The Boy in the Walls

by Anthony D. Redden

When Edward Greyson found himself invited to join the finest occult society of the nineteenth century, he undertakes the initiation with relish. However, nothing had prepared him for the horrors he would unveil at Blackwood Hall. What is the true source of the ghostly disturbances at the old orphanage, and just who is the boy in the walls?

Written in 2019 as part of a project addressing the lack of representation for people with disabilities in mainstream fiction, The Boy in the Walls is a Victorian ghost story that attempts to entertain, intrigue and educate.

74 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 1, 2020

About the author

Anthony D Redden is an author of dark fiction. He writes mostly short stories and has work published by Gag me with a …, The Pygmy Giant, Micro Horror, Flashes in the Dark, Ether books and Schlock webzine. He has also appeared in the anthologies Fugitives by Sinister Saints, Weird Ales 2: Another Round by Quantum Corsets, and Mummy Knows Best by Terror Tree Books. He is recently graduated with a Master of Arts in Creative Writing at Teesside University and is desperately trying to find the time to juggle a family and a writing career. He writes movies reviews for scifimonkeys.com, is part of the editorial team for Bandit Fiction, and is signed by Kyanite Publishing for whom he is writing a horror series - Dead Boat is available now. He is a big fan of Horror, Science Fiction and coffee.

Reviews

[Mattie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t care that it’s a short. It’s a beguiling story steeped in suspense and just a masterful execution. Edwards views on the paranormal and ghosts influenced by his grandmother allows him to be the best narrator for this tale. Blackwood is an eerie place that quite frankly I would love to see. The cast of characters are a varied bunch and you don’t know who to trust just adding to the atmosphere to keep you on edge. But in the end it’s always just a mere mortal at the tipping point that causes destruction.

[K.T. Munson · Rating 4 out of 5]

**Actual Review 3.5**
Review:

I have been very torn on this story. The first half of the story had clumsy writing and long passaged that dumped information. It took too long to establish the setting and I still wasn't 100% sure on the era. It made for a rocky start. That being said once the story and writing finds its stride and shines. When the ghost story and mystery wrap up, it was predictable but had another layer to the story and twist that made it more enjoyable. Overall an enjoyable short story ghost story that is worth the read, if nothing else then for the fascinating conclusion. I would read more by this author and hope to based on the potential behind this story!

Rating:

3.5 (rounded up)

Fantastic plot, okay characters, an underdeveloped setting, and an unrefined writing style. At the heart of it is a ghost story that's well worth the read.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This creepy tale had me on the edge of my seat from the very beginning. I loved the way it was told, and the characters were very believable. The narration was in keeping with the time period, which really helped the reader stay hooked into the story, and I found the head mistress to be so stern I felt as though I had done something wrong and was expecting to be disciplined just for reading the book!
Absolutely fantastic. Loved the ending- the climax of the story gave me chills as I read. Would recommend to anyone who likes creepy but not gory stories!

[Kaylee May · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Boy in the Walls is a fantastic story full of mystery and intrigue. It was an absolute pleasure to follow the delightfully English journey of Edward Grayson through his exploration of Blackwood Hall. It was a breath of fresh air to see an author who brought an inclusive narrative right up to the face of the reader, leaving nothing off the table and demanding a place for everyone. I recommend this tale be consumed beside a warm fireplace on a cold night. Dark academia at its finest.

[Julie Powell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given this story for review and I enjoyed its creepy and mysterious tone and setting.

Is there a ghost in the walls of an orphanage with stringent rules and seemingly unsavoury staff. A paranormal investigator arrives...

I thought this was a sad tale about the abuse of power set in what felt like Victorian times. Women and children have no rights and cruelty reigns. There is a mystery, however, and all may not be as it seems.

Nicely done.

[Khurram Elahi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tense

This is a very tense story that begins as a haunted house story. Really keeps your attention in that familiar way a good horror does.
Set many years ago, it tells of strange happenings in the house where a boy mysteriously lives, hidden away.
It's short but full of suspense. It's a real classic ghost story.

[Tom Leverett · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this well-written story, a kid goes to investigate the paranormal, and finds that in fact there are ghosts, and there is also a survivor of a fire that badly damaged a wing of an old building. So it's got it all: ghosts, murderers, fire, creepy old setting, action, mystery, and resolution. Well done.

[Vicky Peplow · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fast-paced.

A fast paced paranormal story that is right up my alley. I love stories that start quick like this book does but doesn't lose any momentum. My only negative remark would be that I wish it was longer so I could get to know the characters a little more. Great work.

[L's of Kauai · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't realize this was a short story when I added it to my Kindle list.
It was an ok story and was kinda glad it WAS a short story because not sure what else
could have been added to it ..............

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book will keep you on edge! Greatly written! The plot and characters were well done! If you haven't read this book yet I highly suggest it!

[Leah Orr · Rating 5 out of 5]

An intense horror short just in time for Halloween. A spooky page turner for teenagers. I enjoyed traveling through Blackwood Hall and uncovering the horrors that reside within it.

[Colin Devonshire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just like my school

Only joking. I imagined an old black and white film, now I'm waiting for the usherette to hand me a lolly.

[Barbara Waloven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Haunting Ghosts

Very unexpected and chilling ending to a page turner. Enjoyed this 1900 tale filled with ghosts and mysteries. Quick, entertaining read.

[Debbie Watson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Dark Tale

This intriguing short tale of mystery and intrigue draws you into a hidden world only a brave man with special skills and perseverance can penetrate.

[Erica Damon · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars
This one was not what I expected of a ghost story. There are indeed ghosts in the literal sense but this book is more haunted by ghosts of the past. I enjoyed the way the writing style matched the tone and setting, there is lots of description and narrative reminiscent of stories from the past in which this one is set. It was a touch slow-going at first, but once the mystery set in I needed to know more. I only wish there had been a touch more spookiness in the story to even out the mystery with the horror.