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Beneath the Boards
Alternative cover edition of ASIN B00T55085S
Beneath Jim Stokes’s shirt is a scar, one last horrific reminder of his old job in the police force.
Beneath the everyday normality of the village Stormark is a shameful secret, haunting people’s dreams.
Beneath the floorboards of the lake house is a hatch, sealed and forgotten for years until Stokes opens it up.
Beneath them all is blackness, and unheard screams, and scratching sounds in the night…
…and her whispers.
Beneath Jim Stokes’s shirt is a scar, one last horrific reminder of his old job in the police force.
Beneath the everyday normality of the village Stormark is a shameful secret, haunting people’s dreams.
Beneath the floorboards of the lake house is a hatch, sealed and forgotten for years until Stokes opens it up.
Beneath them all is blackness, and unheard screams, and scratching sounds in the night…
…and her whispers.
- GenresHorrorParanormalThriller
224 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 2015
33 people are currently reading
266 people want to read
About the author
David Haynes
26 books214 followersWhen 12 year-old David Haynes picked up a battered copy of Stephen King’s Salem’s Lot, he never looked back.
Writing in the grand tradition of the horror paperback originals of his misspent youth, Haynes populates his spine-chilling novels with ancient evils and small-town terrors, mutant monstrosities and knife-wielding psychopaths, and is dedicated to disproving the depressing observation that “...they don’t write ‘em like they used to.”
David Haynes is the author of sixteen horror novels and three collections of macabre short fiction, and lives in England with his wife and dog - that he wasn’t allowed to call Cujo.
Writing in the grand tradition of the horror paperback originals of his misspent youth, Haynes populates his spine-chilling novels with ancient evils and small-town terrors, mutant monstrosities and knife-wielding psychopaths, and is dedicated to disproving the depressing observation that “...they don’t write ‘em like they used to.”
David Haynes is the author of sixteen horror novels and three collections of macabre short fiction, and lives in England with his wife and dog - that he wasn’t allowed to call Cujo.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
September 28, 2024
Scretch
Scretch
Scretch...
BENEATH THE BOARDS
by David Haynes
No spoilers. 3 stars. DC Jim Stokes was knifed between the ribs while doing a welfare check on Natalie Sutton and her child...
By Natalie Sutton...
Now...
One year later, Stokes was making a new start in an old home, a fixer upper overlooking Lake Stormark...
He still suffered PTSD from the incident...
His new life was a very early retirement with full pension in the middle of the sticks...
Pulling up the gaudy lounge carpet, Stokes discovered a hatch in the wooden floor with a large brass ring pull...
When he lifted the hatch...
A vile odor washed over him. Shining his torch down into the hole, it appeared to be a dead space without an echo...
Then he heard a sound directly beneath the hatch: Scretch scretch scretch...
Looking into the hole, he saw two glowing amber eyes looking up at him...
Scretch scretch scretch...
Okay, so I'm going to start off confessing that this was ultimately a DNF for me, but I gave it until I'd finished 77% of the story before quitting. Having just finished this author's excellent SURVIVE, I decided to try this novel, hoping for another great read.
This story started off interesting but went south very quickly. Stokes was a protagonist who made an occasional appearance, while what lurked in the Cavern under the house tried to rip the shirt off his back, trying to take his place as the main character. The two storylines seemed to battle each other for dominance.
I know other reviewers have already said that the story was repetitive, but if I had to read "scretch scretch scretch" one more time, I felt like I'd be the one with PTSD.
The side cast of characters made cameo appearances throughout the story without any apparent reason for being in story at all and after reading 77% through, I wasn't going to continue on to the end to see if this changed because who cares?
SURVIVE by this author was an excellent story, but this one? Not so much.
Scretch
Scretch...
BENEATH THE BOARDS
by David Haynes
No spoilers. 3 stars. DC Jim Stokes was knifed between the ribs while doing a welfare check on Natalie Sutton and her child...
By Natalie Sutton...
Now...
One year later, Stokes was making a new start in an old home, a fixer upper overlooking Lake Stormark...
He still suffered PTSD from the incident...
