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Creeper
Do you believe in Creeper?
Keep telling yourself he's not real. He's not real.
A story so terrifying, the locals won't mention his name.
It's said that Creeper is an urban legend, a chilling, made-up character fabricated to scare children into behaving themselves.
He's known as Painswicks own Bogeyman.
Parents tell their children that Creeper will come if they're naughty.
Adults continually look over their shoulders.
It's said that he hides out front late at night or crawls around in the basement. Others believe Creeper watches them as they sleep.
Eight women have gone missing over the last twenty years. They're known as the Painswick eight.
Now, a ninth woman has vanished.
Billy Huxton, an ex-private investigator, resides at a retirement home and tries to persuade the local, flamboyant entertainer, Declan Ryan, to help him solve the case.
Sean and Jenny make documentaries, creepypastas, the paranormal, and unsolved mysteries. Together with their children, they move into a rundown farmhouse on Gallows Lane.
As they begin to learn of Creeper and the terror many believe he brought to Painswick years ago, they begin to make a film, delving into the chilling story.
But they soon learn it may not be just a story.
Whatever happens, pray you don't see Creeper...
Keep telling yourself he's not real. He's not real.
A story so terrifying, the locals won't mention his name.
It's said that Creeper is an urban legend, a chilling, made-up character fabricated to scare children into behaving themselves.
He's known as Painswicks own Bogeyman.
Parents tell their children that Creeper will come if they're naughty.
Adults continually look over their shoulders.
It's said that he hides out front late at night or crawls around in the basement. Others believe Creeper watches them as they sleep.
Eight women have gone missing over the last twenty years. They're known as the Painswick eight.
Now, a ninth woman has vanished.
Billy Huxton, an ex-private investigator, resides at a retirement home and tries to persuade the local, flamboyant entertainer, Declan Ryan, to help him solve the case.
Sean and Jenny make documentaries, creepypastas, the paranormal, and unsolved mysteries. Together with their children, they move into a rundown farmhouse on Gallows Lane.
As they begin to learn of Creeper and the terror many believe he brought to Painswick years ago, they begin to make a film, delving into the chilling story.
But they soon learn it may not be just a story.
Whatever happens, pray you don't see Creeper...
388 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 27, 2021
486 people are currently reading
1105 people want to read
About the author
Stuart James
12 books619 followersAuthor of world wide number 1 best selling thriller, Turn The Other Way, and International Book Award Winner for The House On Rectory Lane.
Apartment Six was a number 1 new release for a month.
Stranded, released October 19th, 2020 on Amazon.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
What authors have said about my thrillers.
Caroline Mitchell, NY Times bestselling author of The Perfect Mother, The Secret Child and Truth And Lies: A great read packed with twists and turns.
John Marrs, author of The Good Samaritan and The Wronged Son: Fans of Mark Edwards will very much enjoy.
Definitely a writer to look out for.
Lisa Hall, author of The Party and Between You And Me: Tense and thrilling, with an ending you won’t see coming.
Jennifer Jaynes, USA Today bestselling author of Disturbed and Malice. Great job. Well crafted, deliciously twisty and kept me glued to the pages.
L A Detwiler, USA Today bestselling author of The Widow Next Door: The author is gritty, raw and dark in his writing. He is also extremely talented. I would highly recommend this read if you love a dark thriller in the same vein as Stephen King. My book of the month.
Natasha Harding from The Sun newspaper wrote about my thriller: A spooky read that will grab your attention from the very first page.
Published by Bloodhound Books.
Reviewers on Amazon and Goodreads have said Stuart James has written some of the scariest thrillers they’ve read in years.
I'm a new author recently published with Bloodhound Books.
My latest thriller, Turn The Other Way, went world wide number 1 on 5 platforms and has been chosen by Barnes And Noble as one of their top Halloween reads.
My other thriller, The House On Rectory Lane, has just won The International Book Award in horror fiction.
Apartment Six will be available 29th January 2020.
Stranded is released October 19th, 2020 on Amazon.
I live in Hertfordshire and am happily married with 2 wonderful children.
My twitter page is @stuartjames73
My website is stuartjamesthrillers.com
Apartment Six was a number 1 new release for a month.
Stranded, released October 19th, 2020 on Amazon.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
What authors have said about my thrillers.
Caroline Mitchell, NY Times bestselling author of The Perfect Mother, The Secret Child and Truth And Lies: A great read packed with twists and turns.
John Marrs, author of The Good Samaritan and The Wronged Son: Fans of Mark Edwards will very much enjoy.
Definitely a writer to look out for.
Lisa Hall, author of The Party and Between You And Me: Tense and thrilling, with an ending you won’t see coming.
Jennifer Jaynes, USA Today bestselling author of Disturbed and Malice. Great job. Well crafted, deliciously twisty and kept me glued to the pages.
L A Detwiler, USA Today bestselling author of The Widow Next Door: The author is gritty, raw and dark in his writing. He is also extremely talented. I would highly recommend this read if you love a dark thriller in the same vein as Stephen King. My book of the month.
Natasha Harding from The Sun newspaper wrote about my thriller: A spooky read that will grab your attention from the very first page.
Published by Bloodhound Books.
Reviewers on Amazon and Goodreads have said Stuart James has written some of the scariest thrillers they’ve read in years.
I'm a new author recently published with Bloodhound Books.
My latest thriller, Turn The Other Way, went world wide number 1 on 5 platforms and has been chosen by Barnes And Noble as one of their top Halloween reads.
My other thriller, The House On Rectory Lane, has just won The International Book Award in horror fiction.
Apartment Six will be available 29th January 2020.
Stranded is released October 19th, 2020 on Amazon.
I live in Hertfordshire and am happily married with 2 wonderful children.
My twitter page is @stuartjames73
My website is stuartjamesthrillers.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 163 reviews
December 20, 2021
Painswick, a beautiful rural Cotswold town….idyllic and relaxing, a place to be lucky to reside in
Well apart from the Urban legend that is the Creeper…over the years as women have disappeared never to return the tale of the Creeper has become something all the locals know about, but none like to talk about to strangers
Enter Sean and Jenny and kids who inherit a farmhouse on the outskirts of the town, they intend as filmmakers to take the Creeper story to the mainstream, little knowing just what they are unleashing and how they will become involved, way more involved than they ever wanted
A scary, chilling, edge of the seat story that draws you into the Urban Legend and keeps you there through the investigations into it
Well written, at times dark and horrific but relatable to other ‘bogeyman’ we have all heard/grown up knowing of….probably my favourite so far by this author
Be prepared to be scared and also to watch out, the Creeper could be watching you!!
10/10
5 Stars
Well apart from the Urban legend that is the Creeper…over the years as women have disappeared never to return the tale of the Creeper has become something all the locals know about, but none like to talk about to strangers
Enter Sean and Jenny and kids who inherit a farmhouse on the outskirts of the town, they intend as filmmakers to take the Creeper story to the mainstream, little knowing just what they are unleashing and how they will become involved, way more involved than they ever wanted
A scary, chilling, edge of the seat story that draws you into the Urban Legend and keeps you there through the investigations into it
Well written, at times dark and horrific but relatable to other ‘bogeyman’ we have all heard/grown up knowing of….probably my favourite so far by this author
Be prepared to be scared and also to watch out, the Creeper could be watching you!!
10/10
5 Stars
December 24, 2021
Do not pick up Creeper if you are currently moving house, have just moved house, or have an ominously creepy basement in your home! I repeat this is a public service announcement – Do not read Creeper if you have moved home, are moving home, or have a creepy basement. Thank you.
Sean and Jenny are getting ready to move to the idyllic countryside. As internet sensations making and producing docufilms about urban legends, ghost hunting, and myths. They have a large following and they can’t wait to get stuck into the next challenge, the case of Creeper. An urban legend that focuses on the disappearance of eight young women in the village of Painswick. Just hope that you don’t see him because you could be next!
As the chapters fly you become wrapped up in the mystery, the character’s being given life, and everything becomes three-dimensional. They have real-life worries and anxieties, so when Sean and Jenny move with their two children, Beth and Ethan, and start to hear the whisperings of Creeper they know they want to cover it. The only problem is why does their farmhouse seem to be at the centre of it?
As the rumours fly so does the couple’s interest. They enlist the help of an ex-private investigator, Billy Huxton and Declan Ryan, a local entertainer. Huxton is the father of one of Creeper’s victims, he spent every waking moment trying to find her, trying to gain closure only for every door to be slammed in his face. His wife died of cancer not knowing what happened to their daughter and the thought destroys Billy.
Moving to Painswick is not the beginning that Sean and Jenny imagined. Instead, it is the beginning of being transported to hell.
This book crept me out. The atmosphere, the ticking time bomb element of the narrative had me both intrigued and scared witless. It’s the perfect book if like me you love a story with a killer amount of suspense and a threatening shadow of malevolence. If there’s one thing that James knows that is how to deliver endings with a killer blow. Wow, once again I was blown away…that ending, excuse me while I put my eyes back in their sockets.
The plot in Creeper will not fit in a nice, neat box. It begs to be let free, free to wreak havoc on anyone that questions its motives. A horror with familial pain and suffering with an undercurrent of paranormal danger, it anchored me into the moment, and I wouldn’t rest until I inhaled the last page. Be prepared for the domino effect to threaten everything that came before!
Creeper is a dark and twisting narrative that had me turning the pages at breakneck speed. Brilliantly written and kept me captivated. Stuart James has reawakened my fears about basements
Sean and Jenny are getting ready to move to the idyllic countryside. As internet sensations making and producing docufilms about urban legends, ghost hunting, and myths. They have a large following and they can’t wait to get stuck into the next challenge, the case of Creeper. An urban legend that focuses on the disappearance of eight young women in the village of Painswick. Just hope that you don’t see him because you could be next!
As the chapters fly you become wrapped up in the mystery, the character’s being given life, and everything becomes three-dimensional. They have real-life worries and anxieties, so when Sean and Jenny move with their two children, Beth and Ethan, and start to hear the whisperings of Creeper they know they want to cover it. The only problem is why does their farmhouse seem to be at the centre of it?
As the rumours fly so does the couple’s interest. They enlist the help of an ex-private investigator, Billy Huxton and Declan Ryan, a local entertainer. Huxton is the father of one of Creeper’s victims, he spent every waking moment trying to find her, trying to gain closure only for every door to be slammed in his face. His wife died of cancer not knowing what happened to their daughter and the thought destroys Billy.
Moving to Painswick is not the beginning that Sean and Jenny imagined. Instead, it is the beginning of being transported to hell.
This book crept me out. The atmosphere, the ticking time bomb element of the narrative had me both intrigued and scared witless. It’s the perfect book if like me you love a story with a killer amount of suspense and a threatening shadow of malevolence. If there’s one thing that James knows that is how to deliver endings with a killer blow. Wow, once again I was blown away…that ending, excuse me while I put my eyes back in their sockets.
The plot in Creeper will not fit in a nice, neat box. It begs to be let free, free to wreak havoc on anyone that questions its motives. A horror with familial pain and suffering with an undercurrent of paranormal danger, it anchored me into the moment, and I wouldn’t rest until I inhaled the last page. Be prepared for the domino effect to threaten everything that came before!
Creeper is a dark and twisting narrative that had me turning the pages at breakneck speed. Brilliantly written and kept me captivated. Stuart James has reawakened my fears about basements
January 14, 2022
WOW. Just WOW
This is my first book I’ve read by Stuart James and certainly won’t be the last. This had me gripped from the start. I enjoyed the twists and really took to the characters.
Top read
This is my first book I’ve read by Stuart James and certainly won’t be the last. This had me gripped from the start. I enjoyed the twists and really took to the characters.
Top read
January 3, 2022
Could have been so good
Thought from the blurb this was my kind of book. Raced thru it just to finish it. Badly written, totally illogical, silly attempts at humour and ridiculous twist. So much description of irrelevant things too
Thought from the blurb this was my kind of book. Raced thru it just to finish it. Badly written, totally illogical, silly attempts at humour and ridiculous twist. So much description of irrelevant things too
March 31, 2022
This was a twist and turn of a story. I wasn’t really expecting much going into the book as I didn’t read the reviews or the back cover but I’m so glad I didn’t. This was an amazing story which genuinely made me feel spooked at points and made me regret reading it before bed. The characters are all likeable, everything gets tied up really nice and neat and the plot twists are unexpected every time I thought I guessed what was going on it turned out it wasn’t what I’d guessed.
December 18, 2021
Creeper is creepy...but in such a great omg I can't put down..hide under my covers read.
I read this so fast as it just pulled me in I couldn't put it down.
Just when you thought you knew you were wrong. Wow what an ending.
Stuart James has a way of writing that you just cant help but love his books.
Was honored to get an early copy of this book.
I read this so fast as it just pulled me in I couldn't put it down.
Just when you thought you knew you were wrong. Wow what an ending.
Stuart James has a way of writing that you just cant help but love his books.
Was honored to get an early copy of this book.
February 6, 2023
3.5 stars.
The premise of the story is really good and it does have a few creepy moments...but i just felt it wasn't executed as good as it could have been. Having read another of Stuart's books, unfortunately this is just his style of writing. In my opinion.
There were just some things that didnt add up for me:-
- late on in the story, how did Creeper get to Oxford before the Freemans AND sneak in the house without being spotted? Apparently he went in the front door but the Freemans were out front in the car.
- After a scary encounter in the farmhouse, Jenny is later lying in bed when she hears someone breathing in the room (and it's not her sleeping husband). Does she wake up her husband and investigate? No. She pulls the covers over her head and goes to sleep. Really?
- How did Creeper navigate round the farmhouse without being heard? Apparently he was a large guy so surely floorboards would be creaking or something. Things happen in such a short space of time, it's as if Creeper is actually a ghost, drifting in and out, noiseless. Just didnt add up to who Creeper is.
- The police are barely involved, even after so many scary incidents. After one particular incident, the family have a takeaway and go to bed, as if nothing has happened at all. Any normal person would be on the phone to the police straight away. There's someone in your house for god's sake!
- It's bugged me how it's Creeper, and not The Creeper. Maybe just a personal thing but when it was mentioned in sentences, to me, it would have made more sense to say "The Creeper".
- The bodies of the missing girls were found in some woodland, not far from the farmhouse. Surely this would have been looked at by the police investigating the missing girls. It doesnt sound like the biggest of towns so i imagine nearest woodland would be the most obvious place to look.
- There's a twist at the end which i felt was totally unnecessary- it didnt add anything to the story, didnt answer any lingering questions. If anything, it kinda confused things.
Anyway, these are just my thoughts on the book. There's a tease at the end that says that Billy and Declan will be back this year to investigate another "chilling" tale but im not sure ill be along for that ride.
An OK book, but nothing special. Could have been so much more.
The premise of the story is really good and it does have a few creepy moments...but i just felt it wasn't executed as good as it could have been. Having read another of Stuart's books, unfortunately this is just his style of writing. In my opinion.
There were just some things that didnt add up for me:-
- late on in the story, how did Creeper get to Oxford before the Freemans AND sneak in the house without being spotted? Apparently he went in the front door but the Freemans were out front in the car.
- After a scary encounter in the farmhouse, Jenny is later lying in bed when she hears someone breathing in the room (and it's not her sleeping husband). Does she wake up her husband and investigate? No. She pulls the covers over her head and goes to sleep. Really?
- How did Creeper navigate round the farmhouse without being heard? Apparently he was a large guy so surely floorboards would be creaking or something. Things happen in such a short space of time, it's as if Creeper is actually a ghost, drifting in and out, noiseless. Just didnt add up to who Creeper is.
- The police are barely involved, even after so many scary incidents. After one particular incident, the family have a takeaway and go to bed, as if nothing has happened at all. Any normal person would be on the phone to the police straight away. There's someone in your house for god's sake!
- It's bugged me how it's Creeper, and not The Creeper. Maybe just a personal thing but when it was mentioned in sentences, to me, it would have made more sense to say "The Creeper".
- The bodies of the missing girls were found in some woodland, not far from the farmhouse. Surely this would have been looked at by the police investigating the missing girls. It doesnt sound like the biggest of towns so i imagine nearest woodland would be the most obvious place to look.
- There's a twist at the end which i felt was totally unnecessary- it didnt add anything to the story, didnt answer any lingering questions. If anything, it kinda confused things.
Anyway, these are just my thoughts on the book. There's a tease at the end that says that Billy and Declan will be back this year to investigate another "chilling" tale but im not sure ill be along for that ride.
An OK book, but nothing special. Could have been so much more.
January 8, 2022
A totally engrossing thrill ride from start to finish.
Sean and Jenny make documentaries about all things scary and outlandish. When Sean inherits a run down farmhouse out in the country he figures it would be a great place to move his wife and two teenage kids. What they didn't know was this house had a history, a history that the townfolk refuse to talk about. You see twenty years ago eight women went missing and the urban legend of The Creeper becomes that which can't be spoken. When another young woman goes missing it sparks the fear of the return of Creeper. Enter Billy Huxton and Declan Ryan, a retired investigator whose own daughter is one of the missing eight and his humorous sidekick, an entertainer who works in a retirement home. When they hear another woman's gone missing they soon pick up the chase. Will they be able to crack the case before another one goes missing? Will Sean and Jenny get the film they know their followers would love? You need to read this one to find out.
Written with a conversational style with characters who jump off the page, I was invested from the start. I loved the atmosphere the author creates with his descriptive prose, ramping up the tension and suspense that keep you holding your breath. The twists and turns are hair raising with a final twist you won't see coming.
If you're a fan of psychological thrillers with a touch of horror, I highly recommend you add this to your TBR pile.
.
Thank you to the author for a digital copy to read, review and enjoy.
Sean and Jenny make documentaries about all things scary and outlandish. When Sean inherits a run down farmhouse out in the country he figures it would be a great place to move his wife and two teenage kids. What they didn't know was this house had a history, a history that the townfolk refuse to talk about. You see twenty years ago eight women went missing and the urban legend of The Creeper becomes that which can't be spoken. When another young woman goes missing it sparks the fear of the return of Creeper. Enter Billy Huxton and Declan Ryan, a retired investigator whose own daughter is one of the missing eight and his humorous sidekick, an entertainer who works in a retirement home. When they hear another woman's gone missing they soon pick up the chase. Will they be able to crack the case before another one goes missing? Will Sean and Jenny get the film they know their followers would love? You need to read this one to find out.
Written with a conversational style with characters who jump off the page, I was invested from the start. I loved the atmosphere the author creates with his descriptive prose, ramping up the tension and suspense that keep you holding your breath. The twists and turns are hair raising with a final twist you won't see coming.
If you're a fan of psychological thrillers with a touch of horror, I highly recommend you add this to your TBR pile.
.
Thank you to the author for a digital copy to read, review and enjoy.
December 31, 2021
“Creeper” by Stuart James is a creepy, atmospheric nail biting read.
The characters are equally likeable to the evilness also threaded through.
This book was addictive, scary - though I still read it late into the night, buried underneath my duvet cover….
A first by this author for me, recommended by my good book friend Mark Fearn, Thanks for that Mark! I look forward to reading more of Stuart’s books.
If you’re looking for a book where you’re shouting at the characters “Don’t go down there alone, dumbass!” “Don’t Look under the bed because you “think” there’s someone there” then this is a must read for you. Just be warned - you never know what you’ll find!
I think I need a few days to settle my mind now. Enjoy!
The characters are equally likeable to the evilness also threaded through.
This book was addictive, scary - though I still read it late into the night, buried underneath my duvet cover….
A first by this author for me, recommended by my good book friend Mark Fearn, Thanks for that Mark! I look forward to reading more of Stuart’s books.
If you’re looking for a book where you’re shouting at the characters “Don’t go down there alone, dumbass!” “Don’t Look under the bed because you “think” there’s someone there” then this is a must read for you. Just be warned - you never know what you’ll find!
I think I need a few days to settle my mind now. Enjoy!
December 22, 2021
I have been looking forward to reading this for ages.
I love Stuarts books, and The House on Rectory Lane is one of my favourites. I wondered how this would compare, I needed have worried, I think this may have taken over as number one.
Sean and Jenny make online docufilms exploring urban legends, hauntings and such like.
They inherit a run down old farm house in Painswick in the Cotswolds and begin to learn about Creeper, an urban legend that the small town seems really reluctant to discuss with them.
There is no denying that 8 women have disappeared, one of them belonging to grumpy curmudgeon Billy Huxton. Now a 9th has vanished.
He lives in a residential home, along with Declan, the entertainer. When he learns of the new missing woman, he decides now is the time to finish this and find his daughter.
These two are great, chalk and cheese. Declan is lively, camp, outgoing, outrageous and hilarious, I imagine rather annoying in real life.
Another stand out from this is the relationship between the family. I imagine this echoes the authors own. They are all close, and the siblings aren't bratty or rude, they still like their tech and listen to grime music, but go to each other when something happens and don't mind spending time together. This is compared with another sibling relationship and shows how strong the sibling bond can be.
All of this however is nothing, compared to the tension that is constant throughout. The threat of something happening is ever present and it is something this author does with considerable skill. The unknown crashes, bangs, lights flickering, people standing watching, or were they. At no point can you breathe and relax, and that is what makes this such an amazing read. Another strength of Stuarts writing is the isolation and old house style. I would argue he is the best around at the moment.
I love Stuarts books, and The House on Rectory Lane is one of my favourites. I wondered how this would compare, I needed have worried, I think this may have taken over as number one.
Sean and Jenny make online docufilms exploring urban legends, hauntings and such like.
They inherit a run down old farm house in Painswick in the Cotswolds and begin to learn about Creeper, an urban legend that the small town seems really reluctant to discuss with them.
There is no denying that 8 women have disappeared, one of them belonging to grumpy curmudgeon Billy Huxton. Now a 9th has vanished.
He lives in a residential home, along with Declan, the entertainer. When he learns of the new missing woman, he decides now is the time to finish this and find his daughter.
These two are great, chalk and cheese. Declan is lively, camp, outgoing, outrageous and hilarious, I imagine rather annoying in real life.
Another stand out from this is the relationship between the family. I imagine this echoes the authors own. They are all close, and the siblings aren't bratty or rude, they still like their tech and listen to grime music, but go to each other when something happens and don't mind spending time together. This is compared with another sibling relationship and shows how strong the sibling bond can be.
All of this however is nothing, compared to the tension that is constant throughout. The threat of something happening is ever present and it is something this author does with considerable skill. The unknown crashes, bangs, lights flickering, people standing watching, or were they. At no point can you breathe and relax, and that is what makes this such an amazing read. Another strength of Stuarts writing is the isolation and old house style. I would argue he is the best around at the moment.
January 26, 2022
Like Something From Stephen King?... er, I Don't Think So
No spoilers. 2 1/2 stars. This book's description tells the buyer it is as good as something by Stephen King. Nope!...
A brief synopsis of the plot: a man and his family inherit an isolated farmhouse, sell up and move the family to live there...
Trouble is...
There is an urban legend connected to the property about a bogeyman known as the Creeper...
... the Creeper has already killed nine women and he's looking to add the family's 16 year old daughter to his "to do list"...
First off, this novel isn't even as good as Stephen King's worst novel on a good day. So much for false advertising.
My complaints with this story are many. It moves like molasses and should have been shortened by about 100 pages. It was filled with trivia which added nothing to the story.
There were many attempts at humor with the bumbling escapees from the old folks home (who were trying to solve the case) which fell flatter than a pancake.
The family itself rarely ventured from their bedrooms, even when they knew someone had gotten into their house. Further, they were, for some reason, unable to get their locks changed in a timely manner.
Speaking of locks, is it common in the UK to use keys to unlock doors from INSIDE THE HOUSE instead of outside? Seems like a case of the cart before the horse to me.
Also, are we to understand that the English do not call law enforcement for any life threatening reason?
Can someone please tell me why internet and cell phone coverage is ALWAYS an issue in the UK?
My final comment is that the reveal was too lame for words. If you're planning on buying this novel be prepared to suspend all common sense and logic.
No spoilers. 2 1/2 stars. This book's description tells the buyer it is as good as something by Stephen King. Nope!...
A brief synopsis of the plot: a man and his family inherit an isolated farmhouse, sell up and move the family to live there...
Trouble is...
There is an urban legend connected to the property about a bogeyman known as the Creeper...
... the Creeper has already killed nine women and he's looking to add the family's 16 year old daughter to his "to do list"...
First off, this novel isn't even as good as Stephen King's worst novel on a good day. So much for false advertising.
My complaints with this story are many. It moves like molasses and should have been shortened by about 100 pages. It was filled with trivia which added nothing to the story.
There were many attempts at humor with the bumbling escapees from the old folks home (who were trying to solve the case) which fell flatter than a pancake.
The family itself rarely ventured from their bedrooms, even when they knew someone had gotten into their house. Further, they were, for some reason, unable to get their locks changed in a timely manner.
Speaking of locks, is it common in the UK to use keys to unlock doors from INSIDE THE HOUSE instead of outside? Seems like a case of the cart before the horse to me.
Also, are we to understand that the English do not call law enforcement for any life threatening reason?
Can someone please tell me why internet and cell phone coverage is ALWAYS an issue in the UK?
My final comment is that the reveal was too lame for words. If you're planning on buying this novel be prepared to suspend all common sense and logic.
September 23, 2022
Sophmorish
I hate to bash anyone's work but.......the story was good and the amateur detectives were fairly well written but the Freeman family were written totally unrealistic-they are in danger and being threatened from the beginning and the husband and wife don't want to tell the other of individual threats so they won't worry the other one. These parents don't want to tell their older teenage kids about anything because they don't want to scare them and all the while, the dad keeps talking about his determination to keep his family safe!!!! Well why don't you stop shoving the physical threats under the rug and tell family of danger and get them OUT OF THERE and really keep them safe!
These characters were so out of touch with reality and the dad was a total wimpy douching.
I hate to bash anyone's work but.......the story was good and the amateur detectives were fairly well written but the Freeman family were written totally unrealistic-they are in danger and being threatened from the beginning and the husband and wife don't want to tell the other of individual threats so they won't worry the other one. These parents don't want to tell their older teenage kids about anything because they don't want to scare them and all the while, the dad keeps talking about his determination to keep his family safe!!!! Well why don't you stop shoving the physical threats under the rug and tell family of danger and get them OUT OF THERE and really keep them safe!
These characters were so out of touch with reality and the dad was a total wimpy douching.
December 28, 2021
Wow, this was such a great and aptly named book! I don’t scare easily, but this one did a pretty good job of creeping me out, which is awesome! I loved the isolated and eerie farmhouse where most of this book took place. There were so many times when I was silently screaming to Sam and his family to get out of there! I think it also rekindled some basement fears that I had as a child! The characters of Billy and Declan were so well written and brought some needed comic relief to the story. I really loved both of these characters and hope to see more of them in future books!
I highly recommend this book to thriller and horror lovers!
Thanks to Stuart James for the e-arc of this book in exchange for my honest review!
I highly recommend this book to thriller and horror lovers!
Thanks to Stuart James for the e-arc of this book in exchange for my honest review!
December 27, 2021
Stuart James, you did it again!! Creeper is by far the best book I’ve read this year! I was completely hooked from the beginning, holding my breath the whole time lol. I flied through the pages anxious to find out what was going to happen next. It Lots of twists and turns that will keep you up at night reading ( with the lights on). This book literally scared the daylights out of me and made me laugh at the same time with Declan’s wit and humor.
I loved the comedic banter between Billy and Declan and the relationship they had. I would love to see them make another appearance in the future.
If you love psychological thrillers, I highly recommend this book.
A forever fan,
~Jen
5/5 stars ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
I loved the comedic banter between Billy and Declan and the relationship they had. I would love to see them make another appearance in the future.
If you love psychological thrillers, I highly recommend this book.
A forever fan,
~Jen
5/5 stars ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
December 23, 2021
This book started good, was so strong by the middle, and by the end I could not put it down at all!
Great book, that was perfectly paced, with lots going on, with my brain racing ahead trying to work out what was going on... Which it never did I might add.
Absolutely loved it - would highly recommend it, in fact I know a lot of people in my book group on Facebook will love this.
Great book, that was perfectly paced, with lots going on, with my brain racing ahead trying to work out what was going on... Which it never did I might add.
Absolutely loved it - would highly recommend it, in fact I know a lot of people in my book group on Facebook will love this.
December 30, 2021
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Creeper..... Stuart's best book yet!!! Very creepy indeed. You may of he a d the name Creeper Is he real or just an urban myth?! You decide, but in the meantime keep your doors LOCKED. Brilliant Stuart very well done , your best to date in my oppinion.
Creeper..... Stuart's best book yet!!! Very creepy indeed. You may of he a d the name Creeper Is he real or just an urban myth?! You decide, but in the meantime keep your doors LOCKED. Brilliant Stuart very well done , your best to date in my oppinion.
January 16, 2022
WTF?
So bad. I could only read a few pages. You know how some horror movies are so bad they're only good for a laugh? This isn't even funny. Seriously. It's just dumb.
So bad. I could only read a few pages. You know how some horror movies are so bad they're only good for a laugh? This isn't even funny. Seriously. It's just dumb.
February 7, 2022
Got about half way through and couldn’t finish. The actions (and inactions) of the characters are stupid to the point of being annoying.
December 9, 2022
Comecei a ler este livro à noite. Tive de o pousar, senti pavor... mesmo assim foi uma boa leitura!
December 30, 2021
Headlights appear out of the darkest of nights
I have just finished this book experienced a range of emotions...terrifying fear at times holding my breath. What a lovely family has to survive to be safe. A cat and mouse game an intruder in the old farmhouse...or was there none. I have to question my own sanity at times..was that a shadow? Did the noise come from outside or inside...did the door handle move? Did it? These are questions you will be able to answer in due time. This is an amazing well written book of terror by Stuart James you sir deserve applause!!! Well done I devoured it! I love everything about this book the characters and some comic relief thrown in with the fear and terror. Not going out after dark anytime soon for a country drive.
I have just finished this book experienced a range of emotions...terrifying fear at times holding my breath. What a lovely family has to survive to be safe. A cat and mouse game an intruder in the old farmhouse...or was there none. I have to question my own sanity at times..was that a shadow? Did the noise come from outside or inside...did the door handle move? Did it? These are questions you will be able to answer in due time. This is an amazing well written book of terror by Stuart James you sir deserve applause!!! Well done I devoured it! I love everything about this book the characters and some comic relief thrown in with the fear and terror. Not going out after dark anytime soon for a country drive.
December 29, 2021
The Painswick Eight. Twenty years ago young women started to go missing from the village of Painswick in The Cotswolds and no bodies were ever found. The last one to disappear was Katie ten years ago. All sorts of rumours abounded as to what had befallen them, tales of runaway pacts and cults or communes. The most chilling theory was that of the Creeper, someone who gets into people’s houses and watches them, even kidnaps and tortures them to death. Katie’s father, retired private investigator Billy Huxton, keeps a box of newspaper cuttings at his retirement home. When he sees news reports that another woman has recently vanished from the same place he is stirred into action and knows he must go back, taking Declan Ryan, an ex-police officer and now the home’s entertainment manager, with him. Also on the move are Sean and Jenny Freeman, two filmmakers who create documentaries for the internet featuring strange and curious stories of unsolved mysteries. They have just been attacked at nearby Greyshott Hall in Oxford where they were reporting on the thirty-year-old case of teenager Mark Wheelan who slaughtered eight people at the psychiatric hospital and then disappeared without trace. Sean has recently been gifted his Uncle Ed’s large and very rundown farmhouse in Painswick, not knowing at the time that this property on Gallows Lane (nicknamed Psycho Path) is reputed to be the lair of the Creeper. It seems that Ed Berry was convinced he was being watched by the Creeper and it drove him mad. As they move into the farmhouse with their teenage son and daughter and make an immediate start on a film about the place, strange and sinister happenings begin to take place. No one wants to talk about the history of the village until Billy and Declan arrive and fill them in. As someone watches the Freemans, Billy and Declan hurtle into danger as they attempt to cut through the lies, fear and paranoia to unmask a deranged killer. Will they be able to lift the dark cloud over the area for once and for all?
From the title you might expect a spooky horror story but in fact this is so much better, an excellent tale of two amateur detectives and a serial killer who has stalked the area for years. With a shocking ending I really didn’t see coming, it’s a superb story, really well written and full of twists, action and suspense. Billy and Declan are a perfect paring and I loved their very humorous conversations. I look forward to another story featuring this incredibly likeable partnership very soon. 5*
From the title you might expect a spooky horror story but in fact this is so much better, an excellent tale of two amateur detectives and a serial killer who has stalked the area for years. With a shocking ending I really didn’t see coming, it’s a superb story, really well written and full of twists, action and suspense. Billy and Declan are a perfect paring and I loved their very humorous conversations. I look forward to another story featuring this incredibly likeable partnership very soon. 5*
December 27, 2021
CREEPER
by Stuart James
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Firstly, I send my congratulations to Stuart James on the release of Creeper, and my thanks to Stuart for the advance copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
My Review
That cover is worthy of the title Creeper on its own. Brilliant!
I didn’t believe that Stuart could improve on the excellent Selfie, but Creeper easily proved me wrong. This very creepy, tense, compelling, Story grabbed my attention before I was even half way into chapter one, and captivated me until the last page.
Documentary makers Sean and Jenny, and their teenage children Ethan and Beth have moved to a remote farmhouse, the property of Sean’s late uncle Ed. First, the builders carrying out renovations abandon the job without notice and refuse any contact, then a stranger is seen around the area, apparently watching the house.
A local woman goes missing after being given a lift home by Sean and Ethan one evening, and then a retired private investigator begins to look into her disappearance as one of several over the years, one of whom was his own daughter.
This book had the perfect balance of suspense, creepiness, and intrigue, to keep the pages rapidly turning.
My only (slight) issue was that I wanted to bang the family’s heads together on more than one occasion. When something alarming happened, instead of telling everyone and dealing with it together, they didn’t say anything to avoid upsetting the others. I shouted out more than once in frustration at their apparent lack of common sense. But then again, if they had done the right thing straight away, the book would have become a very short story instead. While being frustrated at the whole family, I was rooting for them throughout and shared their feelings of fear, anger, and helplessness, as the tension turned up a notch with each chapter as it led to the inevitable climax.
Overall, I loved his book. The characters, while frustrating, were very likeable and credible. The story built on it’s foundation of horror and violence, evoking real feelings of tension and empathy towards the family and private investigator Billy. I cannot recommend it enough for readers of well written, tense, compelling horror stories. I gave Creeper by Stuart James five stars. (dated 27 December 2021) This review is also published on jldixon.co.uk, Amazon UK, Waterstones, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
by Stuart James
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Firstly, I send my congratulations to Stuart James on the release of Creeper, and my thanks to Stuart for the advance copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
My Review
That cover is worthy of the title Creeper on its own. Brilliant!
I didn’t believe that Stuart could improve on the excellent Selfie, but Creeper easily proved me wrong. This very creepy, tense, compelling, Story grabbed my attention before I was even half way into chapter one, and captivated me until the last page.
Documentary makers Sean and Jenny, and their teenage children Ethan and Beth have moved to a remote farmhouse, the property of Sean’s late uncle Ed. First, the builders carrying out renovations abandon the job without notice and refuse any contact, then a stranger is seen around the area, apparently watching the house.
A local woman goes missing after being given a lift home by Sean and Ethan one evening, and then a retired private investigator begins to look into her disappearance as one of several over the years, one of whom was his own daughter.
This book had the perfect balance of suspense, creepiness, and intrigue, to keep the pages rapidly turning.
My only (slight) issue was that I wanted to bang the family’s heads together on more than one occasion. When something alarming happened, instead of telling everyone and dealing with it together, they didn’t say anything to avoid upsetting the others. I shouted out more than once in frustration at their apparent lack of common sense. But then again, if they had done the right thing straight away, the book would have become a very short story instead. While being frustrated at the whole family, I was rooting for them throughout and shared their feelings of fear, anger, and helplessness, as the tension turned up a notch with each chapter as it led to the inevitable climax.
Overall, I loved his book. The characters, while frustrating, were very likeable and credible. The story built on it’s foundation of horror and violence, evoking real feelings of tension and empathy towards the family and private investigator Billy. I cannot recommend it enough for readers of well written, tense, compelling horror stories. I gave Creeper by Stuart James five stars. (dated 27 December 2021) This review is also published on jldixon.co.uk, Amazon UK, Waterstones, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
December 28, 2021
The setting of this book is the beautiful Cotswolds. Nothing bad can happen here, surely? Apart from having an urban legend that is the Creeper that is. All the locals have knowledge relating to the Creeper, and they don’t want to impart this knowledge to strangers.
However, poor Sean, Jenny and their children inherit a farmhouse on the outskirts of town. And they are totally naive in the ways of the bogeyman. Strangely, they work as filmmakers. As soon as they hear snippets of stories about the Creeper, they decide that this could be “the big one” and determine to take the Creeper story to the masses. Bad idea, I hear you all saying. And I’m sure they weren’t planning on getting up cold and personal with the legend themselves.
Eight women have gone missing in the area in which they have just inherited their new home. Understanding there seems to be more than gossip behind this local urban legend, Sean and Jenny enlist the help of Billy Huxton and Declan Ryan. Huxton lost his daughter to the Creeper so he is personally invested in the tale.
Their move into the countryside has begun the family’s move into hell. The atmosphere that is conjured by Stuart’s writing is like a well balanced soup. A little bit of horror, a little bit of terror, a little bit of scariness, a little bit of malevolence and a whole lot of threatening suspense.
This is a truly scary story that will keep you on the edge of your seats while reading it. The absolute horror of thinking you are being watched is taken to a whole new level. This is written so well, just like Stuart’s other books. At times the writing gets more dark than comfortable. There is something very real about this book, and I don’t want it to be. Brilliant.
However, poor Sean, Jenny and their children inherit a farmhouse on the outskirts of town. And they are totally naive in the ways of the bogeyman. Strangely, they work as filmmakers. As soon as they hear snippets of stories about the Creeper, they decide that this could be “the big one” and determine to take the Creeper story to the masses. Bad idea, I hear you all saying. And I’m sure they weren’t planning on getting up cold and personal with the legend themselves.
Eight women have gone missing in the area in which they have just inherited their new home. Understanding there seems to be more than gossip behind this local urban legend, Sean and Jenny enlist the help of Billy Huxton and Declan Ryan. Huxton lost his daughter to the Creeper so he is personally invested in the tale.
Their move into the countryside has begun the family’s move into hell. The atmosphere that is conjured by Stuart’s writing is like a well balanced soup. A little bit of horror, a little bit of terror, a little bit of scariness, a little bit of malevolence and a whole lot of threatening suspense.
This is a truly scary story that will keep you on the edge of your seats while reading it. The absolute horror of thinking you are being watched is taken to a whole new level. This is written so well, just like Stuart’s other books. At times the writing gets more dark than comfortable. There is something very real about this book, and I don’t want it to be. Brilliant.
December 19, 2021
I’ve read most of this authors books and nothing for me has quite equalled The House at Rectory Lane. Until now. This is a really scary psychological thriller / horror. Full of suspense and if you think you know what’s going to happen next you really don’t! Great characters - I absolutely loved the banter between Billy and Declan.
Briefly, when paranormal documentary film makers Dean and his wife Jenny move to the Cotswold town of Painswick, with their teenage children, they think it’s going to be a new start for them. It is but not in the way they think. The village has a secret. One that no one will talk about. 8 women, The Painswick Eight, have disappeared over the years, and now another woman is missing and everyone blames The Creeper. Sean and Jenny believe The Creeper is an urban myth but someone is taking these women.
One of the Eight was the daughter of former PI Billy Huxton and when he hears another woman is missing, with the help of retired police officer Declan Ryan he is determined to find the killer, this time.
This is genuinely edge of the seat stuff. In my head I’ve repeatedly shouted “don’t get out of the car” “don’t go downstairs” “don’t go outside” don’t don’t don’t. Well written with a great storyline and a twist near the end you will not expect. I read this in a day I just had to know…if you want to know you need to read this. Hey and it looks like Billy and Declan might be back. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Briefly, when paranormal documentary film makers Dean and his wife Jenny move to the Cotswold town of Painswick, with their teenage children, they think it’s going to be a new start for them. It is but not in the way they think. The village has a secret. One that no one will talk about. 8 women, The Painswick Eight, have disappeared over the years, and now another woman is missing and everyone blames The Creeper. Sean and Jenny believe The Creeper is an urban myth but someone is taking these women.
One of the Eight was the daughter of former PI Billy Huxton and when he hears another woman is missing, with the help of retired police officer Declan Ryan he is determined to find the killer, this time.
This is genuinely edge of the seat stuff. In my head I’ve repeatedly shouted “don’t get out of the car” “don’t go downstairs” “don’t go outside” don’t don’t don’t. Well written with a great storyline and a twist near the end you will not expect. I read this in a day I just had to know…if you want to know you need to read this. Hey and it looks like Billy and Declan might be back. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
December 27, 2021
Thanks to the author of an ARc for an honest review.
Stuart James is an author who writes Thriller/Psychology Fiction/Horror novels and I truly believe his latest work “Creeper” is a masterpiece. I’ve read all his works, loved them all.
“Creeper is one hell of a Son of a B**** read!!! it has it all, suspense, edge of the seat creepiness and a dash of humour which came along from my two favourite characters grumpy Billy Huxton & witty in your face Declan.
What I love about Stuart’s writing is the old abandoned houses/dark creepy country roads/out of the way barns which really adds to the creepiness of the story. Oh and let's not forget about those dark smelly as hell basements!!!. The constant excitement of what’s going to happen next, the “how did he get in” “how much can a family take!!” kind of stuff.
I’ve been reading for many many years but only science fiction, I couldn't get enough of it, but last year during lock-down I came upon “Stranded” also by Stuart, he introduced me to this creepy/haunted/bogeyman thrillers. Since then I’ve read quite a few of this kind but “Stranded” is special to me, I still think about it.
Stuart James is an author who writes Thriller/Psychology Fiction/Horror novels and I truly believe his latest work “Creeper” is a masterpiece. I’ve read all his works, loved them all.
“Creeper is one hell of a Son of a B**** read!!! it has it all, suspense, edge of the seat creepiness and a dash of humour which came along from my two favourite characters grumpy Billy Huxton & witty in your face Declan.
What I love about Stuart’s writing is the old abandoned houses/dark creepy country roads/out of the way barns which really adds to the creepiness of the story. Oh and let's not forget about those dark smelly as hell basements!!!. The constant excitement of what’s going to happen next, the “how did he get in” “how much can a family take!!” kind of stuff.
I’ve been reading for many many years but only science fiction, I couldn't get enough of it, but last year during lock-down I came upon “Stranded” also by Stuart, he introduced me to this creepy/haunted/bogeyman thrillers. Since then I’ve read quite a few of this kind but “Stranded” is special to me, I still think about it.
January 2, 2022
Wow, what can I say!
I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC for this book and it's definately one of my favourite books read in 2021, best physiological horror book I've read in a very long time.
The prologue hits you with terror from the off and gives an idea into what's happened and where the urban legend begins. Don't be fooled though, as how the book ends will blow you away.
The thing a family have to do to stay safe is scary to the point you begin to wonder whats coming next. Really does instill fear like nothing I've read in a while.
The retired private investigator and his friend who team up to work alongside the family are an unlikely but lovable team and the chemistry between these characters is brilliantly written.
I really don't want to give too much away. This is definately a book I can recommend highly.
I've read all the authors work and Creeper is without a doubt his best book yet.
Fast paced, frightening, tense, gory, unpredictable, unforgettable and totally inputdownable! I loved it!! Thank you Stuart James for the ARC.
it's 5* from me.
I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC for this book and it's definately one of my favourite books read in 2021, best physiological horror book I've read in a very long time.
The prologue hits you with terror from the off and gives an idea into what's happened and where the urban legend begins. Don't be fooled though, as how the book ends will blow you away.
The thing a family have to do to stay safe is scary to the point you begin to wonder whats coming next. Really does instill fear like nothing I've read in a while.
The retired private investigator and his friend who team up to work alongside the family are an unlikely but lovable team and the chemistry between these characters is brilliantly written.
I really don't want to give too much away. This is definately a book I can recommend highly.
I've read all the authors work and Creeper is without a doubt his best book yet.
Fast paced, frightening, tense, gory, unpredictable, unforgettable and totally inputdownable! I loved it!! Thank you Stuart James for the ARC.
it's 5* from me.
December 20, 2021
Stuart James is an author who is quickly becoming a must read author. I jumped at the chance of reviewing this after reading Selfie which made my heart pound.
This has been no different, James has made my heart thud, my pulse race and I’ve been completely gripped by each twist and turn thrown into the plot.
This is a great read and one that I haven’t wanted to put down. I have been torn between wanting to devour every bit and wanting to savour every last page.
This is well written, moves at the perfect pace. James has a talent for making you feel as though you are watching the events play out in front of you.
This is a book that will send shivers down your spine, keep you guessing until the very last words. James is a definite author for the TBR.
This has been no different, James has made my heart thud, my pulse race and I’ve been completely gripped by each twist and turn thrown into the plot.
This is a great read and one that I haven’t wanted to put down. I have been torn between wanting to devour every bit and wanting to savour every last page.
This is well written, moves at the perfect pace. James has a talent for making you feel as though you are watching the events play out in front of you.
This is a book that will send shivers down your spine, keep you guessing until the very last words. James is a definite author for the TBR.
December 21, 2021
This isn’t the first book from this author I have read, and will not be the last book I read either. I have never yet been let down by Stuart’s books.
This book doesn’t take your hand and skip merrily down the path, no this book grabs you by the throat and drags you kicking and screaming down a dark side road with one eye open. It pulls no punches and keeps you on the edge of your seat throughout the whole rollercoaster ride you’re on. But you need to know!
Declan and Billy are a funny unlikely duo, who come into their own as the story unfolds. They haphazardly pick their way through the mystery of the missing girls, the new family moving into the house reportedly stalked by the creeper and everything that unfolds in the story in front of you.
This book doesn’t take your hand and skip merrily down the path, no this book grabs you by the throat and drags you kicking and screaming down a dark side road with one eye open. It pulls no punches and keeps you on the edge of your seat throughout the whole rollercoaster ride you’re on. But you need to know!
Declan and Billy are a funny unlikely duo, who come into their own as the story unfolds. They haphazardly pick their way through the mystery of the missing girls, the new family moving into the house reportedly stalked by the creeper and everything that unfolds in the story in front of you.
December 27, 2021
What an eerie, creepy, and tense read this is!! This book certainly got my mind working overtime and gave me the shudders as things were starting to happen around Sean and Jenny’s new farmhouse.
It’s no secret that I absolutely love this authors work and for me, this book seemed to put my mind into overdrive. You get the feeling that something is definitely not right, but the suspense keeps you wondering as to what or who Creeper actually is.
I have really enjoyed how this book has been written and really enjoyed the dynamic between Billy and Declan.
Another fabulous read from the fabulous Stuart James.
It’s no secret that I absolutely love this authors work and for me, this book seemed to put my mind into overdrive. You get the feeling that something is definitely not right, but the suspense keeps you wondering as to what or who Creeper actually is.
I have really enjoyed how this book has been written and really enjoyed the dynamic between Billy and Declan.
Another fabulous read from the fabulous Stuart James.
January 9, 2022
I was really looking forward to reading this book as I absolutely love creepy/horror stories and this sounded right up my street. I thoroughly enjoyed the story of Creeper and the Freeman Family's run of bad luck at the farmhouse. I did however feel the book was slightly lacking more description in places, sometimes major scenes happened but there was barely a lead up to it - but even so if you're a horror fan and you enjoy being spooked i would highly recommend this book. My first of Stuart James but I'm sure it won't be the last.
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