Wakeful Children

by S.P. Oldham

When you open the pages of Wakeful Children, you peer into the mind of a depraved killer who started out small; the panic-stricken thoughts of a recovering alcoholic, just trying to get to a group meeting; the anguished, silent prayers of a man whose only wish is to get a peaceful night’s sleep. You get a glimpse into the greediness of a collector of old, even ancient artifacts – just don’t ask how he came upon them; the idle thoughts of a girl, playing innocently in the grounds of her grandparent’s house, oblivious to what she really is; the calculating machinations of an apparently frail, beautiful woman who is not all she appears to be.

The thoughts and actions of all these beings and more, including entities too old to truly age, spirits too nebulous to name, make up eleven short, intriguing, unsettling stories by S P Oldham, every story fresh and original. Beautifully descriptive prose, sometimes shockingly brutal passages coupled with vividly imagined and clearly depicted storylines make Wakeful Children: A Collection of Horror and Supernatural Tales an intriguing, inventive debut for this author.

239 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 20, 2016

About the author

S P Oldham lives in the beautiful Sirhowy Valley in South Wales. Although she writes mainly horror and dark fiction, she likes to dabble in other genres from time to time. She is also an avid reader.

S P Oldham currently has nine titles available on Amazon. Three of these make up The Mindless Trilogy - The Zombie Apocalypse: Where a Little Knowledge is a Dangerous Thing.
Book 1: Sleep, Think, Die
Book 2: The Undertaking
3. Brutal Truths

Short story collections:
Hag's Breath: A Collection of Witchcraft and Wickedness
Wakeful Children: A Collection of Horror and Supernatural Tales. Wakeful Children is also available in paperback.

The Dragon Has Wings and Wicked Little Blade are dark fantasy tales also available on Amazon.

Carnie's Wisdom is set post zom-poc and is on Amazon now.

Post Mortem is a standalone zompoc book.

The Bite-Sized Book of Silly Sunday Zombie Limericks is also available in paperback.

You can find S P Oldham on the following platforms:

Website, https://www.spoldhamauthor.com/

Amazon book page: https://www.amazon.co.uk/-/e/B01N2LSUMX

On Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/solostinwords/

Reviews

[Ray · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wakeful Children by S P Oldham is a horror anthology that reads fast and is recommended for fans of the genre.

The first story Joe Gallows starts out strong, a tale of a poor man in a cycle of violent abuse and revenge. Absorption, the second story, is more experimental written in second-person and it’s an interesting style. Even the tree is a character.

Once I got to the story entitled Sandman, which is about depression and the strange land of sleep, I noticed a recurring theme about dreams. The Century Man explored this, and stories like Crawl being about the deep human fear of the darkness of the night.

Some of the stories such as Allissa, Falling are more like fantasy with its mysterious setting.

Overall, as horror and the supernatural goes, the whole of the book be it hallucinations or dreams concerns how scary it is when reality comes unglued and no one knows what’s really real…

The brevity of the short stories works well, with expressive language. It doesn’t take long to read, so no reason not to give this anthology a try...

[Jeanette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would like to thank the author for sending me a copy of 'Wakeful Children' in exchange for an honest review.

How I love a good horror! As much as I enjoyed all the short and varied stories, the one that I would call my favourite was Joe Gallows. This was a very gruesome story and could imagine this would make a good horror movie. I rarely write what a story for fear of spoiling for others, but I do highly recommend, especially if you enjoy this genre.

[J.A. Sullivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wakeful Children is a superb collection of eleven short horror stories by S.P. Oldham. These tales span different time periods, tackle unique fears, and linger in the dark corners of your mind for days after reading them. Murder, ghosts, time-travel, a witch, and nightmares are just a few of the terrors within this compilation.

My favourite story was “Crawl” about a man petrified by a shadowy night-time stalker. I’m one of those people who, upon waking in the middle of the night, needs to convince myself that the dark mass in the corner is just a pile of clothes before I can summon the courage to get out of bed. And, after reading this story, my imagination went wild. It’s a story that really got under my skin.

“Absorption” was also fantastic and pushed against the normal constraints of story telling. This experimental narrative intersperses second and third person points of view to give the reader three flash fiction stories of the strange happenings of Oakwood Close tied together by the need for suffering by an ancient, sentient tree.

If true-life horrors get your heart racing more than supernatural beings, there are stories here to give you a thrill as well. “Joe Gallows” is the first entry in the collection and is a blood bath. This gritty tale of dead animals, a slingshot and revenge, is a fantastic start to Wakeful Children, and will keep you turning the pages.

Oldham’s prose is eloquent and beautiful, even through gory passages, bordering on (and often crossing into) literary horror. This is the first time I’ve read anything by this author, but it will not be the last.

[Theresa Jacobs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love it when a new author takes my expectations and flips them upside down. This book is superbly written and from the second I picked it up I didn't want to put it down. The stories are inventive and unique and breathtaking. A lot of the other reviews discuss the story Joe Gallows - truly spot on - but they don't mention the suffocating feeling of the Sandman, or the shiver inducing Silent Night.
Just see for yourself what frightens you the most, because in this book, the terror is plenty.

[Rajeev Singh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wakeful Children is a mixed bag of short stories that cover nearly the entire gamut of the macabre. There is a killer with the suggestive and eponymous surname ‘Gallows' who leaves just the right amount of violence in his wake to gratify the gore-hounds and voyeurs of psychotic behaviour; the mysterious events surrounding an oak tree which seem to be a cross between the fiction of Ramsay Campbell and Laird Barron; the thing living in a dark pool which reminded me of chilling references to an ‘Old One' living in a dark pool inside a mine in Robert Arthur's book, ‘Moaning Cave' one of my childhood favourites; a tale about chatrooms and the horror that lurks behind usernames and the myth of anonymity that the internet seems to bestow upon our bawdy behaviour.

There are many more with varying quality, some of them ending with an unfinished-business-feeling for me, but none can be accused of a dearth of creativity. After all, sometimes, things left unsaid and threads with loose ends can titillate or chill us even more, like teeth and nothing but gleaming white teeth visible in the gloom.

My favourite of the lot is ‘The Century Man,’ the best for me in terms of richness of idea. One of the passages seemed to define myself and how I feel about the world: He had no desire to hurt anyone; he merely wanted to be an observer, a witness, a shadow in the background. There was no room for that in these civilised days, no opportunity for blameless participation.

Overall, a very eclectic collection told in lush prose. I'll read more from this author.

[Rik Ty · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Wakeful Children, Oldham gives us a range of very subtle horror stories. All are trips into the uncanny. Several are horrific, and ALL are best enjoyed with an attentive read (a personal note that you might find helpful: I tried to listen to this book while working on a painting. I used the kindle ap’s text to speech, which is serviceable with some novels, but NOT with this one. Text to speech kills all the subtleties, and this work thrives on its subtleties. An audio book would be great, but the “text to speech” option should be avoided).
Wakeful Children gives us eleven short stories, and in them, Oldham’s landscapes are alive, and they are malevolent. Trees poison, Winter hunts. Holly ensnares.
Humans populate the top levels of these stories, but it is in the lower surfaces where the eeriness, the uncanniness, and the poetry resides.
For example, in the second story: “Absorption”, the surface details present instances of domestic unhappiness among a variety of households - these surface stories are easy enough to follow, but the story is actually about a weirdling tree that influences the nearby homes and thrives on the misery it causes. (This second layer, the entire point of the story, is what I missed using text to speech.) The book offers many encounters with the fantastic: evil trees; an embodiment of the Sandman, making its way into the real world; haunted pubs; children at the mercy of nature; voyeurs, who time-travel at terrible costs; witches, with cliffs to beguile on; bed-users, with covers to tremble under; blinding snow and biting wind, each with the space to shriek in.
Fantasy elements creep in strong with these stories - but so does the real world, and so does horror. Oldham gives us one story that takes place via an internet chat room, and the opening story, “Joe Gallows” is horrific and disturbing (not to mention ORIGINAL), right from the start. It is instantly unnerving, and increasingly gruesome - what else would you want in a horror story?
These works are eerie, nicely written and well worth your time - just make sure you read them with your own eyes. Thank you!

[K.N. · Rating 4 out of 5]

“He had a need for a very particular kind of slaughter.” p. 1

This eerie collection opens with a story that will disturb the squeamish then eases into a series of tales with intriguing supernatural elements.

