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Such an Odd Word to Use: Secrets don't hide, they echo
A hidden Clerkenwell refuge, a watchful neighbour — and a narrowing gap between paranoia and perception.
After years on the move, Mark hopes for peace in a secluded Clerkenwell house once used as a music studio. Hidden behind Georgian terraces, it feels like the perfect retreat... until small disturbances begin to ripple beneath the surface. A glance held too long. A neighbour who knows too much. Watchers who linger.
A routine planning request triggers something deeper, that seems too coordinated to be pure chance. As unease grows, Mark begins to suspect the house holds more than memories. But in an age of constant surveillance, what separates paranoia from perception?
Such an Odd Word to Use is a quietly unsettling psychological mystery novella for the digital age, where even silence may be scripted.
After years on the move, Mark hopes for peace in a secluded Clerkenwell house once used as a music studio. Hidden behind Georgian terraces, it feels like the perfect retreat... until small disturbances begin to ripple beneath the surface. A glance held too long. A neighbour who knows too much. Watchers who linger.
A routine planning request triggers something deeper, that seems too coordinated to be pure chance. As unease grows, Mark begins to suspect the house holds more than memories. But in an age of constant surveillance, what separates paranoia from perception?
Such an Odd Word to Use is a quietly unsettling psychological mystery novella for the digital age, where even silence may be scripted.
152 pages, Paperback
Published October 9, 2025
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25 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
November 11, 2025
“Everything felt veiled in stillness. As if the house itself was holding its breath.”
Carl Goodwin has written a brooding and subtly sinister book.
Following a move to a new home, the owner begins to feel he is being watched or even trapped in his home.
Is he being followed? Who are the people seen outside his front door at all times of day? Why are some of his neighbours acting strangely ? And does his house hold a secret ?
With an increasing sense of paranoia and general mistrust towards the local community and even technology, how will the situation ever be resolved?
A short novel with a palpable sense of growing fear and confusion.
The outcome may not be what is expected but this is an intelligent reflection on what could happen on anyone’s doorstep with an ever increasing society of isolation .
Carl Goodwin has written a brooding and subtly sinister book.
Following a move to a new home, the owner begins to feel he is being watched or even trapped in his home.
Is he being followed? Who are the people seen outside his front door at all times of day? Why are some of his neighbours acting strangely ? And does his house hold a secret ?
With an increasing sense of paranoia and general mistrust towards the local community and even technology, how will the situation ever be resolved?
A short novel with a palpable sense of growing fear and confusion.
The outcome may not be what is expected but this is an intelligent reflection on what could happen on anyone’s doorstep with an ever increasing society of isolation .
October 12, 2025
This title was selected for IngramSpark's Indie Title Discovery Spotlight 2025!
An eerie, gripping thriller perfect for fans of psychological fiction, literary novellas, and slow burn suspense!
An eerie, gripping thriller perfect for fans of psychological fiction, literary novellas, and slow burn suspense!
November 4, 2025
This story definitely has an unsettling feel to it. It is about a man who, since moving to his home, starts to feel monitored by others. He notices a bunch of little nothings, too little to report the authorities for help, but too much to be ignored or dismissed as mere coincidence. If he were an average person, he probably would’ve become overwhelmed by paranoia or just have moved away. Yet, he stays for years. This story kept my interest and the end was somewhat satisfying. I like mysteries that feature no violence or murder and this story is definitely one of them. The character, Lana, and her activity added to the mystery and the story itself.
December 15, 2025
Such an Odd Word to Use: Secrets don’t hide, they echo is a compelling and thoughtful read that stays with you after you finish. The book explores how hidden truths and unspoken choices can ripple outward, shaping relationships and identity in subtle but powerful ways. The title captures the tone perfectly—quietly intense, reflective, and occasionally unsettling.
What worked best for me was the atmosphere and the character-driven approach. The author builds tension without needing nonstop action, letting small moments and details carry weight. The writing feels purposeful, and the themes around silence, memory, and consequence come through clearly. I found myself slowing down in places to absorb what was happening beneath the surface.
While a few parts felt slightly slower than I expected, the overall experience was still very strong. If you enjoy introspective, character-focused stories with a mysterious edge and emotional depth, this one is definitely worth reading.
What worked best for me was the atmosphere and the character-driven approach. The author builds tension without needing nonstop action, letting small moments and details carry weight. The writing feels purposeful, and the themes around silence, memory, and consequence come through clearly. I found myself slowing down in places to absorb what was happening beneath the surface.
While a few parts felt slightly slower than I expected, the overall experience was still very strong. If you enjoy introspective, character-focused stories with a mysterious edge and emotional depth, this one is definitely worth reading.
November 4, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. It is a quick and concise read. Perhaps it's because I connected with the author's background in Data Science and the streets, alleys and coffee shops around Clerkenwell. If that is all 'foreign' to you don't be put off. I did get three-quarters the way through and started to think that something awful was going to happen and the story would evolve into a whodunit - but that never happens. For me, the particularly inspiring aspect was seeing the world through the eyes of a young girl - Lana. Yes, things do happen, but they are all so ordinary and inconsequential. Overall, a masterpiece for a new author, let's hope there is more to come.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews