Kindly Skins

by A.J. Kelley

There is an old wives’ tale in Gregor,

When winter comes, and the fire dies, keep shut your doors, avert your eyes. For hungry mouths wear kindly skin… and call your children to come within.

Enola and Kingston Williams arrive in Gregor, desperate to rebuild their marriage after betrayal. The quiet coastal town promises distance from the past—but the surrounding forest feels watchful, as if something is studying them.

As winter sets in, their unease turns to fear when they start stumbling across horrors on their property. Desperate for help, they turn to the only place they can in the dead of the shabby, small-town police department.

With the help of a grieving local officer, Kingston uncovers stories of women that have vanished for decades and fires that erased the truth.

Something in Gregor has been waiting.

And it may already be wearing a familiar face.

293 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 29, 2026

About the author

I am a high school educator and father of two based in North Carolina. I am the author of two independently published novels, including a science fiction thriller, Dead Threads, and a horror novel, Kindly Skins. I enjoy writing characters and concepts that combine humor, heart, and deeply flawed natures, who are just trying their best in situations far beyond their control.

Reviews

[Brielle Barney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this book down! I read it all in one day! I was hooked from page 1, and throughout the entire book. If you love horror, thrillers, spookiness and wives tales, you’ll love this book!

“When winter comes, and the fire dies, keep shut your doors, avert your eyes. For hungry mouths wear kindly skin… and call your children to come within.”

[Marianne Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I honestly really liked this book I’m not a big horror reader but enjoyed this one I thought while it was scary it was a lighter read than dead threads his other book both are really good but if you want something shorter I’d recommend this there was enough set up that I became emotionally connected to Kingston and Enola ( RIP ) but not so much that the story got stagnant as for the horror part I thought that it was very well written gruesome and horrifying something i wouldn’t come up with in my one brain I enjoy when horror doesn’t follow the typical serial killer storyline and I’m a sucker for a supernatural element

As for the monster itself making it the old lady was a good idea too me so obvious that it caught me off guard. The origin of the host body for the monster being a girl from a messed up family being tricked gives the monster a little humanity which I enjoyed.

The selfish part of me wanted Kingston to die and not Enola I just liked her better maybe I’m just a man hater she did cheat I thought their marriage was very human which I see a lot which this Author No character is ever all bad they make mistakes because of who they are even the monster in the book while doing terrible things a small part of me can still sympathize especially when it’s tied to a life of a human that loves and hurts

I liked shepherd I thought his struggle with his mother is extremely relatable and the guilt is very common in situations involving aging parents do I think he should have moved in with her yes do I think he could’ve stayed with her 24/7 no it’s a impossible problem

Overall a 10/10 from me this Author always prioritizes emotional intelligence in his writing and I appreciate that I think even in a horror book there are lessons to be learned that can be taken to real life I’m excited to see what’s next

[Riva Bickler · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first chapter had me so spooked I didn't want to get out of my car in a parking lot. In broad daylight. That opening is genuinely chilling, and the Appalachian folklore woven through it sets such an eerie tone.

Through the middle I found myself wanting more of the spooky suspense, and a few moments told me what to feel or tipped their hand a little too obviously.

But that ending! I ended up feeling for the villain, which is so hard to pull off, and as a mom it had me in tears. The author also isn't afraid to make bold choices, and while one of them made me mad, I respect it. It's stuck with me.

If you like slow-burn folk horror with a gut punch at the end, pick this one up.

[E Singer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kindly Skins follows a couple as they navigate moving to a new town where the woods whisper and leave you wondering what you’ll see in the dead of winter. There is a curiosity to this book. It’s not fast paced having your heart pounding, but a slow wondering of what happens next that keeps you turning the pages. You feel for the characters in this book as the married couple is trying to salvage their marriage, their frustrations, their anger, their joy. Then comes the mystery of the woods. What’s out there? I enjoyed the book and would recommend reading as the snow falls (if you can).

[J S · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was prepared to be terrified. Because this is not my usual genre of books and man this was creepy in the best kind of way! The descriptive style of this author was insane! And im a sucker for supernatural so the monster itself..the plot twist? I love it all..perfect read for spooky season!

[Katherine Locke · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully crafted and incredibly well written folklore horror story you don't want to pass up.

[Taylor · Rating 4.75 out of 5]

Hands down, one of the best books I’ve ever read!