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Steve Stred
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Churn the Soil: A Pulse-Pounding, High-Stakes Cold Weather Paranormal Folklore Novel Kindle Edition

by Steve Stred (Author), Greg Chapman (Illustrator) Format: Kindle Edition
4.0 out of 5 stars 443 ratings

Two hundred miles north of the town of Basco sits The Border. It’s a quiet, off-the-grid settlement, where the residents have developed a tentative agreement with those that live on the other side of the clearing.


But things are about to change forever.


As night falls, a teenage girl is brutally murdered as she flees across the clearing.
Now, it’s up to Basco PD officers Brown and Reynolds to find her killer.


But the truth is far worse than they could possibly imagine, and the more the officers uncover, the bolder the things beyond the clearing grow.


‘Under an icy snowfall…’
‘Under a clear, blue moon…’


North of The Border lies a land unseen by man. A land where things are ready and waiting… to feed.


Splatterpunk-Nominated author Steve Stred, who brought you ‘Mastodon’ and ‘Incarnate,’ delivers a pulse-pounding, high-stakes story where if the cold doesn’t kill you, the Forest Guards will.


“‘Churn the Soil’ is a wonderful mix of mystery, creatures, and bloody horror,” – V. Castro, HWA Bram Stoker Nominated author of ‘The Queen of The Cicadas’ and ‘Goddess of Filth.’

“The sense of place is immaculate. ‘Churn the Soil’ has the bone-chilling atmosphere of a frozen arctic tundra.” - David Sodergren, author of The Forgotten Island and Maggie’s Grave

“Veteran readers of Steve Stred will know that nothing good ever comes out of venturing into the woods and encroaching forests! ‘Churn the Soil’ finds the prolific Canadian author up to his old tricks, focussing on a community which lives off the grid and has an uneasy alliance with the beings which haunt the forest. Stred is on a seriously cool hot streak, following the superb ‘The Window in the Ground’ and wild monster novel ‘Mastodon’ with another page-turning blend of intense supernatural horror where death lurks around every corner. Stred is going places and is a master of fast-paced, punchy, and easy-read horror fiction which will have you speed reading in a matter of minutes.”
- Tony Jones, Ginger Nuts of Horror & Horror DNA reviewer

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  1. Print length
    190 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publication date
    February 17, 2023
  4. File size
    3.7 MB
  5. Page Flip
    Enabled
  6. Word Wise
    Enabled
  7. Enhanced typesetting
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Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0BLLYDK4Z
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Black Void Publishing (February 17, 2023)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ February 17, 2023
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 3.7 MB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 190 pages
  • Page numbers source ISBN ‏ : ‎ 199026025X
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.0 out of 5 stars 443 ratings

About the author

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Steve Stred

Steve Stred

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An award-winning author, Steve Stred lives in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, with his wife and son.

Known for his novels, ‘Mastodon,’ ‘Churn the Soil,’ and his series ‘Father of Lies’ where he joined a cult on the dark web for four years, his work has been described as haunting, bleak and is frequently set in the woods near where he grew up. He’s been fortunate to appear in numerous anthologies with some truly amazing authors.

His novel ‘Mastodon’ will be translated into Czech and Italian over the next few years.

His novel 'Churn the Soil' won the 2024 Indieverse Award for Best Horror Novel.

Customer reviews

4 out of 5 stars
443 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this paranormal horror novel engaging, with one review describing it as a "gore-encrusted gem of a read" and another noting it's exciting until the end. The book features well-developed characters and plenty of suspense, while maintaining a good pace. Customers appreciate the concept of the story.

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25 customers mention "Story quality"25 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the story of this book, finding it fantastic and worth their time, with one customer noting it's exciting until the end.

