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Kerwall Town
"By far the best book I have read this year. Not only in the horror genre, but overall." After two strangers appear in the dilapidated 70s' town of Kerwall, the lives of every resident change. Members of the community are forced together as the number of bodies and secrets increase with every passing moment. As tensions rise and the inhabitants reach breaking point the question is is it Kerwall’s newcomers draining its inhabitants or are they simply slipping through the cracks which have existed all along. With knowledge as their only tool against the world’s deadliest predator, the hunt for power commences. Kerwall’s hope rests on the shoulders of its youngest residents, forcing them into the depths of the earth, questioning everything they’ve ever known. Will Kerwall ever be safe, or is the whole town trapped in the grasp of these outsiders? DO NOT ENTER ALONE. Drag someone with you and if you are unable make sure to leave with your sanity in tact. This nod to classic horror will leave you feeling as isolated as every character, constantly checking over your shoulder until the very last pages. Beginning the universe in which Reed’s future novels will take place, Kerwall Town demonstrates the scope of genres which can be expected from him going forward.
- GenresHorror
229 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 18, 2020
14 people are currently reading
38 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
November 26, 2020
Creepily haunting
The story was chillingly good as the new Mayor takes over the town of Kerwall. The gruesome murders start and soon the group calling themselves JADEs discover the vampires in the city.
The story is chilling, haunting and perfect horror as the story of the town of Kerwall comes out.
Liked it.
The story was chillingly good as the new Mayor takes over the town of Kerwall. The gruesome murders start and soon the group calling themselves JADEs discover the vampires in the city.
The story is chilling, haunting and perfect horror as the story of the town of Kerwall comes out.
Liked it.
September 12, 2022
If I could say a horror novel was a delightful read, I'd say it about Kerwall Town! This little town seems to have a personality all its own. The characters in the book are endearing. And just as you start to coast through the story thinking it's all quaint and a little bit spooky - LOOK OUT because that's when the gore hits the fan.
The story wraps up nicely, but still leaves you wanting to know more about this town, its history and residents. And the author has promised us more of exactly that! I personally can't wait.
The story wraps up nicely, but still leaves you wanting to know more about this town, its history and residents. And the author has promised us more of exactly that! I personally can't wait.
June 19, 2021
Always willing to broaden my horizons, Kerwall Town is the first horror book that I have read since I was a youngster in the 80s, voraciously reading Stephen King novels. Two dark clad strangers, one male and one female, come to the post industrial Kerwall and rapidly become Mayor and Mayoress and basically owners of the town.
Yet nothing is as it seems, either with the mysterious strangers or indeed the town itself. The visitors have a strange persuasive, hypnotic power on most, but not all of the inhabitants. A couple of old wrinklies, the librarian, the town drunk mikshake shop owner don't fall under the spell. Also the young guns return to the town from Uni and they too are unaffected. Together they, with a few others band together to form a resistance. But other dark, more human, forces also abound in the town.
The town too is distinctly off kilter. It is a strangely semi isolated, semi mythological, new town. It is, at the same time, part of the UK but also apart from it. I don't know what the horror equivalent of "cosy crime" is maybe "happy horror" but this is it. I would describe it as "Shaun of the dead" but with vampires instead of zombies set in "Royston Vasey" from the "League of Gentlemen" ( "This is a local place for local people!") but set in the 70s.
It also has a nod to "Scooby Doo" a wink to "The Adams Family" and a great big salute to "Salem's Lot." That is not too say that it isn't very dark and gruesome in places. There are a couple of murders that are particularly ych i fi.
There were some really good characters. I thought both vicars were especially interesting and memorable.
All in all a scary bonkers, creepy adventure.
Yet nothing is as it seems, either with the mysterious strangers or indeed the town itself. The visitors have a strange persuasive, hypnotic power on most, but not all of the inhabitants. A couple of old wrinklies, the librarian, the town drunk mikshake shop owner don't fall under the spell. Also the young guns return to the town from Uni and they too are unaffected. Together they, with a few others band together to form a resistance. But other dark, more human, forces also abound in the town.
The town too is distinctly off kilter. It is a strangely semi isolated, semi mythological, new town. It is, at the same time, part of the UK but also apart from it. I don't know what the horror equivalent of "cosy crime" is maybe "happy horror" but this is it. I would describe it as "Shaun of the dead" but with vampires instead of zombies set in "Royston Vasey" from the "League of Gentlemen" ( "This is a local place for local people!") but set in the 70s.
It also has a nod to "Scooby Doo" a wink to "The Adams Family" and a great big salute to "Salem's Lot." That is not too say that it isn't very dark and gruesome in places. There are a couple of murders that are particularly ych i fi.
There were some really good characters. I thought both vicars were especially interesting and memorable.
All in all a scary bonkers, creepy adventure.
October 27, 2020
A wonderfully haunting British supernatural horror. Kerwall Town is a chilling story that will linger in your mind long after reading the last page. The story focuses on the residents of Kerwall Town, each character perfectly moulded to play a different role in town life. As the Town is taken over by a new mayor and mayoress the residents begin to suspect all is not what it seems. After a few gruesome murders the Kerwall JADEs begin to do some digging only to discover that they are sharing their home town with vampires. Can they stop them before they kill all the residents?
The language used is perfectly fitting for a horror. Every now and then the author uses some jarring language to bring it home that you're reading a horror story. Alongside the language are the brutal scenes that are described. It all combines to create a wonderful read that will leave you chilled to the core.
The language used is perfectly fitting for a horror. Every now and then the author uses some jarring language to bring it home that you're reading a horror story. Alongside the language are the brutal scenes that are described. It all combines to create a wonderful read that will leave you chilled to the core.
March 26, 2022
Good, solid horror
There's a great balance of horror and comedy in this book, with a few real laugh out loud moments. But there's one sequence in this book that has haunted me since I read it. A set of images that I don't think I'll ever forget. And for that this book gets an extra star. I read and watch a lot of horror, so to find something unique that genuinely freaked me out at times was a real testament to Reed's talent. A great slice of British horror.
There's a great balance of horror and comedy in this book, with a few real laugh out loud moments. But there's one sequence in this book that has haunted me since I read it. A set of images that I don't think I'll ever forget. And for that this book gets an extra star. I read and watch a lot of horror, so to find something unique that genuinely freaked me out at times was a real testament to Reed's talent. A great slice of British horror.
April 7, 2022
You are definitely not gonna be spared the graphics, but this story is interesting and fun while creepy and sinister.
October 9, 2021
I think I need to pick up speed reading Kerwall Town. It may be why I’m not sleeping. Other than that….I am thoroughly enjoying it.
August 15, 2021
I thought this was a wonderful horror story set in the 1970's with some real charm. The town of Kerwall was a mystery, it existed yet it didn't. The people were all so interesting and unique with such character about them. The new strangers that came town were mysterious and overbearing...taking over the town with no real push back from the majority of the residents. A few however, knew something was very off and sinister with the newcomers and they banned together to attempt to uncover the mystery. There were suddenly suicides, murders and strange behaviors all over the place. A group of the younger townspeople, nicknamed the JADES were set on getting to the bottom of it all. What they find is almost to crazy to fathom and it's all up to them to make it right and save the town.
Loved the suspense, it was very detailed and rather graphic, so make sure you have the stomach for such a tale. I was gripped and couldn't put it down!!
Loved the suspense, it was very detailed and rather graphic, so make sure you have the stomach for such a tale. I was gripped and couldn't put it down!!
March 6, 2021
Kerwall Town is a great read, and this is largely down to the absolutely fantastic characters S. D. Reed has so successfully created. You can see, hear and feel them as if they're in the room with you, and the sheer range of characters in this story is very impressive.
The story itself, also, is a dark treat: a clever combination of mystery and horror set in the 'hidden' town of Kerwall in the seventies. The town and its buildings, just like its inhabitants, are described and bought to life vividly and effectively by the author. A few surprises really delight (darkly).
There are a few errors that a little more editing would fix, and the inconsistent use of tense can be a little jarring. There are a few anachronisms for a story set in the seventies, but you have to give the author kudos for having the courage and vision to create a whole town of horror set in another time.
Overall, I really enjoyed my visit to Kerwall, and I think most readers would too!
The story itself, also, is a dark treat: a clever combination of mystery and horror set in the 'hidden' town of Kerwall in the seventies. The town and its buildings, just like its inhabitants, are described and bought to life vividly and effectively by the author. A few surprises really delight (darkly).
There are a few errors that a little more editing would fix, and the inconsistent use of tense can be a little jarring. There are a few anachronisms for a story set in the seventies, but you have to give the author kudos for having the courage and vision to create a whole town of horror set in another time.
Overall, I really enjoyed my visit to Kerwall, and I think most readers would too!
September 14, 2022
Still catching up on reinstating my lost book reviews, haha.
Kerwall Town is a gritty, gory horror with never a dull moment, a group of brave protagonists, a slice of mystery and crazy psychotic characters that all keep you on the edge of your seat. I loved the research in the library scenes and loved following our brave Kerwall JADEs as they embarked on their adventure to save the town.
Being a horror writer myself I felt at home with the gruesome deaths and scary scenes in this book and absolutely loved it! I loved the mystery, the brutality, the main antagonist and all the different points of view throughout the book. I loved the mystery of some things being left open at the end. I cringed a little at the sexism, but I think Reed used it to do a good representation of the 1970's so it was necessary.
Overall I loved this book and I highly recommend it to any horror readers out there! Pick it up! October's coming fast *smirk*
Kerwall Town is a gritty, gory horror with never a dull moment, a group of brave protagonists, a slice of mystery and crazy psychotic characters that all keep you on the edge of your seat. I loved the research in the library scenes and loved following our brave Kerwall JADEs as they embarked on their adventure to save the town.
Being a horror writer myself I felt at home with the gruesome deaths and scary scenes in this book and absolutely loved it! I loved the mystery, the brutality, the main antagonist and all the different points of view throughout the book. I loved the mystery of some things being left open at the end. I cringed a little at the sexism, but I think Reed used it to do a good representation of the 1970's so it was necessary.
Overall I loved this book and I highly recommend it to any horror readers out there! Pick it up! October's coming fast *smirk*
December 7, 2020
Well written and a page turner.
I loved the theme of this book. The spooky and isolated Kerwall Town was very interesting. The book was funny, scary, creepy and emotional. It had different characters and storylines, just like you would find in any town. There was a lot of suspense and a shocking twist at the climax. I am eager to know what happens in the sequel.
This book reminded me a lot of the book "It" by Stephen King. Anyone looking for a thriller/horror novel would love reading this.
I loved the theme of this book. The spooky and isolated Kerwall Town was very interesting. The book was funny, scary, creepy and emotional. It had different characters and storylines, just like you would find in any town. There was a lot of suspense and a shocking twist at the climax. I am eager to know what happens in the sequel.
This book reminded me a lot of the book "It" by Stephen King. Anyone looking for a thriller/horror novel would love reading this.
October 2, 2021
One of the best horror books I've ever read. This book has all the elements a horror book needs - murders, mysteries, suspense and oh wait, also vampires. Yes, an absolute roller coaster ride it was and extremely chilling to the core. If you are looking for your next horror read, I'd definitely suggest you buy this book and read it up.
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July 12, 2022Dear residents,
Thank you all for taking the time to read/add my book to your lists.
This book is the first part of a planned trilogy. Some of the characters you meet here will also filter into my other novels, as they all connect in subtle and not so subtle ways.
Kerwall Town is my love letter to classic horror books and stories I’d read and heard when I was growing up. I have always wanted to write a vampire story, and I’m so honoured I got the chance to do so with this one.
This first novel is self published, which as any self published author will know, is flipping tough going and expensive! I know it’s not perfect, and that blame falls on me, not my editors or proofreaders, and I know it won’t be for everyone but despite all that, it still managed to reach #2 in British horror fiction a few weeks after release. I’m proud of this book, and I hope you all enjoy it too. 🦇
Thank you all for taking the time to read/add my book to your lists.
This book is the first part of a planned trilogy. Some of the characters you meet here will also filter into my other novels, as they all connect in subtle and not so subtle ways.
Kerwall Town is my love letter to classic horror books and stories I’d read and heard when I was growing up. I have always wanted to write a vampire story, and I’m so honoured I got the chance to do so with this one.
This first novel is self published, which as any self published author will know, is flipping tough going and expensive! I know it’s not perfect, and that blame falls on me, not my editors or proofreaders, and I know it won’t be for everyone but despite all that, it still managed to reach #2 in British horror fiction a few weeks after release. I’m proud of this book, and I hope you all enjoy it too. 🦇
May 4, 2024
MURDER, HORROR, AND MYSTERY. WHAT'S NOT TO LIKE
Kerwall Town was SO MUCH FUN. Attention to detail in the characters brought it home for me. And I’m including the town, itself. “…they said it beat to the rhythm of their own heartbeat.” But what sets the book apart is S.D. Reed’s ability to write compelling descriptions with barely a cliché in sight – not an easy feat in a story like this. The author also does an excellent job of weaving suspense in and around some truly gruesome moments. The kind of moments that stay with you long into the night. I don’t want to give any spoilers but…CHAPTER 3 (damn). ‘Nough said.
If you’re looking for a horror story with gleeful gore and distinctive characters, all wrapped up in a pretty package of well-written prose, BUY KERWALL TOWN.
Kerwall Town was SO MUCH FUN. Attention to detail in the characters brought it home for me. And I’m including the town, itself. “…they said it beat to the rhythm of their own heartbeat.” But what sets the book apart is S.D. Reed’s ability to write compelling descriptions with barely a cliché in sight – not an easy feat in a story like this. The author also does an excellent job of weaving suspense in and around some truly gruesome moments. The kind of moments that stay with you long into the night. I don’t want to give any spoilers but…CHAPTER 3 (damn). ‘Nough said.
If you’re looking for a horror story with gleeful gore and distinctive characters, all wrapped up in a pretty package of well-written prose, BUY KERWALL TOWN.
October 18, 2021
An Absolutely Riveting Read
This book draws you into the town of Kerwall from the very first page. The world and characters are so intricately crafted that you believe that you are a guest in the town and are walking it's streets.
The plot is a slow boil with many a creepy scene that keep you reading.
My one criticism and why I didn't give this excellent book 5 stars, is that the ending appears and disappears so quickly. The book builds up to a conclusion that doesn't give the rest of the story justice and, for me, it fell a but flat.
Having said this however I would recommend that you visit Kerwall and enjoy your stay, while you can.
This book draws you into the town of Kerwall from the very first page. The world and characters are so intricately crafted that you believe that you are a guest in the town and are walking it's streets.
The plot is a slow boil with many a creepy scene that keep you reading.
My one criticism and why I didn't give this excellent book 5 stars, is that the ending appears and disappears so quickly. The book builds up to a conclusion that doesn't give the rest of the story justice and, for me, it fell a but flat.
Having said this however I would recommend that you visit Kerwall and enjoy your stay, while you can.
February 12, 2022
Strangerer Things
This is what’s great about indie books. Is it perfect? No. Is it original and tonnes of fun? Definitely. It’s got rough edges but a shining heart.
Sweet, funny, nostalgic, and shockingly gory, it reminded me of the British bastard son of
The Goonies and The Lost Boys. Hot Fuzz but with vampires.
I loved the older characters. And also the concept of the town apart, cut off from the rest of the world, trapped in time, like a bug in amber. Yet still a strangely, disturbingly living beast.
4 childhood best friend monster hunters out of 5
This is what’s great about indie books. Is it perfect? No. Is it original and tonnes of fun? Definitely. It’s got rough edges but a shining heart.
Sweet, funny, nostalgic, and shockingly gory, it reminded me of the British bastard son of
The Goonies and The Lost Boys. Hot Fuzz but with vampires.
I loved the older characters. And also the concept of the town apart, cut off from the rest of the world, trapped in time, like a bug in amber. Yet still a strangely, disturbingly living beast.
4 childhood best friend monster hunters out of 5
July 23, 2021
Kerwall Town was a Deliciously Deceiving Treat
Small towns don’t always mean small problems so when the residents of Kerwall Town find a common enemy that seems too big for a few to handle, they band together. The way this story unravels makes it a page-turning great read. Then, when you think you have it figured out, there’s a twist that makes you rethink everything. Highly recommend for those with a strong stomach.
Small towns don’t always mean small problems so when the residents of Kerwall Town find a common enemy that seems too big for a few to handle, they band together. The way this story unravels makes it a page-turning great read. Then, when you think you have it figured out, there’s a twist that makes you rethink everything. Highly recommend for those with a strong stomach.
November 15, 2021
Good book but ending seemed rushed
It was a good book but the ending didn't make sense. The ending also felt very rushed, like they were trying to cover all unanswered questions, yet they didn't explain the main detail (spoilers) why did the vampires all of a sudden just die? They said if the septure was damaged they would die, but it wasn't damaged. Still a good book anyways.
It was a good book but the ending didn't make sense. The ending also felt very rushed, like they were trying to cover all unanswered questions, yet they didn't explain the main detail (spoilers) why did the vampires all of a sudden just die? They said if the septure was damaged they would die, but it wasn't damaged. Still a good book anyways.
April 28, 2022
What horror lurks in sleepy Kerwall Town? The answer will terrify you! Kerwall Town is a thrilling story with well developed and relatable characters. The book itself could use a good edit for punctuation. It also vacillates tenses often, but the story itself is excellent. It's one for my shelf!
December 12, 2022
Weird English Town, dastardly new comers with a plan for the town, old timers who won't take any shit from new folk, seriel killer hiding in plain sight , a bunch of kids like The Goonies , some brutal deaths and Vampires. Tell me what's not to like?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 14, 2021
This story was very well written, paced and thought out. With just the right amount of gore and villainy to leave you wanting more. Loved the story, highly recommend.
February 22, 2025
To be fair this was a mystery book. Not my usual genre. After chapter 3 almost stopped reading, then again at chapter 4. I don't care for gore or horror. Just when I had enough the story took a turn, to my relief. The "gross" details overall were not that bad once I pushed thru (keep in mind I'm a whimp). Was just those 2 parts. Rest of the story was good.
Felt like needed more with some of the characters. The 4 factory workers, there was so much time spent on character development felt didn't really go anywhere. 2 of them, the story didn't intertwine with the plot. One of the women's storyline crossed with a cold case, different from the main plot. Could have added a chapter with more details on how the female, male suspect, and sheriff crossed. Finally, the fouth female showing up at the older priest home, then nothing. What happened? How did that impact the 2 stories?
I want to know more about the people who left town and was never heard from again. Were they working in the mines?
I love Dotty and Terry's characters.
Felt like needed more with some of the characters. The 4 factory workers, there was so much time spent on character development felt didn't really go anywhere. 2 of them, the story didn't intertwine with the plot. One of the women's storyline crossed with a cold case, different from the main plot. Could have added a chapter with more details on how the female, male suspect, and sheriff crossed. Finally, the fouth female showing up at the older priest home, then nothing. What happened? How did that impact the 2 stories?
I want to know more about the people who left town and was never heard from again. Were they working in the mines?
I love Dotty and Terry's characters.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 4, 2022
3.5 stars
A good read
The author builds up the tension nicely and has created an enjoyable tale about the strange little town of Kerwall that had a strange birth and which seemed to be trundling along quite nicely in its cosy very English kind of way. And then two visitors arrive to take over the running of the town, and people start turning up with bite marks to the neck.
There's some good ideas here, however I do think this has flaws: there's a serial killer in the town who seems to be there simply to pile on even more gore and have a serial killer in town. I also think it's all wrapped up a little too easily. I do think a bit more editing is needed, there's quite a few typos in the Kindle edition and there is some switching of tenses along the way.
With all that said, this was still a good read and it seems the author plans more books about Kerwall. There's enough here to make me look forward to reading more.
A good read
The author builds up the tension nicely and has created an enjoyable tale about the strange little town of Kerwall that had a strange birth and which seemed to be trundling along quite nicely in its cosy very English kind of way. And then two visitors arrive to take over the running of the town, and people start turning up with bite marks to the neck.
There's some good ideas here, however I do think this has flaws: there's a serial killer in the town who seems to be there simply to pile on even more gore and have a serial killer in town. I also think it's all wrapped up a little too easily. I do think a bit more editing is needed, there's quite a few typos in the Kindle edition and there is some switching of tenses along the way.
With all that said, this was still a good read and it seems the author plans more books about Kerwall. There's enough here to make me look forward to reading more.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews