Devil's Bluff: A Horror Novel

by Mark Towse

Devil's Bluff is a tiny idyllic town off the coast of England. Boasting crystal-blue waters and golden sands, it's a popular tourist spot during the warmer months, with people flocking from miles to enjoy a slice of relaxation. There's only one road in and one road out, and locals like it that way.

Sound perfect? There's a catch.

While tourists can come and go as they please, the last time a local allegedly attempted to leave town, they were found on the side of the road with mist pouring from every orifice and their eyes gouged out.
From an early age, parents tell their children stories about what happens if they try to cross the border, often using poor Tommy Nicholls as an example.
Eager to uncover the town's secrets and put paid to such fairytales, best friends Ryan and Zac plan a midnight stroll down Mulville Road.

What happens next? Find out if you dare…

Devil’s Bluff is a coming-of-age horror novel that strangles the innocence out of childhood. For fans of It: Welcome to Derry, Stranger Things, and The Mist.

235 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication March 3, 2026

About the author

Mark Towse is an English horror writer living in Australia. He would sell his soul to the devil or anyone buying if it meant he could write full-time. Alas, he left it very late to begin this journey, penning his first story since primary school at the ripe old age of forty-five. Since then, he's been published in over two hundred journals and anthologies, had his work made into full theatrical productions for shows such as The No Sleep Podcast and Tales to Terrify, and has penned fourteen novellas, including Nana, Gone to the Dogs, 3:33, and Crows. He also has two very well-received story collections, 'There's Something Wrong with Aunty Beth,' and 'You Only Live Once.' Chasing The Dragon is his debut novel.

'Mark Towse is an exciting new discovery. His stories are hidden gems that glint in the darkness. His characters draw you into their worlds, making you care, then plunge you into the abyss, leaving only a memory of warmth. These tales will linger in your mind long after the telling. His are heart-felt stories with an icy edge. Highly recommended.'
Trevor Denyer – Editor and Publisher – Midnight Street Press

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Reviews

[Julie Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

just finished my ARC of The Devil’s Bluff and WOW — hands down the best book I’ve ever read. I could not put it down. The writing is so descriptive that it felt more like watching a movie than reading a book… I could literally see everything playing out in my head. It kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time — like, I was ready to yell at the characters through the pages. The surprises just kept coming and I was never bored for a second.
It officially comes out March 3rd and is available for pre-order now — and trust me, you’re going to want this one on your shelf.

[Mrs Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have just finished reading this outstanding horror novel by Mark Towse. What starts out to be an innocent story soon becomes a terrifying and captivating tale which keeps the reader hooked from page 1 until the very end. A book not to be missed.

[Terri Andrusis Macurak · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Devils Bluff seems like an idyllic small beach town, the perfect place to get away from it all. However, not all is as it appears. Teenagers Ryan and his sidekick Noah are determined to uncover the secrets of their hometown.
Devil's Bluff is full of witty teenage dialogue and captures small town life perfectly. This book hooked me immediately and kept me eagerly consuming pages. It's a thrill ride similar to those that exist in this seaside town. Hang on tight for the huge twists this story delivers.

[Aly Lloyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness, what a ride. Not normally drawn to the genre but it had me hooked from the start. Talk about twists and turns. When I thought I had it sussed, I was thrown off course. Settled in for the ride then it threw me in a different direction. Did not see that ending coming. Mr Towse I bow to your writing skills, and thank you for allowing me to read a genre I would normally bypass. I will certainly be drawn to this type of book again. Wow, wow, wow 👏👏👏👏I was an arc reader for the author, book will be released on March 3rd

[Christie&Rolo · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first ARC 🎉

Well Mark Towse thank you for saving me from writing anything negative 😅😂.

Thoroughly enjoyed reading this quips and horror. Also the first book I have read by this Author.

When you are stuck in a perfect town and decide to go in adventure with your best mate what could go wrong...well its a horror so quite a bit 😉 Official relase date is said to be 3rd March 2026.

[Rachael · Rating 5 out of 5]

First off...Thank you Mark for the ARC!!

Preoder is up now! Release date is March 3rd. Get your copy preordered now!!

I sat down with my Kindle in hand and did not get up till I was done. From start to finish, this book had me in a chokehold!

Ryan and Zac are best friends who set out to uncover the secret of Devil's Bluff. The banter between these boys is perfect!! And the ending........Wtf??? I did not see that one coming. Perfect balance of mystery, creepyness, and some blood splattered in along the way.

Loved this one Mark!!!! (Please don't be the end!!) My sweaty balls can't take it 😂😭😂

Happy Reading and Splatter On.....

[Amber Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Devil’s Bluff is a seemingly perfect coastal tourist town. It’s full of attractions for the kids, beautiful beaches with crystal clear water and friendly natives around to sell delicious food and treats. While the town may seem like paradise, it holds many ominous secrets.

While this is a coming of age story, it was way more dark and intense than I was expecting. The mystery surrounding Devil’s Bluff and its inhabitants really kept me on my toes. There were constant twists and turns and the ending was one that I will definitely be thinking about for a long time. I really enjoyed this one and I think you will too!

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this as an advance reader copy from the author.


Devil’s Bluff was a fun, creepy small-town horror with a really moody atmosphere. The seaside setting feels nice at first, but there’s this constant feeling that something isn’t quite right.
I liked the friendship and coming-of-age aspect a lot, and the mystery around the town kept me reading. The scares are more on the eerie side than full-on scary, and while it’s a bit of a slow burn at times, it worked well overall.
I enjoyed this one. If you like small-town horror, creepy town legends it’s definitely worth a read.

[Shaya White · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just had the privilege of reading devils bluff
Mark Towse did a fantastic job with this small town horror

Welcome to devils bluff where the tourists can come and go as they please but the residents can never leave

This book had me from page one if your looking for your next small town spooky read add this one to your TBR

It releases march 3rd

Keep this book on your radar!

[Emily Haynes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ryan has lived in the small sea side town of Devils Bluff his whole life. The townsfolk can't cross the borders of the town. If they do, they never return. Something gets them. This town has a deep, dark, evil secret. Ryan is about to find out what it is. There is something in the water. Amazing coming of age tale with a surprise ending.

[Erin Kuntz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy Moly! I only have one regret reading this book, that I wasn’t on a beach somewhere instead of in a frozen tundra. LOL!

I was lucky enough to be an ARC reader for Marc Towse’s new book “Devil’s Bluff” which will be released on March 3rd, 2026.

Thank you Marc Towse for a haunting seaside horror. 3 of my favorite things to read all together in 1 book. Imagine a modern day “The Fog” meets Amity Island from Jaws” without the sharks. This book was really good. I read it in less than 24 hours.

As you see from the books description, Ryan and Zac feel trapped in their touristy town and don’t believe the stories their parents tell them. Is it a joke or something else? I’m not telling. Trust me, you want to read it to find out.

The authors ability to bring out the vivid and detailed imagery in the story is great. He definitely gets a haunting and foreboding message across.

The characters are in-depth and well-written. I sympathized with them and got their emotions and feelings.

While some phrases were a bit repetitive, it didn’t bother me because the main character is a teenager and as any parent knows, kids are repetitive. Lol

At times the story was a bit slow. Some scenes could have been shorter snd the flow was stilted at times, but I feel like this was done intentionally to keep the reader feeling “off.” It does all come together in the end.

Chapter pacing was good for me. Only a few long chapters. Most were fairly short for those who don’t like to stop mid-chapter.

I loved the cover art. It’s bright and dark at the same time. Scary beach vibes galore, which I’m so into. Give “The Lost Boys” vibes even though the amusement park isn’t really a part of the story. Just a tourist attraction that’s mentioned. But those eyes in the sky—CHILLING!

This was my first book by this author, but definitely not my last. I will be reading more!

[Milt Theo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one hits hard! The author describes it as "seaside town coming-of-age horror," which is absolutely correct - but that just scratches the surface: the story has incredible dialogue, a riveting mystery at its center, and a claustrophobic small town feel (even though it takes place wholly in a popular tourist coastal spot) - but I found it closer to folk and cult horror more than anything: it's dark, bleak, psychologically heavy, and totally cult-infused in atmosphere, plot devices, and general tone and feel.

Figuring a couple of young boys, best friends since forever, who've been told by their parents that, unlike the tourists visiting the place, any resident trying to leave their hometown will lead to their death, the book relates their attempts to uncover the truth behind the facade of their beautiful, quiet, happy town. This proves to be a labyrinthine task (almost literally), with their sanity at stake, as supernatural events overtake them and completely upend their lives. The boys' banter is priceless, though it can't really lessen the escalating dread of their finding out that the town is indeed hiding a terrible, sinister secret! And what a secret it is! I can't believe that Towse would actually go that far.

I highly recommend the book, especially for the shocking, gory, and probably divisive, ending. It’s one of those books that lingers after you finish. It will get under your skin, and unsettle you in the creepiest way.

[Kez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ryan and Zac live in a beautiful tourist town and everything seems perfect. What more could they want but sandy shores and a town that comes alive in the summer months?

Well for some of them, they want to be able to leave.

Tourists can come and go from the town with no issue, but for as long as Ryan and Zac can remember, the locals are stuck (and seemingly content with their situation). There was one person that tried to leave years ago, but he was found dead with his eyes gorged out and smoking. The pair believe it is only a myth and put their theory to the test one night, with unexpected consequences.

I had no idea where this book would go. I had some theories early on, but they were blown completely out of the water, and it was far better than what I could have thought up. You feel the pain and hopelessness of Ryan when things start to go downhill and there is that ever present feeling of being trapped. Things get even weirder with the arrival of a new shop, but I’ll say no more. Devil’s Bluff is best discovered firsthand.

The wonderful thing about social media, is it introduces you to authors you have never read before and that is what happened here. I was pulled into the world of Mark Towse and I don’t want to leave (although I don’t want to be in this town). I’m already keen to dive into his other work, especially Nana, which I’ve heard great things about.

[Matt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book a fantastic vacation at the hidden seaside gem of a town known as Devil’s Bluff. The locals are eager to welcome you and you’ll never get a better view of the sea from the beautiful sandy beaches. Let your cares float away as you treat yourself to some of the local delicacies. When it’s time to leave, the locals will stay behind and take care of things before next summer’s tourists arrive. They can never leave, but they don’t seem to mind too much. Well, most of them, at least.

This is the third full length novel I’ve read from Mark Towse and he just keeps getting better and better. I found myself tagging along with Ryan and Zac as they attempt to piece together the mystery. I had no clue where this was going (as usual with a Towse book). The dread and suspense dripped off each page and pulled me further and further into the story.

If you like a bit of intrigue with a dose of paranormal, then make sure you secure a holiday in this charming seaside town and soak up the charm. You won’t regret it!

[Armando Ramirez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Devil’s Bluff by Mark Towse delivers a gripping concept that instantly hooked me, the kind of eerie, isolated-town story that feels both familiar and fresh. As someone who loves tales of places you can’t escape from, this one hit all the right unsettling notes. The opening reeled me in fast, and the tension had me fully invested in the mystery and dread blanketing the town.That said, the middle section lost a bit of momentum for me. While the setup promised a relentless pace, some parts dragged enough to dull the edge of the suspense. The ending, too, left me wanting a touch more intensity after such a strong start and an otherwise thrilling showdown. Still, it’s far from disappointing, just a missed opportunity for a truly explosive finale.Imagine if The Mist, The Tommyknockers, and Silent Hill had a twisted seaside offspring, that’s Devil’s Bluff in a nutshell. Towse captures that claustrophobic dread perfectly, making me quite certain of one thing: I’d never want to visit this town in real life. Nope.

[Lama Dabbagh · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Town Full of Secrets: The Devil's Bluff

I had the opportunity to read an ARC copy of The Devil’s Bluff by Mark Towse.

The story follows two best friends, Ryan and Zac, who live in a town where strange, dark, and downright evil things seem to happen.

As tourists arrive and mysterious mist rolls in, the boys find themselves surrounded by magic candy, unsettling events, and forces far more dangerous than they first realise.
The novel follows their adventure as they try to uncover the truth behind the town and its secrets. Blending horror with touches of fantasy, the story kept me engaged, and I really enjoyed getting to know the fictional characters along the way.

The Devil’s Bluff is available to pre-order on Amazon now, with a release date of March 3rd. If you’re looking to read something a little different from your usual picks, this one is worth checking out.

[Hayley Bernard-Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all, I flew through this book! I absolutely loved it. The story centers around a lonely teenager named Ryan and his best and only friend, Zac. Their friendship gives the story a lot of heart and the banter between them had me cracking up. Throughout the story, the pair are trying to solve the mystery of why they can’t leave their seemingly perfect seaside town. The truth is more frightening than you can possibly imagine. This fast-paced book is edgy, wild, and ominous in all the best ways. I was at the edge of my seat the whole time. The ending was so twisted! “Devil’s Bluff” is one of those books that stays with you. Perfect to read anywhere, but if you happen to read this novel while vacationing in a small beach town it will have you watching the locals a little more closely and you may avoid the taffy shop…

[Fyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

Devils Bluff was my very first ARC. I usually only have a handful of 5 star books a year, but Devil’s Bluff is my 2nd 5 star of 2026.
Devil’s Bluff is horror story set in a small, touristy beach town, but at its core it’s also a coming-of-age story about a lonely teenage boy and the deep friendship he shares with his only friend, Zac. That relationship gave the story a lot of heart and made the scary parts hit even harder. Descriptive but not overly gory, great writing, very engaging. I could barely put it down to sleep, and finished it first thing the next day. Hopefully the author changes his mind about this being his last book and gives us a prequel or a sequel, I’d absolutely buy it. Really great read.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a must read if you love a good edge of your seat, page turning thriller. I loved it. I read this book before going to bed and knew I was going to have nightmares. Located in a small town off the west coast in England. Ryan and Zac know that there is something very strange about their little town because the residents are not allowed to leave but vacationers can come and go. Zac and Ryan want answers and go about trying to figure it out. After reading this book, I know I will never vacation in Devil's Bluff. Just because you left doesn't mean they aren't finished with you yet.

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alrighty then my horror loving homies, mark you calendar for March 3.

Devil's Bluff by Mark Towse will easily be one of my favorite horror books of 2026 and that says a lot because we are still in January! Mark's writing never ceases to amaze me. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. Might need to recover before I start another book.

[Ellie Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to receive this as an ARC and was extremely excited and WOW it did not disappoint. If you enjoy Welcome to Derry, The Mist or The Shining then you will love this. It got under my skin yet I couldn’t put it down. The ending 🤯 an excellent, fact paced, eery read!

[Don · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full review to follow

[Rebecca Ward · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! That was amazing. I try to keep reviews spoiler free but I have to say I did not see where this one was going until it got there! Highly recommended read.

[Mark Towse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Be nice to the locals. And tip well :)