DOWNLANDS HC OGN

A wonderfully evocative ghost story in the great tradition of M. R. James and Daphne Du Maurier with a contemporary edge. After the sudden death of his twin sister, 14-year-old James Reynolds becomes obsessed with her tale of a black hound, a folkloric creature that is regarded as a portent of death. Enlisting the aid of his elderly neighbour, who the local children call ‘The Witch’, he delves into the centuries of village history, folklore, and ghosts, until he uncovers a deeper secret beyond his darkest nightmares, beyond the sight of most, and beyond the mortal veil. Set in the South Downs of England, a place that has been home to Celts, Romans, and Vikings, James’s story is interwoven with tales from his village that also blur the line between the living and the dead.

Who might be interested in reading?

• Fans of ghost stories and supernatural folklore.
• Readers who enjoy historical settings with a mysterious twist.
• Those intrigued by tales of ancient legends and village secrets.
• Young adults and teens who appreciate suspenseful and eerie narratives.