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The Hushed Boys
The only thing more mysterious than Briarwood Academy, the remote reform school for boys, was the fire that burned it to the ground. Some say whispers from the boys lost in the flames still echo along the abandoned train tracks at night. Legend calls them The Hushed Boys.
Thirty years later, four friends—Wes, Lex, Tommy, and Jordie—meet at those same tracks near the ruins of Briarwood. Tommy’s older brother, Aaron, claimed he heard The Hushed Boys calling his name. They didn’t believe him, until Aaron vanished without a trace.
Determined to uncover the truth, the friends dig into Briarwood’s dark past. But some secrets are better left buried. Are they being haunted by the ghosts of the fire… or hunted by someone who wants The Hushed Boys to stay silent forever?
Thirty years later, four friends—Wes, Lex, Tommy, and Jordie—meet at those same tracks near the ruins of Briarwood. Tommy’s older brother, Aaron, claimed he heard The Hushed Boys calling his name. They didn’t believe him, until Aaron vanished without a trace.
Determined to uncover the truth, the friends dig into Briarwood’s dark past. But some secrets are better left buried. Are they being haunted by the ghosts of the fire… or hunted by someone who wants The Hushed Boys to stay silent forever?
196 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Published June 9, 2026
About the author
Caleb J. Pecue
11 books24 followersCaleb J. Pecue is the owner and operator of Terrorcore Publishing, which specializes in bringing back the vintage paperbacks of the ’70s-’90s. His Doors of Darkness series brings together stories connected by location, whether that be on Fern Street, Pike Street, or in the Sherwood Mall. In 2026, he is releasing a YA horror line of books, Rewind, that pays homage to the Point Horror books of the ’90s. In addition, he is the author of the novelization of Mark Ezra’s 1985 slasher, Slaughter High.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
June 14, 2026
"If you press your ear to the train tracks and hear your name, you're marked."
The latest release in Terrorcore Publishing's Rewind line has landed, and it is pure nostalgic horror perfection.
Cicadas buzzing in the summer heat. Kids on bikes. A cherry-red '72 Nova. And the distant chime of a bell from Briarwood Academy, a school for delinquent boys that burned down years ago. Yet some kids still swear they hear the bell ringing.
When another local boy goes missing, four teenagers are the only ones willing to dig into Briarwood's dark past.
"They were kids, just barely teenagers. But they were also the ones who believed. The only ones who cared enough to dig for the truth."
Pecue's writing is wonderfully evocative. It brings the small town to life through abandoned (possibly haunted) train tracks, the dusty library, dark woods and long, hot, summer days. Not to mention the hushed boys, who perhaps never really left. The atmosphere and friendships gave Stephen King vibes. Classic coming-of-age meets creeping horror.
This book had me gripped from the first page and I read it in one sitting, unable to out it down until I find out what happens. And the ending did not disappoint!
A chilling, nostalgic and touching story about friendship, courage, and four boys determined to uncover secrets that the grown ups can't. Or won't.
Another fabulous addition to Terrocore Publishing's Rewind line.
The latest release in Terrorcore Publishing's Rewind line has landed, and it is pure nostalgic horror perfection.
Cicadas buzzing in the summer heat. Kids on bikes. A cherry-red '72 Nova. And the distant chime of a bell from Briarwood Academy, a school for delinquent boys that burned down years ago. Yet some kids still swear they hear the bell ringing.
When another local boy goes missing, four teenagers are the only ones willing to dig into Briarwood's dark past.
"They were kids, just barely teenagers. But they were also the ones who believed. The only ones who cared enough to dig for the truth."
Pecue's writing is wonderfully evocative. It brings the small town to life through abandoned (possibly haunted) train tracks, the dusty library, dark woods and long, hot, summer days. Not to mention the hushed boys, who perhaps never really left. The atmosphere and friendships gave Stephen King vibes. Classic coming-of-age meets creeping horror.
This book had me gripped from the first page and I read it in one sitting, unable to out it down until I find out what happens. And the ending did not disappoint!
