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Devil's Bluff: A Horror Novel

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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.

224 pages, Paperback

Published February 26, 2026

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About the author

Mark Towse

110 books513 followers
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

https://twitter.com/MarkTowsey12
https://www.facebook.com/mark.towse.75
https://marktowsedarkfiction.wordpres...

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5 stars
157 (34%)
4 stars
128 (27%)
3 stars
119 (25%)
2 stars
41 (8%)
1 star
16 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 139 reviews
Profile Image for Carl Bluesy.
Author 12 books148 followers
May 15, 2026
Wow what a fantastic read!

This was a common of age book that takes place on isolated town, and of course, some stuff starts happening.

Now the kids in this book written perfectly this feels so authentic and you really care for them. It’s what makes the suspense about what everything is happened such a big impact.

This book is shorter if I shoot through, but we left me wanting more. The suspense, the twist, and of course, more time with these wonderful characters.

Be sure to check this book out you’ll be glad you did!
Profile Image for ✮ osanna aoki ✮.
229 reviews137 followers
February 21, 2026
First, thank you to Mark Towse for providing me with an ARC of Devil’s Bluff. As my favorite geriatric horror writer, I was surprised to see that he wrote a coming-of-age story. It’s been a great time digging into something new!

Thank You for Visiting Devil’s Bluff.

Devil’s Bluff is the place to be, according to the adults— where crime doesn’t exist, divorce never happens, and the seaside beauty is nothing short of perfect. There’s no need to venture outside of such an idyllic little town.

It’s truly a slice of heaven on Earth.

For the residents of Devil’s Bluff, there’s just one downfall— they can never leave.

The town holds tightly to the lore surrounding Tommy Nicholls, a young man who found himself trying to escape down the infamous Mulville Road. Suffering a horrific demise— the borders of Devil’s Bluff are absolutely off-limits.

While most of the residents turn a blind eye, never questioning their fate— Ryan and Zac are on a mission to delve into the dark history of their community that hides behind summertime tourism, the wafting smell of coastal food stalls, and beautiful sandy beaches that stretch for as long as the eye can see.

This is a coming-of-age horror tale about two best mates whose deep curiosity sends them into a spiraling mystery that will spin everything they’ve known about themselves and their town, on its head.

I absolutely adored all of the different elements packed within the book. Leaning deeply into psychological horror, Devil’s Bluff also gives a nod to cult, folk, and a bit of supernatural horror.

Ryan and Zac’s journey kept me wanting more— and at over two-hundred pages, it still wasn’t enough. Their characters were fleshed out with such conviction, the setting felt beautiful but claustrophobic, and the mystery kept me guessing right alongside the pair of young friends. The revelation tied it all together, but left me feeling quite bothered. Endings aren’t always meant to bring a smile, but can be used to provoke alternative feelings— and I think Mark Towse did an incredible job with that.

Devil’s Bluff would typically be a book that is out of my interest due to the coming-of-age aspect and the supernatural/folk elements— but, because it’s written by Towse, it was automatically on my radar. Of course, I have no disappointment whatsoever. His writing continues to impress me. There is always a unique story with a savvy twist and he never writes the same character twice— the character inventory is insane.

This was a ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ star read without a doubt. Believe me, I love an author who can challenge my reading habits and succeed in convincing me that it’s worth the read. What I thought would be one thing, was completely something else. That’s the talent of Mark Towse, people.
Profile Image for Peter Topside.
Author 8 books1,546 followers
July 27, 2026
Mark Towse is such a good writer. And this fully demonstrated his abilities. The scene stealer for me was the friendship between Zac and Ryan. I had so much fun reading their dialogue and recalling so many eerily similar instances with my friends back at that age. Candy, vulgar language, and all sorts of antics. Now that I think of it...not a hell of a lot has changed. Anyway, this book boasted solid characters, a very good premise, good usage of the horror elements, and a pretty decent flow throughout. Honestly, it felt like a similar vibe to Something Wicked This Way Comes. Where it lost me a bit was the repetitive nature of everything. Sort of felt like things hit the repeat button and got stuck, with so many of the same situations, wording, and such over and over again. It didn't hurt the overall effect, but just made everything feel unnecessarily long and the finale feeling like it would never happen. Chopping off probably 30-50 pages around the middle would have made this a much more palatable read. However, after all that, I liked the conclusion and mostly had a good time here. Nana still remains my favorite Towse book, but Crows, Mischief Night, Hope Wharf, One Last Shindig, and Chasing the Dragon were of equal value to this story and should be on horror reader's lists.
Profile Image for Bookaholic__Reviews.
1,465 reviews177 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 17, 2026
It's a quaint coastal town where the tourists flock to enjoy the sites and the stores. They come and they go. And yet the residents can't leave. Two young friends set out to unravel the secrets of their home. Unfortunately they aren't going to like what they find.


