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warkyboy's review
5.0
It is unusual for a book series to improve as it continues, and yet the ‘Six Stories’ series manages to do just that - and with great aplomb.
Once again, we are treated to a podcast transcript about a historical crime - this time, the unsolved disappearance of a young boy. The boy vanished from the back of his car one Christmas Eve, whilst his father looked under the bonnet of said automobile. Of course, the vehicle just so happened to be parked beside a ”cursed” forest where rumours abound about a witch who snatches children.
There are plenty of creepy moments here - unexplained knocking; the apparent appearance of a wizened old hag; strange predictions of a mysterious psychic - and the supernatural is never all that far away. There are definite ‘Blair Witch’ vibes in this tale and Wesolowski again manages to create a highly atmospheric tale with some genuinely shocking twists and turns near the end.
I have read the first three books in this series in just three days, which speaks volumes about the compulsive nature of the storytelling. Wesolowski’s writing is fun and fluid, and I cannot recommend this series enough to those who enjoy good quality crime and horror fiction.
I already have book four primed and ready to read tonight. I cannot wait!
Once again, we are treated to a podcast transcript about a historical crime - this time, the unsolved disappearance of a young boy. The boy vanished from the back of his car one Christmas Eve, whilst his father looked under the bonnet of said automobile. Of course, the vehicle just so happened to be parked beside a ”cursed” forest where rumours abound about a witch who snatches children.
There are plenty of creepy moments here - unexplained knocking; the apparent appearance of a wizened old hag; strange predictions of a mysterious psychic - and the supernatural is never all that far away. There are definite ‘Blair Witch’ vibes in this tale and Wesolowski again manages to create a highly atmospheric tale with some genuinely shocking twists and turns near the end.
I have read the first three books in this series in just three days, which speaks volumes about the compulsive nature of the storytelling. Wesolowski’s writing is fun and fluid, and I cannot recommend this series enough to those who enjoy good quality crime and horror fiction.
I already have book four primed and ready to read tonight. I cannot wait!
chrissie57's review against another edition
5.0
I discovered this book by mistake. I have always liked the old tales of Changelings and I wanted to try some of the modern fiction available based around them; when I got this home and looked at it properly I thought I had picked up a standard crime novel. All ends well, though, because the title has more in common with the old legends than might appear at first and Changelingis probably the best book I have read all year.
The basic story is outlined in most of the other reviews - little boy vanishes from a broken down car driven by his father and is never seen again. Said father is racked with guilt and never ceases to search for his son, even after he is declared legally dead. Mixed up with all this are eerie stories about the ancient woodland by which the boy has apparently been swallowed up. We follow the efforts of podcaster Scott King to get to grips with what actually happened to Alfie Marsden on his podcast Six Storiesafter receiving a letter claiming to know what happened.
This book has everything - crime, horror and human psychology. Neither the crime nor the horror are exactly what you believe them to be, but that did not stop me lying awake unable to sleep at one point because I foolishly read a chapter just before bed. It had further interest to me because I grew up in the area the story is set in, although I was unsure why the author chose that locale.
After I had finished the book, I realised I had made a second mistake; the book is part of a series about Scott King and his podcast and Changelinggives away some pretty important information. However, I shall be reading the other books regardless of that, this is a truly excellent author.
The basic story is outlined in most of the other reviews - little boy vanishes from a broken down car driven by his father and is never seen again. Said father is racked with guilt and never ceases to search for his son, even after he is declared legally dead. Mixed up with all this are eerie stories about the ancient woodland by which the boy has apparently been swallowed up. We follow the efforts of podcaster Scott King to get to grips with what actually happened to Alfie Marsden on his podcast Six Storiesafter receiving a letter claiming to know what happened.
This book has everything - crime, horror and human psychology. Neither the crime nor the horror are exactly what you believe them to be, but that did not stop me lying awake unable to sleep at one point because I foolishly read a chapter just before bed. It had further interest to me because I grew up in the area the story is set in, although I was unsure why the author chose that locale.
After I had finished the book, I realised I had made a second mistake; the book is part of a series about Scott King and his podcast and Changelinggives away some pretty important information. However, I shall be reading the other books regardless of that, this is a truly excellent author.
exorcismemily's review
5.0
"This is flowering into something more horrific than I had imagined."
Changeling is the third book in the Six Stories series, and it's a fantastic companion to Six Stories & Hydra. These books can be read as standalones, but they're so damn good & you should read all of them.
These books are labeled as thrillers, but I see them as both horror and thriller since they have such a sense of creeping dread & there's usually a paranormal aspect. It's so easy to get invested in these stories, and they're always wonderfully spooky.
This one will punch you in the heart a little bit, and it deals with some heavy topics (abuse, missing children, sexual harassment, etc.). It's not a light read, but it's one that will stick with you.
I'm going to stop here because I don't want to risk spoiling anything. I adore this series & you need it in your life.
Changeling is the third book in the Six Stories series, and it's a fantastic companion to Six Stories & Hydra. These books can be read as standalones, but they're so damn good & you should read all of them.
These books are labeled as thrillers, but I see them as both horror and thriller since they have such a sense of creeping dread & there's usually a paranormal aspect. It's so easy to get invested in these stories, and they're always wonderfully spooky.
This one will punch you in the heart a little bit, and it deals with some heavy topics (abuse, missing children, sexual harassment, etc.). It's not a light read, but it's one that will stick with you.
I'm going to stop here because I don't want to risk spoiling anything. I adore this series & you need it in your life.
kmccann98's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.5
z03l0u's review against another edition
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
The plot twist saved the rating. I gasped so loud.
cursedreading's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
harrietj's review against another edition
4.5
This book does an excellent job of feeling like a creepy true crime/paranormal podcast. It's compelling and brisk - I read it in one evening. It has a satisfying payoff.
It reads very well on its own, but I think it might have been even more satisfying, perhaps a five star read, if I'd read the previous Six Stories books.
It reads very well on its own, but I think it might have been even more satisfying, perhaps a five star read, if I'd read the previous Six Stories books.