His new life was a very early retirement with full pension in the middle of the sticks...
Pulling up the gaudy lounge carpet, Stokes discovered a hatch in the wooden floor with a large brass ring pull...
When he lifted the hatch...
A vile odor washed over him. Shining his torch down into the hole, it appeared to be a dead space without an echo...
Then he heard a sound directly beneath the hatch: Scretch scretch scretch...
Looking into the hole, he saw two glowing amber eyes looking up at him...
Scretch scretch scretch...
Okay, so I'm going to start off confessing that this was ultimately a DNF for me, but I gave it until I'd finished 77% of the story before quitting. Having just finished this author's excellent SURVIVE, I decided to try this novel, hoping for another great read.
This story started off interesting but went south very quickly. Stokes was a protagonist who made an occasional appearance, while what lurked in the Cavern under the house tried to rip the shirt off his back, trying to take his place as the main character. The two storylines seemed to battle each other for dominance.
I know other reviewers have already said that the story was repetitive, but if I had to read "scretch scretch scretch" one more time, I felt like I'd be the one with PTSD.
The side cast of characters made cameo appearances throughout the story without any apparent reason for being in story at all and after reading 77% through, I wasn't going to continue on to the end to see if this changed because who cares?
SURVIVE by this author was an excellent story, but this one? Not so much.
August 1, 2019
Chilling, sad, terrifying and brilliant. Straight into my Top 18 Reads of 2018. Skipping the long and the short list.
David Haynes, you have a new super fan. Wow. This book just rocked my world. So unique and I turned pages like a feverish, desperate..book reviewer. Read this at night. Perfect.
This book is freaking awesome!
This book starts with an easy to grasp plot and it's good. Then David pulls you into his imaginary world, one so dark yet powerfully emotional I'll never forget this book.
An ex-cop, retired from injury seeks solace in a cabin by a lake. But things in his mind won't leave him in peace. The book then takes a brilliant twist into dark places, secrets and things that will have you reading in a frenzy mixed with fear story lovers.
The plot keeps twisting and my emotions twisted too. I felt so many things. I was working out the twists then I'd get but with a new, more extreme scenario and quite frankly this is exceptionally brilliant writing.
It's on the dark side, for the horror lover, the lover of the macabre, but one who wants a deep story all the way through. A dark book that also unearthed empathy, sadness and anger? Clever.
I won't plot reveal as it's too good. You need to find the plot gems alone. The ending had me in emotional turmoil, shock and delight. I just thoroughly loved this book.
5 stars!
David Haynes, you have a new super fan. Wow. This book just rocked my world. So unique and I turned pages like a feverish, desperate..book reviewer. Read this at night. Perfect.
This book is freaking awesome!
This book starts with an easy to grasp plot and it's good. Then David pulls you into his imaginary world, one so dark yet powerfully emotional I'll never forget this book.
An ex-cop, retired from injury seeks solace in a cabin by a lake. But things in his mind won't leave him in peace. The book then takes a brilliant twist into dark places, secrets and things that will have you reading in a frenzy mixed with fear story lovers.
The plot keeps twisting and my emotions twisted too. I felt so many things. I was working out the twists then I'd get but with a new, more extreme scenario and quite frankly this is exceptionally brilliant writing.
It's on the dark side, for the horror lover, the lover of the macabre, but one who wants a deep story all the way through. A dark book that also unearthed empathy, sadness and anger? Clever.
I won't plot reveal as it's too good. You need to find the plot gems alone. The ending had me in emotional turmoil, shock and delight. I just thoroughly loved this book.
5 stars!
January 3, 2021
A dark disturbing tale.
Beneath Jim Stokes's shirt is a scar, one last horrific reminder of his old job in the police force. To start a new life he moves to the small village of Stormark, living in a remote lake house.
Little does he know he cannot escape his past that easily. The whispers follows him and when scratching sounds in the night leads him to an unknown hatch in his floorboards, things rapidly deteriorate .......
A short creepy and exciting read. 3.5 stars.
On looking up this author, others have said that his collection of Victorian horror stories, A Gathering of Ghosts is excellent... maybe a must for next Halloween 👻.
Beneath Jim Stokes's shirt is a scar, one last horrific reminder of his old job in the police force. To start a new life he moves to the small village of Stormark, living in a remote lake house.
Little does he know he cannot escape his past that easily. The whispers follows him and when scratching sounds in the night leads him to an unknown hatch in his floorboards, things rapidly deteriorate .......
A short creepy and exciting read. 3.5 stars.
On looking up this author, others have said that his collection of Victorian horror stories, A Gathering of Ghosts is excellent... maybe a must for next Halloween 👻.
October 9, 2020
Wow! This was a creepy read and kept me entertained all the way through to the end!
A little backstory:
Jim Stokes left the police force as he could no longer cope with the everyday life and he decides to get away from it all so he buys a cabin in the town of Stormark. The cabin needs to be repaired and Jim figures that he will spend his days renovating the place.
Once he starts fixing up the cabin Jim starts hearing sounds and scrapes from under the floorboards. Then Jim starts seeing things but he doesn't know if it is in his mind or if there really is something in the cabin. When Jim finds a trap door in the floor of the cabin is when things go from bad to worse which sends this story spinning out of control.
The beginning of the story is a little world building, but it is just enough to capture the essence of the story and then the author picks up the pace with the spookiness of the cabin.
I loved how the story just captured the ghostly feel and it made me wonder as I was reading it if the character Jim was truly seeing and hearing what was happening in the cabin or if it was truly all in his mind. Five stars for this one!
A little backstory:
Jim Stokes left the police force as he could no longer cope with the everyday life and he decides to get away from it all so he buys a cabin in the town of Stormark. The cabin needs to be repaired and Jim figures that he will spend his days renovating the place.
Once he starts fixing up the cabin Jim starts hearing sounds and scrapes from under the floorboards. Then Jim starts seeing things but he doesn't know if it is in his mind or if there really is something in the cabin. When Jim finds a trap door in the floor of the cabin is when things go from bad to worse which sends this story spinning out of control.
The beginning of the story is a little world building, but it is just enough to capture the essence of the story and then the author picks up the pace with the spookiness of the cabin.
I loved how the story just captured the ghostly feel and it made me wonder as I was reading it if the character Jim was truly seeing and hearing what was happening in the cabin or if it was truly all in his mind. Five stars for this one!
June 8, 2015
I received an ecopy of this book from the author, it was provided with no expectations of a review. I have read this book and offer my honest opinion of it's content.
After a horrific incident that ended his police career, Jim Stokes decided to move away to a quieter town, renovate a property in his retirement and try to piece his fragile psyche back together. The town of Stormark however has several secrets that are going to be revealed, particularly to do with the house that Jim now owns and lives in.
The first third of this book is the awful incident that causes Jim to retire from the police, his move to Stormark, settling into his new house and his inability to confront the demons that still haunt him over the incident. It's well enough written but felt slightly stilted with the story not flowing nearly as well as it does in the rest of the read. It's not until another character is added that this read really takes off. It's hard to say much more storywise without giving too much of the plot away.
I've previously read the authors gothic reads and been very impressed with them so this is a big departure from what he's already written. Whilst I think some of the support characters didn't quite gel as believable I will say that watching Jim's journey, especially over the last half of the book, was heart breaking, even nerve wracking at times. I was completely invested in his character and it was hard to read about him struggling to maintain his mental stability. As the story continued and the inevitable became more apparent I felt upset that this character had been put through so much. I'm no fan of happy endings but I have to say I was a bit shocked at where this story went, however kudos to the author for not taking the easy way out.
I really hope Mr Haynes continues to write more than just Victorian gothic as I think he handled this modern day story extremely well.
After a horrific incident that ended his police career, Jim Stokes decided to move away to a quieter town, renovate a property in his retirement and try to piece his fragile psyche back together. The town of Stormark however has several secrets that are going to be revealed, particularly to do with the house that Jim now owns and lives in.
The first third of this book is the awful incident that causes Jim to retire from the police, his move to Stormark, settling into his new house and his inability to confront the demons that still haunt him over the incident. It's well enough written but felt slightly stilted with the story not flowing nearly as well as it does in the rest of the read. It's not until another character is added that this read really takes off. It's hard to say much more storywise without giving too much of the plot away.
I've previously read the authors gothic reads and been very impressed with them so this is a big departure from what he's already written. Whilst I think some of the support characters didn't quite gel as believable I will say that watching Jim's journey, especially over the last half of the book, was heart breaking, even nerve wracking at times. I was completely invested in his character and it was hard to read about him struggling to maintain his mental stability. As the story continued and the inevitable became more apparent I felt upset that this character had been put through so much. I'm no fan of happy endings but I have to say I was a bit shocked at where this story went, however kudos to the author for not taking the easy way out.
I really hope Mr Haynes continues to write more than just Victorian gothic as I think he handled this modern day story extremely well.
September 6, 2020
BTB is a tight little novel-- more like a novella-- but it still packs a punch. Reminiscent of King's Duma Key (and I am sure many more), our lead is an ex-cop (Jim Stokes) who is recovering from a nasty stab wound incurred when he was investigating an abusive family. Taking an early retirement (he also has severe PTSD from the attack), he moves to a bucolic cabin on a lake next to a tiny town. The cabin is a fixer-upper, and Jim starts with some gusto, albeit at a rather sedate pace. He is constantly tormented by the woman who stabbed him (or her ghost at least); something he worked with a therapist over, but it still happens. He also keeps hearing a strange scrapping noise from somewhere in the house. One day he rips out the awful rug on the first floor and finds a trap door; curious, he opens it, only to be met with a rank smell and rat eyes. So, he sets off to get some rat killer and returns, crawling into the low ceilinged basement, dirt floors and all.
He still keeps getting up in the middle of the night hearing that strange scrapping noise and one night finds himself in the basement, naked and beset by the ghost. Total panic attack and then he falls asleep down there. In all this confusion, he thinks he sees another figure-- a little girl, who is nice to him. He also finds strange messages written in the dust...
To go further into the plot would involve too many spoilers, so let me just say Haynes created a minimalist masterpiece here. BTB could have been much longer; Haynes provides very little descriptive detail, of characters or places. Nonetheless, the creepy psychological issues facing Jim are done very well. Is Jim simply losing it, or is the house (and his head) really haunted? You will have to read this to find out. 4 strong stars.
He still keeps getting up in the middle of the night hearing that strange scrapping noise and one night finds himself in the basement, naked and beset by the ghost. Total panic attack and then he falls asleep down there. In all this confusion, he thinks he sees another figure-- a little girl, who is nice to him. He also finds strange messages written in the dust...
To go further into the plot would involve too many spoilers, so let me just say Haynes created a minimalist masterpiece here. BTB could have been much longer; Haynes provides very little descriptive detail, of characters or places. Nonetheless, the creepy psychological issues facing Jim are done very well. Is Jim simply losing it, or is the house (and his head) really haunted? You will have to read this to find out. 4 strong stars.
February 6, 2015
David Haynes is the master of the macabre, but this time his scary story is set in the present. Jim is recovering from a violent attack, but his problems are just starting.
If I could have read this from behind a cushion, I'm sure I would have. I found this to be a very creepy story. As I spiralled into Jim's madness, I felt myself physically tensing up, only relaxing my shoulders at the end of a chapter. David Haynes writes his stories effectively without too much waffle, yet building up all the information you need. The terrors are implied which makes them all too real without the need for graphic gore. Scretch will stick in my mind for some time.
If I could have read this from behind a cushion, I'm sure I would have. I found this to be a very creepy story. As I spiralled into Jim's madness, I felt myself physically tensing up, only relaxing my shoulders at the end of a chapter. David Haynes writes his stories effectively without too much waffle, yet building up all the information you need. The terrors are implied which makes them all too real without the need for graphic gore. Scretch will stick in my mind for some time.
October 27, 2022
I should confess that I'm a bit of a fan boy for this author's work. Ever since reading his collection of Victorian era horror 'The Ballet of the Bones' I've been hooked onto his work. In my opinion he's one of the finest indie horror authors out there. His other genre titles are also damn fine reads. So it's with some excitement that I read his latest work.
In short his latest book is amazing. In an ideal world that would be enough for you to immediately download the book and discover how good it is for yourself. As I'm not President of the World (yet) let me tell you why you should.
Story is king so let's start there. Unlike his previous books this is set in contemporary times and gets going right from the first page. To begin with it follows a familiar theme. A man seeking to escape his demons buys a new house in a remote location and sinister events unfold. That might not sound so original but how the story unfolds is where the genius of the story shines.
There's an imagination here that takes the story to some unexpected places. There's some dark horror here, but also a reflection of joy in the dark places we visit. And it's all written in some excellent prose that demonstrates the author's talent for a turn of phrase.
Normally by this stage of a review I will have pointed out the aspects of the story or writing I didn't like. On this occasion I have nothing. This is an excellent read and probably the author's best work to date - I simply can't recommend this enough.
In short his latest book is amazing. In an ideal world that would be enough for you to immediately download the book and discover how good it is for yourself. As I'm not President of the World (yet) let me tell you why you should.
Story is king so let's start there. Unlike his previous books this is set in contemporary times and gets going right from the first page. To begin with it follows a familiar theme. A man seeking to escape his demons buys a new house in a remote location and sinister events unfold. That might not sound so original but how the story unfolds is where the genius of the story shines.
There's an imagination here that takes the story to some unexpected places. There's some dark horror here, but also a reflection of joy in the dark places we visit. And it's all written in some excellent prose that demonstrates the author's talent for a turn of phrase.
Normally by this stage of a review I will have pointed out the aspects of the story or writing I didn't like. On this occasion I have nothing. This is an excellent read and probably the author's best work to date - I simply can't recommend this enough.
February 14, 2015
In "Beneath the Boards", Haynes begins with the tried and true theme of the recovering victim of a tragedy in an idyllic setting, removed from the pains that brought him to a point of no return. There are early glimpses that all is not well in this paradise. A scene on the shore of the lake, an out of place hallucination, a disembodied voice all serve to keep the reader off balance, afraid of what must be around the next literary corner.
Then, about mid-way through the book, Haynes lets loose...
4 STARS
Then, about mid-way through the book, Haynes lets loose...
4 STARS
February 15, 2015
David Haynes leaves behind Victorian horror for a modern setting. Jim Stokes leaves behind a broken marriage and a bloody trauma and restarts his life in a secluded house.
The book starts slowly with just the right amount of intrigue before Haynes ramps up the action. The sheer genius of this tale is that gruesome horror, PTSD-influenced hallucinations and the supernatural collide so you never know quite what’s real. It’s all deeply unsettling, sometimes horrifying and leaves you with an aching sadness for the lives lost.
Make no mistake, this author can give Stephen King a run for his money.
The book starts slowly with just the right amount of intrigue before Haynes ramps up the action. The sheer genius of this tale is that gruesome horror, PTSD-influenced hallucinations and the supernatural collide so you never know quite what’s real. It’s all deeply unsettling, sometimes horrifying and leaves you with an aching sadness for the lives lost.
Make no mistake, this author can give Stephen King a run for his money.
April 23, 2017
Ever since I read Graham Masterton’s Charnel House in my early teens I have been reading horror on and off (that will be over 35 years then). In that time, I feel I have read all kinds of horror and that there is nothing new to offer the world of horror. In a word (or few words then): it’s all been done before. I read modern horror writers from time to time, but a lot of these books seem tired and written by Stephen King or James Herbert wannabees. The YA horror scene is pretty good, with the likes of Darren Shan, but adult horror…. Na.
Well, that is what I thought, anyway. I have just finished reading David Hayne’s Beneath the Boards and… wow. Beneath the Boards in a self-published book from Create Space. It was recommended to me by Amazon (good old Amazon). In a word it is:
Disturbing!
Jim Stokes has had to leave the police force for health reason. He starts a new life in a small village in a cottage by a lake. Things start off strange almost immediately: as he is sat in his back garden looking over the lake, several geese land next to him and attack a kill one of their species for seemingly no apparent reason. The village appears close knit and they have a gathering once a week. But back at the cottage, Jim starts to have visions, a ghost from his past seems to be haunting him – the ghost of a woman from his last case, one of domestic violence, in which he was stabbed.
He decides to make improvements on the house and pulls up the carpet, to reveal hatch that lead sown below. Soon he discovers what is beneath the boards… The rats are load, the ghosts are rampant and there are some pretty shocking scenes.
You wonder if these visions are real, or just fantasy. Is he being haunted, or is he slowly slipping towards insanity.
So, I guess there are some hidden gems out there, in the world of self publishing and small press. Thirty years ago, this book would have adorned the book shelves of WH Smiths, published by Hamlyn or Sphere. Such big publishers don’t take chances on these type of book, anymore, though. So, it is the small press we have to go to. But I have discovered a new writer and will be reading more of Haynes’ books!
David is a British writer and he has written many more books for me to get my grubby hands on. These are mostly for Kindle. Over all, I found his style smooth and well-written, mostly to the point, and refreshing.
Well, that is what I thought, anyway. I have just finished reading David Hayne’s Beneath the Boards and… wow. Beneath the Boards in a self-published book from Create Space. It was recommended to me by Amazon (good old Amazon). In a word it is:
Disturbing!
Jim Stokes has had to leave the police force for health reason. He starts a new life in a small village in a cottage by a lake. Things start off strange almost immediately: as he is sat in his back garden looking over the lake, several geese land next to him and attack a kill one of their species for seemingly no apparent reason. The village appears close knit and they have a gathering once a week. But back at the cottage, Jim starts to have visions, a ghost from his past seems to be haunting him – the ghost of a woman from his last case, one of domestic violence, in which he was stabbed.
He decides to make improvements on the house and pulls up the carpet, to reveal hatch that lead sown below. Soon he discovers what is beneath the boards… The rats are load, the ghosts are rampant and there are some pretty shocking scenes.
You wonder if these visions are real, or just fantasy. Is he being haunted, or is he slowly slipping towards insanity.
So, I guess there are some hidden gems out there, in the world of self publishing and small press. Thirty years ago, this book would have adorned the book shelves of WH Smiths, published by Hamlyn or Sphere. Such big publishers don’t take chances on these type of book, anymore, though. So, it is the small press we have to go to. But I have discovered a new writer and will be reading more of Haynes’ books!
David is a British writer and he has written many more books for me to get my grubby hands on. These are mostly for Kindle. Over all, I found his style smooth and well-written, mostly to the point, and refreshing.
June 2, 2015
I’ve read and enjoyed the horror/ghost stories by this author that are set in Victorian times. This one is set in current times and the impact is all the greater because of it. The thought that this may all be happening, right now, in a house not far away, makes the horror more intensely disturbing.
A young man with a failed marriage behind him has to retire from the police on medical grounds suffering PTSD-driven hallucinations after receiving serious injuries. He tries to start a new life by buying a run-down country cottage. The scattering of locals make him welcome, but as he starts the renovations he is troubled not only by his own past, but by a sensed history of evil within the cottage.
Are we witnessing at close hand his descent into madness, or is he uncovering past deeds of dreadful horror?
This is written with a vividness that forces sights, sounds and smells into the reader’s senses. Those who have already read it will know what I mean when I say that I’m having difficulty shifting from my brain, “Skretch, scretch, scretch.”
Recommended – if you think you are strong enough.
A young man with a failed marriage behind him has to retire from the police on medical grounds suffering PTSD-driven hallucinations after receiving serious injuries. He tries to start a new life by buying a run-down country cottage. The scattering of locals make him welcome, but as he starts the renovations he is troubled not only by his own past, but by a sensed history of evil within the cottage.
Are we witnessing at close hand his descent into madness, or is he uncovering past deeds of dreadful horror?
This is written with a vividness that forces sights, sounds and smells into the reader’s senses. Those who have already read it will know what I mean when I say that I’m having difficulty shifting from my brain, “Skretch, scretch, scretch.”
Recommended – if you think you are strong enough.
April 21, 2015
Review for Beneath the Boards
5-stars. Highly recommended.
I looked forward to reading this for a long time, and when I finally got around to it I wasn’t disappointed. Quite simply, this has one of the best opening chapters I’ve ever read. For its duration I was convinced we were heading into a thriller but David was luring me in. The book swiftly becomes a cross between a psychological thriller and a horror – and it wouldn’t be out of place in either genre.
As always, David’s writing is easy on the eye, yet subtly complex as we follow the lead character along corridors of introspection that darken considerably toward the end, and leave you wondering if it was introspection after all, and not just a trick of the mind.
Very clever and very entertaining.
5-stars. Highly recommended.
I looked forward to reading this for a long time, and when I finally got around to it I wasn’t disappointed. Quite simply, this has one of the best opening chapters I’ve ever read. For its duration I was convinced we were heading into a thriller but David was luring me in. The book swiftly becomes a cross between a psychological thriller and a horror – and it wouldn’t be out of place in either genre.
As always, David’s writing is easy on the eye, yet subtly complex as we follow the lead character along corridors of introspection that darken considerably toward the end, and leave you wondering if it was introspection after all, and not just a trick of the mind.
Very clever and very entertaining.
December 29, 2015
Definitely not for the faint of heart. I found the story both fascinating and disturbing. Madness isn't something simple to describe, but David Haynes makes it visceral.
April 2, 2021
In 'Beneath the Boards', retired police officer Jim Stokes sustained a scar from being stabbed repeatedly by a domestic abuse victim, Natalie. In an attempt to leave the past behind, he focuses on fixing up his lake house only to be plagued by surreal visions of her and other odd incidents.
The beginning was strong, showing how he risked his safety to help her and how he continued to be haunted by her. The physical and mental anguish he faced daily was well conveyed. Natalie's first few appearances and the geese scene were creepy.
However, the repetitiveness turned the story into an utter snoozefest. I got tired of reading about the following:
- Stokes' mantra, 'New start, Stokesy. New start.'
- Stokes seeing Natalie.
- The scretch, scretch sound.
- Rats.
- Dirt.
- Teeth.
- The little girl's ability.
Characterization left much to be desired as Stokes had no personality and the other characters were undeveloped. The events leading up to the ending seemed to drag on.
Overall, 'Beneath the Boards' had good scenes that were few and far between. Instead, it was dominated by the same details and forgettable characters.
The beginning was strong, showing how he risked his safety to help her and how he continued to be haunted by her. The physical and mental anguish he faced daily was well conveyed. Natalie's first few appearances and the geese scene were creepy.
However, the repetitiveness turned the story into an utter snoozefest. I got tired of reading about the following:
- Stokes' mantra, 'New start, Stokesy. New start.'
- Stokes seeing Natalie.
- The scretch, scretch sound.
- Rats.
- Dirt.
- Teeth.
- The little girl's ability.
Characterization left much to be desired as Stokes had no personality and the other characters were undeveloped. The events leading up to the ending seemed to drag on.
Overall, 'Beneath the Boards' had good scenes that were few and far between. Instead, it was dominated by the same details and forgettable characters.
April 23, 2018
I really enjoyed this read, often I get disappointed with horror stories, but not in this case!
Nice build up, and spooky atmosphere - I would definitely recommend if you like the genre!
Nice build up, and spooky atmosphere - I would definitely recommend if you like the genre!
March 6, 2017
Some kind of crazy!!
Really good book, an ex copper with a dwindling thread on reality, secrets and lies.
What is and what isn't real, who knows??
Eerie and dark, dive into the depths of the human or not so human mind... " scretch, scretch scretch.....
Really good book, an ex copper with a dwindling thread on reality, secrets and lies.
What is and what isn't real, who knows??
Eerie and dark, dive into the depths of the human or not so human mind... " scretch, scretch scretch.....
February 19, 2017
Following a terrible incident that ends his career as a police officer, Jim Stokes takes the decision to uproot and move towns, with the hopes a different locale will help him overcome his traumas.
This is the first book I have read by David Haynes. It was very well written, although the first half had some pacing problems as new characters were introduced. The latter part of the story was excellent, although it was very bleak and probably a darker story than I'd expected.
I will definitely read more stories by this author.
This is the first book I have read by David Haynes. It was very well written, although the first half had some pacing problems as new characters were introduced. The latter part of the story was excellent, although it was very bleak and probably a darker story than I'd expected.
I will definitely read more stories by this author.
January 7, 2021
A descent into madness!
This was a dark and deeply disturbing horror story that will chill you to the bone. What began as a violent police thriller slowly turned into a ghostly horror of exceptional brilliance. A story of one individuals descent into madness, the ghost of a child seeking bloody vengeance, a deeply disturbed priest and the parents from hell. Mix together and you probably have the horror story of the year. This book will not be for everyone but, just give it a go.
This was a dark and deeply disturbing horror story that will chill you to the bone. What began as a violent police thriller slowly turned into a ghostly horror of exceptional brilliance. A story of one individuals descent into madness, the ghost of a child seeking bloody vengeance, a deeply disturbed priest and the parents from hell. Mix together and you probably have the horror story of the year. This book will not be for everyone but, just give it a go.
October 6, 2015
It was brilliantly written but sadly I wasn't frightened by the plot. It had its moments of eerie suspense but for me it was lacking something. Not a bad book though, I'd give more novels by Haynes a try for sure.
June 27, 2015
Really good, creepy horror.
December 13, 2015
A well-structured and hauntingly sinister tale.
Read
January 27, 2016This book was brilliant from beginning to end. I think it would make am amazing and spooky film. Highly recommend.
February 5, 2016
Good read
Took a while to get into this book but glad I kept with it. A good book for people who like ghosts stories
Took a while to get into this book but glad I kept with it. A good book for people who like ghosts stories
May 24, 2016
great story but I only wish it was longer.
July 12, 2016
i actually adored this book. i bought it from
amazon as it popped up in my recommended books and i needed to make my order up by £4 to get free delivery
amazon as it popped up in my recommended books and i needed to make my order up by £4 to get free delivery
October 28, 2016
Dark, disturbing and thoroughly gripping. Beneath the Boards is one of those books you just can't put down until you reach the terrifying conclusion. Highly recommended.
September 10, 2021
Would definitely recommend. Great read, would make an awesome movie.
January 31, 2018
The book started out really good, fast paced, intense & a decent enough background into lead male character; I wasn't viewing this as horror at first, although the cover for book was pretty unsettling.. (Kindle version); the book is disturbing as it becomes clear that Jim Stokes suffers from PTSD (& who could blame him?); creepy town, the solitude of the cottage, the secret hatch in the floor..all perfect innuendos for horror.
Then the reader starts to realize that maybe everything Jim's experiencing is really just exhaustion from unfit sleep, too much "nothing" time on his hands & too much time avoiding personal demons from his past....but then weirder & creepier actions take place...
Great book if you like something that will keep you up @ night!
Then the reader starts to realize that maybe everything Jim's experiencing is really just exhaustion from unfit sleep, too much "nothing" time on his hands & too much time avoiding personal demons from his past....but then weirder & creepier actions take place...
Great book if you like something that will keep you up @ night!
June 21, 2018
Wow
It's hard to explain this book! There's no hero, no happy ending, it doesn't follow normal "procedures". After attempting to read a number of different horror stories I was getting worried that the genre was getting diluted with modern rubbish where nothing was scary and didn't make sense. This book brought it all back together for me though.
I don't want to spoil the story for you but it's a very good take about a man's slow decent into madness coupled with murder and kidnapping. If you're after a decent psychological horror book read this! Unlike a lot of the other rubbish being brought out, you won't be disappointed with this one!
It's hard to explain this book! There's no hero, no happy ending, it doesn't follow normal "procedures". After attempting to read a number of different horror stories I was getting worried that the genre was getting diluted with modern rubbish where nothing was scary and didn't make sense. This book brought it all back together for me though.
I don't want to spoil the story for you but it's a very good take about a man's slow decent into madness coupled with murder and kidnapping. If you're after a decent psychological horror book read this! Unlike a lot of the other rubbish being brought out, you won't be disappointed with this one!
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