I have been a fan of writers like M.R. James and Sheridan Le Fanu since I was a teenager. Spurred on by television adaptations of M. R. James stories and the Friday night Horror Double Bill on BBC Two, I read everything from Dennis Wheatley to the Pan books of short horror stories that used to be so popular. These days, I suspect I am one of the few people who can claim to have actually read Melmoth The Wanderer and other gothic classics, including, of course, Dracula.
The idea for Wayland Babes grew out of the wealth of Norfolk folklore. It started life as a single ghost story – I leave you to decide which one – and grew during lockdown during the winter of 2020/21. Now there are five separate stories, each set in a different time period. All are linked by a sighting of the ghosts of the Babes in the Wood and set around the village of Griston or the Wayland Woods themselves. To see the babes is a warning, although whether that be for good or ill, depends on the circumstances and attitudes of the one who sees them.
What readers make of Wayland Babes:
‘From the very first page, this book gave me tingles…’ Susan Hampson, Books From Dusk Till Dawn
‘Spectacular and highly recommended.’ Surjit Parekh, Surjit Reads and Recommends
‘What a fascinating novella! … a fabulous read.’ Lynda Checkley
‘5 out of 5 stars from me – and will be going down on my Christmas list for the paperback.’ Joe Singleton
I am so grateful to Hobeck Books for being willing to publish this unusual project. Available Here.
Winner of a Readers’ Award from Chill With a Book Awards in August 2022.