This story was coming of age horror perfection. Towse is truly a master of his craft.
2,251 reviews2 followers
Read
July 30, 2026
I dare
i wil not give in
walk at road blind
live slice of plusser bhind
want all
yes i dare
want my candy
words volgar
want hunt by intic saga
want more
i dare
cross red line
brock in hope path
i dare
Profile Image for Deborah.
100 reviews18 followers
March 21, 2026
I went into this book with low expectations as this is not a genre that I normally would have picked up but I have to say that I loved this book, a fantastic read that I couldn’t put down.

A coming-of-age story like no other. If you want a story that’s full of twists and turns and will definitely throw you off guard with every chapter, this is it. The story can be a little bit of a slow burn but it doesn’t take away from the story.

Remember boys and girls to always be friendly to locals and tip well….
Profile Image for Jay.
62 reviews2 followers
March 26, 2026
Devils Bluff, nice coastal vacation destination where it’s always sunny and the air smells like sunscreen and salt water. Everything is perfect for Ryan and Zac until the two get a bit to nosey. The fog rolls in, a candy shop pops up over night and the legends they were told as kids start to become more than just ghost stories. The boys must fight for their lives in a coming of age horror story where not everything is what it seems. Welcome, to Devils Bluff.

I think the book is a good coming of age story and was written very well. There are some real Summerween vibes in this book. The incessant needing to be liked by Ryan was very apparent as well as the two boys friendship and what they meant to each other. How much they leaned on each other. The ending was a bit iffy for me overall. It still got a good rating but I did not like the ending in particular. The fact that Ryan gave In and became the one thing he didn’t want was disheartening to see. It also, went from 0-100 in terms of graphic violence. Was not expecting that at all. A good start to summer book, I would recommend.
2 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 24, 2026
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.
Profile Image for Pan | Book Reviews and Recommendations .
223 reviews75 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
February 1, 2026
Devil’s Bluff is the kind of horror novel that grabs you by the throat from the first page and refuses to let go. Mark Towse takes an idyllic seaside town: crystal-blue waters, golden sands and the kind of postcard charm that lures tourists in drove. He then peels back its sunlit veneer to reveal something far darker pulsing beneath the surface.

The result is a chilling, fast‑paced coming‑of‑age tale that feels like John Saul and a young Stephen King teamed up to write a Goosebumps book for adults.

The premise is irresistible: a town with only one road in and out, where tourists roam freely but locals know better than to cross the border. The legend of poor Tommy Nicholls—found with mist pouring from every orifice and his eyes gouged out—hangs over the community like a curse. Parents whisper warnings, children grow up afraid of the road, and the town’s beauty becomes a gilded cage.

Enter Ryan and Zac, two best friends determined to prove the stories wrong. Their midnight trek down Mulville Road is the spark that ignites the novel’s relentless tension. Towse masterfully captures that fragile moment between childhood bravado and the dawning realization that the world is far more dangerous than it seems. The dread builds slowly at first, then snowballs into a full‑blown nightmare as the boys uncover the truth behind Devil’s Bluff.

What makes this novella shine is Towse’s ability to blend nostalgia, terror, and emotional depth. The pacing is razor‑sharp, the atmosphere thick with impending doom, and the twists land with the force of a gut punch. Fans of It: Welcome to Derry, Stranger Things, and The Mist will feel right at home. This story taps into that same vein of small‑town secrets, supernatural menace, and the loss of innocence.