A chilling, nostalgic and touching story about friendship, courage, and four boys determined to uncover secrets that the grown ups can't. Or won't.
Another fabulous addition to Terrocore Publishing's Rewind line.
June 16, 2026
That's another homerun for the Terrorcore Rewind series!
"The Hushed Boys" is a unique addition to the line, as it doesn't overtly follow many of the usual tropes found in a Point horror book. There is no so-called stalker. There are no cheesy romantic subplots or jealous significant others. In fact, there's hardly even any high school drama here.
Instead, we get a very Stephen King-esque, kids on bikes mystery that slowly unravels as the pages turn. Reading it, I felt like I was back in my old neighborhood, hanging out with my friends, roaming the streets. The main group of boys are searching for one of their brothers that went missing, and they believe his disappearance (among others) is linked to a legend about the titular "Hushed Boys". It's tense, eerie, and oozing with atmosphere. The ending was quite a creepy surprise!
If you haven't checked out the Terrorcore Rewind series yet, you are seriously missing out!
"The Hushed Boys" is a unique addition to the line, as it doesn't overtly follow many of the usual tropes found in a Point horror book. There is no so-called stalker. There are no cheesy romantic subplots or jealous significant others. In fact, there's hardly even any high school drama here.
Instead, we get a very Stephen King-esque, kids on bikes mystery that slowly unravels as the pages turn. Reading it, I felt like I was back in my old neighborhood, hanging out with my friends, roaming the streets. The main group of boys are searching for one of their brothers that went missing, and they believe his disappearance (among others) is linked to a legend about the titular "Hushed Boys". It's tense, eerie, and oozing with atmosphere. The ending was quite a creepy surprise!
If you haven't checked out the Terrorcore Rewind series yet, you are seriously missing out!
July 1, 2026
There's a lot I vibe with in The Hushed Boys. In particular, it carries that 'dead of summer' atmosphere I always appreciate. The relationship between its characters, Wes, Lex, Tommy, and Jordie, felt natural, and in my opinion, was the book's strongest element. On its own, the mystery of The Hushed One is eerie; the perfect example of a small town ghost story. Through the dynamic of the boys -- and their personal connection to what's going on -- that mystery becomes more compelling. Fittingly, The Hushed Boys feels quieter in its horror, slowly building tension instead of teenage gore. When it came time for the dramatic reveal, I was mixed by the sudden shift, but it all concludes in a fitting way.
September 23, 2026
I listened to the audiobook of The Hushed Boys (even though I own an unopened physical copy!) and really enjoyed it.
The story was compelling and easily drew me in, despite some redundant words, phrases, and actions. The overall storyline was great, and I liked how the ending turned out, even though my own theories originally went in a completely different direction. It is a perfect choice for anyone who loves a good urban legend.
Bree Allison did a wonderful job narrating; she brought a perfectly eerie and unsettling tone to just the right parts of the book. Definitely a story I'd recommend!
The story was compelling and easily drew me in, despite some redundant words, phrases, and actions. The overall storyline was great, and I liked how the ending turned out, even though my own theories originally went in a completely different direction. It is a perfect choice for anyone who loves a good urban legend.
Bree Allison did a wonderful job narrating; she brought a perfectly eerie and unsettling tone to just the right parts of the book. Definitely a story I'd recommend!
July 6, 2026
The Hushed Boys released by Terrorcore Publishing is a new line of young adult novels in the vein of the Point Horror and Fear Street books of the 90s.
This one was very good. Its better than the majority of the 90s Point Horror books I have read. Its a coming of age tale with the kids on bikes during summer getting up to mischief plot that people like Stephen King do well.
You can read the synopsis if you want to get the gist of the plot but its written very well with great imagination and authentic feelings to our four kids who are the main characters. 4.5 stars.
This one was very good. Its better than the majority of the 90s Point Horror books I have read. Its a coming of age tale with the kids on bikes during summer getting up to mischief plot that people like Stephen King do well.
You can read the synopsis if you want to get the gist of the plot but its written very well with great imagination and authentic feelings to our four kids who are the main characters. 4.5 stars.
