Author: ashlister

Ghosts have long been a part of human folklore and beliefs. They are said to be the spirits of dead people who have not moved on to the afterlife for various reasons. While there is no scientific evidence to support the existence of ghosts, the belief in their existence remains widespread in many cultures around the world. Ghosts are often categorized based on their behavior or the circumstances of their death. Here are some of the most common types of ghosts:

1. Residual Haunting: This is the most common type of ghost sighting. It is believed that when a person experiences a traumatic or emotionally intense event, the energy from that event can become trapped in the location where it occurred. This energy can be released and replayed like a recording, resulting in a residual haunting. Residual hauntings typically involve apparitions that do not interact with the living and repeat the same actions over and over.
2. Intelligent Haunting: This type of ghost is believed to be aware of the living and can interact with them in various ways. These ghosts may move objects, make noises, or even communicate with the living. Some intelligent hauntings are said to be the result of unfinished business or the ghost’s desire to convey a message to the living.
3. Poltergeists: Poltergeists are a type of ghost that is known for causing chaos and disruption. They are said to be particularly active around adolescents and are often associated with objects moving or being thrown around. Some people believe that poltergeists are not ghosts at all but rather the result of psychic energy being unconsciously released by a living person.
4. Demonic Spirits: Demonic spirits are malevolent entities that are believed to be completely separate from human souls. They are said to be the minions of Satan and actively seek to harm and possess the living. Demonic spirits are rare, and many people who claim to have encountered them are often suffering from mental illness.
5. Shadow People: Shadow people are often described as dark, humanoid figures that appear to move quickly and silently. They are usually seen out of the corner of the eye and disappear when looked at directly. While some people believe that shadow people are ghosts, others believe that they are a type of interdimensional being or a hallucination.
6. Apparitions: Apparitions are ghostly figures that are typically seen in a specific location. They are often associated with historic sites, and many people believe that they are the spirits of people who died in that location. Apparitions are usually transparent and may appear solid or hazy.
7. Banshees: Banshees are a type of ghost from Irish folklore. They are said to be the spirits of women who died in childbirth or were murdered. Banshees are known for their piercing screams and are believed to be omens of death.

These are just a few of the many types of ghosts that people believe in. While there is no scientific evidence to support the existence of ghosts, many people continue to report ghostly encounters and believe in their existence.

I grew up loving 80s slasher stories. From Nightmare on Elm Street, to Friday the 13^th and the incredible Halloween, I loved watching an inescapable killer stalking college students and picking them off one-by-one.

In truth, when I watch them nowadays, a part of me cheers on Freddie, Jason and Michael, urging them to get the annoying teenagers. And I suppose there’s something philosophical in the idea that, one day, we all mature to the point where Jason Vorhees is our spirit animal.

But this review isn’t about philosophy: it’s about incredible writing.

Sarah Jules knows how to tell a story. More than that, she understands narrative tension better than many of those we see on the bestseller lists.

This starts off as a simple story about five university housemates going to spend a weekend in the middle of nowhere before going their separate ways at the conclusion of their studies. Except, we soon learn that the trip is not so innocent.  It’s a ruse for a vindictive prank.

The prank goes wrong. A student dies.

And Sarah Jules weaves a web of intrigue around all that happens to the point where every page seems to have a new twist.

I started reading this when I had a million other things to do. It was so engaging I finished it within two days and that was because the second half was so compelling. If you want to spend a weekend awake and savouring blissful anxiety, get yourself a copy of Don’t Lie.

When readers recommend books to their friends, it can greatly benefit authors. Not only does it increase book sales and exposure, but it also helps to build a loyal following of readers who are invested in an author’s work. Below you’ll find FIVE reasons for recommending your favourite author to your book-buying friends.

1. Increased book sales: When a reader recommends a book to their friends, it often leads to increased book sales. This is because people are more likely to trust a personal recommendation from someone they know, rather than just a book review or advertisement. As more people purchase an author’s books, it can lead to higher book sales rankings and greater visibility on online bookstores such as Amazon, further increasing the author’s exposure.

• Positive reviews: When someone recommends a book to a friend, they are essentially giving it a positive review. Positive reviews can greatly benefit an author, as they help to build trust and credibility with potential readers. Readers are more likely to purchase a book with positive reviews, as they feel more confident that they will enjoy it.