The first story “Joe Gallows” craftily made me feel sorry for the unsavory main character before he commits his brutal acts. Joe is creepy and forlorn with a presence that reminded me of the nightly visitor in Stephen King’s Gerald’s Game. This story made me double-check my door locks! I could definitely see this character featured in a full horror novel. Creepy, creepy Joe.

In every story, characters take shape swiftly and the reader is thrust into their strange predicaments with a sense of uneasiness. Folk horror elements abound with ill-intentioned animals and sentient natural elements. “Silent Night” and “The Orchard” told ghost stories of a pub and a rectory orchard so haunted that I didn’t want either to end just yet. Other stories hint at dark fantasy but connect to this supernatural thread.

“He flinched, eyes wide in expectation and dread. There came a second knock, harder this time, followed by a firm rapping as if someone was demanding entry.” p. 107

The story “Crawl” built suspense triggered by the simplest of sounds: tapping. The character’s distress mounted with a tension reminiscent of Poe’s Telltale Heart.

“Blank Screen” offered a contemporary, yet still supernatural, jab at online trolls.

I recommend this book for those seeking eerie stories. I’m now looking forward to reading Oldham’s collection Hag’s Breath to see her unique take on witchcraft and wickedness!

[P.J. Blakey-Novis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wakeful Children is a collection of eleven short stories and is the first I have read from this author. I read a lot of anthologies and collections of shorts, and it is unusual for me to thoroughly enjoy every one of the stories. Wakeful Children was an exception. The first story, Joe Gallows, was more brutal than I had expected, and is probably my favourite if I had to choose one, closely followed by The Orchard, and The Face of the Gale. All in all, Wakeful Children is a fantastic collection, beautifully written, completely absorbing, and highly recommended.

[Dawn Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

In started this book two days ago...at night. I wanted to finish it that night but after reading the first couple of stories I had to stop. There is not much out there unattributed me in the horror genre but this sent my mind into hearing and seeing things. The author's writing style, word choice...amazing. I look forward to reading more of her works. The short stories are just enough and let your imagination run wild. The reader feels the characters fear, sees what they see.

[Cindylou · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another great book by SP Oldham! For me, short stories are a welcome distraction between long series. I felt like these were some of my own nightmares written on paper. From glimpses into the mind of killers to trying to drag oneself back to wake. I recommend this book for a quick and easy read just before you drift off to sleep.

[Amanda Steel · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first story in this collection was my favourite, and it set the tone of the book. The horror wasn’t just gore, but was shocking all the same (as it should be) and full of vivid description. Although I didn’t feel that the rest of the stories were as good, I felt like they had a lot to live up to, and they all their moments. Overall, a good (and unnerving) selection of horror stories.

[Lillian White · Rating 5 out of 5]

PLEASE NOTE: The following review was submitted to me by Lin M Ross. He is a goodreads member but is having some difficulty logging into the site. He kindly sent me this review for Wakeful Children along with his permission to use it wherever I choose.

In the absence of him being able to submit it himself, and in light of it being such a good review, I offer it here with my sincere thanks to Lin and my respect to potential readers. Thank you.


WAKEFUL CHILDREN: A Real Tour-De-force in the Horror Genre

Author S.P Oldham understands the sheer art inherent within the weaving a truly compelling tale. From the very beginning with the story "Joe Gallows", we are lead into a dark world that rushes towards us, like the icy prick and sudden deluge of a surging wave. There is that tingle within the senses, and an emotional rush of foreboding, so familiar, in the best of stories where wickedness and unexpected events take over and you are in for the fearful ride. Such is the first presentation leading off this anthology, and immediately the reader is thrown right into the crux of the narrative.

And what a narrative it is!

This is just the beginning. In total, there are eleven separate tales here, each with the necessary ingredients of light and shadow to add (at the very least) a littler shiver up the spine. My personal favorites include the following: "Joe Gallows", "The Sandman," "The Orchard" and "The Face in the Gale". Any one of these stories could stand alone, be expanded into a longer work, or adapted for the screen.

And while there is great diversity of tone and approach,Oldham applies a language that is concrete and yet features traces of graphic dazzle. You, as the reader, are ultimately seduced.

But the author does not let go of this carefully applied grip. There is mystery, suspense, and an awesome amount of craft at work here.

Even if horror, suspense and the like are not your preferred cup of brew, prepare to have your mind opened and completely blown.

