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The Last Night
They went to Davenport Manor, thinking it would be their last night together.
They were right.
The year is 1984.
It may not be the dystopian future envisioned by George Orwell, but instead the year that Kenny Loggins brought us Footloose.
It was also the year that four teenage boys from the small English town of Hulmsford spent an ill-fated night in Davenport Manor - a notorious building from local legend synonymous with tragedy, cruelty, and murder.
As the night progresses, so do the supernatural and insidious events that will pit the boys into a desperate battle. Not only for their sanity and survival, but against each other.
The Last Night is a haunted house novel infused with sardonic humour, Portmanteau horror, and 80s nostalgia.
They were right.
The year is 1984.
It may not be the dystopian future envisioned by George Orwell, but instead the year that Kenny Loggins brought us Footloose.
It was also the year that four teenage boys from the small English town of Hulmsford spent an ill-fated night in Davenport Manor - a notorious building from local legend synonymous with tragedy, cruelty, and murder.
As the night progresses, so do the supernatural and insidious events that will pit the boys into a desperate battle. Not only for their sanity and survival, but against each other.
The Last Night is a haunted house novel infused with sardonic humour, Portmanteau horror, and 80s nostalgia.
148 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 25, 2025
13 people are currently reading
44 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
January 17, 2026
DNF at 31%. 3.5 stars. I really enjoyed the quality of the writing, but I absolutely struggled to connect with the story. The characters were fun and, of course, the 80s references were abundant, but there were too many distractions along the way. There was a glorified information dump on the manor early on, which could have easily been worked into the lead up to the boys going there. On that same wavelength, there was a ton of jumping around, past to present, campfire tales to reality, character to character, that just hurt the flow and overall pacing. I don’t think this was done badly, but just was not a fit for my particular preferences. I still think Steve McElhenny is a talented writer.
January 28, 2026
A creepy haunted house novella that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Four teenage friends, one a bully, one gay, one sick and an all round good sort spend the night in a haunted house and all hell breaks loose. A great story that lets you get into the characters before the fun starts. Lots of good banter, a couple of ghost stories and a chilling atmosphere really ramp things up to a shocking and gruesome climax. I really enjoy Steve's work and this is really great read. Narration by Will Duzington is excellent with a good range and an ear for accents this all helps with the atmosphere of the story despite a few odd pronunciations. Highly recommended especially on a stormy night.
November 15, 2025
This was my first book by Steve and I’ll definitely be picking up some more of his books.
A quick and easy book to read at only 148 pages and I definitely felt engrossed in the story and how it was going to pan out.
I loved the creepy vibes through the story and the history of the Manor. Some absolute WTH moments!
Not to do with the Manor but I really loved the side story about the woman in the window 😱
The friendship between the boys really stood out, how some of them came full circle and how the events of the night bonded them and took them from enemies to friends over the course of the evening.
If you want a quick read that’s going to deliver some shocks, some laughs, a little gore and an unlikely friendship pack from the 80’s then definitely give this one a try!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
A quick and easy book to read at only 148 pages and I definitely felt engrossed in the story and how it was going to pan out.
I loved the creepy vibes through the story and the history of the Manor. Some absolute WTH moments!
Not to do with the Manor but I really loved the side story about the woman in the window 😱
The friendship between the boys really stood out, how some of them came full circle and how the events of the night bonded them and took them from enemies to friends over the course of the evening.
If you want a quick read that’s going to deliver some shocks, some laughs, a little gore and an unlikely friendship pack from the 80’s then definitely give this one a try!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
February 2, 2026
Ben is dying of leukemia, but he has one wish before he goes to spend the night in the town's famed haunted house. The four teen boys manage to persuade the one's brother who works security there, leaving them with the promise of a night camping out telling ghost stories in the old asylum. But before too long they discover the ghost tales aren't just make believe, and the house has an agenda for them.
A bit different with the tropes in this one, as the "teens" are actually 17 and 18 years old, and one is a bully who tangled with two of them, but who befriended Ben, just as they did, forcing a truce to honor Ben's request. While the story was interesting, it had some flaws in how it was written that took me out of the story. Several times one or more of the boys go into a long monologue, more like a narrator doing voice over for a documentary, and they all speak alike, and a lot in this instances, when otherwise they have very distinctive voices. This made those passages sound not organic to what was transpiring with the boys. And there were too many long stories that after awhile felt like short tales the author had thought up and decided they weren't long enough for a separate story, so he crammed them in together. That unevenness is what ultimately pulled me out of the book, which otherwise wasn't bad.2.5/5*
A bit different with the tropes in this one, as the "teens" are actually 17 and 18 years old, and one is a bully who tangled with two of them, but who befriended Ben, just as they did, forcing a truce to honor Ben's request. While the story was interesting, it had some flaws in how it was written that took me out of the story. Several times one or more of the boys go into a long monologue, more like a narrator doing voice over for a documentary, and they all speak alike, and a lot in this instances, when otherwise they have very distinctive voices. This made those passages sound not organic to what was transpiring with the boys. And there were too many long stories that after awhile felt like short tales the author had thought up and decided they weren't long enough for a separate story, so he crammed them in together. That unevenness is what ultimately pulled me out of the book, which otherwise wasn't bad.2.5/5*
January 31, 2026
I discovered this book through a FB group and was initially hesitant. Since I wasn’t familiar with the author and the book is on the shorter side, I wondered if it could really deliver. I was so wrong, and I’m incredibly glad for it!
For a horror read, this was incredible. The author makes you get attached to the characters almost instantly, which makes it even more intense when they are quite literally put through hell. It kept my attention the entire time, and the ending genuinely surprised me while also leaving me with some questions that I am not entirely mad about. At first there is some jumping forward and back story wise between the friends but as you continue and finish the book it makes sense and gets tied in.
It’s a short journey, but it packs a massive punch. Just buy it and read it!
For a horror read, this was incredible. The author makes you get attached to the characters almost instantly, which makes it even more intense when they are quite literally put through hell. It kept my attention the entire time, and the ending genuinely surprised me while also leaving me with some questions that I am not entirely mad about. At first there is some jumping forward and back story wise between the friends but as you continue and finish the book it makes sense and gets tied in.
It’s a short journey, but it packs a massive punch. Just buy it and read it!
January 13, 2026
The Last Night by Steve McElhenny
Narrated by Will Duzington
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟(4.5 rounded up)
A 1980’s mystery is always a great read!! This is a supernatural/haunted house story that has some creep, some laughs and lots of suspense!
Four teenage friends plan a night out to Davenport Manor to try and have some spooky fun! It will be a night to remember for the boys!
This is a well written and exciting novella! It has great imagery and the story really sucked me in.
I listened to the audio and the narrator was very good and helped bring the story to life!
*I recommend checking out this entertaining novella!*
Narrated by Will Duzington
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟(4.5 rounded up)
A 1980’s mystery is always a great read!! This is a supernatural/haunted house story that has some creep, some laughs and lots of suspense!
Four teenage friends plan a night out to Davenport Manor to try and have some spooky fun! It will be a night to remember for the boys!
This is a well written and exciting novella! It has great imagery and the story really sucked me in.
I listened to the audio and the narrator was very good and helped bring the story to life!
*I recommend checking out this entertaining novella!*
January 8, 2026
The Last Night
By: Steve Mcelhenny
Narrated by: Will Duzington
Brilliant! Stunning! I loved every second!
Overall: 5 of 5 stars Performance: 5 of 5 stars Story: 5 of 5 stars
Reviewed: 01-07-26
With school done and “adulthood” fast approaching, four young men make a pact … to spend a night in Davenport Manor - long shuttered Davenport Manor, whose stewards once swung for their violent practices - and to this day remains awash in rumors stemming from its long, unsavory history! Part thriller and part horror story, “The Last Night” is completely BRILLIANT! Stunning narration beautifully introduces a fascinating cast of characters and a brilliant plot! Perfectly timed, perfectly paced, emotionally conveyed conversations allowed me to really get to know Callum, Grady, Ben and Dale! I not only got to know them, I got to experience their massive character growth as this phenomenal story played out! I absolutely loved the engaging wit and biting humor sprinkled liberally throughout their dialogue, always perfectly timed and perfectly placed! The story moved briskly, keeping me firmly engaged, relishing every twisty turn! I can’t give details, for fear of spoilers, but have no cause for concern, everything you need to know is there, clearly presented, ALL in a manner that enhances this fantastic, frighteningly, beautifully, brilliant story! I felt several emotions, laughed out loud, shed a few tears, and had the time of my life listening to this fantastic presentation, AND, I’d do it all over again! In fact I did, three times straight through! Five fantastic stars! I really enjoyed every second of this one!
By: Steve Mcelhenny
Narrated by: Will Duzington
Brilliant! Stunning! I loved every second!
Overall: 5 of 5 stars Performance: 5 of 5 stars Story: 5 of 5 stars
Reviewed: 01-07-26
With school done and “adulthood” fast approaching, four young men make a pact … to spend a night in Davenport Manor - long shuttered Davenport Manor, whose stewards once swung for their violent practices - and to this day remains awash in rumors stemming from its long, unsavory history! Part thriller and part horror story, “The Last Night” is completely BRILLIANT! Stunning narration beautifully introduces a fascinating cast of characters and a brilliant plot! Perfectly timed, perfectly paced, emotionally conveyed conversations allowed me to really get to know Callum, Grady, Ben and Dale! I not only got to know them, I got to experience their massive character growth as this phenomenal story played out! I absolutely loved the engaging wit and biting humor sprinkled liberally throughout their dialogue, always perfectly timed and perfectly placed! The story moved briskly, keeping me firmly engaged, relishing every twisty turn! I can’t give details, for fear of spoilers, but have no cause for concern, everything you need to know is there, clearly presented, ALL in a manner that enhances this fantastic, frighteningly, beautifully, brilliant story! I felt several emotions, laughed out loud, shed a few tears, and had the time of my life listening to this fantastic presentation, AND, I’d do it all over again! In fact I did, three times straight through! Five fantastic stars! I really enjoyed every second of this one!
December 18, 2025
The Last Night, By Steve McElhenny
A brilliantly funny horror story.
The Last Night is a haunted-house novel infused with sardonic humour, horror, and a strong dose of nostalgia. The characters are memorable, the writing is sharp, and the story balances laughs with genuine chills extremely well. Will Duzington’s narration is spot-on and really brings the story to life, perfectly matching the tone and humour of the book. Highly recommended for horror fans who enjoy their scares served with wit.
A brilliantly funny horror story.
The Last Night is a haunted-house novel infused with sardonic humour, horror, and a strong dose of nostalgia. The characters are memorable, the writing is sharp, and the story balances laughs with genuine chills extremely well. Will Duzington’s narration is spot-on and really brings the story to life, perfectly matching the tone and humour of the book. Highly recommended for horror fans who enjoy their scares served with wit.
January 25, 2026
Haunted House novella
The events of the story primarily take place in a single day, so in just over 170 pages there is plenty of time to get to know the characters.
There are stories within the story which add to the character backgrounds and understanding of their situations.
I honestly only picked this up as there was a free Kindle download, but I’m so glad that I did and will definitely read more from this author
The events of the story primarily take place in a single day, so in just over 170 pages there is plenty of time to get to know the characters.
There are stories within the story which add to the character backgrounds and understanding of their situations.
I honestly only picked this up as there was a free Kindle download, but I’m so glad that I did and will definitely read more from this author
September 7, 2025
This was actually a lot of fun I wasn't expecting. It's the appropriate amount of spooky, humor and suspense. It's as long as it should be, it doesn't drag unnecessarily and the ending is perfect. I was reminded of the goose bumps books we used to read in the 90's.
February 3, 2026
Outstanding
This is the first title that I have read from this author, and I loved it. The story is well paced and the characters are well written and identifiable to readers who remember the 80s especially. I definitely will be reading more titles. 😁
This is the first title that I have read from this author, and I loved it. The story is well paced and the characters are well written and identifiable to readers who remember the 80s especially. I definitely will be reading more titles. 😁
January 19, 2026
2.5 stars. I did want to like it. it had so much that I would like urban legends the 80s but sadly no
January 27, 2026
The Last Night is a wonderful slice of nostalgia for those of us who still remember 1984. The musical references, movies and riding around on a Raleigh Tomahawk bicycle. Brilliant!
This is the first book of McElhenny's I've had the pleasure of getting my chubby little paws on, and it certainly won't be the last. He has a wonderful way of creating great characters and divulging indepth backstories to each.
The Last Night is about a group of lads who decide to spend the night at a haunted manor. There are many reasons why they shouldn't, but boys will be boys, right?
It's a nice little tale and well worth checking out.
This is the first book of McElhenny's I've had the pleasure of getting my chubby little paws on, and it certainly won't be the last. He has a wonderful way of creating great characters and divulging indepth backstories to each.
The Last Night is about a group of lads who decide to spend the night at a haunted manor. There are many reasons why they shouldn't, but boys will be boys, right?
It's a nice little tale and well worth checking out.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews