The Sum of Your Flesh

by Beverley Lee

Haven Ford arrives in the small village of Mortimer West on the back of a troubled voicemail asking for his help. But the baggage he carries is far more than the rucksack slung over his shoulder.

Rafferty Henderson has lived his whole life in the gatehouse cottage at the edge of the woods. It’s a safe space, or so he thinks, until his brother’s death sends his whole world spiralling into a twisted nest of persecution and unanswered questions.

Meredith Evans is a woman returning to her roots, but this is no cosy revisit, this is a return to lay the nightmare of her childhood to rest. Or, at least, to gain a better understanding of it.

But when graves start to collapse in the cemetery and the whispers from the villagers become accusations towards Rafferty, Haven finds himself in the midst of an unfolding horror with its seeds firmly planted in the past, a past that will take him down with it, a past that wants to drown him.

For beneath this village lies a terrible secret. A secret that refuses to die. A secret discarded over a hundred years ago by Irving Walsh. A man whose blood flows in Rafferty Henderson’s veins.

Genres: Horror

309 pages, Paperback

Published March 23, 2023

About the author

Beverley Lee is the bestselling author of the Gabriel Davenport series (The Making of Gabriel Davenport, A Shining in the Shadows and The Purity of Crimson) The Ruin of Delicate Things, The House of Little Bones, The Sum of Your Flesh and The Haunting of Wounded Birds.

She is also co-author of Crimson is the Night: A Vampire Novelette and the vampire horror romance series A Conclave of Crimson: A Queer Vampire Romance, featuring a meeting of characters from the Gabriel Davenport series and the Beguiled By Night series with Nicole Eigener . Her shorter fiction has been included in works from Cemetery Gates Media, Kandisha Press, Brigids Gate Press and Off Limits Press. In thrall to the written word from an early age, especially the darker side of fiction, she believes that the very best story is the one you have to tell.
You can visit her online at beverleylee.com (where you’ll find a free dark and twisted short story download) or on Instagram and Twitter.

Reviews

[Peter · Rating 5 out of 5]

What happened to Sebastian Henderson? His friend Haven and Meredith try to find out in a remote village. The family is cursed, shunned by the population. Why? What is the connection of the expedition of one of their ancestors to the current situation? See Haven and Meredith drawn into one of the darkest Gothic tales I read for quite a while. You don't know if you deal with vampires or what else determines the course of the events and characters. When Rafferty, Sebastian's younger brother, is kidnapped, things escalate. Can he be saved? Who is Raphael? The author takes you on an extremely eerie trip to the gatehouse, to an old cemetery with tunnels underneath (and empty coffins), wells and blends in all the right ingredients to sleep with the lights on. Terrifying, page turning and nightmarish stuff. The way Beverley Lee combines many well known motifs to this slow creeping horror thriller is very impressive. Highly recommended!

[Beverley Lee]

Not rating this as it's my book but adding it to my Read list as I've just gone through the proof read copy and highlighted all the final nit-picky glitches to fix.

But I will say this - I'm in love with this story!

[Kev Harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

My third Berveley Lee book and the most accomplished to date.
The opening to this book is a masterclass in setting the scene while also forcing the reader to ask myriad questions. This prompted a *need* to read on.
From that sound footing, it really never lets up. Lee's mystery-laden horror did what it does, with a wide cast of characters - skilfully realised - chipping away at the puzzles at the heart of the tale until we come to the final resolution.
The characters here are never black and white - all have their nuances and complex back stories which inform the decisions they make, for better or worse.
A superb read from one of the best writers in the genre.

[Shane Douglas Douglas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not a star rating sort of person normally, but if I could, I'd give this one 500 of 'em. Beverley Lee has outdone herself with this book. If you've read her previous works, you'll know that's a big claim, but it's a true one just the same. If you haven't read her previous books, it's time to unfuck that, and add this one to your TBR! Beverley is a master of complex, multi-POV storylines, and beautiful, broken characters and The Sum of Your Flesh is the absolute best example you'll find of that truth.

