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Down into the Darkness
“Down into the Darkness” is David Carter’s tenth book and something of a departure from his usual English murder mysteries (“The Murder Diaries – Seven Times Over” and “The Sound of Sirens”).
It’s also a lot shorter than most of his books, running to around 140 pages. One early reviewer described it as “intelligent humorous horror” – quite some combination!
Here’s the back cover blurb:
Tony Jenks lives alone in a small first floor flat in an Edwardian House.
There are three other flats in the building.
Downstairs, lives Dick Riches with his aging parents. Upstairs lives Doc Maureen Hall, anxiously waiting her monthly visit from her married lover, Gerald, while across the hall, opposite to Tony, lives Derek Chamberlain, ever eager to stop and gossip about the latest man in his life.
Four ordinary flats, full of ordinary people in modern day Britain, until one night Tony Jenks goes to bed, alone as usual, when he hears noises the likes of which he has never heard before.
Tony’s journey down into the darkness has begun.
PS: I didn't set out to write a horror book and I am still not sure that it is, but what do I know?
As Graham Greene used to say: "I have to read the critics to find out what my books are all about!"
It is out now in paperback and as an ebook.
It’s also a lot shorter than most of his books, running to around 140 pages. One early reviewer described it as “intelligent humorous horror” – quite some combination!
Here’s the back cover blurb:
Tony Jenks lives alone in a small first floor flat in an Edwardian House.
There are three other flats in the building.
Downstairs, lives Dick Riches with his aging parents. Upstairs lives Doc Maureen Hall, anxiously waiting her monthly visit from her married lover, Gerald, while across the hall, opposite to Tony, lives Derek Chamberlain, ever eager to stop and gossip about the latest man in his life.
Four ordinary flats, full of ordinary people in modern day Britain, until one night Tony Jenks goes to bed, alone as usual, when he hears noises the likes of which he has never heard before.
Tony’s journey down into the darkness has begun.
PS: I didn't set out to write a horror book and I am still not sure that it is, but what do I know?
As Graham Greene used to say: "I have to read the critics to find out what my books are all about!"
It is out now in paperback and as an ebook.
140 pages, Paperback
First published April 4, 2015
1 person is currently reading
515 people want to read
About the author
David Carter
37 books15 followersI have been writing for longer than I care to remember, both fiction and non fiction, and started out by writing business articles and columns.
The reason I write is because I enjoy it. It is as simple as that. If other people happen to enjoy the results then that is a huge buzz, and a great encouragement to write some more!!
At the moment I am concentrating on my Chester based detective, Inspector Walter Darriteau, (see The Murder Diaries and The Sound of Sirens) and my philandering man, Gringo Greene - (see The Life and Loves of Gringo Greene) though the truth is that, like many other writers, I always have several projects under way at any one time.
Thank you for visiting my page and I hope you like at least some of my stuff.
Have fun,
David C.
The reason I write is because I enjoy it. It is as simple as that. If other people happen to enjoy the results then that is a huge buzz, and a great encouragement to write some more!!
At the moment I am concentrating on my Chester based detective, Inspector Walter Darriteau, (see The Murder Diaries and The Sound of Sirens) and my philandering man, Gringo Greene - (see The Life and Loves of Gringo Greene) though the truth is that, like many other writers, I always have several projects under way at any one time.
Thank you for visiting my page and I hope you like at least some of my stuff.
Have fun,
David C.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
November 21, 2017
This is a novella length book and a quick read, both entertaining and gruesome ... a delightful blend. I think I’ve just come across a new favourite author of mine, and right after finishing this, I’ve downloaded one of his other books, The Life and Loves of Gringo Greene. The narrative is written in omniscient narrator, but reads as 1st person in the earlier part of the book, only zooming further out to encompass other characters later on. And the writer executed this shift excellently. This, for me, is one of those rare books that has that special spark of magic, and I give it a resounding five stars.
July 18, 2018
The story started slow for me, but I am glad I continued to the incredible end. I understand why the author introduced the other tenants of the building complex, but I would have liked to seen more interesting writing. I am not going to give away the creature that makes this a true horror story. It literally made me shudder! The epilogue adds even more credibility to this fascinating yet horrifying story.
March 13, 2019
David Carter's novella, Down into the Darkness, is 135 pages long and easily a one sitting read. I liked the descriptions of the quirky inhabitants of the building. When I got to the end, the story made me think of a spooky story that you would tell at night around a campfire. Definitely different than what I usually read!
April 12, 2015
Having read several of David Carter’s books, I think it would be impossible to be disappointed by his tales. He guarantees a sound, thoroughly researched, well thought out story written with precision, constantly driving the reader forward, anxious to discover just where the story is going.
This novella is no exception, it contains all of the above which for me is the hallmark of excellence being able to retain a reader regardless of whether the subject matter is less than appealing, which certainly was the case for me. I’m not into the gory, messy minutiae of uninvited death to life in any form, but if this is your bag then you’ll love this one.
Who can say what’s going on in an old Edwardian house divided into four flats? Written in the first person we are introduced to the occupants by Tony Jenks, an insurance claims assessor who works closely with Kesh Grindles, a blonde haired twenty-six year old natural beauty, for whom he has a cautious, respectful, sneaking admiration - due to the fact she’s married, of course. That’s the front, however poor Tony is drowning in desire for her and is more or less resigned to the fact there’s no chance, or so he thinks.
Hearing strange noises in the night she becomes central to his support, for this is something he’d rather not share with his companion residents. Eager to help she appears to have offered him a solution but does it work? Has she identified the cause of the terrifying noise in the first place and what kind of trouble is she storing for him with his landlord?
Once again Carter uses his social observation skills to brilliant effect, for his neighbours prove to be a totally convincing diverse bunch of characters I wouldn’t want to live next to either, all having their own peculiarities which pitch into the story, heightening the curiosity and tension.
In line with this spine-chilling tale is a highly unusual conclusion to the denouement which as you will have sussed, is the conclusion but not quite the end.
I never hesitate to highly recommend David Carter’s books and this is no exception. If you are looking for a fast-moving thrilling tale then this is the one for you. This brilliant author deserves to be read and I feel, regardless of genre preferences, his natural story telling ability is such, those who appreciate good writing can but enjoy his work.
This novella is no exception, it contains all of the above which for me is the hallmark of excellence being able to retain a reader regardless of whether the subject matter is less than appealing, which certainly was the case for me. I’m not into the gory, messy minutiae of uninvited death to life in any form, but if this is your bag then you’ll love this one.
Who can say what’s going on in an old Edwardian house divided into four flats? Written in the first person we are introduced to the occupants by Tony Jenks, an insurance claims assessor who works closely with Kesh Grindles, a blonde haired twenty-six year old natural beauty, for whom he has a cautious, respectful, sneaking admiration - due to the fact she’s married, of course. That’s the front, however poor Tony is drowning in desire for her and is more or less resigned to the fact there’s no chance, or so he thinks.
Hearing strange noises in the night she becomes central to his support, for this is something he’d rather not share with his companion residents. Eager to help she appears to have offered him a solution but does it work? Has she identified the cause of the terrifying noise in the first place and what kind of trouble is she storing for him with his landlord?
Once again Carter uses his social observation skills to brilliant effect, for his neighbours prove to be a totally convincing diverse bunch of characters I wouldn’t want to live next to either, all having their own peculiarities which pitch into the story, heightening the curiosity and tension.
In line with this spine-chilling tale is a highly unusual conclusion to the denouement which as you will have sussed, is the conclusion but not quite the end.
I never hesitate to highly recommend David Carter’s books and this is no exception. If you are looking for a fast-moving thrilling tale then this is the one for you. This brilliant author deserves to be read and I feel, regardless of genre preferences, his natural story telling ability is such, those who appreciate good writing can but enjoy his work.
July 14, 2015
The most terrifying horror stories are the ones that can actually happen. They make you wonder and fear that it will happen to you. Stories with supernatural elements are great, but these are the ones that truly get to you. And that's what happened with me and Down into the Darkness, which I got from a Goodreads giveaway.
This is the story of Tony Jenks and he tells it in a very friendly and informal way. It feels like a friend telling you what he did last weekend, as it feels very real. He tells you about the people who live in the other three flats in the Edwardian house he lives in and about his co-worker on whom he has a crush. The pictures he paints of them are very alive with all the details and little things that make them look like real people.
The story progresses and you see the bits and pieces coming together and you know something very not good is going to happen. When it does happen, after all the anticipation, it is horrible (in the good way of horror stories). It scared me then and now I still feel a shiver down my spine when I hear a sound late at night.
That's one of the things that males a good story: it stays with you. And this most centainly did.
This is the story of Tony Jenks and he tells it in a very friendly and informal way. It feels like a friend telling you what he did last weekend, as it feels very real. He tells you about the people who live in the other three flats in the Edwardian house he lives in and about his co-worker on whom he has a crush. The pictures he paints of them are very alive with all the details and little things that make them look like real people.
The story progresses and you see the bits and pieces coming together and you know something very not good is going to happen. When it does happen, after all the anticipation, it is horrible (in the good way of horror stories). It scared me then and now I still feel a shiver down my spine when I hear a sound late at night.
That's one of the things that males a good story: it stays with you. And this most centainly did.
November 13, 2015
Really short but an extremely good story, loved it! Dark and dirty with an unexpected end. Easy to read and nice style.
August 5, 2015
Fun to read. A wee bit bizarre; a tad macabre.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews