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Near Miss: A Supernatural Suspense Novel
Everything in Centerpoint was pretty dull...until EVIL found it!
Sheriff Jeylend Folks used to have an easy beat. He was back in the small town he grew up in, had a lovely wife and a faithful dog. He couldn’t be happier.
Now things are spiralling out of control, and he is way out of his comfort zone! A sudden and shocking rise in accidents has swept the town, and no one is immune. From broken cups to broken bones, it is only a matter of time before someone gets killed.
What is causing all this? Who is the mysterious salesman who arrived just before everything went wrong? Why did old Mr Jenson suddenly reappear after living behind closed doors for over fifteen years?
Slacker Sam Pepper knows the truth, but there are two problems with this 1. No one would ever believe him and 2. He’d have to admit it was all his fault, both of which keep him silent.
With some using the situation for their own gain, some controlled by it and others doing their best to figure out the mystery, it all comes down to the good in people versus the evil in others.
Sheriff Jeylend Folks used to have an easy beat. He was back in the small town he grew up in, had a lovely wife and a faithful dog. He couldn’t be happier.
Now things are spiralling out of control, and he is way out of his comfort zone! A sudden and shocking rise in accidents has swept the town, and no one is immune. From broken cups to broken bones, it is only a matter of time before someone gets killed.
What is causing all this? Who is the mysterious salesman who arrived just before everything went wrong? Why did old Mr Jenson suddenly reappear after living behind closed doors for over fifteen years?
Slacker Sam Pepper knows the truth, but there are two problems with this 1. No one would ever believe him and 2. He’d have to admit it was all his fault, both of which keep him silent.
With some using the situation for their own gain, some controlled by it and others doing their best to figure out the mystery, it all comes down to the good in people versus the evil in others.
328 pages, Hardcover
Published June 17, 2022
About the author
European P. Douglas
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
April 22, 2025
This book took a little while to hook me, but once it did, I was all in. The slow build eventually gave way to a compelling and eerie small-town mystery that kept me turning the pages.
Everything in Centerpoint was pretty dull... until EVIL found it, and that tagline sums it up perfectly. Sheriff Jeylend Folks, a man who thought he’d settled into an easy life, finds his world turned upside down as bizarre and dangerous accidents begin plaguing the town. The once-quiet streets of Centerpoint quickly descend into chaos, and the sheriff’s calm is tested in ways he never expected.
The characters are quirky and memorable, from the suspicious traveling salesman to the town recluse Mr. Jenson, and especially slacker Sam Pepper, whose role in the whole mess adds a layer of tension and dark humor. Sam’s internal struggle, knowing the truth but unable to speak it, adds an extra emotional punch to the unfolding drama.
What I appreciated most was the theme at the core of the story: a battle between good and evil, not just as external forces, but as something within the townspeople themselves. Some give in to the madness, some exploit it, and others fight to uncover the truth.
Overall, while it may take a few chapters to really get going, this story builds into an enjoyable mix of supernatural mystery, small-town drama, and moral dilemmas. Worth a read if you enjoy slow-burn thrillers with a bit of dark whimsy.
Everything in Centerpoint was pretty dull... until EVIL found it, and that tagline sums it up perfectly. Sheriff Jeylend Folks, a man who thought he’d settled into an easy life, finds his world turned upside down as bizarre and dangerous accidents begin plaguing the town. The once-quiet streets of Centerpoint quickly descend into chaos, and the sheriff’s calm is tested in ways he never expected.
The characters are quirky and memorable, from the suspicious traveling salesman to the town recluse Mr. Jenson, and especially slacker Sam Pepper, whose role in the whole mess adds a layer of tension and dark humor. Sam’s internal struggle, knowing the truth but unable to speak it, adds an extra emotional punch to the unfolding drama.
What I appreciated most was the theme at the core of the story: a battle between good and evil, not just as external forces, but as something within the townspeople themselves. Some give in to the madness, some exploit it, and others fight to uncover the truth.
Overall, while it may take a few chapters to really get going, this story builds into an enjoyable mix of supernatural mystery, small-town drama, and moral dilemmas. Worth a read if you enjoy slow-burn thrillers with a bit of dark whimsy.
April 14, 2023
How much influence can one salesman have?
European P Douglas’s Near Miss is a horror tale that centers on a small town that struggles with economic collapse, but soldiers on with one main employer for most of the citizens. Even with the town’s issues, things seem to be going well until the door-to-door salesman shows up. To say a whole lot more about the story would give too much away and might spoil future reader/listener enjoyment of this excellent story. All the while I was listening, I kept thinking about Murphy’s Law being acted out in this small town.
As listened to this story there were times it felt so familiar in the elements that made up the story, I felt like I was reading some of my all-time favorite horror authors -Stephen King, Peter Straub, and Clive Barker – except in a story that was so different from their works yet so familiar.
John Walker does an excellent job of narrating this story and bringing each of the characters to life. I received a review copy of the Near Miss audiobook from the author through StoryOrigin and chose to provide this review.
European P Douglas’s Near Miss is a horror tale that centers on a small town that struggles with economic collapse, but soldiers on with one main employer for most of the citizens. Even with the town’s issues, things seem to be going well until the door-to-door salesman shows up. To say a whole lot more about the story would give too much away and might spoil future reader/listener enjoyment of this excellent story. All the while I was listening, I kept thinking about Murphy’s Law being acted out in this small town.
As listened to this story there were times it felt so familiar in the elements that made up the story, I felt like I was reading some of my all-time favorite horror authors -Stephen King, Peter Straub, and Clive Barker – except in a story that was so different from their works yet so familiar.
John Walker does an excellent job of narrating this story and bringing each of the characters to life. I received a review copy of the Near Miss audiobook from the author through StoryOrigin and chose to provide this review.
October 12, 2023
Received as an audio review copy from Story Origin, this is an honest review. Near Miss is an absolute fun, quirky adventure and truly perfect book to engross yourself in the fall season. Beautifully narrated by John Walker, the town of Centerpoint is a quiet place for those calling it home and keeping it a safe place but things begin to grow strange from the moment an odd salesman shows up claiming that within his bag is what could be a person desires. At first the weird incidents aren't much but sheriff Jeylend Folks cannot ignore the uptick in bizarre accidents that turn a small into something of a nightmare he needs but an end to. As a darker shadow falls upon Centerpoint, Jeylend and several others come to realize the strange salesman's bag has to be in the hands of the town's recluse, Mr. Jenson and things will continue to get even more dangerous if they don't do something. It will just require a bit of a sacrifice to help return the town back to what it should be.
Highly recommended.
Highly recommended.
April 15, 2026
Kindle download.
A door to door salesman arrives in the small town of Centerville with a curious, leather attaché-type case. But nobody can really figure out what what he is selling except for wishes. After visiting the home of an elderly recluse, he leaves without his case and is found dead soon thereafter and aged maybe 20 years or so. The elderly recluse is younger, healthier, more energetic and outgoing, - and in possession of this case - and granting wishes. But be careful what you wish for as they usually have unforeseen and possibly deadly consequences. And life in this previously small, tranquil town steadily deteriorates.
The suspense in this novel never really rises to heart-stopping levels and the pace can be a bit draggy and the conclusion of the novel leaves everything unresolved, but simply can’t really be called a cliffhanger either, even though the author apparently intended it to be. To find out what happens you have to download the next volume. No thanks.
A door to door salesman arrives in the small town of Centerville with a curious, leather attaché-type case. But nobody can really figure out what what he is selling except for wishes. After visiting the home of an elderly recluse, he leaves without his case and is found dead soon thereafter and aged maybe 20 years or so. The elderly recluse is younger, healthier, more energetic and outgoing, - and in possession of this case - and granting wishes. But be careful what you wish for as they usually have unforeseen and possibly deadly consequences. And life in this previously small, tranquil town steadily deteriorates.
The suspense in this novel never really rises to heart-stopping levels and the pace can be a bit draggy and the conclusion of the novel leaves everything unresolved, but simply can’t really be called a cliffhanger either, even though the author apparently intended it to be. To find out what happens you have to download the next volume. No thanks.
July 1, 2022
This is an interesting premise for a story. What would happen if every near miss became an accident. Sherriff Jeyland Folks is back in his uncomplicated home town where nothing much happens, until it starts happening. There are accidents all over town. As he investigates, he learns about a strange man with a black bag. The story is about good people versus people who want their wishes to come true. I liked the characters and their interactions. This could be a small town anywhere where there are good people and not so good people. If you enjoy books with a touch of the paranormal, you will love Near Miss. I received an advance copy of this book and this is my honest review.
April 1, 2023
Audiobook: This was my first experience with European P. Douglas' work, and I was very entertained. Once the audiobook started, I became so absorbed that I had to listen until the end. It all started in a peaceful, sleepy, small town and then everything went so wrong. The author weaved together the threads of the different townspeople's lives into an absorbing and fascinating tale. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series. John Walker's narration was great, and his performance enhanced the story's entertainment. I was given a free copy of the audiobook, and I have voluntarily posted this review.
