Boys in the Valley

In a remote Pennsylvania orphanage in the turn of the century, a group of thirty boys work, learn, and worship under the watchful eyes of several priests. When a group of men arrives at their door, one of whom is badly wounded and carrying occult symbols carved into his flesh, an ancient evil is released, infecting St. Vincent's and the children within. The boys begin to act differently, forming groups and taking sides. Others turn up dead, and Peter and those dear to him must choose sides, knowing their lives and perhaps their eternal souls are at risk. Boys in the Valley is a chilling folk horror novel that blends elements of The Exorcist, Lord of the Flies, and Midnight Mass. It is praised for its unrelenting and highly entertaining show of horrors, its smart and deftly-written tale, and its creeping, claustrophobic horror. The author, Fracassi, builds his horrific tales slowly and carefully, creating and sustaining suspense. The novel has received critical acclaim, with reviewers noting its gut-wrenching, heart-breaking, and terrifying aspects. Fracassi's storytelling is praised for its depth of understanding of monsters, both human and otherwise, and his fast-paced prose. His range, prolific output, and fast-paced prose are expected to put him on the shelf next to names such as King, Straub, and Thomas Harris.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 13 July 2023
Publisher: Little, Brown Book Group

Boys in the Valley is a chilling folk horror novel set in a remote orphanage in turn-of-the-century Pennsylvania. The novel follows the story of Peter Barlow, an orphaned boy who has made a new life at St. Vincent's Orphanage for Boys. As he approaches adulthood, he has friends, a future, and a family. However, one stormy night, a group of men arrive at the orphanage, one of whom is badly wounded and carrying occult symbols carved into his flesh. His death unleashes an ancient evil that spreads like sickness, infecting St. Vincent's and the children within.

The boys at the orphanage begin to act differently, forming groups and taking sides. Others turn up dead. Peter and his loved ones must choose sides, knowing that their lives and perhaps their eternal souls are at risk. The novel is praised for its exquisite terror, with Fracassi making terror read so beautifully. The author's writing is unrelenting and highly entertaining, showing a great deal of horrors.

The novel is also praised for its smart and deftly-written tale, instilled with the kind of creeping, claustrophobic horror that readers enjoy. Nick Cutter, author of The Troop, describes the novel as poignant as it is chilling, with a fast-paced, unflinching ending. Alma Katsu, author of The Hunger, describes the novel as the most unsettling novel she has read all year. Cold dread clings to every page, making the novel a truly harrowing and captivating read.

Boys in the Valley is a must-read for fans of folk horror and horror in general. The novel is well-written, well-paced, and highly entertaining, with a chilling ending that will leave readers breathless.

Weight: 242g
Dimension: 126 x 198 x 30 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780356520551