Boys in the Valley

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.

©2023 Philip Fracassi (P)2023 Macmillan Audio

Reseñas de la Crítica

“The prose is precise, the terror’s exquisite, and Fracassi’s got his hand on the chisel going into your chest.”—Stephen Graham Jones, New York Times bestselling author of My Heart Is a Chainsaw

“A sublimely chilling story….Fracassi almost cheerfully paints this gloomy tale with painfully beautiful and detailed prose that is not afraid to shy away from gore and terror.”—Library Journal, STARRED review

“Gut-wrenching, heartbreaking, and terrifying.”—Andy Davidson, author of The Hollow Kind

Great Narration

I saw this book on a list of Top 10 Horror Books of 2023. I thought I would give it a try. It was better than I expected. The narration was great. David Aaron Baker was fabulous once again.

Excellent coming of age horror

Great book in one of my favorite genres. A Catholic boys home, terror, kids turned evil...some that have not. Gruesome horror with choices being made between good and evil, sometimes for survival. through it all there are moments of hope and chances for redemption. I loved this one, Fracassi nailed the genre.

Nasty little gem!

Enjoyed this story very much- characters were well developed, setting/time was interesting, and horror elements were on point!

Amazing characters and story telling

My first ever review on a book, I have to say I could not put this book down. The horror and tragedy this book brings is unparalleled. There are also some very touching moments. I constantly found myself loving the complexity of every character. Great read, you wont regret it.

Terrifying and uplifting

Philip Fracassi has an incredible knack for making those who aren’t scared of anything end up sleeping with all of the lights on! Best read on my list this year. Hands down!