🕯️ Supernatural

Tell No Man

✍️ T J Tranchell
Reader Score
4.5
(1 review)
$15.99
In stock — ready to ship Ships in 1–2 business days
📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

A Mormon mother battles an ancient evil that defies traditional religious rites.

Tranchell constructs a horror narrative rooted in specific religious contexts. Maddie Smith’s struggle begins with financial ruin but quickly evolves into a battle for her family’s safety. The inclusion of Bishop Blaine Griffen and Rey Montoya provides historical depth, linking past failures to present dangers. The absence of standard Catholic exorcism elements forces characters to rely on different methods. The painting serves as a conduit for the entity that follows Maddie home. This structure highlights the isolation of her situation and the weight of her faith.

Key Themes
Mormon folklore family survival religious authority
Literary Context

The story is set in Blackhawk, Utah, and draws on Mormon traditions. It contrasts these with Catholic exorcism practices. The narrative spans from 1973 to the present day, exploring how faith operates when traditional tools are ineffective against supernatural threats.

Difficulty
●● Medium
Recommended For Fans Of
Clive Barker · Peter Straub · Stephen King · Ramsey Campbell
🕯️
Supernatural
🏛 Last Days Books 📅 2021 📖 190 pages 🌐 English 📔 Paperback ISBN: 9780578827599

📝 Description: Tell No Man

T J Tranchell’s Tell No Man centers on Maddie Smith, a single Mormon mother facing foreclosure in Blackhawk, Utah. She discovers an old sandstone house that is not truly empty. A painting she views draws something alive into her life. Her sons Brandon and David remain at home while this threat follows her. The narrative shifts to 1973, when Bishop Blaine Griffen and his former mission companion Rey Montoya failed to save a young woman from Hell. Forty-five years later, they receive a second chance to intervene. The story examines the limits of faith when traditional Catholic tools like crosses or holy water are absent. Maddie’s strength as a parent is tested against forces that defy standard exorcism practices. This novel suits readers interested in Mormon folklore and supernatural horror set in Utah. It draws on religious traditions where Latin rites and holy water do not apply. The plot relies on the tension between spiritual authority and ancient evil. Those seeking fast-paced action or secular thrillers may find the focus on faith and isolation less engaging. The story concludes with a biblical command to tell no man what occurred, lest they not believe.

💎 Our verdict on Tell No Man

“
🩸
Horror Reads editorial team
Horror desk
Tranchell constructs a compelling horror narrative that diverges from standard exorcism tropes by grounding the conflict in Mormon theological contexts. The novel effectively utilizes the absence of Catholic rituals to heighten the protagonist's isolation and desperation. By linking past failures in 1973 with present-day dangers, the story adds necessary historical depth to Maddie Smith’s struggle against a painting-borne entity. The focus on faith, financial ruin, and familial protection creates a tense atmosphere suitable for fans of religious horror. However, readers preferring secular thrillers or rapid action may find the emphasis on spiritual isolation less engaging. It remains a strong entry for those interested in how specific religious traditions shape supernatural encounters.
✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

Readers with an interest in Mormon folklore and supernatural horror set in Utah will find this novel particularly engaging. It offers a unique perspective on the limits of faith when traditional religious tools like crosses or holy water are unavailable. The story provides a compelling examination of isolation and the weight of religious duty, contrasting standard exorcism practices with alternative methods required by the specific theological context. Those who appreciate horror rooted in specific cultural and religious traditions will gain from its exploration of spiritual authority against ancient evil, while avoiding those seeking fast-paced secular thrillers.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Horror Reads —

Reader rating

4.5
Based on 1 reviews
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Horror Reads editorial team

Tranchell constructs a compelling horror narrative that diverges from standard exorcism tropes by grounding the conflict in Mormon theological contexts. The novel effectively utilizes the absence of Catholic rituals to heighten the protagonist's isolation and desperation. By linking past failures in 1973 with present-day dangers, the story adds necessary historical depth to Maddie Smith’s struggle against a painting-borne entity. The focus on faith, financial ruin, and familial protection creates a tense atmosphere suitable for fans of religious horror. However, readers preferring secular thrillers or rapid action may find the emphasis on spiritual isolation less engaging. It remains a strong entry for those interested in how specific religious traditions shape supernatural encounters.

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