"...It was fast paced and immediately pulled me into the story. The plot was solid and there was no fluff whatsoever...." Read more

"...Another incredible book by author Steve Stred! Recommended." Read more

"...All in all, I'll give this author another shot. The storyline is a new one. Maybe the next will be a five star." Read more

"...This was a great creepy creature feature story with tons of folklore weaved throughout the story along with some police procedure tucked in the book..." Read more

20 customers mention "Suspense level"17 positive3 negative

Customers enjoy the suspense level of the book, describing it as a supernatural folklore horror with plenty of scary moments.

"...cover to cover, has an overwhelming sense of dread that sends shivers down your spine- I love it. I loved the setting for this book too...." Read more

"...I particularly loved the layers of implications made in "churning the soil".... In fact, the only thing I could say I was slightly disappointed by..." Read more

"...This was a great creepy creature feature story with tons of folklore weaved throughout the story along with some police procedure tucked in the book..." Read more

"This was a really good horror novel. Plenty of suspense amd mystery that keeps building up. What lives in the woods? Who killed the girl?..." Read more

9 customers mention "Character development"9 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the well-developed characters in the book.

"...more . . .? The characters here were fleshed out and believable in the roles they played...." Read more

"A great read. The pace is fast. Wonderful writing. And very likable characters. I intend to read more of Stred’s work." Read more

"...and the characters well-developed- at least internally- the story drags and seems repetitive in spots...." Read more

"A fun read, folk horror with some different twists. Characters I could root for (and against)...." Read more

7 customers mention "Pace"7 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's pace, with one describing it as a cinematic slow-burner.

"...It was fast paced and immediately pulled me into the story. The plot was solid and there was no fluff whatsoever...." Read more

"A great read. The pace is fast. Wonderful writing. And very likable characters. I intend to read more of Stred’s work." Read more

"...It's a fast read with good description...." Read more

"...Is a gore-encrusted gem of a read. A cinematic slow-burner that will grip you by the throat and pull you into the darkness...." Read more

3 customers mention "Concept"3 positive0 negative

Customers like the concept of the book, with one mentioning they loved the setting.

"...I loved the setting for this book too. A small town, creepy woods and add gloomy weather. That was the perfect setting for a read like this one...." Read more

"...The whole concept is great...." Read more

"This book had a good concept but poor execution. Idk what inwas expecting, but it was a bit more." Read more

Cinematic, bloody. Worth your time!
4 out of 5 stars
Cinematic, bloody. Worth your time!
This book reminded me of so many movies (in a good way). You have the "Border" where a young woman is found in the snow dead, murdered. Police from the city come out to check it out and end up wrapped in the mystery. That sort of reminded me of the (fantastic) movie, WIND RIVER. Then, you have the "stay on this side of the clearing/stay out of the woods for fear of the "Forest Guard". This part reminded me of the initial (good) part of M. Night Shyamalan's THE VILLAGE. By the end, once we figure out most of what's happening and the main part of town is now under siege, I definitely got Stred's 30 Days of Night vibes. What I'm saying is that CHURN THE SOIL is a heck of an action-packed horror novel. Stred continues to show growth as a storyteller and I can't wait to go back and check out his last novel, MASTODON. Cinematic, bloody, and a story that pays homage to other great monster horror stories that came before, CHURN THE SOIL is worth your time!
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Cherise Isabella
    5.0 out of 5 stars Despair can feel as heavy as a boulder on one’s back if it’s allowed to settle.
    Reviewed in the United States on June 2, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    4.5 🌟 rounded up for Goodreads

    Churn The Soil was an atmospheric, gripping, supernatural folklore horror that will have you at the edge of your seat. It was fast paced and immediately pulled me into the story.

    The plot was solid and there was no fluff whatsoever. The gore and violence was well described and, I felt like I was in every scene with these characters. This entire book, from cover to cover, has an overwhelming sense of dread that sends shivers down your spine- I love it.

    I loved the setting for this book too. A small town, creepy woods and add gloomy weather. That was the perfect setting for a read like this one. Everything just fits into place perfectly and flows so smoothly. No long drawn out scenes, no unnecessary drama, just horror and terror all throughout.

    This was my first time reading Stred but it definitely won't be my last. A very good time was had with this one.
    One person found this helpful
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  • K. A. Y.
    4.0 out of 5 stars Fast paced, original horror!
    Reviewed in the United States on March 13, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    CHURN THE SOIL, by Steve Stred, is a novel not to be missed! I've been a fan of this author's work since his first collection of 100 word-stories, and to see him progress into full novel format has only increased my admiration for his versatility in style.

    In the town of Bosco, there's a small settlement "off grid", that usually handles its own problems.
    At least, they did--until the day a young teenager is murdered and the incident is called into the police.

    Having to investigate, they come across a settlement that has an "agreement" not to enter beyond a clearing that leads to the forest. Superstitions of a backward community, or something . . . more . . .?

    The characters here were fleshed out and believable in the roles they played. The tenuous connection of Officer Brown--who lived in the settlement as a very young child until being taken out, and into the town--is having trouble reconciling the very little he remembers from early childhood with what he's now being faced with.

    There is gore and carnage galore to satisfy any horror lover! Nightmarish creatures will positively haunt your dreams after this one. I particularly loved the layers of implications made in "churning the soil".... In fact, the only thing I could say I was slightly disappointed by was that it was obvious to me early on who was behind part of this mystery. However, that was minimal in comparison to the action and other characters involved.

    Another incredible book by author Steve Stred!

    Recommended.
    4 people found this helpful
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  • the savage amazon
    3.0 out of 5 stars Ok enjoyed.
    Reviewed in the United States on July 18, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    There were a few spots that I just blipped over. Where the wording made no sense to me at all, even after rereading the spot a couple times. To the best of my knowledge they didn't effect the story...or, did it. Maybe the ending would have been much more climatic, or earth shattering even. All in all, I'll give this author another shot. The storyline is a new one. Maybe the next will be a five star.
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  • Crusader
    5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome Folklore Horror!
    Reviewed in the United States on March 17, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Spooky & Suspenseful!

    Small Backstory:

    A small settlement called The Border is home to people that want to be away from civilization and they have no trust for any authority outside their own way of life. They have their own elders that they confer with in case they need to discuss matters of importance.

    When the murder of a teenager happens in the settlement someone calls in the outside law enforcement to have it checked out and the townspeople do not want the law coming in as they take care of their own, but when officers Brown and Reynolds ends up losing one of their own is when the stakes have been raised and "whatever" is out there killing will be brought to justice one way or another!

    That is about all I can give on a small backstory without giving away spoilers so if you want to know more than you need to go read this book!

    Thoughts:

    This was my first time reading this author as far as a full novel as I had just finished reading one of his stories in an anthology this month and I read a story in an anthology last year as well. This was a great creepy creature feature story with tons of folklore weaved throughout the story along with some police procedure tucked in the book as well.

    I loved the suspense and spooky vibes radiating off the pages of the book which kept me wrapped in a cocoon of mystery as I delved deep into the storyline. There was some creature carnage thrown in for good measure and I had to grab my gore suit for this one as the chaos goes into full throttle when the story goes into overdrive!

    Looking forward to reading more books by this author as I own a few more by him tucked away on my kindle. Giving this book five "Frightening Folklore" stars!
    4 people found this helpful
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  • Torrie04
    4.0 out of 5 stars Dark and atmospheric folk horror
    Reviewed in the United States on March 4, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Churn the Soil by Steve Stred .
    There is a remote settlement known as the Border which is far North of the town of Basco. For years the residents of the Border have kept an agreement to stay away from the clearing. An agreement with things not quite human. That truce has been broken by a young girl and she is brutally murdered by the things in the clearing. An anonymous call is made to the Basco police department and the officers tread in dangerous territory to solve the murder. One woman, Nancy from the village is invited to come to the creatures Lair with safe passage to her answers about the death and the agreement. As she makes her way there, the creatures become more bold and get closer to her settlement. The residents are in danger and the police department do bot believe there are supernatural elements involved. Can these dark beings be stopped or will there be a bloodbath of vengeance for a broken agreement? I enjoyed this story but did not feel connected to the characters much except for Nancy and a K9 named Bruiser. The creatures were pretty cool and the setting was atmospheric.
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  • Vito
    5.0 out of 5 stars fast paced and tremendous
    Reviewed in the United States on March 23, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    A great read. The pace is fast. Wonderful writing. And very likable characters. I intend to read more of Stred’s work.
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Top reviews from other countries

  • George M.E. Taylor
    4.0 out of 5 stars An easy four stars, with a well written twist.
    Reviewed in Australia on September 2, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Churn the Soil by Steve Stred is a thriller/horror that will leave you on the edge of your seat. I read this in two sittings basically and it's 4 am and I have no regrets. I might need a nap, though.

    A small village with a deep dark secret. A forest that houses nothing alive and believe me when I say that what does wander there is worthy of your nightmares. It all starts with a child and finishes with...

    Well, you'll have to find that out for yourself as you follow the main character Brown, a cop with the strange feeling this all has something to do with him. Was this somehow his fault?

    Read and find out. I dare you.
    Report
  • Ronald McGillvray
    5.0 out of 5 stars Brought a chill to my bones. Highly recommended.
    Reviewed in Canada on April 5, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    I have yet to read a book by Steve Stred that I haven’t enjoyed. Churn The Soil was no different. Being a northerner, the setting alone resonated with me and really creeped me out. Part creature feature, part mystery, part folktale, with a dose of good old fashioned gore, I loved it all. I could literally feel the cold and the isolation as I tore through the pages. Steve really knows how to ramp up the suspense. And wait until you read about ”The Clearing.” What a cool concept; I think I’ll steal that idea for myself one day. Then there’s “Bruiser.” You’re going to fall in love with him. But, I’ll say no more, except, well done, Steve, well done. Highly recommended.
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  • Jaycey
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Page turner
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 2, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    I really enjoyed this story. It was very fast paced and kept me gripped to the end.

    It's great when you find a book that you think about during your day, wishing you could get back to reading it.

    This was that book for me!
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  • DF McD
    5.0 out of 5 stars Churn the Soil
    Reviewed in Spain on November 13, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Another reason to not go into the woods
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  • Rob Jeromson
    4.0 out of 5 stars Under an icy snowfall…’ ‘Under a clear, blue moon…’
    Reviewed in Australia on February 28, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    For centuries, an uneasy truce has existed between the people of The Boarder and the Forest Guards that live in the lands beyond the clearing. But something has changed, and when a teenager is brutally killed, the Basco PD launch an investigation, one that will unearth a horrifying reality. As night descends, and the forest creatures stir, Graham Brown and his colleagues find themselves locked in a head the head battle for survival against an army of monsters intent on tearing them to pieces.

    This was my first read from Steve Stred and I thoroughly enjoyed myself. The mixture of folk horror lore, creature feature (if that’s a term you can use to describe a book), body horror and police procedural process created an exhilarating experience that I devoured in a single sitting.

    Stred has a very matter-of-fact and to the point writing style, and in that sense this came across as less like a book and more like fully rendered movie in my mind, framed in widescreen and mixed in spatial surround, and it needs an adaptation, stat!

    The characters are likeable, and relatable, and the banter between the officers is laugh out loud funny at times, but there’s also a genuine tenderness between them that extends to the others that are forced to join their group. Nancy, a long-time resident at The Boarder, is tough and stoic, and K9 officer Bruiser is a super hero, both of them end being the stand-out stars of the piece.

    If you like monsters, ice, and snow. Books dripping in gore, and kinetic action sequences, then Churn the Soil will tick all those boxes. But wrap up warm before you read this though, as it’s not just the setting that will have you shivering.
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