June 15, 2026
This horror is reminiscent of King's The Body! Each character felt developed and thought out. It had lots of twists and turns and kept me enthralled the entire time! This is definitely one that you dont want to miss!
August 6, 2026
The Hushed Boys is a thrilling, creepy mystery that calls back to Spielberg-style "kids on bikes" stories, while remaining it's own unique, powerful tale.
The story follows a gang of four boys who are searching for two of their missing brothers and uncover their town's dark secret in the process. The kids are immediately likeable. There's Wes, the leader; Jordie, the nerd; Lex, the fighter; and Tommy, a sensitive kid who's brother disappeared most recently and is thus the most likely to be found. They all have their moments and its fun to see them grow as their adventure goes on.
OG YA horror like Fear Street (and the rest of the Rewind line so far), focuses on older high schoolers who are embroiled in drama and dating, etc. The heroes of Hushed Boys are in the middle school age bracket, which gives the story a great coming-of-age narrative. This time period and the weight of their world is given a lot of gravitas and care. Hushed Boys is a deeper, darker mystery story than one might expect and is serious in tone. There is a ton of heart here and you'll almost certainly find yourself going back in time to your own summers spent messing around with friends and, sometimes, dealing with the ever-encroaching realities of life.
One thing I want to point out about Pecue is that his prose punches well above its weight, so to speak. Compared to much of the Point Horror ouvre that inspired it, Hushed Boys' is really well crafted at a line level. Poetic, even. Pecue has a real knack for constructing a sentence and painting a picture.
Highly recommend.
The story follows a gang of four boys who are searching for two of their missing brothers and uncover their town's dark secret in the process. The kids are immediately likeable. There's Wes, the leader; Jordie, the nerd; Lex, the fighter; and Tommy, a sensitive kid who's brother disappeared most recently and is thus the most likely to be found. They all have their moments and its fun to see them grow as their adventure goes on.
OG YA horror like Fear Street (and the rest of the Rewind line so far), focuses on older high schoolers who are embroiled in drama and dating, etc. The heroes of Hushed Boys are in the middle school age bracket, which gives the story a great coming-of-age narrative. This time period and the weight of their world is given a lot of gravitas and care. Hushed Boys is a deeper, darker mystery story than one might expect and is serious in tone. There is a ton of heart here and you'll almost certainly find yourself going back in time to your own summers spent messing around with friends and, sometimes, dealing with the ever-encroaching realities of life.
One thing I want to point out about Pecue is that his prose punches well above its weight, so to speak. Compared to much of the Point Horror ouvre that inspired it, Hushed Boys' is really well crafted at a line level. Poetic, even. Pecue has a real knack for constructing a sentence and painting a picture.
Highly recommend.
July 8, 2026
✨️Audiobook Review✨️
The Hushed Boys
Written By: @calebjamespecue
Narrated By: @breebooks2016
Available Now!
The Hushed Boys is an incredible fictional story that gives off true crime vibes. We have a very well developed group of boys with a deep connection to the mystery they are trying to solve. The relationship between the boys and the slow building plot make this one eerie, spooky, small town ghost story you can't put down. The plot builds slowly... dramatically... to one perfectly fitting conclusion.
"They were kids, just barely teenagers. But they were also the ones who believed. The only ones who cared enough to dig for the truth."
I've said it before and I'll scream it if I have to... @breebooks2016 is an incredible narrator! I actually asked her if she was the only narrator in this one! Each boy has a distinct voice and she never wavered. Throughout the entire story, the only thing I was missing was the image on my TV. Bree brings this story to life perfectly.
Recommended to readers and listeners who enjoy horror that sneaks around and creeps up on you as opposed to stabs you in the face with gore.
Thank you @breebooks2016 for the audio copy of this incredible read and absolutely fantastic listen!
#TheHushedBoys #audiobook #horror #horrorbook #mystery
The Hushed Boys
Written By: @calebjamespecue
Narrated By: @breebooks2016
Available Now!
The Hushed Boys is an incredible fictional story that gives off true crime vibes. We have a very well developed group of boys with a deep connection to the mystery they are trying to solve. The relationship between the boys and the slow building plot make this one eerie, spooky, small town ghost story you can't put down. The plot builds slowly... dramatically... to one perfectly fitting conclusion.
"They were kids, just barely teenagers. But they were also the ones who believed. The only ones who cared enough to dig for the truth."
I've said it before and I'll scream it if I have to... @breebooks2016 is an incredible narrator! I actually asked her if she was the only narrator in this one! Each boy has a distinct voice and she never wavered. Throughout the entire story, the only thing I was missing was the image on my TV. Bree brings this story to life perfectly.
Recommended to readers and listeners who enjoy horror that sneaks around and creeps up on you as opposed to stabs you in the face with gore.
Thank you @breebooks2016 for the audio copy of this incredible read and absolutely fantastic listen!
#TheHushedBoys #audiobook #horror #horrorbook #mystery
July 8, 2026
If you’re looking for a well done retro teen spooky summer read with hints of Stand By Me and Stranger Things look no further.
Pecue gives birth to a creepy new urban legend in the Hushed Boys by bringing together so many elements readers enjoy; a well drawn small town with kids on bikes, a burned out reformatory school, a dusty library, and our intrepid band of boys, Wes, Lex, Tommy and Jordie, who are bravely following legend and leads to find their missing friend.
You may want to treat yourself to the audiobook version. Bree Allison’s narration is stellar. This town and its members have suffered great loss. Sorrow, fear, and determination are clearly heard as Allison voices Pecue’s words.
As a retired librarian, I also appreciate that I would feel more than comfortable recommending this book to a teen reader searching for something in this genre. Pecue creates the tension via atmosphere, appropriately hushed and whispering, rather than slashing your senses with scenes of graphic gore.
Pecue gives birth to a creepy new urban legend in the Hushed Boys by bringing together so many elements readers enjoy; a well drawn small town with kids on bikes, a burned out reformatory school, a dusty library, and our intrepid band of boys, Wes, Lex, Tommy and Jordie, who are bravely following legend and leads to find their missing friend.
You may want to treat yourself to the audiobook version. Bree Allison’s narration is stellar. This town and its members have suffered great loss. Sorrow, fear, and determination are clearly heard as Allison voices Pecue’s words.
As a retired librarian, I also appreciate that I would feel more than comfortable recommending this book to a teen reader searching for something in this genre. Pecue creates the tension via atmosphere, appropriately hushed and whispering, rather than slashing your senses with scenes of graphic gore.
August 23, 2026
A group of boys set out to solve the mystery of Briarwood Academy when their older brothers and neighbors start vanishing years after Briarwood burns down. You can tell that this is written as a throwback to 80s-90s young adult horror novels because the whole atmosphere of The Hushed Boys evokes the essence of the books of that era. It also reminded me of The Summer of Night and earlier Stephen King. Overall, it was a decent read. I personally always like more backstory, but otherwise it was entertaining and worth the read. I'll certainly read more from the author.
Thanks to Terrorcore Publishing for the review copy!
Thanks to Terrorcore Publishing for the review copy!
August 11, 2026
Shhh. Do you hear that??
It's me telling you to read this book!
It's a wonderfully eerie story, one that connects a mystery in the present to horrors of the past. I most enjoyed the relationships between- and the stubbornness and strength of- its core group of boys. I also appreciated how the narrative incorporates the importance of library research!
Lastly, the whodunnit and whydunnit of it all is appropriately unhinged.
READ "THE HUSHED BOYS"!
It's me telling you to read this book!
It's a wonderfully eerie story, one that connects a mystery in the present to horrors of the past. I most enjoyed the relationships between- and the stubbornness and strength of- its core group of boys. I also appreciated how the narrative incorporates the importance of library research!
Lastly, the whodunnit and whydunnit of it all is appropriately unhinged.
READ "THE HUSHED BOYS"!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
wow this was brilliant. point horror but way darker. even better then the refomarity though that was a brilliant book .
a really dark teen read .
a really dark teen read .
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews