The Haunting of William Thorn

The Haunting of William Thorn starts with William Thorn inheriting a house from his boyfriend Archie, who died in an accident when William kicked him out after catching him in bed with another man, so cue all kinds of guilt mixed with that grief. 

When he goes to open the house, he finds a journal of a man called Robert Thomas, whom he presumes to be Archie’s ancestor and immediately sets to read it, with only a bottle of wine and some basement spiders as companions - until he’s surprised by an intruder. 

The novel continues as a dual timeline story: William’s own experiences in the house and with the intruder, Edward, who, it turns out, is there for his own reasons which are revealed as the story goes on, and Robert’s, from the private thoughts in his 1939 journal focusing on his illicit relationship with Teddy, a man whom his parents have offered residence. 

The Haunting had me guessing the whole time. Who is Edward? Who are the ghosts? Is William just having nightmares or night terrors? Also, who killed Teddy? And what about the other boys who’ve gone missing? Why is the village so against him living there? And the whole time he’s healing and maybe falling for Edward a little bit who’s also healing. 

The Haunting of William Thorn by Ben Alderson is a ghost story, a mystery, and a tale of healing and finding love again after loss. 

Though the story meandered at times, the conclusion was strong, and it was a fun ride. 

Stray thought: Ha ha “vegetable and dish-soap soup”. I can’t do coriander (cilantro for my American friends) either. 

Thank you to NetGalley and Angry Robot for the advance copy in exchange for my honest review. Pub. date: 9/9/25

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