Series: Six Stories #6
Published by Orenda Books on November 20, 2021
Format: eBook, Audiobook
Source: Publisher, Bought
Pages: 276
Amazon UK
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Also by this author: Changeling, Six Stories, Hydra, Beast, Deity
Scott King’s podcast investigates the 1995 cold case of a demon possession in a rural Yorkshire village, where a 12-year-old boy was murdered in cold blood by two children. Book six in the chilling, award-winning Six Stories series.
In 1995, the picture-perfect village of Ussalthwaite was the site of one of the most heinous crimes imaginable, in a case that shocked the world. Twelve-year-old Sidney Parsons was savagely murdered by two boys his own age. No reason was ever given for this terrible crime, and the ‘Demonic Duo’ who killed him were imprisoned until their release in 2002, when they were given new identities and lifetime anonymity.
Elusive online journalist Scott King investigates the lead-up and aftermath of the killing, uncovering dark and fanciful stories of demonic possession, and encountering a village torn apart by this unspeakable act.
And, as episodes of his Six Stories podcast begin to air, King himself becomes a target, with dreadful secrets from his own past dredged up and threats escalating to a terrifying level. It becomes clear that whatever drove those two boys to kill is still there, lurking, and the campaign of horror has just begun…
And that could be a wrap, excuse me why I get a tissue. The way this has ended, well it implies it. I really hope not!! What a way to end the series if it is!
I listened to the audiobook of this one and I will admit I didn’t fully concentrate at the beginning so missed a couple of bits. But I soon got back on track and became absorbed in this sad tale of Sidney, Robbie and Danny. You would think the case would focus on Sidney as it is his demise which is why we are here. However, we focus on Danny, predominantly, and Robbie as we look back to the way they were and the days leading up to the unfortunate day.
One thing I always love, are the people that Scott interviews. It’s not always people you would think that would have a say in the matter and you always wonder where they fit. Joe Bloggs down the road always has an opinion but just how important that opinion is, well you discover that when you look back at the story. Everyone is picked for a reason, and as a way to move the story along and give you new facts along the way.
There is a lot of talk about demons in this story and there are quite a few things that are there to unsettle you. The voices, the singing, the swarms of flies and those black stones. They were creepy and just add to the chill of the book. Things aren’t always what they seem. You have just enough to make you doubt whether this time it is the supernatural at play here. Just enough to question your sanity.
There is also the undercurrent of someone threatening Scott and his podcast. Someone does not want this story looked into. I was also hoping for more of a fallout from Deity, but we did have it mentioned, which had me cheering.
I really do hope Scott comes back and doesn’t disappear for too long, I am already having withdrawals from Scott and his podcast! Another belter and a strong way to finish the book, with a jaw-dropping revelation. It is beautifully written and as mentioned by other people, there are similarities with the James Bulger case, so this book hits you harder than you could imagine it would. Just fab!
Until next time xxx
Thank you so much to Anne at Random Things Tours for the tour invite and the author and publisher for a copy of this book in return for my honest and unbiased review
Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- 2022 Reading
- Published before 2022
annecater says
Thanks for the blog tour support Zoe xx