Horror Book of the Week: Ben by Amy Cross

 

Ben by Amy Cross is this week’s Horror Book of the week. Published by Blackwych Books in December 2024, the story is about a woman called Julia and a boy called Henry, arriving at a dark remorse house. 

The book has recently been published which is why there are no reviews posted yet, however, the book does sit on the bestseller list for British Horror Fiction and Occult Fiction. 

Quick Horror Book Review of BEN based on the sample

The rules are simple. No outside contact, ignore any strange noises in the house and don’t talk about what happened in the previous 24 hours, especially in the service station. 

At first glance, it seems that Julia and Henry may be mother and son. But then the story picks up when Julia stops in front of a dark, and gloomy house, and asks Henry to get out. 

While there are bags in the boot, there are also bags containing ties and needles which allude to Julia having some sinister intentions. But is it for Henry? 

Henry is given a room and Julia is relieved she doesn’t have to use the handcuffs for the time being. She tries talking to him but the boy keeps to himself and doesn’t open up as much to Julia. 

She tries talking to him about whatever happened at the service station, but he distracts himself with video games. 

The sample ends before we find out just what Julia is up to and why has she gotten Henry with her. And Henry, although quiet and mistrustful of Julia, doesn’t try to escape. 

Also, who is Ben? The book is named after him after all. 

Amy Cross once again writes a captivating story that gets you from the very first page. You will find yourself instantly engaged and curious about where the story is heading. 

From the time Julia exits the car and studies the house, to the next moment when she hears clicking sounds from the backseat and we meet Henry, you know something terrifying is going on, especially when Julia states that she smiles, pretending that everything is fine. 

Julia has specifically asked for this house and is delighted that it is in the middle of nowhere. All this contributes to the inquisitiveness and eeriness of the story. 

To Read or Not To Read

Of course, I want to know what is going to happen next. I would want to know why Julia has brought Henry to this house in the middle of nowhere. I also want to know what happened at the service station? 

For me, this is one of those books, that I would eagerly pick up to read and satisfy my curiosity. 

You can get the book here