• Word-of-mouth marketing: When readers recommend books to their friends, it can lead to a snowball effect of word-of-mouth marketing. As more people read and recommend an author’s work, it can lead to a wider audience and greater exposure. This type of marketing can be particularly effective, as it is free and can reach a large number of people.

• Building a loyal fan base: When readers recommend an author’s books to their friends, it can lead to a loyal fan base. Readers who enjoy an author’s work are more likely to become invested in their future projects and follow their career. This can lead to increased book sales and greater exposure in the long run.

• Increased social media engagement: When readers recommend books to their friends, it can lead to increased social media engagement. Readers may post about the book on social media, tag the author, and encourage others to read it. This type of engagement can lead to increased exposure and a larger social media following for the author.

All of which is my way of saying, when readers recommend books to their friends, it can greatly benefit authors. It can lead to increased book sales, positive reviews, word-of-mouth marketing, a loyal fan base, and increased social media engagement. So, if you’ve read any of my work and you think your friends will enjoy it, please, please, please point them to this website or direct them to one of my titles on Amazon. With your help, I hope I can get my stories into the hands of lots of interested readers.

Written by Caitlin Marceau

Narrated by Linda Jones

Review by Ashley Lister

Miller has reluctantly agreed to spend a weekend with her estranged mother, Sylvie. There is clearly some family tension, partly because Sylvie doesn’t seem to have accepted her daughter’s sexuality, partly because parents have this way of screwing over their children. I suspect Caitlin Marceau is familiar with Philip Larkin’s poem ‘This Be The Verse’, which begins with the lines: They f*ck you up, your mum and dad/They many not mean to, but they do/They fuck you up, your mum and dad/And add some extra just for you.

Miller’s partner, Florence, tries to dissuade her from taking the trip, but Miller’s a good person and she doesn’t want to refute her mother’s extended olive branch.

All of which builds to a wonderful tension-fuelled, nerve-wracking weekend of terror, upset and mounting disquiet.

I simply adored this book. I felt empathy for Miller, I kept shouting at the book to tell her not to be bought in by her mother’s transparent manipulation. And then I started doubting my cruel dismissal of Sylvie’s motives as Miller empathised and made a compassionate argument to show that, perhaps, Sylvie had been misunderstood.

This was only a short audiobook, beautifully read by Linda Jones, but it’s going to stay with me for a long, long time.

This is Where We Talk Things Out is availble from Amazon.

In Islamic belief, the concepts of the Hinn and the Jinn refer to supernatural beings that hold significant importance in Muslim theology and folklore. While they share similarities in their origins and characteristics, they are distinct entities with unique characteristics and roles within Islamic beliefs and practices.

The Hinn, also known as Hinni or Hinnawi, are believed to be supernatural creatures that are closely associated with the concept of fate or destiny in Islamic theology. They are often depicted as female beings, similar to angels, with the ability to foretell the future and have power over human affairs. In Islamic tradition, it is believed that Hinni are created from smokeless fire, just like angels, and have the ability to shape-shift and appear in various forms. They are often regarded as intermediaries between God and humanity, and their knowledge and guidance are sought by those who believe in their existence. The concept of Hinni is not universally accepted within Islamic theology, and there are varying interpretations and beliefs about their nature and role among different Islamic sects and scholars.

On the other hand, the Jinn, also known as Genies, are supernatural beings mentioned in the Quran, the holy book of Islam. They are believed to be created from smokeless fire, similar to the Hinni, but unlike humans who are created from clay and angels who are created from light. Jinn are considered to be endowed with free will and are capable of good and evil actions, just like humans. They are believed to possess great powers and abilities, such as the power of invisibility, the ability to shape-shift, and the power to possess human beings. Jinn are also believed to be accountable for their actions on the Day of Judgment, just like humans.

The belief in Jinn is deeply ingrained in Islamic culture and folklore, and they are often mentioned in stories and anecdotes passed down through generations. In Islamic traditions, Jinn are believed to be able to influence human beings in various ways, both positive and negative, and are often associated with supernatural occurrences, such as possession, magic, and the evil eye. Muslims are encouraged to seek refuge in God from the harm of Jinn and to be cautious about engaging in activities that may attract their attention.

While the Hinn and the Jinn share similarities in their supernatural nature and abilities, they are distinct entities with different roles and characteristics within Islamic belief. The concept of Hinni is not universally accepted and is often debated among Islamic scholars, while the belief in Jinn is deeply ingrained in Islamic culture and folklore. Muslims are encouraged to seek guidance from Islamic teachings and scholars to understand and navigate the complexities of these supernatural beings in their faith.

It is important to note that while the belief in the Hinn and the Jinn is a significant aspect of Islamic theology and folklore, it is not the central focus of Islamic faith. Muslims believe in the oneness of God, the importance of following the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad, and the practice of good deeds and virtues in their daily lives. The belief in the Hinn and the Jinn is just one aspect of the rich and diverse tapestry of Islamic faith and culture, and it is approached with a nuanced understanding in accordance with Islamic teachings and interpretations.

Review by Ashley Lister 

Elwood Cathis is a junkie. It’s a habit that’s cost him his writing career, his family and his dignity. All that he has now is the use of a remote villa in the middle of nowhere, kindly loaned to him by his dealer, and the desperate hope that this time he can go cold turkey and finally beat his addictions. 

Christopher Badcock has created a credible and sympathetic character in Elwood Cathis. The guy’s addictions have driven him to places that no one should go and left him with nothing more than a taste for substances that only temporarily alleviate his problems. More than this, Elwood’s situation, being alone in a cabin in the woods, being so strung out that he can’t fully trust his own senses, all adds to the atmosphere of menace, danger and unknown threat. 

I will say that this started out as a little bit of a slow burn for me but this was probably because I was coming into the story after reading a novella and the fast pace of the previous story had me expecting more plot and less character development. But I also think it’s fair to say that slow burns can oftentimes rage with the greatest intensity. 

Without venturing into the realm of spoilers, I will say that there were parts of this story that are still haunting me a week after I’d finished reading it. The figure in the spacesuit is going to stay with me forever. It has echoes of Stephen King’s The Shining, or a Cabin in the Woods movie.

I listened to this on audiobook and I have to say that Thomas Gloom’s narration, once again, sold the story beautifully. Gloom gives a diverse range of character, intense mood and a genuine sense of theatre in his performance. Consequently, I needed to listen to this in a well-lit room during daylight hours. 

This is another wonderful publication from Darklit Press and has made me eager to read more from Badcock. Those You Killed is well worth every horror fan’s time.  

So, this is the one I’ve been working on for the past six months or more. This was the one I was writing when I got interrupted by the need to write K: the story of an alien invasion. This was the one I’ve been researching for a long, long time. This is The Ghosts of Cemetery Road.

What’s it about? I’m glad you asked. This is the blurb from the cover.

Cemetery Road is known for its ghosts. They’re unreal figures that fill the forgotten houses, linger in the cellars of the White Hart pub, and haunt all those who have ever lived on Cemetery Road.

Six friends, bound together by their history of growing up on Cemetery Road, gather for an annual camping trip where they can drink and chat and exchange stories of supernatural encounters. But the ghosts of Cemetery Road are calling for those six friends to return to where it all began.

Pubs, or public houses, have a long history that spans centuries, and many of them have developed a reputation for being haunted. There are several reasons why so many pubs are believed to be haunted, ranging from historical events to local legends and folklore.

Firstly, the history of pubs often involves a variety of events that can contribute to their haunted reputation. Many pubs are housed in buildings that are several centuries old, with rich histories that may include tales of battles, tragedies, and dramatic events. For example, some pubs may have been used as meeting places during times of civil unrest or served as temporary shelters during wars. These historical events, along with the passage of time, can leave behind residual energy or imprints that are believed to manifest as paranormal activity, leading to stories of ghosts and hauntings.

Moreover, pubs have often been associated with strong emotions and intense human experiences. These can range from joy and celebration to sorrow and despair. Pubs have served as social gathering places for communities, where people would come together to share stories, laughter, and sometimes sorrow. Additionally, pubs have been the setting for personal dramas, such as romantic encounters, conflicts, and even tragic events like fights, accidents, or deaths. These emotional imprints, along with the social nature of pubs, are believed to create an atmosphere that is conducive to paranormal activity.

Local legends and folklore also play a role in the haunted reputation of many pubs. Over time, stories and rumors about ghostly encounters or strange occurrences can become part of local folklore, passed down through generations. These stories may be based on actual events or simply be products of imagination, but they contribute to the overall mystique and atmosphere of the pub. Locals and visitors alike may be drawn to these stories, and the pub may become a hotspot for paranormal enthusiasts and tourists interested in experiencing the supernatural.

Furthermore, the architecture and layout of pubs can also contribute to their haunted reputation. Many old pubs are characterized by dimly lit interiors, narrow hallways, low ceilings, and creaky floorboards, all of which can create an eerie ambiance. These architectural features, along with the use of antique furniture, memorabilia, and decor, can add to the overall sense of history and mystery, making the pub a perfect setting for ghostly tales.

It’s important to note that belief in ghosts and hauntings is often influenced by cultural and personal beliefs, and not everyone may share the same perspective on this topic. Many reported paranormal experiences can also be attributed to other factors, such as misperceptions, psychological phenomena, or environmental conditions. Additionally, some pubs may use the idea of being haunted as a marketing strategy to attract tourists or create a unique atmosphere for their patrons.

In conclusion, the haunted reputation of many pubs can be attributed to a combination of historical events, emotional imprints, local legends, architectural features, and personal beliefs. Whether one believes in ghosts or not, the stories and folklore associated with haunted pubs add to their allure and intrigue. Pubs continue to be places where people gather to share stories, create memories, and sometimes, experience the unexplained. Whether it’s a figment of the imagination or something more paranormal, the haunted reputation of pubs adds to their charm and makes them a unique part of local folklore and cultural heritage.

And this is why, the next novel I release is going to be set in the White Hart pub: a drinking establishment that is favoured by The Ghosts of Cemetery Road.

Aliens have long been a staple of horror fiction, featuring in countless books, movies, and TV shows. These extraterrestrial creatures are often portrayed as menacing and otherworldly, and their appearance can be the source of great fear and dread. It is probably because of these influences that I decided to write my science-fiction novel: K.

One of the earliest examples of aliens in horror fiction is H.G. Wells’ “The War of the Worlds,” which was first published in 1898. The novel tells the story of a Martian invasion of Earth, and its depiction of the aliens as ruthless and unstoppable invaders has since become a classic of the science fiction and horror genres.

In the years since “The War of the Worlds,” countless other works of horror fiction have featured aliens as the primary antagonist. Films like “Alien” and “The Thing” have become iconic, and their gruesome depictions of extraterrestrial monsters have influenced the genre in countless ways.

One of the reasons aliens are so effective in horror fiction is that they represent the unknown. They come from a place beyond our understanding, and their motives and intentions are often inscrutable. This makes them all the more frightening, as we can never be sure what they’re capable of or what they might do next.

Additionally, aliens are often portrayed as having advanced technology and superior intellect, which can make them seem almost godlike in their power. This can create a sense of helplessness and despair in the characters who are facing them, as they realize that they are hopelessly outmatched.

Another reason aliens are so effective in horror fiction is that they can take on a variety of forms. They can be small and insect-like, like the creatures in “Starship Troopers,” or they can be enormous and imposing, like the extraterrestrial monstrosity in “Independence Day.” They can be subtle and insidious, like the body-snatching aliens in “Invasion of the Body Snatchers,” or they can be overtly violent and brutal, like the creatures in “War of the Worlds” or “Predator.” In K, there are a range of aliens, from the shape-shifting lizard people touted by the likes of David Icke, through to the modern phenomenon of the Karen: a bullying female who acts with a notable absence of humanity.

Finally, aliens are often used in horror fiction as a way to explore deeper themes and ideas. They can represent our fear of the unknown, our anxieties about technology and progress, or our sense of isolation and loneliness in the vast universe. By tapping into these primal fears and emotions, horror writers can create stories that resonate deeply with their audiences.

In conclusion, aliens have long been a fixture of horror fiction, and for good reason. They represent the unknown and the unknowable, and their appearance can be the source of great fear and dread. Whether they’re small and insidious or large and imposing, they can create a sense of helplessness and despair in the characters who face them. By exploring deeper themes and ideas, horror writers can use aliens to create stories that resonate with their audiences on a deep and profound level.

Blackstone Towers is coming soon on audio. For those who like to hear stories read by the guy who wrote them, this is what it will sound like.