May Never The Dead Return

John M W Smith’s May Never The Dead Return follows Matt Black as he questions his sanity while holding telepathic conversations with a beast in Inglefield Wood. Farmers intend to shoot the creature, but Matt opposes this action until the animal becomes wounded and dangerous. The narrative tracks the failed attempts by armed police and locals to locate the hiding beast. Matt’s ex-girlfriend Allegra and her ill brother Jo-jo appear as central figures in this unfolding drama. Smith explores how bereavement drives a young person into fantasy, questioning whether adults can be forgiven for letting them down. The story asks if we can blame an animal for surviving or if humans differ in their actions. It examines the ethics of medicating someone who poses no threat and challenges the reader to consider what is right. Matt seeks resolution for his internal turmoil through this winding path. He discovers that losing someone requires moving forward, a truth he accepts at great personal cost. The narrative concludes with his wish that the dead never return, grounding the supernatural elements in human grief. This work suits readers interested in psychological horror and rural gothic fiction. It appeals to those who enjoy stories where the monster is ambiguous and the real conflict lies within the protagonist’s mind. The book draws on traditions of supernatural fiction that blur the line between mental illness and magical reality. Smith qualifies himself through this exploration of grief and perception. Readers seeking clear-cut good versus evil tales or fast-paced action may find the pacing deliberate. The text does not offer easy answers to its moral questions. It remains focused on Matt’s personal journey and his relationship with the wild creature.