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In Shadows Waiting
Young Simon Reynolds lives a bucolic life at his family home, White Pastures, surrounded by a loving family and a charming community.
Simon finishes his A levels and looks forward to unwinding while his sisters work on their tans.
Meanwhile the tiny community of Meriton has been plagued by a spate of burglaries, and White Pastures seems to be next.
A shadowy figure stalks the house, but the police can find no signs of an intruder.
As the summer progresses, the shadows take on an altogether more sinister implication, and White Pastures begins to reveal a terrifying secret.
The epicenter of an event that has scarred an entire community, White Pastures grows more and more dark, possessed by a shadow that yearns, a shadow that will not be denied.
At White Pastures, someone will die – but love never will.
Simon finishes his A levels and looks forward to unwinding while his sisters work on their tans.
Meanwhile the tiny community of Meriton has been plagued by a spate of burglaries, and White Pastures seems to be next.
A shadowy figure stalks the house, but the police can find no signs of an intruder.
As the summer progresses, the shadows take on an altogether more sinister implication, and White Pastures begins to reveal a terrifying secret.
The epicenter of an event that has scarred an entire community, White Pastures grows more and more dark, possessed by a shadow that yearns, a shadow that will not be denied.
At White Pastures, someone will die – but love never will.
152 pages, Paperback
First published June 6, 2014
2 people are currently reading
20 people want to read
About the author
Stewart Bint
28 books35 followersInternational novelist published by Creativia, and Dragon Moon Press. Journalist/magazine columnist. Active mental health awareness campaigner, named on the 2016 list of "Inspirational Mental Health Advocates that are changing the world."
Previous roles include radio presenter, newsreader and phone-in host.
Married to Sue, with two grown-up children, Chris and Charlotte, and a charismatic budgie called Sparky.
Lives in Leicestershire, UK. Usually goes barefoot.
Novels: When God's Wind Blows; To Rise Again; The Jigsaw And The Fan; Timeshaft; In Shadows Waiting;
Novellas: The Twitter Bully; Malfunction; Ashday's Child.
Short story collection: Thunderlands.
Non fiction: Up Close And Personal; Up Close And Personal Volume 2
Anthologies: Ghostly Writes Anthology 2016; Looking Into The Abyss; Serious Flash Fiction; Just A Minor Malfunction; Awethology Dark; December Awethology Light; Blood Moon,
Previous roles include radio presenter, newsreader and phone-in host.
Married to Sue, with two grown-up children, Chris and Charlotte, and a charismatic budgie called Sparky.
Lives in Leicestershire, UK. Usually goes barefoot.
Novels: When God's Wind Blows; To Rise Again; The Jigsaw And The Fan; Timeshaft; In Shadows Waiting;
Novellas: The Twitter Bully; Malfunction; Ashday's Child.
Short story collection: Thunderlands.
Non fiction: Up Close And Personal; Up Close And Personal Volume 2
Anthologies: Ghostly Writes Anthology 2016; Looking Into The Abyss; Serious Flash Fiction; Just A Minor Malfunction; Awethology Dark; December Awethology Light; Blood Moon,
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
January 20, 2016
Simon is at a point in his life when everything should be perfect. He has finished his school exams; and he's living in a gorgeous English village with a loving family. But a dark shadow encroaches on their house, promising the worst summer of their lives.
I'm not much of a horror reader (or film watcher - horror movies bore me to death), but I found this book very pleasant. It is a very mild ghost story, so you will find it very readable, even if it's not your normal thing.
I really like the very English setting. A quaint village setting; a very normal family; a relaxing summer and even a trip to Brighton and Camber Sands.
Simon is a typical teenager, he has just finished school, and he's enjoying a lazy summer topping up his tan before he heads on holiday with friends. He is perfectly content with his life, and gets along with his parents and his two sisters.
This book is very gentle and feels like it could easily fit in with Midsomer Murders (I don't care what anyone says, I love watching Barnaby et al).
It is a nice short story, the mysterious threat increasing in intensity to give quite the climatic ending.
At the same time, there's a transparency to the story, and you can guess the cause of it all pretty early on.
