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The Erkeley Shadows
1967. The Summer of Love. Not for Jonathan Parry, perhaps, but certainly a time of big he and his family are emigrating to Canada. But he carries with him a terrible secret–one that finds its way, via a bulky notebook, to Will Apland of the Saskatoon Police Force. Initially, Will treats Jonathan's story as a diversion, something to while away a Hallowe'en weekend alone. As he reads it, however, Will undergoes a one man's history infects another's. By the time he reaches the final page, Will is possessed by thoughts of hatred, vengeance–and worse.
272 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 17, 2023
14 people are currently reading
14770 people want to read
About the author
Michael Wyndham Thomas
17 books778 followersAbout the Author
"Since 2004, Michael Wyndham Thomas has helped develop and spearhead the workshops for the Key West Robert Frost Poetry Festival. His hands-on teaching skills make poetry exciting for even the novice; his depth of knowledge is impressive.
Because he has endeared himself to everyone associated with the festival—and to many others who live on this island at the southernmost point in the United States—Michael is fondly referred to as the Poet at Large in the Conch Republic Navy." Barbara Bowers, writer and journalist.
Many thanks from The Robert Frost Poetry Festival Committee, Key West, Florida.
Michael Wyndham Thomas is originally from Staffordshire, England, and lived in Canada for a number of years. He is now based in Worcestershire. He is an internationally-known poet, fiction-writer, dramatist and musician. His poetry, prose and scripts have appeared in Aereings, English, The English Review, Fire, The Interpreter's House, Iron, Other Poetry, Pennine Platform, Stand, Staple and The Swansea Review (UK), as well as Poetry Salzburg Review and The National Gazette (Tirana), Alive!, From the Horse's Mouth, Grain and Reflections (Canada), Etchings (Australia),The Black Mountain Review and Irish University Review (Ireland) and The Antioch Review, Magazine Six, Modern Haiku, Muscadine Lines and The Secret of Salt (USA). He also reviews for Other Poetry (Durham), Raw Edge (Birmingham) and Poetry Nottingham.
Michael's first poetry collection, God's Machynlleth and Other Poems, is available from Flarestack. His latest collection, Port Winston Mulberry, is published by Littlejohn and Bray in 2010; while his CD, Seventeen Poems (and a Bit of a Song) is now on release from MayB Studios. His novel, The Mercury Annual, was published in 2009 by Silver Age. His play, FAQ, was performed at the Worcester Festival, 2009, and also the Progress Theatre Drama Festival, Reading, 2009; his play, When?, was staged as part of the West Midlands Script project in Spring 2010. He was shortlisted for the 2009 Wasafiri Fiction Prize, and, in the 2010 Bridport Prize, he was nominated in both the poetry and fiction sections.
Since April, 2004, Michael has been poet-in-residence at the annual Robert Frost Poetry Festival, Key West, Florida. In consequence, he is now Poet-at-Large in the Navy of the Conch Republic of Key West. He undertakes these bardic duties with due solemnity and happy bafflement. Other recent events outside the UK include a reading at Linnaeus University, Sweden, in March 2010. His latest publications have been in literary journals in Albania—not that this threatens Norman Wisdom’s pre-eminence in that country. Website: www.michaelwthomas.co.uk
"Since 2004, Michael Wyndham Thomas has helped develop and spearhead the workshops for the Key West Robert Frost Poetry Festival. His hands-on teaching skills make poetry exciting for even the novice; his depth of knowledge is impressive.
Because he has endeared himself to everyone associated with the festival—and to many others who live on this island at the southernmost point in the United States—Michael is fondly referred to as the Poet at Large in the Conch Republic Navy." Barbara Bowers, writer and journalist.
Many thanks from The Robert Frost Poetry Festival Committee, Key West, Florida.
Michael Wyndham Thomas is originally from Staffordshire, England, and lived in Canada for a number of years. He is now based in Worcestershire. He is an internationally-known poet, fiction-writer, dramatist and musician. His poetry, prose and scripts have appeared in Aereings, English, The English Review, Fire, The Interpreter's House, Iron, Other Poetry, Pennine Platform, Stand, Staple and The Swansea Review (UK), as well as Poetry Salzburg Review and The National Gazette (Tirana), Alive!, From the Horse's Mouth, Grain and Reflections (Canada), Etchings (Australia),The Black Mountain Review and Irish University Review (Ireland) and The Antioch Review, Magazine Six, Modern Haiku, Muscadine Lines and The Secret of Salt (USA). He also reviews for Other Poetry (Durham), Raw Edge (Birmingham) and Poetry Nottingham.
Michael's first poetry collection, God's Machynlleth and Other Poems, is available from Flarestack. His latest collection, Port Winston Mulberry, is published by Littlejohn and Bray in 2010; while his CD, Seventeen Poems (and a Bit of a Song) is now on release from MayB Studios. His novel, The Mercury Annual, was published in 2009 by Silver Age. His play, FAQ, was performed at the Worcester Festival, 2009, and also the Progress Theatre Drama Festival, Reading, 2009; his play, When?, was staged as part of the West Midlands Script project in Spring 2010. He was shortlisted for the 2009 Wasafiri Fiction Prize, and, in the 2010 Bridport Prize, he was nominated in both the poetry and fiction sections.
Since April, 2004, Michael has been poet-in-residence at the annual Robert Frost Poetry Festival, Key West, Florida. In consequence, he is now Poet-at-Large in the Navy of the Conch Republic of Key West. He undertakes these bardic duties with due solemnity and happy bafflement. Other recent events outside the UK include a reading at Linnaeus University, Sweden, in March 2010. His latest publications have been in literary journals in Albania—not that this threatens Norman Wisdom’s pre-eminence in that country. Website: www.michaelwthomas.co.uk
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
May 22, 2024
I loved Michael W. Thomas’ writing in this book. The story goes through Jonathan Parry’s life, from his young schooldays to his adult life emigrating to Canada, and his life changing incident within that time. The story explores the idea of how burying past hurts and troubles can come back to ruin future opportunities, and whether it is due to the incident itself or the guilt and misery felt afterwards. The characters are complex and detailed, and watching them spiral and the downfall of Jonathan Parry, is emotional and gut-wrenching. This book made me feel everything, from joy to misery. This author is a skilled writer and I cannot wait to read more of his works. If you’re looking for a thought-provoking book that you can immerse yourself in, this is the one!
May 20, 2024
In the book The Erkeley Shadows by we need Saskatoon detective will who is called to a dead body in an apartment only till later that day while leaving the Saskatoon PD he sees a binder taken from the death scene n having a morbid interest and goodbye letters he takes it home to pass the time while his wife and kids are away for Halloween. What he reads is a story about Johnny Kaynic who days before moving to Canada he and his friends run in to local bullies and there is an incident,. Despite moving growing up finding love in his life becoming a professor he cannot stop being haunted by that one event and now detective Will is reading all about it and by the time he’s done Wills calm home and put together life will never be the same again.This is a book that really shows you can never run from your secrets because sometimes they follow you it is a truly great read a creepy story not so much and the telling but what was told. I found this book so interesting I started it this morning and didn’t stop until I was done a truly awesome awesome book! I know in the summary they said his name was Johnny Perry but throughout the book they kept calling him Johnny Canick so that’s what I went with in my review I also want to say without giving anything away but I felt so bad for Will at the end of the book when he was running around Saskatoon. Please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.
May 20, 2024
The book The Erkeley Shadows: A novel is a thoughtfully written mesmerizing story. Nearly 50 years after a troubling school incident, a Canadian academic's life is haunted by past guilt in this gripping story. Saskatoon policeman Will Apland uncovers this dark secret while reading a journal found at Jonathan Parry’s suicide scene. The journal, starting from Parry’s teenage years in England, reveals a disturbing 1967 event that shaped his life. As Will delves deeper, he sees parallels with his own struggles. This evocative tale explores guilt's destructive power and its lasting impact. This is a unique book and one that pulls you in right away. The writing is emotional and explosive at the same time. Recommended.
August 21, 2024
An emotionally turbulent novella, The Erkeley Shadows: The Novel by critically acclaimed poet Michael W. Thomas introduces us to two central characters, victim Jonathan Parry and Officer Will Apland whose stories collide in an explosive plot, ridden with past guilt and shame, actions and their inescapable consequences. Having happened across Jonathan's retrieved journal at his station, Will impulsively decides to take it home with him; perhaps there'll be some clue as to what happened to the now deceased Jonathan. Soon however, Will gets caught up in a dark history, embroiled in a fifty-year-old secret and haunting memory. Too late Will realizes that he has bitten off more than he can chew and soon starts spiraling. Jonathan's story is starting to hit just a little too close to home…
Deeply disturbing, The Erkeley Shadows: The Novel offers a tumultuous ride into the human psyche. Michael is a truly skilled writer who not only makes it possible for his readers to become completely immersed in his written word with well developed characters and a finely crafted plot, but creates a unique mixture of humor within the dark storyline. I enjoyed this novel immensely and am looking forward to reading more of his invaluable contributions to the literary world. The Erkeley Shadows: The Novel is by far one of the best books I've had the pleasure of reading this year and I recommend it to fans of intricate plots and thought-provoking subject matter.
Deeply disturbing, The Erkeley Shadows: The Novel offers a tumultuous ride into the human psyche. Michael is a truly skilled writer who not only makes it possible for his readers to become completely immersed in his written word with well developed characters and a finely crafted plot, but creates a unique mixture of humor within the dark storyline. I enjoyed this novel immensely and am looking forward to reading more of his invaluable contributions to the literary world. The Erkeley Shadows: The Novel is by far one of the best books I've had the pleasure of reading this year and I recommend it to fans of intricate plots and thought-provoking subject matter.
June 17, 2024
This book is a captivating tale that has been drafted with beautiful emotions. The story follows a Canadian scholar whose life is afflicted by an old experience that occurred 50 years ago in a school. While looking through a journal that was discovered at Jonathan Parry's suicide scene, Saskatoon cop Will Apland discovers this sinister fact. Beginning with Parry's adolescent years in England, the journal discloses a troubling 1967 incident that had a profound impact on him. The cop, Will, discovers similarities with his own challenges when he digs deeper. He gets deeper into this trauma and struggles to deal with his present situation. This emotional story examines the long-term effects and destructive force of guilt. This is a unique book that immediately engrosses you in the story with impeccable story-telling. The writing is simultaneously forceful and poignant. The characters are well defined and serve their purpose to keep the story real. I highly recommend it to people who like reading a subtle and calm text with moderate speed.
September 12, 2024
Thomas very clearly has a poetic background. Many lines in here flow well, even though the book doesn't move at break-neck speeds.
I enjoyed how the author set up the story as Will, a police officer, read through some writing by Jonathan. Thomas found a way to tell a story about guilt and trauma through a story within a story without alienating the reader. It's clear that Jonathan's story profoundly impacts Will, and obviously, the events in his own life led him astray.
The concept of the police…well, a police officer, taking a trip in the past through what is essentially evidence while confronting his issues is a pretty cool idea. If you like a grizzly book that is paced well, check this one out!
I enjoyed how the author set up the story as Will, a police officer, read through some writing by Jonathan. Thomas found a way to tell a story about guilt and trauma through a story within a story without alienating the reader. It's clear that Jonathan's story profoundly impacts Will, and obviously, the events in his own life led him astray.
The concept of the police…well, a police officer, taking a trip in the past through what is essentially evidence while confronting his issues is a pretty cool idea. If you like a grizzly book that is paced well, check this one out!
November 6, 2024
The Erkeley Shadows: a novel by Michael W Thomas is a story within a story and tells the tale of Johnathan Parry's journey from childhood to a new life in Canada as an academic. Johnathan's past traumas come back to haunt him: a life altering incident from childhood refuses to be buried and leads to his life spiralling out of control and his eventual downfall.
A Saskatoon Policeman discovers a handwritten journal at the site of a suicide, leading him to confront his own personal issues. The impact of Johnathan Parry's story on the life of Will is profound, ensuring readers remain invested in this compelling read from beginning to end.
A meticulously detailed chronicle of a life destined to unravel.
A Saskatoon Policeman discovers a handwritten journal at the site of a suicide, leading him to confront his own personal issues. The impact of Johnathan Parry's story on the life of Will is profound, ensuring readers remain invested in this compelling read from beginning to end.
A meticulously detailed chronicle of a life destined to unravel.
September 28, 2024
3.5 rounded to 4 stars
When a man, Jonathan, is found dead, Inspector Will Apland of the Saskatoon Police Force finds a binder that the man left behind. Jonathan has written down his thoughts and feelings from a time when he was a youngster, and along with some friends, committed a terrible act. Jonathan can't get this incident out of his mind. Will initially thinks that it is just a story, but as he reads on, he realizes it is a confession of sorts.
I much preferred the parts where Will was the one speaking vs. reading the rambling journal of Jonathan. I didn't like either character though, and I think it would have been better if some of the journal had been edited to a shorter story.
When a man, Jonathan, is found dead, Inspector Will Apland of the Saskatoon Police Force finds a binder that the man left behind. Jonathan has written down his thoughts and feelings from a time when he was a youngster, and along with some friends, committed a terrible act. Jonathan can't get this incident out of his mind. Will initially thinks that it is just a story, but as he reads on, he realizes it is a confession of sorts.
I much preferred the parts where Will was the one speaking vs. reading the rambling journal of Jonathan. I didn't like either character though, and I think it would have been better if some of the journal had been edited to a shorter story.
August 11, 2024
‘This folder said time and determination’- Completely successful novel!
UK author Michael Wyndham Thomas is an internationally acclaimed poet, dramatist, author, and musician, and in this fine novel he admixes all of these talents in an eloquently scribed, poetically suffused drama that explores the lasting impact of past life situations and thought processes.
In a most clever manner the author opens his story in the present time - in Canada, with Canadian Will Apland of the Saskatoon Police Force, alone, the night before Halloween, opening a notebook found at the scene of a recent suicide – and that act turns in time to the 60s as young Jonathan Parry and family prepare to leave their home in England to live in Canada. Referring to the notebook, Apland thinks, ‘This was the last thing the guy had real control over.’ Given these disparate facts, this story weaves one man’s reflections of a troubled life in England before transplanting to Canada as presented in a journal read and absorbed by Will Apland with the aftermath of discovery of the cascade of emotions that lead to Jonathan Parry’s suicide. Secrets, guilt, and pain as depicted in the journal influence Will Apland’s life in an unexpected way, and the development of that transformation makes for a mesmerizing, fascinating, beautifully written novel.
Simply stated, this is a most impressive book, one that pleads for cinematic transition – and one that most like will garner numerous awards and attention. Very highly recommended
UK author Michael Wyndham Thomas is an internationally acclaimed poet, dramatist, author, and musician, and in this fine novel he admixes all of these talents in an eloquently scribed, poetically suffused drama that explores the lasting impact of past life situations and thought processes.
In a most clever manner the author opens his story in the present time - in Canada, with Canadian Will Apland of the Saskatoon Police Force, alone, the night before Halloween, opening a notebook found at the scene of a recent suicide – and that act turns in time to the 60s as young Jonathan Parry and family prepare to leave their home in England to live in Canada. Referring to the notebook, Apland thinks, ‘This was the last thing the guy had real control over.’ Given these disparate facts, this story weaves one man’s reflections of a troubled life in England before transplanting to Canada as presented in a journal read and absorbed by Will Apland with the aftermath of discovery of the cascade of emotions that lead to Jonathan Parry’s suicide. Secrets, guilt, and pain as depicted in the journal influence Will Apland’s life in an unexpected way, and the development of that transformation makes for a mesmerizing, fascinating, beautifully written novel.
Simply stated, this is a most impressive book, one that pleads for cinematic transition – and one that most like will garner numerous awards and attention. Very highly recommended
September 4, 2024
This book entitled "The ErkeleyShadows" is an immensely engaging tale that has been beautifully crafted with prominent emotions. The long-term consequences and destructive power of guilt are examined in this poignant tale. With its exceptional storytelling, this book is unique since it captures your attention immediately with a well-maintained combination of strong and moving writing. To keep the story close to reality, the characters are well-developed, have a significant impact, and fulfil their tasks seamlessly. The narrative centres on a Canadian scholar whose life has been negatively impacted by an incident at a school 50 years ago. Saskatoon police officer discovers this dark information Will Apland while searching through a journal found at the scene of Jonathan Parry's suicide. The notebook starts with Parry's teenage years in England and details a heart-wrenching occurrence that happened in 1967 and had a lasting impression on him. When Will, the cop, looks more closely, he finds parallels with his struggles. As his trauma deepens, he finds it more challenging to cope with his current circumstances. If you enjoy reading a quiet, subdued text at a modest pace, I heartily suggest it.
June 2, 2024
It takes readers back to 1967, a time of big changes and personal challenges for Jonathan Parry and his family as they get ready to move to Canada. However, Jonathan carries a troubling secret, which he shares through a detailed notebook that ends up in the hands of Will Apland, a member of the Saskatoon Police Force.
At first, Will sees Jonathan's story as a way to pass the time over a lonely Halloween weekend. But as he reads deeper into the notebook, Will becomes more affected by Jonathan's experiences. What starts as curiosity turns into an obsession, as the dark emotions from one man's past begin to take over Will's thoughts.
The author's skill in capturing the atmosphere of the 1960s adds richness to the story, creating a vivid backdrop for the characters' lives. Themes of love, betrayal, and the quest for forgiveness echo throughout the book, making the story a captivating read that lingers in the mind even after the story ends.
Grab your copy here or here.
At first, Will sees Jonathan's story as a way to pass the time over a lonely Halloween weekend. But as he reads deeper into the notebook, Will becomes more affected by Jonathan's experiences. What starts as curiosity turns into an obsession, as the dark emotions from one man's past begin to take over Will's thoughts.
The author's skill in capturing the atmosphere of the 1960s adds richness to the story, creating a vivid backdrop for the characters' lives. Themes of love, betrayal, and the quest for forgiveness echo throughout the book, making the story a captivating read that lingers in the mind even after the story ends.
Grab your copy here or here.
November 6, 2024
5.0 out of 5 stars An engaging and compelling read.
Reviewed in the United States on October 30, 2024
The Erkeley Shadows: a novel by Michael W Thomas is a story within a story and tells the tale of Johnathan Parry's journey from childhood to a new life in Canada as an academic. Johnathan's past traumas come back to haunt him: a life altering incident from childhood refuses to be buried and leads to his life spiralling out of control and his eventual downfall.
A Saskatoon Policeman discovers a handwritten journal at the site of a suicide, leading him to confront his own personal issues. The impact of Johnathan Parry's story on the life of Will is profound, ensuring readers remain invested in this compelling read from beginning to end.
A meticulously detailed chronicle of a life destined to unravel.
June 5, 2024
The Erkeley Shadow by Michael W. Thomas was revised twice to turn this into a full novel. Will Apland takes to reading a suicide confession left at the Saskatoon Police Force. Bored with the prospect of spending a Halloween along with his wife and kids visiting family, Will decides to read it. It ends up changing Will’s life in a way he never expected.
I found The Erkeley Shadow by Michael W. Thomas confusing at first, trying to keep all the names straight in Will’s and Jonathan’s timelines. But as I read further, I couldn’t put it down. Michael W. Thomas has almost a poetic way of writing as he describes events. I was wrapped up in their lives as it unfolded. I highly recommend this contemporary literary and would recommend this author.
I found The Erkeley Shadow by Michael W. Thomas confusing at first, trying to keep all the names straight in Will’s and Jonathan’s timelines. But as I read further, I couldn’t put it down. Michael W. Thomas has almost a poetic way of writing as he describes events. I was wrapped up in their lives as it unfolded. I highly recommend this contemporary literary and would recommend this author.
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August 12, 2025This isn't a review, but I just wanted to thank everyone for your positive responses to The Erkeley Shadows. I'm very glad that you enjoyed it and I hope that many more readers will feel the same. With very best wishes, Michael.
did-not-finish
August 8, 2024I gave this two tries. Just couldn’t get into it. Threads of an interesting story but packed with so much extra (and chaotic) fluff.
March 1, 2025
Great read.
Want to read
March 12, 2025Cool cover? Seems vibey
April 23, 2025
I could not get enough of this one. Highly recommended.
May 12, 2025
Awesome read!
May 14, 2025
Awesome book!
May 22, 2025
Cool book! 👍❤️
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews