‘This gruesomely imagined folk horror is the most brilliantly dark and dangerously fun book I’ve read all year’ Keith Gray, author of Creepers
‘A sinister folk horror tale of elemental magic and hypocrisy. Strong characters, shocking scenes, a horrible villain, great action, and a savage critique on how we justify sacrificing others for our own good.’ Alastair Chisholm, author of Orion Lost
Nobody talks about the strange happenings in Maimsbury. No one speaks of the hooded figures glimpsed in the woods, nor the children’s game that went so horribly wrong. But most of all, no one dares whisper their doubts about the river worshipped for centuries by the village.
Like everyone in Maimsbury, Gorse is used to the sacrifices made every spring to the River Yeelde. The life of a farm animal – in return for a year of plenty – seems a fair trade. That is, until a violent tragedy leads Gorse to a blood-curdling discovery.
Because this year is a Brim Year, and after giving so much, the river needs more than an animal’s life to sate its thirst…
New Middle Grade Horror novel. Set in the village of Maimsbury where the old ways are adhered to and the River Yeelde is worshipped for keeping their village and fields alive while all around suffers drought. Sacrifices have to be made to the Yeelde. But at what price? Gorse is pulled into the latest attempt to appease the river when a newcomer is to be the offering. Is there really no other option? The younger townsfolk realise that some traditions need to be questioned and tyrannies resisted.
‘Gripping, gruesome, dark and dripping’ A.F. Harold
‘A gripping tale infused with dark secrets and superstitions’ Phil Hickes, author of The Haunting of Aveline Jones
‘What a story! Properly creepy Wicker Man vibes with seemingly effortless world building and characters you’ll take to your heart. Loved it’ Jennifer Killick, author of Crater Laker
‘A truly cracking read, Thirst is wondrous strange. Dark and disturbing, it evokes half-remembered ancient stories hidden beneath the earth with dashes of Alan Garner, Nigel Kneale, and John Wyndham. One of those rare novels that is utterly transportive, that feels somehow familiar yet fresh and distinctive. A modern classic in the making. I loved it.’ Liz Hyder, author of The Twelve
‘He is so bloodthirsty and brilliant! Bravo @darrensimpson44! What the river asks for will be given! I managed to keep this copy safe from the Wear in Durham, but I don’t think the Yeedle would be as sparing – I could feel its pull the whole way through. A most excellent slice of folk horror, and a dark morality tale too. For early teens and up who have an appetite for horror’ Nicola Penfold, author of Where the World Turns Wild
‘A completely unique and totally captivating YA folk horror tale… perfect for teens to devour on autumn evenings, snuggled under a blanket’ Scope for Imagination
‘A darkly terrifying and thought-provoking tale that will stay with you long after you have put the book back on the shelf.’ Christopher Edge, author of Escape Room
Material: Finished copies (284pp)
Sales
- Pushkin Press World Rights (UK publication September 2025)
- Milan/Bayard France
- W F Howes Audio