The not-so-good?
There were a few minor bits that distracted for me. In the introduction, I would have liked it to be clearer that Helen and Sarah are Simon's sisters - maybe it was just me that was confused, thinking they were his daughters, suddenly followed by a time skip.
The 1980's setting - shouldn't mention Take That (the biggest band of the 90's) in the first chapter.
Evil. I felt the word "evil" was over-used. I mean, I get that this shadow is evil, and it gives off an evil vibe; but I felt that Simon and co. jumped very quickly to the conclusion that the shadow was evil. Especially compared to the vicar's own reaction was to sense the love and longing in the atmosphere. But anyways, the thing was evil and did increasingly evil things. I kinda wished the evil descriptions would vary a bit.
It irked me that the whole book comprised of keeping the women-folk in the dark. It was perfectly alright for Simon, his dad, Helen's boyfriend, and the male vicar to save the day. This included going to some extreme lengths and constant lying to keep the girls blissfully ignorant. The women in the book are all presented as weak; of not being able to cope with the stress of knowing that something evil (oops, there's the E-word again) is living in their house.
I couldn't help but roll my eyes at the patronizing nature of it all.
I think it was a 3.5 out of 5 for me.
All in all, a decent read that I would recommend. I look forward to more of Bint's work.
I'm not much of a horror reader (or film watcher - horror movies bore me to death), but I found this book very pleasant. It is a very mild ghost story, so you will find it very readable, even if it's not your normal thing.
I really like the very English setting. A quaint village setting; a very normal family; a relaxing summer and even a trip to Brighton and Camber Sands.
Simon is a typical teenager, he has just finished school, and he's enjoying a lazy summer topping up his tan before he heads on holiday with friends. He is perfectly content with his life, and gets along with his parents and his two sisters.
This book is very gentle and feels like it could easily fit in with Midsomer Murders (I don't care what anyone says, I love watching Barnaby et al).
It is a nice short story, the mysterious threat increasing in intensity to give quite the climatic ending.
At the same time, there's a transparency to the story, and you can guess the cause of it all pretty early on.
The not-so-good?
There were a few minor bits that distracted for me. In the introduction, I would have liked it to be clearer that Helen and Sarah are Simon's sisters - maybe it was just me that was confused, thinking they were his daughters, suddenly followed by a time skip.
The 1980's setting - shouldn't mention Take That (the biggest band of the 90's) in the first chapter.
Evil. I felt the word "evil" was over-used. I mean, I get that this shadow is evil, and it gives off an evil vibe; but I felt that Simon and co. jumped very quickly to the conclusion that the shadow was evil. Especially compared to the vicar's own reaction was to sense the love and longing in the atmosphere. But anyways, the thing was evil and did increasingly evil things. I kinda wished the evil descriptions would vary a bit.
It irked me that the whole book comprised of keeping the women-folk in the dark. It was perfectly alright for Simon, his dad, Helen's boyfriend, and the male vicar to save the day. This included going to some extreme lengths and constant lying to keep the girls blissfully ignorant. The women in the book are all presented as weak; of not being able to cope with the stress of knowing that something evil (oops, there's the E-word again) is living in their house.
I couldn't help but roll my eyes at the patronizing nature of it all.
I think it was a 3.5 out of 5 for me.
All in all, a decent read that I would recommend. I look forward to more of Bint's work.
June 24, 2024
In Shadows Waiting is a tension filled ghostly tale, the writing is resplendent. I could not wait to turn the next page.
The book follows Simon, his sisters, Helen (her boyfriend Mark also), Sarah, and their parents. They live in their home White Pastures; in a small village in the South of England. Simon and his sisters are all similar ages, Simon has just completed his A-levels and feels a little more carefree now they have finished, until...
One night, a strange shadowy figure emerges at their windows, at first they pass this off as a link to the burglaries which have been occurring in the village. At first as I was reading, I believed this to be a lighter horror tale, as the entity only lightly presses the family. How wrong I was!
The tension builds and builds as the story continues, the pace is perfect and the descriptions imaginative; I could visualise the later chapters in my minds-eye. This is a sign of great writing.
