I devoured this…

The authors ability in world and people building is uncanny, most books take a good third before I start to be sucked in, but here it is almost instantaneous.

The story whips along at a pace that hardly falters, I would not put this in the horror genre camp, but it is unsettling and the visualisation the author is able to weave is excellent.

I was a little hesitant as to whether the author would be able to pull off doing his own narration, but again, this was excellent, and was professionally done.

This is the third book of Luke’s I have listened to, The Stone Man and The Empty Men being the other two and I’m hooked by Luke’s writing style, I’m signed up to the club! Looking forward to going through the back catalogue and future releases!

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Another brilliant book

I'm working my way through Luke's books and am loving every one so far. All have stayed with me afterwards making me think around them and this one didn't disappoint. It had me gripped from start to finish.

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Smart horror from the UK's best horror author

I've read almost all of Luke's books, and this one is just as great as the others. It has complex interesting characters and an evolving plot that slowly reveals an intricate and fascinating 'alternative world' of modern everyday life, one that is exactly like ours but has this other undercurrent of horror and the occult. much like his other books, although he always thinks of something new.

Normally when an author reads his own stuff, it is terrible. but Luke is an EXPERT narrator, and this is his best reading yet.

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These stories just get better and better

Luke Smithered is the new writer of "Tales of the Unexpected" if Ronald Dahl were alive today he'd be wondering why he hadn't thought of all these amazing ideas. Hope your brain keeps you in weird and wonderful thoughts for years to come

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Transfixed

Absolute quality . An English Stephen king for the reason to be able to keep me continuously reading to progress through each chapter. Having read the Stone men series I thought I’d look a little deeper into Luke’s other books and I’m so glad I did. Really clever story telling with great characters and enough believable content to make me think well maybe it could happen! Keep them coming Luke

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One of Smitherd's best

This is yet another fantastic and inventive story from Luke Smitherd. Genuinely scary in parts while keeping the reader/listener hooked for the next part of the engaging narrative... dare we dream that this could have a sequel?

Anyway, if you are new to Luke's work this is as good a place as any to start... if you are a Smitherd fan already get ready for something quite special. This novel may well have you asking yourself "Is this my new favourite Luke Smitherd story?"

And finally, just a question... do you want to know how the world really works?

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...an absolute belter!!!

I've long been a fan of Luke Smitherd and this book is possibly his best yet! It's a little bit out there but that what make his books great!
It's a sign of a great audio book that when listening whilst driving you're kind of hoping for a traffic jam!

...and he's a great narrator too!

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another fine book!

I like Luke's style of writing and some of the books underlying narratives make a lot of sense to me. I get a modernised M. R. James vibe from his work. Of the book it's self I'd of liked a little more background on why the rules had been made and the context around that, but it doesn't take anything from the story.


I listened to the Stone Man first which I think is a good introduction to Luke's story telling.
He should certainly be a published author but I wonder how much content is now ebook and audio?

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Dont listen while walking outside at night!

I enjoyed The Stone Man so thought I would try another of his books. I enjoyed this too, a good listen. Looking forward to The Stone Man 3.

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Keep your Eyes Open .... and your Ears

Luke’s Head. I mean Luke’s ....ing head , who the ... would want to be in there!
Story - mesmerising, ordinary people and extra extra EXTRA ordinary circumstances.
Will you leave Woke? If so to what? and what’s the cost because there’s always a cost. Would you pay it? Duck Buggerer though 🙄 and divorce papers would have helped .... A Lot.
NEXT! The Stone Man Two .

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