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The Field Walker
Devon, 1995
When members of a quiet farming community begin turning up dead, two police officers are drawn into a case that refuses to make sense.
As buried secrets surface, they realise the killer isn’t hiding in the shadows, he’s killing in plain sight. He may not be entirely human… And stopping him might cost more than they’re willing to pay.
How far would you go to stop a superhuman threat?
When members of a quiet farming community begin turning up dead, two police officers are drawn into a case that refuses to make sense.
As buried secrets surface, they realise the killer isn’t hiding in the shadows, he’s killing in plain sight. He may not be entirely human… And stopping him might cost more than they’re willing to pay.
How far would you go to stop a superhuman threat?
104 pages, Paperback
Published June 26, 2026
About the author
William Lee
5 books22 followersWilliam Lee is a writer with a passion for flawed heroes, dark conspiracies, and the kind of buried truths that refuse to stay hidden.
Inspired by a wide range of comics, TV shows, and films that explore superheroes, the supernatural, and unsolved mysteries, William brings a cinematic energy and emotional grit to his storytelling.
When he’s not writing, he enjoys playing and watching football, loyally supporting Wolverhampton Wanderers, as well as game nights and all things trivia.
Inspired by a wide range of comics, TV shows, and films that explore superheroes, the supernatural, and unsolved mysteries, William brings a cinematic energy and emotional grit to his storytelling.
When he’s not writing, he enjoys playing and watching football, loyally supporting Wolverhampton Wanderers, as well as game nights and all things trivia.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you for giving me the chance to arc read for you!
This was a quick and easy read, it kept me interged.
It was one of them books you don't want to put down as you want to know what's going to happen next.
If you want a quick and easy read, and into your thriller supernatural, then this is one for you.
I'm now looking forward to reading William's other books
This was a quick and easy read, it kept me interged.
It was one of them books you don't want to put down as you want to know what's going to happen next.
If you want a quick and easy read, and into your thriller supernatural, then this is one for you.
I'm now looking forward to reading William's other books
Review of advance copy received from Author
Rating: 4.5
What an absolute belter of a novella! If has tension, goosebump moments, gore & cheeky comic relief that will make you giggle.
This prequel novella is defintely the darkest of the stories so far & with all the suspense & tension it gives a nod to more of a thriller/horror genre for me.
You're pulled into the story from the start, as you join a police division investigating a bizarre, yet horrendous murder, if you liked 'Autopsy of a fairytale' with its quirky murders, you'll love this book. The descriptive narrative hits you straight in the gut from this moment on & takes you on a very immersive read for the next 100 pages.
The character development is great, ranging from looking at rasism in the workplace & how that is percieved, work collegue camaraderie, family bonds & inner strength during conflict.
I enjoyed the fact that this book was focused more from the view of a police investigation which is a different spin on other books in the series, but also with the content being more on the supernatural scale it was giving me X-file vibes.
Overall, a fab addition to the black veil series which is original & diverse in it's content & will keep any reader engaged & on their toes - 100% recommend.
Thank you to William Lee for the free ARC copy of this e-book, I'm leaving this review voluntarily*
What an absolute belter of a novella! If has tension, goosebump moments, gore & cheeky comic relief that will make you giggle.
This prequel novella is defintely the darkest of the stories so far & with all the suspense & tension it gives a nod to more of a thriller/horror genre for me.
You're pulled into the story from the start, as you join a police division investigating a bizarre, yet horrendous murder, if you liked 'Autopsy of a fairytale' with its quirky murders, you'll love this book. The descriptive narrative hits you straight in the gut from this moment on & takes you on a very immersive read for the next 100 pages.
The character development is great, ranging from looking at rasism in the workplace & how that is percieved, work collegue camaraderie, family bonds & inner strength during conflict.
I enjoyed the fact that this book was focused more from the view of a police investigation which is a different spin on other books in the series, but also with the content being more on the supernatural scale it was giving me X-file vibes.
Overall, a fab addition to the black veil series which is original & diverse in it's content & will keep any reader engaged & on their toes - 100% recommend.
Thank you to William Lee for the free ARC copy of this e-book, I'm leaving this review voluntarily*
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you Will for the chance to Beta and ARC read this novella.
The Field Walker follows two police officers that are drawn into a case that they are sure doesn’t make sense within a quiet farming community.
To start, if you’ve read Will’s other books, this is written in the same style. You’re instantly drawn in from the first paragraphs.
There is so much attention to detail in this novella, especially the gory details. The book wouldn’t have had the same impact without those details. I definitely had some moments where I was horrified but also intrigued.
You will find yourself asking questions of who, what, why and how; which makes you want to keep reading so you finally have the answers. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The novella also had some great comedic moments which helped break up the intensity of the story and kept it refreshing.
The end of the book, the epilogue, all I can say is, “ooer.” When you read it, you’ll understand.
Once again, Will has written a great story and I’m excited to see what he does next and where he takes the story. Each book has had me gasping and surprised at the twists and turns. I would recommend not only this book, but the author. Everything I have read by him, I have really enjoyed.
The Field Walker follows two police officers that are drawn into a case that they are sure doesn’t make sense within a quiet farming community.
To start, if you’ve read Will’s other books, this is written in the same style. You’re instantly drawn in from the first paragraphs.
There is so much attention to detail in this novella, especially the gory details. The book wouldn’t have had the same impact without those details. I definitely had some moments where I was horrified but also intrigued.
You will find yourself asking questions of who, what, why and how; which makes you want to keep reading so you finally have the answers. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The novella also had some great comedic moments which helped break up the intensity of the story and kept it refreshing.
The end of the book, the epilogue, all I can say is, “ooer.” When you read it, you’ll understand.
Once again, Will has written a great story and I’m excited to see what he does next and where he takes the story. Each book has had me gasping and surprised at the twists and turns. I would recommend not only this book, but the author. Everything I have read by him, I have really enjoyed.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A prequel novella set in the world of The Black Veil files series by William Lee. I’ve been honoured enough to read all of William’s work so far pretty much as ARCs and every piece he releases only gets stronger. His style and voice has really settled and you can feel that in this novella that follows two characters you may be familiar with if you’ve read book one in the series and beyond.
You follow a younger duo of Stanley and Churchill as they are faced with perculiar occurrences against a group of farmers where the cause may not be entirely mundane.
I love Williams use of myths, supernatural beings and legends to inspire and create his characters and world and this is no different while the villain in this case may be obvious you might be a little surprised at how that origin comes about and between this and the free short stories on his website I’m craving book 3 in the main series.
Quickly this authors has become a personal favourite of mine and well worth a try if you like quicker, supernatural thriller style tales with excellent takes on supernatural entities and abilities.
You follow a younger duo of Stanley and Churchill as they are faced with perculiar occurrences against a group of farmers where the cause may not be entirely mundane.
I love Williams use of myths, supernatural beings and legends to inspire and create his characters and world and this is no different while the villain in this case may be obvious you might be a little surprised at how that origin comes about and between this and the free short stories on his website I’m craving book 3 in the main series.
Quickly this authors has become a personal favourite of mine and well worth a try if you like quicker, supernatural thriller style tales with excellent takes on supernatural entities and abilities.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you, Will, for letting me have the ARC for this beautifully written novella. The writing is easy to follow and feels almost conversational which lulls you into a false sense of security. Get ready for a wild ride.
A very quick, gripping mystery that is surprisingly charming given how gory it is. The novella is part of the Back Veil series and explores what happens when two police officers get involved in things that are far beyond their training.
The contrast between the gruesome nature of the story and the charmingly dry, funny moments is lovely, and it makes the tense moments more poignant.
I read this after reading books one and two of the series, so there are a few moments that are more impactful if you read those first. However, you can still enjoy the story without reading the other two and without being spoiled. It also carries more weight if you have read all of Will's work.
A very quick, gripping mystery that is surprisingly charming given how gory it is. The novella is part of the Back Veil series and explores what happens when two police officers get involved in things that are far beyond their training.
The contrast between the gruesome nature of the story and the charmingly dry, funny moments is lovely, and it makes the tense moments more poignant.
I read this after reading books one and two of the series, so there are a few moments that are more impactful if you read those first. However, you can still enjoy the story without reading the other two and without being spoiled. It also carries more weight if you have read all of Will's work.
Review of advance copy received from Author
While I have been reading the amazing stories this independent author writes, I recently received the privilege of being selected to be part of the ARC team, this Novella is set before the other stories in William Lee's 'Dark Viel Files' series, and it did not disappoint, this builds on the early years of one of his amazing characters in 'Gone Before the Moon' and if you haven't read that, this is a great place to start, building on his universe in a spectacular way, and creating a solid foundation for the series, I fir on, am definitely looking forward to what Mr. Lee brings our way in the future.
This story takes us in a journey through a farming community, with twists, turns, corruption and conspiracy, this is great work, and I would encourage anyone to read it, find him, find his books, and lose yourself in the world he has created, ancient folklore, in a modern world, with a twist of Williams unique flavour, I read this in one sitting, as I couldn't wait for what came on the next page.
This story takes us in a journey through a farming community, with twists, turns, corruption and conspiracy, this is great work, and I would encourage anyone to read it, find him, find his books, and lose yourself in the world he has created, ancient folklore, in a modern world, with a twist of Williams unique flavour, I read this in one sitting, as I couldn't wait for what came on the next page.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I had the pleasure of an early release of this novella from within the world that the amazing Mr Lee has created. As with all the other books of his that I have read, it had me fully drawn in from the get-go, rooting for the protagonists and wanting to eliminate some of the more background characters just purely because they deserved it.