Devil’s Bluff is horrific in all the right ways: unsettling, imaginative, and impossible to put down. Towse delivers a wild ride that lingers long after the final page, proving once again that he’s a rising force in modern horror. If you’re brave enough to walk down Mulville Road, this novel is an absolute must‑read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Aly Lloyd.
52 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 4, 2026
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
Profile Image for Lisa K.
5 reviews
March 8, 2026
Very repetitive for most of the book, took a long time to get to the point.
Profile Image for DA.
Author 3 books136 followers
April 19, 2026

I had previously read this when it was titled Hope Wharf and I love it even more in this retitled and revamped edition.
Towse was able to make the town of Devil's Bluff a character on it's own. The mystery of why the townies have never left, only the tourists can come and go, makes the sense of dread build and build.
A coming of age story that have chills racing up and down your spine. Definitely recommend!
Profile Image for Christie&Rolo.
5 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 27, 2026
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.
3 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 24, 2026
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.
6 reviews
April 27, 2026
No offense to those who liked it, but I could not get past the plot not moving along. Only so many descriptions of curling smoke, "freak", and old man pecker made me have to call it. I made it 3/4 of the way, so maybe the ending makes it alright, but couldn't finish for me.
281 reviews8 followers
February 24, 2026
Devil’s Bluff by Mark Towse absolutely sank its claws into me and did NOT let go.

This book is the definition of small-town horror done right. Devil’s Bluff seems like paradise on the surface—beautiful beaches, peaceful charm, and a tight-knit community—but underneath? Pure nightmare fuel. The kind that creeps under your skin slowly… and then explodes into something deeply unsettling.

What made this story truly shine was the coming-of-age element. Ryan and Zac felt real—their curiosity, their bravery, and that dangerous pull toward the unknown. Watching their innocence unravel as they got closer to the truth was equal parts heartbreaking and terrifying.

The atmosphere was EVERYTHING. Thick dread. Constant tension. That suffocating sense that something is very, very wrong—and has been for a long time. The mystery surrounding the town had me completely hooked, and every reveal made the stakes feel higher and darker.

If you love the eerie nostalgia of Stranger Things, the creeping terror of The Mist, or the sinister small-town secrets promised in It: Welcome to Derry, this book will absolutely be your jam.

This wasn’t just horror—it was emotional, unsettling, and unforgettable. The kind of story that lingers long after you turn the last page.

⚠️ Creepy
⚠️ Atmospheric
⚠️ Emotional
⚠️ Deeply disturbing in the best way

Mark Towse delivered a haunting, unforgettable ride.
Profile Image for Alex | | findingmontauk1.
1,638 reviews90 followers
August 6, 2026
DEVIL'S BLUFF is a solid, coming-of-age horror story with some cosmic goings on. I was immediately drawn to the book for the coastal small-town vibes and isolated horror potential. The book definitely delivers there! There is also sort of a Widow's Bay comparison happening with the lore that the residents cannot leave the island. Maybe that's actually how this popped up in my recommendations?! I dunno! But it had me seated!

I most enjoyed Ryan's character: his backstory, his growth, and his relationships with others. I felt bad for the kid and just wished that he had a happier story all around from where we start with him. He is bullied and has a health condition as well, both which get explored further. Him and his best friend, Zac, are a lot of fun when they are on the pages. Most other characters either pissed me off or really did not do too much. That's fine, though. Ryan was enough!

Give me coastal.
Give me small town.
Give me coming of age.
Give me horror!
11 reviews
June 9, 2026
I really wanted to like this book, but I almost DNF. It started out pretty strong and seemed like it was going to be a really interesting read, but beyond the first chapter, it fell flat. At about the 50% mark, it just felt incredibly drawn out and repetitive and I just kept thinking "when will this end?" Also... the writing and editing seemed lazy. How many times did the main character say "no way, Jose?" I lost count. Could've played a drinking game. Also, the book is set in 2002, yet when the main characters go to the town museum, they have photos of the town's history from the 1800's to 2010? Apparently the museum time traveled to the future and took photos. Ending should've been good but also fell flat.
Profile Image for BookSplatterBritt.
117 reviews29 followers
Read
February 9, 2026
A town with beautiful waters and golden sands and even a carnival, what more could you want? There's a catch, ONLY tourists can leave . Even though tommy tried to, something happened to him. Which parents use him as an example oto warn their kids.
curiosity is a dangerous thing, this book had so many twists and turns, leaving me wanting more. The suspense was on point, and the characters were also fun!
Profile Image for Debmeister.
143 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 31, 2026
I can picture this being made into a TV series!

Devils Bluff is a small seaside town off the coast of England, a popular retreat for tourists during summer. There's only one road in and one road out, while tourists can come and go as they please, allegedly locals cannot leave - the body of the last local who tried to leave was found on the side of the road, eyes gauged out, burnt from the inside.

Best friends Ryan (Ry) and Zac plan a midnight stroll...

Theme: horror, thriller, supernatural 

Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

*Coming of age story, summer vibes, a sense of adventure, night quest, pop up candy store, fog, smoke, survival, darkness, evil.

*Author lives in Australia 

I absolutely loved reading this!

Great ending, ending was slightly different to what I expected!! But wowsers 😮

Thank you Mark for selecting me for this ARC (Advanced Reader Copy). Devils Bluff by Mark Towse.

Available now for preorder on Amazon. Release date 3rd March.
Profile Image for Jillian.
5 reviews1 follower
February 7, 2026
Imagine if Stephen King, Thomas Olde Heuvelt, and Grady Hendrix had a baby... Now imagine that the baby in question wrote a horror book... I loved this book. The characters and dialogue were relatable and well written. March 3rd you must get yourself this book and join the rest of us in Devil's Bluff.
Profile Image for Leighah.
381 reviews8 followers
May 12, 2026
I really enjoyed this book. It has a nice boyhood spooky adventure feel to it for most of the story. Then it takes a hard left into the dark at the end. I must admit I thought the main character was a bit whiney but it turn out making the ending better in my opinion. The pacing kept me reading well passed my recommended bedtime. I really need to read more from this author.
Profile Image for Rachael.
516 reviews26 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 23, 2026
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.....
44 reviews4 followers
January 23, 2026
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!
29 reviews
March 3, 2026
I received this arc copy in return for an honest review.

Well what can I say, this is my 2nd Mark Towse book and I can honestly say that it didn’t disappoint. What a fantastic read, full of suspense, paranormal activity.

If you’re in need of a vacation then I highly recommend Devil’s Bluff. It’s the place to go for beautiful beaches, amazing food, and even more amazing views. The locals are warm and welcoming and can’t do enough for you. However, when it’s time for you to leave, they can’t, they have to stay behind u til the next lot of tourists arrive.

Join me on a holiday of a lifetime and let’s figure out the mystery surrounding Devil’s Bluff. Are you ready for this vacation?

Relax, enjoy, soak up the sun, and let your cares slip away…the mystery grips you and you can’t stop until you figure it out.

5* read right here. Thank you once again Mark for the opportunity to read another one of your amazing books.
Profile Image for Jim Ody.
Author 46 books173 followers
May 10, 2026
There is something very Stephen King about this book. It's a coming-of-age tale in a small town with a definite good verses evil premise.

A newxstore opens and two teens suspect things are too good to be true. The town also has an important rule - you cannot leave. This is something passed through the generations with many examples shared of those who did not listen. One if them being a guy called Tommy Nichols.

It's a good solid story with some well described scenes, and I enjoyed the banter between Ryan and Zac.

It fell just short in the latter stages but was still a really good read.
3 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 25, 2026
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!
Profile Image for Keera Holley.
53 reviews1 follower
March 22, 2026
The book had my attention start to finish! Especially finish because woah 🤯 superb ending!!
Profile Image for Anna Stone.
Author 1 book40 followers
June 16, 2026
I enjoyed this

If you like horror stories you should give this one a try. Its creepy and has plot twists you don't see coming.
Profile Image for Brooke.
35 reviews
Did Not Finish
April 6, 2026
DNF at page 43, but it's on me. I made the critical mistake of missing "coming of age" when reading about the book.

I just have no interest in reading a young kid's story anymore
Displaying 1 - 30 of 139 reviews