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The Plague Stones
From the critically acclaimed author of Hekla's Children comes a dark and haunting tale of our world and the next.
Fleeing from a traumatic break-in, Londoners Paul and Tricia Feenan sell up to escape to the isolated Holiwell village where Tricia has inherited a property. Scattered throughout the settlement are centuries-old stones used during the Great Plague as boundary markers. No plague-sufferer was permitted to pass them and enter the village. The plague diminished, and the village survived unscathed, but since then each year the village trustees have insisted on an ancient ceremony to renew the village boundaries, until a misguided act by the Feenans' son then reminds the village that there is a reason traditions have been rigidly stuck to, and that all acts of betrayal, even those committed centuries ago, have consequences...
Fleeing from a traumatic break-in, Londoners Paul and Tricia Feenan sell up to escape to the isolated Holiwell village where Tricia has inherited a property. Scattered throughout the settlement are centuries-old stones used during the Great Plague as boundary markers. No plague-sufferer was permitted to pass them and enter the village. The plague diminished, and the village survived unscathed, but since then each year the village trustees have insisted on an ancient ceremony to renew the village boundaries, until a misguided act by the Feenans' son then reminds the village that there is a reason traditions have been rigidly stuck to, and that all acts of betrayal, even those committed centuries ago, have consequences...
496 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 14, 2019
About the author
James Brogden
35 books306 followersJames Brogden is a writer of horror and dark fantasy. A part-time Australian who grew up in Tasmania and the Cumbrian Borders, he has since escaped to suburbia and now lives with his wife and two daughters in the Midlands, where he teaches English. When not writing or teaching he can usually be found up a hill, poking around stone circles and burial mounds. He also owns more lego than is strictly necessary.
His short stories have appeared in various anthologies and periodicals ranging from The Big Issue to the BFS Award-Winning Alchemy Press. His most recent novel, ‘The Plague Stones’ was published by Titan Books in March 2019, and his new novel ‘Bone Harvest’ is due in November 2020. Blogging occurs infrequently at jamesbrogden.blogspot.co.uk, and tweeting at @skippybe.
His short stories have appeared in various anthologies and periodicals ranging from The Big Issue to the BFS Award-Winning Alchemy Press. His most recent novel, ‘The Plague Stones’ was published by Titan Books in March 2019, and his new novel ‘Bone Harvest’ is due in November 2020. Blogging occurs infrequently at jamesbrogden.blogspot.co.uk, and tweeting at @skippybe.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 227 reviews
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February 23, 2020Absolutely terrific horror that majors on the suspense more than the gore, though there is plenty of gore. A struggling family move to a free house in Hot Fuzz-like village, idyllically English and run by a Trust. Obviously there's a catch, in this case that it's haunted by the vengeful spirits of massacred plague victims.
This was perfectly pitched for me, with the humour and characterisation cutting through the tension and a lot to say about people and what we owe each other as well as an excellent British myth / history / rural Hammer horror thing going on. Immensely readable with a terrific ending.
This was perfectly pitched for me, with the humour and characterisation cutting through the tension and a lot to say about people and what we owe each other as well as an excellent British myth / history / rural Hammer horror thing going on. Immensely readable with a terrific ending.
August 12, 2022
This is a good, seamless blending of English village history (made up village, but it can be pinpointed pretty well), bubonic plague and horror. The author is an educator with an obvious interest in medieval life and fair treatment of different people in a community. Class snobbery, church involvement in life, wealth differences and the general unkindness that shows up in 14th century England and in the same location today are some of the themes. Ironically, this book was written just before Covid-19, but that too could easily slip into the mix.
It’s a straight up story with lots of interesting folk, myth and history such as descriptions of plague rocks and beating the bounds in a village. One way or another, there is a lot said about us vs. them. Unfortunately, the book takes a big misstep in the very end. I think the author just fell back on common endings for horror stories.
It’s a straight up story with lots of interesting folk, myth and history such as descriptions of plague rocks and beating the bounds in a village. One way or another, there is a lot said about us vs. them. Unfortunately, the book takes a big misstep in the very end. I think the author just fell back on common endings for horror stories.
May 21, 2019
I'd been very much looking forward to this having enjoyed Hekla's Children and The Hollow Tree by Brogden, and I loved, loved, LOVED this book. This is proper storytelling. I was totally caught-up from the very start; the interweaving of tension, horror, folk tales, English village insularity (some parts kind of reminded me of Hot Fuzz - 'for the greater good'!) and Black Death history is completely enthralling. Having recently visited the beautiful Derbyshire village of Eyam (worth looking up if you're a sucker for the darker side of history) which has a 'plague stone' of its own, of sorts, this was an especially appropriate read for me.
All the recommends!
All the recommends!
November 18, 2020
I've been wanting to read this author for a while and this one sounded the coolest with some of it taking place in the 1300s and elements of many different folklores woven in. I wouldn't say I was necessarily scared at any point during this novel but it was a very engaging story and I loved the ending. It was pretty hard to like anyone in the book except for the main kid and his parents, I don't want to give anything away you just gotta read it, and I wasn't actively rooting for anyone to get killed but I sorta didn't mind it when some did. The chapters with the plague stuff were disgusting as shit and the descriptions of pustules and oozings were revolting. Overall a very good book, good enough to where I will definitely buy more of his books in the future.
October 9, 2019
I received this book from Titan Books in exchange for an honest review.
When the Feenans are offered the chance to move away from their grimy flat in a not-so-good area to become the new trustees on a village board due to a family connection, they obviously jump at the chance of a fresh start and a brand new class of life. However, the family soon discover other things are going on in Holiwell involving the malevolent ghost of a young girl who died during the Black Plague. And now due to their new positions in the village, the Feenans' are in Hester's firing line and she's out for blood.
This was a super creepy read and was perfect to set me up for the Halloween season. I thought this book was really well written, and I really liked that everything in this book from the history of the village and the surroundings, to all the people in the village felt very well-rounded and thought out. The Feenans as a family aren't perfect but are perfectly normal in that way. They have a past together from heartbreak over infertility issues to differences in religion, as well as highlights like birthdays spent in the local pub and helping out in local community events.
I liked that we got so many different character perspectives for what was going on - especially within the Feenan family, though each character's reaction was probably a bit predictable - Peter with his anger and denial, Trish with her return to religion and Toby with his seeking out extra knowledge
I really enjoyed Hester's storyline and figuring out what was happening. I haven't read a whole lot set around the Black Plague and though it's not the most pleasant time to read about by any means, I found it very interesting and will definitely pick up more. I appreciated the flashbacks to her story and why she was so angry.
The ending of this book does ramp up the gore, violence and horror a lot but I don't think it's over the top either. If you are someone who doesn't like some descriptions of mild violence maybe stir clear but there were only a couple of moments that made me recoil a bit - not a lot!
A really good horror thriller to pick up for the spooky season, or any time of year.
When the Feenans are offered the chance to move away from their grimy flat in a not-so-good area to become the new trustees on a village board due to a family connection, they obviously jump at the chance of a fresh start and a brand new class of life. However, the family soon discover other things are going on in Holiwell involving the malevolent ghost of a young girl who died during the Black Plague. And now due to their new positions in the village, the Feenans' are in Hester's firing line and she's out for blood.
This was a super creepy read and was perfect to set me up for the Halloween season. I thought this book was really well written, and I really liked that everything in this book from the history of the village and the surroundings, to all the people in the village felt very well-rounded and thought out. The Feenans as a family aren't perfect but are perfectly normal in that way. They have a past together from heartbreak over infertility issues to differences in religion, as well as highlights like birthdays spent in the local pub and helping out in local community events.
I liked that we got so many different character perspectives for what was going on - especially within the Feenan family, though each character's reaction was probably a bit predictable - Peter with his anger and denial, Trish with her return to religion and Toby with his seeking out extra knowledge
I really enjoyed Hester's storyline and figuring out what was happening. I haven't read a whole lot set around the Black Plague and though it's not the most pleasant time to read about by any means, I found it very interesting and will definitely pick up more. I appreciated the flashbacks to her story and why she was so angry.
The ending of this book does ramp up the gore, violence and horror a lot but I don't think it's over the top either. If you are someone who doesn't like some descriptions of mild violence maybe stir clear but there were only a couple of moments that made me recoil a bit - not a lot!
A really good horror thriller to pick up for the spooky season, or any time of year.
May 26, 2019
Absolutely loved this. The third novel I’ve read by Brogden, and it offered something different to the previous two which sets it apart. The horror is there throughout and is multilayered. Yes, we have the main story but there are subtle sub plots that equally hold horror within, and the horror throughout isn’t explicit, but somewhat implicit and insidious. It’s a creeping at the periphery, an atmosphere as opposed to an outright “here is the horror, now let us stop the horror” type novel. A type of novel that is perhaps more subtle than many others but still has visceral scenes and moments throughout and one that will stick in the mind enough to consider sleeping with the lights on tonight too.
The most pleasing aspect for me is the mix of history and horror within the story. Brogden is an absolute master at this, be it history or folklore, where it is pivotal to the story and holds your interest but doesn’t overbear on the story for those who aren’t so keen on that aspect.
Overall, highly recommend this horror novel. 5 stars!
The most pleasing aspect for me is the mix of history and horror within the story. Brogden is an absolute master at this, be it history or folklore, where it is pivotal to the story and holds your interest but doesn’t overbear on the story for those who aren’t so keen on that aspect.
Overall, highly recommend this horror novel. 5 stars!
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September 23, 2020 I think every now and then, when we read, there are books that suffer--perhaps unfairly--because they can't help but remind us of other books. Other books that we happen to absolutely loathe with every twisted tormented cell of our flesh-prisons. And because of this association we may judge a book too harshly just for bringing up that memory when really, it's not the book's fault. But hey, hate is a funny thing isn't it?
Anyway for the first time I believe I've had the opposite reaction--where I judge a book too highly because halfway through it started reminding me of a book I despise beyond all things and then, in the end, managed to not commit the same sins as that book.
I finished The Plague Stones with such intense relief that I feel like my euphoria is inflating my opinion of this book. Because halfway through I said to myself "oh my GOD this is exactly like Hex isn't it oh NO if this ends like Hex did I will scream my way into the sea" Because I hated Hex with every fiber of my being--ESPECIALLY THE ENDING--and I was consumed with such terror I'd have to relive that and then when I DIDN'T I found myself ready to throw the next five years worth of Bram Stoker Awards James Brogden's way just because he DIDN'T DO THE THING.
Ok, let me try and review this book on its own merits: the writing was very well done. The plot was focused and expertly paced. I read Hekla's Children by Brogden and while I liked it I felt it was kind of uneven in both pacing and tone but The Plague Stones is wonderfully consistent. The characters are mostly sympathetic and the sections set in Medieval England during the height of the Great Plague were incredibly poignant and desperate. Best of all--and this is unfortunately rare in this genre--the actions and reactions of characters are actually pretty realistic. People don't suddenly become unreasonable because of Plot Requirements, nor do they not share things because of Plot Requirements.
I also appreciated Brogden connecting the plight of the medieval villagers with the contemporary poor, forced to live in cramped, unsafe conditions and suffering due to the arrogance and greed of the wealthy. He hammers home the point that walls and borders create a siege mentality in those hiding behind them, cutting off the root of human decency: helping a neighbor in their time of need, even if it means putting yourself at risk.
There were, of course, some weaknesses but honestly I'm just so relieved this book didn't end with the town children built into a tower that is also a giant breast for some reason; not being Hex was enough to make me really love this story
Anyway for the first time I believe I've had the opposite reaction--where I judge a book too highly because halfway through it started reminding me of a book I despise beyond all things and then, in the end, managed to not commit the same sins as that book.
I finished The Plague Stones with such intense relief that I feel like my euphoria is inflating my opinion of this book. Because halfway through I said to myself "oh my GOD this is exactly like Hex isn't it oh NO if this ends like Hex did I will scream my way into the sea" Because I hated Hex with every fiber of my being--ESPECIALLY THE ENDING--and I was consumed with such terror I'd have to relive that and then when I DIDN'T I found myself ready to throw the next five years worth of Bram Stoker Awards James Brogden's way just because he DIDN'T DO THE THING.
Ok, let me try and review this book on its own merits: the writing was very well done. The plot was focused and expertly paced. I read Hekla's Children by Brogden and while I liked it I felt it was kind of uneven in both pacing and tone but The Plague Stones is wonderfully consistent. The characters are mostly sympathetic and the sections set in Medieval England during the height of the Great Plague were incredibly poignant and desperate. Best of all--and this is unfortunately rare in this genre--the actions and reactions of characters are actually pretty realistic. People don't suddenly become unreasonable because of Plot Requirements, nor do they not share things because of Plot Requirements.
I also appreciated Brogden connecting the plight of the medieval villagers with the contemporary poor, forced to live in cramped, unsafe conditions and suffering due to the arrogance and greed of the wealthy. He hammers home the point that walls and borders create a siege mentality in those hiding behind them, cutting off the root of human decency: helping a neighbor in their time of need, even if it means putting yourself at risk.
There were, of course, some weaknesses but honestly I'm just so relieved this book didn't end with the town children built into a tower that is also a giant breast for some reason; not being Hex was enough to make me really love this story
December 25, 2022
3.5 stars
A suspense ridden, horrific, atmospheric tale with modern referencing thrown amongst medieval folklore.
Well written but pretty gruesome in parts!
The writer is obviously pretty keyed in regarding modern problems such as negligent landlords, privatisation of emergency services, damnation of immigrant communities etc as these are all referenced throughout the book. I also note the dedication is to Grenfell.
** A December 2022 re-read in a bookshelf sort out. On a second read, this remains well written although a bit overly gory in parts and in my opinion unnecessarily so. The story is well-paced although it does start to drag a bit at the end and should have come in under 400 pages for a better impact. Having read this twice now, I'm ready to donate to the library, it's not one I'd return to again. **
A suspense ridden, horrific, atmospheric tale with modern referencing thrown amongst medieval folklore.
Well written but pretty gruesome in parts!
The writer is obviously pretty keyed in regarding modern problems such as negligent landlords, privatisation of emergency services, damnation of immigrant communities etc as these are all referenced throughout the book. I also note the dedication is to Grenfell.
** A December 2022 re-read in a bookshelf sort out. On a second read, this remains well written although a bit overly gory in parts and in my opinion unnecessarily so. The story is well-paced although it does start to drag a bit at the end and should have come in under 400 pages for a better impact. Having read this twice now, I'm ready to donate to the library, it's not one I'd return to again. **
October 9, 2021
3.5* but I pushed it up to 4.
This was a fun read, though I felt maybe a little longer than it needed to be. I found myself kind of also preferring Hester's timeline, though it seemed to me it was a little rushed. Overall I love plagues, I love ghosts and I love shit from the 16th-17th centuries, so this book checked a bunch of that off! If you like all that with a dash of gore, you'll probably get some enjoyment from The Plague Stones.
This was a fun read, though I felt maybe a little longer than it needed to be. I found myself kind of also preferring Hester's timeline, though it seemed to me it was a little rushed. Overall I love plagues, I love ghosts and I love shit from the 16th-17th centuries, so this book checked a bunch of that off! If you like all that with a dash of gore, you'll probably get some enjoyment from The Plague Stones.
February 24, 2020
Rough. Inconsistencies with the writing... The original tragedy swaps from happening six hundred to seven hundred years ago many times over the book. The taxi changes to an uber. It's distracting and annoying.
February 21, 2021
Really good, eerily parallel to current events
June 9, 2019
I'm grateful to the publisher for a free advance copy of this book.
First I should say that I've simply loved Brogden's previous two books, Hekla's Children and The Hollow Tree. He has a real gift for grafting the present onto past weirdness, creating a shifty, unsettling atmosphere and confronting the oh so rational denizens of the 21st century with truths they just don't want to face.
In The Plague Stones, Brogden puts a further twist on that.
Haleswell - named for its healing spring - is special. Located on the edge of the city (I think, Birmingham) it has its own, semiautonomous status under its own Trust, seemingly plenty of money available, and an idyllic, country-village atmosphere. When Trish Feenan is not only invited to join the Trust but offered a charming cottage to go with it, she sees a chance to get away from the scuzzy area where she, her husband Peter and son Toby live - especially welcome after Toby is beaten up in the course of a burglary.
Of course, we know there will be a catch. Isn't there always a catch? Broaden is upfront about one aspect of this. Interspersed in this story are chapters dealing with a young woman, Hester, living nearby during the 14th century, the time of the Great Plague. Those chapters make grim reading, and really bring home the impact of the Plague, not only medical but societal. (As one character comments here, if you want to know what it's like living in a post-apocalyptic society, that's what we are doing now - only several centuries on). It becomes clear in the first chapter that there is a supernatural threat to Haleswell, a spectral woman who is only kept at bay by a fragile circuit of ancient boundary markers which it is the Trustees' obligation to maintain. Why Haleswell in particular is menaced slowly becomes clear, all I will say is that it isn't an abstract or random thing, the two times and places are linked.
So much for the obvious danger. But it's what Brogden does alongside that which really gives this book its kick. In a very modern take on horror we see services stretched to breaking point, food banks, long queues in A&E, schools ground down, people housed in shoddy, dangerous conditions subject to grasping landlords who treat their tenants like dirt - all while the fortunate inhabitants of Haleswell live in their pleasant bubble. Our guides in this are the Feenans, who have been translated from one world to the other. Resentments fester - as when Toby becomes friendly with a girl whose brother dismisses him as a "little landlord" - and they can last a long time. The two aspects feed on one another, the bitterness giving past hatreds a way into present hearts and minds and blood. Nothing ever really goes away.
The theme here is perhaps that now or then, denial of humanity, of hospitality and rob espect have consequences and that there WILL be a reckoning. In The Plague Stones that reckoning begins to be worked out, in blood and fear, but in a way the most chilling moment of the book is when we realise that what's portrayed here may only be the beginning. And not all evils are ancient.
Intelligent horror which delivers a succession of increasingly shocking turns, weaving the everyday dilemmas of family life and parenting - concern over a child getting into trouble, money troubles, poor housing - with both supernatural evil and the real wickedness inherent in how society is structured.
And it's not at all clear who the real villains in that are.
Strongly recommended.
First I should say that I've simply loved Brogden's previous two books, Hekla's Children and The Hollow Tree. He has a real gift for grafting the present onto past weirdness, creating a shifty, unsettling atmosphere and confronting the oh so rational denizens of the 21st century with truths they just don't want to face.
In The Plague Stones, Brogden puts a further twist on that.
Haleswell - named for its healing spring - is special. Located on the edge of the city (I think, Birmingham) it has its own, semiautonomous status under its own Trust, seemingly plenty of money available, and an idyllic, country-village atmosphere. When Trish Feenan is not only invited to join the Trust but offered a charming cottage to go with it, she sees a chance to get away from the scuzzy area where she, her husband Peter and son Toby live - especially welcome after Toby is beaten up in the course of a burglary.
Of course, we know there will be a catch. Isn't there always a catch? Broaden is upfront about one aspect of this. Interspersed in this story are chapters dealing with a young woman, Hester, living nearby during the 14th century, the time of the Great Plague. Those chapters make grim reading, and really bring home the impact of the Plague, not only medical but societal. (As one character comments here, if you want to know what it's like living in a post-apocalyptic society, that's what we are doing now - only several centuries on). It becomes clear in the first chapter that there is a supernatural threat to Haleswell, a spectral woman who is only kept at bay by a fragile circuit of ancient boundary markers which it is the Trustees' obligation to maintain. Why Haleswell in particular is menaced slowly becomes clear, all I will say is that it isn't an abstract or random thing, the two times and places are linked.
So much for the obvious danger. But it's what Brogden does alongside that which really gives this book its kick. In a very modern take on horror we see services stretched to breaking point, food banks, long queues in A&E, schools ground down, people housed in shoddy, dangerous conditions subject to grasping landlords who treat their tenants like dirt - all while the fortunate inhabitants of Haleswell live in their pleasant bubble. Our guides in this are the Feenans, who have been translated from one world to the other. Resentments fester - as when Toby becomes friendly with a girl whose brother dismisses him as a "little landlord" - and they can last a long time. The two aspects feed on one another, the bitterness giving past hatreds a way into present hearts and minds and blood. Nothing ever really goes away.
The theme here is perhaps that now or then, denial of humanity, of hospitality and rob espect have consequences and that there WILL be a reckoning. In The Plague Stones that reckoning begins to be worked out, in blood and fear, but in a way the most chilling moment of the book is when we realise that what's portrayed here may only be the beginning. And not all evils are ancient.
Intelligent horror which delivers a succession of increasingly shocking turns, weaving the everyday dilemmas of family life and parenting - concern over a child getting into trouble, money troubles, poor housing - with both supernatural evil and the real wickedness inherent in how society is structured.
And it's not at all clear who the real villains in that are.
Strongly recommended.
April 15, 2020
3.5 stars. A solid page-turner of supernatural horror.
I’m writing this review during the 2020 coronavirus pandemic while under a shelter-in-place rule; and although I know it may seem counterintuitive to pick up about a book about the plague during these times I find that such stories can calm my anxieties.
Through an unexpected inheritance, the Feenans, Trish, Peter, and their teenage son Toby, are given the opportunity to leave their grimy flat to move to the historic “Stone Cottage” within the gated Haleswell village. Upon arrival, the town Trustees inform the family they must serve as caretakers of the historic home’s “plague stone,” an ancient marker which protects the village from Hester, a malevolent spirit that’s been stalking the town’s boundaries ever since the young girl was denied aid during the bubonic plague.
BTW: Hester is terrifying.
I will admit, in the beginning I was underwhelmed by the novel’s spare and workman like prose. The dad goes to work, Toby plays video games and texts with friends. However once Hester makes herself visible to Toby, the tension ratchets up dramatically.
Full of menace and dread—and some sharp social commentary about the gap between the have and have-nots—this was a engaging page-turner for me.
I’m writing this review during the 2020 coronavirus pandemic while under a shelter-in-place rule; and although I know it may seem counterintuitive to pick up about a book about the plague during these times I find that such stories can calm my anxieties.
Through an unexpected inheritance, the Feenans, Trish, Peter, and their teenage son Toby, are given the opportunity to leave their grimy flat to move to the historic “Stone Cottage” within the gated Haleswell village. Upon arrival, the town Trustees inform the family they must serve as caretakers of the historic home’s “plague stone,” an ancient marker which protects the village from Hester, a malevolent spirit that’s been stalking the town’s boundaries ever since the young girl was denied aid during the bubonic plague.
BTW: Hester is terrifying.
I will admit, in the beginning I was underwhelmed by the novel’s spare and workman like prose. The dad goes to work, Toby plays video games and texts with friends. However once Hester makes herself visible to Toby, the tension ratchets up dramatically.
Full of menace and dread—and some sharp social commentary about the gap between the have and have-nots—this was a engaging page-turner for me.
February 8, 2022
I had so many problems with this book. Fuck. Starting with the cover. Why is there a crow and not a rat!? You will understand my confusion if you've read the book. Also it's stated as being a visceral, seat of the pants thriller. It is not. About 200 pages in it started getting vaguely interesting. I'm not going into all of my other problems with this. It won't be a review it will just be a rant. In the end, it was good enough to get through. That's about all the praise I can muster.
September 24, 2019
3.75🌟
Read like a good old fashioned horror...not so scary that you need to sleep with the light on but atmospheric enough to have scenes and imagery that creep you out. Tight, fast paced plot, good range of characters and interesting ending. A definite page-turner.
Read like a good old fashioned horror...not so scary that you need to sleep with the light on but atmospheric enough to have scenes and imagery that creep you out. Tight, fast paced plot, good range of characters and interesting ending. A definite page-turner.
April 19, 2021
A wonderfully written story with an unsettling gothic feeling which puts me in mind of M.R James. The book starts strongly and builds steadily to a gripping and satisfying conclusion. The Plague Stones should definitely be on every list of '100 best pandemic reads'.
April 5, 2024
The story had potential, but instead it was just very mediocre. It lacked any sense of dread or thrill. It was entertaining at times.. just the bare minimum to keep me interested enough to actually finish it.
August 25, 2019
The right blend of history and horror made me read this book in one go despite the initial hiccups. 5 stars for brilliant storytelling and creating the atmosphere of impending doom in every page.
April 8, 2023
A: Predictable and about 30 chapters too long
Shelved as 'gave-up'
May 28, 2022DNF @ 124 pages/25%
Life is just too short for boring books. I probably would have given up sooner had this not been a pick for a book club I’m in.
This sounded interesting and the overall story and characters had potential, but the writing and pacing is incredibly slow. It’s written in such a way that it somehow sucks out the suspense for me, such as warning the reader about an attack that is about to happen that the character will think about later on.
The beginning was probably the creepiest part so far. I did like the part about the Leatherman tool, as it reminded me of my husband. Maybe it gets better later on but I’m just not willing to hope for another 292 pages.
Cool concept, bad execution.
Life is just too short for boring books. I probably would have given up sooner had this not been a pick for a book club I’m in.
This sounded interesting and the overall story and characters had potential, but the writing and pacing is incredibly slow. It’s written in such a way that it somehow sucks out the suspense for me, such as warning the reader about an attack that is about to happen that the character will think about later on.
The beginning was probably the creepiest part so far. I did like the part about the Leatherman tool, as it reminded me of my husband. Maybe it gets better later on but I’m just not willing to hope for another 292 pages.
Cool concept, bad execution.
May 28, 2022
If I had not been so devoted to having something of value to offer to the discussion for my buddy read group I would not have finished this book. I thought it was incredibly boring and rather corny.
The only scene I found frightening was the opening one. That’s not because of how it was written. It’s because I, like Toby, am an asthmatic and the idea of not having access to my inhaler during a break in is terrifying for me.
It’s a shame. This was such a creepy concept but the writing and execution proved wholly disappointing.
Moving on to better things.
The only scene I found frightening was the opening one. That’s not because of how it was written. It’s because I, like Toby, am an asthmatic and the idea of not having access to my inhaler during a break in is terrifying for me.
It’s a shame. This was such a creepy concept but the writing and execution proved wholly disappointing.
Moving on to better things.
January 30, 2024
They’ve waited centuries for revenge
Just the right mix of suspense, gore and horror
Enjoyable book, that didn’t disappoint
Just the right mix of suspense, gore and horror
Enjoyable book, that didn’t disappoint
April 13, 2021
Rounded up from 4.5 stars. I didn’t love Brogden’s earlier book, Hekla’s Children.. or rather, I was loving it until the plot took a major turn into almost metaphysical territory (literally). It left me intrigued enough to try something else by him though.
And this book delivered! It opens strongly with some scenes that grabbed my interest, and didn’t let go from there. If the story then devolved from this fantastic beginning into slightly more pedestrian horror-lite, it still gripped me completely. The very British idea of a group of stones protecting a village from ancient evil forces was fascinating. The village’s rituals were unique, and the idea of a Trust maintaining these rituals and protective forces over centuries was something I would have enjoyed reading about in even more details.
Brogden’s characters are well-drawn and I loved the family at the center of the tale. They were appealing and felt “real”. They all learned to dig deep and find their inner strength as events unfolded. Their family bonds and love were a nice change to read in this era of the “unreliable narrator”, and the ever-popular dysfunctional family.
I have another of this author’s books on my Kindle & I am sure I’ll be reading it soon.
And this book delivered! It opens strongly with some scenes that grabbed my interest, and didn’t let go from there. If the story then devolved from this fantastic beginning into slightly more pedestrian horror-lite, it still gripped me completely. The very British idea of a group of stones protecting a village from ancient evil forces was fascinating. The village’s rituals were unique, and the idea of a Trust maintaining these rituals and protective forces over centuries was something I would have enjoyed reading about in even more details.
Brogden’s characters are well-drawn and I loved the family at the center of the tale. They were appealing and felt “real”. They all learned to dig deep and find their inner strength as events unfolded. Their family bonds and love were a nice change to read in this era of the “unreliable narrator”, and the ever-popular dysfunctional family.
I have another of this author’s books on my Kindle & I am sure I’ll be reading it soon.
October 17, 2020
This was pretty good!!! The writing was a bit slow and kinda bland to me for most of the book, but that Ending was GREAT!!!!! I also didn't really like any of the main protagonists until the very end (and even then I only liked one). However, I LOVED the antagonist and really felt for Her!!! Overall a very good read and I'd definitely read it again and even recommend it if you like spooky stories!!!
October 16, 2022
[3.5 stars] Reminiscent of “The Cabin in the Woods,” “Poltergeist” and “The Evil Dead,” “The Plague Stones” is a slightly better than average ghost story that incorporates elements of medieval history, spirituality and politics while delivering a few creepy scenes and light gore. In many ways it read like an R.L. Stine book for grown-ups.
If you’re looking for high-brow literature, this isn’t it, but after initially becoming frustrated by the character archetypes and stilted dialogue, I was ultimately won over by the last third of the novel, where James Brogden’s frequent plot twists kept me hooked.
Here’s a few things I really enjoyed:
- The history - while I can’t speak to accuracy, Brogden effectively incorporated the socio-political landscape of 1300s Britain as a way to explain the unending blood lust of Hester, our primary ghoul. While this was published prior to COVID-19, the parallels are eerily similar, which help make the more absurd aspects feel plausible.
- Hester’s flashbacks - A few well-placed flashbacks help to humanize our antagonist and further the mythology around the plague stones. Brogden found the right balance of past and present.
- The last third - I was honestly surprised at the plot twist that propels the story to its conclusion. While the beginning of the story was dull and plodded along, the last few chapters elevated the book as a whole.
And a few things I didn’t like:
- The conspiracy element
- The execution - In general there’s a tad too much going on. When you pair that with laughable dialogue and no character development - outside of Hester - it’s difficult to care about what’s happening and not scoff at some of the more ridiculous ideas.
Criticisms aside, “The Plague Stones” still won me over. The premise is really what sets it apart, so if you’re in the mood for spooky historical fiction and don’t mind some flaws, it’s worth the time.
If you’re looking for high-brow literature, this isn’t it, but after initially becoming frustrated by the character archetypes and stilted dialogue, I was ultimately won over by the last third of the novel, where James Brogden’s frequent plot twists kept me hooked.
Here’s a few things I really enjoyed:
- The history - while I can’t speak to accuracy, Brogden effectively incorporated the socio-political landscape of 1300s Britain as a way to explain the unending blood lust of Hester, our primary ghoul. While this was published prior to COVID-19, the parallels are eerily similar, which help make the more absurd aspects feel plausible.
- Hester’s flashbacks - A few well-placed flashbacks help to humanize our antagonist and further the mythology around the plague stones. Brogden found the right balance of past and present.
- The last third - I was honestly surprised at the plot twist that propels the story to its conclusion. While the beginning of the story was dull and plodded along, the last few chapters elevated the book as a whole.
And a few things I didn’t like:
- The conspiracy element
- The execution - In general there’s a tad too much going on. When you pair that with laughable dialogue and no character development - outside of Hester - it’s difficult to care about what’s happening and not scoff at some of the more ridiculous ideas.
Criticisms aside, “The Plague Stones” still won me over. The premise is really what sets it apart, so if you’re in the mood for spooky historical fiction and don’t mind some flaws, it’s worth the time.
May 30, 2020
There’s something about Brogden’s novel that made me nostalgic for the British horror novels of my youth - works by such types as James Herbert, Phil Rickman and the early novels of Mark Morris. But The Plague Stones is also packed full of political anger and alongside the supernatural narrative this makes it a seething, roiling, thrilling read. Genuinely horrifying and chilling. Brilliantly plotted. An immense horror novel with a capital H.
May 19, 2022
I really liked this story.
Mainly for the divided narative, placed in the 14th century, and in the present day. It also has a moral message that seems to be hacking its way to the foundations of the civilization and todays modern society.
The other thing that I liked is the existence of an entity far more older then the Christianity or any other modern religion. It was refreshing to see how character strugle when the good old God, or the Devil in that matter, can’t be “called” to the rescue.
The pacing of the book was great, the humor wasn’t pushed or felt in any way of the mark. The writing of the dark scenes gave me goosbumps, and I can still hear the rats.
I would highly recomend this novel to all horror readers.
Mainly for the divided narative, placed in the 14th century, and in the present day. It also has a moral message that seems to be hacking its way to the foundations of the civilization and todays modern society.
The other thing that I liked is the existence of an entity far more older then the Christianity or any other modern religion. It was refreshing to see how character strugle when the good old God, or the Devil in that matter, can’t be “called” to the rescue.
The pacing of the book was great, the humor wasn’t pushed or felt in any way of the mark. The writing of the dark scenes gave me goosbumps, and I can still hear the rats.
I would highly recomend this novel to all horror readers.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Shelved as 'abandoned'
January 25, 2021I liked the premise of this novel enough to buy it, but after reading about 20% I just wasn't all that interested and when I found myself skimming instead of reading, I decided to give up. The writing seemed overly simple and the characters weren't interesting to me. I read some reviews to see if it might be worth finishing and although they were mostly positive, many contained reservations about pretty much every aspect of the book, including the ending, and I decided it wasn't worth it.
May 18, 2019
Gripping
This is the first time I have read a book by this author. It certainly won't be the last.
Definitely a compulsive page turner.
The storyline was well thought out and written with intriguing characters. The imagery was highly descriptive and captivating. I couldn't put it down.
Well worth a read
This is the first time I have read a book by this author. It certainly won't be the last.
Definitely a compulsive page turner.
The storyline was well thought out and written with intriguing characters. The imagery was highly descriptive and captivating. I couldn't put it down.
Well worth a read
October 15, 2022
A solid and entertaining horror story based in England with a dual timeline. One set in the modern day and the other set in the 1300's.
Nothing outstanding here but if you like your horror more traditional without elaborate thrills and spills then this one may be for you.
Nothing outstanding here but if you like your horror more traditional without elaborate thrills and spills then this one may be for you.
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