Darker Days

Publisher: Transworld Publishers Limited
Publish date: 23 October 2025
Pages: 416
Language: English

Subjects: Fiction, Horror, Occult & Supernatural

When the darker days fall, the debt must be paid, . . . get ready for the chilling new folk horror from the Hugo Award-winning, bestselling author of HEX - from the publisher of The Exorcist and perfect for fans of Shirley Jackson and Stephen King.

'One of the most vital and exciting voices in modern horror.' Mike Flanagan, award-winning director of 'Doctor Sleep' and 'The Haunting of Hill House'

'No one builds agonizing tension like Thomas Olde Heuvelt. Darker Days is his best yet.' Catriona Ward, bestselling author of The Last House on Needless Street

In Lock Haven, a quiet little town in Washington State, there is a very special street.
Bird Street. The residents of Bird Street are all successful, wealthy, healthy and happy. And their children are all well-mannered and smart and high achievers.

At least they are for eleven months of the year.

In November, however, the 'Darker Days' begin. For November's the month when things take a turn for the worse: accidents, bad luck, familial conflict and illness take hold. And it is in November that a stranger comes to Bird Street to collect the debt owed by the residents.

Because, you see, there is a price that must be paid for all the happiness and good fortune they enjoy for the other eleven months of year. And that price is one human life. Every November. Without fail.

And so it has been for over a hundred years. To ease their guilt, the residents of Bird Street seek out individuals - usually the elderly or the terminally ill - who wish to die with dignity and are content to be helped on their way.

But this year, things don't go to plan. This year events take a terrifying turn . . .

Propulsive and haunting, Darker Days is a devastating modern take on the Faustian pact, and begs the question: how far would you go for your own happiness?

Praise for Darker Days and Thomas Olde Heuvelt

'Totally, brilliantly original' Stephen King, bestselling author of It and Carrie

'Possibly the most frightening prologue ever written' Guardian

'This is Olde Heuvelt at the height of his powers.' Alma Katsu, award-winning author of The Hunger

'A daring and uncompromising jewel of horror fiction.' Eric LaRocca, award-winning author of Things Have Gotten Worse Since We Last Spoke

'Creepy, gripping, and original.' George R. R. Martin, bestselling author of Game of Thrones

'Takes the horror/thriller genre to a whole new level.' Sarah Lotz, award-winning author of The White Road