June 22, 2025
This one sneaks up on you. Near Miss starts slow quiet town, worn down sheriff, odd new neighbors, but it builds a dread that sticks to your skin. The supernatural creeps in sideways, through character flaws and moral rot rather than jump scares.
Douglas doesn’t rush. He lets the weird breathe. And when it finally hits, it hits.
I’ve seen some people mention editing quirks or a slow start. Fair. But personally, I think that slower burn is what makes the payoffs hit harder. You have time to sink into the place and the people, and by the time things turn, you’re invested.
Creepy, grounded, and emotionally sharp. A strong start to something darker.
Douglas doesn’t rush. He lets the weird breathe. And when it finally hits, it hits.
I’ve seen some people mention editing quirks or a slow start. Fair. But personally, I think that slower burn is what makes the payoffs hit harder. You have time to sink into the place and the people, and by the time things turn, you’re invested.
Creepy, grounded, and emotionally sharp. A strong start to something darker.
July 2, 2022
I figured out what was going on pretty fast. The storyline and back stories reminded me of Stephen King’s Needful Things and even Ray Bradbury’s Something Wicked This Way Comes. So if you like either of those books you will like this book. I liked what the author tried to say; The different points such as reaping the consequences of your actions. I read mesmerized trying to figure out how to take care of this problem and I had no answer. I got swept up in the avalanche of events that occurred. I look forward to the next book and I sure hope it answers some questions!!
July 3, 2022
Be careful what you wish for…the cost may be too high. Sheriff Jeylend Folks will find out just how high when the people of Centerpoint start visiting old Mr. Jenson to have their dreams realized. Sam Pepper’s own request may have simplified his life, but he learns that it has also caused a ripple effect, one that has caused a young woman to lose her life. All in all, a good supernatural story with good characters. It could do with a bit of editing to rid it of the repetition. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 17, 2023
Strange salesman, strange briefcase and a small town where accidents are rampant. What happens when near misses are taken out of the world? All those almost accidents become real and often fatal. This story is about power, greed, and an ever growing evil that resides in a salesman's briefcase. The sheriff has his hands full trying to find out what is going on in his town and how to stop all the crazy accidents. Be careful what you wish for as it can come back to haunt you. A good story. On to the next in the series.
March 31, 2023
Near Miss: A Supernatural Suspense Novel (Evil Rising Series Book 1), my tenth read from author European P. Douglas. A well-written, entertaining 9-hour 44-minute/413-page read. John Walker's narration adds to this suspense's enjoyment. “I received a free Audible copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
May 12, 2024
Disappointing
There are two types of series books. One where each book ends a chapter and becomes part of a longer saga. The other is where you get an incomplete story and the author strings you along. Likely for money. This one feels like the latter. The is no ending in this book 1. The characters seemed to have been developed well. The scene settings were just okay; but the plot fell short.
There are two types of series books. One where each book ends a chapter and becomes part of a longer saga. The other is where you get an incomplete story and the author strings you along. Likely for money. This one feels like the latter. The is no ending in this book 1. The characters seemed to have been developed well. The scene settings were just okay; but the plot fell short.
July 1, 2022
This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and found myself second guessing every thought I had continuously.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and found myself second guessing every thought I had continuously.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
July 1, 2022
Pure evil. Absolute chaos. Nothing can prepare Jeyland Folks and the people in the town of Centerpoint for this level of chaos and evil. I am only surprised that the death toll was as low as it was. It reminded me of Stephen King’s writing. I loved reading this book. Immensely.
July 6, 2022
Creepy and suspenseful novel, where you get a view of what would happen to the world if people’s wishes were granted. Complete and utter chaos.
I LOVED it. Every page.
Can’t wait for the next Evil Rising novel!
I LOVED it. Every page.
Can’t wait for the next Evil Rising novel!
July 8, 2022
Good, action packed, supernatural suspense. Excellent read from start to finish with an unexpected twist at the end. I enjoyed it immensely. I received a complimentary copy and voluntarily leave an honest review.
September 30, 2023
After a series of accidents and mishaps turns into violence and murder, a small town begins to unravel. What is the cause? And who his the stranger with the mysterious bag. Good story from multiple view points, as the town tries not to implode.
January 26, 2024
This is my first book by this author and narrator and it was very interesting. I love ghost stories and horror type things and this has checked all of my boxes. It is engrossing and addicting and I look forward to more than from this author and narrator.
March 14, 2025
This book had me on the edge of my seat. There are a lot of characters, and each chapter jumps around from different POVs, but you get used to it quickly and it’s easy to remember the different characters’ stories because it is well-written.
April 23, 2025
had trouble getting into it , trouble following the characters even though i wrote them down. it was a near miss for me lol
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews