🩸 Horror Fiction

The Trend Setters

✍️ J E Smith
Reader Score
4.6
(1 review)
$23.00
In stock — ready to ship Ships in 1–2 business days
📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

A viral ghost hunting prank in Bar Harbor leads to a deadly supernatural mystery.

The story centers on Wren Crowley, an aspiring influencer in Bar Harbor who wants to achieve online fame. Her plan involves conducting a ghost hunting prank that goes wrong in the Atlantic Ocean. When the stunt becomes fatal, she must confront the dark mystery surrounding the event. J E Smith, known for Candy House, uses this premise to explore themes of digital obsession and supernatural retribution. The narrative does not offer easy answers but instead immerses the reader in the chilling atmosphere of the aftermath. It is a thriller that questions the price of attention in the modern age.

Key Themes
viral fame ghost hunting prank supernatural mystery
Literary Context

Set in Bar Harbor, this 2026 release by Great Fern Publishing reflects contemporary anxieties about social media validation. It connects the modern desire for viral content with traditional horror tropes, bridging digital culture and supernatural fiction.

Difficulty
●● Medium
Recommended For Fans Of
Shelley Jackson · Paul Tremblay · Colin Harrison · Stephen King
🩸
Horror Fiction
🏛 Great Fern Publishing 📅 2026 🌐 English 📔 Paperback ISBN: 9798256171360

📝 Description: The Trend Setters

Wren Crowley seeks internet fame in Bar Harbor. Her attempt to go viral involves a ghost hunting prank that turns fatal in the icy Atlantic waters. The narrative follows her efforts to solve the resulting dark mystery after the deadly incident occurs. This supernatural thriller by J E Smith draws on the author’s previous work, Candy House, to establish a tone of chilling suspense. The story focuses on the consequences of seeking attention through dangerous stunts and the eerie aftermath that ensues. The book is published by Great Fern Publishing in 2026. It targets readers who enjoy supernatural fiction with a focus on modern digital culture and its darker implications. Those looking for lighthearted comedy or traditional gothic romance may find the tone too harsh. The plot relies on the tension between online validation and real-world peril. Smith’s background in writing Candy House suggests a style that blends contemporary social media obsessions with classic horror elements. The narrative structure likely moves from the initial prank to the investigation of the mystery, keeping the reader engaged with the stakes involved. This title suits fans of bone-chilling thrillers who appreciate stories about the cost of virality. It does not suit readers who prefer historical settings or non-fiction accounts of ghost hunting. The focus remains tightly on Wren’s personal journey and the supernatural forces she inadvertently awakens.

💎 Our verdict on The Trend Setters

“
🩸
Horror Reads editorial team
Horror desk
Smith crafts a tense supernatural thriller that effectively blends contemporary social media anxieties with chilling suspense. The narrative immerses readers in the aftermath of a fatal stunt, questioning the price of attention in the modern age. While the tone is harsh and lacks lighthearted comedy, this suits fans of serious horror fiction. The story avoids easy answers, instead focusing on the eerie consequences of seeking online validation through danger. It is a strong choice for those who prefer psychological depth over traditional gothic romance or historical settings.
✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

Readers who appreciate the chilling intersection of modern social media obsessions and classic horror elements will find this book compelling. It offers a suspenseful exploration of digital obsession, making it ideal for those interested in stories about the cost of virality. The narrative appeals to fans of supernatural fiction that critiques contemporary culture rather than offering easy answers. Those who enjoy bone-chilling thrillers with a focus on the darker implications of internet fame will gain from its eerie atmosphere and high stakes.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Horror Reads —

Reader rating

4.6
Based on 1 reviews
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Horror Reads editorial team

Smith crafts a tense supernatural thriller that effectively blends contemporary social media anxieties with chilling suspense. The narrative immerses readers in the aftermath of a fatal stunt, questioning the price of attention in the modern age. While the tone is harsh and lacks lighthearted comedy, this suits fans of serious horror fiction. The story avoids easy answers, instead focusing on the eerie consequences of seeking online validation through danger. It is a strong choice for those who prefer psychological depth over traditional gothic romance or historical settings.

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