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Critically Recognized
  • Boys in the Valley by Philip Fracassi book cover
  • Boys in the Valley by Philip Fracassi book cover
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Boys in the Valley

by Philip Fracassi

An isolated orphanage, divided from within

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Awards & Recognition

  • Award recognition

    British Fantasy Award finalist for Best Horror Novel

    Finalist for Best Horror Novel.

  • Editorial selection

    Esquire Best Horror Book of 2023

    Named an Esquire Best Horror Book of 2023.

  • Critical praise

    Library Journal starred review

    Starred review; described as “A sublimely chilling story.”

AlbakiReads Editorial

An isolated orphanage, divided from within

Set in an early-twentieth-century Pennsylvania valley, the novel confines its horror to St. Vincent’s Orphanage, where thirty boys live under the care of priests. Peter Barlow has built a sense of family and a possible future there, but the arrival of a wounded stranger bearing occult symbols brings an ancient evil into the institution. As the boys change, form factions, and begin to die, Peter and those close to him face choices with spiritual as well as immediate consequences. The orphanage’s closed community makes loyalty, belonging, and the strain of growing up part of the supernatural conflict.

Good fit for readers who enjoy

  • Readers interested in occult and supernatural horror set in an isolated institution.
  • Readers drawn to coming-of-age stories centered on loyalty, friendship, and group divisions.
  • Readers looking for horror featuring an early-twentieth-century setting and an ensemble of boys.

Themes

Occult and supernatural evilComing of ageBelonging and chosen familyLoyalty and division

Based on publisher information and book metadata.

Book overview

"Old-school horror." ―STEPHEN KING

The Exorcist meets Lord of the Flies in Boys in the Valley, a brilliant coming-of-age tale from award-winning author Philip Fracassi.

An Esquire Best Horror Book of 2023! - A British Fantasy Award finalist for Best Horror Novel!
"A sublimely chilling story." --Library Journal, STARRED review

St. Vincent's Orphanage for Boys.

Early twentieth century, in a remote valley in Pennsylvania.

Here, under the watchful eyes of several priests, thirty boys work, learn, and worship. Peter Barlow, orphaned as a child by a gruesome murder, has made a new life here. As he approaches adulthood, he has friends, a future...a family.

Then, late one stormy night, a group of men arrive at their door, one of whom is badly wounded, occult symbols carved into his flesh. His death releases an ancient evil that spreads like sickness, infecting St. Vincent's and the children within. Soon, boys begin acting differently, forming groups. Taking sides.

Others turn up dead.

Now Peter and those dear to him must choose sides of their own, each of them knowing their lives -- and perhaps their eternal souls -- are at risk.

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