What do you think?
Rate this book
The Damned Season
On a strange island, amongst strangers, a strange tale unfolds…
Beth Williams leads a lonely existence, going to work, then returning to her flat to watch TV, eat and sleep – the same routine on repeat, day after day. It’s a loneliness she nurtures, finds comfort in even, except at Christmas, a time of dread.
Then comes an invite, an offer from an old friend, to join him for ‘The Damned Season’ at his house on an island off the coast of Anglesey, for Christmas with a difference. Intrigued as well as desperate, Beth accepts, arriving there a few days before Christmas Eve.
She’s not the only one invited, however, there are four others, all strangers to each other, all crossing murky, choppy waters to meet their host, a much changed man that seems not only surprised to see them, but dismayed, and weary too. Who is nothing but a husk.
With the boatman gone and the mists closing in, Beth finds herself in a solitary house of ever-changing rooms and never-ending corridors, of people disappearing and then reappearing, of feasts and famine. And then there are the doors, constantly multiplying, and locked…aren’t they?
The Damned Season. It’s coming.
Beth Williams leads a lonely existence, going to work, then returning to her flat to watch TV, eat and sleep – the same routine on repeat, day after day. It’s a loneliness she nurtures, finds comfort in even, except at Christmas, a time of dread.
Then comes an invite, an offer from an old friend, to join him for ‘The Damned Season’ at his house on an island off the coast of Anglesey, for Christmas with a difference. Intrigued as well as desperate, Beth accepts, arriving there a few days before Christmas Eve.
She’s not the only one invited, however, there are four others, all strangers to each other, all crossing murky, choppy waters to meet their host, a much changed man that seems not only surprised to see them, but dismayed, and weary too. Who is nothing but a husk.
With the boatman gone and the mists closing in, Beth finds herself in a solitary house of ever-changing rooms and never-ending corridors, of people disappearing and then reappearing, of feasts and famine. And then there are the doors, constantly multiplying, and locked…aren’t they?
The Damned Season. It’s coming.
194 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 4, 2021
53 people are currently reading
92 people want to read
About the author
Shani Struthers
48 books508 followersIt's all about the ghosts...
Here's the order my books come in:
Psychic Surveys Series:
Psychic Surveys Book One: The Haunting of Highdown Hall
Psychic Surveys Book Two: Rise to Me
Psychic Surveys Book Three: 44 Gilmore Street
Psychic Surveys Book Four: Old Cross Cottage
Psychic Surveys Book Five: Descension
Psychic Surveys Book Six: Legion
Psychic Surveys Book Seven: Promises to Keep
Psychic Surveys Book Eight: The Weight of the Soul
Psychic Surveys Book Nine: The Devil's Liar
Psychic Surveys Companion Novels:
Eve: A Psychic Surveys Prequel
Blakemort (Corinna's story)
Thirteen (Ness's story)
Rosamund (Rosamund Davis - Ruby's great-grandmother's story)
Jed (the story of one of Psychic Surveys' most treasured and mysterious characters)
This Haunted World Series:
This Haunted World Book One: The Venetian
This Haunted World Book Two: The Eleventh Floor
This Haunted World Book Three: Highgate
This Haunted World Book Four: Rohaise
Reach for the Dead Series:
Reach for the Dead Book One: Mandy
Reach for the Dead Book Two: Cades Home Farm
Reach for the Dead Book Three: Walker
Jessamine Series:
Jessamine
Comraich
Carfax House - A Christmas Ghost Story (standalone novella)
The Damned Season - A Christmas Ghost Story (standalone novella)
Wildacre - A Christmas Ghost Story (standalone novella)
Summer of Grace - A standalone psychological thriller
Catch up with me via Facebook or on my website www.shanistruthers.com where you can sign up to my newsletter for all the latest information, offers and giveaways.
Here's the order my books come in:
Psychic Surveys Series:
Psychic Surveys Book One: The Haunting of Highdown Hall
Psychic Surveys Book Two: Rise to Me
Psychic Surveys Book Three: 44 Gilmore Street
Psychic Surveys Book Four: Old Cross Cottage
Psychic Surveys Book Five: Descension
Psychic Surveys Book Six: Legion
Psychic Surveys Book Seven: Promises to Keep
Psychic Surveys Book Eight: The Weight of the Soul
Psychic Surveys Book Nine: The Devil's Liar
Psychic Surveys Companion Novels:
Eve: A Psychic Surveys Prequel
Blakemort (Corinna's story)
Thirteen (Ness's story)
Rosamund (Rosamund Davis - Ruby's great-grandmother's story)
Jed (the story of one of Psychic Surveys' most treasured and mysterious characters)
This Haunted World Series:
This Haunted World Book One: The Venetian
This Haunted World Book Two: The Eleventh Floor
This Haunted World Book Three: Highgate
This Haunted World Book Four: Rohaise
Reach for the Dead Series:
Reach for the Dead Book One: Mandy
Reach for the Dead Book Two: Cades Home Farm
Reach for the Dead Book Three: Walker
Jessamine Series:
Jessamine
Comraich
Carfax House - A Christmas Ghost Story (standalone novella)
The Damned Season - A Christmas Ghost Story (standalone novella)
Wildacre - A Christmas Ghost Story (standalone novella)
Summer of Grace - A standalone psychological thriller
Catch up with me via Facebook or on my website www.shanistruthers.com where you can sign up to my newsletter for all the latest information, offers and giveaways.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
December 17, 2021
Really enjoyed this short, spooky and seasonal book. It is loosely based on a Christmas Carol, but this is only in the sense of confronting your own inner spectres and making peace with the season. It's beautifully atmospheric - love that it was set off the coast of Wales! And there are some genuinely spooky moments. I did see what was happening early on but I enjoyed the journey so much that it didn't matter. This was fun - the perfect read for someone who likes ghost stories or finds themselves unenthusiastic about Christmas!
November 17, 2021
This was the best ever!
I have read some good stories written by Shani Struthers but, this was by far the best and will stay with me for some time. Hell doesn't always have to be the pseudo mythical place of religious doctrine, it can be manufactured and exist deep within your own mind. The same with ghosts. This story was a very dark psychological novella that explores the complexities of guilt and redemption. Highly recommended.
I have read some good stories written by Shani Struthers but, this was by far the best and will stay with me for some time. Hell doesn't always have to be the pseudo mythical place of religious doctrine, it can be manufactured and exist deep within your own mind. The same with ghosts. This story was a very dark psychological novella that explores the complexities of guilt and redemption. Highly recommended.
December 26, 2023
My rating: 3.5 stars
I have grown to appreciate this particular author's meticulous attention to detail, be it describing the surroundings or the characters in the story. The book in question is a character study, where the reader follows the protagonist's interactions with those around them. The Island portrayed in the story seems desolate and unwelcoming to visitors, with little to offer. In the midst of this darkness, the house appears as a less-than-bright spot.
Come and experience the mystery and intrigue of the strange island, where strangers find themselves intertwined in an even stranger tale. Join them on this thrilling journey and unravel the secrets hidden within the island's depths.
Beth Williams is leading a dull and lonely life. She goes to work, returns home, watches TV, eats, sleeps, and repeats the same routine every day. Although she has grown accustomed to this loneliness, she dreads Christmas. However, one day, she receives an invitation from an old friend to spend Christmas, which he calls "The Damned Season," at his house on an island off the coast of Anglesey. Desperate to escape the festive cheer around her, she accepts the invitation.
Beth arrives at the house, which is isolated and has rooms and halls that seem to change constantly. She meets people who disappear and reappear unexpectedly, and sometimes she has plenty of food, while at other times, she goes hungry. Furthermore, she encounters some locked doors that seem to multiply. But are they locked?
I perceived Beth as being paranoid, constantly projecting her issues onto others. She had made her life so solitary that she was miserable and seemed to want everyone else to feel the same way. There is an accident that is often alluded to as the reason for her solitude, but it's not explained for the longest time. This is a story of guilt, loss, and hopefully redemption. Sometimes, the things we do can make our lives not worth living in our own eyes, and we feel like the world has abandoned us.
I liked the ending and thought it was a good way to conclude. Initially, I had considered the written ending, but I had decided it was too simplistic. I was pleased to see that my assumption was correct after all.
I have grown to appreciate this particular author's meticulous attention to detail, be it describing the surroundings or the characters in the story. The book in question is a character study, where the reader follows the protagonist's interactions with those around them. The Island portrayed in the story seems desolate and unwelcoming to visitors, with little to offer. In the midst of this darkness, the house appears as a less-than-bright spot.
Come and experience the mystery and intrigue of the strange island, where strangers find themselves intertwined in an even stranger tale. Join them on this thrilling journey and unravel the secrets hidden within the island's depths.
Beth Williams is leading a dull and lonely life. She goes to work, returns home, watches TV, eats, sleeps, and repeats the same routine every day. Although she has grown accustomed to this loneliness, she dreads Christmas. However, one day, she receives an invitation from an old friend to spend Christmas, which he calls "The Damned Season," at his house on an island off the coast of Anglesey. Desperate to escape the festive cheer around her, she accepts the invitation.
Beth arrives at the house, which is isolated and has rooms and halls that seem to change constantly. She meets people who disappear and reappear unexpectedly, and sometimes she has plenty of food, while at other times, she goes hungry. Furthermore, she encounters some locked doors that seem to multiply. But are they locked?
I perceived Beth as being paranoid, constantly projecting her issues onto others. She had made her life so solitary that she was miserable and seemed to want everyone else to feel the same way. There is an accident that is often alluded to as the reason for her solitude, but it's not explained for the longest time. This is a story of guilt, loss, and hopefully redemption. Sometimes, the things we do can make our lives not worth living in our own eyes, and we feel like the world has abandoned us.
I liked the ending and thought it was a good way to conclude. Initially, I had considered the written ending, but I had decided it was too simplistic. I was pleased to see that my assumption was correct after all.
December 20, 2021
Loved it! I wish it was longer!
February 1, 2024
I just couldn’t get into the book. I only read one chapter and then started another.
December 3, 2025
A very clever novel indeed. Even as the book reached its finale, I still didn’t see the twist.
I’ve been a fan of Shani Struthers for a long while now and with each book she rights, the more thought provoking her work becomes. Often delving in to tough to read subject matter and pushing one’s imagination to the limits.
This is one of a handful of Christmas stories that Shani has written and the only work of hers I have yet to read and as someone who distances himself from anything festive, I thought I’d read them all before the end of the year to at least tick them off my list.
Beautifully written and again, so very clever.
I’ve been a fan of Shani Struthers for a long while now and with each book she rights, the more thought provoking her work becomes. Often delving in to tough to read subject matter and pushing one’s imagination to the limits.
This is one of a handful of Christmas stories that Shani has written and the only work of hers I have yet to read and as someone who distances himself from anything festive, I thought I’d read them all before the end of the year to at least tick them off my list.
Beautifully written and again, so very clever.
February 11, 2022
Struthers has a fantastic writing style that draws the reader in - and THE DAMNED SEASON does this immaculately with its intriguing setting, core mystery, and strange cast of characters.
Unfortunately, the novel slows down somewhat halfway through, and despite being relatively short, drags on until a finale that felt startlingly familiar and out of left field. I'm looking forward to reading more of Struthers' work, because she's obviously a talent, but this particular entry felt like a stellar short story stretched into a full on novel.
Unfortunately, the novel slows down somewhat halfway through, and despite being relatively short, drags on until a finale that felt startlingly familiar and out of left field. I'm looking forward to reading more of Struthers' work, because she's obviously a talent, but this particular entry felt like a stellar short story stretched into a full on novel.
