🩸 Horror Fiction

Always Beside You

✍️ Damir Salkovic
Reader Score
4.4
(1 review)
$18.95
In stock — ready to ship Ships in 1–2 business days
📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

A thriller blending detective work with parallel worlds and occult mysticism.

The story connects a fugitive father, a grieving detective, and a past trauma through supernatural events. Thomas Elbert’s escape serves as the catalyst that pulls Nate Carver and Alec Palmer into a mystery involving Cathy Deveraux. The plot moves from personal grief to cosmic stakes as they explore mysticism and alternate realities in Boston.

Key Themes
parallel worlds occult mysticism prison escape
Literary Context

Published by Grinning Skull Press in 2021, this work sits within the contemporary American horror genre. It draws on traditions of gothic fiction and supernatural mystery, focusing on metaphysical concepts like alternate realities rather than historical periods.

Difficulty
●●● Challenging
Recommended For Fans Of
H.P. Lovecraft · Neil Gaiman · Stephen King · Thomas Ligotti
🩸
Horror Fiction
🏛 Grinning Skull Press 📅 2021 🌐 English 📔 Paperback ISBN: 9781947227606

📝 Description: Always Beside You

Damir Salkovic’s Always Beside You follows Nate Carver, a man running with a daughter he did not know existed, and Detective Alec Palmer. Their paths converge in Boston after Palmer investigates the prison escape and subsequent death of Thomas Elbert. This catatonic killer had suddenly awakened only to flee, raising questions about murder versus suicide. Meanwhile, Nate receives a message from a stranger that echoes a dream, compelling him to assist Cathy Deveraux, a woman he has not considered for eight years since her near-fatal overdose. The narrative draws the characters into the dark world of the occult and mysticism. They encounter parallel worlds and alternate realities where doors open onto different times and places. Dreams refuse to be ignored as these individuals realize they are pawns in a larger game involving the fate of the world. Salkovic, writing for Grinning Skull Press, blends supernatural fiction with thriller elements. This book suits readers interested in gothic horror and metaphysical mystery. It may not appeal to those seeking straightforward police procedurals without occult undertones or readers who prefer resolved endings over ambiguous cosmic threats.

💎 Our verdict on Always Beside You

“
🩸
Horror Reads editorial team
Horror desk
Salkovic crafts a haunting narrative where personal grief meets cosmic dread, effectively blending detective fiction with occult mysticism. The convergence of fugitive and investigator in Boston creates tension, while the exploration of parallel worlds adds metaphysical depth. The book succeeds in its atmospheric ambiguity, appealing to readers who favor gothic horror over procedural clarity. It is best suited for those comfortable with unresolved cosmic threats and complex character dynamics. The writing captures the disorientation of dreams and alternate realities well. However, it may frustrate readers seeking definitive answers or traditional crime resolution. Its strength lies in its thematic richness and eerie tone rather than plot simplicity.
✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

Readers who enjoy complex narratives intertwining detective work with supernatural mystery will find this book compelling. It appeals to those fascinated by the intersection of psychological trauma and cosmic horror, offering a journey through alternate realities and occult themes. The story provides intellectual stimulation for fans of metaphysical questions and ambiguous endings. It is ideal for audiences seeking deeper thematic layers beyond standard police procedurals. Those interested in how personal grief intersects with larger existential threats will appreciate the emotional depth. The blend of thriller pacing with mystical elements offers a unique reading experience for those tired of straightforward resolutions.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Horror Reads —

Reader rating

4.4
Based on 1 reviews
5
0
4
1
3
0
2
0
1
0
H
Horror Reads editorial team

Salkovic crafts a haunting narrative where personal grief meets cosmic dread, effectively blending detective fiction with occult mysticism. The convergence of fugitive and investigator in Boston creates tension, while the exploration of parallel worlds adds metaphysical depth. The book succeeds in its atmospheric ambiguity, appealing to readers who favor gothic horror over procedural clarity. It is best suited for those comfortable with unresolved cosmic threats and complex character dynamics. The writing captures the disorientation of dreams and alternate realities well. However, it may frustrate readers seeking definitive answers or traditional crime resolution. Its strength lies in its thematic richness and eerie tone rather than plot simplicity.

✍️ More books by this author Damir Salkovic

Pareidolia
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.5
Damir Salkovic
Pareidolia
$16.99
78
Read →
Pareidolia
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.5
Damir Salkovic
Pareidolia
$26.99
81
Read →

🏛 Books from this publisher Grinning Skull Press

Prepare to Meet Thy God
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.5
Matt Starr
Prepare to Meet Thy God
$14.95
78
Read →
Pandemonium
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.5
Leo Darke
Pandemonium
$17.95
81
Read →
The Midnight Lullaby
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.5
Cheryl Low
The Midnight Lullaby
$13.95
81
Read →
Horrorfrost
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.5
Edward Newton
Horrorfrost
$14.95
78
Read →
Emily in the Wall: Twelve Chilling Tales of Horror and Suspense
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.5
Neil Davies
Emily in the Wall: Twelve Chilling Tales of Horror and Suspense
$14.95
78
Read →
Frankenstein's Mistress: Tales of Love & Monsters
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.5
Michael McCarty
Frankenstein's Mistress: Tales of Love & Monsters
$13.95
78
Read →

You might also like

See more →
Pareidolia
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.5
1
Damir Salkovic
Pareidolia
$26.99
81
Read →
Sawney Bone: Book Two in the 101 Ways to Hell Series
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
1
Leo Darke
Sawney Bone: Book Two in the 101 Ways to Hell Series
$19.95
86
Read →
Zombies!
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
1
Paul Kane
Zombies!
$16.95
86
Read →
A Pig's View of Heaven
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
1
Stephen McQuiggan
A Pig's View of Heaven
$16.95
86
Read →
Grave Markers, Volume Six
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
1
Rob Smales
Grave Markers, Volume Six
$14.95
86
Read →
Night Sounds
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
1
Kevin David Anderson
Night Sounds
$14.95
86
Read →

Have a question about this item?

Ask about the edition, condition, delivery or anything else — we reply by email or phone, usually within a day.

Home Genres
Cart
Wishlist