Boys in the Valley

Written by Philip Fracassi

Narrated by David Aaron Baker

This program is read by David Aaron Baker, who brings the nightmare to life with his sinister narration. He has earned several AudioFile Earphones Awards and has been a three-time finalist for the prestigious Audie Award for Best Male Narrator.

The Exorcist meets Lord of the Flies, by way of Midnight Mass, in Boys in the Valley, a brilliant coming-of-age tale from award-winning author Philip Fracassi.

“A sublimely chilling story.” —Library Journal, STARRED review

St. Vincent's Orphanage for Boys.

Turn of the 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 Macmillan Audio production from Tor Nightfire.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Macmillan Audio
• Release date: Jul 11, 2023
• ISBN: 9781250902825

Philip Fracassi

PHILIP FRACASSI is the Bram Stoker Award-nominated author of the story collections Behold the Void and Beneath a Pale Sky. His novels include A Child Alone with Strangers, Gothic, and Boys in the Valley. His stories have been published in numerous magazines and anthologies, including Best Horror of the Year, Nightmare Magazine, Southwest Review, Interzone, and Black Static. Philip lives in Los Angeles and is represented by Copps Literary Services.

Reviews for Boys in the Valley

[Jennifer Taylor · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

The story was great but the was narrator was awful.

[Lisa Diy · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

An excellent read! The writing is superb. The shifting points of view help the reader get inside the minds of the characters. There is indeed a claustrophobic feeling that it gives the reader until the highly anticipated climax. Every fan of the horror genre should read this!

[Jamie · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Fracassi is a fantastic horror author.
His writing is so similar to 80's King that I can't help but devour his work.

It's ferocious, brutal but always has heart.

This audiobook was outstanding. The narrator did an incredible job handling a variety of roles.

[kokodzambo377 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

It was truly terrific! I wholeheartedly recommend it to everyone!

[S L · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Awesome book! Awesome Narrator! This is a must read/listen! #NoMoreFlies

[Connie F · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I was hooked from the beginning and I also think the narrator did a phenomenal job!!

[Libby Roth · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I enjoyed the story! Well written with creepy vibes. I didn’t care for the very end as it felt a bit like a cop out. Regarding the audiobook: the narrator sounded like Mickey Mouse

[Chelsie Turnlund · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I loved this book! Creepy and unsettling! I couldn’t put this down!

[marissa2fallon · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Easily one of the best horror books I’ve ever read. Fantastic narration, characters that will stay with me, and plenty of gore.