The Venomous Serpent: A Novel of Horror
A cursed brass rubbing brings ancient evil to life in Derbyshire.
The plot follows Sally and Andrew as their bedroom decoration becomes a portal for malevolent forces. The erased face on the de Latours plaque hints at hidden history and violent pasts. As the moonlight activates the static image, the boundary between art and reality dissolves. The couple’s inability to stop the spreading horror drives the tension. Ball uses the setting of an abandoned church to ground the supernatural events in a tangible, decaying location. The story examines how objects can retain memory and malice long after their creators are gone. This approach creates a sense of inevitable doom for the protagonists.
This novel draws on British gothic fiction traditions, specifically the trope of haunted artifacts in rural England. The setting in an abandoned Derbyshire church connects to historical English heritage sites often associated with local legends and forgotten lore.
📝 Description: The Venomous Serpent: A Novel of Horror
💎 Our verdict on The Venomous Serpent: A Novel of Horror
📖 Why choose it
Why this book is worth reading
Readers who appreciate the slow, creeping tension of classic gothic horror will find this novel deeply satisfying. It offers a compelling exploration of how inanimate objects can retain malice and memory, transforming a mundane souvenir into a vessel for ancient evil. The story appeals to those who favor atmospheric dread over visceral gore or rapid-fire action sequences. By grounding supernatural events in the decaying reality of an abandoned Derbyshire church, Ball creates a sense of inevitable doom that resonates with fans of haunted house narratives. It is ideal for audiences seeking a traditional tale where the boundary between art and reality dissolves under the weight of historical sin and cursed legacy.
⭐ Reader reviews
Reader rating
Brian Ball delivers a chilling narrative that effectively utilizes the abandoned Derbyshire village church setting to enhance its supernatural elements. The premise of a cursed brass rubbing, specifically one with an erased face, provides a fresh twist on the haunted object trope. The description highlights how moonlight activates the static image, creating a tangible sense of dread as the boundary between art and reality blurs. Ball’s strength lies in weaving gothic traditions into a confined community setting, allowing for a slow realization of danger rather than immediate shock. This approach suits readers who enjoy atmospheric horror where the tension builds through the protagonists' powerlessness against spreading evil. It is a solid entry for those valuing mood and tradition over modern psychological complexity.
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