What do you think?
Rate this book
Black Wells #1
All These Subtle Deceits
Lauren Saunders moved to Black Wells, Colorado to escape a toxic relationship that stole three years of her life. But her hopeful optimism of a fresh start is dashed after a brutal, supernatural attack sends her screaming from a nightclub into the cold, winter night.
Her journey toward recovery leads her to the doorstep of William Daniels—a professional spiritual intercessor and occult consultant. Together they will descend into an occult labyrinth of dark forces and oppressive spirits.
Her journey toward recovery leads her to the doorstep of William Daniels—a professional spiritual intercessor and occult consultant. Together they will descend into an occult labyrinth of dark forces and oppressive spirits.
179 pages, Paperback
First published May 10, 2022
12 people are currently reading
2511 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 120 reviews
September 21, 2022
This weekend, I read the final manuscript for All These Subtle Deceits by C. S. Humble for Dark Hart Books. This is the first book published through my imprint so it will always carry a special significance for me. It sets the tone for Dark Hart’s “Horror with Heart” brand. The blueprint for what’s to come.
Professionally, as an industry standard, I’m not sure if the EIC of publishing companies openly discuss why they choose to publish certain manuscripts. Still, I’m not the owner of a publishing company.
Dark Hart is an imprint of Dark Matter Magazine. Rob Carroll offered me an opportunity to curate horror under his banner because we share the same vision for untapped talent. We want to carve out a spot on horror bookshelves for new voices.
But championing new voices is not a new thing for me. As a professional reviewer for several platforms, the horror community is familiar with hearing me bang on about my favorite books and authors. Especially fresh talent rising up in the indie scene.
I have an Instagram account dedicated to celebrating my passion for reading centered on horror specifically. To suddenly go silent about the books I have chosen to represent Dark Hart would be incredibly out of character for me so I’ll set a precedent now with All These Subtle Deceits.
This. Fucking. Book.
All These Subtle Deceits is book one in a series of five books set in the city of Black Wells, somewhere in Colorado. The cold open pulls the reader through the pages with delicious descriptions of the setting; a sense of place.
“Black Wells captures you. Its allurements conjure a strong chain that wraps around the heart like ivy swallows a trellis.”
Yep. That’ll do it. I was sold on that damn cold open.
The most exceptional quality of this book is how it feels both fresh and timeless at the same time. The world-building is layered and textured in such a way that it is clear this place exists in an established narrative. The reader has a clear sense that the characters have off-page history…lives lived before this introduction and lives that will be lived after this first book as well.
In the beginning, a woman named Lauren has relocated to Black Wells to escape a bad relationship. In just one chapter, she is immediately known by the reader and we are invested in her life--this horrific encounter she has just experienced which will ultimately lead her to William Daniels.
William Daniels. Intercessor and Consultant.
An exorcist.
“...a single pinprick of light amid an irrepressible darkness.”
Trust me when I say, Blatty’s The Exorcist laid the groundwork and provided C. S. Humble with the framework in order to take demon possession horror to new heights for modern horror fans. William Daniels is a remarkable, memorable character that readers are going to pocket in their hearts where they will long for more of his story.
On my first reading, I was so dazzled by the way Humble turns a phrase and highlighting sentences in my kindle, all the notetaking, and just that whole vibe of reading a new author that has chops…I didn’t fall in love with William Daniels.
But now.
Oh shit.
William Daniels…this tall drink of water, this oxford-wearing, coffee-drinking, pipe-smoking, enemy of darkness…I love him. A whole lot.
All These Subtle Deceits is just the beginning. It sets the stage; whets the appetite. Readers get their introduction to some beloved characters but more importantly, they get a sense of the darkness within Black Wells. An insidious evil blooming within the city threatening its citizens and possibly reaching beyond its outer limits as well. Having read book two and snippets of book three, I can assure readers that while the first three books can be enjoyed as standalone novels, the narrative and the characters’ arcs are intertwined, meant to be a connected universe.
Even though this is character-driven horror with heart, there is no pulling back on the scares. Seth delivers on terror and it’s effective because of the high emotional investment.
Upon finishing this book the first time I was literally beside myself.
No lie, I asked Seth, “Who are you really?”
I honestly thought he was fucking with me. Like he was a famous writer I already enjoy and he was testing me to see if I would still like his work under a pseudonym. He finally convinced me he was an unpublished, unagented author who couldn’t break into ‘the scene’.
Well, that just wouldn’t do. A demon possession horror with an exorcist as unique as William Daniels cannot just slip through the cracks.
Long story shortened up a bit this book with a new bonus story will see its release on the first Tuesday of October just in time for the spooky season. The second book, All The Prospect Around Us, arrives in December, the perfect timing with its themes of friendship, joy, and love but also eminent, terrifying evil.
Both books are ready for pre-order and it’s with all my hope and all my love for horror that I invite you on this journey to Black Wells with me. I promise that it will not disappoint and it’s my prediction that this will be the horror series of our time.
Sadie Hartmann
August 15th, 2022
Professionally, as an industry standard, I’m not sure if the EIC of publishing companies openly discuss why they choose to publish certain manuscripts. Still, I’m not the owner of a publishing company.
Dark Hart is an imprint of Dark Matter Magazine. Rob Carroll offered me an opportunity to curate horror under his banner because we share the same vision for untapped talent. We want to carve out a spot on horror bookshelves for new voices.
But championing new voices is not a new thing for me. As a professional reviewer for several platforms, the horror community is familiar with hearing me bang on about my favorite books and authors. Especially fresh talent rising up in the indie scene.
I have an Instagram account dedicated to celebrating my passion for reading centered on horror specifically. To suddenly go silent about the books I have chosen to represent Dark Hart would be incredibly out of character for me so I’ll set a precedent now with All These Subtle Deceits.
This. Fucking. Book.
All These Subtle Deceits is book one in a series of five books set in the city of Black Wells, somewhere in Colorado. The cold open pulls the reader through the pages with delicious descriptions of the setting; a sense of place.
“Black Wells captures you. Its allurements conjure a strong chain that wraps around the heart like ivy swallows a trellis.”
Yep. That’ll do it. I was sold on that damn cold open.
The most exceptional quality of this book is how it feels both fresh and timeless at the same time. The world-building is layered and textured in such a way that it is clear this place exists in an established narrative. The reader has a clear sense that the characters have off-page history…lives lived before this introduction and lives that will be lived after this first book as well.
In the beginning, a woman named Lauren has relocated to Black Wells to escape a bad relationship. In just one chapter, she is immediately known by the reader and we are invested in her life--this horrific encounter she has just experienced which will ultimately lead her to William Daniels.
William Daniels. Intercessor and Consultant.
An exorcist.
“...a single pinprick of light amid an irrepressible darkness.”
Trust me when I say, Blatty’s The Exorcist laid the groundwork and provided C. S. Humble with the framework in order to take demon possession horror to new heights for modern horror fans. William Daniels is a remarkable, memorable character that readers are going to pocket in their hearts where they will long for more of his story.
On my first reading, I was so dazzled by the way Humble turns a phrase and highlighting sentences in my kindle, all the notetaking, and just that whole vibe of reading a new author that has chops…I didn’t fall in love with William Daniels.
But now.
Oh shit.
William Daniels…this tall drink of water, this oxford-wearing, coffee-drinking, pipe-smoking, enemy of darkness…I love him. A whole lot.
All These Subtle Deceits is just the beginning. It sets the stage; whets the appetite. Readers get their introduction to some beloved characters but more importantly, they get a sense of the darkness within Black Wells. An insidious evil blooming within the city threatening its citizens and possibly reaching beyond its outer limits as well. Having read book two and snippets of book three, I can assure readers that while the first three books can be enjoyed as standalone novels, the narrative and the characters’ arcs are intertwined, meant to be a connected universe.
Even though this is character-driven horror with heart, there is no pulling back on the scares. Seth delivers on terror and it’s effective because of the high emotional investment.
Upon finishing this book the first time I was literally beside myself.
No lie, I asked Seth, “Who are you really?”
I honestly thought he was fucking with me. Like he was a famous writer I already enjoy and he was testing me to see if I would still like his work under a pseudonym. He finally convinced me he was an unpublished, unagented author who couldn’t break into ‘the scene’.
Well, that just wouldn’t do. A demon possession horror with an exorcist as unique as William Daniels cannot just slip through the cracks.
Long story shortened up a bit this book with a new bonus story will see its release on the first Tuesday of October just in time for the spooky season. The second book, All The Prospect Around Us, arrives in December, the perfect timing with its themes of friendship, joy, and love but also eminent, terrifying evil.
Both books are ready for pre-order and it’s with all my hope and all my love for horror that I invite you on this journey to Black Wells with me. I promise that it will not disappoint and it’s my prediction that this will be the horror series of our time.
Sadie Hartmann
August 15th, 2022
October 31, 2022
Flew through this one in just a few hours!! It honestly felt like an homage to the horror genre in general. So much to love, and I was so happy to find out it’s going to be a series. Perfect way to end October!!
July 19, 2025
reread⁀➴
"We have sinned, Father William Daniels. And it has been an eternity since our last confession."
let me backtrack to how i stumbled upon this little hidden gem...October 2024 i read The Exorcist for the first time & loved it. a month later & i was still thinking about how creepy it was. i was desperately looking for something to scratch that same itch so where did i go for some recs?? HorrorLit subreddit of course, All These Subtle Deceits kept popping up so i decided to give it a try. i originally read this in December 2024 & IMMEDIATELY went to order the second book, little did i know it was out of print. 😔😔😔
fast forward to now when C.S. Humble sent me a digital copy of book two & i can confidently say after a reread this is in my top five possession stories i have read & it's really not up for discussion. it holds a special place in my little black heart. 🖤
"You cannot kill the eternal. Cannot jail that which escaped heaven's chains, exorcist."
this is "horror with heart" at its finest. the author really knows how take the dark & terrifying & turn it into something beautiful. i love love love the writing. for such a short book it really packs a punch. plus there's a hint of fem rage sprinkled into it. gahhh please just read it, it needs more recognition.
"Black Wells captures you. Its allurements conjure a strong chain that wraps around the heart like ivy swallows a trellis. It is a quick and beautiful kind of bondage. A subtle kind of deceit."
"We have sinned, Father William Daniels. And it has been an eternity since our last confession."
let me backtrack to how i stumbled upon this little hidden gem...October 2024 i read The Exorcist for the first time & loved it. a month later & i was still thinking about how creepy it was. i was desperately looking for something to scratch that same itch so where did i go for some recs?? HorrorLit subreddit of course, All These Subtle Deceits kept popping up so i decided to give it a try. i originally read this in December 2024 & IMMEDIATELY went to order the second book, little did i know it was out of print. 😔😔😔
fast forward to now when C.S. Humble sent me a digital copy of book two & i can confidently say after a reread this is in my top five possession stories i have read & it's really not up for discussion. it holds a special place in my little black heart. 🖤
"You cannot kill the eternal. Cannot jail that which escaped heaven's chains, exorcist."
this is "horror with heart" at its finest. the author really knows how take the dark & terrifying & turn it into something beautiful. i love love love the writing. for such a short book it really packs a punch. plus there's a hint of fem rage sprinkled into it. gahhh please just read it, it needs more recognition.
"Black Wells captures you. Its allurements conjure a strong chain that wraps around the heart like ivy swallows a trellis. It is a quick and beautiful kind of bondage. A subtle kind of deceit."
October 3, 2022
Reading for Booklist review, but I am reading a different edition that will be coming out in the Fall. details with review.
Review in the October 1, 2022 issue of Booklist and on the blog: http://raforall.blogspot.com/2022/10/...
This edition will come with a bonus short story by the author.
Three Words That Describe This Book: supernatural Noir, demonic possession, series characters
This will be a perfect read for you Harry Dresden [Butcher] and Sandman Slim [Kadrey] fans-- of which libraries have many.
A first book in a projected series from Sadie Hartmann's new imprint Dark Hart Books, featuring "Horror with heart." All of the books from this imprint will be suitable for libraries for this reason-- they are horror with strong characters and empathy at their heart.
Review in the October 1, 2022 issue of Booklist and on the blog: http://raforall.blogspot.com/2022/10/...
This edition will come with a bonus short story by the author.
Three Words That Describe This Book: supernatural Noir, demonic possession, series characters
This will be a perfect read for you Harry Dresden [Butcher] and Sandman Slim [Kadrey] fans-- of which libraries have many.
A first book in a projected series from Sadie Hartmann's new imprint Dark Hart Books, featuring "Horror with heart." All of the books from this imprint will be suitable for libraries for this reason-- they are horror with strong characters and empathy at their heart.
September 26, 2022
All These Subtle Deceits is the first in a series of hybrid horror novels from C.S. Humble. That said, I have had the privilege of reading the second in the series too, and can state hand on heart that each works just as well as a standalone.
Set in the city of Black Wells (a city that feels more like an entire world), All These Subtle Deceits conjures an alluring sense of place, one with hidden secrets, where ancient demons lurk.
I loved the feeling of not being able to pin down the time frame. Yes, it's modern, and yet because the story incorporates so much of the ancient it feels kind of old, too. For me, this made the supernatural elements more believable, more immersive. It made the protagonist's plight claustrophobic almost, her inability to escape the things that possessed her tangible.
In Black Wells no one is safe, so visitors beware! Religious horror, yes, possession horror, yes, but this truly is 'horror with heart.' I felt Lauren's plight keenly, and also William's, the excommunicated 'spiritual intercessor.' The characters are fully fleshed-out but also flawed, and in my opinion that is the crux of its appeal.
Great twists, excellent pacing, superb ending.
This series is a literary hybrid from an author who I am certain we will see far more of in the near future.
Set in the city of Black Wells (a city that feels more like an entire world), All These Subtle Deceits conjures an alluring sense of place, one with hidden secrets, where ancient demons lurk.
I loved the feeling of not being able to pin down the time frame. Yes, it's modern, and yet because the story incorporates so much of the ancient it feels kind of old, too. For me, this made the supernatural elements more believable, more immersive. It made the protagonist's plight claustrophobic almost, her inability to escape the things that possessed her tangible.
In Black Wells no one is safe, so visitors beware! Religious horror, yes, possession horror, yes, but this truly is 'horror with heart.' I felt Lauren's plight keenly, and also William's, the excommunicated 'spiritual intercessor.' The characters are fully fleshed-out but also flawed, and in my opinion that is the crux of its appeal.
Great twists, excellent pacing, superb ending.
This series is a literary hybrid from an author who I am certain we will see far more of in the near future.
May 29, 2022
Dear authors, if you create a Castle Rock-esque town to set your work in, I'm yours. Although I've only read the one book by this author, C.S. Humble establishes Black Wells as a community with more to it than meets the eye. A place where the odd and frightening happenings that surround Lauren are not that far outside the norm.
Humble takes possession and exorcism, tropes that arguably have a definitive fictional home, and sprinkles in new ingredients. Excommunicated priest, William Daniel, is an intriguing character, and one that I wouldn't mind seeing pop up again in further adventures. Humble's approach to the subject matter is to take a familiar story, idea, and tweak it in order to surprise the reader. In an age where it's all been done, ATSD has a few eyebrow-raising moments hidden away in its darker corners.
Teases to the larger Black Wells mythos crop up here and there, and readers may find it fun to speculate which will be revisited and how. The story serves as a rousing, self-contained introduction to what promises to be a larger world.
Humble takes possession and exorcism, tropes that arguably have a definitive fictional home, and sprinkles in new ingredients. Excommunicated priest, William Daniel, is an intriguing character, and one that I wouldn't mind seeing pop up again in further adventures. Humble's approach to the subject matter is to take a familiar story, idea, and tweak it in order to surprise the reader. In an age where it's all been done, ATSD has a few eyebrow-raising moments hidden away in its darker corners.
Teases to the larger Black Wells mythos crop up here and there, and readers may find it fun to speculate which will be revisited and how. The story serves as a rousing, self-contained introduction to what promises to be a larger world.
April 28, 2022
A surprise favorite! Just calling this a story about demons or the occult does not give this book credit. It's about a disgraced (ex)priest who's been tasked with some of the more difficult exorcisms, and a woman desperate for help from her own frightening experiences. Together, along with a really great cast of characters, they have to figure out what exactly is plaguing Laurenand how to get rid of it.
I loved these characters. I loved the hints to backstory. I loved the author's writing style. This book feels like the start of a series and I genuinely hope we see more of William and Black Wells in the future.
I loved these characters. I loved the hints to backstory. I loved the author's writing style. This book feels like the start of a series and I genuinely hope we see more of William and Black Wells in the future.
May 10, 2022
How did I live my life before this novel? That’s a bit dramatic but god this book was a beautiful experience.
This book contains demons, exorcisms, (ex)priests, foul-mouthed mysterious women, etc (my favorite things). This book is classified as horror yet it’s so much more. It takes a rare author to take those subjects and write them with such stunning beauty. Horror can be beautiful! I tried expressing this excitement to my mother who happened to stop by right after I had finished this book. She said I need Jesus and quite possibly an exorcism (send William please).
Speaking of William I may have developed a weird crush on him and quite possibly Sarah. I don’t know what’s happening to me. I have so many emotions to sort out. This is the result of creating characters with enough depth to grow attached but also leaving enough mystery to keep you coming back for more.
I miss Black Wells. What a messed up place it is. I can’t wait to go back. I can't wait for more from C.S. Humble. He is one to keep an eye out for.
This book contains demons, exorcisms, (ex)priests, foul-mouthed mysterious women, etc (my favorite things). This book is classified as horror yet it’s so much more. It takes a rare author to take those subjects and write them with such stunning beauty. Horror can be beautiful! I tried expressing this excitement to my mother who happened to stop by right after I had finished this book. She said I need Jesus and quite possibly an exorcism (send William please).
Speaking of William I may have developed a weird crush on him and quite possibly Sarah. I don’t know what’s happening to me. I have so many emotions to sort out. This is the result of creating characters with enough depth to grow attached but also leaving enough mystery to keep you coming back for more.
I miss Black Wells. What a messed up place it is. I can’t wait to go back. I can't wait for more from C.S. Humble. He is one to keep an eye out for.
July 17, 2025
Dark and at times truly terrifying possession story. I was so immersed in the story-telling, I did NOT see the end coming. Well done 👏🏼👏🏼
May 4, 2022
“I help people who have experienced something unfamiliar to their perceived reality. These things include possession, hauntings, supernatural abductions; things like that.” -William, an excommunicated priest.
Sometimes you can tell that you are reading something special. This is one of those books. I am not going to tell you anything about this story because you need to experience it for yourself. Humble knows how to write horror and tense situations. His writing compels you to check your surroundings, making sure that, yes, that is just a shadow. I got so absorbed into this story that my dog scared me when she came up next to me.
This was a race to the finish right from the start. I don’t think I have ever read this fast, trying to keep pace with the action and the characters.
Welcome to Black Wells, a town that has many stories to tell. When I started reading this book I began to hope that there would be several books set here. I am happy to say that there will be five according to the author.
Order this book, and when it arrives put down what you are reading and start this.
Sometimes you can tell that you are reading something special. This is one of those books. I am not going to tell you anything about this story because you need to experience it for yourself. Humble knows how to write horror and tense situations. His writing compels you to check your surroundings, making sure that, yes, that is just a shadow. I got so absorbed into this story that my dog scared me when she came up next to me.
This was a race to the finish right from the start. I don’t think I have ever read this fast, trying to keep pace with the action and the characters.
Welcome to Black Wells, a town that has many stories to tell. When I started reading this book I began to hope that there would be several books set here. I am happy to say that there will be five according to the author.
Order this book, and when it arrives put down what you are reading and start this.
June 2, 2022
This was a fun twist to a possession story
October 30, 2022
‘All These Subtle Deceits conjures the best of past masters into a wonderfully dark and disturbing story of possession and sacrifice. There is true horror here, one so detailed and masterfully executed you’d believe C.S. Humble we’re in fact possessed by William Peter Blatty. Deftly crafted prose, intricate storytelling, flawed and interesting characters, propulsive writing, and harrowing, shocking, fear inducing scenes of possession all point towards one startling and undeniable fact… there is a new dark prince of horror and they go by the name of C.S. Humble.’
I’m a huge fan of religious horror / possession horror - I find there nothing more frightening that losing control or giving over control of the mind and body to another entity! Being a Christian and one that gives great attention to the spirit world, of demons and possession and that we are not fighting against flesh on blood but fighting a battle of the spirit - I found this book to be a masterclass in that battle, and written expertly well. The passages that Humble recounts, his scriptural knowledge, his deep dive into the spiritual world was executed brilliantly - he is someone who knows the darkness… and paints in in such a way that we can’t look away!
I’m a huge fan of religious horror / possession horror - I find there nothing more frightening that losing control or giving over control of the mind and body to another entity! Being a Christian and one that gives great attention to the spirit world, of demons and possession and that we are not fighting against flesh on blood but fighting a battle of the spirit - I found this book to be a masterclass in that battle, and written expertly well. The passages that Humble recounts, his scriptural knowledge, his deep dive into the spiritual world was executed brilliantly - he is someone who knows the darkness… and paints in in such a way that we can’t look away!
October 1, 2022
It's a nice feeling to stumble on the first book in what is likely going to become a series, especially when it involves demons, possessions, and other nutty stuff like that. There's a strange town, a defrocked priest-turned-rogue-exorcist, and his colorful circle of acquaintances, all of whom have a particular skill set that aids in the demon-busting.
Short book. Reads fast. I want more.
Short book. Reads fast. I want more.
July 4, 2022
I thought this book was amazing. First of all, Black Wells, Colorado was such a cool setting. A town with a million residents that manages to stay mostly hidden, and full of creepy happenings. Lauren, a newcomer to the town, gets attacked by 3 spirits while out on the town. She is soon referred to an ex-priest and current exorcist to help her with the attacks. We also meet Sarah, a colleague of the exorcist, although we never exactly find out what she does. Watching them all interact, and trying to solve the mystery of what is attacking Lauren is fun. I would love to read more with these characters. The writing was great and I enjoyed the whole book.
May 13, 2022
What an exciting and excellent read! One of my new favorites, and I look forward to continuing my adventures in Black Wells.
May 30, 2022
This was fantastic! I would 100% read an entire series with these characters!
December 27, 2022
It's my fault.
I bought this book late - I’d seen Mother Horror raving about it, and Ross Jefferey and Catherine McCarthy endorsing the second book in the series, but still hung back from committing myself to it due simply to lack of available time. I knew I couldn't commit to reading it because of commitments to editing. That attitude changed after reading Humble’s short "Ambush Predator" in the Human Monsters anthology (also reviewed at the following link:
https://www.austrianspencer.com/post/...
in which he gets a shout-out too). His voice was wonderful and distinctive, so I quickly scooped this up and saved it for a time when I could commit to it - so right after I completed editing on an ARC I received.
I went into the story blind and hadn’t read any of the reviews, but straight away there were similar elements to Hellblazer (Constantine), which is always a good sign :D I’m not saying the characters are the same, but there’s evidence of tipping the hat to the genre here. Instead of cigarettes, there’s a pipe (possibly an acknowledgement of sherlock holmes perhaps, and the whole detective genre?). The trenchcoat...
Enough with the similarities - Deceits reads well - very smooth, Humble’s voice here is honey, and the character development is wonderful. All of the characters involved are rounded off, there’s not a sharp edge or loose thread to be seen. The plot is straightforward yet compelling, and Humble sows his seeds for sequels aplenty, with established characters peppering the book and brought in fully fleshed to make guest appearances.
One gets the feeling that those characters are MCs in their own rights, stars from other stories that will be completed at some point in the future. The overall world-spanning arc and world-building here take centre stage. A hunter that hunts werewolves? So there will be werewolves in future editions? The spin-offs are endless, and the world-building, as stated, vast and exciting in its possibilities.
There are moments in the book, such as an exorcism, that leap from the page, Humble deftly introducing lore into the narrative as effortlessly as I’ve seen, that elevate the whole package into something almost sexy - it’s the tease and reveal of things you have been lead to expect, to need the answers to, for those answers to be waiting for you just around the corner. Our expectations and desire for answers climax at exactly the time and place Humble wants them to.
It’s solid storytelling.
The ending leaves the possibility of the femme fatal becoming the MC’s secretary, of course (I saw that one coming the moment it was mentioned he had none), which would be a crowd pleaser, to be sure, and would lend credence to the whole crossover set up I described above. It doesn’t surprise me that the next book deals with other characters - the world Humble has created is bursting with too much potential to stifle it with just one set of lead characters.
This gets 5 out of 5 stars. It would have gotten that on the world-building alone. I look forward to the world expanding, and all the horror that lives underneath the surface of Black Wells bursting out, one mesmerizing book at a time.
I bought this book late - I’d seen Mother Horror raving about it, and Ross Jefferey and Catherine McCarthy endorsing the second book in the series, but still hung back from committing myself to it due simply to lack of available time. I knew I couldn't commit to reading it because of commitments to editing. That attitude changed after reading Humble’s short "Ambush Predator" in the Human Monsters anthology (also reviewed at the following link:
https://www.austrianspencer.com/post/...
in which he gets a shout-out too). His voice was wonderful and distinctive, so I quickly scooped this up and saved it for a time when I could commit to it - so right after I completed editing on an ARC I received.
I went into the story blind and hadn’t read any of the reviews, but straight away there were similar elements to Hellblazer (Constantine), which is always a good sign :D I’m not saying the characters are the same, but there’s evidence of tipping the hat to the genre here. Instead of cigarettes, there’s a pipe (possibly an acknowledgement of sherlock holmes perhaps, and the whole detective genre?). The trenchcoat...
Enough with the similarities - Deceits reads well - very smooth, Humble’s voice here is honey, and the character development is wonderful. All of the characters involved are rounded off, there’s not a sharp edge or loose thread to be seen. The plot is straightforward yet compelling, and Humble sows his seeds for sequels aplenty, with established characters peppering the book and brought in fully fleshed to make guest appearances.
One gets the feeling that those characters are MCs in their own rights, stars from other stories that will be completed at some point in the future. The overall world-spanning arc and world-building here take centre stage. A hunter that hunts werewolves? So there will be werewolves in future editions? The spin-offs are endless, and the world-building, as stated, vast and exciting in its possibilities.
There are moments in the book, such as an exorcism, that leap from the page, Humble deftly introducing lore into the narrative as effortlessly as I’ve seen, that elevate the whole package into something almost sexy - it’s the tease and reveal of things you have been lead to expect, to need the answers to, for those answers to be waiting for you just around the corner. Our expectations and desire for answers climax at exactly the time and place Humble wants them to.
It’s solid storytelling.
The ending leaves the possibility of the femme fatal becoming the MC’s secretary, of course (I saw that one coming the moment it was mentioned he had none), which would be a crowd pleaser, to be sure, and would lend credence to the whole crossover set up I described above. It doesn’t surprise me that the next book deals with other characters - the world Humble has created is bursting with too much potential to stifle it with just one set of lead characters.
This gets 5 out of 5 stars. It would have gotten that on the world-building alone. I look forward to the world expanding, and all the horror that lives underneath the surface of Black Wells bursting out, one mesmerizing book at a time.
May 11, 2024
"Lauren tried to bite the stalks, but her teeth were not sharp enough. The flowers crawled down her esophagus, so deep that she could feel them slither into her digestive tract, expanding her diaphragm and writhing in her stomach like worms. And slowly, maddeningly slowly, the marigolds swallowed her into the earth."
All These Subtle Deceits feels much like a classic horror novel, only, retold, at once both fresh, exciting and strangely comforting. At the heart of this novel lies a town so well crafted, with many stories to tell - it grabs ahold of readers and suckers them in, refusing to let them go. It's a quick read, all in all, one of those blisteringly paced horror novels that can be flown through in an entire sitting. It is, however, a book that consumes your time, that commands attention, that implores you to set everything aside. It's brilliant, quirky, and a ton of fun, it may even be a series. But, even as a standalone, singular thing, this book rocks.
It feels much like a love-letter to the horror genre and the scary story in general. Everything that makes horror so fantastic is packed into this tiny little novel. It's got a real bite to it, and there's so much love poured into this book. Really, it's a hybrid mishmash of a possession story, a haunting, of demons and priests and otherworldly horrors that plague a small town - it's full of every popular horror trope, but here, they're exciting and refreshing.
The body horror of this novel is top tier and the excitement never lets up. For such a short novel, it truly delivers a shockingly huge punch. C.S. Humble is one of those authors with a talent for making horror sound utterly breathtaking and gorgeous. It's a delightful thing, when an author can extract beauty from even the horrific. Blending stunning writing with an adrenaline fueled plot, some truly brutal scenes and sickening body horror, All These Subtle Deceits is a novel not to miss.
"Their hands snapped down to their sides again, the sobbing ceased immediately. Slowly, their heads turned towards Lauren. Their vertebrae crunched like brittle autumn leaves deep within their cold, swollen skin. Their gazes fell on Lauren, each of them peering with rheumy eyes, swollen white. "
All These Subtle Deceits feels much like a classic horror novel, only, retold, at once both fresh, exciting and strangely comforting. At the heart of this novel lies a town so well crafted, with many stories to tell - it grabs ahold of readers and suckers them in, refusing to let them go. It's a quick read, all in all, one of those blisteringly paced horror novels that can be flown through in an entire sitting. It is, however, a book that consumes your time, that commands attention, that implores you to set everything aside. It's brilliant, quirky, and a ton of fun, it may even be a series. But, even as a standalone, singular thing, this book rocks.
It feels much like a love-letter to the horror genre and the scary story in general. Everything that makes horror so fantastic is packed into this tiny little novel. It's got a real bite to it, and there's so much love poured into this book. Really, it's a hybrid mishmash of a possession story, a haunting, of demons and priests and otherworldly horrors that plague a small town - it's full of every popular horror trope, but here, they're exciting and refreshing.
"Those who are born and raised in the city are swift to stay, though many of them do not know why. The city compels them to remain. Not because of its grandeur or the promised fortune found in the mineral-rich earth, but something else. Something deeper. Something enrapturing to its natives and seductive to its immigrants. Black Wells captures you. Its allurements conjure a strong chain that wraps around the heart like ivy swallows a trellis. It is a quick and beautiful kind of bondage. A subtle kind of deceit. "
The body horror of this novel is top tier and the excitement never lets up. For such a short novel, it truly delivers a shockingly huge punch. C.S. Humble is one of those authors with a talent for making horror sound utterly breathtaking and gorgeous. It's a delightful thing, when an author can extract beauty from even the horrific. Blending stunning writing with an adrenaline fueled plot, some truly brutal scenes and sickening body horror, All These Subtle Deceits is a novel not to miss.
"Their hands snapped down to their sides again, the sobbing ceased immediately. Slowly, their heads turned towards Lauren. Their vertebrae crunched like brittle autumn leaves deep within their cold, swollen skin. Their gazes fell on Lauren, each of them peering with rheumy eyes, swollen white. "
June 16, 2022
I bought this book solely based on the cover and I am so glad I did! This was so fun to read, it definitely gave off Constantine vibes and I loved every minute of it.
The story follows Lauren who moves to Black Wells after a breakup and experiences a frightening supernatural attack. She seeks out the help of ex-priest William Daniels, and together they try to get to the bottom of what is stalking Lauren. This book was a super quick read, just about 175 pages. I wish it was longer! I found out it will be a 5 book series with the next book set for a December release. I can't wait for the next one!
The story follows Lauren who moves to Black Wells after a breakup and experiences a frightening supernatural attack. She seeks out the help of ex-priest William Daniels, and together they try to get to the bottom of what is stalking Lauren. This book was a super quick read, just about 175 pages. I wish it was longer! I found out it will be a 5 book series with the next book set for a December release. I can't wait for the next one!
May 2, 2022
I really enjoyed this reading experience, and I feel like it is perfectly set up for sequels (fingers crossed). The characters were interesting and relatable even though there wasn't an intense amount of character development since the book was so short. I felt like we got a taste test of possible future stories in this same universe and I really want to see where the story goes! The ending seemed a bit rushed, but to be fair it usually does with shorter books and novellas. I'm still super excited to see if there are any future stories within Black Wells.
July 4, 2023
This book was hand selected for me by my bookish pal Drew as part of a curated 'blind box' of books he recently sent my way. And boy does he know my tastes!
Welcome to Black Wells, a small town with some pretty dark stuff swirling beneath its surface. Enter Lauren, who moves there after a bad breakup, with the hopes of starting over somwhere fresh at the recommendation of her BFFs. But one visit to a local bar bathroom changes everything when she becomes the vicitim of a violent supernatural haunting.
Unable to shake the spirits that have attached to her, she ends up connecting with William Daniels, an excommunicated exorcist who, after witnessing one of her 'episodes' is just as determined as she is to understand what is happening to her and together, they take plan to action to make it stop.
Trauma and demon possession for the win!
Not sure I would have ever picked this one up on my own, as it had flown under my radar when it released last year. But I'm so glad I read it because I really enjoyed it.
And, oh no! I see that it's planned to be a loosely connected book series set in the the town of Black Wells with the second installment, All the Prospect Around Us, already out in the world.
Damn it you guys... another series for me to keep track of, lol!!
Welcome to Black Wells, a small town with some pretty dark stuff swirling beneath its surface. Enter Lauren, who moves there after a bad breakup, with the hopes of starting over somwhere fresh at the recommendation of her BFFs. But one visit to a local bar bathroom changes everything when she becomes the vicitim of a violent supernatural haunting.
Unable to shake the spirits that have attached to her, she ends up connecting with William Daniels, an excommunicated exorcist who, after witnessing one of her 'episodes' is just as determined as she is to understand what is happening to her and together, they take plan to action to make it stop.
Trauma and demon possession for the win!
Not sure I would have ever picked this one up on my own, as it had flown under my radar when it released last year. But I'm so glad I read it because I really enjoyed it.
And, oh no! I see that it's planned to be a loosely connected book series set in the the town of Black Wells with the second installment, All the Prospect Around Us, already out in the world.
Damn it you guys... another series for me to keep track of, lol!!
May 12, 2023
Didn’t intend to read this in one sitting, but once I started I couldn’t stop. Humble’s writing is crisp and immersive. The characters and world are well drawn. This is the kind of book where the words melt off the pages and the reading experience is like watching a film in your mind.
A wonderful, fresh take on an exorcism story with enough feminine rage to make my heart flutter. Looking forward to more of Humble’s work!
A wonderful, fresh take on an exorcism story with enough feminine rage to make my heart flutter. Looking forward to more of Humble’s work!
December 21, 2022
Completely wasn’t what I was expecting—that’s a good thing. I was pleasantly surprised and captivated with the story. I found the characters relatable and interesting. Easily among my top 5 books for the year. I have the 2nd in this trilogy on order!
July 16, 2025
*review to come but omg*
April 30, 2022
I really enjoyed this horror novella. It comes across as an old-school possession story, but it definitely has some twists and turns. There’s more than meets the eye here. I didn’t see the end coming! I could have read more pages and been content, the story was really solid and enthralling. The plot and characters were well-developed with some very interesting premises. I would love to return to Black Wells and William’s world. There’s even potential for some spin-offs with minor characters like Karl’s cryptid hunting and Sarah’s magical stuff. There were quite a few typos in my copy, which did take me out of the story a little, hence the 4 stars, but no complaints otherwise.
April 29, 2022
4.5 stars
June 5, 2022
For such a short novel, it definitely packs a punch and the character development and twist is phenomenal. Definitely scary and atmospheric.
October 1, 2023
Sometimes horror can be indistinguishable from urban fantasy.
This book follows a woman who moves into a spiritual magnet of a city, Black Wells, and is suddenly hounded bodily by three entities. Sometimes, the only solution is to go to a private exorcist.
It’s a tight little story that firmly builds the foundations of the city as the setting for future books while maintaining a deeply character driven narrative.
You get cults, demons, mysterious libraries, and monsters hunters. If you are into that, as I am, it’s a cozy read. I’m totally expecting to read everything set in Black Wells
This book follows a woman who moves into a spiritual magnet of a city, Black Wells, and is suddenly hounded bodily by three entities. Sometimes, the only solution is to go to a private exorcist.
It’s a tight little story that firmly builds the foundations of the city as the setting for future books while maintaining a deeply character driven narrative.
You get cults, demons, mysterious libraries, and monsters hunters. If you are into that, as I am, it’s a cozy read. I’m totally expecting to read everything set in Black Wells
August 1, 2022
This was a fun one. I seriously had a hard time putting it down, which I know sounds like BS but in this case it isn't. I'm gonna devour the next book when it's released in (checks calendar) DECEMBER?! Seriously? Argh...
May 24, 2022
Absolutely unexpected. Looking forward to more of this story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 120 reviews