Crow's Cottage

Where the Dead Walk #2

by John Bowen

A dead man. A missing woman. A haunted cottage. A secret hidden for thirty years…

In 1988 a famous record producer took his own life and a woman vanished after attending a party at Crow’s Cottage.

When the cottage’s owner passes away decades later, the property falls into the hands of his nephew, who finds a strange box hidden there. It is a replica of an infamous occult device called the Mephisto Arcane. In the wake of its discovery come sightings of an apparition. The crew of the paranormal TV show Where the Dead Walk are invited to investigate the haunting.

They are about to find the past guards its secrets jealously, and that unlocking them has consequences.

Genres: Horror, Fiction, Paranormal, Mystery, Supernatural, Ghosts, Suspense

343 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 12, 2019

About the author

John Bowen is a multi genre thriller author who lives in the UK. When not playing video-games, reading, catching up on movies, going to the gym, and enjoying time with his wife and children, he occasionally finds time to write...

His debut novel supernatural suspense thriller WHERE THE DEAD WALK is an Amazon Top #100 Bestseller, his second novel, action adventure thriller, VESSEL a #1 Bestseller in Kindle Thriller and Mystery, his short story collection COLD SWEATS & VIGNETTES a #1 Bestseller in Short Fiction, and his most recent novel, murder mystery DEATH STALKS KETTLE STREET also an Amazon Top #100 Bestseller.

You're welcome to visit his site and sign up for news, promotional discounts and giveaways - and find out how to pick up a FREE book at:

https://johnbowenauthor.wordpress.com

Find him on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/JohnBowenWrites

or contact him directly at:
johnybwrites@gmail.com

or visit him on Facebook at www.facebook.com/JohnBowenWrites

Reviews

[Melanie Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

He's a jammie dodger that John Bowen. He keeps us waiting for like, 100 years for book 2 in the Where the Dead Walk series, and then presents us with Crow's Cottage. I opened the book dubiously, thinking of tactful ways to tell Mr Bowen that it was good, just not as good as WTDW. What a waste of brain cells that was, because although I may be right that Crow's Cottage isn't as good as WTDW, it's because it's even better. The writing is sharper, the vocabulary tighter, everything about it is just shinier and more perfect, which surprises me because I thought WTDW was a 5 star read, but Crow's Cottage tops it. I should be out just about now, but with 15 minutes of the book left to read, I couldn't leave, I had to stay home and finish. What I'm going to do with the rest of the 6 hours I'm here on my own, who knows? Maybe I'll just have to read Crow's Cottage all over again. Finally, John Bowen is back and with a book that will knock your socks off! Mr Bowen, it was worth the wait!

[Susan Hampson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Firstly I loved this cover and the very intriguing blurb that made me want to follow that woman up that path and take a sneaky look through those windows because that quant cottage just beckoned me to go inside. I hadn’t read the first novel but never felt out of place with the characters in the story.
The story revolves around two sets of people, one group from 1988 when a sequence of events involving misadventure and the occult left a tragic story in its trail and present day where a team of TV ghost hunters go to the cottage to try and finally solve so many unanswered questions of what really happened to cause one man to die and a woman to disappear.
There is a real feel to how a programme like this comes together, not just a turn up and film like you see on the telly but the behind the scenes stuff, research and backgrounds of the people really investigated. I loved the build up and change of atmosphere in the story as it progressed, creepy but happy enough for me to turn the lights out when I went to bed.
This is a mix of supernatural and mystery suspense that never really lulls. Brilliant characters, loved Chole, the Where the Dead Walk series presenter. A super read that kept me on my toes. Loved the end.

[Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook review

I loved book 1, so much I listened to it twice. This 1 though is even better.
The group, new addition, others gone but not forgotten, agree to investigate a new house, handed down in a will. But is it haunted?
So worth listening to or reading, you could do it alone but honestly it’s really worth delving into the 1st story to get to know these characters and get spooked.
Great narration too, kept the story flowing great.
Excellent book

[Zoé-Lee O'Farrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book surprised me, I thought I would be in for a typical ghost hunting story but I wasn’t, I got so much more! The ghost hunting was an enabler to help solve a 30 year old mystery and a present-day conundrum. Now, I am a complete believer and I have also had my own supernatural incidents, one being I saw my dad two days after he passed and the night before my wedding so for me picking this book up was a no brainer.

Starting off this is book two in a series, but I read this perfectly well on its own. A couple of characters from the first book were briefly mentioned and I will be at some point going back to read the first book. This book focuses mainly on Chloe the newbie on the team. The whole premise for me was fascinating. It was like a behind the scenes book to one of my favourite shows “Most Haunted”. It details the volume of research done to not just the property but the people who apparently haunt the places before the vigils take place, how the scenes are set up, the planning, so when reading this I was completely engrossed and could vision Derek and Yvette from the show.

I got a few ghost bumps…I mean goosebumps (!!) when reading this in certain scenes but for those of you who aren’t a fan of things that go bump in the night you will be fine in this book. Yes, it is ghost hunting but there really is a bigger picture going on.

On a side from Crow Cottage and the mysterious figure that has been spotted and an unsolved disappearance 30 years ago, Chloe is dealing with some present-day issues with her sister. Which I thought balanced well, and threw a great similarity to both storylines, but from different perspectives.

Like with most books I read you have to go in the dark, so I can’t give anything away, apart from I really did enjoy this! It took a couple of chapters to get used to the writing as I felt at times it was heavy and there were a few characters to get acquainted with, so best not read this when you are tired, but once you got to grips it was easy to lose yourself in the writing and the storytelling.

I am looking forward to the next book already (there best be one) as I can’t wait to see what other spooky goings on will occur next.

[Kelly Van Damme · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Where The Dead Walk books focus on a paranormal TV show and its crew. If you’re new to this series, note that you needn’t have read the first novel to enjoy the second. At first, I was even a little disappointed that the two main characters from the first instalment didn’t return in Crow’s Cottage: I had been looking forward to finding out more about Kate and Henry, but they are only mentioned in passing, and Kate as the face of the TV show has been replaced by Chloe. While I did miss Kate at first, I soon loved feisty Chloe every bit as much. With a sister who’s been missing for years, Chloe has her issues, but being asked to co-host the Where The Dead Walk episodes could be just the thing she needs. The rest of the crew is still there, including my favourite paranormal investigator, Charles.

This second instalment is even more atmospheric than the first, whether you believe in ghosts or not. For the record, I don’t, but apparently I’m very susceptible and this is one of those stories that made me jump at shadows and see all kinds of creepy things go bump in the night as soon as it got dark. This is also one of those books that has you googling stuff. Sure you’re sure the Mephisto Arcane is not real! But let’s look it up anyway just to be really REALLY sure, that’s just how realistic John Bowen’s writing is.

Apart from the paranormal aspect, the mystery surrounding Crow’s Cottage is the most prominent part of the story: as always, the WTDW crew attempt to find out all they can about the history of the cottage and that’s chequered to say the least. Allegedly, the Mephisto Arcane was used at a party in the cottage years ago to summon a daemon, after which one attendee went to commit suicide and another just plain disappeared. Unravelling the secrets of Crow’s Cottage comes at a price for the crew, but for the reader it just makes for very entertaining reading!

A thrilling mystery with a large helping of the supernatural and a sprinkling of humour, highly recommended!

I was gifted an eBook for the blog tour. All opinions are my own.

[Kathi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the first book and was excited to see a sequel! This did not disappoint - the characters are real and likable and the story has just enough twists to keep you turning pages. I will admit that I lost most of Memorial Day finishing it instead of the house project on which I should have been working!

[Mailiis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall a pretty decent read, albeit a bit skimpy on the horror side. The plot was engaging and the story was structured nicely, but the writing was very amateurish and the book is in serious need of editing - there was just an inexcusable number of errors and I can't figure out what the author has against commas. It really throws a wrench my flow of reading if I constantly have to go back and read sentences again to try and make sense of them. I also didn't understand why the author uses full names for a few characters, but just first names for others. A bit of an odd choice.
The last chapter felt very rushed. I knew quite early that either Nick or James was involved somehow, likely through blackmail, but the way it was unravelled in the last chapter was too clumsy and made Chloe seem like a rambling lunatic. For her to jump from what Eamonn said about Faulks being involved with a doctor or a surgeon to nurses and Nick was just such a huge reach without anything leading to it, so it seemed like the author was unsure how to tie it up.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can't deny that I was a bit disappointed to learn that the two main characters from Book 1 would not be starring in this book, but I needn't have worried!
This story follows Chloe, the new presenter of the show, who joins what is left of the old team to carry on their spooky investigations. While filming for their next show, they visit Crows Cottage where reports of ghost sightings and a supernatural discovery could be just what they are looking for. The investigation is anything but straightforward and takes the team in all different directions.
This book felt like a bit of a slow burner to start with that really picked up towards the end. I liked the inclusion of some of the old team as well as some new and interesting characters, especially Chloe.
Another twisty, creepy tale that is well worth a read!

[Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

AUDIOBOOK REVIEW


I loved this story about a group of Ghost Hungers investigating the mysterious sighting at Crows Cottage. As the team get dragged into the story and characters from the glory days of the cottage they find out about about the apparent suicide of a famous record producer and a replica machine with links to the occult. As they delve deeper into the history they find a story that is puzzled full of lies and torment whilst putting themselves in danger as well. Someone does not want the truth to be found.
A great story and the narrator has a beautiful tone which really added to the story.

[Jan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had read Where the Dead walk and enjoyed it so I bought this too. Really enjoyed it. Not exceptionally spooky but its a good mystery and well thought out. An old mystery is revitalised when the new owner of Crows Cottage finds a mysterious box and seemingly awakes an apperition. The TV series Where The Dead walk decide to investigate and in doing so try to unearth what happened at a party all those years ago, where a record producer seemingly committed suicide and a girl went missing. Enjoyable read

[Ross Greenwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shame I didn't read the first one beforehand as this was a great read. I thought it was going to stretch credulity like many such books but this had fantastic characters, and a few twists and turns to keep you on (or off) the ball. The supernatural was perfectly on the line, believe what you like.
There were numerous lines which made me think that this guy can really write. Will look to read more from this author.

[Darren · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this as a arc e book for my i pad from a facebook page that I am a member of called tbc reviews. I enjoyed reading it. It had a good story to it. I hope to read more books by this author.

[Beck · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5⭐️

Formulaic but fun; I look forward to another entry in the series.

[Maggie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read & enjoyed 'Where the Dead Walk' so I was very excited to get my hands on the next in the series.

At first I was a bit put out when two of the main characters from the previous book were taking a back seat & were only a mention, but the great addition of Chloe Harker more than made up or their absence!

Many years ago Crow Cottage was the scene of many parties with an eclectic variety of guests. At one party the mysterious Mephisto Arcane- a device to connect with the 'other side'- had been an object of interest. At that same party a young woman seemed to have disappeared off the face of the earth & a successful record producer drove to a beach & walked into the sea never to be seen again.

Now the inheritor of the cottage has contacted the team. The mysterious device has been discovered when renovating a bathroom & there have been sightings of a shadowy figure. When investigating the site as a possibility for featuring in an episode of 'Where the Dead Walk', both Chloe & Charles- their resident medium see something & the story definitely seems worth pursuing.

This was a great read with lots of interesting characters & a fast paced story- I'm already looking forward to the next one in the series!

[k.a. parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written !

Enjoyed both books , well written and with good plots well thought out , covers all the genre I like, will look for the other books written by this author .

[Vanessa Wild · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second book in the enjoyable ‘Where the Dead Walk’ series, supernatural tales about a ghost hunting TV show. A haunted cottage, containing a mysterious secret which has been hidden for 30 years, is the subject for one of the episodes of the show.

I was a little disappointed that a couple of the original ghost hunting team were absent. However, by the end of the story, I found myself liking the new presenter, Chloe, and thought she was a wonderful addition to the fantastic and diverse crew. There’s an intriguing plot which had me eagerly turning the pages, the right amount of spookiness to keep me entertained (but not too much to have me running for the hills!) and a great little twist at the end. All in all an engaging and spellbinding tale!

I just hope there will be another sequel?!

[Arkgirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second in the series and although two of the leads from book 1 don't figure it maintained enough of a link and the new character Chloe was a great addition. There was the same spookiness and mixture of the supernatural/real thriller characteristics that give tension, secrets to solve and some good surprises as the story develops. I am really hoping that the team will be back and that characters from the first 2 books will come together.

[Icy-Cobwebs-Crossing-SpaceTime · Rating 5 out of 5]

CROW'S COTTAGE is the newest novel from author John Bowen, and is a stand-alone sequel to WHERE THE DEAD WALK. So you don't have to read WHERE THE DEAD WALK to enjoy CROW'S COTTAGE, but if you haven't read it, don't miss it! It's terrifying! I found the consequences of the story line in CROW'S COTTAGE more sad than terrifying (although there are plenty of terrifying moments!). This novel emphasises that we don't have to rely on the Spirit World to produce monsters: there are plenty of those among the human species, from simple vanity and cupidity and envy to outright greed to self-absorption to the point of committing murders. CROW'S COTTAGE introduces a new participant to the cast and crew of the television programme WHERE THE DEAD WALK: Chloe is a former You Tube content creator who loves to explore abandoned buildings, graveyards, and so forth, for Spirits. Now she is a co-resenter/investigator on WHERE THE DEAD WALK programme.

Mr. Bowen is champion at eliciting characters' emotions and personalities as well as at delivering those scare moments. Read and enjoy!

[jhanami · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the first in this series a lot but the second did not disappoint - Chloe was a fabulous new addition to the team and whilst I missed Kate and especially Henry at the beginning, it was great to see Charles and Ray get bigger parts. My favourite, Eamonn the Medium, got another outing as well, the story was a well balanced mix of cosy spookiness and murder mystery and the whole thing was altogether simply a joy to read. Some of the celebrities in this one made me laugh out loud - it was great fun to guess who they might be based on ;)
I can’t wait for many more adventures of the ‘Where The Dead Walk’-crew, maybe Eamonn even gets centre stage in the future? A girl can hope!
Brilliant series, highly recommended!

[Lexie Conyngham · Rating 3 out of 5]

I felt I’d read this before -I think it echoes bits of the Merrily Watkins series by Phil Rickman through which I am happily working. Nevertheless it’s a good read: a crime novel with a strong supernatural twist, as it’s set amongst people who produce a television ghost-hunting programme. Don’t be put off if you don’t fancy that kind of thing: it’s actually quite sensibly done (and I say that as someone who enjoys a touch of the paranormal in crime, but this is a level-headed interpretation), with interesting characters and a back story that will carry us nicely into future books. The plot worked well and there were just enough twists and turns to raise a few question marks. I’d like to read more of this series - and I've just discovered I started with book 2.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crow’s Cottage is the second book in the series, following on from Where The Dead Walk. However, both read well as stand-alone stories and you don’t need to have read the first book to be able to fully enjoy this one as it is the TV paranormal investigation team that is the ongoing link, not the plot itself. But I do strongly recommend reading the first book, just because it is such a great read!

As expected, Crow’s Cottage centres around a haunted house. Well, the central characters form a paranormal investigation team, so where else would they be drawn to? Crow’s Cottage introduces Chloe as the new female lead presenter/paranormal investigator. She started as an amateur paranormal investigator, posting her videos on YouTube, so really wants to make her mark on her debut TV series. Her personal backstory and ongoing fight with her own demons is interwoven amongst the main plot and adds depth to her character. John Bowen excels at writing believable characters, with a touch of humour to keep things real. Add in the description of Crow’s Cottage that sent a small shiver down my spine, the curious history of the Mephisto Arcane, and the mystery of what really happened when two people disappeared after a party at Crow’s Cottage all those years ago, and you have yet another gripping story.

Once again, John Bowen’s clever writing has hit the spot. I didn’t think he’d be able to match the first in the series, but he’s only gone and done it again! Another great supernatural thriller that I enjoyed just as much as the first and I am already waiting impatiently for the next book in the series.

[Kerry https://likeherdingcatsblog.wordpress.com Robinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I hadn't read the first book in the series and I can honestly say that this books works really well as a stand alone novel.  Having said that, I will be nipping off to read the first book as soon as I can. 

While Crow's cottage is being renovated, the builders come across a mysterious box, a replica of an occult device with a rumoured dangerous power, called The Mephisto Arcane.  After its discovery, strange sightings are reported so the owner decides to call in a team of TV paranormal investigators, mainly composed of psychic Charles, ex-cop Ray and internet sensation Chloe. 

I'd say Crow's cottage is a mixture of cosy mystery and supernatural thriller.  Not too heavy to read but with enough bumps in the night to send a chill through you.  The description of the cottage is written extremely well and John Bowen creates an atmospheric but believable setting for this novel which surrounds you and draws you into the story. 

The back story of The Mephisto Arcane and the past events of Crow's Cottage are so brilliantly explained and planned out to the last detail that it feels as though you are reading about actual events in history.   I really liked the characters too.  All are likable, with their different backgrounds each one brings a different perspective and experience to the investigation. 

The story moves at a great pace and contains elements of investigation, paranormal experiences and character stories which are very well-balanced.  

Highly recommended for fans of supernatural thrillers.

[Pam Baddeley · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this follow up to 'Where the Dead Walk', the paranormal investigation TV programme is continuing but the two main characters of book 1, Kate and Henry, take a back seat - the programme still belongs to them but medium Charles and ex-cop Ray have taken over as presenters along with a newbie, Chloe. The team are just wrapping up the latest series with a shoot at Crow's Cottage, a place recently inherited by a man who has been troubled by appearances of a dark figure that have occurred since a mysterious occult object was found hidden there. In the course of this, they become involved in solving a thirty-year old possible scandal of a man's suicide and a woman's disappearance, with not all as it seems at first. Meanwhile past events have some resonance to Chloe whose elder sister has been missing for a year.

I quite enjoyed the book and didn't miss the original characters as I found Kate very irritating. Chloe was better though I didn't find it convincing how she jumped to a particular conclusion from a very flimsy 'clue' near the story's close. There was very little supernatural content compared to book 1 and it was mostly a crime/mystery story; in fact, with a small amount of rewriting the 'ghost' angle could have been removed. It was only essential to the team's involvement in the first place plus the discovery of a major clue that pointed to sinister past happenings which could have been found fairly easily for example, if someone had dropped the object. Overall I would give this a solid 3 star rating.

[Sue Burrows · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the "Where the dead walk" series, Kate and Henry are no more and newcomer Chloe and Charles the medium have taken up central stage. It was a shame to lose 2 characters I really liked but actually it worked really well and I hope these characters develop more in the future.
I read the first book before this and whilst this could be read as a standalone, I always think you get so much more if you know more about what came before even if the main characters have slightly changed.
The story itself is centred on a haunted house, a mysterious box and a death linked to the haunted house.
The story was fast paced, had spooky moments but wasn't the kind where I would be scared to turn off the light..I would say this a mystery story at its core, even a crime novel.
There were however some good explanations such as why it's hard to film a ghost which helps give reasons to any skeptics!
As a Bristolian, I would have liked the area by the harbour to be referred to as southville rather than southwell....
Also I felt that the celebrity back stories were basically real stories where names and songs/tv programmes were changed, it detracted from the book and I found myself skimming until we got back into the story. This is personal though as I know others have enjoyed this element and it wouldn't stop me recommending the book. It's the reason for the 4 rather than 5 stars though.

[Claire Longley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Need More More More!


I had heard such great things on the first Where the Dead Walk book but I hadn't read it so was even more curious when I saw the Crow's Cottage cover and blurb. I just couldn't help myself I had to give it a try. 


I am so glad I listened to it on Audible as narration was also amazing and just added to the story.


I often grew up watching shows similar to Where the Dead Walks with my mum. I wasn't huge believer but she was and I love the history behind so many of the locations and the ghost stories.


I think that's why I took to the book straight away. It follows the production team of the Ghost hunting TV show Where the Dead Walk including there new hostess Chloe who is excited to start new job. 


It's there investigation into paranormal activity at Crow's Cottage that leads the team back to 1988 to the story of a man who took his own life and a woman disappeared after a party there. 


That is also what gripped me to the story as it wasn't a typical ghost hunt that I was expecting. The show helps to solve a 30 year old mystery and it's developed between  the present and the flashes into the history. I didn't want to put it down. 


As I mentioned this is book 2 in the series but I hadnt read the first one and it works well on it's own. I have however just purchased the first one about 10 minutes after finishing it as author  Steve Bowan intrigued me so much and I wanted more. Here's hoping for another one soon. 

[Sandra Leivesley · Rating 5 out of 5]

The ‘Where the Dead Walk’ team are back, this time with a new presenter, Chloe. They are asked to investigate at Crow’s Cottage after its new owner and the builders he has employed witness some supernatural activity.

I loved WTDW and couldn’t wait to read this sequel, and I wasn’t disappointed! Although it is a sequel it does read well as a standalone, but I would urge everyone to read the first book too. Once again John Bowen had me hooked from the start, and believe me once you start reading this book it’s very hard to put down. John Bowen’s writing is spot on and the pacing is just right.

I love the descriptions of the house. You can actually feel the hairs on the back of your neck stand up. I’ve never been in a haunted house, but I feel as though I have after reading the two WTDW books. I was also completely intrigued by the Mephisto Arcane and it’s history. Spooky stuff! The new presenter, Chloe, was a great replacement for Kate, and it was great to meet the rest of the team again. As well as the supernatural element this book also investigates the mysterious events which happened at Crow’s Cottage in the past. I just loved every single word.

Please please please write another WTDW sequel asap Mr Bowen!

[Andy Thorn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another terrific yarn from John Bowen. I only read the first book in the series ‘Where the Dead Walk’ recently and so didn’t have long to wait for this sequel. I would imagine that the author originally intended the first book to be a stand-alone novel and given that much of the plot was sublimely linked to the personal history of the main protagonist, I was slightly nervous that more potential supernatural-related misery would be heaped on her shoulders and possibly spoil the deft and intricate plotting of the predecessor. There is no need to be concerned, Crow’s Cottage introduces a new female lead with her own compelling backstory and richly drawn character. The majority of the other characters who survived the first novel are present here and made me feel that I was in the company of old friends whilst exploring new adventures. The author maintains the gentle pacing and exquisite prose of the first book and it is this style and the familiar situation (the filming of a paranormal investigation series) that link this to Where the Dead Walk, rather than a continuation of the plot. This being the case, old and new characters tell a completely new tale and it is as cleverly structured and beautifully executed as the first.

[Pam Fox · Rating 4 out of 5]

Crow's Cottage is the sequel to Where the Dead Walk and at first I wasn't to sure what it would be like to have the 2 main characters from book 1 not in this but I should have trusted the author. John Bowen replaced them smoothly with a new young presenter called Chloe. She's supported by the same background team who now have a more in front of the camera role.
Again the team are filming for their next television series and the opportunity presents itself to visit an old building, with a not too distant past steeped in the occult and they just can't say no. As you can imagine the investigation leads them in different directions, trying to find out all about the supposed apparition that's been seen recently.
This is a good twisty tale delving into the supernatural which can be both comforting and scary. There's also a more personal story winding through as we learn more about Chloe and her past and I've no doubt that will come up many more times as we go through the books.
I liked all the characters but I'm very fond of Charles, the teams medium, he knows he's not the best at what he does and I think he sometimes surprises himself.
I'm looking forward to following this team through their investigations in any future books.
Well worth reading.

[Dawn Higgins · Rating 4 out of 5]

I saw this blurb to this book and i knew it was right up my street,well i can definitely say that i loved this book,i do like a good thriller with lots of twists to the story and this book has it in spades.

I hadn't read the first book WTWB but you don't have to as this was a standalone as it was a different story to the first book so i am lead to believe.I loved how this story started as it wet my appetite ready for this rollocoaster of a story about the events that happened at Crow's Cottage thirty years ago.

Loved the character of Chloe as she was a new face in the investigating team that was WTDW, she was very thorough in her work along side Charles and Ray where they start to look into what happened all them years ago.Loved how this all came together with lots of twists to this story line that keep you on your toes through out.

The ending i didn't see coming at all, that was a total shock and a very clever plot that was intriguing in how it all panned out.This is the first book i have read from this author but i loved his style of writing and i will definitely be reading more from in the future.Four and half stars.

[Adrian · Rating 5 out of 5]

John Bowen has done it again! This is a superb piece of work that kept me enthralled from start to finish. It’s a follow-up to the excellent Where The Dead Walk, and features the return of some of the characters, but it stands on its own two feet and you don’t need to have read the earlier book to enjoy this one (although, why haven’t you?)

I’m not going to tell you the plot, but the mystery and suspense build steadily from the outset, there’s a varied cast of well-formed and believable characters set in atmospheric locations, and an ending that took me by surprise but is nonetheless believable and a satisfying wrapping up to the story. Yes, it’s a tale of the supernatural, but that side of things is not overplayed, it just sits nicely in the story’s development.

I think John Bowen is one of the finest writers working at present, and his novels so far have spanned a variety of different genres with equal skill. I’m already looking forward to the next one (perhaps a follow-up to Death Stalks Kettle Street?)

Recommended!