“Old-school horror.” ―STEPHEN KINGThe Exorcist meets Lord of the Flies in Boys in the Valley, a brilliant coming-of-age tale from award-winning author Philip Fracassi.An Esquire Best Horror Book of 2023! • A British Fantasy Award finalist for Best Horror Novel!“A sublimely chilling story.” —Library Journal, STARRED reviewSt. Vincent's Orphanage for Boys.Early twentieth century, in a remote valley in Pennsylvania.Here, under the watchful eyes of several priests, thirty boys work, learn, and worship. Peter Barlow, orphaned as a child by a gruesome murder, 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, occult symbols carved into his flesh. His death releases an ancient evil that spreads like sickness, infecting 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.

A thrilling new novelette by the author of Boys in the Valley, The Third Rule of Time Travel, and Gothic. A haunted jukebox at an out-of-the-way dive bar not only lures patrons, but then doesn't allow them to leave. "Nobody is safe in a Fracassi story." - Laird Barron 2025 IngramSpark(R) Editorial Selection - Horror