[Ross Jeffery · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘The Sum of Your Flesh’ is a horrific masterpiece.

A terrifying, unsettling and deeply moving story of love and loss and acceptance from one of horrors brightest stars.

Although there are many wonderfully crafted characters in this book, as always with Beverley’s work I find myself drawn to another character, one that is there from page one until the final word - and that is location and environment. Beverley has a way of painting both of these in a richness that is consuming, it’s what I love about her work - immersive is another word for it. I literally drowned from it in this book - I could feel the cold, the rain and the ground beneath my feet. I could smell the blood, the sea and the fear. I could taste the foulness of our protagonists/antagonists food and the coppery taste of blood.

The gore and the unsettling scenes in ‘The Sum of Your Flesh’ were perfectly pitched, dark and brooding at times and the details of this stuff are the things I crave in horror - there were moments where I was saying ‘No… no… no they’re not going to…’ - even turning my horror stomach at times… and that’s a hard thing to do!

Everything about this book is stunning.

I can’t fault it… it’s a masterpiece and in my opinion Beverley’s best book to date - I lost myself in it and that is one of the biggest compliments I can give - the world slipped away and a new world enveloped me.

But I haven’t even spoken about Beverley’s prose yet… and I should because its beautiful… what I will say is read it and discover all the horror for yourself because there is bucket loads of the stuff!

[Catherine McCarthy]

N.B. I do not star rate on Goodreads.
This is my third read by Beverley Lee. As an author of what I consider 'quiet horror' she never disappoints.
This one opened with a cozy kind of setting of a train journey into countryside on a dark November night. Our protagonist is flawed, we know that from the outset, and yet I found myself drawn to him. The voicemail he has received from a close friend is what sparks the journey. I loved the mystery surrounding this. It triggered so many questions in my mind.
An inn full of curious and unwelcoming locals, a lonely old house, and a church where more goes on than first meets the eye are the main settings for the remainder of the story.
We meet a wealth of characters along the way, and hear the story from their point of view (my favourite being Tucker because he reminded me of an old uncle of mine).
As the mystery unfolds and the clues knit together, the story unravels. The legacy of Irving Walsh and the 'thing' he brought back from the Arctic underpins the whole story and adds a deeper dimension.
Part vampire fiction, part cosmic, the plot delivers surprising twists and turns along the way and takes the reader on a perilous journey into the past before all its secrets are revealed.
Since I want to avoid spoilers I'll say no more, except to say that if you enjoy an emotional ending then this one's for you.
My thanks to the author for providing an ARC of this novel.

[T.C. Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s taking me far longer than I’d like to pull together the kind of substantial review that would do both this book and its author justice, so for now I’ll just say this: Beverley Lee is the UK’s answer to Anne Rice (and delivers, I’d argue, richer and more beautiful prose), and while all her books deserve the widest possible readership, The Sum of Your Flesh is her best yet.

All the stars.

[Chandra Claypool (WhereTheReaderGrows) · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the very best things about the #bookstagram community is finding authors you may not have otherwise and then forging a friendship with them. Bonus when they're a fierce horror writer who really knows how to bury under my skin and make all the hairs stand on end.

Lee brings us her stories quietly and instantly makes the surroundings another character of their own. The smell of the damp earth permeates my nose still while the coppery taste of blood continues to coat my throat. And fear not my fellow horror enthusiasts, this is not your ordinary vampire story - nor is it ordinary in any way. Come on in. Meet the various characters and dive fang deep into the pulse of this genre bender.

If you're longing for a beautifully written gothic horror novel chock full of suspenseful tingles with surprises along the way, be sure to pick up ... well anything by this amazing author. Prepare your feelings to be plucked. Welcome to the ride.
.

