Carly’s creepy novel is a perfectly thrilling read for spooky season

PhD student Carly Reagon has just published her second novel, Hear Him Calling, in time for Halloween. Described in reviews as ‘atmospheric and chilling’, the book was inspired by Carly’s fascination with the paranormal.

Hear Him Calling is about a young couple and their baby, who inherit a house on a mountain in North Wales. They soon discover that they are not alone – there’s a mysterious light that shines through the window and voices that can’t be explained; plus, the locals are terrified of the place and won’t go near it. The couple investigate and in doing so, discover things that they’d rather not find out about themselves, as well as the house.

Carly, who is originally from North Wales and now lives just outside Caerphilly, penned the ghostly tale as a follow-up to her debut novel, The Toll House, which was a Waterstones Welsh Book of the Month.

She is studying a PhD by portfolio in English and Creative Writing at USW, alongside her role as senior lecturer in Occupational Therapy at Cardiff University.

“I started my PhD in January this year, after researching various universities,” said Carly. “In the end, my fabulous supervisors – Professor Diana Wallace and Barrie Llewelyn – won me over. They are both extremely knowledgeable and supportive, and I knew I couldn't pass up the opportunity of working with them.

“I’m really proud of Hear Him Calling and can’t wait to see what readers think of it. I’m very lucky to have such a supportive publisher in Little, Brown UK, and have just signed another two-book contract.

“My studies have certainly helped in formulating my next novel, as I’m much more aware of the writing process and the ways in which my experiences and interests shape the plot and the characters.

“I’ve just finished writing my third book, another ghost story set in an old infirmary, and have started writing my fourth novel about a World War Two ghost. When I finish the PhD, I think I'll take a well-earned holiday!”

Hear Him Calling is available to buy now on Amazon.