past reaches out and refuses to be ignored, this book is deeply satisfying and lingers long after you finish it.
Letters from Urkhammer started out quite interesting with the story of a town that might or might not have ever existed and the search for information about it. For a while, I couldn't put it down. But the parts with the two women investigating wore me down after a while. Their discussions and banter were not engaging and didn't sound as if they came from two real women, but rather someone's idea of how women interact, with lots of delays because they're hungry. A lot felt like filler. Their interactions interrupted letters allegedly from Urkhammer and made me feel that the book would have been better bookended with the modern day amateur sleuths, allowing the town's story to be told solely through the letters believed to have been written a century ago. I liked the concept of the ending, of the need to be remembered, though.
Letters from Urkhammer is an eerie, slow-building story that draws you in with its unique premise. A forgotten town, dismissed as a myth, comes back to life through a collection of old letters—and from there, the mystery deepens in a really engaging way. What starts as ordinary glimpses into people’s lives धीरे turns into something much darker and more unsettling.
The blend of historical detail and supernatural elements works especially well, making everything feel grounded and believable. Kristen’s connection to the events adds a personal layer that gives the story more emotional weight.
It’s not a fast or action-heavy read, but that’s part of its strength. The tension builds gradually, and the atmosphere lingers even after you’ve finished. A great pick if you enjoy quiet, creepy mysteries that unfold piece by piece.
Hopefully I won’t reveal too much... So I liked how the letters start with everyday stuff ,school, farming, small gossip ,and then curl into disappearances and dread. I enjoyed how the 1919 voices shift from chores and weddings to vanishings and fear. The author’s style is clear and simple. He leaves clues that I can follow without being neither too complex nor too simple.
On the "could-be-improved" side, at least for me: I think two side characters blur together, and giving a clearer voice for the postmaster might have been even better for th ebook. And sometimes i thought a couple clues repeated, but maybe it was to help the readers who may skim too fast over the texts ? Overall nice book.
Kristen, Brenda and Chuck set out to solve the deadly curse of Urkhammer using letters posted to Kristen at the Historical Society. They delve into the lives of the letter writers to work out who sent them and why – and to discover whether the ghost town, Urkhammer, ever existed. Using their research skills, they tease out the real and the unreal to uncover the source of the curse.
If you love supernatural mysteries with clues and insights in historical documents, this haunting novel will hit the mark.
Letters From Urkhammer is one of the best supernatural mysteries I’ve read in a long time. The story pulls you in from the very first page and keeps you hooked till the end. The mix of history, mystery, and ghostly suspense is just perfect.
I loved the characters—especially Kristen and her determination to uncover the truth. The letters, the eerie setting, and the slow build of tension made it impossible to stop reading. It’s spooky, emotional, and beautifully written.
If you enjoy stories that feel real, mysterious, and a little chilling, this book is a must-read!
I've always loved ghost towns. I enjoy visiting an abandoned village more than churches filled with art. It was only natural that such a plot would draw me in. And I must say that the novel fully met my expectations, because it's disturbing and captivating enough to keep you turning the page until you reach the end without even realizing it. You easily become attached to the protagonist because she's real, and her internal conflicts between the present and a resurfacing past become ours without even realizing it. A truly unforgettable book!
Letters From Urkhammer is a beautifully written and deeply reflective book that pulls you into its quiet, contemplative world. The author’s use of letters as a narrative form adds a personal and nostalgic touch, making the story feel intimate and authentic. The philosophical undertones and vivid descriptions make it stand out, though at times the pacing feels a bit slow. Still, it’s a rewarding read for anyone who enjoys thoughtful storytelling and layered emotions. A gentle, memorable book worth your time.
Letters from Urkhammer is a chilling, atmospheric blend of historical mystery and supernatural horror. Through a trove of haunting 1919 letters, the novel pulls readers into the eerie resurrection of a vanished Iowa town and the curse that erased it. Kristen James’ investigation is gripping, unsettling, and emotionally resonant, weaving real history with otherworldly dread. A taut, immersive story where the past refuses to stay buried—and where every revelation tightens the noose. Perfect for fans of slow-burn horror and reality-bending mysteries.
