The Ties That Bind

by Luke Grant

Paul Stevens' life in England was one of misery, so he decided to move to America, but he's soon going to discover he's jumped out of the frying pan and into the fire when a deranged couple kidnap him under the delusion that he's their long-dead son.
Now trapped in their basement, he has to choose: to play along with their madness or make a stand.

Please note: This book contains extreme elements that some readers may find gross and distressing.

123 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 26, 2026

About the author

Former goth, part-time freak, sometimes weirdo, lifelong member of the losers club.

Luke Grant is a horror writer who lurks around the English countryside, his head lost in a haze of twisted tales, occasionally re-entering reality just long enough to write some of them down.

Reviews

[Reader]

What do I like in a book ??
Fast paced, cringy moments that have you pulling faces as you read, can’t put it down from start to finish.
Well this book had it all 🙂 I normally stick to a few authors that I know won’t disappoint - well I’ve added another author to my list of favourites, this book didn’t let me down. Would highly recommend.

[Rachelle Baliski · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a lovely little read!

I stumbled across this book in a Facebook group, the author noting which countries read x amount of pages and canada, having only read 3, so I decided to add to my library. A great short read with a nice plot twist at the end.

Its crazy what a little love and affection can do to a person 🖤😉

[Kassi Ward · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had absolutely no clue what to expect from this book. The ending is so unexpected, the character builds are amazing, and then of course the other details. You can put yourself in the actual rooms in this book.

[Shannon Cruz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually really liked this book but I definitely don't enjoy splatterpunk and didn't know that's what this book was. But I thought it was written pretty well, easy quick read and definitely entertaining!!!! I think it would make a great movie

[Tayler Crick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gag Worthy

Not many extreme horror novels make me squirm but this book made me audibly gag a few times. 10/10 .

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I only have two words: HOLY SHIT!

[Eva Malone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Luke. I am not ok after that.

[Heather Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book I’ve read in a LONG time. I would have read it straight through if I didn’t have to go to sleep for work. A unique plot with disturbing twists and turns along the way and an ending I ate up like candy. I honestly cannot recommend this book enough. Best arc read I’ve ever read and quite possibly the best book I’ve ever read. Pet Sematary has taken the spot for years, but this story may have just taken its place. I’ll never stop screaming the title of this book until I’ve annoyed everyone I know enough for them to read it too so we can talk about it more. Find us a dark enough director to make this into a movie because this is exactly the story I want to watch on screen. Will be buying a physical copy once it’s available for purchase because yes, it is THAT good that I want a shelf trophy for it too. Still unsure if it’s worth your time? Stop second guessing yourself and just go read the damn thing. I promise you won’t regret it.

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This author is definitely a rock star of this genre! This is an incredible story with some really wild twist. Quick paced and deranged. Highly recommend!