Something Close

by Stephen Barnard

A community cracking under the weight of multiple hauntings. Old ghosts in our world of new fears. The residents of Somerset Close have been learning to live with social distancing, self-isolating and ‘clapping for carers’. But as national restrictions begin to ease, the grip of something else takes hold. Graeme and his son Charlie invite elderly neighbour Iris into their support bubble. Except somebody else is already lurking in her house… Ex-teacher Nigel Fleeting is trying to write his novel, but he is haunted by a past that won’t allow him to move on with his future… And the Wodesons have baby news. But by shielding themselves further, shunning the outside world completely, something malevolent is allowed to take root in their home… Before too long all the residents of the close experience the paranormal. But by then, there is no way any of them can leave. A channel has been opened, and when it is ready, something terrible is coming through. From Stephen Barnard, author of the horror/suspense novels ‘Corner House’ and ‘The Deleted’, the collections ‘Bitterly’, ‘Unlucky Numbers’ and ‘A Very Bad Year’, and the science fantasy drama ‘Portentous’. Amazon / Goodreads Praise for ‘The Deleted’: This was engrossing and engaging read, excellent plot and believable fallible characters. Would recommend to anyone with imagination not just tech horror geeks. Praise for ‘Bitterly’: I am so impressed with this book. The prologue, stories and epilogue tie together seamlessly to illustrate the weird, disturbing, horrific and odd happenings in a relatively short time in the town of Bitterly. In some ways, it sort of reminds me of the Twilight Zone. It's like this town is in another dimension where the strange, fantastic, and nightmarish occur on a regular basis for 18 months or so. Do yourself a favor and read this book.

314 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 24, 2020

About the author

Stephen Barnard has been writing fiction (and non-fiction cricket exploits) for a number of years. The success of his short story collection 'A Very Bad Year' encouraged him to push further. He now has over 20 published works, mainly in the horror/suspense genre. When he's not writing he teaches, reads, snoozes and binge-watches horror films.

Reviews

[Terry and dog · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really interesting and compelling story of what happens in a community during the Covid shutdown. Starts off like a haunting and develops from there. Very creepy.

[Ross Rodzleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had a hard time putting this book down and was the one thing I looked forward to after work. What makes it a good read for me was probably the setting of the story - a neighbourhood under quarantine due to Covid-19 - it is relatable and familiar. As I continue reading, I felt as trapped as the characters in the story. It was such a good read and I enjoyed every single moment of the book. I highly recommend this to my horror-loving friends!

[Lou Canning · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good book, couldn’t put it down. Well worth reading.
Will definitely be reading more of Stephen’s work.
👏👏👏👏

[Tera · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once I started this book, I could not put it down! It starts with the neighborhood of Somerset Close under quarantine due to Covid-19 and how families are coping. When Hep and his son, Charlie, stop down the street to deliver groceries to elderly Mrs. D, something seems off in her behavior, and Charlie swears he sees someone sitting in a chair in the living room. Someone who looks like her husband, but Mrs. D is widowed. This is the beginning of ghostly appearances throughout the street that soon become more menacing than the threat of COViD. As the residents of Somerset Close become trapped in a nightmare world, they must find a way to reach the outside world for help. With all electronics not working, and the ghostly presence not allowing them to drive away, this soon seems like an impossible task.

The story was so engrossing that I read the book in one sitting. I loved the ability to really get to know each of the characters. By the end of the book, I could recall at least one detail about every character and remember their names, which is rare for me to be able to do. This book has a succinct plot that keeps the sense of urgency high. There is some gore, and a bit with a baby/miscarriages that some may find traumatic. Overall, I really enjoyed this story and highly recommend it to fellow horror lovers.