#Spooktober ‘Afraid Of The Shadows’ Foreword by Peter James

About the book…

All profits will be donated to Barnado’s children charity

SPOOKY SHORTS FROM THE BIGGEST STARS IN CRIME FICTION

Perfect for fans of Stephen King, Susan Hill…and Halloween

STORIES THAT GO BUMP IN THE NIGHT

Crime fighting duo, Tilly and Poe solve a mystery from inside a pantomime horse in an exclusive short by Gold Dagger winner, M.W. Craven. A psychopath takes Trick or Treating a step too far. And a woman’s dream of a quiet life is shattered by a knock on the door.

‘Afraid Of The Shadows’ is a collection of gripping- sometimes funny, always spooky- short stories from some of the biggest names in crime fiction.

From possessed sweaters to creepy wardrobes and disco shape shifters, there’s something for everyone in this Halloween bucket of short story goodies making it the perfect companion to snuggle up with as the nights draw in. Though be warned, you might want to leave the lights on…

This charity collection joins its seasonal brethren , ‘Afraid Of The Christmas Lights’ , ‘Afraid Of The Light’, all brilliant anthologies which don’t cost the earth, contain stories from some of the best names in fiction, and , most importantly, raise vital funds for charities which have been massively affected by Covid.

The list of contents are-

Foreword by Peter James who completely nails how potent a short, sharp, story, which is lean on words, but high on content , can make or break the effect of an author’s intent.

Strange Ink by M.W Craven He has put his creations, Washington Poe, and Tilly Bradshaw, into some hair raising investigations, but very little worse than having to dress up on Halloween. And getting stuck chasing a suspect. Whilst dressed as a pantomime horse. Darkly funny and a rip-roaring way to open this collection, if you haven’t discovered MW Craven’s distinct style of story telling, now is your chance!

Mirror,Mirror by Trevor Wood  Who would have thought that a community Halloween disco could go so outrageously awry? Trevor Wood would, that’s who!

When I Grow Up by Robert Scragg ‘Like father like son’, takes on a whole new meaning in this wicked trick or treat outing.

Into The Shadows by Adam Southward uses Halloween as a memorial of a very different kind, and has a bitter sting in the tail as well as being pretty moving.

Hidden by Victoria Selman is a double handler wherein you are trying to work out just who is the bad guy…if there is just one?

Uninvited by Jo Furniss is a timely reminder that when you conspire to over hear things that aren’t for your ears, you may discover something that you very much won’t like.

Raising Nan by James Delargy a proper horror story told from the eyes of a child, perfect Halloween fodder for the green fingered amongst us.

Meme Girl by Heather Critchlow asks what happens, when you want anonymity to the point that you ghost yourself!

The Jumper by S.R Masters looks at whether the power of suggestion is a more potent force than facts and science, and really had me jumping (no pun intended)out of my seat

The Dark Without by Kate Simants was poignant, full of meaning and I really enjoyed how dark she went.

The Clifton Vampire by T.E Kinsey  If it looks like a vampire, sounds like a vampire, thinks it’s a vampire, is it a vampire?

New Tricks by Matt Wesolowski Vanishing magic tricks are given a spooky twist, but what else would expect from the Prince Of Darkness?

The Forgetful Wife by Phoebe MorganThis is all kinds of twisted, a husband/wife dynamic is turned on its head as the wife finds the means to control her errant other half…

Indelible by Elle Croft Like the Purge, but with tattoos, a combination of dystopian science fiction and crime are taken to new levels in this brilliant story.

Disturbia by Rachael Blok another sting in the tale, tale, which reminded me of Tales Of The Unexpected. Brrrr…

Burn by N.J Mackay Really atmospheric and deeply sinister, what a story!

Meatpacking District by Dominic Nolan brings a whole new meaning to the phrases ‘rope burn‘ and ‘rope trick’ ..

Ghosts Don’t Cry by Clare Empson well. to be correct, they shouldn’t, but there is always an exception to the rule. A mother’s instincts to protect her family goes beyond the grave…

With The Others by T.M LoganDark, twisted, I loved it! What a finale!

This is a brilliant tasting plate of modern writing which embraces the darker side of life, and I have thoroughly enjoyed being entertained by writers whom I knew, and those I did not. Great stuff!

Profits from the sale of Afraid Of The Shadows will be donated to the Barnardo’s Children in Crisis Covid Appeal

This delivers practical and emotional support to vulnerable children caught in a downward spiral of deprivation as a result of the coronavirus crisis.

Children and families across the UK are increasingly in or on the brink of poverty as a result of coronavirus.

The impact of the second wave is pushing a generation of the most vulnerable children into a downward spiral of deprivation. With your support Barnardo’s can deliver the practical and emotional support families in crisis need.