Chadwick stole my heart when he listed all the horror stuff he loved as a kid and how he was a huge fan of Poltergeist. I like Poltergeist! It’s nice to meet another fan of the genre, in particular some pretty good stuff. Then again, this book isn’t as scary as Poltergeist (what is?) but it’s good as a Goosebumps-style (also namechecked) book for those spooky nights as summer turns to fall. To that point, more than a horror book, it’s great as a coming of age novel. This will be part of someone’s memories someday.
This book is about a box of letters from a town called Urkhammer. People say the town is just a fake internet story. But the letters look very real and very old. The mystery of the letters kept me hooked. I liked how the story moved from 1919 to the present day. The part where Kristen jumps in a dumpster for a news scrap was wild. There are moments in the book where tension gets high. The boss character is a total jerk. The ending happens very fast compared to the rest of the book. Read this if you like ghost stories and internet mysteries.
Letters From Urkhammer is a haunting and immersive mystery that pulls you in from the very first page. The idea of uncovering century-old letters from a forgotten town is both original and unsettling, and the atmosphere is beautifully done. The story balances suspense with emotional depth, making the investigation feel personal and compelling. Each revelation adds to the tension, keeping you eager to uncover the truth. A gripping read for fans of eerie, supernatural mysteries.
I am not someone who considers spooky reads as my cup of tea, but this book hooked me from the start. Everything about this book- the story, the settings, particularly the writing screamed nothing short of perfection. Also, the author has successfully managed to keep the suspense until the very end. Just go for it, guys!! You won't regret it.
Letters From Urkhammer is a fun book. Two historians track down a mysterious ghost town using a set of old letters for clues.
The book is a slow burn, and it's incredibly clean for a mystery/horror book. Speaking for myself, I would let my children read this book with no concerns. They will most likely enjoy it.
I like this book because it pulls you in gradually and makes the mystery feel believable. Reading the letters feels like uncovering something that was never meant to be found. The atmosphere is dark and eerie without relying on cheap scares. It’s a haunting story that stays with you after the last page.
The perfect combination of Supernatural, X-Files and a classic Ghost Story! 👻
Letters From Urkhammer- Hunter Chadwick
👻Blurb👻 A town that never existed. A box of letters that prove it did. And a chilling truth that refuses to stay buried. Urkhammer, lowa, the infamous ghost town, was now widely dismissed as nothing but an Internet hoax. But when a mysterious package arrives on Kristen James' desk, filled with dozens of authentic, aged letters dating back to 1919, Kristen's understanding of history-and reality— is shattered." The letters, penned by ordinary residents of Urkhammer, begin innocuously enough, but soon descend into a terrifying chronicle of unexplained disappearances, strange occurrences, and a pervasive sense of dread. Driven by a growing sense of responsibility-and a chilling personal connection to the town's fate, revealed through the murder of a real historical figure tied to the letters-Kristen is drawn into the enigma of the "Curse of Urkhammer," a malevolent force claiming lives and memories, tied to the "last tears of the dispossessed" What they find there defies explanation: a town that reappears from the mists of time, populated by the tormented spirits of those forgotten. To break the curse and bring peace to the dispossessed, Kristen must confront the past head-on.
🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤
I love a good horror/thriller read. Add in a great Ghost Town Storyline, mixed in with a fictional History and you’ve got a winner.
Letters From Urkhammer was a fantastic combination of vibes from Supernatural, X-Files, and Silent Hill.
While it starts off slow, the buildup to a creepy, spooky story filled with Ghosts, Supernatural occurrences, and the occult lands successfully.
I loved this book! A fantastic combination of internet legend and fiction, written into what feels like a true historical accounting. I loved the character development, the twists and turns, and the writing style. It was a great read!