🩸 Horror Fiction

The Ghoul of Socorro

✍️ James K Burk
Reader Score
4.4
(1 review)
$7.99
In stock — ready to ship Ships in 1–2 business days
📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

A fourth Night Marshal novel exploring Native American folklore and supernatural threats.

Jack encounters warnings about a mythical figure named Coyote who walks at night. A smith explains that Death accompanies this being to compensate for its inability to perish. Jack questions the validity of these claims while navigating a community steeped in fear. The story examines the clash between modern skepticism and traditional beliefs. Burk uses dialogue to reveal the stakes without resorting to action-heavy sequences. The focus remains on the psychological weight of impending doom. Readers follow Jack’s internal struggle as he weighs the truth against his own rationality. The narrative avoids supernatural exposition, relying instead on local lore to build atmosphere. This approach creates a sense of isolation and vulnerability for the protagonist.

Key Themes
Coyote folklore Death and immortality Night Marshal series
Literary Context

The work sits within the American horror genre, specifically drawing on Native American traditions surrounding Coyote. It is part of the Night Marshal series, published in 2014 by Createspace Independent Publishing Platform.

Difficulty
●● Medium
Recommended For Fans Of
C.J. Henderson · Charles L. Grant · Silas House
🩸
Horror Fiction
🏛 Createspace Independent Publishing Platform 📅 2014 📖 86 pages 🌐 English 📔 Paperback ISBN: 9781495457852

📝 Description: The Ghoul of Socorro

James K Burk presents the fourth installment in his Night Marshal series with The Ghoul of Socorro. This novel follows Jack as he investigates unsettling rumors in a remote locale. A local smith warns him that Coyote walks at night, bringing Death along to balance the trickster’s immortality. Jack must decide if these tales are mere superstition or a genuine threat. The narrative draws on Native American folklore and supernatural horror traditions. Burk structures the story around Jack’s interaction with locals who fear the mythical figure. The plot hinges on the tension between rational skepticism and ancient legends. Readers interested in urban fantasy and mythological horror will find this entry engaging. Those preferring historical non-fiction or contemporary romance may not connect with the material. Burk qualifies as a writer of supernatural fiction through this series. The book suits fans of character-driven horror who appreciate folklore-based plots. It does not suit readers seeking lighthearted adventure or scientific explanations for the unexplained. The story remains grounded in the immediate danger Jack faces from an entity that cannot die.

💎 Our verdict on The Ghoul of Socorro

“
🩸
Horror Reads editorial team
Horror desk
Burk effectively constructs an atmosphere of isolation and vulnerability through dialogue rather than explicit exposition. The focus on Jack’s internal struggle against his own rationality creates a compelling psychological landscape. By avoiding supernatural explanation and relying on local lore, the narrative builds a palpable sense of impending doom. This approach suits readers who prefer character-driven horror over action. The clash between modern views and ancient legends provides a rich thematic backdrop. While it may not appeal to those seeking historical non-fiction or lighthearted adventure, it delivers a solid supernatural experience. The book succeeds in grounding the danger in immediate stakes, making the mythical figure feel tangible and terrifying through its immortality.
✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

Readers who appreciate character-driven horror and folklore-based plots will find significant value in this entry. The book offers a compelling exploration of the tension between rational skepticism and traditional beliefs, making it ideal for those who enjoy psychological weight over action-heavy sequences. It suits fans of urban fantasy and mythological horror who want to see how ancient legends impact modern lives. Those interested in the isolation and vulnerability of protagonists facing impending doom will engage deeply with Jack’s internal struggle. This narrative provides a grounded look at supernatural threats without relying on exposition, appealing to readers who prefer atmosphere and local lore to build a sense of dread.

⭐ 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

Burk effectively constructs an atmosphere of isolation and vulnerability through dialogue rather than explicit exposition. The focus on Jack’s internal struggle against his own rationality creates a compelling psychological landscape. By avoiding supernatural explanation and relying on local lore, the narrative builds a palpable sense of impending doom. This approach suits readers who prefer character-driven horror over action. The clash between modern views and ancient legends provides a rich thematic backdrop. While it may not appeal to those seeking historical non-fiction or lighthearted adventure, it delivers a solid supernatural experience. The book succeeds in grounding the danger in immediate stakes, making the mythical figure feel tangible and terrifying through its immortality.

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