To say I was impressed by the merits and the literary application throughout the pages of this anthology would be a gross and egregious understatement. -L.M. Ross

[TDCbookreviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wakeful Children: An Anthology of Horror by S P Oldham

Genre: Horror

About the book: Eleven short stories varying from slightly spooky to downright terrifying. A mix of different horror genres; certainly not appropriate for children.

Review: I enjoyed how each of the stories was a different kind of horror story. I appreciated that they had length to them but were still short stories. If you love horror I would definitely recommend this book.

Author Page/Website: http://solostinwords.doodlekit.com/home
link where you can purchase: https://www.amazon.com/Wakeful-Childr...
I recommend at least 16+ due to graphic content.

5 out of 5 stars.

[Joshua Henson · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Product Received for Free*

When people reminisce on the struggles of childhood, the memories often remain centered on the mundane: forgetting homework, apparent oppression by the adults around you, being forced to eat overcooked broccoli, among many other trials and tribulations. And yet, so many pieces of entertainment that focus on nostalgia fail to recall the unique and rampant paranoias that seemed to consume many a night as a child. The shadows that seemed to dance in the dark, the visions of monsters behind our eyes, the pitter patter of goblin footsteps we were promised were raindrops…
It’s humorous to reminisce at the unfounded worries that seemed so present to us in our youth, and despite their fantastical natures the sureness of our truth. In a number of short stories that each play on these youthful woes, S.P. Oldham places a unique spin on both classic childhood tales and simple gut feelings. The stories are strengthened by the sheer microcosm of each and every monster- from merely a deranged youth who locally terrorizes a family to a personification of insomnia, Oldham plays to the personality of her beasts- the horror of random selection for torment. While some may argue that the locality of her antagonists hinders the ability to chill the reader to the core, the fallibility of some of them adds to a certain realism. For example, in the collection’s opener, Joe Gallows, the titular character is a mere child obsessed with hanging animals. While this is not the end of the story by any means, his progression of victims is jagged enough to shock the first read and provide a near-electric dread throughout repeat reads.
From story to story it is clear that Oldham excels with subtlety. The standout tale of the collection, Devil’s Drop, shows the best of her strengths. Telling the story of siblings who stray into the territory of some sort of demon, Oldham weaves her way out of the need to describe the creature. While this could be indicative of laziness or indecisiveness Oldham’s use of elaboration based solely on the children’s feelings, the near primal dread of being caught where one shouldn’t be, instead creates a bone-chilling vagueness. This manipulations seems to hint that not even the protagonists, who know to fear it, know exactly what they are fearing. Another story in this collection, Absorption, uses a similar vagueness in vignettes to show the corruptive influence of what seems to be an Ent. However, I must concede that the horror is must less effective in the latter, more clearly envisioning a dark pity.
Oldham’s use of phrasing throughout every story manages to mix a sort of simplistic innocence with a near-Lovecraftian sense of knowing too much, and it is this oddly true-to-life childish wit that gives Wakeful Children it’s best moments. While the ages of some characters are purposefully vague, such as the apparent basement-dweller in Blank Screen who mixes childish hatred with vile threats, or the old-enough-to-have-a-family insomniac of The Sandman, every character regardless of maturity seemed to hold a similar sort of wariness born of inexperience. Similarly, in The Sandman, the protagonist’s exploration of the titular creature’s dreamscape is an appropriately Lovecraftian journey into a world that simply doesn’t make sense.
Thus, Oldham displays an impressive ability to evoke the nostalgic fears within
childhood without compromising the staying power of the horror. While a few stories in the collection are weakened by the format, which I found too ready to conclude, in general I found each story bite-sized enough to provide a quick thrill, most of which tended to stick with me for at least a few hours apiece. While the horror featured within is of a subtle type (no splatter-fests here!) I found it quietly introspective and showing a command of youthful impulsiveness, spite, and dread.

[Suzanne Synborski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wakeful Children by S.P. Oldham is a delightful collection of extremely well-written short stories guaranteed to hearken readers back to a cherished past, when they sat by a fire and listened with rapt attention as granny told scary stories. For those not lucky enough to possess such memories, Wakeful Children will fill that gap.

Oldham’s stories read like fairy tales cross pollinated by the Twilight Zone. Some are more gruesome than Grimm. Each tale is told in third person by a gentle, all-knowing voice that lends a haunting, personal quality to each story. Surprise endings and ambiguous conclusions will echo and linger in readers’ minds, causing them to rethink each story.

The characters are all unique: old, young, men, women; some are innocent, and some are downright dangerous. Everyone can find a character with whom they can identify.

The setting of each tale is precise enough to visualize, yet nebulous enough so that readers will feel that they might take place in any small town in Great Britain in various non-specific eras.

The silky plots are all intelligent and well-structured. The speed of each trajectory is carefully timed to hold a reader’s attention, to draw readers more closely into the terror. A grown-up version of the boogey man deliciously lingers over every single second, savoring every bit of terror. Readers will find themselves holding their breath along with the protagonist as he hides under the covers and listens for the ticking sound to draw closer. With a jolt, Joe Gallows transforms from a singular, twisted prankster to something much more dangerous. Ghosts, witches, and even diabolic weather conditions challenge characters and test their ability to survive.

Oldham’s style is clear and economical. She incorporates vivid descriptions and stunning metaphors without burdening the text with unnecessary words. The author’s attention to detail will enhance a reader’s ability visualize each setting without getting bogged down by excess.

The most notable quality of the collection, is the fact that each story has a unique plot. There is absolutely no redundancy among them and no derivative retelling of iconic tales, a sad practice that is all too common in the genre.

It can be said that the full-speed-ahead nature of current society is the perfect reason more readers reach for short story collections. Those who enjoy horror, hauntings, and the unexplained should give Wakeful Children a read.

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[Lauren • Gothic Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wakeful Children: A Collection of Horror and Supernatural Tales by S. P. Oldham is a unique and fascinating collection of stories that deal with the unusual, the terrifying, and the macabre.

Consisting of 11 separate stories, Wakeful Children takes on all aspects of horror; from gore to mystery, fantasy to curses, there is something for everyone in this book.

The first story, ‘Joe Gallows’, is a dark introduction to Oldham’s work. Obsessed with killing animals and putting them on display, Gallows takes it one step further in a tale of revenge. I thought this story was really well written and takes on a different conscience compared to other fictions dealing with murderers.

My favourite story out of this collection has to be ‘The Sandman’. The concept of taking something childlike and innocent and turning into a psychological mind-bending monster really creeped me out. I particularly enjoyed the ending where a final twist was revealed.

‘Devil’s Drop’ is a story we are all familiar with: doing something we were told not to do. This story also looks at childhood naivety but demonstrates the sinister consequences of straying from the path. I’d say this story was a reimagined fairy-tale with terror lurking just around the corner.

One of the most horrifying stories in this collection was ‘Crawl’. It takes a lot for me to get creeped out but ‘Crawl’ really got under my skin. The concept is one of my favourites- is it real or is it just imagination? The reader has to interpret the story as they wish, but then a horrifying twist takes place and the reader has to forget all reason and logic and go blindly into the dark. Stories like this are the reason horror exists; any story that weaves its way into your mind and plays tricks on you is worthy of a read!

The other stories in this collection are also brilliant to read (with the lights on of course!), I just chose my favourites to discuss in my review.

From the horrors of human nature, to the monster hiding in plain sight, Wakeful Children is a terrifying collection of horror stories that will haunt your dreams and keep you looking over your shoulder.

For anyone wanting to branch out into the world of horror, this book ticks all the boxes. It has something for everyone and the stories are very easy to read! Additionally, anyone already a fan of horror should definitely check out Wakeful Children as even you will find something new and terrifying waiting in the dark.

[GracieKat · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wakeful Children is a very solid collection of horror and dark fantasy short stories. I love the title, Wakeful Children and the cover is a good one. The writing is good and solid throughout. While I can't really say it's enthralling I would still recommend it. The stories were interesting and entertaining. So, what are the stories?

Joe Gallows: Not a very strong opener and the stories later are much better.

Absorption: Maybe it was just me, other people might like the story better. It seemed to go off on a tangent that didn't really lead anywhere. I'd be interested to know what other people think about this story.

The Sandman: As someone who has suffered from insomnia this story really struck home and was very creepy.

Devil's Drop: A pretty good story. Rhiannon and Movran are very believable siblings and I love Rhiannon's protectiveness. If it had a flaw it would be that the speech is slightly too modern and it took me a second reading to figure out an estimate of when it took place.

The Century Man: This was by far my favorite story of the book. It had an interesting premise that was executed perfectly. I'd like more follow up on the min-epilogue.

Silent Night: I loved this story, definitely one of my favorites. I loved the family together and the end was great as well.

Alissa, Falling: A great story (told you they get better later in the book) that had a very solid grasp on the timeframe it took place in.

Crawl: This one was a little meh to me. I just didn't feel the main character's terror and desperation.

Blank Screen: A very good story about internet (well, supernatural internet) caution. In other words, don't be a trolly bitch online.

The Orchard: Excellent ghost story with a decent twist.

The Face of the Gale: I liked it but I wasn't sure what the point to it was. As it is it seems more like a slice of creepy life.

I guess if we did half stars I'd give Wakeful Children a 3.5.I enjoyed most of the stories and I'd be interested in reading more by S.P. Oldham.

Received from the author for review consideration

Find this and other genre reviews at https://www.scifiandscary.com/

[John Naylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book for free as a competition prize directly from the author.

A collection of short stories is something I often find hard to review. I think I have said in a review that they are hard to rate as well. The 4* rating here isn't an average of what I would rate each story. I also don't like to review each story in turn. Mainly as I keep my reviews spoiler free.

Having explained all that, of the eleven stories here I think that four in particular stood out. There were also two I just didn't enjoy. I do feel that the author did overwrite some paragraphs at times but not to the point where I would mark the collection down for it.

There are some genuinely chilling images created by the stories. There are moments that will make you think too. There is a lot of variety of style and genre in the stories. There are elements of the supernatural, elements of thrillers, elements of fantasy and things that I would describe as being science fiction too.

I can recommend the collection for a curious reader. There is enough variety in the stories so it is possible that any reader will find something interesting in them.

[P.S. Winn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to say the stories in this collection will haunt you and the book itself is somewhere between 4 and 5 stars because I loved many of the tales 5 stars worth and some 4 stars worth. Readers are going to find 11 short stories that take you into the realm that lies between dreams and nightmares. I read this collection just before Halloween, a great time for the theme that runs throughout the tales, but must say you can enjoy these stories anytime and maybe would like to read them with the lights on.

[Linda Fallows · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Move over Stephen King and Dean Koontz, there is a new kid on the block, vying for your crowns!
This collection of stories by S. P. Oldham have reignited my love of the short horror/supernatural story. I have not read as great a collection since King’s Nightmares and Dreamscapes.
If you are looking for a fresh author whose writing will thrill you, look no further.

[Taz Warner · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 Stars

I'm not sure if it's just me but when I grabbed this book I expected more horror/gore that I received

Don't mind me a supernatural story too but I don't know these just didn't hit me as good as others

Half the stories I loved and half I really wasn't a fan that's why I've gone for a solid 2.5 stars

[S.P. Oldham · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review is on behalf of Steve, who is not a goodreads member but gave his permission to add the review here:

5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent series of short stories
The Wakeful Children encompasses great characters, draws you in right from the very start and ends up chilling you to the bone!"

[Bloody Blogger Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a refreshing Horror Anthology not for the faint of heart! It's poetic disposition enthralls you and the dedcriptive prose alarms you, yet entertains you. Great read for all horror fans. I couldn't put it down!

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

a wonderful collection of horror stories! each story has a unique plot with great attention to detail which i loved, i’m so glad i came across the author and i look forward to reading more of her books.

[Sylvia Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well worth it

An excellent read, this book gave me the chills a few times, if you want a scary story..... read on I say

[Joyce Ward · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed these short dark stories and look forward to more in the future. Just right to cosy down to on a cold dark night if you dare@

[Anthony Cullen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Brilliantly read with some seriously dark twists and turns. So easy to pick up and read when I get an hour to myself.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received this book free/ARC am voluntarily reviewing. terrifying twists and turns , grisly and gripping , fast paced ,Amazing collection of short stories highly recommend this book

[A.C. Salter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bone chillingly good!

S P Oldham writes in a way that will keep you gruesomely hooked. The stories are immersive and draw you along - each very different from others you may have read before. Watch out Stephen King, there's somebody here that will have you trembling on you pedestal...

Well done S P Oldham