The Story behind The Haunting of Ingles Ferry

Born from five years of quiet determination and a lifelong dream, The Haunting of Ingles Ferry is more than a horror novel. It is a deeply personal story rooted in the people, places, and memories of Southwest Virginia. Author Keith Marshall first began writing the book in 2021 after reading advice from legendary author Stephen King: write about what you know. That simple idea became the spark that transformed a lifelong love of storytelling into a 472-page supernatural mystery set in a fictional town inspired by Radford, Virginia.

Drawing from childhood memories, local legends, familiar streets, and the spirit of small-town life, Keith crafted a story that feels hauntingly real. The novel moves between 1982 and present day, following Billy Duncan as he returns to his hometown to confront a terrifying force tied to a string of disappearances decades earlier. While the book delivers suspense, mystery, and chilling moments, it also carries a deeper spiritual message about courage, faith, and the battle between darkness and hope. Keith describes it as “spiritual horror” with heart, written to entertain, inspire, and leave readers thinking long after the final chapter.

What makes this story especially unique is how organically it came to life. Much of the novel was written quietly in bookstore coffee shops, often on Keith’s phone while waiting during everyday errands. The characters, dialogue, and atmosphere were shaped not by outlines or formulas, but by imagination, reflection, prayer, and lived experience. Self-published and independently created with the help of family, The Haunting of Ingles Ferry represents a passion project brought to life through persistence, creativity, and a genuine love for storytelling.