a beautifully written dark folk horror fairy tale

I'm amazed that this is a debut novel, it is written so poetically, and the Yorkshire accent help's with flow of the writing. this is part folk horror, part dark fairy tale and part adventure, don't let that description tone down the horror of this book though as at it's core it is horror, it is dripping with atmosphere and unease and dark imagery, and enough mystery to keep the reader flying threw the pages as quick as they can desperate to see what is next for Chrissy-Boy, his family and his ragtag group of outcast friends.

this book would be perfect for fan's of Adam Nevil and Thomas Olde Heuvelt's "Hex"

Offcumden completely captivated me. The atmosphere is incredible, with a creeping sense of unease that builds steadily throughout the story. Johnny Gaunt brings South Yorkshire to life so vividly that the setting feels like a character in its own right, rich with history, secrets, and a lingering darkness that never quite lets go.

I especially loved the focus on friendship and belonging. The relationships between the main characters felt authentic and heartfelt, which made the horror hit even harder. The blend of folk horror, mystery, and emotional storytelling kept me invested from beginning to end, and I found myself fully immersed in both the characters' lives and the terrifying secrets buried beneath the surface.

The writing is beautiful and evocative, filled with memorable imagery and a strong sense of place. It manages to be genuinely unsettling while also exploring themes of family, community, and the things people try to leave buried. This is the kind of book that stays with you long after you've finished it, and it easily earns five stars from me.

I found Offcumden to be a creepy, sad and, at times, genuinely tragic read. You could really feel the divide between the people in the story, as well as the atmosphere of a small, deprived community where people had hard lives and had to fight for everything they had.

The portrayal of the travellers and other ‘Offcumden’ living in an old mining town felt particularly authentic. Chrissy-boy’s story, along with the stories of the young girls, was tragic and difficult to read in parts.

Mickey and Chrissy-boy were definitely my favourite characters, and I was rooting for them so hard. There was also a real sense of claustrophobia throughout the book, as though the whole place was teetering on the edge of something yet to come. That feeling of impending dread really added to the atmosphere.

If you’re a horror reader, I’d definitely recommend giving this one a read. It’s dark, unsettling and atmospheric.