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Black Thickett
Grief is a ghost that only time can exorcise. But some wounds run too deep for even time to heal.
Edmund comes to the remote village of Black Thickett to escape the life that grief has carved out of him. He wants silence. Distance. A place where memories can’t follow.
But Black Thickett is wrong in quiet, unsettling ways.
The broken road becomes perfectly smooth the moment he crosses the boundary. The cottages are too neat, too deliberate. And on a noticeboard full of dry flyers, only one poster is wet - a missing boy, smiling as if he doesn’t know he’s lost.
The villagers won’t talk about the disappearances. Instead, they whisper warnings about the dark treeline looming over the square.
The forest at the edge of the village seems to breathe, and the deeper Edmund goes, the calmer he feels… dangerously so. The woods can quiet his pain. It can ease his grief. It can make him forget the agony of his past.
But the peace of the forest comes with a terrible price. Not everything that heals you wants you to survive.
Welcome to Black Thickett. Once the forest notices you, it never lets go.
__________________________________________________________________________________
Perfect for fans of slow-burn psychological suspense, folk horror, and cosmic dread, Black Thickett is a haunting exploration of trauma, memory, and the predatory nature of absolute peace.
Praise for Black Thickett
“Absolutely poetic”
“Gripping”
“This is how legends write opening lines”
“Your prose is incredible”
“This is just wonderful”
“Poetically dark”
Edmund comes to the remote village of Black Thickett to escape the life that grief has carved out of him. He wants silence. Distance. A place where memories can’t follow.
But Black Thickett is wrong in quiet, unsettling ways.
The broken road becomes perfectly smooth the moment he crosses the boundary. The cottages are too neat, too deliberate. And on a noticeboard full of dry flyers, only one poster is wet - a missing boy, smiling as if he doesn’t know he’s lost.
The villagers won’t talk about the disappearances. Instead, they whisper warnings about the dark treeline looming over the square.
The forest at the edge of the village seems to breathe, and the deeper Edmund goes, the calmer he feels… dangerously so. The woods can quiet his pain. It can ease his grief. It can make him forget the agony of his past.
But the peace of the forest comes with a terrible price. Not everything that heals you wants you to survive.
Welcome to Black Thickett. Once the forest notices you, it never lets go.
__________________________________________________________________________________
Perfect for fans of slow-burn psychological suspense, folk horror, and cosmic dread, Black Thickett is a haunting exploration of trauma, memory, and the predatory nature of absolute peace.
Praise for Black Thickett
“Absolutely poetic”
“Gripping”
“This is how legends write opening lines”
“Your prose is incredible”
“This is just wonderful”
“Poetically dark”
215 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 30, 2026
About the author
Shaun Allan
37 books256 followersShaun Allan is a bestselling, award winning author who writes multiple genres, including psychological horror, introspective and emotive poetry, young adult and children’s. He has appeared on Sky TV to debate publishing, is a Wattpad Creator (previously Wattpad Stars), and been commissioned to write companion stories for such movies as The Purge: Anarchy, Sinister II, The Boy, A Quiet Place, IT and Amazon Prime’s Panic series. He also holds writing workshops at local schools. Many of his personal experiences are woven into the points of view and senses of humour of his characters, along with the places in and around his home town. His novel Sin has been adapted into a Chapters mobile game titled Straitjacket Lover and was optioned for television.
Shaun lives with his manic dog, Ripley (believe it or not). He works full time and, though his life feels as hyper as his dog, it probably isn't.
Shaun lives with his manic dog, Ripley (believe it or not). He works full time and, though his life feels as hyper as his dog, it probably isn't.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
August 3, 2026
First let’s talk about that cover - a creepy cover that just called me to read it.
A book that’s spooky and atmospheric but more than that it’s also brings in folklore around grief and loss, that chills and causes breath holding moments.
Well written and builds suspense making it a book that’s hard to put down.
A book that’s spooky and atmospheric but more than that it’s also brings in folklore around grief and loss, that chills and causes breath holding moments.
Well written and builds suspense making it a book that’s hard to put down.
Review of advance copy
As soon as I saw this front cover image, I knew that I had to add this book to my tbr for spooky season - but what a wonderful addition to my summerween reads this actually was.
This cover gave me creeping dread before I'd even opened the book and I couldn't wait to find out what Black Thickett held within.
Edmund was a really intriguing character because right from the first few pages, we're aware of some kind of trauma or grief that he was holding onto - and escaping from - hence his trip out to stay in Black Thickett.
Right from the off, I was on edge.
The atmosphere and intention was laid out bare and there were to be no secrets hidden away, this was going to be creepy to the end.
Almost immediately, Edmund can tell that there's something not quite right about the place - the village is almost too perfect, the residents seem to whisper and the forest is definitely calling to him.
We never truly discover what happened to cause Edmund's grief - but it's clear to see that it's taken such a hold on him and I guess the idea of this story is to show how we need to face up to the pain and hurt that such events cause and not succomb to holding onto that pain inside us and letting it govern the way we live from then on.
Still, the use of the forest was wonderfully dreadful and it definitely became a whole character in itself.
I loved the personification throughout and really could feel it breathing and slithering around as I became more and more immersed in the read.
As this is my third read by this author now, I knew that the writing was going to draw me right in and was not surprised that I couldn't put this book down.
Another great read - perfect for fans of horror - not one to read whilst on your own at night!
This cover gave me creeping dread before I'd even opened the book and I couldn't wait to find out what Black Thickett held within.
Edmund was a really intriguing character because right from the first few pages, we're aware of some kind of trauma or grief that he was holding onto - and escaping from - hence his trip out to stay in Black Thickett.
Right from the off, I was on edge.
The atmosphere and intention was laid out bare and there were to be no secrets hidden away, this was going to be creepy to the end.
Almost immediately, Edmund can tell that there's something not quite right about the place - the village is almost too perfect, the residents seem to whisper and the forest is definitely calling to him.
We never truly discover what happened to cause Edmund's grief - but it's clear to see that it's taken such a hold on him and I guess the idea of this story is to show how we need to face up to the pain and hurt that such events cause and not succomb to holding onto that pain inside us and letting it govern the way we live from then on.
Still, the use of the forest was wonderfully dreadful and it definitely became a whole character in itself.
I loved the personification throughout and really could feel it breathing and slithering around as I became more and more immersed in the read.
As this is my third read by this author now, I knew that the writing was going to draw me right in and was not surprised that I couldn't put this book down.
Another great read - perfect for fans of horror - not one to read whilst on your own at night!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Black Thickett was a really interesting read that had me pondering deeper meanings behind its plot. This book had many aspects that I love, spooky forests, horror elements, and emotional depth. I finished this book in a few hours and was totally immersed in the story. I really enjoyed the metaphors for grief and loss that are seen throughout the plot. I don’t want to spoil anything, so all I will say is that the deeper themes behind the story were interesting and impactful.
Even if you aren’t wanting to connect to the psychological side of this book, the story has plenty of other themes and entertainments to offer. I found the creatures and ties to an ancient presence to be very intriguing and well written. On that note, another reason to read this book is for the author's writing style. You can tell that he has a strong sense of his voice and I think his background in poetry shows itself in the introductions to each chapter.
The only area where I would have loved to see more, is in the details for the lore and history behind the town and creatures. Even without that, this book is a great read and the reprise ending will leave you speechless!
Thank you so much to the author for providing me with an ARC of Black Thickett! I look forward to reading more of your work!
**This review is entirely my own. It is an honest and uninfluenced representation of my experience reading this ARC!
Even if you aren’t wanting to connect to the psychological side of this book, the story has plenty of other themes and entertainments to offer. I found the creatures and ties to an ancient presence to be very intriguing and well written. On that note, another reason to read this book is for the author's writing style. You can tell that he has a strong sense of his voice and I think his background in poetry shows itself in the introductions to each chapter.
The only area where I would have loved to see more, is in the details for the lore and history behind the town and creatures. Even without that, this book is a great read and the reprise ending will leave you speechless!
Thank you so much to the author for providing me with an ARC of Black Thickett! I look forward to reading more of your work!
**This review is entirely my own. It is an honest and uninfluenced representation of my experience reading this ARC!
August 16, 2026
I had the absolute pleasure of reviewing this 5 star horror-ish book by Shaun Allan.
Edmund is trying, and failing, to find a corner of the world to be at peace both literally and metaphorically. The burdens he carries are heavy and he needs a space to just exist without the constant reminders of what he has lost; and in a town where people can literally get lost and villagers don't talk - Black Thickett might be the answer to Edmund's prayers. But now that Edmund has been seen and marked, he may very well not make it out alive.
From the first line, grief is a ghost that only time can exorcise, I knew Shaun wasn't messing about.
The story is immersive, tense, tender and felt it was a beautifully haunting metaphor of being consumed by grief and guilt. The delicate psyche of wanting to surrender, no matter the cost, to go back to when you had it all.
The cast of characters is relatively small and I loved that. Main character energy goes to the forest itself - once it sees you, its never letting go
The action is paced well with a good half of the book being right in the centre of the action. This is a must read for fans of Stephen King, think of the mist crossed with From - ooky spooky +++
You often hear a book described as a page turner but this *chef kiss* and I finished this is just under 24 hours.
Edmund is trying, and failing, to find a corner of the world to be at peace both literally and metaphorically. The burdens he carries are heavy and he needs a space to just exist without the constant reminders of what he has lost; and in a town where people can literally get lost and villagers don't talk - Black Thickett might be the answer to Edmund's prayers. But now that Edmund has been seen and marked, he may very well not make it out alive.
From the first line, grief is a ghost that only time can exorcise, I knew Shaun wasn't messing about.
The story is immersive, tense, tender and felt it was a beautifully haunting metaphor of being consumed by grief and guilt. The delicate psyche of wanting to surrender, no matter the cost, to go back to when you had it all.
The cast of characters is relatively small and I loved that. Main character energy goes to the forest itself - once it sees you, its never letting go
The action is paced well with a good half of the book being right in the centre of the action. This is a must read for fans of Stephen King, think of the mist crossed with From - ooky spooky +++
You often hear a book described as a page turner but this *chef kiss* and I finished this is just under 24 hours.
August 2, 2026
I'm reviewing this as part of a tour with Hygge Book Tours.
When grief-stricken Edmund arrives in the village of Black Thickett, all he wants is some time to come to terms with things. He soon realises that the village may have something else in store…
This was a very eerie and spine-chilling story. I found it cleverly written because the author's prose struck me as thought-provoking and ambiguous, and as a storyteller, I enjoyed his ability to set a scene whilst also creating some suspense.
Maybe it had something to do with the village setting, but for me, Black Thickett didn't feel too far away from the kind of traditional ghost story I always enjoy. I found it felt a little bit like a Susan Hill ghost story crossed with something like M. R. James, if he was around today.
If you're in the mood for a spooky read, you might not be able to put this one down.
Thank you to Hygge Book Tours, and to the author and publisher, for the opportunity to read and review this.
When grief-stricken Edmund arrives in the village of Black Thickett, all he wants is some time to come to terms with things. He soon realises that the village may have something else in store…
This was a very eerie and spine-chilling story. I found it cleverly written because the author's prose struck me as thought-provoking and ambiguous, and as a storyteller, I enjoyed his ability to set a scene whilst also creating some suspense.
Maybe it had something to do with the village setting, but for me, Black Thickett didn't feel too far away from the kind of traditional ghost story I always enjoy. I found it felt a little bit like a Susan Hill ghost story crossed with something like M. R. James, if he was around today.
If you're in the mood for a spooky read, you might not be able to put this one down.
Thank you to Hygge Book Tours, and to the author and publisher, for the opportunity to read and review this.
August 4, 2026
Black Thicket by Shaun Allen was a good, eerie read that really leaned into its creepy atmosphere. From the moment Edmund arrives at the pub and is warned to stay on the main roads and to ignore the whispers coming from the trees, you know something isn't right. The mystery surrounding the forest kept me intrigued, especially as you learn about the people it's taken and the way it seems to prey on grief and loss.
Some of my favorite moments were the unsettling quotes, like "The forest knows. It feels it. It's hungry." That idea alone made the woods feel like a living, breathing character. While the pacing was a little slower than I prefer, I still enjoyed the journey and the eerie small-town vibes.
Some of my favorite moments were the unsettling quotes, like "The forest knows. It feels it. It's hungry." That idea alone made the woods feel like a living, breathing character. While the pacing was a little slower than I prefer, I still enjoyed the journey and the eerie small-town vibes.
August 11, 2026
I received a digital review copy of this book through Hygge Book Tours.
This was such a creepy and eerie book to read. The building of tension was executed so well. It was a slow-paced book but it needed to be to build up that unsettling feeling and let the themes of the story take root (yes, a pun 😂)
The start of every chapter had a beautiful, almost lyrical opening, picking apart and examining grief and human behaviour.
There was a reprise - which I'm not sure I've seen in a book before, like a post-credits scene - which came after the epilogue and tipped everything on its head so I'm now turning over everything in my mind, wondering what I just read 😂
At just over 200 pages, this is a great little atmospheric read if you're looking for a horror without any gruesome stuff.
This was such a creepy and eerie book to read. The building of tension was executed so well. It was a slow-paced book but it needed to be to build up that unsettling feeling and let the themes of the story take root (yes, a pun 😂)
The start of every chapter had a beautiful, almost lyrical opening, picking apart and examining grief and human behaviour.
There was a reprise - which I'm not sure I've seen in a book before, like a post-credits scene - which came after the epilogue and tipped everything on its head so I'm now turning over everything in my mind, wondering what I just read 😂
At just over 200 pages, this is a great little atmospheric read if you're looking for a horror without any gruesome stuff.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book was beautifully written, and I liked the themes about grief and loss. The setting of the forest was very creepy, and there were very scary and tense moments. However I did think some of the scenes were very repetitive, especially in the first half. And the story did drag in other parts. I think this story may have been better suited as a novella instead of a novel. I received a free copy of this story and write this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy
ʙʟᴀᴄᴋ ᴛʜɪᴄᴋᴇᴛᴛ whispered my name, knowing I understand grief more than I would like and it didn't let me go. With its gorgeous cover and beautiful writing style, I knew it from the moment I laid eyes on it that I'm going to love it.
What an eerie tale! I had goosebumps while reading it, it was such an interesting read.
I highly recommend checking out this intriguing book if you're looking for a creepy and atmospheric read, with a jaw-dropping ending!
What an eerie tale! I had goosebumps while reading it, it was such an interesting read.
I highly recommend checking out this intriguing book if you're looking for a creepy and atmospheric read, with a jaw-dropping ending!
Review of advance copy
I've only read poetry from Allan before now so had no idea what lay await behind the cover of Black Thickett.
Allan's world building and writing deftly created an atmosphere both eerie and unsettling. The forest fast becoming an entity in it's own right.
Edmund was a curious yet engaging character. His grief and the folklore of Black Thickett wove the story together beautifully.
I look forward to reading more of Allan's future books.
Allan's world building and writing deftly created an atmosphere both eerie and unsettling. The forest fast becoming an entity in it's own right.
Edmund was a curious yet engaging character. His grief and the folklore of Black Thickett wove the story together beautifully.
I look forward to reading more of Allan's future books.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews