In this supernatural thriller that’s “cruel, bone-chlling, and destined to become a classic” (Nick Cutter), bestselling horror author Ania Ahlborn asks: How far would you go for success? What would you be capable of if the promise of forever was real? With his marriage on the rocks and his life in shambles, washed-up true-crime writer Lucas Graham is desperate for a comeback, one more shot at the bestselling success he once enjoyed. His chance comes when he’s promised exclusive access to death row inmate Jeffrey Halcomb, the notorious cult leader and mass murderer who’s ready to break his silence after thirty years, and who contacted Lucas personally from his maximum-security cell. With nothing left to lose, Lucas leaves New York to live and work from the scene of the crime: a split-level farmhouse on a gray-sanded beach in Washington State whose foundation is steeped in the blood of Halcomb’s diviners—runaways who were drawn to his message of family, unity, and unconditional love. There, Lucas sets out to capture the real story of the departed faithful. Except that he’s not alone. For Jeffrey Halcomb promised his devout eternal life…and within these walls, they’re far from dead. "Terrifyingly sad…. Within These Walls creeps under your skin, and stays there. It’s insidious….The book’s atmosphere is distinctly damp, clammy, overcast, and it isn’t all the Washington weather: its characters’ souls are gray, dimmed by failure. Ahlborn is awfully good on the insecurities that plague both aging writers…and oversensitive young girls…which leave them vulnerable to those who…know how to get into their heads. So grim.” — The New York Times Book Review "Cruel, bone-chilling, and destined to become a classic, Within These Walls is worth the sleep it will cost you. Some of the most promising horror I've encountered in years." —Seanan McGuire, New York Times bestselling author “A monstrous Russian nesting doll of a book, holding secrets within secrets; the plot barrels headlong towards one of the most shocking climaxes you’re ever likely to read. This one’s going to wreck you." —Nick Cutter, national bestselling author of The Troop and The Queen “Ania Ahlborn is a great storyteller who spins an atmosphere of dread literally from the first page, increasing the mental pressure all the way through to the terrifying, chilling ending.” —Jeff Somers, acclaimed author of The Electric Church and We Are Not Good People "Ever-mounting terror and a foreboding setting make for pure storytelling alchemy....Ania Ahlborn goes for the gut with surprise twists that will stay with you for days. Not a book, or an author, that you'll soon forget." —Vicki Pettersson, New York Times bestselling author Ania Ahlborn is the bestselling author of the horror works Brother , If You See Her , The Devil Crept In , Within These Walls , The Bird Eater , The Shuddering , The Neighbors , and Seed , the thrillers Good and Joyful Things and Dark Across the Bay , the novella collection Apart in the Dark , and the novellas Palmetto , I Call Upon Thee , and The Pretty Ones . Born in Ciechanów, Poland, she now lives with her family in North Carolina. Visit her at AniaAhlborn.com or follow the author on Facebook (@Ania.Ahlborn.Author) and Instagram (@AniaAhlborn). Within These Walls 1 YOU’VE GOT TO be kidding.” Caroline Graham pivoted on the soles of her feet, coffeepot in hand, and for the briefest of moments, Lucas saw his wife’s intentions reflected in the blue of her eyes. He imagined her arm pistoning away from her, freshly brewed coffee splashing out of the carafe in a caramel-colored wave. Delicate ripples of steam would dance ghostlike through the air before spraying across his face and neck, scalding him, because Caroline had no more words. This was it. He had pushed her too far. “No,” she said, calm as she set the coffeepot on the kitchen counter, but it was nothing more than a momentary suppression of outrage. Caroline was the master of the slow burn, and no matter how hard she tried to hide it, he knew he’d just lit her fuse. He saw it in the way her fresh manicure gripped the edge of the sink. She stood with her back to him, and while he couldn’t see her face, he was sure of her expression—lips tight, teeth clamped, the space between her eyebrows puckered into an angry ridge. It was Caroline’s go-to face when it came to fury and outrage. Lately, it felt as though it was the only expression she wore. “No, this is crazy, just crazy. Goddammit. Of all the times, Lou . . .” It was a wonder she still called him by his nickname. Lucas was keeping a mental tally of his full name in ratio to the shortened one, and the scales had definitely tipped toward the formal Lucas rather than the more affectionate Lou. When they had first met, Caroline had a penchant for calling him Louie, but that was a name that had altogether disappeared, and from the look of it, it was only a matter of time before Lou suf