The story may well be set years before the first of the veil files, but that doesn't make it any less apart from it. It beautifully sets up things that were hinted at but never confirmed in the main stories and leaves you going, "ok, they're gonna be back."
Characters you think are going to be on your side twist and turn more than the Swindon Magic Roundabout, throwing you off the trail, misleading you down a half-beaten path, and then....
It is yet again a space voyage of emotion. I can't wait to see where Mr Lee takes the smaller characters in this novella and how those who hold the biggest roles reunite with those of the main arc.
The story may well be set years before the first of the veil files, but that doesn't make it any less apart from it. It beautifully sets up things that were hinted at but never confirmed in the main stories and leaves you going, "ok, they're gonna be back."
Characters you think are going to be on your side twist and turn more than the Swindon Magic Roundabout, throwing you off the trail, misleading you down a half-beaten path, and then....
It is yet again a space voyage of emotion. I can't wait to see where Mr Lee takes the smaller characters in this novella and how those who hold the biggest roles reunite with those of the main arc.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was lucky to recieve an early copy of The Field Walker Novella by the talented author, William Lee. I read this in one sitting and was on the edge of my seat the entire time, I could not put it down. It follows several policeman who are tasked to solve unusal and unexplainable murders. Farmers are dropping like flies in Devon, but why? Without giving spoilers, you will be taken on a fast-paced journey to find out why? What? and the big 'How.' The author weaves a unique story, one filled with suspense, horror and super natural brilliance. The story-telling is perfectly executed to the page. There is an epilogue at the finish that intrigued me too. There was a paragraph in this story that completely took me by surprise, it was unexpected and fantastic! You will know you read the book...
This story is filled with great characters and scenes. I highly recommend this book.
This story is filled with great characters and scenes. I highly recommend this book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
6⭐️ read!!!!
wow you have done it again!!!
just when I thought you couldn't surpass your other books you release this!
Plot -
This is a book about Churchill when he was a young PC.
when Churchill gets called to a murder scene at 1st it just looks like a personal attack but its soon established that this murder is anything other than normal...
when a string of Farmers are being targeted one by one and more unexplained questions about who is behind it begin to surface .. leaving them with the realisation that not even bullets can solve everything!
And let's not forget about the goat!!!! 🤣🤣🤣 my favourite scene in the WHOLE series so far!!!! I NEED A GOAT!!!!!!
Author -
Wow will! you have done it again... this book is so visceral it just keeps you wanting more! I LOVE how descriptive this is even down to the smaller details like potatoes against a house, steam on glasses, the crunch under there feet, this is by far the best immersive read without listening to the audio I have read this year!
This book keeps giving from start to finish it will keep you on the edge of your seat!!!
all I can say is you need to read this!!!
wow you have done it again!!!
just when I thought you couldn't surpass your other books you release this!
Plot -
This is a book about Churchill when he was a young PC.
when Churchill gets called to a murder scene at 1st it just looks like a personal attack but its soon established that this murder is anything other than normal...
when a string of Farmers are being targeted one by one and more unexplained questions about who is behind it begin to surface .. leaving them with the realisation that not even bullets can solve everything!
And let's not forget about the goat!!!! 🤣🤣🤣 my favourite scene in the WHOLE series so far!!!! I NEED A GOAT!!!!!!
Author -
Wow will! you have done it again... this book is so visceral it just keeps you wanting more! I LOVE how descriptive this is even down to the smaller details like potatoes against a house, steam on glasses, the crunch under there feet, this is by far the best immersive read without listening to the audio I have read this year!
This book keeps giving from start to finish it will keep you on the edge of your seat!!!
all I can say is you need to read this!!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
A truly creepy novella!
I was lucky enough to have received this novella as an ARC, and it certainly didn't disappoint!
This book gives off Stephen King vibes, from the writing to the plot line, and the gore which makes your stomach roll.
Lee's writing style is descriptive but quick, keeping you hooked as a reader and keeping you turning the pages.
The premise of the book - a farmer who committed suicide coming back to live on a revenge journey - is unsettling in itself. Add to the premise the vivid scenes of murder and destruction, and this novella becomes haunting.
The epilogue has me on edge as well - the thought of the 'thing' coming back to life (again!) after 30 years makes my skin crawl.
Overall, a great short read!
I was lucky enough to have received this novella as an ARC, and it certainly didn't disappoint!
This book gives off Stephen King vibes, from the writing to the plot line, and the gore which makes your stomach roll.
Lee's writing style is descriptive but quick, keeping you hooked as a reader and keeping you turning the pages.
The premise of the book - a farmer who committed suicide coming back to live on a revenge journey - is unsettling in itself. Add to the premise the vivid scenes of murder and destruction, and this novella becomes haunting.
The epilogue has me on edge as well - the thought of the 'thing' coming back to life (again!) after 30 years makes my skin crawl.
Overall, a great short read!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
★★★★★ (ARC Review)
I absolutely loved the characterisation in this story. Every character felt vivid and engaging. It strikes a brilliant balance between a gripping police investigation and intriguing supernatural elements which kept me hooked throughout. The cover deserves a special mention too as it is genuinely stunning and perfectly captures the tone of the book.
I am also really enjoying the increasing touch of humour in this novella series which adds a fresh layer that makes the story even more compelling. Overall this is a fantastic addition to the world and to the Black Veil Files.
I absolutely loved the characterisation in this story. Every character felt vivid and engaging. It strikes a brilliant balance between a gripping police investigation and intriguing supernatural elements which kept me hooked throughout. The cover deserves a special mention too as it is genuinely stunning and perfectly captures the tone of the book.
I am also really enjoying the increasing touch of humour in this novella series which adds a fresh layer that makes the story even more compelling. Overall this is a fantastic addition to the world and to the Black Veil Files.
Review of advance copy received from Author
It's dark and gritty and soaked with atmosphere, this is a fabulous novella to add to the author's other works. This world is fleshing out with each book and pieces are slotting together like a jigsaw.
I like the divides within the police force, they point towards outside forces at work, pulling strings behind the scenes. There was also some levity in the story with the goat and the cheeky police banter between colleagues.
Thank you to the author for my advanced copy. I'm looking forward to reading more from this series.
I like the divides within the police force, they point towards outside forces at work, pulling strings behind the scenes. There was also some levity in the story with the goat and the cheeky police banter between colleagues.
Thank you to the author for my advanced copy. I'm looking forward to reading more from this series.
July 2, 2026
Where do I even start!! This novella had me gripped from the start, I read the whole thing in one sitting. I could not put the book down! William Lee is going from strength to strength with each book he publishes. This novella was right up my street, the detail and writing of the story is phenomenal. I enjoyed the grittiness and humour all mixed up in one in this story. It adds another layer to the universe William Lee is creating. I cannot wait to read more. The field walker is definitely one of my favourite books that I have ever read. 100% recommend.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was happy to get the chance to read this ARC so soon after finishing William's last book. I jumped straight into it and was not dissapointed.
As a Novella it worked perfectly. Great characters and I didn't expect, yet loved how it tied in elements of his first 2 books.
80's slasher vibes with a grounded British feel. Great.
As a Novella it worked perfectly. Great characters and I didn't expect, yet loved how it tied in elements of his first 2 books.
80's slasher vibes with a grounded British feel. Great.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thanks will for letting me ARC read this, as you know I am usually into fantasy books but since reading Gone before the moon, I do love a thriller lol
The field walker follows two police officers on a case which doesn't quite sit right. Some fantastic writing as always. Some gory parts but nothing that loses your attention. Looking forward to reading more from the author 💯
The field walker follows two police officers on a case which doesn't quite sit right. Some fantastic writing as always. Some gory parts but nothing that loses your attention. Looking forward to reading more from the author 💯
June 29, 2026
Another great book made , the third book I have read and each book gets better and better . The story , and the brilliant twist and turns always pull me in and make it hard to put the book down . This book has it all packed full of drama and plot twists . I can’t wait for the next book as hinted in the back of this book👀
July 4, 2026
Really enjoyed this novella!
I like the author’s style of writing - This story is very supernatural , mystery & thriller vibes and it goes along really well with the rest of the series.
The epilogue to this novella though… something biiiig is coming I can feel it 👀
I like the author’s style of writing - This story is very supernatural , mystery & thriller vibes and it goes along really well with the rest of the series.
The epilogue to this novella though… something biiiig is coming I can feel it 👀
July 10, 2026
Wow, once again you have done it well done William Lee. I was gripped into this story from the get go and with such a short story it had a massive impact. Such a page turner I felt like every page was full to with excitement and I was eager to know what was coming next great job.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I enjoyed this book. I still preferred the first two but this was a lovely prequel 💘 would highly recommend so you get to understand the story of how it all happens... Loved it 😁
Review of advance copy received from Author
This Novella was exceptional, the amount of action William was able to get in to so few pages is incredible. The story kept me gripped the whole time with plenty of twists. A fantastic read!
June 18, 2026
Really enjoyed this book. Flows really well fast paced, shows great development of the story and the development of the author. Can't wait for the third book of the series, got me hooked.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews