The gruesome murder of an innocent young boy opens the door for acclaimed reporter Sandra Miller to delve into her troubled past and dig beneath the surface of a century-old tale.
Desperate to uncover the mystery, initial research reveals a rabbit hole of historical whispered secrets, including a world of supernatural myths and urban legends.
The story of one former resident, Maisie Whitmore, a small child who disappeared over a hundred years prior, catches her attention as whispers within the community suggest she haunts the grounds, seeking revenge for her untimely death.
Miller’s yearning for answers pushes her further down the hole despite a handsome stranger’s continued warnings to leave to rest that which shouldn’t be disturbed.
Her crusade to uncover the truth leads her to a world of creepy dolls, ghosts, and children who refuse to die and find peace in the afterlife.
The evils gripping number six, Promised Land Lane, now have their sights on someone new, and Miss Miller’s quest could be her last.
Please Note: This is the revised edition - First Edition released in 2017.
Marcus Brown was born and raised in the North West of England in 1974.
What started as a hobby, has since turned into a full-time career, and his writing genre hops from crime fictio, horror, true crime, and self help titles.
He lives with his partner and a whole host of animals on the Wirral peninsula.
ok, this book is complicated to review. I liked most of it but i had problems with it too. The story begins out good. A little girl and the only caring adult around are murdered. Both are tied to the land where she lived (he was the neighbor). David (the neighbor) has chose to spend eternity protecting the innocent from Masie. Because in her death, she has become something evil and hungry. The house takes on an urban legend like appeal. Kids dare each other to go up to it and such. Well, people disappear from this place ALL THE TIME. problem #1- and the cops are just now catching on? this house isn't under surveillance? the latest kid disappears and reporters get involved. Meet Sandra, a journalist. She's put on the story. but oh! her sister also vanished from #6 Promised land lane as well. After spending a lot of time around the house, Sandra finds herself falling for David. And here's some of the problems i had with the story Although i didn't love this one or find it scary, i would read more by this author. Jake Urry narrates this and i loved his voice! he did a great job.
i requested this audio book and have left this review voluntarily.
I got this book on Kindle Unlimited after reading the reviews on Amazon. I love horror so thought it would be right up my street and I wasn't disappointed. From the time jump at the beginning setting the story to the totally unexpected ending, I was hooked and couldn't put it down. In fact, my day off was spent glued to my Kindle. It's rare I don't guess what is going to happen in a book as the majority are predictable, but not this time! Everytime I thought I'd guessed, I was wrong. Marcus Brown took me on an incredible journey with the storyline, settings and characters. This book is gory, gripping, heartbreaking and sad. The writing is fantastic and the characters fully realised. Praise must be given as the characters of Sandra and Hilary are entirely believable and genuinely funny. I laughed out loud many times and felt I was part of the story. The little girl Maisie is utterly terrifying and creepy and the stuff of nightmares. Without any spoilers, I hope the author writes a sequel, especially after that ending. I actually thought I'd skipped too far ahead and went back and realised I hadn't. OMG he really did end it like that I said to my husband. The twist was fabulous! I look forward to Marcus Brown's future work and would love to see this turned into a movie or mini series. 5* from me. I couldn't recommend this highly enough. Well done and thank you for an unforgettable read!
"You frightened me." "Did I? Oh, good, I'm so pleased! That was my intention after all."
Dark. Creepy. Suspenseful. Stomach-turning. Twisted. Horrifying. Scary as heck. Wow.
The horror genre is not one I typically read. After all, I'm all about the Happily Ever After. But, I do enjoy a good mystery or thriller from time to time. When a friend of mine suggested I read Promised Land Lane by Marcus Brown, I did. This will NOT be the last book I read of Marcus's. It was amazing! It had me on the edge of my seat, curled up as tight as I could on my couch. My facial expressions while I was reading tipped my husband off as to the level of freaked-out I was. I don't think I have any fingernails left.
Sandra, a local reporter, has been given the task of cracking open the story when a young boy is found murdered at Six Promised Land Lane. She knows this house all too well. Her past drawing her there again to find answers to both old and new questions. Are the myths true? Is there evil abound in this place? Who is the man that appears there, who never seems to change, and seems to want to protect those who find themselves there? What is he protecting them from? Or who?
David is bound to this place. It was his choice to watch over her and keep her from harming innocents. The girl he knew doesn't exist anymore, and what has replaced her is more evil than anyone can imagine. Will he ever be able to leave? Will he ever be able to stop her? How much longer will he be able to protect those foolish enough to come there? Will he be able to protect Sandra now that "she" knows Sandra is back?
This one creeped me out, but in the best way. That's what a good horror book should do. You should go to bed, unable to sleep because you're picturing weird dolls, and scary well-dwelling children with an appetite for blood. Because every creak in the house makes your eyes shoot open expecting something to be standing at the foot of your bed. Welcome to my world after reading this one. Well done Marcus!
I would describe this book as more creepy than scary. Upon recommendation from a friend I decided to veer off my romance only reading and pick up Promised Land Lane. The though of reading a horror book gave me the shivers. I don't watch horror movies either. I was not ready to love this story but I did. Marcus Brown has broken through my romance focused genre walls. So much so, I can't wait to read book 2.
This story captivated me as it slowly unfolded. The description of the characters and their surroundings drew me in immediately. Learning about Maisie's upbringing bit by bit kept me reading way past my bedtime. The horrible times the little girl Maisie lived through turned my stomach. I needed to know about the things that shaped her into the creature she became.
Although Maisie's actions are gruesome and evil she is hard to hate. Maybe it's the mom in me because I was drawn to her. The sign of a great book is when you get emotional about the character they created. My heart was breaking and I wanted to protect her.
On a final note that will make sense after you read Promised Land Lane. I will never hear someone sniff again without thinking of Maisie.
*ARC provided by the author for a voluntary, unbiased review
I finished Promised Land Lane by Marcus Brown yesterday, and my mind still hasn't recovered! I am still mind blown!
I normally don't stray from books in the romance genre, I'm a romance junkie, but I decided to give something different a try. I'm so glad it was this book that I chose to venture outside of my comfort zone with! It was so Good! Once I started this book, I didn't want to put it down, the story grabbed me from the start.
Not only was the backstory amazing, the gore was killer! I love gore, and this book did not disappoint! I felt like I was in the story, even had my heart racing a few times. There was so many twists and turns, there was a lot I didnt see coming. I really felt for Maisie and what she went through. I just wish there was more build up of the relationship between David and Sandra (romance junkie remember?), but I realize this wasn't a romance. And that ending! Mind. Blown. I really wish there was more to the story! I didn't it to end!
As soon as I saw the extreme creepiness of the cover of "Promised Land Lane" I knew I had to read it! I don't often read horror novels (in fact I think this is only about the 3rd one I've read) but the scary face of Maisie Whitmore has been popping up on my Facebook newsfeed a lot recently and I knew I was destined to dive in. There were times during reading that I would have loved to have read it with my eyes tightly screwed shut - but that isn't possible! A very scary read and as my own daughter is very blonde and named Maisy - I hope she doesn't wake in the night and meet me on the landing as I'm sure I will be petrified thinking about this horrific, yet compelling read. The characters were described so intricately that I feel like I knew them so well. I really hope a movie is made from "Promised Land Lane" as it could be a real blockbuster in the cinemas, I just may need a hand to hold and a cushion to hide behind! A fabulous read and I hope to read many more by Marcus Brown.....
Having been recommended this book by a friend, I was captivated by this novel that kept me hooked until the very last sentence which was surprising as I would not consider myself as a fan of reading books of this nature- the storyline was surprisingly gripping whether that be due to the horror genre that kept you on edge throughout or just the personality of multiple excellently thought of characters that are so relatable to modern day life and people. On the other hand to this I believe Promised Land Lane creates a timeline of events that are sickeningly emotional and heart wrenching but at times humorous and realistic making it easier for the reader to connect to the characters and get more involved with the story. Personally, I would recommend the book to anybody as I look forward to reading the next edition in Marcus Brown's Career.
I was reccomended this book by a friend who bought it on release date - i have just finished reading Promised Land Lane and as I consider myself a slow reader i was surprised the story line gripped me the way it did, making it difficult to put down. For a Horror genre i was also surprised to read in parts of the book the humour between several characters, which made them relatable to many other readers as well as myself. Between the frights and laughter the story flowed well and i found it easy to read, i tend to get bored easy with reading and so i only do it to fill a gap (train journeys etc). But i must say i will reccomend this author to anyone and upon searching Marcus Browns name i am surprised to discover such a great book to be his first.
I love horror books and was sold by the cover at first. I've never heard of this author and discovered it was his first book and was very surprised how much I enjoyed it. I liked the characters and found them easy to relate to and at times laughed out loud at Sandra and Hilary as they were so badly behaved. The little girl in the book was creepy and well written as was the rest of Promised Land Lane. I never got the ending I was expecting which was a brilliant twist. A great first novel and hoping for a sequel please.
I read this book by Marcus Brown and absolutely loved it, I don't usually read books which I think will scare me, but this was scary at times but also funny especially the characters and there personalities. I also thought that some parts where sad, the story was easy to follow and didn't have to re-read any parts like I usually do, I got really into this book, couldn't put it down and felt like I had been part of it once book was finished, can't wait to see if there is a 2nd book to follow, Highly Recommended. 5*****
Just finished reading this amazing book from Marcus Brown, I was shocked to see thats this was his first book. The book had me gripped from start to finish, amusing in parts and frightening also. Great story line, easy to follow and keeps you wanting more every page. Once you start reading it you cant put it down and thr ending has left me wanting more. Will definately be looking for more books from this author in the future. 5▪. Highly recommended and a must read.
I was recommended this book by a friend and I have to say I was not disappointed, the book had me hooked from the first page. I felt like I was watching the story play out in front of my eyes. Amazing read from start to finish. I found it easy to relate to the characters and found myself laughing out loud at parts. I loved the ending and never would have guessed what was going to happen next. I can't wait to see more from the author please don't keep us waiting too long.
I was intrigued by this book's cover and, although it's not my usual genre, I took a chance on it. I was not disappointed, in fact, I was amazed to discover this is the author's debut novel. What a cracking read - I found myself laughing out loud in parts and terrified in others. I'm so pleased I found this author and will definitely look out for more great things from him in the future.
Cannot believe this is Marcus Brown's first book, I thoroughly enjoyed it and recommend it. Promised Land Lane is unsettling, creepy, compelling and even humorous in parts, the story flows easily and is smooth and well written with good, likeable characters and a few twists. If you like a bit of horror, or creepy dolls, then this is the book for you
I give this book 5 stars as I could not put the book down. I found it well written and a gripping story and I didn't get the ending I thought I would. Well done Marcus for a ending that I did not expect. Its the first book I have read by Marcus Brown and it will not be the last
Well, I had heard great things about this book, and as a massive Stephen King fan, I wondered and took the plunge, and what a journey! I couldn't put my Kindle down and finished it in eight hours. By the time I got to the end, I felt as though I'd lived the story personally I was so drawn in. I could see everything in my mind's eye. I was almost breathless due to the constant twisting and turning of this story and every emotion I have ever experienced whilst reading hit me during parts of this book. Yes, the cover is horrific, but there is so much more to this story than Maisie and her doll. Some parts were extremely brutal, others made me cry, whilst I laughed hysterically at the humour between the two best friends in the book -- it reminds me so much of me and my friend. As well as the aforementioned, my mind was spinning thinking I had solved the mystery, but I couldn't have been more wrong. Even looking back, there was nothing that hinted about certain parts of the book and the heights the author took me to. If this is a debut novel, then I look forward to so much more from Marcus Brown. I adored the writing style and the way he told the story and brought his marvellous characters to life. WOWED is the only word I can think of to use right now! This HAS to be made into a movie.
This is one of those books I didn't think existed in that I finished it in one sitting. I was engrossed from start to finish and although I was a bit sceptical thinking it was set in 1901 I realised it was only to set the stage for what was to come. I found this book slipped into many genres; Horror, Love Story, Comedy, Supernatural & Occult. That's why I enjoyed it so much. The characters were fully realised from start to finish and I could see these people in my mind as I read. I loved the main characters Sandra and Hilary as their relationship was entirely genuine and convincing. David was a man torn in many ways, but his love for Maisie took priority despite the fact she was turned into a monster. Samantha Whitmore made my blood boil as she was evil personified and Rachel got just what she deserved and it was delicious to read. All these characters were linked seamlessly. What more can I say? Brilliantly written with fantastic characterisation. Genuinely gripping with so many twists I never saw coming. I was so impatient to find out the what how and why I even considered reading the last chapter a third of the way in. So glad I didn't because the ending and that last sentence floored me and I still don't know who it was. I'm going to read this book again as I loved it so much. This book needs to be made into a movie. Highly recommended and a must read. If I could give it 10☆ I would - Shiloh
I started reading this story not out of love for scary stories at all, but out of love and respect for other books written by Marcus Brown. Yes, I was scared reading it, but not disappointed by any means. I'm still getting used to reading horror and gore, and this book didn't let me in gently, some parts making me quite nauseous, but strangely, I loved it! At times I couldn't read or turn the pages quick enough....I'm sure there were moments when I forgot to blink and breathe! This is a brilliant story that gave no clue as to how it was going to turn out. The twists and turns caught me by surprise, as did the parts that made me laugh out loud and sob like a baby!! I loved the relationships that developed between some of the characters and had a real soft spot for David. I can't believe I've actually got through this book in one piece, but I honestly can't wait to read book 2 where I may get answers to the cliffhanger! Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. So, here it goes; Promised Land Lane isn’t a book I would normally pick up, but the author did a wonderful job drawing me in with his blurb and I decided to give it a shot. I was not disappointed. From the very first page – was hooked. I never wanted to put this book down. If for some reason I actually had to quit reading and do something I’d tell myself ‘one more paragraph, one more page, one more chapter.’ And even after I reached my “one more…” it would take everything in me to physically put the book down. There were some pretty gory details, but they helped add to the overall effect of the story; they were a necessary evil. Ultimately, the ending left me craving more and hoping for a sequel. Love love love this book. Marcus is an amazing and talented author. Great job.
This puts most haunted to shame. Stories of the haunted house on Promised Land lane have persisted for years and a journalist Sandra is called in to create an article from a recent murder of a young boy. What happens from then on is dark, scary and makes you get shivers up and down your spine. A little girl is responsible and Sandra had lost her own sister to the demon girl in her teens. As she delves deeper she meets all manner of people to give an account and to meet David the man who has taken the responsibility to watch over Maisie this child. Be prepared for nightmares and to never look at old fashioned dolls again in the same light!!
Promised land lane by marcus brown. In 1901 maisie whitmore was cruelly tortured and murdered by her vengeful mother. David price was murdered for the crime. They are both bound to promised land lane together. She will take her revenge and he will try to protect the innocent from her. If maisie sees you.......run. For she will never forget. I loved the cover of this book. It did not dissapoint me. An absolutely fantastic read. A really creepy and eerie read. Would love to see this as a film. Didn't expect that. Wow. What a read. This is a must read and I would highly recommend this book. Worth more than 5*.
The story itself was well written. The storyline was quite good as well and had a few twists and turns that I wasn't expecting. One such I thought was unnecessary and even a little weird, but I won't spoil anything. I kept waiting for the story to unfold and a few places I felt it dragging, but once the real action began I flew through the book rather quickly. While I wouldn't say it is scary, unless you are the type of person who scares easily, it was creepy.
I have never read anything from Marcus Brown before. I really enjoyed Promise Land Lane. The story line was interesting. It reminded me of The Ring. Was it scary?no, it wasnt and sadly on some parts it seemed to drag on and on. I enjoyed the authors writing style but at times it got confusing.
I would read more from this author in the future. Review by Untold thoughts book Blog
I loved this horror story, I was looking for something scarey to read and this book delivered. Sandra lost her sister years ago on Promise Land Lane, you won't believe what she found when she returned so many tears later. Definitely worth a read and review. Enjoy!
Fantastic! I thought it was scary, I couldn’t read it when I was alone and even had a nightmare when I feel asleep after reading. It was great from first page and especially the last!! Must read!!!
This is a debut novel and I have to be hones and say that I am always weary of these. This book however defies all the assumptions that people would make. It is beautifully written. This book is a dark story so be warned! You start off right in the thick of action. There's no messing around with this author. This story is intense and keeps you on your toes wanting to read more and more while being slightly repulsed by what is actually going on. As an avid dark genre reader this story just hit all the right notes for me. It's dark depraved and in some parts gruelling to read.
The story flows really well with no plot holes that I could find. The characters are well planned and thought out with great detailing to the characters and storyline. The only thing I did find was repeating the use of phrases for different characters. It would have been nice for the repetitiveness to be corrected but I have seen much worse in debut novels and it didn't put me off the book.
If it wasn't for the fact I was told I would never would have thought this a debut novel. It is gripping and I didn't want to put it down or for it to end.
This is the 1st time I have read something in the genre and I have to say this blew my socks off! I loved every word and second of this book. Nothing I have read has ever come close to this story. The details (some graphic and at times disturbing) left images in my head while I read. I could not get enough of this book. I am so glad I was able to read and review this book. This book has everything a reader could want, romance, horror, violence, sadness and happiness with twists and turns all through out this book.
I don't normally read horror because I get scared easily. Add a doll into works and I'm running for the hills 😂 But I've seen so many good reviews about this book I decided to give it a go. What was I thinking? I came to parts of the book that scared me shitless and found I kept putting my hands over my eyes, forgetting I was reading and not watching a film. So, I had to finish it anyway. Maisie's Mum, Samantha, made a pact with a demon, agreeing to sacrifice one of her children. This woman is beyond evil. One fateful night, Maisie and her mother go missing, never to be seen again. But one evil act leaves a trail of destruction and a man convicted of a crime he hasn't committed. I said before I was scared, but there are also parts of this book that do make you laugh. Fantastic introduction into the world of books and this would make a really good film. The clifhanger at the end has left me guessing who SHE is, so now I'm going to have put my big girl pants on and read it when it comes out. Highly recommended and a 5 Star from me