Lee Allen's Blog - Posts Tagged "jack-o-lantern"
The Jack O'Lantern Men - Preview
Read on for a preview of my new novella, The Jack O'Lantern Men, publishing Hallowe'en 2015:
The Jack O'Lantern Men
---
Life is but a whisper on a long forgotten wind.
They were the final words my wife spoke to me, as she lay on her death bed and limply held my hand, as mine grew tighter on hers. It is true, is it not? In that moment I forgave her all; her heresy, her infidelity, all the wounds she’d opened up in me over those long years. I stayed because I believed in my vows, and I cherished my daughter. Thus, I buried my hatred for this woman I had loved with all of my heart. Yet they were not the only reasons. I still loved her so, and though I never spoke of it again, my love sat with my hatred, and they shared the heart that belonged to that woman.
Oh Year, one which was so full of pain to enter, and shall be evermore agonising still to feel die. What secrets have you left to share with us in your final days? As the winter creeps upon us now that autumn has done its worst.
The fate of men resides in my hands once again. My keys grow heavier at my side, as I stalk the dark and dingy corridors, checking each cell to see if men still breathe so that we can take their last breaths from them. They are all sentenced to hang, all the men under my care.
Today, I was delivered the latest of these damned souls. Frank was his name. He said hardly a word as he was brought down to his cell and I unlocked the one farthest down the corridor. He turned and looked at me as I locked it behind him, looked me right in the eye and spoke to me without a word.
My day of reckoning had come.
Before leaving for home, I returned to his cell and looked through the bars. He sat motionless in the corner, and only stirred when I had stood at the bars for an endless five minutes.
“You know, don’t you?” His voice sounded as if it clawed over a thousand needles to escape his throat. For the first time, I noticed his nose and mouth were bloody; one blackened eye could only manage a squint to share vision with the other.
“I do,” I replied to him.
For I knew they haunted him too. I could feel them just out of sight at the end of the corridor. I ignored them, fixing my eyes on Frank.
“Find my daughter,” he implored me, finally moving from his corner toward me. “Find that she understands it was not of my doing.”
I nodded and said nothing further, moving from the cell into the darkness of the corridor.
The Jack O’Lantern Men followed me, their mouths grinning wickedly at my back. Long, tapered, fingers brushed my neck as I hurried from the prison.
“Leave me!” I cried into the dark, as I had done every night since she had gone.
They were not words that met my ears, more drifting thoughts that met my mind.
---
The Jack O'Lantern Men, available October 31st.
Hear our words. Say your prayers.
Late on Hallowe’en night, Frank is delivered to the Jailer, standing accused of a crime for which he will hang. He has a tale to tell, and begs the Jailer to speak to his daughter.
His daughter, Laura, has her own tale to tell. Through their words, the Jailer hears of the events that will lead him to his last execution.
All the while, the Jack O’Lantern Men wait in the wings for the last act to play out and the curtain to fall.
The Jack O'Lantern Men
---
Life is but a whisper on a long forgotten wind.
They were the final words my wife spoke to me, as she lay on her death bed and limply held my hand, as mine grew tighter on hers. It is true, is it not? In that moment I forgave her all; her heresy, her infidelity, all the wounds she’d opened up in me over those long years. I stayed because I believed in my vows, and I cherished my daughter. Thus, I buried my hatred for this woman I had loved with all of my heart. Yet they were not the only reasons. I still loved her so, and though I never spoke of it again, my love sat with my hatred, and they shared the heart that belonged to that woman.
Oh Year, one which was so full of pain to enter, and shall be evermore agonising still to feel die. What secrets have you left to share with us in your final days? As the winter creeps upon us now that autumn has done its worst.
The fate of men resides in my hands once again. My keys grow heavier at my side, as I stalk the dark and dingy corridors, checking each cell to see if men still breathe so that we can take their last breaths from them. They are all sentenced to hang, all the men under my care.
Today, I was delivered the latest of these damned souls. Frank was his name. He said hardly a word as he was brought down to his cell and I unlocked the one farthest down the corridor. He turned and looked at me as I locked it behind him, looked me right in the eye and spoke to me without a word.
My day of reckoning had come.
Before leaving for home, I returned to his cell and looked through the bars. He sat motionless in the corner, and only stirred when I had stood at the bars for an endless five minutes.
“You know, don’t you?” His voice sounded as if it clawed over a thousand needles to escape his throat. For the first time, I noticed his nose and mouth were bloody; one blackened eye could only manage a squint to share vision with the other.
“I do,” I replied to him.
For I knew they haunted him too. I could feel them just out of sight at the end of the corridor. I ignored them, fixing my eyes on Frank.
“Find my daughter,” he implored me, finally moving from his corner toward me. “Find that she understands it was not of my doing.”
I nodded and said nothing further, moving from the cell into the darkness of the corridor.
The Jack O’Lantern Men followed me, their mouths grinning wickedly at my back. Long, tapered, fingers brushed my neck as I hurried from the prison.
“Leave me!” I cried into the dark, as I had done every night since she had gone.
They were not words that met my ears, more drifting thoughts that met my mind.
---
The Jack O'Lantern Men, available October 31st.
Hear our words. Say your prayers.
Late on Hallowe’en night, Frank is delivered to the Jailer, standing accused of a crime for which he will hang. He has a tale to tell, and begs the Jailer to speak to his daughter.
