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Mark Steen

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Bellmere Common: There's nothing common about Bellmere Kindle Edition

by Mark Steen (Author) Format: Kindle Edition

96 ratings

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Patrick never knew he had an aunt until he was told she was dead. No one had ever mentioned her. He organises a family trip to sort out the house she has left him. Everything starts off well, but it isn't long before an old sinister family secret rears its demonic head, and his wife’s recurring nightmares turn out to be visions. There is death and destruction all around them. Who can they trust? Will they survive?

Product description

About the Author

Hi the name's Steen, Mark Steen. Sorry! Ha ha. I was born in Basingstoke, England: son to Sue and Max. After a rather unsettled first few years, some of which was spent living in a big family tent, we settled in the North West of England near Manchester. I have one brother, younger by 4 years. I currently live with my beautiful wife of 9 years and have 2 wonderful children: Connor who's 3 1/2 and Caitlin who's nearly 2. They usually end up in our bed every night hogging the middle with mummy and daddy balancing on either end and also wanting to hold daddy's hand.... Bless! I left school in 1989 and went straight into the Armed Forces (Army - Royal Engineers to be exact) where I spent 10 years. After I left the Army I worked at Manchester Airport as a mechanic, working on all types of ground handling equipment from the large pushback tugs that tow the aeroplanes to belt loaders to high platform cargo loaders. As I lay under a pushback tug on Christmas morning, on the freezing cement, in a pool of hydraulic oil in dirty waterproofs, I thought there has to be something better out there. Or, at least better working conditions even if no job satisfaction. I then got into IT. 9 years on and yep, you guessed it, no job satisfaction, ha ha. I've always had a very active mind and have trouble switching it off even when I get into bed and I'm constantly thinking of pointless random things. As I enjoy reading, I thought I would try and write a book. I had positive feedback from friends and family for chapters 1 and 2 so it was off to work. I found writing so exhilarating. The feeling you get when you are reading a good book and get to an exciting part was magnified tenfold. When I thought of the next scene I was excited and when I then thought of how to make it better I was over the moon. I know no writer can please all readers all the time, but even if just a few people enjoy my books I will be a very happy man! W: www.MarkSteenAuthor.com T: @MarkSteenAuthor FB: /marksteenfanpage E: msteenauthor@gmail.com

Product details

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B00IUO2IXK
Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
Publication date ‏ : ‎ 21 July 2014
Edition ‏ : ‎ 12th
Language ‏ : ‎ English
File size ‏ : ‎ 1.7 MB
Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
Print length ‏ : ‎ 308 pages
Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled

Customer reviews:
96 ratings

About the author

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Mark Steen

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Hi the names Steen, Mark J Steen. Sorry! Ha ha.

I was born in Basingstoke England. Son to Sue and Max. After a rather unsettled first few years some of which was spent living in a big family tent we settled in the North West of England near Manchester. I have one younger brother by 4 years.

I left school in 1989 and went straight into the Armed Forces (Army - Royal Engineers to be exact) in which I spent 10 years.

After I left the Army I worked at Manchester Airport as a mechanic, working on all types of ground handling equipment from the large pushback tug's that tow the aeroplanes to belt loaders to high platform cargo loaders.

I've always had a very active mind and have trouble switching it off even when I get into bed and constantly thinking of pointless random things. As I enjoy reading I thought I would try and write a book. I had positive feedback from friends and family for chapters 1 and 2 so it was off to work.

I found writing so exhilarating. The feeling when you are reading a good book and get to an exciting part was magnified tenfold. When I thought of the next scene I was excited and when I then thought of how to make it better I was over the moon.

I know no write can please all readers all the time but even if a few people enjoy my books I will be a very happy man!

Contact / follow:

Twitter: @MarkSteenAuthor

Website: http://www.markJsteen.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/msteenauthor

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mark-Steen/573339469440783

Customer reviews

96 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers enjoy the book's suspenseful plot with great twists and turns, describing it as a classic spooky tale. Moreover, they find it an amazing first novel with relatable characters that keep them entertained. However, the pacing receives mixed feedback, with some finding it highly readable while others note several basic spelling and grammar errors. Additionally, the editing quality is criticized for being poor.

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Suspense Readability Character development Humour Pacing Editing

14 customers mention ‘Suspense’14 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's suspenseful elements, describing it as a classic spooky tale with great twists and turns.

"...novel with believable characters very quickly built and some great twists and turns throughout, I will be sure to look out for any Mark Steen books..." Read more

"...It is very schlock horror in parts and has all the necessary requirements eg lots of blood, an eerie setting, a nice family in peril, quite graphic..." Read more

"I really enjoyed this book. I read a lot and enjoy thriller and horror novels, this was a really good example of the genre...." Read more

"...Mark Steen's debut novel and yet still manages to read like a true classic supernatural horror...." Read more

11 customers mention ‘Readability’11 positive0 negative

Customers find the book easy to read and appreciate it as an amazing first novel, with one customer noting that the beginning is promising.

"...eg lots of blood, an eerie setting, a nice family in peril, quite graphic sex and it did remind me (in a good way) of the Hammer films from long ago!..." Read more

"...and a shocking and dramatic ending. Great debut novel and an author I will be watching out for in future!" Read more

"I really enjoyed this, it's very much in that Hammer, high Gothic style without actually crossing the line into camp...." Read more

"...The beginning of the book is promising , there is a history to the story, and the characters in the book are relative ...." Read more

7 customers mention ‘Character development’7 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, noting that the characters are relatable.

"...Extremely readable novel with believable characters very quickly built and some great twists and turns throughout, I will be sure to look out for..." Read more

"...I enjoyed the author's characters and the book kept me entertained. There was a lot of graphic scenes that were well written...." Read more

"...The characters are relatable and reminiscent of the protagonists from James Herbert's books..." Read more

"...is promising , there is a history to the story, and the characters in the book are relative ...." Read more

3 customers mention ‘Humour’3 positive0 negative

Customers find the book humorous and entertaining, with one mentioning that warmth and humor run throughout the book.

"...me a horror fan but I found this novel rattled along and kept me entertained until the end." Read more

"...Bellmere Common has a warmth and humour emanating throughout the book but make no mistake there is horror abound by the way of sacrifices and brutal..." Read more

"Not my typical read yet it kept me entertained!!..." Read more

10 customers mention ‘Pacing’6 positive4 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the pacing of the book, with some finding it highly readable and intelligently written, while others point out issues with badly constructed sentences and several basic spelling and grammar errors.

"...Extremely readable novel with believable characters very quickly built and some great twists and turns throughout, I will be sure to look out for..." Read more

"...Firstly, the punctuation , grammar and general composition breaks down .This gave me the impression that the author became disillusioned in some way..." Read more

"...There was a lot of graphic scenes that were well written. Felt the ending was a tad rushed but that didn't really matter as I had enjoyed the book." Read more

"...There were also several basic spelling and grammar errors." Read more

4 customers mention ‘Editing’0 positive4 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the editing of the book, with several noting that it is slightly spoiled by poor editing, though one customer mentions there are only a few typos.

"...My only issue is with the editing in some places, which in ways I can't put my finger on, seems to interrupt the flow...." Read more

"...The only thing that lets it down are a few typos." Read more

"Fast-paced story, good plot, but slightly spoiled by poor editing. There were also several basic spelling and grammar errors." Read more

"...was obviously in a rush to get this book onto kindle as it clearly hasn't been edited - badly constructed sentences, words missing, grammar,..." Read more

Top reviews from United Kingdom

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Barry Kirwan
Extremely readable novel with believable characters very quickly built and some great twists and turns throughout
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 18 December 2014
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It has been quite some time that a horror novel – particularly one from a new author – has left me with an uncomfortable night’s sleep but congratulations Mr. Steen, you have achieved your mission!

Extremely readable novel with believable characters very quickly built and some great twists and turns throughout, I will be sure to look out for any Mark Steen books in the future.

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Feistyb
Hammer Horror in book form....
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 7 January 2015
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I am well outside my comfort zone here but I thought I'd try to broaden my knowledge of the horror genre...! I went into this one blind and I have to say, although it's not my normal choice of book, I actually quite enjoyed it!! It is very schlock horror in parts and has all the necessary requirements eg lots of blood, an eerie setting, a nice family in peril, quite graphic sex and it did remind me (in a good way) of the Hammer films from long ago! It is quite explicit in parts but that just adds to the general gruesomeness!! I won't say Mr Steen has made me a horror fan but I found this novel rattled along and kept me entertained until the end.

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Yvonne Anderson
Not my typical read yet it kept me entertained!!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 9 January 2016
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This is not the type of book I would normally read but I wanted something a bit different. I enjoyed the author's characters and the book kept me entertained. There was a lot of graphic scenes that were well written. Felt the ending was a tad rushed but that didn't really matter as I had enjoyed the book.

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E. Kerry
Brilliant debut novel - well worth buying!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 6 August 2014
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I really enjoyed this book.

I read a lot and enjoy thriller and horror novels, this was a really good example of the genre. Plenty of bits that made me nervous to be alone in the dark, some really good twists (which I love trying to see coming nice and early to 'beat' the author to it when I can - I failed here!) and a shocking and dramatic ending.

Great debut novel and an author I will be watching out for in future!

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HyperNerdGirl
I really enjoyed this, it's very much in that Hammer
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 21 February 2015
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I really enjoyed this, it's very much in that Hammer, high Gothic style without actually crossing the line into camp. Reading this took me back to reading horror as a teen, with all the excitement & pretending it's not scary but then the phone rings & you jump out of your skin! It also reminded me of early Dean Koontz, who wasn't perfect in the early days, wasn't the master storyteller he is now but was highly readable and you just knew he'd get better. My only issue is with the editing in some places, which in ways I can't put my finger on, seems to interrupt the flow. I expect to see Mark Steen's profile rise as he hones his craft.

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Gail
Bellmere Common has all the makings of a classic horror novel
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 30 July 2021
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This is Mark Steen's debut novel and yet still manages to read like a true classic supernatural horror. The characters are relatable and reminiscent of the protagonists from James Herbert's books (there's even a cheeky nod towards him 'like something out of a James Herbert novel').
Bellmere Common has a warmth and humour emanating throughout the book but make no mistake there is horror abound by the way of sacrifices and brutal slayings with a nice slice of naughtiness on the side.
If you get the opportunity to read this then grab it with both hands and don't stop until you reach the last page but be warned it might just give you nightmares.

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Marios E.
Very good for first novel !
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 20 November 2015
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I read this book in 3 sittings each lasting 2-3 hours. I like the way the story unfolds and the detailed description of the places.

However the dialogue was pointless and repetitive at times. Like when Jenny kept saying mummy almost everytime she spoke. Or when Pat went to get the flashlight or the first aid kit. There was no point in describing that. Also in certain parts it felt like it was written by a different author. Especially the dialogue.

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Kindle Customer
What happened???
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 1 October 2014
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This book is a book of two halves... one side good and another side dreadful.
I am almost certain that this author had a change of editor or something happened half way which changed everything.
The beginning of the book is promising , there is a history to the story, and the characters in the book are relative .
However, suddenly half way through 2 things happen.
Firstly, the punctuation , grammar and general composition breaks down .This gave me the impression that the author became disillusioned in some way and decided to make a cardinal error...
the second error being that all horror stories should contain graphic sex and violence.
what happens here is that the authors subtlety and intelligent talent for storytelling starts to transform into pointless degrading sex which is irrelevant.It was chucked in because the author thought it added some meat on the bone and it doesn't.. honest!
I got bored with the endless typos and the same rubbish I see time and time again in these books so I got rid of it.

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Emily Kaplan
Horror Done Right
Reviewed in the United States on 14 September 2014
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The mark of a good horror story is the right balance of mundane to outrageous, humor to tension--Mark Steen hits all the right notes in that respect, which is why Bellmere Common might make you think of Stephen King. The insight into each character's point of view from Pat all the way down to the minor thugs is very well done. And I do now want to call everyone I meet "sexy" offhandedly. Good job. I was entertained!

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ShelleLP
A big spooky house in a small town with history... What could go wrong?
Reviewed in the United States on 29 October 2015
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The plot is familiar. A big spooky house in a small town with history, left to an unsuspecting relative, who didn’t know he had a relative, suspicious local town-folk, and scandalous gossip. All the ingredients one needs for the perfect scare yourself to death horror story. It takes a great storyteller to make those ingredients into something original. Mark Steen would be that kind of storyteller.

Bellmere Common follows Patrick, his wife Julie and their kids as they come into Bellmere to inspect their unexpected inheritance of his aunt’s home. Upon arriving in town they find his aunt had been a recluse after she was forced to kill her husband, who had been an extremely violent man and it turns out that the locals may know a bit more than they are letting on.

Not long after they arrive strange thing begin happening. Their daughter develops an imaginary friend that her parents find just a little too realistic. Local teens find their game of ouija to be just a little too intense and a pair of ruffians end up dead by the hand of man that witnesses swear is already dead himself.

The story is told in two sections, both the modern day setting dealing with the protagonists of the story and a flashback set in 1950 providing a well fleshed out back story, that still leaves the reader guessing all the way to the end. The characters are striking. I particularly enjoyed the character of Seth. If you had asked me at the beginning, I wouldn’t have believed that he would have been as capable as he was. All the characters were well developed as the story progressed proving initial impressions to be lacking. It was quite an enjoyable read, much to my family’s dismay as their attempts to engage me in conversation, while my nose was buried in my Kindle (that just doesn’t sound as cool as buried in a book, does it?), were met with some serious annoyance.

About the only sore spot for me was the sex scenes (The warning label for graphic sex doesn't usually prove a deterrent for me). Though appropriate and great seasoning for the exposition of the story, the explicit language and descriptions felt out of place. I feel certain that the author is more than capable of keeping the intensity of those portions that drove the story so well without the common language that made those scenes feel more contrived than exposition. While this book could and should appeal to a wide audience, it could and should appeal to much wider audience in my opinion.

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Amy
Entertaining with Room for Improvement
Reviewed in the United States on 10 April 2016
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As a draft, this book has a lot of promise. As a final copy, it leaves much to be desired.

1. Grammar and syntax. I did not notice blatant spelling errors, but there were many grammatical ones. In particular, sentences contained random commas, and there were entire paragraphs that were a bit confusing to read.

2. Dialogue. The dialogue seemed stilted and contrived. There was also an overuse of "pet names" when characters addressed each other.

3. Plot. The story moved quickly but was not always paced well. While I found the story to be engaging, it could have been laid out better. There was too much information given away in the first half of the book that there were very few plot twists or surprises in the second half. The ending was very abrupt and anticlimactic. There were quite a few plot holes left open.

4. Horror. Despite the warning in the description, this book was not all that scary. There was violence, but no more than one would expect in a horror novel. There were two chapters of gratuitous, violent sex and drug use that did absolutely nothing to further the plot. In general, no warning was required, and I think it was included only to get potential readers' attention and interest.

5. Characters. I enjoyed reading about the characters, but they were quite one-dimensional.

Despite its flaws, I do think this author shows a lot of promise. Most authors don't produce best-sellers at the very beginning of their careers. I would consider reading more of his works in the future.

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Jasweet10
I couldn’t put this book down. According to my ...
Reviewed in the United States on 21 August 2017
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I couldn’t put this book down. According to my Kindle I was 90% done, so I forced myself to slow down. 93% brught acknowledgments and a preview to another book by the same author.

Nooooooooooooooooo!

This was a fast paced (GOOD thing) supernatural thriller that is truly creepy. Mr. Steen has taken the always entertaining idea of surprise inheritance and made it original again. This was truly a spooky tale painted in a picturesque and unwelcoming English town.

I’m left with a lot of questions – but refuse to give any spoilers. …that ending though!

Take a step out of reality and read this book. Steen has quickly become a new fav and I can’t wait to read another title. If you are looking for an entertaining creep out, this is your book, and your guy.

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Amazon Customer
This was a disturbingly great read. If you enjoy Stephen King
Reviewed in the United States on 10 August 2015
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This was a disturbingly great read. If you enjoy Stephen King, you will enjoy this book. It has quite a bit of the occult and some sexual content but it is definitely worth the read. It might keep you awake if you read it in bed! I won't give a spoiler, but the ending was a shocker. I often can see where a book is going, but this one kept me guessing and I was not expecting many of the twists. I would have given it five stars but there was some graphic sexual language and it was a little shocking to me. Will certainly read more from this author though! I do recommend :)

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Bellmere Common: There's nothing common about Bellmere Kindle Edition

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About the author

Mark Steen

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Top reviews from United Kingdom

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Top reviews from other countries

5.0 out of 5 stars Horror Done Right

4.0 out of 5 stars A big spooky house in a small town with history... What could go wrong?

3.0 out of 5 stars Entertaining with Room for Improvement

5.0 out of 5 stars I couldn’t put this book down. According to my ...

4.0 out of 5 stars This was a disturbingly great read. If you enjoy Stephen King

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Horror Done Right

A big spooky house in a small town with history... What could go wrong?

Entertaining with Room for Improvement

I couldn’t put this book down. According to my ...

This was a disturbingly great read. If you enjoy Stephen King