I thoroughly recommend picking up In Shadows Waiting if you fancy a frenetic horror story.
5*
The book follows Simon, his sisters, Helen (her boyfriend Mark also), Sarah, and their parents. They live in their home White Pastures; in a small village in the South of England. Simon and his sisters are all similar ages, Simon has just completed his A-levels and feels a little more carefree now they have finished, until...
One night, a strange shadowy figure emerges at their windows, at first they pass this off as a link to the burglaries which have been occurring in the village. At first as I was reading, I believed this to be a lighter horror tale, as the entity only lightly presses the family. How wrong I was!
The tension builds and builds as the story continues, the pace is perfect and the descriptions imaginative; I could visualise the later chapters in my minds-eye. This is a sign of great writing.
I thoroughly recommend picking up In Shadows Waiting if you fancy a frenetic horror story.
5*
April 14, 2015
I was provided a free copy from the author, in exchange for an honest review.
I should point out, that the rating provided is more of a reflection of my personal taste, rather than the quality of the written work.
When I began to read this book, I was more or less instantly reminded of 'The Woman In Black', the first play that still haunts me for all the wrong reasons. And there were sections of the book that brought some of those old memories out, which left me feeling very disconcerted and terrified.
The way this book is written, is brilliant. It's a simple short story, with a simple plot. But oh my God, it keeps you on your toes! You don't know what is going to happen next to this family, and what the 'uninvited guest' will do. I did somewhat figure out why the 'guest' was there, and whom it was after and why early on in the book, but it was nice to see my suspicions confirmed! The language used is simple, yet vivid and powerful, and you cannot help but picture the various scenes unfolding in front of your very eyes. When you are reading a supernatural story, that is exactly the reaction you want from your reader.
As I mention in my second paragraph, the rating is more of a reflection of my personal tastes than the work. I am not a huge fan of supernatural books, but it was a gripping story, that kept my attention right through to the end!
I should point out, that the rating provided is more of a reflection of my personal taste, rather than the quality of the written work.
When I began to read this book, I was more or less instantly reminded of 'The Woman In Black', the first play that still haunts me for all the wrong reasons. And there were sections of the book that brought some of those old memories out, which left me feeling very disconcerted and terrified.
The way this book is written, is brilliant. It's a simple short story, with a simple plot. But oh my God, it keeps you on your toes! You don't know what is going to happen next to this family, and what the 'uninvited guest' will do. I did somewhat figure out why the 'guest' was there, and whom it was after and why early on in the book, but it was nice to see my suspicions confirmed! The language used is simple, yet vivid and powerful, and you cannot help but picture the various scenes unfolding in front of your very eyes. When you are reading a supernatural story, that is exactly the reaction you want from your reader.
As I mention in my second paragraph, the rating is more of a reflection of my personal tastes than the work. I am not a huge fan of supernatural books, but it was a gripping story, that kept my attention right through to the end!
December 13, 2014
As an avid fan of Stewart Bint’s work I knew I was going to love his latest release, but I wasn’t prepared for how much it would suck me into the story! I read this book in mere days because the writing was so good I couldn’t put it down.
The book follows Simon, a young man barely out of college, and his family. They are an ordinary family with an ordinary life, until they begin to see flashes of movement and shadows passing the windows. Simon begins to feel a dark and mysterious presence in his house as an unwelcome presence manifests. The haunting begins as merely mischievous, but rapidly escalates into menacing, and eventually downright terrifying. This malicious spectre is no longer content to remain in shadows waiting...
I was dragged along by this book, desperate to read each page, and my mind worked furiously, trying to pull together the clues and threads that ran throughout. I love a good creepy horror story and this one had me jumping at every noise and shadow. A thoroughly enjoyable read and another triumph for Mr Bint’s literary career.
The book follows Simon, a young man barely out of college, and his family. They are an ordinary family with an ordinary life, until they begin to see flashes of movement and shadows passing the windows. Simon begins to feel a dark and mysterious presence in his house as an unwelcome presence manifests. The haunting begins as merely mischievous, but rapidly escalates into menacing, and eventually downright terrifying. This malicious spectre is no longer content to remain in shadows waiting...
I was dragged along by this book, desperate to read each page, and my mind worked furiously, trying to pull together the clues and threads that ran throughout. I love a good creepy horror story and this one had me jumping at every noise and shadow. A thoroughly enjoyable read and another triumph for Mr Bint’s literary career.
November 29, 2015
Not normally a ghost story reader, I must recommend "In Shadows Waiting" by Stewart Bint. A family is assaulted in their home by a supernatural event, and the story grows from there. This story kept me pushing on to see what would happen next. And I'm not telliing. If you like ghost stories, this one will keep your attention. If, like me, the paranormal isn't your typical read, READ IT ANYWAY. As much a mystery to be solved as a scary horror, you will feel the terror as the writer beautifully captures the emotion. And enjoy the twists.
February 7, 2017
In Shadows Waiting By Stewart Bint
Stewart starts the book as a diary entry with the opening line “ The creature’s triumphant laugh”.
With this bold statement, you are hooked wanting to know more, as you follow the Reynolds family on their journey of discovery as to what this creature is and what it wants. You follow Simon on a journey of realisation into a world of supernatural and demons of evil….. but is it. This is a love story that travels through time and realms of exitance to seek their one true love
The books start with Simon enjoying his summer break, just finishing his A level. The Reynolds live on a property called White Pastures just outside a small village in England. Strange things start happening and Simon is the first to notice them along with his older sister Helen.
As the story progresses the rest of the family notice these strange occurrences and so Does Helen’s Boyfriend Mark who has come to stay with the family for a few weeks. Mark encourages Simon to seek out more information about the house and its history and what they discover is tragic.
During an outing Mark and Simon are attacked by something unknown and almost killed, then on the way home Simon almost kills the three in the car. And things continue to happen to the family and their guest at an alarming evil rate to the point the family seek the assistance of the old village Vicar Reverend McBeil
This books keeps you hanging wanting to know more, what will happen next, what is this creature, why is it doing this…. These are all the questions you will ask while reading it. The deeper you go into the story the more questions it raises. Stewart has provided believable characters and descriptive settings in each chapter, you feel like you are there along with young Simon and his family as they live this terrifying experience.
I should warn you there is character death both major and supporting an old favourite in the book. But their deaths are part of the journey that young Simon must go on.
The book is spine tingling as you go through this journey with Simon and at time you are sitting on the edge of your seat waiting for what next is to happen. It is a short book and if you dedicate a day to it you probably will finish it, but it is worth a read if you like suspense, supernatural, with some new age concepts perfectly placed in it.
Stewart starts the book as a diary entry with the opening line “ The creature’s triumphant laugh”.
With this bold statement, you are hooked wanting to know more, as you follow the Reynolds family on their journey of discovery as to what this creature is and what it wants. You follow Simon on a journey of realisation into a world of supernatural and demons of evil….. but is it. This is a love story that travels through time and realms of exitance to seek their one true love
The books start with Simon enjoying his summer break, just finishing his A level. The Reynolds live on a property called White Pastures just outside a small village in England. Strange things start happening and Simon is the first to notice them along with his older sister Helen.
As the story progresses the rest of the family notice these strange occurrences and so Does Helen’s Boyfriend Mark who has come to stay with the family for a few weeks. Mark encourages Simon to seek out more information about the house and its history and what they discover is tragic.
During an outing Mark and Simon are attacked by something unknown and almost killed, then on the way home Simon almost kills the three in the car. And things continue to happen to the family and their guest at an alarming evil rate to the point the family seek the assistance of the old village Vicar Reverend McBeil
This books keeps you hanging wanting to know more, what will happen next, what is this creature, why is it doing this…. These are all the questions you will ask while reading it. The deeper you go into the story the more questions it raises. Stewart has provided believable characters and descriptive settings in each chapter, you feel like you are there along with young Simon and his family as they live this terrifying experience.
I should warn you there is character death both major and supporting an old favourite in the book. But their deaths are part of the journey that young Simon must go on.
The book is spine tingling as you go through this journey with Simon and at time you are sitting on the edge of your seat waiting for what next is to happen. It is a short book and if you dedicate a day to it you probably will finish it, but it is worth a read if you like suspense, supernatural, with some new age concepts perfectly placed in it.
April 25, 2023
Brings back memories.
This is the kind of story that both terrifies and thrills at the same time. It also brings back memories of the time I had my own 'experience' with the unknown.
I couldn't have been more than two or three and woke to a noise. Looking up I saw a man-shaped shadow in the room that slowly turned to look straight at me, its eyes flashing. I froze and squeezed my eyes closed and lay there with my heart pounding for the rest of the night till daylight.
This story brought back that heart-pounding memory of terror. A solid five stars.
This is the kind of story that both terrifies and thrills at the same time. It also brings back memories of the time I had my own 'experience' with the unknown.
I couldn't have been more than two or three and woke to a noise. Looking up I saw a man-shaped shadow in the room that slowly turned to look straight at me, its eyes flashing. I froze and squeezed my eyes closed and lay there with my heart pounding for the rest of the night till daylight.
This story brought back that heart-pounding memory of terror. A solid five stars.
March 17, 2019
Such an amazing read! I enjoyed every second of it! Bint has created a phenomenal peice of work. The atmoshphere of the book was so dark and eerie and it gave me chills- it has been a long time since I have read a book that is able to do this so well! This is an incredible ghost story, and I highly recommend it!
January 14, 2019
This short horror story by a local author was an easy read that kept me occupied during a couple of health related sleepless nights recently. It did leave me wondering about reincarnation though.
October 2, 2015
Simon Reynolds is an average teenage boy who just finished his A level exams, and plans on spending the rest of his summer vacation relaxing. His family is an ordinary happy family and they live in a seemingly normal home, White Pastures… or so they think. There have been a spring of burglaries in the neighborhood, and when Simon and his sister Helen see movement outside of their house, they assume that it’s probably due to the crimes happening. But when things escalate from a moving shadow to a horrifying face seen in the window, the police get involved. When they find no signs of invasion, the Reynolds, more specifically Simon, start to believe that maybe there’s something else lurking from the dark. Something supernatural.
Not understanding why they are being haunted, what is haunting them, and what the haunter wants, the Reynolds’ seemingly happy and normal life gets turned upside down when a strong unknown being terrorizes them and endangers their lives, not stopping until it gets what it desires.
In Shadows Waiting is a suspenseful and mysterious read as you try to understand what is happening and why it’s happening to this particular family. And it is terrifying as much as it is suspenseful, which I thought was portrayed beautifully. I normally stay away from horror works, as it’s not a favorite genre for me, but when I do read it, I look forward to the chills going up my spine at the mysteries involved, the eerie feeling I get when I know something is about to scare the pants off me, and that feeling of dread going into reading knowing that I’m going to be scared and it’s too risky, but I can’t seem to put the book down because I want to know what happens next. I got all of that reading this book and it was amazing. How Bint depicted the disturbing creature creeping from the shadows, yet never truly revealing itself left me trembling. And I know I would still be shivering even if I didn’t read my book in the dark, because the image I conjured up of this being was very displeasing, so kudos to Bint for the imagery.
And it wasn’t just the images of the unknown that terrified me to enjoyment, but it was also the characters and story behind it all. The characters were nothing special, yet they pulled at my heartstrings with their care and love for one another. Their togetherness made them strong and that’s what made them special. The plot was simple, yet it spoke volumes. And the history of the house wasn’t something crazily scary, but it still drew me in and surprised me. After the history was partly revealed, I knew where everything was going and was pleased when it came true, but I didn’t expect the ending. It was moving yet terribly sad, but I understood why it took that turn. When the book was over, there was a strong lingering ache in me for the family and all that they’ve been through. When emotions are still strong in me even after I’ve read something, I know that whatever I read was a great piece of work, and that’s exactly what In Shadows Waiting is.
I give this book 5 fangs! I recommend it to those of you who love paranormal horror more than I do. And even though I don’t get down with the genre, I’m glad I didn’t miss out reading this book. It was truly worth it.
Not understanding why they are being haunted, what is haunting them, and what the haunter wants, the Reynolds’ seemingly happy and normal life gets turned upside down when a strong unknown being terrorizes them and endangers their lives, not stopping until it gets what it desires.
In Shadows Waiting is a suspenseful and mysterious read as you try to understand what is happening and why it’s happening to this particular family. And it is terrifying as much as it is suspenseful, which I thought was portrayed beautifully. I normally stay away from horror works, as it’s not a favorite genre for me, but when I do read it, I look forward to the chills going up my spine at the mysteries involved, the eerie feeling I get when I know something is about to scare the pants off me, and that feeling of dread going into reading knowing that I’m going to be scared and it’s too risky, but I can’t seem to put the book down because I want to know what happens next. I got all of that reading this book and it was amazing. How Bint depicted the disturbing creature creeping from the shadows, yet never truly revealing itself left me trembling. And I know I would still be shivering even if I didn’t read my book in the dark, because the image I conjured up of this being was very displeasing, so kudos to Bint for the imagery.
And it wasn’t just the images of the unknown that terrified me to enjoyment, but it was also the characters and story behind it all. The characters were nothing special, yet they pulled at my heartstrings with their care and love for one another. Their togetherness made them strong and that’s what made them special. The plot was simple, yet it spoke volumes. And the history of the house wasn’t something crazily scary, but it still drew me in and surprised me. After the history was partly revealed, I knew where everything was going and was pleased when it came true, but I didn’t expect the ending. It was moving yet terribly sad, but I understood why it took that turn. When the book was over, there was a strong lingering ache in me for the family and all that they’ve been through. When emotions are still strong in me even after I’ve read something, I know that whatever I read was a great piece of work, and that’s exactly what In Shadows Waiting is.
I give this book 5 fangs! I recommend it to those of you who love paranormal horror more than I do. And even though I don’t get down with the genre, I’m glad I didn’t miss out reading this book. It was truly worth it.
November 4, 2015
In Shadows Waiting takes the reader back in time to a sunny summer of youth when evil seems unimaginable, a time that seems both quaint and irretrievably lost. The book is told by Simon Reynolds as he looks back on his family as it was in that last summer of innocence. Knowing that there was a tragic outcome adds to the suspense when scary things begin to happen and the family explains them all away as they increase in danger and intensity.
The mounting intensity reminded me of how, in The Exorcist, the reader is lured in watching small things creeping up on the mother and daughter—sounds in the walls that could be rats in an old house, cold in a room where the radiator is hot. It also reminded me of the Amityville Horror, when the family was so happy to have lovely house at such a bargain price that they can’t bring themselves to believe that they are being attacked by supernatural forces. Unearthly chill despite a hot day outside? Think of what we’ll save on air conditioning!
The evil that attacks the Reynolds family builds in intensity so slowly that teenage narrator Simon and his family can explain away the first signs of evil as shadows, cats in the bushes, burglars, although no property a burglar might take is stolen. Items that do inexplicably disappear all belong to one family member, Simon's sister, Helen. Even after a near fatal attack on a sunny day at the beach, the enemy is invisible. Simon and his sister’s boyfriend, Mark, agree not to worry Simon’s family, who would be unlikely to believe that unknown malevolent forces are at work.
Sometimes ignorance is not bliss. The danger increases, every solution the family tries goes wrong, right up until the final, dramatic attack.
In Shadows Waiting offers thrills, scary encounters and an unexpected twist at the end.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The mounting intensity reminded me of how, in The Exorcist, the reader is lured in watching small things creeping up on the mother and daughter—sounds in the walls that could be rats in an old house, cold in a room where the radiator is hot. It also reminded me of the Amityville Horror, when the family was so happy to have lovely house at such a bargain price that they can’t bring themselves to believe that they are being attacked by supernatural forces. Unearthly chill despite a hot day outside? Think of what we’ll save on air conditioning!
The evil that attacks the Reynolds family builds in intensity so slowly that teenage narrator Simon and his family can explain away the first signs of evil as shadows, cats in the bushes, burglars, although no property a burglar might take is stolen. Items that do inexplicably disappear all belong to one family member, Simon's sister, Helen. Even after a near fatal attack on a sunny day at the beach, the enemy is invisible. Simon and his sister’s boyfriend, Mark, agree not to worry Simon’s family, who would be unlikely to believe that unknown malevolent forces are at work.
Sometimes ignorance is not bliss. The danger increases, every solution the family tries goes wrong, right up until the final, dramatic attack.
In Shadows Waiting offers thrills, scary encounters and an unexpected twist at the end.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 11, 2016
In Shadows Waiting - Stewart Bint
If the supernatural or the presence of ghosts makes you a tad jumpy, this is not the book for you. And even if you're quite comfortable with the 'other side of our world', you still might want to read this book on a nice, sunny day, sipping on some lemonade.
In Shadows Waiting follows the Reynolds family through the eyes of their oldest son, Simon. The book begins at present day, 2014 and then jumps back to the events of 1983, when Simon's 18 and his older sister's birthday is coming up. He is quite close to both Helen and Sarah, his younger sister. Both sisters are in a happy relationship and Simon is looking forward to Helen's party to maybe find some love for himself.
Unfortunately he will have other things to occupy his mind, as their beautiful home will be turned into something that wouldn't go amiss in The Exorcist. It becomes very clear they are not alone and their new 'guest' won't leave until it gets what it wants.
Bint's writing reads like the latest Dan Brown novel, it's a real page-turner. I finished this book in two days, couldn't lay it down! On a more personal note, this book was a huge source of frustration to me, as Bint dives into a world I'm very familiar with and I constantly found myself yelling at the characters, trying to get them to do something else, trying to prevent disaster.
Fortunately, or unfortunately, depends on how you look at it, Bint describes a realistic picture of how these events would go down in the time and place in which they are set, which left me with a dull ache inside for the characters I had come to love in the book. The book has a very exciting ending. Whether you'll be happy about it, that's a different ball game altogether, but if I were you, I wouldn't miss it for the world!
If the supernatural or the presence of ghosts makes you a tad jumpy, this is not the book for you. And even if you're quite comfortable with the 'other side of our world', you still might want to read this book on a nice, sunny day, sipping on some lemonade.
In Shadows Waiting follows the Reynolds family through the eyes of their oldest son, Simon. The book begins at present day, 2014 and then jumps back to the events of 1983, when Simon's 18 and his older sister's birthday is coming up. He is quite close to both Helen and Sarah, his younger sister. Both sisters are in a happy relationship and Simon is looking forward to Helen's party to maybe find some love for himself.
Unfortunately he will have other things to occupy his mind, as their beautiful home will be turned into something that wouldn't go amiss in The Exorcist. It becomes very clear they are not alone and their new 'guest' won't leave until it gets what it wants.
Bint's writing reads like the latest Dan Brown novel, it's a real page-turner. I finished this book in two days, couldn't lay it down! On a more personal note, this book was a huge source of frustration to me, as Bint dives into a world I'm very familiar with and I constantly found myself yelling at the characters, trying to get them to do something else, trying to prevent disaster.
Fortunately, or unfortunately, depends on how you look at it, Bint describes a realistic picture of how these events would go down in the time and place in which they are set, which left me with a dull ache inside for the characters I had come to love in the book. The book has a very exciting ending. Whether you'll be happy about it, that's a different ball game altogether, but if I were you, I wouldn't miss it for the world!
May 30, 2017
When Simon Reynolds thinks he sees a shadow flit outside the window of the house he shares with his family, he doesn't think much of it. But when there are more ocurrences and other members of the family (including the dog) become unsettled by things not quite seen, it is clear that there is something not quite normal at work.
As the days go by the menace becomes clearer. What is going on and why?
This is very much a traditional ghost story told very effectively by Bint from Simon's point of view. The whole story is also told by Simon as a flashback so we are aware that there are tragic consequences.
The air of menace in the first half of the book is palpable. The ghost is only glimpsed and can be explained away in the cold light of day. As the plot progresses and the threat becomes more real I felt that this sense was lost - but perhaps this is inevitable. Things half-seen out of the window at dusk mean nervous glances out of the windows when reading, but more substantial manifestations don't invoke quite the same sense.
By that time however the reader will be very keen to see what happens to Simon and his family. The past is demanding a price from the present, but who is going to pay it?
As the days go by the menace becomes clearer. What is going on and why?
This is very much a traditional ghost story told very effectively by Bint from Simon's point of view. The whole story is also told by Simon as a flashback so we are aware that there are tragic consequences.
The air of menace in the first half of the book is palpable. The ghost is only glimpsed and can be explained away in the cold light of day. As the plot progresses and the threat becomes more real I felt that this sense was lost - but perhaps this is inevitable. Things half-seen out of the window at dusk mean nervous glances out of the windows when reading, but more substantial manifestations don't invoke quite the same sense.
By that time however the reader will be very keen to see what happens to Simon and his family. The past is demanding a price from the present, but who is going to pay it?
September 11, 2015
A normal house and a normal family so one does not expect the abnormal. The story is told by Simon, who lives with his parents and two sisters. He has just finished his A levels and looking forward to some time off, but he begins to see shadows outside passing the windows of his home. At first he thinks they are just that, but he soon realises they aren't.
Then the rest of the family start seeing too, and life takes an unexpected turn as they prepare to believe in ghosts. I really enjoyed this simply because everything starts out so normal until peculiar things begin to happen.
Pretty scary in parts, but a great read which leaves you wondering what it was you just saw from the corner of your eye!
Then the rest of the family start seeing too, and life takes an unexpected turn as they prepare to believe in ghosts. I really enjoyed this simply because everything starts out so normal until peculiar things begin to happen.
Pretty scary in parts, but a great read which leaves you wondering what it was you just saw from the corner of your eye!
November 18, 2015
In Shadows Waiting is a great things-that-go-bump-in-the-night type of story. While the mystery of the story, I thought, was not as well stressed, the buildup of the what is going on was done quite well. It starts out with things that seem small and obscure, but builds to a great crescendo as things begin to get out of hand and deadly danger becomes an ever-increasing reality. That kept me well interested in the story, and eager to see just what was really happening.
Character development was adequate, but not necessarily deep, but the action, while sparse, was well written. The story as a whole was well-crafted, and I would recommend the book to any who are fans of ghost stories and the supernatural. I very much enjoyed reading the book and feel the author has great potential.
Character development was adequate, but not necessarily deep, but the action, while sparse, was well written. The story as a whole was well-crafted, and I would recommend the book to any who are fans of ghost stories and the supernatural. I very much enjoyed reading the book and feel the author has great potential.
December 1, 2014
A poignant thriller
Stewart Hint has crafted an articulate and enjoyable thriller that is a real page Turner. A Very ordinary British family are haunted by an unknown entity. The story is told through the eyes of son Simon which gives the reader a good opportunity to connect with the family and feel part of the proceedings. Mr Bint gradually and deftly builds up the events and drama till we are left with a shocking but satisfying conclusion. I recommend this book to all those who like curling up on the sofa with a cuppa and a good ghost story.
Stewart Hint has crafted an articulate and enjoyable thriller that is a real page Turner. A Very ordinary British family are haunted by an unknown entity. The story is told through the eyes of son Simon which gives the reader a good opportunity to connect with the family and feel part of the proceedings. Mr Bint gradually and deftly builds up the events and drama till we are left with a shocking but satisfying conclusion. I recommend this book to all those who like curling up on the sofa with a cuppa and a good ghost story.
April 28, 2015
This is my second Stewart Bint novel, and another great read. Once again, he's weaved a fantastic web of characters and clues, leading to an ultimately creepy climax.
(Side note: I actually shivered at the last line of chapter 17.)
There's one great thing that Bint does well: Twists. Although there are clues throughout the story, and you seem to find yourself on the right track, the end result is always a doozy.
Read my full review here: http://gcmacquarie.weebly.com/reviews...
(Side note: I actually shivered at the last line of chapter 17.)
There's one great thing that Bint does well: Twists. Although there are clues throughout the story, and you seem to find yourself on the right track, the end result is always a doozy.
Read my full review here: http://gcmacquarie.weebly.com/reviews...
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