The Mummers Magda O'Toole

In a rural hamlet of England in the 1950s, to be a man is to become a Mummer. Milo is on the precipice of manhood when he watches his brother Cedric perform in the summer festival, in which the highest-achieving boys are ushered into places of higher standing. Desperate to impress his father, Milo longs to be a Mummer. When the ceremony suddenly renders Cedric a shell of his former self, Milo’s perception of his village’s tradition is shattered. As his turn to become a Mummer rolls around, Milo must decide whether to give in and discover the truth, or escape and deny his fate.
 
PRAISE FOR THE MUMMERS
 
"Through its claustrophobic rural setting and ritualistic customs, The Mummers offers a quintessentially English feel, a hot toddy cosy story to read beside the fire. But don't be fooled! As the tension builds, the gut-wrenching horror hidden within this folk tale will whisk away your blanket and leave you cold."
- Catherine McCarthy, author of Mosaic and The House at the End of Lacelean Street.
 
"An excellent example of folk horror done right. Eerie, creepy, and oh so expertly crafted. The whole reading experience reminded me of a Shirley Jackson short story, not just in its anachronistic theme but the overall tone and skillful story craft. Magda has a serious talent for building tension and atmosphere, and this short story was an absolute pleasure to read."
- Spineless Book Reviews
 
"A haunting atmosphere that kept you on edge the whole time. I flew through this book in one sitting and enjoyed every moment!"
- Sarah's Bookish Thoughts​​​​​​​