Amongst The Mists by ML Rayner

Release: 5 September 2022
Format: Ebook
Publisher: Red Dragon Publishing
Source: Zooloos Book Tours
Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon

‘As engaging as anything I’ve read this decade. Rayner is required reading for horror fans.’
Jonathan Edward Durham, author of Winterset Hollow

It was the most anticipated summer break of their young lives.

For Bran Lampshire, that summer of 1986 would be far different. The lure of a wilderness adventure sends him and his friends on a troublesome journey that would see them far from home and into the isolated shadows of the Sleathton Estate. In a forgotten land where nature thrives, an unexplained mist settles upon the shaded grounds. And there are stories of events so chilling, that many forgot over time.

Lose yourself beneath the endless trees. And discover that legends are sometimes so much more than ghost stories.

About the Author:

Born and bred in the county of Staffordshire. Matt is a keen reader of classical, horror and fantasy literature and enjoys writing in the style of traditional ghost stories. During his working life, Matt joined the ambulance service in 2009, transporting critically ill patients all over the UK. After writing his first novel, Matt now dedicates his time on future releases. His hobbies include genealogy and hiking, and he enjoys spending time with his wife, Emma, his children, and his family.

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Amongst The Mists Review:

I love reading spooky ghost stories that send me chills, and “Amongst The Mist” did not disappoint.

The highlight is how the author took the classic concept of a ghost in the woods and made it his own with unique twists and turns. We have two parallel stories, one of a girl named Olivia, who gets lost in the wilderness, and another of Bran and his friends as they go camping. You think you know how these two stories would connect, but the author surprises you.

Gregory was the most interesting character because he brought the story to life. He has a mysterious aura, and you don’t know whether to feel sorry for him or be scared of him. I also enjoyed Marcus and how emotional he got with his decisions. But, the author also writes the characters in a complex way where, halfway into the book, you are unclear who is honest and telling the truth and who isn’t. You cannot trust anyone after a specific time, and I enjoyed guessing the possibilities.

Moreover, the climax was also gripping, where things didn’t turn out how I expected. The author nicely makes you rethink specific moments and ponder what happened after reading the climax and finishing the book. Some of my favorite moments in the story are when they are in the boat during the storm and see something that shocks them or Gregory’s tales of what happened in the past.

The only minimal critique is how I found some scenes over descriptive—some moments staggered, namely when the characters wander the woods and bicker. Moreover, Bran got on my nerves, and I was not too fond of his attitude toward everyone.

Apart from that, I enjoyed reading this book and am excited to read more by the author!