[Tim McGregor]

Author Beverley Lee delivers a thrilling slab of creeping dread, compelling characters, a dash of gore, and a touch of Lovecraftian horror, all nestled in a perfect small village setting. Briskly paced and masterfully told, this tale of buried secrets and repressed hungers had this reader turning the pages to find out what happens to the flawed Haven, haunted Meredith, and cursed Rafferty. A rich, engaging blend of horror, mystery, and heart.

[Brian Bowyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Masterful!

Beautiful writing, great characters, and an absolutely immersive atmosphere made this a phenomenal experience for me. Lee is definitely one of the best writers I've encountered in quite some time. If you've read her work before, you already know what I mean. If you haven't, THE SUM OF YOUR FLESH is an excellent place to begin. Highly recommended!

[G.R. Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review to come. Reading the beta … it’s utterly amazing & everything dark and sinister you expect from Beverley Lee

[Paul Preston · Rating 4 out of 5]

“People say grief lessens as the years pass, but what about guilt?”
Haven is just trying to help a friend’s brother, not realizing the twisted world he was getting himself into.
In this family vs. community story, the Henderson’s are struggling to keep their secrets hidden and the overall arch deals with standing up for what you believe to be right and not falling into the bloodshed of mob mentality.

I am drawn to Beverley’s work because her writing style is mysterious and reminds me of reading classic literature. She adds unique embellishments that make normal things feel remarkable, which follows throughout her work even when the scenes are tense or gag-inducing, and there is plenty of that in here. Oddly at the same time Beverley can be vague, letting you piece together what is going on, making for an active reading experience and keeping you enraptured.
“I knew then that it had claimed my soul, but I gave it freely, because the morals of man mean nothing when death stares you in the eye.”

[Jeremy Hepler · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Sum of Your Flesh is a beautiful yet haunting story that will keep you up late into the night, torn between a desire to know what happens next and a reluctance to get the book's end and break its spell. Beverley Lee puts her ability to blend genres, create memorable characters, and expertly overlay past and present narratives on full display. This novel should solidify her place as one of the best horror writers in the field today.

[William (Mr. Bill) Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Sum of Your Flesh - creepy, good!

A unique look at terror. Explorers often face death, and many die. I've read of the suffering early adventurers suffered while looking for new trade routes or the elusive precious mineral. I don't believe our minds can fully comprehend the effects of being on a wooden sailing ship, blocked in by ice as the life sustaining supplies begin to shrink, and realization that there will not be a rescue forthcoming. Author Beverly Lee has captured the despair and regrets of such an adventure in her book, 'The Sum of Your Flesh'. Not only will you reach for a warm drink (mine is coffee), but you may find yourself adding a log to the fireplace or checking the thermostat. On this adventure, the cold and hunger were not the only threats. As time passed, the history of the voyage faded from most peoples memories except for a few families who had heard the tale of the doomed ship. However, not everyone died on the ice. Something came back with a survivor. It changed everything.
This is the first book I've read by Beverly Lee. It will not be my last. - Mr.Bill

[M. Frances Kelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first chapter grabbed my interest and never let go throughout the entire book. No surprise there because Beverley Lee brings every character to life in such graphic detail that my mind can see each one and their surroundings in color. The small town near the sea was a perfect setting for the story line. No spoilers here, but think you will find this read full of surprises.

[Becky Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE SUM OF YOUR FLESH by the epic Beverley Lee.

Here we follow Haven Ford, a man who arrives in a small insular village on a quest to help his friend's brother. Rafferty Henderson is a boy persecuted for a fate laid by his ancestor. Meredith Evans is returning to her roots to unearth a childhood terror. Their lives entwine, twist, and drown in a chilling tale of secrets and bloodlines.

As ever, Beverley Lee has done it again. There is no doubt of my fandom, but this one was a surprise, even to me. Perhaps this was because I thought I knew what I would find within its page. But with each page turn, each new chapter grew a tale far darker, deeper, and more glorious than I had hoped. The characters are fleshy, complicated and authentic in a setting that feels its own personality, dark, ominous and full of hidden secrets, fear and persecution. I do not easily squirm, but I have to say there were moments of sheer terror here, so brilliantly done but utterly horrifying, with an ending that was both raw and emotional.

Beverley Lee is a master of quiet horror. It is not gratuitous but subtle and sublime. Her words slither under your skin, settle into your bones and inhabit your mind. She finds your inner nightmares and carves them into the story as if it is created just for you.

This will be a book reread; no doubt there will be those sublime lines of prose I missed the first time, and probably my favourite of the author's standalone novels.

[Laurel · Rating 5 out of 5]

RTC

[Sophie Ingley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a superbly written slice of creepy folk horror.
Gorgeously written, and with a plot that kept me guessing until the end.
I am not shy to admit I sobbed at one plot point. You will know which one when you read it.
Loved this book very.
A short review, but sending all the stars and more.
Wonderful.

[Austrian Spencer · Rating 5 out of 5]

The latest offering from the mother of Gothic horror, Beverley Lee – “The sum of your flesh” – weighs in at a mean 301 pages, following her last offering, a shorter novella entitled The house of little bones, which was released way back in September 2021. I say “way back” because that describes most accurately the impatience I felt whilst waiting for this new foray into Beverley’s dark and emotion-laden mind.

The storytelling here is a showcase for Lee’s developing craft – and I say that with the utmost admiration for her previous works – but Beverley has tightened her narrative here, overlaid storylines with other storylines, injected history into the whole, and run the gauntlet of opposing povs into one package. There’s a real sense of analytical craft here, of Lee having taken her time to deliver the best possible combination of elements. It reads like a Lee novel, but more so. There’s growth here. Age. Experience.

The world is fully immersive – the pages fly by in traditional Lee style, and the trademark short chapters with punchlines as hooks are here to ensure you keep those pages flicking by. There’s less character introspection than -say – the davenport series – but that keeps the story fresh and moving forward – introspection comes at the cost of revisiting previous scenes, and honestly, the reader wants to get to the why’s and how’s here – the book Is written as a puzzle revealed piece by piece.

I liked the injection of history, the diary format of the family’s arctic explorer relative kept the mystery of the identity of the monster fresh. I went through several theories trying to figure out what we were dealing with – werewolf (you played with my preconceptions with all those full moon references and the repeated use of the word “padded” to describe his walk. Don’t think I don’t know what you did, you trickster, Beverley), vampire, ghoul –and I'm not going to explain it here, but Beverley delivers something a little more complex to keep the reader guessing. The MC throne is somewhat split between two characters, each obtaining parts of the whole puzzle to complement the other.

There are elements of the story that Beverley doesn’t cover fully – the actual incident that defined Haven’s life path is a little vague – as is his decision to disguise himself as a Goth – not sure that all the creatures he sets out to find would be Goths or hang around goths, and his decision to get tattoos... The question of what the monster was, that defined his obsession is also unclear – were we talking about a vampire, a ghoul, a zombie? But that unknowing, that undefined obsession - plays to the story – not knowing is the driving force behind his desire to learn more, define more, destroy.

The climax is sudden, and well planned out, the ending fitting, the puzzle completed and packed away. I finished this in two days and feel Lee has once again produced a work that is compelling and immaculately planned and executed.

Can’t wait to see what Lee produces next – and I’m here for it - but if I may – I’d really love to see your spin on a werewolf, Beverley. Maybe a rabid one? One that rips out vampire’s throats for fun, has fleas, and maybe can’t change back?

Hope springs eternal.

Sum gets 5 out of five ⭐'s. Great book to start the new year off with, and a fantastic addition to the Mother of Gothic Horror's ensemble cast.

[Elizabeth Gonzalez-Collazo IG - Shereadswithcoffee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Her prose is exquisite, the characters fleshed out (pun totally intended), and the intrigue and pace of her storytelling make for an incredible gothic horror novel. The smallest, intricate detail about something is written in such beautiful prose that made me relish in words. For example, “Her skin started to crawl, as though a beetle was scurrying along her spine, navigating each vertebra, unfazed by the curve and fall of bone.”

Anyway, I digress. This story was chock full of great characters, from the protagonist to the obscure, the village and its townspeople being a character all their own. The story of the Henderson Family, whose bloodline and history have sparked much controversy, fear, and side-eye looks from the village people. Enter Haven Ford, requested by one of the Henderson siblings to look out for his other brother, Rafferty, who leads him on a journey of dark secrets and a family’s tumultuous past! A tale of gothic horror with buried secrets and chilling family bloodlines that will keep you turning the pages quicker than you can breathe! I have loved all of Beverley’s other stories; The Davenport series, Little Eve, The Ruin of Delicate Things, and The House of Little Bones, but I knew this one had the IT factor for me because not only did I read this in one sitting, but I was highlighting like a mad woman because of the uniqueness of the story, the prose, and the feeling of impending doom for the characters had me on the edge of my seat! To date, one of my favorites!!!

[G · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't usually read stories related to vampires and didn't realize that this was about a vampire until I was well into the book. I stayed with it though and am glad I did. The book was well written for the most part, but it didn't really keep me hanging on until past the half way mark. The story line was interesting and was about much more than a vampire. The excitement builds and the story unfolds as you go along. I mostly enjoyed the last two chapters.

[Jennifer Soucy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beverley Lee is still my favorite gothic writer currently publishing, and this is now officially my favorite story by her. What a journey! Without spoilers, I will try my best to summarize this glorious tale which any horror fan would be crazy to miss.

We begin with Haven, making his way to a small English village at the request of a close friend who sounds like he's in trouble. He meets Meredith Evans, an older lady returning to the same village ostensibly to work but truly there to hopefully uncover secrets from her childhood. Rafferty Henderson, the younger brother of Haven's friend, has always lived in the village yet has been treated like an outsider his entire life. When Haven and Meredith arrive, events in the village transpire which put Rafferty and his family in immediate danger. Secrets can stay hidden for generations, but they always find their way out eventually, as this group soon discovers.

As this is a Beverley Lee novel, I also have to add the village of Mortimer West as a character because - as always - her descriptions of location go above and beyond what one expects from the standard novel. The town and its people felt real enough to touch, and the snippets of history add even more to the rich and haunting atmosphere.

This is gothic horror at its finest, but also an exciting mystery. As Haven, Meredith, and Rafferty's tales advance and eventually converge, so much is revealed. I didn't see the twists coming, which I thought were so inventive and intriguing. I highly recommend picking up this book and seeing for yourself. If you enjoy the feeling of being transported to another world while reading, then this is the book for you. Just be careful - there's something monstrous lurking within Mortimer West, and it's always hungry.

[Matthew · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Sum of Your Flesh is a gripping and haunting novel that explores the dark secrets buried beneath a seemingly idyllic village. Beverley Lee masterfully weaves a tale of horror, mystery and suspense that will keep you hooked until the very end.

The story follows three characters: Haven, a troubled young man who travels to a rural village to seek out his old friend Sebastian Henderson; Rafferty Henderson, a reclusive and misunderstood young man who lives in the gatehouse cottage at the edge of the woods; and Meredith Evans, a woman who returns to her childhood home to confront the nightmare that haunts her. Their lives are intertwined by a terrible secret that dates back to over a hundred years ago, when Irving Walsh, Rafferty's ancestor, discarded something in the caverns beneath the woods that refused to die.

The Sum of Your Flesh is a chilling and atmospheric novel that will make you question what lies beneath the surface of a seemingly peaceful community. Lee's writing is captivating and immersive, creating a vivid sense of place and mood. The characters are complex and sympathetic, each with their own struggles and secrets. The plot is fast-paced and unpredictable, with twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the shocking finale.

If you are looking for a thrilling and spine-tingling read that will keep you up at night, look no further than The Sum of Your Flesh. This is a book that will stay with you long after you finish it. Highly recommended! 5⭐️

[Dale Robertson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well written, creepy tale. Definitely has some atmospheric, creepy moments that make you shudder. I did feel it could have been a bit shorter, the story kept alluding to something over and over again, and I thought "when are we going to get there?" But over halfway through things started to unravel.

I'm still a bit confused by a few things. They may have been explained in the book and I missed them in a sleepy reading haze but I don't think so.

- did Sebastian kill himself, or was it something in the water? It's never clarified or expanded upon.
- there seemed to be two separate "main" things happening - the "thing" that Irving Walsh brought back from his expedition, and Rafferty's unusual situation. They collided towards the end, but I felt that just confused things (for me anyway!). It's almost a mix of supernatural and a creature feature. I felt it should have been one or the other, not a mix. I was left feeling a bit like "what?"
- I didn't understand how this particular situation affected the "whole male bloodline" when it only seemed to be Rafferty that was affected. Which brings me on to why Sebastian killed himself. I don't see how that would have helped as he didn't seem to be afflicted in any way.

Despite my confusion on the story, it was really well written and I was gripped to the pages. Definitely give it a go.

[Lisa - OwlBeSatReading 🦉📚 · Rating 4 out of 5]

With scenes that left me breathless, and an unexpected element I’ve not read before in any horror story, The Sum of Your Flesh is a mindful and unforgettable read. The plot tempted me to race through, yet the prose was enticing, it kept me lingering and reading at a slower than usual pace, often reading aloud so I could REALLY feel it.

Deliciously dark with mouth-watering moments most foul, I was experiencing nightmarish situations, stomach-turning descriptions and characters I truly cared for.

To say Beverley ‘has a way with words’ would be an understatement. She designs her stories like a rollercoaster ride. You think ‘oh this is beautiful, there’s no need to buckle up’ and then she takes full advantage of your trust, and launches you straight out of your seat.

Graphic and gripping, gruesome yet poetic, I had a great time with The Sum of Your Flesh.

Out 23rd March 2023

[Vicky Coughlan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beverley Lee does it again! This book… oh this book. It brings all your deepest fears and phobias to light and leaves your skin crawling. Beverley’s vivid descriptions place you right at the center of it all. Too many secrets, too much hate and a curse spreading from a long time ago. Haven, dragged into the middle of it all by his friendship with Sebastian. Meredith, haunted by her demons from the past and the things she could not understand nor believe they were real. Rafferty, guilty? Or just an innocent plagued by the deeds of his ancestor. As always, Beverley Lee has a way to make you feel sorry for the main character in her books. And the ending? I did not see that coming but it felt right. I loved this book. If you are a lover of horror stories this one is amazing. But if you are afraid of what might lurk in the dark… do not take that train!
And let’s not forget the gorgeous cover art. Love love love it!

[ThatReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another little gem that was hiding in my ereader and that i totally forgot about. As always Beverley Lee is a pleasure to read - the way she uses words and language itself to convey atmosphere never ceases to amaze me and make my skin break out in goosebumps. I love her prose and that's that. This one in particular had me from the first chapter, curious about what was coming right to the end, marvelling at how the story unfolded and entranced by the characters - how I loathed some, how I pitied others! There were a few things that lacked closure and addressing, for me, but overall, I really enjoyed this story, especially that 'under the skin' constant feel of threats hanging in the air - and not just of the supernatural kind. Humans are, in the end, the biggest danger, the biggest threat and the scariest thing this world ever had.

[Bithiah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I definitely stayed up until 2 am to finish this. I’m weirdly unsettled, and I’m not sure that I’m content with the reveal. We went from Lovecraft well-lurker, to vampire, to possession, to mermaid Medusa that steals corpses. I’m almost wondering if it was one plot twist too many? Overall it was a spooky good read.

[Shannon]

DNF 42%

[Elizabeth Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

all night sitting

Couldn’t put this down once I started reading. Real characters brought skilfully to life. Excellent story. Not to be missed