CRIMP: A Psychological Horror Novel

by Cain Quillman

CRIMP is a standalone psychological horror novel introducing the haunting world of The Gallows Man.

A slow-burning dark psychological thriller novel where grief, forgotten history and an urban legend collide. Told across two timelines, CRIMP blends supernatural suspense, psychological mystery and creeping dread into an unforgettable descent towards the truth.



Perfect for readers

• Psychological thrillers
• Atmospheric stories
• Urban legends
• Prison mysteries
• Slow-burn suspense

Where prison history becomes urban legend.

***

THE GALLOWS MAN.

THE GALLOWS MAN.

THE GALLOWS MAN.



Three times. That's all it took.

Brynn Evesham only meant to visit her beloved mother's grave. Not summon a dead prison executioner.

But an urban legend doesn't care about intentions.

The Gallows Man comes when called. He judges the living. And history warns what happens to those who summon him.

What began as three innocent words has become a nightmare no one else can see. Her dad doesn't believe her, and she can't afford to wait until he does.

If she's going to survive, she must dig into the legend's past to find a way to escape his noose before he decides her fate.

How do you escape a death sentence when your executioner is already dead—and coming for you?



A dark psychological thriller where the past holds the answers.

***

"This story slithers under your skin and reminds you that you have a choice to confront your fears or let them kill you."
Early reader

"Shocking twists and breath-stealing reveals make this one impossible to put down."
Early reader***
Inside CRIMP you'll

• A former prison turned museum
• The forgotten executioner Walter Crimp
• A chilling urban legend
• Dual timelines that slowly converge
• Twisting mysteries and buried secrets
• Creeping psychological dread
• Minimal gore. Maximum suspense.
• An unforgettable villain

Themes: Obsession - Justice - Secrets - Memory - Consequences

346 pages, Paperback

Published September 21, 2026

About the author

Cain Quillman is a U.K. Author living in Durham. He was raised in the North East, alongside his twin - Neil.

Burning one school, and being expelled from the following one, Cain left school education with no qualifications. As a result, he spent his youth searching for employment, love, and a friendship that would replace the sudden absence of his twin.

Cain eventually settled down in a small town called Durham, which is situated in the North East of England and started writing in 2020 after his psychologist explained it would be a good healing process. Since that advice, he spends his evenings battling with persistent cats (Ninja and Bop), finding appropriate words for his next book, and persevering with his neurological condition - M.E. (chronic fatigue syndrome).

I enjoy chatting with my followers on Instagram. Head over to @cainquillman and say hi.