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The Vessel

By: Adam Nevill
Narrated by: Bridget Thomas
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Summary

An eerie folk horror novel from the author of Cunning Folk, The Reddening, The Ritual, No One Gets Out Alive and the four-time winner of the August Derleth Award for Best Horror Novel.

"A watcher may remark that after sleeping for so long, the building appears to have been roused."

Struggling with money, raising a child alone, and fleeing a volatile ex, Jess McMachen accepts a job caring for an elderly patient. Flo Gardner–a disturbed shut-in and invalid. But if Jess can hold this job down, she and her daughter, Izzy, can begin a new life.

Flo's vast home, Nerthus House, may resemble a stately vicarage in an idyllic village, but the labyrinthine interior is a dark, cluttered warren filled with pagan artefacts.

And Nerthus House lives in the shadow of a malevolent secret. A sinister enigma determined to reveal itself to Jess and to drive her to the end of her tether. Not only is she stricken by the malign manipulation of the Vicarage's bleak past, but mercurial Flo is soon casting a baleful influence over young Izzy. What appeared to be a routine job soon becomes a battle for Jess' sanity and the control of her child.

It's as if an ancient ritual was triggered when Jess crossed the threshold of the vicarage. A rite leading her and Izzy to a terrifying critical mass, where all will be lost or saved.

©2022 Adam L. G. Nevill (P)2022 Adam L. G. Nevill
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Critic reviews

"You don’t read an Adam Nevill horror novel: you live it." (The Guardian)

What listeners say about The Vessel

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Wonderful!

Beautifully written and very skillfully read. I loved The Vessel!!! Wish I could explain why but that would be spoiling it 😀

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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Meh

Had a couple of creepy moments but on the whole I’m glad it was so short.

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  • Overall
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Another cracking folk horror

Again Adam Nevill has delivered a brilliant folk horror tale. Shorter than his usual fare but gripping none the less.
well worth checking out, the narrator was chosen to compliment the story completely and delivers a flawless performance.
Can't wait fo the next one.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Oh yes, another creeping tale, delightful!

I have to say I’m somewhat biased, I absolutely delight in the tangled Miasmah and creeping darkness of Mr Nevels, warped and twisted mind, very signature indeed.

A short story, but clearly written by the man himself starts out simple enough and gradually draws you in in a warm and pleasant, if not slightly disturbed storyline, and thoroughly enjoyed it.
Heats up at the end obviously characters really do start to pop. Very enjoyable overall.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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Good but not his best

I've read everything Nevill has written and listened to them too. This is not his best although that is still a high bar.
If you're looking for a top class listen go for Cunning Folk or The Ritual first. Both are fantastic and very well read. Then come back and get this one!

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    4 out of 5 stars
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Enjoyable short story

As a short story I enjoyed it. Looking forward to reading more by the author.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Overhyped!

It's an OK story. Narration was a little odd. A few words were said really oddly, which irked me, and some of the storytelling was a little repetitive.

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big fan of this writer but not this story

just not for me and short. look forward to the next one I'm sure. The characters were okay but not gripping or particular scary. pretty dull all round. short story sort of feel to it.

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Waste of a credit

Brief and boring. Not up to usual AN standard. Will be asking audible for a refund.

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