The Shaft: a folk horror novel

by Iain Rob Wright

Genres: Horror

278 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 1, 2026

About the author

With over 50 novels written over 16 years, Iain Rob Wright is the well-respected British horror author with a reputation for reliably scaring his readers. His books have sold millions of copies worldwide, earned tens of thousands of reader reviews on Amazon and Goodreads, and are being translated into multiple languages.

He is currently best known for the Cursed Manuscripts shared horror universe, the apocalyptic Hell on Earth series, and many stand-alone chillers such as The Room Upstairs and Scrapbook.

J. A. Konrath, New York Times bestselling thriller author, claims, "Iain Rob Wright scares the hell out of me!"

Born and raised in England's West Midlands, Iain now lives in the beautiful, gothic County Durham with his family, 2 pugs, and a cat named Tigz. When he is not writing horror, he is reading horror, watching horror, or playing Stardew Valley.

WHERE TO START: If you have never read Iain Rob Wright before, try Witch - the first Cursed Manuscript and the entry point to the universe - or The Gates, the opener of the Hell on Earth saga. Both are available FREE with Kindle Unlimited.

For new releases, free stories, and the occasional confession of authorial despair, readers can find Iain through his author page on Amazon or by visiting his website (where you can download 6 of his books absolutely FREE).

Iain's work has been compared to Stephen King, Richard Laymon, and James Herbert - the three writers he credits with making him want to scare people for a living.

Reviews

[John Morris · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit of a disappointment!

This was a story about a depressed, former coal mining town in northern England. An area where, over a very long time, children had gone missing. However, that was something the town's current officials didn't like to dwell upon. They were more interested in economic regeneration and finally demolishing what remained of the old mine. Then children began to go missing once again.

Cue the arrival of a former town resident, now a social worker, to investigate the disappearances. However, this lady had a history with the town. Her sister was one of the 'disappeared' and she had witnessed the abduction. No-one had believed her account of the abduction, being a child herself. As an adult she had turned to alcohol in order to block out this childhood trauma.

Could this emotionally damaged young woman uncover the town's secret past and finally remove year's of guilt and corporate cover-ups?

The plot was good but the story just didn't deliver for me.

[§am I Am · Rating 2 out of 5]

Diane, a social worker and alcoholic, has a vendetta of finding how took these kids all these years ago. It was such a boring read. You're just following diane who refuses to give up even when everyone os against her. You dont even hit the cave/mine thing until 80% read...boring read. Thought it would be people lost while splunking or mining but nope. Did not have the feel of any of the other cursed manuscripts books to me.

[Kimberly Beckstrand · Rating 5 out of 5]

Secret Metaphors

As any recovering alcoholic would know, therapy is full of metaphors,just like this book. The deep, dark shaft full of evil-alcohol. The children being snatched away- missing one’s own children’s lives because of drinking. The light filled cavern - the epiphany of life without alcohol. Now these are just my opinions and may not be the authors true intent, but this was how I interpreted this book. I truly hope, if he ever thinks of drinking again, he rereads his own descriptions of the chaos Diane’s drinking causes, and chooses to go straight back to the light!

[I C Douglas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another cracking story

Another cracking story by one of my favourite authors, don't read horror that much but, when Iain releases a new book that all changes, this story, set in the North East of England in the fictional pit village of Hartgate, is yet another gem from a formidable catalogue of books now, if you've not yet read any of Iain Rob Wright's books....why not?!....you're missing out on some,cracking tales by a really good author.

[Dale Robertson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another solid story by Iain. I love an urban legend style tale and this one hit the spot. Quite creepy in places and quite touching in others, the story mainly follows Diane through her emotional journey back in Hartgate as she tries to resolve things from her past. Some good supporting characters too, as well as a spooky antagonist.

[Rickey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Buried Evil

Another solid entry for the Cursed Manuscripts series. This one didn't really tie into the others ones like Spiders did but I feel like the evil in this one was just beginning to boil over and is going to be coming back in later books. This series has been a lot of fun and all have been bangers except 1 so far. Looking forward to the next 10 books!

[Lynn Neering · Rating 5 out of 5]

couldn’t put it down!

I’ve read all of Ian’s books. I looked back on how many there are and, wow! But I keep reading because in my humble opinion, he is one of the best horror novel writers out there!
Loved this book as well!

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always brilliant

Iain has to be one of the best writers to come out of the west midlands, another chapter in the cursed manuscript and as always that kick at the end when we realise he has another one up his sleeve. 10/10 brilliant

[Justin Jonas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good

Another great read from The Cursed Manuscripts. I have fallen in love with this series. Looking forward to more. I haven't found one book by Iain rob wright that I haven't enjoyed. I am looking forward to what he comes up with next.

[DELIA SHEPPARD · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable

I almost forgot about the manuscripts I've read all I
Of them ,enjoyed reading. This was scary but still couldn't put it down.

[Hilton Alligood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it


I always enjoy reading more Iain Rob Wright. I believe I have read all his fiction. I'm looking forward to reading his next book. I'm glad Diane lived.

[Stephen Motson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cracking read

This was a cracking good read. I have been a fan of Iain Rob Wright's books and have always found them gripping and entertaining. I think this book was one of the best

[Kirsty Groves · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great addition to The Cursed Manuscripts series! I read this in 2 sittings because it had me hooked, I loved the writing style, as always with Iain Rob Wright!

[Riley · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 ⭐️

[Tammii · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️

[SIMON B RUSSELL · Rating 3 out of 5]

Average horror story from Iain, fairly predictable ending