👻 Ghost Stories

A Faustian Bargain: Soul for a Soul

✍️ Monique Beasley
Reader Score
4.4
(1 review)
$14.99
In stock — ready to ship Ships in 1–2 business days
📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

A mother faces a demon's debt ten years after saving her son with a prayer.

The narrative follows Gracie as she deals with the aftermath of a miracle that was actually a transaction. Ten years pass, and the cost of Lucas’s survival becomes undeniable. A dark entity haunts them, revealing hidden family secrets tied to Teresa’s beliefs. The demon Faust demands a soul, threatening to take Lucas if Gracie cannot provide an alternative. The story focuses on the psychological toll of this bargain and the unraveling of the family’s past. Gracie must find a way to break the cycle before the deadline arrives. The plot relies on the tension between maternal love and supernatural obligation.

Key Themes
Faustian bargains demonic hauntings family secrets
Literary Context

This book draws on the classic Faust legend, updating it for a modern American setting. It incorporates elements of Christian prayer and superstitious practices within a contemporary family drama. The story reflects current interests in supernatural fiction where traditional folklore intersects with everyday life.

Difficulty
●● Medium
Recommended For Fans Of
Shirley Jackson · Peter Straub · Clive Barker · Dean Koontz
👻
Ghost Stories
🏛 Independently Published 📅 2025 🌐 English 📔 Paperback ISBN: 9798262093397

📝 Description: A Faustian Bargain: Soul for a Soul

Monique Beasley presents a contemporary horror narrative centered on Gracie, a mother whose life fractures after a Christmas shopping trip ends in a severe car accident. Her son Lucas survives only because her superstitious mother Teresa urges her to recite a specific prayer. This act saves the boy but establishes a pact with a demon named Faust. The story spans ten years, moving from the immediate aftermath of the crash to the present day where the anniversary approaches. Gracie and Lucas face intensifying hauntings by a dark entity that demands payment for the life it spared. Family secrets emerge as the pressure mounts, forcing Gracie to confront the reality that she owes a soul. The narrative examines the consequences of desperate choices and the lingering power of occult traditions. Beasley structures the plot around the escalating threat posed by Faust, who seeks to claim either Lucas or another victim. This work appeals to readers who enjoy supernatural fiction involving demonic pacts and family drama. It may not suit those seeking historical gothic settings or non-fiction analyses of folklore.

💎 Our verdict on A Faustian Bargain: Soul for a Soul

“
🩸
Horror Reads editorial team
Horror desk
Beasley effectively constructs a claustrophobic atmosphere by anchoring supernatural horror in the relatable trauma of a car accident. The narrative excels in portraying the psychological toll on Gracie, making the demonic threat feel personal and immediate rather than abstract. By focusing on the ten-year aftermath, the story builds tension through the slow unraveling of family secrets and the inevitability of the demon’s demands. This approach suits readers who prefer horror rooted in emotional resonance and moral dilemmas. The portrayal of Teresa’s superstitious intervention adds depth to the occult elements, grounding the fantasy in specific cultural beliefs. While it lacks historical gothic grandeur, its intimate scope and focus on maternal love create a potent, lingering sense of dread that resonates with fans of contemporary demonic fiction.
✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

Readers seeking intense, character-driven horror will find this narrative compelling due to its focus on the visceral terror of maternal protection clashing with supernatural obligation. The book offers a tense exploration of how desperate choices create lasting consequences, appealing to those who enjoy psychological dread over gore. It is ideal for fans of family-centric horror where the home becomes a site of danger and secrets unravel under pressure. The premise of a debt owed to a demon provides a unique angle on parental love, making it suitable for audiences who appreciate stories that blend occult themes with deep emotional stakes and the fear of losing one’s child to forces beyond comprehension.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Horror Reads —

Reader rating

4.4
Based on 1 reviews
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Horror Reads editorial team

Beasley effectively constructs a claustrophobic atmosphere by anchoring supernatural horror in the relatable trauma of a car accident. The narrative excels in portraying the psychological toll on Gracie, making the demonic threat feel personal and immediate rather than abstract. By focusing on the ten-year aftermath, the story builds tension through the slow unraveling of family secrets and the inevitability of the demon’s demands. This approach suits readers who prefer horror rooted in emotional resonance and moral dilemmas. The portrayal of Teresa’s superstitious intervention adds depth to the occult elements, grounding the fantasy in specific cultural beliefs. While it lacks historical gothic grandeur, its intimate scope and focus on maternal love create a potent, lingering sense of dread that resonates with fans of contemporary demonic fiction.

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