By Jim Mcleod 
Neil McRobert’s ‘Good Boy’ is a strong contender for novella of the year
Even though I knew how the story was going to end, it has a certain inevitability, it still had me cheering (and tearing up) from my sofa. Great things come and small packages and Good Boy nails it on every level. Easily one of the best releases of 2025.
A Horror Book Review by Tony Jones
Neil McRobert’s Good Boy is the fifth release in The Northern Weird Project, by Wild Hunt Books. The overall project encompasses six novellas, published across 2025, by authors who are living and writing in the North of England.
These are a mixture of the supernatural and the strange, stories with a powerful sense of local setting and history. The series also features Matt Wesolowski (Don’t Call Mum), Stephen Howard (This House Isn’t Haunted But We Are), Jodie Robins (The Off-Season), Gemma Fairclough (The Retreat) and Katherine Clements (Turbine 34). At the time of writing I have read five out of six, hoping to complete the full set ASAP, as they rarely disappoint. This series of loosely themed novellas impresses and a unique interpretation of odd happenings in the North of England.
Good Boy is a superb addition to the set and I devoured it over one totally enthralled evening. The range of stories in The Northern Weird Project is top notch, but Good Boy truly blew me away; if you enjoy a story with a strong and sympathetic canine character then this is unmissable.
Last year, when I read Nick Robert’s Mean Spirited I doubted I would come across a dog character which would have such a strong impact, that was until I came across ‘Riot’ from this highly memorable novella. Normally when I see a byline on a book which trumpets “IT meets The Fisherman in this story of supernatural horror, nostalgia and mystery” I would be totally cynical and sneer “yeah, right” but on this occasion I nod in agreement, with McRobert nailing in one hundred pages, without wasting a word, in what Stephen King takes a thousand pages to achieve.
In the small northern town of Symester a child has disappeared, we quickly find out that this has occurred on numerous occasions in the past. Whilst looking from her window Margie sees an elderly man outside with a shovel burying something. Expecting the worse, she confronts him and gets to talking to the old man, quickly realising he is burying his dead dog and not a child. Inviting him in for a cup of tea, Jim tells Margie the bizarre story of what he knows about the child abductions, as he was almost a victim himself when a small boy. Margie is dubious; how could the same child snatcher still be operating after so many years?
This is a very odd coming-of-age tale, as most of the story is Jim reflecting back on his childhood and how he and a dog he adopts (Riot) wage a secret battle against a powerful supernatural being. On one level Good Boy concerns a beautiful friendship between Jim and his dog, you might even shed a tear or two, as it develops into so much more with Jim becoming an invisible hero, who gives up his life to protect the local area from a creature particularly attracted to this area.
The descriptions of the rundown town of Symester was terrific, particularly the area known as the ‘Square’ which many children instinctively avoid, but that Jim and Riot know need to be monitored closely. I loved the manner in which the story moved onto Jim’s teenage years, his first love was particularly touching and how his eternal battle with the creature impacted this. His relationship with his parents was equally moving, especially the manner in which Riot entered their lives and was quickly loved by all. If you ever adored a pet as a kid, Riot is sure to bring all those feelings bubbling back.
During the COVID pandemic we often saw the slogan “not all heroes wear capes” and this made me think of Jim and Riot. The boy is beautifully brought to life, with the reader feeling his intense discomfort when he was unable to carry out his patrols, with him and the dog becoming almost telepathic. Even though I knew how the story was going to end, it has a certain inevitability, it still had me cheering (and tearing up) from my sofa. Great things come and small packages and Good Boy nails it on every level. Easily one of the best releases of 2025.
Tony Jones
Good Boy by Neil McRobert
After a boy vanishes on the outskirts of a small Northern town, a woman spies from her window a mysterious man digging a grave in the exact spot of the disappearance. However, when she confronts him, the man’s true purpose is far more chilling than she could have imagined and the history of the town’s fatal past unfolds. What has been hiding in this small northern town all these years?
Check out our other review of The Northern Weird Project
Matt Wesolowski’s Bold (Don’t) Call Mum
This House Isn’t Haunted But We Are by Stephen Howard
Turbine 34: Yorkshire Moors Folk Horror by Katherine Clements
Horror Book Reviews on Ginger Nuts of Horror
For fans of horror literature, The Ginger Nuts of Horror website is an essential destination that should not be overlooked. This platform offers a dedicated horror book review section that caters specifically to the needs of horror enthusiasts. With its unique blend of insightful critiques, expert recommendations, and a vibrant community, the site serves as a treasure trove for anyone seeking their next spine-chilling read.
One of the standout features of the horror book review section is its diversity. Readers can discover everything from classic horror novels to contemporary indie gems, ensuring that there’s something for everyone. Each review is thoughtfully penned, providing not just a summary but also a deep dive into the themes, writing style, and overall atmosphere of the works. This allows readers to gauge whether a particular book aligns with their preferences.
For those passionate about horror literature, checking out this section is a must!