His daughter, Laura, has her own tale to tell. Through their words, the Jailer hears of the events that will lead him to his last execution.
All the while, the Jack O’Lantern Men wait in the wings for the last act to play out and the curtain to fall.
Bookstagram Author Interview
1) When did you first realise you wanted to be a writer?
I've been writing for as long as I can remember. My best estimate is that I was around five years old, but it may even have been sooner than that when I started committing stories to paper. I have always loved books and reading and wanted to be able to create my own too. So, in a way, it feels as if I've always known I wanted to be a writer and I can't point specifically to when it started. But I haven't stopped since.
2) What do you like most about your book?
I recently launched my new book, "Bitten", on Valentine's Day this year. It's the story of a police officer, Holleigh Ryder, and the pursuit of a vampiric serial murderer who strikes on Valentine's Day. It's an erotic thriller, a police procedural and a horror story entwined into one.
I worked very hard on this book and am very happy with the end result. As for what I like best, I'm not sure. I love vampires and I love police procedurals, erotic thrillers, gothic horror stories - so all these elements either separately or combined may be high on the list.
3) How long does it take you to write a book?
It varies from book to book. I was still in school when I wrote my first novel, which took me about two years to complete. My first novella took me just under a year to write around work, while my second novella took only six months (I was made redundant around that time).
I wrote my short story collection across a period of eighteen months. "Bitten" was already half written by the time I began working on it again just over a year ago, and I took a year to complete it. Both of those books were written around my day job, primarily worked on during evenings and weekends.
I would love to be able to work on writing full time in the future - which will then mean more books (or longer books) for my readers!
4) Where did you get your information ord ideas for books?
I find inspiration in many places. My stories usually start with a scene, a plot element, a character or a theme that begins flourishing in my mind, usually linking with other ideas that have come to me in the same way. I may start taking notes and developing the idea on paper at this stage, or I may just keep it in my mind for the time being and see if it can lead somewhere.
I read a lot, both fiction and non-fiction - books, magazines, articles and more; I also love film, television, music. Perhaps I may hear a song and the lyrics or music spark something or speak of an emotion I want to write about. Or I may overhear a conversation and take one sentence and let my imagination work on it. Many of these things may never reach the page or go beyond something that danced in my mind just for today, but others will link with existing ideas or inspire new ones.
Ultimately, a wide range of fragments coalesce to the point where I feel I have the beginnings of a story that I feel impelled to write.
I usually research the next book's themes in detail before I start, while continuing to research more minor elements throughout writing, often then double-checking details during redrafting. A lot of that research may ultimately have no direct impact on the plot or characters, or some research may only influence a small section - perhaps just a sentence. But I think context and authenticity are both very important to a story. Plus it gives me an excuse to order another pile of books for my non-fiction and reference library!
5) How would you review your book as a reader?
Now, that is a challenging question! I'm sure I would review it in much the same way as I do the books of others - highlighting the things that made the book enjoyable for me (you can subscribe to my Goodreads blog or follow me on Instagram @leeallenauthor for book recommendations).
For "Bitten", I'm sure I would be highlighting the same things as I reader that I like most about the book as its writer, hopefully with one notable addition - that the twists were well-plotted and that there was a shock or surprise or two.
6) What do you do when you are not writing?
I love reading, music, film and television. I have a keen interest in the topics and themes I write about, which makes research fascinating. I believe that's something that is key to writing - if a writer loves what they do, it bleeds into their work, and their readers will feel that enjoyment too.
I also enjoy going to the theatre and cinema, or eating out at a restaurant, at a time when we were able to do those things safely. But I'm frequently a home bird - it's where I feel most relaxed and most productive and my imagination is free to roam in my next book.
7) Have you ever received negative feedback for your book? How did you deal with it?
I actually just recently received my very first negative review. I'll admit I felt pretty disappointed by some of the comments and insinuations included in that particular review. Perhaps what cut the most about it was it felt as if the reviewer wanted to twist the knife, going out of their way to be negative.
But I try not to take it to heart. People don't all enjoy the same things. If you don't enjoy something, then don't read it. I write for the people who do enjoy my work.
On a lighter note, you probably haven't done an erotic horror thriller right if you don't manage to offend someone! Controversy can be as effective as glowing reviews in some ways I suppose.
8) What is the next topic you will choose for another book?
I'm not quite ready to share too much about what I'm currently working on yet.
But what I will say is that it's another horror thriller that will appeal to fans of my previous books "Whispers from the Dead of Night" and "The Jack O'Lantern Men". Something dark and unexplained is lurking in the shadows!
9) Words to all the book readers.
Thank you to everyone who has read my books and to everyone who is planning to pick up my latest book, "Bitten". I hope you will enjoy it!
Interviewed by Karma Book Blog - see the post on Instagram.
Order Bitten from Amazon, Lulu.com, and Barnes & Noble.
View all my reviews
Visit me on Facebook
Follow me on Twitter
Follow me on Instagram
I've been writing for as long as I can remember. My best estimate is that I was around five years old, but it may even have been sooner than that when I started committing stories to paper. I have always loved books and reading and wanted to be able to create my own too. So, in a way, it feels as if I've always known I wanted to be a writer and I can't point specifically to when it started. But I haven't stopped since.
2) What do you like most about your book?
I recently launched my new book, "Bitten", on Valentine's Day this year. It's the story of a police officer, Holleigh Ryder, and the pursuit of a vampiric serial murderer who strikes on Valentine's Day. It's an erotic thriller, a police procedural and a horror story entwined into one.
I worked very hard on this book and am very happy with the end result. As for what I like best, I'm not sure. I love vampires and I love police procedurals, erotic thrillers, gothic horror stories - so all these elements either separately or combined may be high on the list.
3) How long does it take you to write a book?
It varies from book to book. I was still in school when I wrote my first novel, which took me about two years to complete. My first novella took me just under a year to write around work, while my second novella took only six months (I was made redundant around that time).
I wrote my short story collection across a period of eighteen months. "Bitten" was already half written by the time I began working on it again just over a year ago, and I took a year to complete it. Both of those books were written around my day job, primarily worked on during evenings and weekends.
I would love to be able to work on writing full time in the future - which will then mean more books (or longer books) for my readers!
4) Where did you get your information ord ideas for books?
I find inspiration in many places. My stories usually start with a scene, a plot element, a character or a theme that begins flourishing in my mind, usually linking with other ideas that have come to me in the same way. I may start taking notes and developing the idea on paper at this stage, or I may just keep it in my mind for the time being and see if it can lead somewhere.
I read a lot, both fiction and non-fiction - books, magazines, articles and more; I also love film, television, music. Perhaps I may hear a song and the lyrics or music spark something or speak of an emotion I want to write about. Or I may overhear a conversation and take one sentence and let my imagination work on it. Many of these things may never reach the page or go beyond something that danced in my mind just for today, but others will link with existing ideas or inspire new ones.
Ultimately, a wide range of fragments coalesce to the point where I feel I have the beginnings of a story that I feel impelled to write.
I usually research the next book's themes in detail before I start, while continuing to research more minor elements throughout writing, often then double-checking details during redrafting. A lot of that research may ultimately have no direct impact on the plot or characters, or some research may only influence a small section - perhaps just a sentence. But I think context and authenticity are both very important to a story. Plus it gives me an excuse to order another pile of books for my non-fiction and reference library!
5) How would you review your book as a reader?
Now, that is a challenging question! I'm sure I would review it in much the same way as I do the books of others - highlighting the things that made the book enjoyable for me (you can subscribe to my Goodreads blog or follow me on Instagram @leeallenauthor for book recommendations).
For "Bitten", I'm sure I would be highlighting the same things as I reader that I like most about the book as its writer, hopefully with one notable addition - that the twists were well-plotted and that there was a shock or surprise or two.
6) What do you do when you are not writing?
I love reading, music, film and television. I have a keen interest in the topics and themes I write about, which makes research fascinating. I believe that's something that is key to writing - if a writer loves what they do, it bleeds into their work, and their readers will feel that enjoyment too.
I also enjoy going to the theatre and cinema, or eating out at a restaurant, at a time when we were able to do those things safely. But I'm frequently a home bird - it's where I feel most relaxed and most productive and my imagination is free to roam in my next book.
7) Have you ever received negative feedback for your book? How did you deal with it?
I actually just recently received my very first negative review. I'll admit I felt pretty disappointed by some of the comments and insinuations included in that particular review. Perhaps what cut the most about it was it felt as if the reviewer wanted to twist the knife, going out of their way to be negative.
But I try not to take it to heart. People don't all enjoy the same things. If you don't enjoy something, then don't read it. I write for the people who do enjoy my work.
On a lighter note, you probably haven't done an erotic horror thriller right if you don't manage to offend someone! Controversy can be as effective as glowing reviews in some ways I suppose.
8) What is the next topic you will choose for another book?
I'm not quite ready to share too much about what I'm currently working on yet.
But what I will say is that it's another horror thriller that will appeal to fans of my previous books "Whispers from the Dead of Night" and "The Jack O'Lantern Men". Something dark and unexplained is lurking in the shadows!
9) Words to all the book readers.
Thank you to everyone who has read my books and to everyone who is planning to pick up my latest book, "Bitten". I hope you will enjoy it!
Interviewed by Karma Book Blog - see the post on Instagram.
Order Bitten from Amazon, Lulu.com, and Barnes & Noble.
View all my reviews
Visit me on Facebook
Follow me on Twitter
Follow me on Instagram
Writing News!
I am very excited to announce that I will soon be delivering a brand new short story to my readers!
While researching and plotting Book 6, this tale kept pushing its way into my head and clamouring for attention, insisting it get written first. I'm never one to resist a mystery on a dark autumn night, so took little persuading. I finished the first draft several weeks ago and this week turned to redrafting it in earnest, which I hope to complete by the end of next week.
It will be released this Hallowe'en, and I hope you will find it a gothic treat for the spookiest night of the year.
I will be revealing more details, including the title, synopsis and cover, very soon! Keep an eye out on Facebook and Instagram.
🎃 TRICK OR TREAT?! 😉
Visit me on Facebook
Follow me on Twitter
Follow me on Instagram
While researching and plotting Book 6, this tale kept pushing its way into my head and clamouring for attention, insisting it get written first. I'm never one to resist a mystery on a dark autumn night, so took little persuading. I finished the first draft several weeks ago and this week turned to redrafting it in earnest, which I hope to complete by the end of next week.
It will be released this Hallowe'en, and I hope you will find it a gothic treat for the spookiest night of the year.
I will be revealing more details, including the title, synopsis and cover, very soon! Keep an eye out on Facebook and Instagram.
🎃 TRICK OR TREAT?! 😉
Visit me on Facebook
Follow me on Twitter
Follow me on Instagram
Will o' the Wisp - A Jack O'Lantern Tale
I'm delighted to present the synopsis for my brand new short story, creeping out of the dark this Hallowe'en:
___
It may be safer for some questions to remain unanswered...
Whilst running an errand late one Hallowe'en night, a young gentleman comes across a young lady in need of assistance. From whom or what she flees is unclear, but nevertheless he desires to help.
When she vanishes without trace, he determines to find the reason for her disappearance, a quest which may lead him into unknown peril.
For, amongst the shadows, there lurks something sinister...
___
A gothic horror short story from the author of "The Jack O'Lantern Men" and "Whispers from the Dead of Night".
Available to download 31/10/2021.
Just six weeks 'til Hallowe'en!
🎃 TRICK OR TREAT?! 😉
Visit me on Facebook
Follow me on Twitter
Follow me on Instagram
___
It may be safer for some questions to remain unanswered...
Whilst running an errand late one Hallowe'en night, a young gentleman comes across a young lady in need of assistance. From whom or what she flees is unclear, but nevertheless he desires to help.
When she vanishes without trace, he determines to find the reason for her disappearance, a quest which may lead him into unknown peril.
For, amongst the shadows, there lurks something sinister...
___
A gothic horror short story from the author of "The Jack O'Lantern Men" and "Whispers from the Dead of Night".
Available to download 31/10/2021.
Just six weeks 'til Hallowe'en!
🎃 TRICK OR TREAT?! 😉
Visit me on Facebook
Follow me on Twitter
Follow me on Instagram
New Author Interview
It was my great pleasure to be interviewed by fellow author Sara Louisa and to be the first to appear on her blog as part of her new author interview series.
Read our full interview on Sara Louisa's website.
You can also follow her Goodreads blog and check out her profile, where you can learn more about her books.
Thank you, Sara Louisa, for this interview and the opportunity to appear on your fantastic blog as part of your new author interview series.
Don't forget you can pre-order my brand new short story Will o' the Wisp on Amazon now!
Just four more weeks 'til Hallowe'en!
Visit me on Facebook
Follow me on Twitter
Follow me on Instagram
Read our full interview on Sara Louisa's website.
You can also follow her Goodreads blog and check out her profile, where you can learn more about her books.
Thank you, Sara Louisa, for this interview and the opportunity to appear on your fantastic blog as part of your new author interview series.
Don't forget you can pre-order my brand new short story Will o' the Wisp on Amazon now!
Just four more weeks 'til Hallowe'en!
Visit me on Facebook
Follow me on Twitter
Follow me on Instagram
Will o' the Wisp - Preview, Part I
Preview the opening scene from my brand new short story, Will o' the Wisp, creeping out of the shadows this Hallowe'en:
___
Never have I stopped searching, and never shall I give up the quest for as long as I breathe.
I have tried all manner of methods to reacquaint myself with my lost and distant love, searching amongst both the living and the dead. Yet always have I been too far behind. Perhaps tonight, as I sat beside a stuttering jack o’lantern and gazed out upon the blackest of nights, I would finally lay eyes upon her face again and find the answers which I sought.
Oh, but what a thing of beauty was her face. Her smooth, white skin and her rosebud mouth. Those bright, green eyes that sang in the sunshine. Her raven black hair, that descended down to her waist. The elegance of her form. I fell madly, deeply, as soon as I laid eyes upon her, of that I am sure, for she claimed my thoughts in every waking moment. Who could this maiden be, if not my intended bride? I shall admit that a kind of insanity may have befallen me, for so quickly was I overcome, my one desire to claim this beauty as my own.
When I sought the services of Madame Marsden, I had no reason to believe this encounter would prove more fruitful than the last, or the countless others before them. I had fallen into a melancholy, believing I would never find the answers I sought, but nonetheless could not give up my search. In my depressed and desperate state, I clung to the false hope that just one more time, one final attempt, would be the moment of revelation.
So it went on. I’d enlisted mediums, clairvoyants, fortunetellers, as well as the more conventional private detectives and the constabularies of the various locales which I explored in vain. No one, by either investigative or preternatural means, had uncovered one clue as to the whereabouts of she who possessed my soul.
But tonight would prove different; I could feel it deep in my bones. The flame flickered again, waxing and waning in the draft from the cracks in the windowpane, causing the jack o’lantern to wink at me, his wicked grin stretching with menace.
I have digressed, my tale already resembling the knotted tangents of my mind. I hoped simply to get the facts down on paper whilst awaiting her arrival. Thus, it would be prudent to commence at the beginning.
___
It may be safer for some questions to remain unanswered...
Whilst running an errand late one Hallowe'en night, a young gentleman comes across a young lady in need of assistance. From whom or what she flees is unclear, but nevertheless he desires to help.
When she vanishes without trace, he determines to find the reason for her disappearance, a quest which may lead him into unknown peril.
For, amongst the shadows, there lurks something sinister...
___
A gothic horror short story from the author of "The Jack O'Lantern Men" and "Whispers from the Dead of Night". Look out for part II of the preview next weekend.
Available to download 31/10/2021. Pre-order on Amazon now!
Just two weeks 'til Hallowe'en!
🎃 TRICK OR TREAT?! 😉
Visit me on Facebook
Follow me on Twitter
Follow me on Instagram
___
Never have I stopped searching, and never shall I give up the quest for as long as I breathe.
I have tried all manner of methods to reacquaint myself with my lost and distant love, searching amongst both the living and the dead. Yet always have I been too far behind. Perhaps tonight, as I sat beside a stuttering jack o’lantern and gazed out upon the blackest of nights, I would finally lay eyes upon her face again and find the answers which I sought.
Oh, but what a thing of beauty was her face. Her smooth, white skin and her rosebud mouth. Those bright, green eyes that sang in the sunshine. Her raven black hair, that descended down to her waist. The elegance of her form. I fell madly, deeply, as soon as I laid eyes upon her, of that I am sure, for she claimed my thoughts in every waking moment. Who could this maiden be, if not my intended bride? I shall admit that a kind of insanity may have befallen me, for so quickly was I overcome, my one desire to claim this beauty as my own.
When I sought the services of Madame Marsden, I had no reason to believe this encounter would prove more fruitful than the last, or the countless others before them. I had fallen into a melancholy, believing I would never find the answers I sought, but nonetheless could not give up my search. In my depressed and desperate state, I clung to the false hope that just one more time, one final attempt, would be the moment of revelation.
So it went on. I’d enlisted mediums, clairvoyants, fortunetellers, as well as the more conventional private detectives and the constabularies of the various locales which I explored in vain. No one, by either investigative or preternatural means, had uncovered one clue as to the whereabouts of she who possessed my soul.
But tonight would prove different; I could feel it deep in my bones. The flame flickered again, waxing and waning in the draft from the cracks in the windowpane, causing the jack o’lantern to wink at me, his wicked grin stretching with menace.
I have digressed, my tale already resembling the knotted tangents of my mind. I hoped simply to get the facts down on paper whilst awaiting her arrival. Thus, it would be prudent to commence at the beginning.
___
It may be safer for some questions to remain unanswered...
Whilst running an errand late one Hallowe'en night, a young gentleman comes across a young lady in need of assistance. From whom or what she flees is unclear, but nevertheless he desires to help.
When she vanishes without trace, he determines to find the reason for her disappearance, a quest which may lead him into unknown peril.
For, amongst the shadows, there lurks something sinister...
___
A gothic horror short story from the author of "The Jack O'Lantern Men" and "Whispers from the Dead of Night". Look out for part II of the preview next weekend.
Available to download 31/10/2021. Pre-order on Amazon now!
Just two weeks 'til Hallowe'en!
🎃 TRICK OR TREAT?! 😉
Visit me on Facebook
Follow me on Twitter
Follow me on Instagram
Will o' the Wisp - Preview, Part II
Read on for the next scene from my brand new short story, Will o' the Wisp, creeping out of the shadows this Hallowe'en!
Missed Part I? Read it on last weekend's blog post.
___
The telling of this tale began some years past. I was a young bachelor immersed in my study of the law; betrothal and marriage could not be further from my mind. I had taken up an opportunity as a clerk’s assistant at the chambers of a prestigious law firm. I was told I had great promise, having already found myself providing assistance on several briefs. What little I earned was enough to grant me take up rooms only a short walk from both chambers and the university. When I was not working, I took to my studies in my rooms, often staying up late into the night. When the oil lamp burned low, I read my papers by candlelight.
One late autumn evening, one that felt much like any other, I was charged with caretaking a delivery of documents on behalf of Mr Justice Bernstein. I felt honoured to be entrusted with such a task, trifling as it may seem. I set off on my journey via carriage, wrapped against the wind on which one could already feel the chill of winter. The candle that lit the lantern inside of the carriage cast only a dim light, which I was unable to read by. Instead, I extinguished it and took to watching the night go by.
We had left the city behind, its grey and dusty streets lit by street lamps. No lights lit the road along which we trundled and clouds hid the stars high above from view. Beyond the window, I could see only a tapestry of blackness. But over the rapid clopping of hooves and the incessant rattling of the wheels, I heard something in the wind. It sounded like voices, the words indistinct.
A whisper reached my ears, as clear as if it had been conjured in my own mind.
Beware the secrets in a woman’s keep;
For in her bosom is where proud men weep.
___
It may be safer for some questions to remain unanswered...
Whilst running an errand late one Hallowe'en night, a young gentleman comes across a young lady in need of assistance. From whom or what she flees is unclear, but nevertheless he desires to help.
When she vanishes without trace, he determines to find the reason for her disappearance, a quest which may lead him into unknown peril.
For, amongst the shadows, there lurks something sinister...
___
A gothic horror short story from the author of "The Jack O'Lantern Men" and "Whispers from the Dead of Night".
Want to read more? Perhaps I'll share a Part III during the week.
Available to download 31/10/2021. Pre-order on Amazon now!
Just seven days 'til Hallowe'en!
🎃 TRICK OR TREAT?! 😉
Visit me on Facebook
Follow me on Twitter
Follow me on Instagram
Missed Part I? Read it on last weekend's blog post.
___
The telling of this tale began some years past. I was a young bachelor immersed in my study of the law; betrothal and marriage could not be further from my mind. I had taken up an opportunity as a clerk’s assistant at the chambers of a prestigious law firm. I was told I had great promise, having already found myself providing assistance on several briefs. What little I earned was enough to grant me take up rooms only a short walk from both chambers and the university. When I was not working, I took to my studies in my rooms, often staying up late into the night. When the oil lamp burned low, I read my papers by candlelight.
One late autumn evening, one that felt much like any other, I was charged with caretaking a delivery of documents on behalf of Mr Justice Bernstein. I felt honoured to be entrusted with such a task, trifling as it may seem. I set off on my journey via carriage, wrapped against the wind on which one could already feel the chill of winter. The candle that lit the lantern inside of the carriage cast only a dim light, which I was unable to read by. Instead, I extinguished it and took to watching the night go by.
We had left the city behind, its grey and dusty streets lit by street lamps. No lights lit the road along which we trundled and clouds hid the stars high above from view. Beyond the window, I could see only a tapestry of blackness. But over the rapid clopping of hooves and the incessant rattling of the wheels, I heard something in the wind. It sounded like voices, the words indistinct.
A whisper reached my ears, as clear as if it had been conjured in my own mind.
Beware the secrets in a woman’s keep;
For in her bosom is where proud men weep.
___
It may be safer for some questions to remain unanswered...
Whilst running an errand late one Hallowe'en night, a young gentleman comes across a young lady in need of assistance. From whom or what she flees is unclear, but nevertheless he desires to help.
When she vanishes without trace, he determines to find the reason for her disappearance, a quest which may lead him into unknown peril.
For, amongst the shadows, there lurks something sinister...
___
A gothic horror short story from the author of "The Jack O'Lantern Men" and "Whispers from the Dead of Night".
Want to read more? Perhaps I'll share a Part III during the week.
Available to download 31/10/2021. Pre-order on Amazon now!
Just seven days 'til Hallowe'en!
🎃 TRICK OR TREAT?! 😉
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Will o' the Wisp - Preview, Part III
Here's the final part of the preview of my brand new short story, Will o' the Wisp, creeping out of the shadows this Hallowe'en!
Missed Parts I and II? Check out my earlier blog posts.
___
I leaned forward, squinting more keenly out into the passing dark. I could see the glimmer of a distant light, floating and darting between what must be trees, as if someone was struggling to gather their bearings.
“Stop!” I called up to the driver. “There is someone out there, lost.”
“There is no one,” came the abrupt, gruff reply. I heard the crack of the whip, urging the horses on. “There is only marshland; no one can survive out there.”
Still, the wind formed into strangled, indistinct whispers, the distant light hovering, glimmering in the night.
“But I can see their light,” I protested, fearful for the poor soul trapped out on the marshes.
“What you see is the Friar’s Lantern. Only a fool pays it any heed, and no sooner does he than he is a doomed fool. On this night, more than any other.”
I had paid little heed to the date of note prior to this moment, considering myself neither religious nor superstitious.
“The Friar’s Lantern?” I queried.
“Friar w’ the Rush, will entice you out on yonder marshes and to your death. Pay it no heed, sir, I implore you. It is the Devil’s work. I have no wish for us to die tonight.”
I squinted into the night again, trying to identify the source of light. I had no doubt it was not the superstitious nonsense the driver claimed. Knowing nothing would impel him to stop, I dug the matches from my pockets and relit the lantern, in the dim hope that the lost soul may see the source of light and discern the direction of the road.
___
It may be safer for some questions to remain unanswered...
Whilst running an errand late one Hallowe'en night, a young gentleman comes across a young lady in need of assistance. From whom or what she flees is unclear, but nevertheless he desires to help.
When she vanishes without trace, he determines to find the reason for her disappearance, a quest which may lead him into unknown peril.
For, amongst the shadows, there lurks something sinister...
___
A gothic horror short story from the author of "The Jack O'Lantern Men" and "Whispers from the Dead of Night".
Continue reading this Sunday.
Available to download 31/10/2021. Pre-order on Amazon now!
Just four more days 'til Hallowe'en!
🎃 TRICK OR TREAT?! 😉
Visit me on Facebook
Follow me on Twitter
Follow me on Instagram
Missed Parts I and II? Check out my earlier blog posts.
___
I leaned forward, squinting more keenly out into the passing dark. I could see the glimmer of a distant light, floating and darting between what must be trees, as if someone was struggling to gather their bearings.
“Stop!” I called up to the driver. “There is someone out there, lost.”
“There is no one,” came the abrupt, gruff reply. I heard the crack of the whip, urging the horses on. “There is only marshland; no one can survive out there.”
Still, the wind formed into strangled, indistinct whispers, the distant light hovering, glimmering in the night.
“But I can see their light,” I protested, fearful for the poor soul trapped out on the marshes.
“What you see is the Friar’s Lantern. Only a fool pays it any heed, and no sooner does he than he is a doomed fool. On this night, more than any other.”
I had paid little heed to the date of note prior to this moment, considering myself neither religious nor superstitious.
“The Friar’s Lantern?” I queried.
“Friar w’ the Rush, will entice you out on yonder marshes and to your death. Pay it no heed, sir, I implore you. It is the Devil’s work. I have no wish for us to die tonight.”
I squinted into the night again, trying to identify the source of light. I had no doubt it was not the superstitious nonsense the driver claimed. Knowing nothing would impel him to stop, I dug the matches from my pockets and relit the lantern, in the dim hope that the lost soul may see the source of light and discern the direction of the road.
___
It may be safer for some questions to remain unanswered...
Whilst running an errand late one Hallowe'en night, a young gentleman comes across a young lady in need of assistance. From whom or what she flees is unclear, but nevertheless he desires to help.
When she vanishes without trace, he determines to find the reason for her disappearance, a quest which may lead him into unknown peril.
For, amongst the shadows, there lurks something sinister...
___
A gothic horror short story from the author of "The Jack O'Lantern Men" and "Whispers from the Dead of Night".
Continue reading this Sunday.
Available to download 31/10/2021. Pre-order on Amazon now!
Just four more days 'til Hallowe'en!
🎃 TRICK OR TREAT?! 😉
Visit me on Facebook
Follow me on Twitter
Follow me on Instagram
Whispers from the Dead of Night - The Deluxe Collection
My omnibus/ebook boxset is almost ready for release!
This edition of collected tales of mystery and the supernatural will be available in ebook, paperback and hardcover. I'm currently reviewing the formatting for all three formats while the final touches are being made to the full-wrap cover, which looks incredible and I cannot wait to share with you.
If you have yet to read any of my work or have thus far read a handful of stories, this will be a great way to get a bumper collection at a bargain price! For those that prefer to read a physical format (just like me), the paperback will also have the benefit of being the cheapest and most environmentally friendly way to get hold of these stories in print, while the hardcover will be available for those who enjoy a little luxury to their books!
Look out for this very special cover reveal over on Instagram on Sunday, 19th December.
The ebook edition will be available to download from Monday, 27th December. Paperback and hardcover editions will follow shortly.
Are you sitting comfortably, the fire crackling, a mug of cocoa in hand? Then let us begin…
A journey through fog and darkness, destination unknown…
A sexual obsession spiralling out of control…
A forbidden love…
A killer who preys on the lonely…
An investigation into a haunted monastery…
A visitation on Christmas Eve with diabolical intentions…
A night-time escape through the forest…
This deluxe edition of "Whispers from the Dead of Night" also includes novellas "Alone" and "The Jack O’Lantern Men", novel "Bitten" and brand new short story "Will o’ the Wisp".
Alone
The past refuses to stay buried when Jessica accepts an invitation to spend Christmas with an old flame and finds herself stranded by a snowstorm…
The Jack O'Lantern Men
A father and daughter recount their experiences with the demonic entities known as the Jack O’Lantern Men…
Bitten
PC Holleigh Ryder faces the most challenging case of her career in the hunt for a vampiric serial killer…
Will o' the Wisp
Coming to the aid of a young woman, a young man finds himself seeking answers to questions that may be safer left unanswered…
Pre-order the ebook boxset 'Whispers from the Dead of Night - The Deluxe Collection' from Amazon now! That's four books plus a bonus short story for just £7.77!
Visit me on Facebook
Follow me on Twitter
Follow me on Instagram
This edition of collected tales of mystery and the supernatural will be available in ebook, paperback and hardcover. I'm currently reviewing the formatting for all three formats while the final touches are being made to the full-wrap cover, which looks incredible and I cannot wait to share with you.
If you have yet to read any of my work or have thus far read a handful of stories, this will be a great way to get a bumper collection at a bargain price! For those that prefer to read a physical format (just like me), the paperback will also have the benefit of being the cheapest and most environmentally friendly way to get hold of these stories in print, while the hardcover will be available for those who enjoy a little luxury to their books!
Look out for this very special cover reveal over on Instagram on Sunday, 19th December.
The ebook edition will be available to download from Monday, 27th December. Paperback and hardcover editions will follow shortly.
Are you sitting comfortably, the fire crackling, a mug of cocoa in hand? Then let us begin…
A journey through fog and darkness, destination unknown…
A sexual obsession spiralling out of control…
A forbidden love…
A killer who preys on the lonely…
An investigation into a haunted monastery…
A visitation on Christmas Eve with diabolical intentions…
A night-time escape through the forest…
This deluxe edition of "Whispers from the Dead of Night" also includes novellas "Alone" and "The Jack O’Lantern Men", novel "Bitten" and brand new short story "Will o’ the Wisp".
Alone
The past refuses to stay buried when Jessica accepts an invitation to spend Christmas with an old flame and finds herself stranded by a snowstorm…
The Jack O'Lantern Men
A father and daughter recount their experiences with the demonic entities known as the Jack O’Lantern Men…
Bitten
PC Holleigh Ryder faces the most challenging case of her career in the hunt for a vampiric serial killer…
Will o' the Wisp
Coming to the aid of a young woman, a young man finds himself seeking answers to questions that may be safer left unanswered…
Pre-order the ebook boxset 'Whispers from the Dead of Night - The Deluxe Collection' from Amazon now! That's four books plus a bonus short story for just £7.77!
Visit me on Facebook
Follow me on Twitter
Follow me on Instagram
Whispers from the Dead of Night - The Deluxe Collection
FOREWORD
Are you sitting comfortably, the fire crackling, a mug of cocoa in hand? Then let us begin…
It gives me great pleasure to introduce this deluxe collection of all my supernatural stories to date. Ever since I was a child, I have adored omnibuses, collections and boxsets. What could possibly be better than not just one book, but multiple books collected in one special edition or packaging? Amongst my prized possessions are included many such collections of works of some of my favourite authors. Long have I dreamt of presenting my own collected works, to celebrate having achieved a dream.
"Whispers from the Dead of Night" was originally conceived as such a collection – to collect three seasonal supernatural novellas along with three or four bonus short stories. But both "Whispers from the Dead of Night" and "Bitten" expanded as I worked on them, the former into an independent seven story collection and the latter into a full-length novel.
Yet, still I pondered releasing an omnibus edition featuring all four books. "Whispers from the Dead of Night – The Deluxe Collection" is the result, including novellas "Alone" and "The Jack O’Lantern Men" and novel "Bitten" alongside the original seven short stories and brand new short story "Will o’ the Wisp".
The journey to this collection from the original conception of "Alone" has been a long one; one I could not have achieved without the unending support of my readers. Your feedback consistently keeps me going. Special mention must go to my family and friends – amongst you, my first readers and those that provided me with my first feedback across all eleven of these stories. Thank you too to my cover designers for the fantastic work on all eight covers ("A Deathly Shade of Pale" and ‘"Twas the Night Before Christmas" having also been released separately digitally).
For those of you who have read some or all of these stories before, I hope you enjoy once again coming on this journey with me. For anyone who has found this collection anew, I hope you enjoy this bumper selection.
Thank you. I appreciate each and every one of you. This is for you.
___
A journey through fog and darkness, destination unknown…
A sexual obsession spiralling out of control…
A forbidden love…
A killer who preys on the lonely…
An investigation into a haunted monastery…
A visitation on Christmas Eve with diabolical intentions…
A night-time escape through the forest…
The past refuses to stay buried when Jessica accepts an invitation to spend Christmas with an old flame and finds herself stranded by a snowstorm…
A father and daughter recount their experiences with the demonic entities known as the Jack O’Lantern Men…
Coming to the aid of a young woman, a young man finds himself seeking answers to questions that may be safer left unanswered…
PC Holleigh Ryder faces the most challenging case of her career in the hunt for a vampiric serial killer…
___
Whispers from the Dead of Night - The Deluxe Collection is available to download for Kindle, Kobo and NOOK, and from Google Play now!
Paperback and hardcover editions are also available to order from Lulu.com.
Visit me on Facebook
Follow me on Twitter
Follow me on Instagram
Are you sitting comfortably, the fire crackling, a mug of cocoa in hand? Then let us begin…
It gives me great pleasure to introduce this deluxe collection of all my supernatural stories to date. Ever since I was a child, I have adored omnibuses, collections and boxsets. What could possibly be better than not just one book, but multiple books collected in one special edition or packaging? Amongst my prized possessions are included many such collections of works of some of my favourite authors. Long have I dreamt of presenting my own collected works, to celebrate having achieved a dream.
"Whispers from the Dead of Night" was originally conceived as such a collection – to collect three seasonal supernatural novellas along with three or four bonus short stories. But both "Whispers from the Dead of Night" and "Bitten" expanded as I worked on them, the former into an independent seven story collection and the latter into a full-length novel.
Yet, still I pondered releasing an omnibus edition featuring all four books. "Whispers from the Dead of Night – The Deluxe Collection" is the result, including novellas "Alone" and "The Jack O’Lantern Men" and novel "Bitten" alongside the original seven short stories and brand new short story "Will o’ the Wisp".
The journey to this collection from the original conception of "Alone" has been a long one; one I could not have achieved without the unending support of my readers. Your feedback consistently keeps me going. Special mention must go to my family and friends – amongst you, my first readers and those that provided me with my first feedback across all eleven of these stories. Thank you too to my cover designers for the fantastic work on all eight covers ("A Deathly Shade of Pale" and ‘"Twas the Night Before Christmas" having also been released separately digitally).
For those of you who have read some or all of these stories before, I hope you enjoy once again coming on this journey with me. For anyone who has found this collection anew, I hope you enjoy this bumper selection.
Thank you. I appreciate each and every one of you. This is for you.
___
A journey through fog and darkness, destination unknown…
A sexual obsession spiralling out of control…
A forbidden love…
A killer who preys on the lonely…
An investigation into a haunted monastery…
A visitation on Christmas Eve with diabolical intentions…
A night-time escape through the forest…
The past refuses to stay buried when Jessica accepts an invitation to spend Christmas with an old flame and finds herself stranded by a snowstorm…
A father and daughter recount their experiences with the demonic entities known as the Jack O’Lantern Men…
Coming to the aid of a young woman, a young man finds himself seeking answers to questions that may be safer left unanswered…
PC Holleigh Ryder faces the most challenging case of her career in the hunt for a vampiric serial killer…
___
Whispers from the Dead of Night - The Deluxe Collection is available to download for Kindle, Kobo and NOOK, and from Google Play now!
Paperback and hardcover editions are also available to order from Lulu.com.
Visit me on Facebook
Follow me on Twitter
Follow me on Instagram
