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Timmy Quinn #4
The Turtle Boy: Peregrine's Tale
Brand new and unread.
87 pages, Hardcover
First published August 1, 2010
29 people are currently reading
355 people want to read
About the author
Kealan Patrick Burke
194 books2,327 followersHailed by Booklist as “one of the most clever and original talents in contemporary horror,” Kealan Patrick Burke was born and raised in Ireland and emigrated to the United States a few weeks before 9/11.
Since then, he has written six novels, among them the popular southern gothic Kin, and over two hundred short stories and novellas, many of which are in various stages of development for film/TV.
A five-time nominee, Burke won the Bram Stoker Award in 2005 for his coming-of-age novella The Turtle Boy, the first book in the acclaimed Timmy Quinn series.
As editor, he helmed the anthologies Night Visions 12, Taverns of the Dead, and Quietly Now, a tribute anthology to one of Burke’s influences, the late Charles L. Grant.
More recently, he wrote the screenplays for Sour Candy (based on his novella), and the remake of the iconic horror film The Changeling (1980), for producer Joel B. Michaels.
He also adapted Sour Candy as a graphic novel for John Carpenter's Night Terrors.
His most recent release is Cottonmouth, a prequel to Kin. The Widows of Winding Gale, a maritime horror novel set in Ireland, is due for release in October as a signed limited edition from Earthling Publications.
Kealan is represented by Merrilee Heifetz at Writers House.
He lives in Ohio with a Scooby Doo lookalike rescue named Red.
Since then, he has written six novels, among them the popular southern gothic Kin, and over two hundred short stories and novellas, many of which are in various stages of development for film/TV.
A five-time nominee, Burke won the Bram Stoker Award in 2005 for his coming-of-age novella The Turtle Boy, the first book in the acclaimed Timmy Quinn series.
As editor, he helmed the anthologies Night Visions 12, Taverns of the Dead, and Quietly Now, a tribute anthology to one of Burke’s influences, the late Charles L. Grant.
More recently, he wrote the screenplays for Sour Candy (based on his novella), and the remake of the iconic horror film The Changeling (1980), for producer Joel B. Michaels.
He also adapted Sour Candy as a graphic novel for John Carpenter's Night Terrors.
His most recent release is Cottonmouth, a prequel to Kin. The Widows of Winding Gale, a maritime horror novel set in Ireland, is due for release in October as a signed limited edition from Earthling Publications.
Kealan is represented by Merrilee Heifetz at Writers House.
He lives in Ohio with a Scooby Doo lookalike rescue named Red.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
November 6, 2022
A short, fourth instalment in the Timmy Quinn series, Peregrine’s Tale is fast paced and some of the descriptions are quite terrifying. Kealan Patrick Burke is good in immersing his readers into the horror of his tales, his writing style is one of my favourites.
This story has a different protagonist, Perry Griffin (who is known as Peregrine). After he narrowly escapes death at the hands of his Mother, Peregrine sees his Father. But the only thing is his Father has already died…
There are also two bonus short stories included called The Neighbourhood Horror Story which features Timmy Quinn, and Genesis which takes place in 1895.
The Timmy Quinn series has been a favourite, I adored the first and third the most. Am looking forward to reading Nemesis, the fifth and final story, soon! I highly recommend to all horror fans.
This story has a different protagonist, Perry Griffin (who is known as Peregrine). After he narrowly escapes death at the hands of his Mother, Peregrine sees his Father. But the only thing is his Father has already died…
There are also two bonus short stories included called The Neighbourhood Horror Story which features Timmy Quinn, and Genesis which takes place in 1895.
The Timmy Quinn series has been a favourite, I adored the first and third the most. Am looking forward to reading Nemesis, the fifth and final story, soon! I highly recommend to all horror fans.
January 31, 2014
Back in 1979 young Perry Griffin was an only child. His father was gone and it was just his mother and himself; and The Man. From a young age, Perry had been unable to say his own name, running the two words together to form Per-grin, which eventually became Peregrine – forever more that was his name, with the only people calling him Perry being his teachers.
On the day his mother tried to kill him, his life changed forever – badly wounded he escaped from her, running through the woods until he could go no further. But the vision he saw when he regained consciousness was...it had to be a dream, or most definitely a nightmare. For in front of him was his dead father, and all around him, watching cautiously, suspiciously, were other dead people – the thickness of the air was frightening. And young Peregrine discovered he had a new purpose in life…
Book #4 in the Timmy Quinn series is a short story, a quick easy read and gives a little background on the ending of book #3, and I guess the lead-up to the final in the series, Nemesis, which is on my wish list to read soon. I have very much enjoyed this series, which I surprised myself about at the start, as I have always had an aversion to horror. So there you go! A series to recommend.
On the day his mother tried to kill him, his life changed forever – badly wounded he escaped from her, running through the woods until he could go no further. But the vision he saw when he regained consciousness was...it had to be a dream, or most definitely a nightmare. For in front of him was his dead father, and all around him, watching cautiously, suspiciously, were other dead people – the thickness of the air was frightening. And young Peregrine discovered he had a new purpose in life…
Book #4 in the Timmy Quinn series is a short story, a quick easy read and gives a little background on the ending of book #3, and I guess the lead-up to the final in the series, Nemesis, which is on my wish list to read soon. I have very much enjoyed this series, which I surprised myself about at the start, as I have always had an aversion to horror. So there you go! A series to recommend.
January 12, 2013
Peregrine's Tale is a very short but very potent tale in the Timmy Quinn saga with a twist at the end that I am not sure how I did not see coming...but I didn't. I am all in with this story and can't wait to read Nemesis to see how this all pans out. Kealan does a great job with this series building the story, dread and suspense that leaves you dying for more.
February 1, 2012
The fourth tale in the Timmy Quinn series, this novella gives you insight into the background of the character of "Peregrine" who is mentioned mysteriously in Vessels as being involved in the Curtain and the dead returning for revenge. An excellent precursor to the final book in the series, Nemesis, which leaves you with a revelation that, as it's expanded on in the final book, will likely explain everything that has come before. Burke does an excellent job of tying the stories into one another and the writing is, as usual, first-rate.
December 13, 2016
I enjoyed this one because it provided some much needed back story, but I have to admit that I missed Tim. This is a super quick read though, and quite necessary if you intend to read the entire Timmy Quinn series. Once again Burke's writing is superb, and this made me even more excited to pick up what is, sadly, the final book in the series.
January 2, 2023
Now, I arrive at book four, wondering what Kealan has in store, not only for Tim Quinn (as he now prefers to be known), but also for Kim and this mysterious Peregrine character. All roads led to Tim needing to find and confront Peregrine at the end of book three, so I was excited to dive into this one.
I will say – this is almost completely a stand-alone story – or off shoot story to the overall narrative. If Peregrine hadn’t been mentioned previously and if Timmy wasn’t connected at the very end, you could read this completely on its own and enjoy a truly memorable and emotional novella. It was released as a limited, signed hardcover through Cemetery Dance prior to its release/inclusion into this series, so there’s the chance at one point that this one might not’ve even been necessary for Timmy’s overall series and completion.
What I liked: No matter, what we get is a harrowing story of a young boy who is also introduced to the veil, to the parting between here and there, the curse Timmy has been carrying since he was eleven and discovers there is a connection between them.
This novella is incredibly hard to review while remaining spoiler free. What I will say, is that Peregrine’s father is gone, his mother struggles to make ends meet and her newest man has now also left, telling her its either him or the kid.
I find this to be a frequently utilized plot point and, even so, Kealan used it magnificently. It immediately creates a reaction from the reader, it makes you root for and choose the side of Peregrine and when things get really dark/hard and brutal, you empathize with this young man who has to do the most difficult thing he’s ever had to do.
Kealan doesn’t give us a lot of ‘the veil’ in this one, but what he does give us is just enough. It opens up the potentials in our imagination for what the final book in the Timmy Quinn series will entail and it also gives us just a sliver to the prospect of what Peregrine is capable of.
What I didn’t like: I do wish we would’ve been given just a bit more connectivity to the overall series here. It ends perfectly and sets things in motion for the fifth and final book, but I would’ve really loved for Peregrine’s ‘dad’ to share just a little bit more about how Peregrine was touched and became able to see the veil and why these two (Peregrine and Timmy) are on this collision course.
Why you should buy this: Blah, blah, blah – come on – this is book four of five. If you’ve read the first three you’re going to read the fourth. If you have the omnibus, you’re going to read this. But, if you’re still on the fence on diving into book one, just know that every single book has been phenomenal and leading us to what I can only assume is going to be a stunning conclusion.
I will say – this is almost completely a stand-alone story – or off shoot story to the overall narrative. If Peregrine hadn’t been mentioned previously and if Timmy wasn’t connected at the very end, you could read this completely on its own and enjoy a truly memorable and emotional novella. It was released as a limited, signed hardcover through Cemetery Dance prior to its release/inclusion into this series, so there’s the chance at one point that this one might not’ve even been necessary for Timmy’s overall series and completion.
What I liked: No matter, what we get is a harrowing story of a young boy who is also introduced to the veil, to the parting between here and there, the curse Timmy has been carrying since he was eleven and discovers there is a connection between them.
This novella is incredibly hard to review while remaining spoiler free. What I will say, is that Peregrine’s father is gone, his mother struggles to make ends meet and her newest man has now also left, telling her its either him or the kid.
I find this to be a frequently utilized plot point and, even so, Kealan used it magnificently. It immediately creates a reaction from the reader, it makes you root for and choose the side of Peregrine and when things get really dark/hard and brutal, you empathize with this young man who has to do the most difficult thing he’s ever had to do.
Kealan doesn’t give us a lot of ‘the veil’ in this one, but what he does give us is just enough. It opens up the potentials in our imagination for what the final book in the Timmy Quinn series will entail and it also gives us just a sliver to the prospect of what Peregrine is capable of.
What I didn’t like: I do wish we would’ve been given just a bit more connectivity to the overall series here. It ends perfectly and sets things in motion for the fifth and final book, but I would’ve really loved for Peregrine’s ‘dad’ to share just a little bit more about how Peregrine was touched and became able to see the veil and why these two (Peregrine and Timmy) are on this collision course.
Why you should buy this: Blah, blah, blah – come on – this is book four of five. If you’ve read the first three you’re going to read the fourth. If you have the omnibus, you’re going to read this. But, if you’re still on the fence on diving into book one, just know that every single book has been phenomenal and leading us to what I can only assume is going to be a stunning conclusion.
January 16, 2019
Peregrine's Tale is a short but important entry into the Timmy Quinn series, where we’re given more background information and a big revelation is also made at the end. Included are also a couple of short stories that are tied into the series which also add to the overall canon. Everything is well written and immensely enjoyable; I think it’s safe to say that I’m now a huge fan of this series and Kealan Patrick Burke!
July 16, 2012
Little break from Timmy's crazy life to find out a bit more about Peregrine, who seems to have something to do with what's going on in Timmy's life. It's short and to the point, and yeah, if I was Peregrine, I'd be well cheesed off too ! This short story will probably add a bit more to your stack of questions, but the build up to the big reveal has to be done the right way, right?
November 26, 2017
Peregrines tale takes a break from the Timmy Quinn story and instead focuses on another event that ties into it. A few questions are answered and more are raised. Hopefully the story comes full circle in the final part, Nemesis . The shortest in the series so far and lacking the scares and imagination of its predecessors. Still a worthwhile, quick read though.
November 13, 2020
Peregrine's tale serves as a long prologue to the final chapter in the Timmy Quinn series, Nemesis. It does the job well in Burke's usual terrifying style. I believe it's the shortest chapter of all five and I would 've enjoyed a few more chapters to get to know Peregrine a little bit better, but still now I can't wait to read the final chapter and see how it all ends.
November 10, 2018
Excellent backstory on a new character. I’m always amazed at how Burke can scare the reader and break their heart at the same time. That last line though! There’s a twist for us!! Can’t wait for the final chapter.
March 31, 2012
This story was brutal as well as creepy, with a twist at the end. I think it was probably my second favorite of the four. I am interested to know how the series will end.
February 24, 2014
Tim is not in this short story, but I suspect that the character Perry Griffin (PEREGRINE) is someone Tim will have to search out in order to get his life back or settled. A weird little story!
December 19, 2023
He is a great author! On to #5! Short stories are hard - he does them justice!
September 25, 2024
While the writing is fantastic and the story very riveting, I begin to feel cheated at paying for something that is only 52 pages long. Also there wasn't even plot movement. This cannot be called a book, it's an excerpt at best. I'm pretty upset actually about this whole thing and I'm down rating it for this reason. These 52 pages could easily have been added just at the back of the last "book" which was also pitifully short, or at the front of the next one.
June 16, 2025
3 little gems that help bring along the Timmy trip,
Could be read as standalone shorts,
but appear to be "keys" to the longer piece of work.
A very gifted storyteller with a truly puzzling choice of living locations,
from Ireland to fecking Ohio? Yech! My family ran away from Ohio in the 50s...
Could be read as standalone shorts,
but appear to be "keys" to the longer piece of work.
A very gifted storyteller with a truly puzzling choice of living locations,
from Ireland to fecking Ohio? Yech! My family ran away from Ohio in the 50s...
February 16, 2024
Great short entry introducing us to the character of Peregrine's read in one sitting but unfortunately this is the eighth time submitting the book to my list as Goodreads ongoing technical issues are frustratingly not going away and it won't save as my most recently read book
March 26, 2020
So, who is Peregrine actually??
“His name was Perry Griffin, but before he'd learned the proper way to pronounce it, he'd simply run it together into one word: Per-grin, which as the years went by mutated into Peregrine in the mouths of all who repeated it.“...
A novella and the 4th part of Timmy Quinn Series and I have to admit I found it really surprising; didn't see that coming...
Well Perry got nothing but only his mother to live on. His father was dead and he is all alone with his mom. But. There's a problem. His mom wants to kill him and while at the time she finally attempted to kill him he escaped. Running through woods after sometime he couldn't remember anything and when he regained his conscious he saw his dead father and more people. Perry then know whay he needed to do or mean to do. But it was cruel and another thing that he had to accomplish. So the end to tell. Of course I had to read twice to read what I was really reading...
Off to the final book of this Timmy Quinn Series...
“His name was Perry Griffin, but before he'd learned the proper way to pronounce it, he'd simply run it together into one word: Per-grin, which as the years went by mutated into Peregrine in the mouths of all who repeated it.“...
A novella and the 4th part of Timmy Quinn Series and I have to admit I found it really surprising; didn't see that coming...
Well Perry got nothing but only his mother to live on. His father was dead and he is all alone with his mom. But. There's a problem. His mom wants to kill him and while at the time she finally attempted to kill him he escaped. Running through woods after sometime he couldn't remember anything and when he regained his conscious he saw his dead father and more people. Perry then know whay he needed to do or mean to do. But it was cruel and another thing that he had to accomplish. So the end to tell. Of course I had to read twice to read what I was really reading...
Off to the final book of this Timmy Quinn Series...
October 18, 2013
A very well written; Suspense, Thriller, Mystery, Paranormal Series. Kealean P.Burke has a wonderfully twisted maniacal imagination, I Love It!!!
In this series, Timmy Quinn prepares to meet his faceless nemesis... that is, if he and Kim can make it through the chaos of Hell on Earth in one piece to reach the door to the Black Curtain.
I'm not into giving away the storyline. I would think Stephen King or Dean Koontz fans should add this series and author to their MUST READ list.
Burke is on my favorite authors list. He weaves a story that keeps you in suspense as you whip through the book and reading late into the spooky night... trying to guess who is who and on who's side or What?!
In this series, Timmy Quinn prepares to meet his faceless nemesis... that is, if he and Kim can make it through the chaos of Hell on Earth in one piece to reach the door to the Black Curtain.
I'm not into giving away the storyline. I would think Stephen King or Dean Koontz fans should add this series and author to their MUST READ list.
Burke is on my favorite authors list. He weaves a story that keeps you in suspense as you whip through the book and reading late into the spooky night... trying to guess who is who and on who's side or What?!
January 10, 2020
#4 in the Timmy Quinn series. Peregrine's Tale is a short story that provides some background on the Peregrine mentioned at the end of Vessels. It's a fabulous tale, eerie and brilliantly written by Burke. I'm not going to bother with a synopsis or any detail because if I tried I would probably end up just spoiling whoever might be reading this review and I don't want to do that. I've really been enjoying the Timmy Quinn series and I can't wait to finish it off with Nemesis.
January 28, 2011
This is the first I have read of Kealan Patrick Burke but it wont be my last. I have the limited Cemetery Dance edition of this book. It is actually two short stories related to the Turtle Boy saga. Even with as short as these were I was glues to the pages. I will definely be reading more of Mr. Burke in the near future.
January 23, 2012
I read the 4 (so far) books in this series as a collection called Stage Whispers and they were really good in a really creepy way. I'm very much looking forward to the next episode in the life of Timmy Quinn
July 11, 2012
The shortest of the books in this series but it is still a very good read. Atmospheric and well written, as one should expect from Kealan Patrick Burke. It is also probably the poorest of the one's leading up to the final enstallment but that just speaks volumes as to how good the other books are.
April 9, 2015
Kealan's prose, as always, is flawlessly orchestrated. While this novella moves away from Timmy Quinn it obviously set's up the next larger chapter in the Quinn universe while foreshadowing much that is to come. Excited for the next chapter.
October 6, 2012
read all four of these -kept my interest.
January 12, 2013
That was just... wow. I don't even know. I'd have never thought that such a short book could pack that kind of wallop. I am REALLY ready to see what happens now! This was GREAT!
February 15, 2015
This is the story of Peregrine who we learned of in the last instalment. This one was heart-wrenching. Suffice to say he didn't have a good childhood.
February 11, 2018
That was short and sweet, I say sweet but in parts it was incredibly hard to read. I was reading through tears. Peregrine almost broke me.
Again wonderful story telling from Kealan Patrick Burke.
Again wonderful story telling from Kealan Patrick Burke.
December 15, 2020
No Timmy Quinn in this one, but it’s still an extremely disturbing tale that had me hooked from start to finish. Dug the hell out of it!
February 22, 2021
Good continuation of the series
I enjoyed the revelations in this story. I'm very curious about how this will conclude. The bonus stories were good too.
I enjoyed the revelations in this story. I'm very curious about how this will conclude. The bonus stories were good too.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews