December 28, 2020
I’ve been looking forward to announcing my debut novel for many years, and now I finally get to do it!
Thrilled to announce my novel, BOYS IN THE VALLEY, will be arriving on October 31, 2021, from the esteemed Earthling Publications, as part of their annual Halloween series of books.
The novel will be produced as a deluxe limited hardcover edition of only 500 copies. All copies will be signed and numbered. There will also be a very limited lettered edition and an original introduction by a fellow horror writer (tba).
Cover art is being created right now and the manuscript is in the final proofreading stages.
2021 is lining up to be an exciting year for me, and having my debut novel release is a massive cherry on top. I’ll have a new novella announcement coming next month, my second story collection (BENEATH A PALE SKY) releasing in the summer, and now the novel on Halloween.
Can’t wait to share all these new stories with you.
Below is a brief synopsis of the novel:
St. Vincent's Orphanage for Boys.
Turn of the century, in a remote valley in Pennsylvania.
Here, under the watchful eyes of several priests, 30 boys work and learn and worship. They live their lives in a methodical way and get along despite different personalities and pasts. Peter Barlow, orphaned by a nighttime murder at his childhood home, has made a new life here. As he approaches adulthood, he has friends, a future...a family.
Then, late one stormy night, a group of men arrive at their door, one of whom is badly wounded, his body covered with occult symbols carved into his flesh. Upon his death, an ancient evil is released that infests St. Vincent's and the children within. Soon, boys begin acting differently, forming groups. Taking sides.
Others turn up dead.
Now Peter and those dear to him must choose sides of their own, each of them knowing their lives -- and perhaps their eternal souls -- are at risk.
I'm thrilled to be working with Paul Miller, whose wonderful press has published books by the likes of Josh Malerman, Joe Lansdale, Clive Barker, Christopher Golden and many others.
More details and ordering information coming next year - please stay tuned for details. The best way to receive the most updated news and ordering information for my books is by joining my newsletter.
Lastly, I discuss the new novel, my other upcoming releases and much more in a recent interview with Wyrd Transmissions. Listen here.
Thanks for your interest!
-PF