June 28, 2022
I read 'Mandy' by this author, so thought I'd try this, especially since Christmas horror appeals, but I didn't find this one particularly scary, or even creepy. The story stayed afloat more by following the melodrama of the group staying at the haunted house than the ghosts. One or two bits that I liked involved the back story of the ghostly girl and the build up with Crissy (no spoilers). I'd give it 2.5 though will try another Struthers as I really like Mandy.
January 8, 2022
A nightmare christmas.
A very atmospheric foreboding tale, one that slowly ramps up the tension. The author is very good at setting a spooky, desolate and psychologically challenging scene. If you enjoy gothic ghost stories that defy logic and play with the mind, rather than gross you out, this is for you. This will certainly not be the only book I read by this author.
A very atmospheric foreboding tale, one that slowly ramps up the tension. The author is very good at setting a spooky, desolate and psychologically challenging scene. If you enjoy gothic ghost stories that defy logic and play with the mind, rather than gross you out, this is for you. This will certainly not be the only book I read by this author.
January 25, 2022
A good read
A Christmas story about inner strength and dealing with the demons from within. Beth built a world around herself after the death of her best friend. The multiple egos of Mel, Chrissy, Tommy, Drew and also Peter.
A good story and I wasn't expecting it to take that turn and as always a well thought out story by Shani.
A Christmas story about inner strength and dealing with the demons from within. Beth built a world around herself after the death of her best friend. The multiple egos of Mel, Chrissy, Tommy, Drew and also Peter.
A good story and I wasn't expecting it to take that turn and as always a well thought out story by Shani.
July 9, 2023
Interesting reading.
I wasn't sure when I first started reading this this. It is so different to other stories I have read. The characters come alive and the conclusion was a pleasant surprise. It certainly made me think about my life and decisions that I have made. Really enjoyable.
I wasn't sure when I first started reading this this. It is so different to other stories I have read. The characters come alive and the conclusion was a pleasant surprise. It certainly made me think about my life and decisions that I have made. Really enjoyable.
December 28, 2023
A Christmas ghost story with a difference.
This isn't just any old Christmas tale, it is a cut above the rest by far.
I settled down and really got into this creepy story and I suggest you do the same. I found it unpredictable, with a mixture of characters that tested my patience (low threshold there!) at times.
Shani Struthers has really excelled herself this time.
This isn't just any old Christmas tale, it is a cut above the rest by far.
I settled down and really got into this creepy story and I suggest you do the same. I found it unpredictable, with a mixture of characters that tested my patience (low threshold there!) at times.
Shani Struthers has really excelled herself this time.
November 9, 2021
Another great book
I loved this book from the first page. Brilliant book again from shani struthers I wish I could give 5 stars +. Beth was a great character and I loved her telling her story
I loved this book from the first page. Brilliant book again from shani struthers I wish I could give 5 stars +. Beth was a great character and I loved her telling her story
November 30, 2021
Christmas ghost story
Oh wow I think that this has to the the best
best Christmas ghost story Shani Struthers has written. Loved this from start to finish and could without it down.
Oh wow I think that this has to the the best
best Christmas ghost story Shani Struthers has written. Loved this from start to finish and could without it down.
May 22, 2025
Gets in your head!
This book really messed with my head! Just like Beth, I had more questions than answers. Took til the end together any relief from it!
Very well written...I recommend.
This book really messed with my head! Just like Beth, I had more questions than answers. Took til the end together any relief from it!
Very well written...I recommend.
November 7, 2021
Brilliant read
Another great book from this author,a Christmas tale with a twist .
I couldn't put the book down and ended up reading it in one sitting
Another great book from this author,a Christmas tale with a twist .
I couldn't put the book down and ended up reading it in one sitting
November 7, 2021
Enjoyable book by this author. Forgot how much I missed her books
November 17, 2021
Another brilliant read by shani. Well written with great characters and really let’s you have it in the end with a fabulous twist you won’t see coming! Highly recommend
December 3, 2021
Didn't figure it out at all til the end. Very good fast read.
December 16, 2021
Is this supposed to be an homage to A Christmas Carol? Dumb and confusing, not for me.
December 20, 2021
A good start. With lots of potential and a good plot.
Then it went down hill from there with a terrible
Ending.
Then it went down hill from there with a terrible
Ending.
December 23, 2021
Confusing
It was a good book just confusing. The characters and the ghosts and yes even Peter. It was all confusing.
It was a good book just confusing. The characters and the ghosts and yes even Peter. It was all confusing.
December 27, 2021
Ok
Not quite in keeping with the authors usual high quality. Found myself skipping and scanning pages to get to the end. Good plot, just think it could’ve been executed better.
Not quite in keeping with the authors usual high quality. Found myself skipping and scanning pages to get to the end. Good plot, just think it could’ve been executed better.
January 3, 2022
Pointless
The Haunting of Hill House and The Fall of the House of Usher, but with no point. OK until the end and it fizzles.
The Haunting of Hill House and The Fall of the House of Usher, but with no point. OK until the end and it fizzles.
January 7, 2022
Enjoyable
A good Christmas tale featuring the demons of one person's guilt and a possibility of a future. I enjoyed this.
A good Christmas tale featuring the demons of one person's guilt and a possibility of a future. I enjoyed this.
February 4, 2022
Not what I expected
Wasn't sure what to expect. Wasn't crazy about the main character until the end. Glad I stuck with it because when it came together it was a great story!
Wasn't sure what to expect. Wasn't crazy about the main character until the end. Glad I stuck with it because when it came together it was a great story!
August 14, 2022
It was ok
Not a bad book, but not one of her best. Found this quite hard to get into, whereas I'm normally hooked after the first couple of pages.
Not a bad book, but not one of her best. Found this quite hard to get into, whereas I'm normally hooked after the first couple of pages.
December 25, 2023
The damned season a Christmas ghost story
Wow what a book! What a story! Twisted and turns! And much more! I will recommend it to friends and famiky
Wow what a book! What a story! Twisted and turns! And much more! I will recommend it to friends and famiky
December 18, 2021
Actual rating 3.75
I’ve been in the mood for ghost/horror Christmas related books. And this popped up on Kindle Unlimited Recs for me and since it was so short, I gave it a go.
This is one of those books where the ending makes up for the mixed feelings through the first bit of the book. I almost DNF it three times, but I really wanted to know how it ended. And what the deal was with Beth.
The writing took me a while to get used to, all of Beth’s internal and external monologue. But once I got used to it, it didn’t bother me anymore.
I really did enjoy this and will probably read more by this author.
I’ve been in the mood for ghost/horror Christmas related books. And this popped up on Kindle Unlimited Recs for me and since it was so short, I gave it a go.
This is one of those books where the ending makes up for the mixed feelings through the first bit of the book. I almost DNF it three times, but I really wanted to know how it ended. And what the deal was with Beth.
The writing took me a while to get used to, all of Beth’s internal and external monologue. But once I got used to it, it didn’t bother me anymore.
I really did enjoy this and will probably read more by this author.
March 17, 2025
I am really enjoying this new author I stumbled across.
It's a easy read, and at 150 pages, you can get completely lost in it in an evening!!
Great story that keeps you intrigued as to why everyone is there, curious about what is actually happening and of course, a few bumps in the night 👻
While it may not be Christmas anymore, it's a good one to curl up to in front of the fire.
A great ghost story 📚📚📚
It's a easy read, and at 150 pages, you can get completely lost in it in an evening!!
Great story that keeps you intrigued as to why everyone is there, curious about what is actually happening and of course, a few bumps in the night 👻
While it may not be Christmas anymore, it's a good one to curl up to in front of the fire.
A great ghost story 📚📚📚
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews