Gray Man

by Marc van Bulck

As Hurricane Caleb slams into the small town of Pawleys Island, South Carolina, twenty-four-year-old Liam weathers personal storms in his own life. Reeling from an unexpected tragedy, he wanders the coast like an invisible man. He lives largely unnoticed, save for his friend, Aubrey, and her mother who lives with dialysis. As the threat of the storm draws closer, eerie encounters and strange dreams awaken old traumatic memories for each of them in a Low Country haunted by a few old ghosts of its own...

Based on one of the most famous spirit tales of the Carolinas, "Gray Man" is a quick and engaging read with a fast-paced plot, interesting, complex characters, and powerful themes of love, loss, and friendship. This poignant novella is a love letter to Pawleys Island that might just leave you with a few new thoughts on an old legend...

88 pages, Hardcover

Published May 17, 2022

About the author

Marc van Bulck is a native of Sumter, South Carolina and a minister in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). A graduate of Emerson College and Columbia Theological Seminary, Van Bulck has also been an actor, writer, director, keynote speaker, and podcaster. His writing has appeared in Ecclesio, D365.org, and other publications. "Gray Man" is his debut published work of fiction. Marc loves films, theater, coffee, and podcasts. He currently lives in Ohio.

Reviews

[Gregory Waggett Jr. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book while staying in Pawley's Island, SC for our yearly family vacation. It touched on many locations in the area and was neat to read about the lore during our stay. We've heard stories of the Gray man for many years now and it was cool to have a story to read up on while at the beach.

A quick read, this will be one I throw in the bag every year we head down. What was also cool, it made references to many places we've been to down there (Which are also mentioned in our Pawley's Island Monopoly game :) ).

Great book!

[Laura Stockbridge · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love perspective stories. This one is a great, quick read.

[Heather Barksdale · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Gray Man: A Story” takes place in Pawleys Island, South Carolina as a hurricane is approaching the small island town.

Overall, I enjoyed this story. The author actually approached me for a review as we were waiting on Hurricane Ian to make landfall. Our part of the state was spared, but many were not as lucky. Living in Florida, hurricanes are an unfortunate commonality and often the locals seem to downplay or blow off pending storms. But when a storm does come, the damage and the quiet it leaves is terrible and eerie. I felt the author captured this eeriness with the depictions and stories of the gray man perfectly. Find the full blog review at heatherlbarksdale.com

I checked out this story on ebook and Audible. I really enjoyed the cadence and soothing tone of the narrator.

I received a copy of this story in exchange of a fair and honest review.

[Sydney · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re a local to the Pawleys Island area then you know the story of the Grey Man, but you’ve never heard this story. It’s like finding out there’s a new episode to your old favorite show. It’s a great read for a day on the beach… or a day in the city when you’re missing the beach.

[Kelly Schuknecht · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gray Man: A Story by Marc Van Bulck tells the tale of Pawleys Island, South Carolina, bracing for an approaching hurricane.

While the concept of the gray man, a local legend associated with impending hurricanes, held potential, the execution fell short for me. The book is a quick read (just 88 pages), but it lacks substance. The atmospheric setting and the initial sense of impending danger were promising, but the characters lacked depth and failed to evoke a strong emotional connection.

This book may appeal to readers seeking a brief encounter with a supernatural twist, but overall, it failed to leave a lasting impact.

[Carol Klumb · Rating 5 out of 5]

It left me wanting more, which is good. It left me wishing I could read on, another thing that is good for a reader like me. I have so many questions, maybe because I also know the author, and maybe I'll even get to ask him. I would say, yes, read it and bring your questions back here perhaps to discuss together. I will read it again.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great beach read, perfect for a day by the sea. That isn’t where I read it, but it’s good enough for a second read. The characters are well-developed and this short book leaves you wanting more!

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great little story to read at the beach. I was actually at Pawleys Island while reading and loved being able to place the characters in the locations mentioned.