The Reveal: Paranormal Mystery Series, #6

By David J Cooper

Step into the ominous realm of Buckleigh, where whispers of darkness echo and an ancient malevolence stirs. Unleashed by the inquisitive recklessness of youth, a malevolent force descends, casting a chilling pall over the village. In a race against the relentless march of time, Penny Lane, the enigmatic clairvoyant, stands as the village's sole hope against an ominous fate. Brace for an electrifying showdown where Penny pushes beyond her own boundaries to unearth the elusive key to salvation. With the malevolent entity's grip tightening, suspense thickens, and the village dangles on the precipice of annihilation. "The Reveal" thrusts you into an adrenaline-fueled narrative, delivering an unforeseen climax that will linger in your thoughts long after. For enthusiasts of heart-stopping intensity and unfathomable twists, this unputdownable conclusion is an imperative addition to your reading list.

 

Secure your copy now and witness Penny's gripping struggle to rescue the doomed village of Buckleigh!

• Language: English
• Publisher: David J Cooper
• Release date: Aug 11, 2019
• ISBN: 9781393081845

David J Cooper

David J Cooper, a British author, delves into the realms of the paranormal, horror, suspense, and mystery with an expert touch. Originating from Darlaston, West Midlands, his diverse journey from engineering to teaching and local politics has imbued his writing with a rich tapestry of experiences. His literary venture began with an unforgettable mark—a featured poem, "God's Garden," acclaimed in the Best Poems and Poets of 2012 anthology. Currently residing in a tranquil Mexican town, David shares his home with four loyal dogs—Chula, Sooty, Benji and Princessa — and a vibrant parrot named Muchacho. David's novels are an enigmatic treat for those with a taste for the eerie and the unexpected. With a knack for weaving gripping suspense and unforeseen twists, his narratives promise an enthralling journey that beckons fans of authors like Stephen King.

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

The broad shoulder straps of the backpack fitted perfectly across Sadie’s shoulders as she stood outside Sally Sutton’s front door and called out, The taxi will be here shortly, Mrs. Sutton. Are you ready?

I’m all set to go, Sally replied. I’ll lock the door when the taxi arrives. Is one suitcase enough?

We’re only staying for a week in Jersey, Sadie replied. I only have this backpack. It’s easier to carry one of these. We don’t want to be humping loads of luggage around with us.

I don’t have to hump this. It’s got wheels, said Sally. I’m so excited. I’m really looking forward to some time away from Buckleigh.

So am I, said Sadie.

I hope the sea crossing isn’t going to be bumpy, said Sally. I don’t have sea legs.

It’s going to be as flat as a pancake, said Sadie, smiling. The forecast is for really nice weather for the next couple of weeks and sea conditions are very calm.

I can’t help thinking about my Bert, said Sally, a single tear sliding down her cheek.  You know, being swept overboard from that trawler. And I can’t swim.

Yes, said Sadie. I understand. But you have nothing to worry about. We’re travelling on a hydrofoil. They skim across the water on a cushion of air.

Really, said Sally, dabbing her eye with a tissue. As long as we don’t get a puncture we’ll be okay.

You don’t half come out with some things, Sadie chuckled.

I dare say that Peggy Baldwin is well into her cruise with Pam and Les, said Sally. The village is going to be like a ghost town with hardly anybody here.

Well, it’s Thursday today, said Sadie. Early closing day and remember those who are here are going to see the Red Arrows in Paignton later on this afternoon. Wouldn’t you have liked to have seen the air show?

Oh no, said Sally. By the time that starts we’ll be on the other side of the channel. Anyway, I went to the Farnborough air show with my Bert many years ago.

And did you enjoy it? asked Sadie.

We had a near miss, Sally replied. There we were watching the planes doing their aerobics in the sky and suddenly one of them went out of control. It nose-dived into a field nearby.

That’s awful, said Sadie. Did anybody get killed?

Fortunately no, replied Sally. The pilot ejaculated before the plane crashed.

Ejaculated? Sadie replied, trying to stifle a laugh.

It wasn’t funny, replied Sally. You know what I mean. If a jet pilot gets into problems they press a button and they shoot out of the plane and parachute safely to the ground.

Oh yes, said Sadie. I see what you mean.

Is Penny still in London with Father Gordon, Sally asked.

They should be on their way back, replied Sadie. Penny said that they should get back around five this afternoon.

I do hope she’s come up with a solution about this so called curse on the village, said Sally. I hope when we come back from Jersey everything will be back to normal.

I’m sure she’ll have it sorted out by then, said Sadie. I have a lot of faith in her.

The beep of a horn interrupted their conversation.

Look, said Sally. Here’s the taxi. Let’s lock my door.

The key glistened as she placed it in the keyhole and with two clicks it was locked.

Oh, and here’s Monty to see us off, said Sadie.

Well ladies, he said, scratching his head. I see that you’re off.

That’s right, said Sally. I’m really excited about this trip.

Is it a week you’ll be gone for? he asked.

Actually, replied Sadie. It’s ten days. We come back on the sixteenth.

I dare say you’re gonna find Jersey different to here, he said. You’re gonna miss the air show though.

That’s no problem, said Sally. I can relax on the beach in the sun.

It’ll probably do you good, he said, pointing at her face. Maybe it’ll help remove some of your crow’s feet.

I’ll have you know that they aren’t crow’s feet, she said calmly. They’re laughter lines.

Looks like you must have had a fit of hysterics at one time then, he sniggered.

Have you got everything prepared for the trip to Paignton? asked Sadie.

I’ll be taking the others in my Land rover, he replied. We’ll be leaving at three o’ clock. This place will be dead.

Do you know if Penny and Father Gordon will go straight to Paignton when they get back from London? she asked.

I dunno about that, he replied. They never mentioned anything to me.

I guess they’ll take the train to Paignton, said Sally. It’s a short walk to the pier from there. I expect that’s where you’ll be watching the display from.

As a matter of fact, he said. I know the manager of the café on Paignton Pier and he’s reserved a spot for us so we can get a good view.

That’s nice, said Sadie. Well, we’d better be off. The taxi driver looks a bit impatient.

Okay, he said. Well, have a good trip. See you when you get back.

They got into the taxi and he waved them off.

It didn’t take him long to notice something different. There was no sound. He could almost hear a pin drop.

That’s strange, he thought. I can’t see or hear any birds. In fact, I can’t hear a thing. Have I gone deaf?

He dawdled towards the gate which led into his back garden and then it hit him. A foul, rotten smell. The bad scented aroma was spreading the smell of faeces and puke in a slow and penetrating way, invading his nostrils, overpowering his mind which started to conjure images of rotting corpses.

Where can that foul smell be coming from? he asked himself. Have I trodden in some dog turd?

He was too lazy to bend down, so he put his right foot onto his left and eased off his shoe. He kicked it over and inspected the sole. He repeated the same with the other. There was nothing