Hindred Spirits

by Ed Perratore

The spirit world is their only refuge. Nightly, while most children sleep, others pursue a more basic goal, recovery. These are the mistreated, the physically and emotionally abused. And in Hindred Spirits, the youngest cope by willing their spirits to exit their bodies for a few precious hours. Natalie Leffingwell, nine, learns this power following one harsh beating from her abusive father. Seeking relief from the pain, she watches as first a finger, then her hand, rises from her resting body. The spirit world, she finds, is devoid of pain, a place to join others with similar hardships—and play where no grownup can follow. Her one to protect her body from physical threats while her spirit soars aloft. In case of danger, children out “ghosting” must quickly re-enter their bodies. Despite her caution, unforeseen circumstances trap her in this ethereal realm. Denied her mother’s love, denied Heaven, there is but loneliness. Natalie needs a friend like her. She resolves to win that friend...whatever that takes.

324 pages, Unknown Binding

Published October 20, 2021

About the author

Ed Perratore’s books include three horror novels: The Knock from Nobody, The Coven Tree and Hindred Spirits. His fourth published book is the nonfiction work One Man's Journey: A Walk on the Croton Aqueduct Trail. Ed began his career in magazine writing and editing at Consumer Reports, PC Magazine and other renowned publications, but his fascination for horror began with TV fare such as Chiller Theater, Creature Features and The 4:30 Movie. He lives in Mount Kisco with his wife, Elena, a short drive from Sleepy Hollow.

Reviews

[Dylan West · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting Premise, Solid Writing

I've read and watched haunted house stories, but not one quite like this. In some ways, it feels like a trio of short stories bundled into a single book, all with one character as the thread that holds them together. The beginning was the very best part, but the pace did sag in the middle. That said, the writing is clear and easy to read. And the pathos is totally there where it's meant to be. Prepare to feel sad!


I really liked this line: "How do you feel?" Grant smiled. "Like a hospital bill," he said.

If you enjoy haunted house stories, step into the Leffingwell house and watch the madness unfold :)

[Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

another amazing book , could not put it down

[K. L. Davidson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A typical ghost story this book is not. It’s a tale about spirits, both corporeal and incorporeal, both belonging to the soul or essence of what it means to be human and of what it means to be inhumane.
The invisible friends of children. Are they really invisible, imperceptible to the human eye? Perhaps, but only to adults who have lost their sense vulnerability, their innocence, who know not how it feels to be a powerless spirit formed of an uncontrollable environment, and, most especially, ones who have lost their sense of the esoteric, of the things within and without that defy rational explanation. Is there another side to material life? Is there another world where life still exists in death? And if so, where is this place, this universal sphere where unsettled spirits feel free to roar with the force of their disturbed silence?
Ed Perratore, the author of Hindred Spirits, gives us a glimpse into this unknown world, this existence that can only be exercised and understood by a chosen few: the children of wounds, of painful emotional experience of everlasting effect.
This tale begins with one of three families who begin living in an ordinary house in an ordinary neighbourhood, a place where any family would love to raise their children, a place to live life to its fullest, a home to fill with joy and laughter, and one in which growing old rings true as a happy and comforting hope. But what seems ordinary soon evolves into something extraordinary, but not in a good way, when the sudden transpiration of extreme violence causes the only child of the family, a little girl of nine named Natalie, to become displaced upon the gathering and ascendancy of souls to the nether world, a spiritless spirit who then grows with power over the course of time. The author then takes the reader on a seamless journey through two more families who subsequently choose this lovely and seemingly unexceptional house as their forever home. I won’t disclose anything more of the story, for to do so would reveal the true nature of this superlative literary work.
What struck me most about this story was its parallax nature or its underlying theme, how the author manages to tell the tale of Natalie from two perspectives, one in the vein of a Stephen King-like horror, and the other a subterfuge sketching the emotional separation and the foreshortened, or even negatively diverted, developmental maturation of children who are exposed to early trauma, of the long-lasting psychic effects of the psychological and physical injuries done. It is only the most masterful of storytellers who can pull off this duplicity of theme to such subtle yet perceptible effect, a double-dealing of scope of the most artistic kind.
Each character in this story is fully realized, especially the spirit of Natalie, and the plot is both rich and convincing. It’s a powerful novel that drops the reader into a preternaturally strange, eerie world filled with horrors of both human reality and spiritual unreality. Kudos to you, Ed Perratore, for taking me on a mind-bending journey. I’ve already purchased the author’s next novel, The Coven Tree, and I am quite looking forward to yet another great read. I highly recommend Hindred Spirits to anyone who loves an exciting and creative horror story full of otherworldly surprises. Five stars for this one!

[Samantha Talbot · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wrought by the hand of a skillful, insightful, and empathic writer, Hindred Spirits is a treat of a literary horror story. This is the Lovely Bones as told by Shirley Jackson, with a little Firestarter thrown in for grit, supported by the confident scaffolding of a top-tier thriller.

In Hindred, Perratore eloquently explores themes surrounding the oft avoided and very real horrors of childhood abuse and neglect. Some might wish to avoid such a subject but that would be a mistake, as they would be denied this author’s deft handling of his subject, as well as his engaging plot and layered characters.

He tracks the slow corruption of an innocent, 9-year-old Natalie, who is first devastated by injury and abuse and then, after death, colonized by an infestation of loneliness and despair. No spoilers here, but the run up to the climax, as well as the resolution itself, is wholly satisfying, invoking the ultimate triumph of love over trauma.

One of my favorite elements is the setting he’s chosen. Ed’s suburbia feels almost out of time, putting me in mind of the unsettling landscape of Amazon’s limited series, “Tales from the Loop.” There is something not quite right along these streets, behind these doors.

I feel like I have come upon a rare gem in Ed’s work. I can’t wait to see what he does next!

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hindred Spirits is one of those rare stories that feels imaginative and painfully real at the same time. Natalie’s escape into the spirit world is not portrayed as fantasy for entertainment, but as survival. That distinction is what makes this book so powerful. The spirit realm is peaceful and playful, yet shadowed by danger, mirroring Natalie’s real life in an unsettling way. The emotional weight of the story is handled with restraint and respect, allowing readers to feel the impact without being overwhelmed. I would respectfully recommend this novel to readers who appreciate supernatural fiction that carries emotional truth and meaningful themes. It’s a thoughtful and moving read.

[PageGlow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hindred Spirits is a hauntingly beautiful exploration of resilience and imagination. Natalie’s journey into the spirit world is both heartbreaking and empowering, showing how even the youngest and most vulnerable can find strength within themselves. The concept of “ghosting” is unique and creatively executed, allowing readers to experience both the freedom and danger of the spirit realm. Ed Perratore handles heavy topics like abuse with sensitivity, making the story emotionally gripping without being gratuitous.

[Sam Porter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a stunning balance of dark realities and ethereal wonder. Natalie’s ability to leave her body gives her a sense of freedom that contrasts with the cruelty she faces in her waking life. The author’s writing captures the loneliness, hope, and bravery of children coping with trauma. The spirit world feels vividly imagined and hauntingly beautiful, and I felt fully immersed in Natalie’s struggle and triumphs. I politely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys heartfelt supernatural stories with meaningful character journeys and emotional depth.

[Nerisa Soren · Rating 5 out of 5]

What struck me most about Hindred Spirits is how quietly powerful it is. The writing doesn’t rely on shock or spectacle; instead, it invites you into Natalie’s inner world and lets you feel her fear, her hope, and her longing for safety. The spirit realm feels like a fragile sanctuary, beautiful, but not without consequences. This balance makes the story feel grounded despite its supernatural premise. I would politely encourage book lovers who appreciate emotionally nuanced storytelling to give this novel a chance. It’s a memorable and meaningful read.

[JordanLeaf · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel is haunting in the best sense of the word. Natalie’s ability to separate spirit from body becomes a metaphor for coping with unbearable pain, and the author handles this theme with sensitivity and care. The loneliness Natalie feels when trapped in the spirit world is especially well written and deeply affecting. The story made me reflect on the resilience of children and the ways they find hope in the darkest circumstances. I would sincerely recommend this book to readers who value character-driven stories with emotional depth and imaginative storytelling.

[Hart Creel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hindred Spirits is not an easy read, but it is an important one. The supernatural elements are woven seamlessly into Natalie’s emotional reality, making the story feel both fantastical and grounded. I admired how the author portrayed Natalie’s intelligence and determination without making her unrealistically strong. Her vulnerability is what makes her courage so compelling. I would respectfully recommend this novel to readers who appreciate stories that explore difficult themes with empathy and creative vision.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel stayed with me long after I finished it. Natalie’s journey is both unsettling and inspiring, and the spirit world feels like a fragile refuge shaped by necessity rather than fantasy. The author treats the subject matter with respect, allowing the emotional weight to speak for itself. It’s a powerful reminder of the strength children can possess even in the most painful circumstances. I would sincerely recommend Hindred Spirits to readers who enjoy meaningful supernatural stories that explore resilience, hope, and the need for connection.

[Chris Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book left a lasting impression on me. The idea that children could will their spirits out of their bodies as a way to cope with pain is both heartbreaking and beautifully creative. Natalie’s voice feels authentic, and her loneliness is written with such honesty that it’s impossible not to empathize with her. The spirit world is described with a quiet wonder that contrasts sharply with the cruelty she experiences in reality, making the story deeply affecting.

[Mariel Quinn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ed Perratore tells a difficult story with compassion and imagination. Natalie’s experience of abuse is not sensationalized, which I appreciated, and her discovery of “ghosting” feels like a small miracle born out of desperation. The friendships formed in the spirit world bring moments of warmth and hope that balance the darker aspects of the story. The tension builds steadily, especially when Natalie becomes trapped, making the emotional stakes feel very real.

[Alex Rowan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book surprised me with its emotional maturity. Although the protagonist is young, the story never feels simplistic. The spirit world is vividly imagined, and the rules governing it create real tension and urgency. Natalie’s search for friendship and safety is portrayed with tenderness, making the story deeply human despite its paranormal framework.

[Eric John · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this novel both heartbreaking and hopeful. Natalie’s experiences are difficult to read at times, but the spirit world offers moments of beauty and relief that make the story feel balanced. The author’s prose is measured and evocative, allowing the reader to sit with the emotions rather than rush past them. This is a story that invites reflection.

[Brian John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hindred Spirits stands out for its originality and emotional sincerity. The concept of children escaping pain through ghosting is unlike anything I’ve read before, and it’s executed with care. Natalie’s loneliness and longing for connection are portrayed with such honesty that the story feels deeply personal. The suspense builds quietly but effectively, keeping me fully engaged.