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Eighteen
Eighteen : Stephen King meets The Sixth Sense
A ghost story inspired by true events.
Cornwall 1974.
On the Night of All Hallows three teenagers decide to hold a séance .
At first it seems the dead don’t want to talk but slowly shadows of the past start to emerge. The contact begins- a Roman Legionnaire, a Polish boy and a famous Cellist all come through with messages.
As they concentrate on the process, keyed up with excitement, exhilaration and fear, aspects of the three teenagers personalities start to appear. Jeff, and Jo , both have demons of her own. While Paul , the youngest, appears to be the most vulnerable and most affected by the strange energy that moves the glass.
However their innocent fun is curtailed when a new spirit arrives. Despite their efforts the uninvited will not divulge its name and there is something sinister and threatening about ‘ it’s’ tone . They gradually realize that ‘ it ‘ knows their inner most secrets. How? Is one of them fooling around? Or are they in contact with a much darker force.
When a disturbing truth abruptly curtails their evening, they presumed ‘IT’ would leave them alone. They were wrong...
The glass flew off the table and smashed . They never spoke about what happened that night. They never dabbled in the occult again. For Paul it was different. It was his house. He lived there.
A ghost story inspired by true events.
Cornwall 1974.
On the Night of All Hallows three teenagers decide to hold a séance .
At first it seems the dead don’t want to talk but slowly shadows of the past start to emerge. The contact begins- a Roman Legionnaire, a Polish boy and a famous Cellist all come through with messages.
As they concentrate on the process, keyed up with excitement, exhilaration and fear, aspects of the three teenagers personalities start to appear. Jeff, and Jo , both have demons of her own. While Paul , the youngest, appears to be the most vulnerable and most affected by the strange energy that moves the glass.
However their innocent fun is curtailed when a new spirit arrives. Despite their efforts the uninvited will not divulge its name and there is something sinister and threatening about ‘ it’s’ tone . They gradually realize that ‘ it ‘ knows their inner most secrets. How? Is one of them fooling around? Or are they in contact with a much darker force.
When a disturbing truth abruptly curtails their evening, they presumed ‘IT’ would leave them alone. They were wrong...
The glass flew off the table and smashed . They never spoke about what happened that night. They never dabbled in the occult again. For Paul it was different. It was his house. He lived there.
171 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 31, 2021
7 people are currently reading
9 people want to read
About the author
Paul Barrell
9 books7 followersPaul Barrell
Writer
Film producer
and former footballer
Paul started writing in 2007. The trigger was a visit, to a remote farmhouse while on a family holiday in the S.W. France . One of the rooms had been converted into a library that contained a diverse selection of both French and English literature and over the next two weeks inspiration took hold and he began to write. His early literary efforts were sent to a copy writer at Channel 4 who rashly said his work although rough and ready, showed promise. His comments spurred Paul on. Since then he has written six contemporary stand alone novels,, and, he has just started work on another supernatural crime thriller novel, 'The Screaming Woods' ' set in the haunted Dering Woods in Kent. His own life plays out like a film; a boy who played football for Chelsea, ran a restaurant on the Barrier reef, imported organic wines from round the world, supplying famous celebrities like Uri Geller. Partied with Ricky Gervais in 80's London and then changed lanes and became a writer, working in film and TV and producing his first film EIGHTEEN in 2026.
Paul was born in Lambeth in 1961 and spent his formative years growing up in South London. In 1971 his parents moved to Surrey where he attended Ewell Castle School for Boys. Here he excelled at sport, especially tennis, cross country and football. At 15 he was given trials at Chelsea , joined the youth team and played against Fulham . He left school after A levels, having taken all his exams a year early.
He was a party child of the 1980's and spent the next three years living in various flats in Chelsea and Pimlico. A chance meeting with a windsurfing instructor in Italy pointed him in the direction of food and drink , and a degree in Hotel Management increasing his knowledge in fine wines and gastronomy.Embracing the New Romantic lifestyle he partied the early eighties away at the Blitz and with Ricky Gervais in Camden.
When his parents divorced in 1984 he saw this as the perfect opportunity to fulfil his desire to travel overseas. He wanted more. He ended up in Australia running the Bay Garden Restaurant on Magnetic Island, a stones throw from the Great Barrier Reef. After a run in with immigration, he returned to the UK in the late eighties and decided that the boss/ employee relationship were not for him. He wanted to be an entrepreneur.
He gained qualifications in wine and led the way , by being one of first companies to import and distribute Organic Wines in the UK .Epicurean his upmarket wine company dealt with many high profile clients in London and he ran this successfully until 2005 while also owning a restaurant in Surrey.
His true passion for storytelling evolved alongside his business career. He always felt that telling a story enhanced the whole sales process. His favourite saying is :
'I used to open wine but now I open doors. for my books.'
He is married with two children and lives in Surrey with his wife and rescue dog Lottie. He has always pursued his dreams and over the last forty years has skied most of the more challenging mountains in Europe. He still enjoys sport in his fifties and plays five a side football and tennis. He has been an ardent Chelsea fan and follows his team home and away when time permits.
Also by Paul Barrell
The Bleed A London Crime Thriller Published 2024
The Cellist A WW11 Spy Thriller Published 2022
Eighteen A Supernatural Horror Published 2021
The Girl In the White Dress Published Feb 2020
Magnetic North Published Jan 2018
Postcards From Pimlico Published March 2016
Writer
Film producer
and former footballer
Paul started writing in 2007. The trigger was a visit, to a remote farmhouse while on a family holiday in the S.W. France . One of the rooms had been converted into a library that contained a diverse selection of both French and English literature and over the next two weeks inspiration took hold and he began to write. His early literary efforts were sent to a copy writer at Channel 4 who rashly said his work although rough and ready, showed promise. His comments spurred Paul on. Since then he has written six contemporary stand alone novels,, and, he has just started work on another supernatural crime thriller novel, 'The Screaming Woods' ' set in the haunted Dering Woods in Kent. His own life plays out like a film; a boy who played football for Chelsea, ran a restaurant on the Barrier reef, imported organic wines from round the world, supplying famous celebrities like Uri Geller. Partied with Ricky Gervais in 80's London and then changed lanes and became a writer, working in film and TV and producing his first film EIGHTEEN in 2026.
Paul was born in Lambeth in 1961 and spent his formative years growing up in South London. In 1971 his parents moved to Surrey where he attended Ewell Castle School for Boys. Here he excelled at sport, especially tennis, cross country and football. At 15 he was given trials at Chelsea , joined the youth team and played against Fulham . He left school after A levels, having taken all his exams a year early.
He was a party child of the 1980's and spent the next three years living in various flats in Chelsea and Pimlico. A chance meeting with a windsurfing instructor in Italy pointed him in the direction of food and drink , and a degree in Hotel Management increasing his knowledge in fine wines and gastronomy.Embracing the New Romantic lifestyle he partied the early eighties away at the Blitz and with Ricky Gervais in Camden.
When his parents divorced in 1984 he saw this as the perfect opportunity to fulfil his desire to travel overseas. He wanted more. He ended up in Australia running the Bay Garden Restaurant on Magnetic Island, a stones throw from the Great Barrier Reef. After a run in with immigration, he returned to the UK in the late eighties and decided that the boss/ employee relationship were not for him. He wanted to be an entrepreneur.
He gained qualifications in wine and led the way , by being one of first companies to import and distribute Organic Wines in the UK .Epicurean his upmarket wine company dealt with many high profile clients in London and he ran this successfully until 2005 while also owning a restaurant in Surrey.
His true passion for storytelling evolved alongside his business career. He always felt that telling a story enhanced the whole sales process. His favourite saying is :
'I used to open wine but now I open doors. for my books.'
He is married with two children and lives in Surrey with his wife and rescue dog Lottie. He has always pursued his dreams and over the last forty years has skied most of the more challenging mountains in Europe. He still enjoys sport in his fifties and plays five a side football and tennis. He has been an ardent Chelsea fan and follows his team home and away when time permits.
Also by Paul Barrell
The Bleed A London Crime Thriller Published 2024
The Cellist A WW11 Spy Thriller Published 2022
Eighteen A Supernatural Horror Published 2021
The Girl In the White Dress Published Feb 2020
Magnetic North Published Jan 2018
Postcards From Pimlico Published March 2016
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
November 12, 2025
We’re in Cornwall, the Seventies are in full swing, and bored teens do what bored teens are bound to do in a horror novel: play stupid games.
December 2, 2021
This was so creepy.it kept me on high alert. Didn't help that while reading, my other half silently gets up and walks in the room, resulting in scaring the life out of me 😅. I really enjoyed the build up to the ending, was clever. If spooky books are your thing, this is the book for you!
Also I have just noticed that it's based on true events 😱 Now its even more terrifying.
Also I have just noticed that it's based on true events 😱 Now its even more terrifying.
January 2, 2022
Received from the author @paulbarrellbooks
In exchange for an honest review.
Be sure to leave the lights on when you read this novel! A ghost story that will have you on the edge of your seat.
Saying that.. although I was a little bit spooked.. I felt confused at times and didn't always get which character within the book the author was referring to.
I felt the book was slow to start but once I started reading I didn't want to stop as was curious whether all the characters were experiencing the same things.
I enjoyed the dynamic between the trio and felt the author built the characters personalities up really well throughout the story.
I noticed a couple of grammatical errors such as repeated words or lack of speech marks but that didn't put me off too much and I'll be sure to pass the information onto the author.
This was my first read by Paul Barrel and overall I did enjoy it.
Will keep an eye out for more in the future.
In exchange for an honest review.
Be sure to leave the lights on when you read this novel! A ghost story that will have you on the edge of your seat.
Saying that.. although I was a little bit spooked.. I felt confused at times and didn't always get which character within the book the author was referring to.
I felt the book was slow to start but once I started reading I didn't want to stop as was curious whether all the characters were experiencing the same things.
I enjoyed the dynamic between the trio and felt the author built the characters personalities up really well throughout the story.
I noticed a couple of grammatical errors such as repeated words or lack of speech marks but that didn't put me off too much and I'll be sure to pass the information onto the author.
This was my first read by Paul Barrel and overall I did enjoy it.
Will keep an eye out for more in the future.
December 14, 2021
Eighteen is my first read from Paul Barrell and it certainly won’t be my last.
This story has such a creepy atmosphere to it. I love the writing. It wasn’t a jump scare type of horror…more like the kind of horror that seeps under your skin and gives you chills. My favorite kind of horror, honestly.
The setting of the house really adds to the creep factor. If you read this at night, make sure to leave the lights on. It really go into my head and made me check my house before I went to bed!
I loved the characters. They added to the overall atmosphere of the story. This is a pretty short read but it absolutely packs a punch. I really liked it. If you like atmospheric horror, I recommend giving it a shot.
Thank you to Random Things Tours for the free review copy. All opinions are my own and unbiased.
This story has such a creepy atmosphere to it. I love the writing. It wasn’t a jump scare type of horror…more like the kind of horror that seeps under your skin and gives you chills. My favorite kind of horror, honestly.
The setting of the house really adds to the creep factor. If you read this at night, make sure to leave the lights on. It really go into my head and made me check my house before I went to bed!
I loved the characters. They added to the overall atmosphere of the story. This is a pretty short read but it absolutely packs a punch. I really liked it. If you like atmospheric horror, I recommend giving it a shot.
Thank you to Random Things Tours for the free review copy. All opinions are my own and unbiased.
June 11, 2022
Take a trip into the lives of three teenage boys who think having a séance is a good idea. This is a well written ghost story that takes readers into the realm just beyond this world. This is the only book I have read by this author, but find the writing compelling and will look into more.
December 19, 2021
🄱🄻🄾🄶 🅃🄾🅄🅁 🅁🄴🅅🄸🄴🅆
𝗘𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧𝗘𝗘𝗡
Paul Barrell
⭐⭐⭐
𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
JP, Jeff, and Jo have had a séance and believe they have unleashed something awful. All experiencing nightmares and thoughts of a malevolent presence, but fear telling the others in case it is only their imagination.
The story is told from the perspective of JP, a high-achiever (sports trophies, academic awards), but unpopular with his peers, whose jealousy leads them to think that he cheats. Jeff took JP under his wing and warned off the bullies, beginning a very close bond between the two. Jo, sometimes ‘goth-girl’, but often not, is the third in their trio. A gifted violinist with an interest in the occult. Something which had become something of an obsession for JP.
The character development was excellent, and I felt genuine empathy towards their joint and personal situations. Other characters were on three whole likeable with the exception of JP’s bullying waster of a father. Throughout, I felt that JP’s mother always knew more than she was letting on about everything, with her specific warning to stay out of what they call the Eyrie, and not to try holding a séance.
As I began reading, I felt that I understood the young JP, and as he interacted with Jeff, and Jo, I kept thinking this was going to be great when it gets started. But then, I realised I was already half way through the book and nothing had actually happened. With the exception of three great young characters, there didn’t seem to be anything going on.
This is obviously just my own opinion but I felt the story lacked suspense, or any thing other than the thin implication of something evil. Now, I don’t want anyone to avoid this book just because it didn’t work for me. Others have clearly enjoyed the story, so if you do read my review, consider it just one of many. I gave Eighteen, by Paul Barrell three stars.
#ad #gifted #booktitle #author #publisher #tourhost #bookgenre #booklover #bookstagrammers #johnsbookshelf #bookstabloggers #bookreader #blogtour #bookstagram #bibliophile #bookshelf #bookaddict #igreads #bookblog #readabook #johnsbookshelfblogs #bookaholic #fortheloveofbooks #goodreadschallenge2021 #bookpost #blogpost #johnsbookshelfreviews
𝗘𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧𝗘𝗘𝗡
Paul Barrell
⭐⭐⭐
𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
JP, Jeff, and Jo have had a séance and believe they have unleashed something awful. All experiencing nightmares and thoughts of a malevolent presence, but fear telling the others in case it is only their imagination.
The story is told from the perspective of JP, a high-achiever (sports trophies, academic awards), but unpopular with his peers, whose jealousy leads them to think that he cheats. Jeff took JP under his wing and warned off the bullies, beginning a very close bond between the two. Jo, sometimes ‘goth-girl’, but often not, is the third in their trio. A gifted violinist with an interest in the occult. Something which had become something of an obsession for JP.
The character development was excellent, and I felt genuine empathy towards their joint and personal situations. Other characters were on three whole likeable with the exception of JP’s bullying waster of a father. Throughout, I felt that JP’s mother always knew more than she was letting on about everything, with her specific warning to stay out of what they call the Eyrie, and not to try holding a séance.
As I began reading, I felt that I understood the young JP, and as he interacted with Jeff, and Jo, I kept thinking this was going to be great when it gets started. But then, I realised I was already half way through the book and nothing had actually happened. With the exception of three great young characters, there didn’t seem to be anything going on.
This is obviously just my own opinion but I felt the story lacked suspense, or any thing other than the thin implication of something evil. Now, I don’t want anyone to avoid this book just because it didn’t work for me. Others have clearly enjoyed the story, so if you do read my review, consider it just one of many. I gave Eighteen, by Paul Barrell three stars.
#ad #gifted #booktitle #author #publisher #tourhost #bookgenre #booklover #bookstagrammers #johnsbookshelf #bookstabloggers #bookreader #blogtour #bookstagram #bibliophile #bookshelf #bookaddict #igreads #bookblog #readabook #johnsbookshelfblogs #bookaholic #fortheloveofbooks #goodreadschallenge2021 #bookpost #blogpost #johnsbookshelfreviews
December 8, 2021
Eighteen by Paul Barrell
3*
I wanted to read this one as soon as I heard about it, purely because it’s set where I live, in sunny Cornwall, and I always love reading about history, fiction or not based on my hometown.
I couldn’t find any information on the true story that inspired this book, so if anyone knows about the events that occurred in Torpoint, Cornwall in 1974, please send me over some links as I’d love to read up on it a bit more!
I’m still new to the horror genre when it comes to books, and this was a nice one to ease me into it.
When I hear the word ‘horror’ I always expect to be up all night, with a lamp on, unable to even leave a foot dangling out the bed, but this one didn’t bring the scare factor to that extent, so I’m glad I’ll be able to sleep tonight!
I feel like this was more of backstory to the event of the séance, and what happened after that night, so it would be interesting to read a spin off barely purely on the actual activity because we only got a few pages about that.
I really liked the way the title of the book was incorporated into the story at the end, it added a real light bulb moment.
I loved the character developments, I thought they were very cleverly put together, and the ending was a satisfying one.
I look forward to reading more of the author’s work.
This one is on Kindle Unlimited and is a short story so do let me know if you squeeze it into this year!
[ad – gifted]
3*
I wanted to read this one as soon as I heard about it, purely because it’s set where I live, in sunny Cornwall, and I always love reading about history, fiction or not based on my hometown.
I couldn’t find any information on the true story that inspired this book, so if anyone knows about the events that occurred in Torpoint, Cornwall in 1974, please send me over some links as I’d love to read up on it a bit more!
I’m still new to the horror genre when it comes to books, and this was a nice one to ease me into it.
When I hear the word ‘horror’ I always expect to be up all night, with a lamp on, unable to even leave a foot dangling out the bed, but this one didn’t bring the scare factor to that extent, so I’m glad I’ll be able to sleep tonight!
I feel like this was more of backstory to the event of the séance, and what happened after that night, so it would be interesting to read a spin off barely purely on the actual activity because we only got a few pages about that.
I really liked the way the title of the book was incorporated into the story at the end, it added a real light bulb moment.
I loved the character developments, I thought they were very cleverly put together, and the ending was a satisfying one.
I look forward to reading more of the author’s work.
This one is on Kindle Unlimited and is a short story so do let me know if you squeeze it into this year!
[ad – gifted]
December 12, 2021
This is Paul Barrell’s first book that I have read.
The book is about three friends: JP, Jeff and Jo. The story starts after the séance had already taken place, so the reader doesn’t know what happened. We are only offered a glimpse of the trio being petrified. This beginning had certainly piqued my interest as I wanted to find out what occurred and what was said during the séance.
Soon, JP the youngest of the group, experiences strange things and he isn’t sure whether they are real or not. All he knows is that he is scared. Very scared.
He doesn’t mention anything to his friends, thinking they wouldn’t believe him. However, he doesn’t know that they all are undergoing the same thing…
I appreciated how the author constructed the characters and described their friendship. At times, I felt that the pace was a bit slow for me and I didn’t really understand the references to ‘The Past’. I could not work out who were they referring to.
I had high hopes for this book, however, it left me with some unanswered questions and mixed emotions.
The book is about three friends: JP, Jeff and Jo. The story starts after the séance had already taken place, so the reader doesn’t know what happened. We are only offered a glimpse of the trio being petrified. This beginning had certainly piqued my interest as I wanted to find out what occurred and what was said during the séance.
Soon, JP the youngest of the group, experiences strange things and he isn’t sure whether they are real or not. All he knows is that he is scared. Very scared.
He doesn’t mention anything to his friends, thinking they wouldn’t believe him. However, he doesn’t know that they all are undergoing the same thing…
I appreciated how the author constructed the characters and described their friendship. At times, I felt that the pace was a bit slow for me and I didn’t really understand the references to ‘The Past’. I could not work out who were they referring to.
I had high hopes for this book, however, it left me with some unanswered questions and mixed emotions.
December 8, 2021
This is creepy from the off where a seance goes wrong. After that there are a lot of strange goings on where spirit's are in contact with the 3 that were present at the time.
JP the youngest, seems to be most strongly effected. He has clearly had issues in the past and his father is a mean bully. His mother seems floaty and insincere. There is talk of a sister he once had, but won't tell him about.
the setting of Cornwall and a house that has existed for hundreds of years adds to the creep factor.
I must admit that I started reading this late at night. Thankfully not alone, but I checked more carefully before I went to bed. Yes it really is that creepy.
it's relatively short but packs a punch and is one of the best of its kind I've read in a long time. Will be looking forward to future offerings by this author, but maybe when my heart rate has slowed and shadows don't scare me!!!
JP the youngest, seems to be most strongly effected. He has clearly had issues in the past and his father is a mean bully. His mother seems floaty and insincere. There is talk of a sister he once had, but won't tell him about.
the setting of Cornwall and a house that has existed for hundreds of years adds to the creep factor.
I must admit that I started reading this late at night. Thankfully not alone, but I checked more carefully before I went to bed. Yes it really is that creepy.
it's relatively short but packs a punch and is one of the best of its kind I've read in a long time. Will be looking forward to future offerings by this author, but maybe when my heart rate has slowed and shadows don't scare me!!!
May 14, 2022
Disappointed after all the rave reviews- was a bit too slow and a bit outdated - also having an editor who knew what an apostrophe was and was a bit more brutal about edits might have helped. Maybe just written for an older (60+) reader?
March 9, 2024
Big Shoes
I think I could have enjoyed it more had I not built it up due to the comparisons on the cover. However not a bad book at all.
I think I could have enjoyed it more had I not built it up due to the comparisons on the cover. However not a bad book at all.
December 22, 2021
Set in the 70s, Eighteen is based on a true story of a séance gone wrong, when three teenagers play with an Ouija board. At first, they conjure spirits from the past and enjoy history acting out in front of them. But then the behavioral changes begin, and the trio can’t decipher whether they’re battling inner demons or something more sinister and vindictive outside. A particular spirit latches on and threatens them, making the youngsters distrustful of each other and their own minds.
I loved the concept of novelization of real events, especially connecting the supernatural with reality. Ghost-hunting, paranormal investigations, Ouija boards and cards that seek to tether our world with the ones beyond, make for fascinating reading about the energies that occupy different planes of existence.
Eighteen has a brilliant premise that falls short in delivery. I really wanted to like this book – horror is my favorite genre in fiction, Ouija boards are an intriguing concept, and the story is based on actual events. But the narrative isn’t coherent enough and all these fascinating individual elements fail to fall into place together. Recommended to readers who are new to the horror genre, and like exploring true events in fiction.
I loved the concept of novelization of real events, especially connecting the supernatural with reality. Ghost-hunting, paranormal investigations, Ouija boards and cards that seek to tether our world with the ones beyond, make for fascinating reading about the energies that occupy different planes of existence.
Eighteen has a brilliant premise that falls short in delivery. I really wanted to like this book – horror is my favorite genre in fiction, Ouija boards are an intriguing concept, and the story is based on actual events. But the narrative isn’t coherent enough and all these fascinating individual elements fail to fall into place together. Recommended to readers who are new to the horror genre, and like exploring true events in fiction.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews