Ezra's Secret

by P.D. Alleva

NYC. January, 1955.



Something is wrong with Ezra-and it isn't the kind of wrong you can pray away.



Ever since her fifteenth birthday, the world has begun to slip. Questions about who she is are met with silence, while a strange hum follows her through the city and into her dreams. When a mysterious street vendor offers her a path to the truth, Ezra is drawn into the shadows of Central Park, where an ancient secret waits.

But some truths come at a terrible cost.



As Ezra peels back the layers of her reality, she uncovers a horrifying secret buried beneath years of silence and fear. And she soon learns that the greatest horrors aren't hiding in the shadows.



They're hiding in plain sight.



Ezra's Secret is a chilling psychological horror novel about identity, trauma, and the terrifying cost of uncovering the truth.

Genres: Horror, Psychological Horror, Psychological

140 pages, Hardcover

Published August 18, 2026

About the author

PD Alleva writes thrillers. Whether those thrillers are Sci-Fi Fantasy’s about Alien Vampires attempting to subjugate the human race, or steeped in a haunting mystery, or an urban paranormal fantasy, PD always provides readers with a profound, entertaining, and satisfying reader experience, in a new genre he has coined as alternative fiction. His novels blend mystery, conspiracy, psychology, and action with the supernatural, horror, fantasy, and science fiction. Alternative fiction is PD's attempt at describing what readers uncover in any one of his books, a new discovery towards mainstream storytelling. He's been writing since childhood, creating and developing stories with brash and impactful concepts he describes are metaphors for the shifting energies that exist in the universe. PD lives inside of his own universe, working diligently on the Sci-Fi/Fantasy series, The Rose Vol. II, the urban paranormal fantasy series, Girl on a Mission, and Jigglyspot and the Zero Intellect, PD’s upcoming horror novel.

To receive the latest updates, sales, beta reading opportunities, book fairs, and giveaways, join PD’s mailing list: http://eepurl.com/gxKH7P

Reviews

[Sherry Fundin · Rating 4 out of 5]

No doubt about it. P D Alleva can write a story that will 'rip out the heart of humanity...to be feasted upon'. Ezra's Secret is sure to take you to the depths of hell and back again. It's not enough to say something is wrong with Ezra. Ezra's Secret shares the origin story of Wren Field, the villain from The Sleepy Hollow Incident: A Gothic Tale.

In Ezra's Secret, P D Alleva delves into the psychological trauma resulting from childhood sexual abuse, so brace yourself. His real life world as a trauma therapist makes the story stick to me. It makes me wonder how many times the abuse happens in real life. You had all my emotions roiled up.

P D Alleva, you amaze me with your ability to create such disturbing stories. I love wallowing in the darkness with you.

Ezra's Secret is a fast paced novella that made me cringe, filled with many triggers for those faint of heart, so enter at your own risk.

See more at http://www.fundinmental.com

[Horror Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

For a book that's only around eighty pages long, it packs a wollap of an emotional and psychological punch. And, yes, it eventually (no spoilers) deals with some truly horrific real life trauma amidst the supernatural leanings. It's impactful from the start because we are thrust into Ezra's world and have no idea what's going on. There's no preamble as such, just a teenage girl experiencing some very unsettling things. But what those things are and where this trail will lead will uncover secrets that'ss tear you to the core.

Ezra experiences disassociation constantly. She hears an OHMMMM type noise throughout her days and gets in trouble with the head teacher at her Catholic high school because she "spaces out". Keep in mind that this book is set in the year 1955. One day she runs into a street vendor who seems to peer into her soul and knows all of her secrets. He instructs her, if she wants to uncover the truth, to go into a cave deep in the woods and gather a necklace inside. And she does.

The necklace is in the form of a demonic entity and, with it, she can see into another world of demons and other beings parallel to our world. It's morbid and dark yet the necklace seems to protect her. But it will eventually uncover the reasons behind what she's suffering and that's where your heart will drop.

I've read P.D. Alleva's previous books and can say that he's an author that brings a mix of emotions, dread, and psychological terror in his stories and yet, this one is darker emotionally than I was prepared for. That's the point of horror though, isn't it? That's why I love indie horror so much because there are surprises which will leave you feeling unsettled. I highly recommend it.

[David Washburn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ezra is a troubled young girl, navigating her days in a Catholic school that oppresses her wandering mind often. Sister Agnes sees to it that her backside is kept red as a hard consequence while the girl’s home life gives her more reason to let her mind wander.

When a strange vendor takes root in her mind, Ezra finds herself falling into curiosities. P.D. Alleva uses this troubled character to explore the mind and the darkest corners within it with no handholding through the tragedy of it.

The writing is tight in this novella, wasting no words, and when you learn the secret you will either be triggered or feel a desperate pang in your heart to hug someone.

[Toby Skaggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun and gory short story!!!

Fascinating short story about brutalization and a young girl and her secret. Touches a tad into splatterpunk with the gore and the theme may trigger some. I totally finished it in a couple of hours...just had to know the ending

[MAXINEMUSTREADD · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ezra’s Secret by PD Alleva

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

PD has done it again with a story full of heart, deception, and betrayal in the most raw sense.

This is a story about a girl named Ezra who is going through some changes that are leaving her confused and worried. She has no one in her corner and is extremely lonely.

When she meets a street vendor he enlightens her on many facets of life.

This was amazing I knew where it was going with Ezra but the execution did not take away from the story.

There were times that I was tearing up, angry, and elated. PD is a trauma therapist and this really showcased those strengths and understandings he has with these conditions in this novella.

What I did not guess? The fricken ending which I should have known but man you got me good PD! Damn good!

Thank you for the ARC PD!!

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

The scariest aspect of this horror novella is that the terrors that grip Ezra could actually happen, and probably have. The horror is in this unfortunate young woman’s mind and her abusive family is of no help at all. The story lets the reader follow Ezra as she slides deeper and deeper into madness.
I like how the author develops the character of Ezra. She does some terrible things but I couldn’t help sympathizing with her on some level. She is a complex character. This is a short read but well worth the time.

[Alyssa Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

not just a story

This book had me by the throat. The undertones add so much to the story, heartbreaking moments, disbelief and tears.

The unreliable narrator had me trying to figure out what was distorted and what was real. This is the kind of story that lingers with you long after you finish.

Th religious elements add a layer of unease. Faith, guilt, morality, sin and shame are woven throughout the story that makes it feel increasingly uncomfortable as everything unfolds. There were so many times during this read that my jaw was on the floor.

[Erica Fields · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! I loved how pieces from P.D.'s The Sleepy Hollow Incident showed up in this early origin story of my favorite character Wren! This is a quick read, a real page turner!

[Momma T's Books · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

Another read where no character escapes my wrath. Except for Michael. And maybe Ezra. I've never hated individuals so much. Sister Agnes ... Deserved. Mother ... Not even close. Father? All that and then some. Not only getting what he deserves, but the "humiliation" brought through the author's words. Perfection. The Vendor ... I was ok with him. But the insinuation of what's next, nope. I'm over him as well. As for Michael ???? What the Hell.

While the subject matter is the backbone of the read, it is not overbearing. A creepy and disturbing read. The humming/singing in the audio will give you nightmares. Remember, NYC in 1955. That is why certain things are ok (not ok).

[Lauren Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gutted me. My heart broke for Ezra. The amount of emotion that this short read packed in …had to give 5 stars!

[Bookaholic__Reviews · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

I found this book to be incredibly unsettling and heartbreaking. I have not read the story The Sleepy Hollow Incident, but apparently this story is connected to one of its main characters. And this story serves as a bit of a look into why Wrens character is so dark and damaged. I am super eager now to go check it out also!

This story focuses on a very young girl who dealt with something no one should, let alone a small child and how those event and some dark influences change her. I would say this is more psychological horror, and while there are some supernatural elements, the real focus is the horrors of humanity.

I received a copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Cassandra Joy Hoover · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ezras Secret

Ezras secret is fantastic.
Check your triggers.
This story has heavy subject matter.
This book, from start to finish, had me hooked. Ezras story will stick with me. What a rough go at life . Gives you a heavy heart while reading for sure.
I look forward to the next installment .
The item in the cave have had an interest in for sometime now and loved to see it incorporated into this story.
Trying to review a book this great with no spoilers is a hard thing to do .
Read the book ! ☆☆☆☆☆☆

[Amanda Ruzsa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was fantastic! Ezra is so desperate to understand what is happening to her that she becomes willing to look in places she probably shouldn’t, and that made her journey all the more unsettling. What a horrifying group of people she is surrounded by. The more she learns, the more I found myself wondering whether finding answers are always a good thing, or if sometimes ignorance really is the safer option. This was really creepy, enjoyed it a lot!!

[Renee collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to P.D. Alleva for letting me arc read this story!

This story follows Ezra a girl who suffers abuse from her family, I felt so bad for Ezra and I was rooting for her when she got her revenge on everyone that deserved it. This was another 5 star read from this author for me I highly recommend this book to everyone who loves horror just as much as I do!

[Yahil Raven · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have only read two books total from this author and I must say I have not been disappointed. This story sure had its way to hook me from the very star. I loved it. Amazing read.

[Robin Reads a Ton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book truly pissed me off.

As soon as the book starts, it is clear that baby girl needed help. At first, we’re seeing these small signs that something is going on, but you don’t fully understand what until you really get into the meat of the story. Once everything starts being confirmed, though? I was pissed.

It was like every adult in her life was walking around with their eyes closed. This girl was clearly struggling, and instead of anybody actually stopping long enough to figure out what was happening to her, everyone was too wrapped up in their own selfish endeavors and their pursuit of faulty religion. Even as her mental state continued to decline, everything kept getting chalked up to demons. Oh, she had some demons all right. They just happened to be in the form of actual people who were harming her.

That was probably the most frustrating part for me. It felt like no one cared enough to actually ask questions, pay attention, or find out what was really happening to this girl. Everybody had an explanation for her behavior, but nobody seemed interested in actually listening to her. And I’m just going to say it: everybody deserved what they got, minus ONE character. I’m not telling you who because you need to read the book and find out for yourself.

I also want to be clear that the author is setting up a series that gives us context for a future main character, and he has done it brilliantly. Knowing that this story is laying the groundwork for what comes later makes everything happening here hit a little differently. Instead of simply introducing a character later and telling us who they are or why they became that way, we are actually being shown the events that helped shape them. I absolutely appreciate that kind of storytelling.

But those last few chapters?!

The street vendor? Really?!

DAMN.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Rudi McKay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ezra’s Secret completely pulled me in, and by the end I was just sitting there thinking, what the hell did I just read?

This is a short book, but P.D. Alleva packs so much darkness into it. Ezra’s story is heartbreaking from the beginning, and watching her try to understand what is happening to her while surrounded by people who should be protecting her made this incredibly uncomfortable to read. There’s this constant feeling that something is wrong, but you don’t fully understand just how wrong things are until the story starts peeling everything back.

I loved the psychological side of this. The uncertainty, the strange dreams, the secrets, and the question of what is real kept me guessing. And that ending? I genuinely did not see it coming. The final reveal completely changed how I was looking at everything that came before it.

This was disturbing, heartbreaking, creepy, and seriously messed up in the best possible horror way. It also left me wanting to know so much more about where this story goes next.

Definitely check the content warnings before picking this one up because there are some extremely heavy themes. But if you like psychological horror that gets inside your head and then leaves you questioning everything, Ezra’s Secret is absolutely worth reading.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy. All opinions are my own.

[Don Anelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Overall, there's a lot to like with this read. The fact that this spends as much as it does dwelling on the main girl, looking deep at the lifestyle she lives in, creates an immensely sympathetic portrayal as we follow along with her life and those around her. With everything here involving this working through the kind of secret-keeping and duplicity that others are creating, which allows the whole thing to be really intriguing as it goes along, the world-building that goes along here tries to piece together the way of life she has. The brevity it accomplishes this with is incredibly effective, using a series of events in the way to get this brought together, learning more about her so that the final half turns this into an immensely shocking and unexpected twist, which is one of the most harrowing concepts featured here to turn this around on its head. The idea of this is well-constructed and makes tons of logical sense within the narrative, making it even more effective as well, and about the only issue here is the reaction to the abuse and trauma this represents, as its openness to deal with such an issue might not be something all will be willing to dive into.

5/5

[Craig Claussen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley and Xpresso Book Tours for the free review copy in exchange for an honest review. This was a very well-crafted , quick, and harrowing read. There were a few passages where I felt like I started to lose my grip on what was happening, but somehow I knew that this was intentional, and when you realize what’s happening (it turns out that Ezra has several secrets), it all makes sense. The author’s note at the end is very useful for understanding it, and it confirmed how I had interpreted the more surreal scenes. I was unfamiliar with this author, so I didn’t realize that this is essentially the first in a series of prequels to an already published novel that I’m going to check out. Not knowing that book didn’t take away at all from the effectiveness of this.

[Ky · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short but gripping story, Ezra’s Secret is a psychological horror about a young girl who was failed by all who should have protected her.

Alleva hooks you in immediately, and this fast paced story doesn’t let up. Keen readers might pick up on some clues of this mystery from chapter one, but the fully fleshed out story isn’t quite what it seems from the start!

I appreciated the authors note in the end, Alleva speaks on the trauma work he was done in the past, and it shows in his work that he understands and was sensitive to the themes of this novella. I would definitely read more of Ezra’s story in the future!

Thank you to P.D. Alleva and Booksirens for the ARC opportunity!

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was such a creepy, and suspenseful read!From the very beginning, Ezra’s Secret pulled me in and kept me wondering what was really going on. There’s a great mix of mystery, secrets, and supernatural elements that make such a great thriller.

I loved the way the story slowly revealed its secrets while building the tension. Just when I thought I had things figured out, there was another twist that made me question everything. The creepy atmosphere definitely added to the fun without making the story too overwhelming.

It’s a quick, engaging read with plenty of suspense. I look forward to the sequel’s and reading more about Ezra’s and Michael’s path.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Hank Wu · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance reader copy of this book and am voluntarily providing an honest review.

Premise
A teenage girl troubled at home and school becomes seduced by dark visions.

Liked
* Creepy atmosphere that builds
* Sympathetic lead character
* Bloody horror sure to satisfy fans
* Short and sweet

Not for Me
* Felt bad for some of the innocent characters

Closing Comment
A prequel that recalls classic horror stories like Rosemary’s Baby and Carrie, this hypnotic story grabs readers and promises more mysterious and deliciously monstrous tales to come.

[Linda Birch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ahh the 1950's when women had few choices, and young girls had even fewer choices. Ezra seems to have no one on her side. Her home and school situations are so volatile that she fends off the unimaginable the only way she knows how. Ezra is lured by promises that she will find not only comfort and freedom in a certain special place, but also answers to the questions that plague her in her shattered world. What will she find in the darkness, and can she find her way out again?

[Emily Chamberlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A haunting, deeply unsettling read that packs an incredible amount into such a short story. I especially loved the way Alleva explored trauma and dissociation, and how Ezra’s fractured perception became a way of coping with what she couldn’t face. The parallels were disturbing and heartbreaking. Psychological horror at its best—creepy, thought-provoking, and one that will stay with me long after finishing.

[Darcie Morin · Rating 5 out of 5]

a truly unexpected twist

Ezra clearly has a tough life from the moment the story begins. I was angry for her from the moment I started reading and all the things she had to go through, but as the story continues, let’s just say she finds her courage. I didn’t expect things to end the way they did, but PD Alleva, did a great job of creating a strong image so that the book played like a movie in my mind.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ezra’s Secret is a haunting, beautifully written novella about a deeply troubled child failed by the people meant to protect her. P.D. Alleva captures your attention from the very first page and never lets go. Highly recommended—but be sure to read the author’s note before beginning.

[Cindy Scurlock · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75, this is a very quick audio listen. The closer I got to the end I felt like maybe I missed out on something. Turns out I did, I may have to go read the other book now. Turns out Wren may be a pretty intense evil being. 🤣

[Zulayma Catalan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh man this novella was short fast paced and horrific. A girl named Ezra, is dissociating from reality. Trauma can make people do and believe certain things to be real.

This E-book was sent to me for free by Book Siren and I'm willing writing an review

[BookSplatterBritt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emotionally burning.
Poor girl didnt even have a chance

[Rachel Browning · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Ezra’s Secret” by P. D. Alleva seriously got under my skin! I could not put it down and read it in one sitting. It’s creepy, disturbing, and deeply unsettling, with an atmosphere that had me questioning every shadow in my room while I was reading. I actually found myself looking around, wondering what might be lurking in the shadows. The tension kept building and the story had this constant feeling of dread that made it impossible to stop reading. A seriously dark and intense psychological horror that crawled into my head and stayed there!