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Ben Tufnell's Eco-Thriller 'Paradise' Blends Noir and Folk Horror

publication · 2026-06-04

Ben Tufnell, a writer and curator based in London, has unveiled his latest novel, 'Paradise.' This genre-defying narrative weaves together elements of noir, folk horror, ecological anxiety, and psychological tension. The plot centers on Nash, a man who, after a botched job, is drawn into a shadowy organization and finds himself trapped in a dilapidated cottage within a winter forest. Although he can exit the house, he remains confined to the woods, where the shifting landscape distorts his perception of reality and direction. The book delves into themes of power, ecological collapse, and the dread of losing control. Tufnell's short stories have been featured in various publications and anthologies, and he has received numerous accolades for his work. His first novel, 'The North Shore,' was released by Fleet, Little, Brown in 2023, while 'Paradise' is published by Influx Press, with the cover image provided by the publisher.

Key facts

  • Ben Tufnell's new novel 'Paradise' is an eco-thriller blending noir, folk horror, and psychological suspense.
  • The story follows Nash, confined to a decaying cottage in a winter forest after a job goes wrong.
  • The novel explores landscape, power, ecological breakdown, and loss of control.
  • Tufnell's short stories have appeared in Conjunctions, Litro, Lunate, and others.
  • His work was included in 'Best British Short Stories 2024' from Salt Publishing.
  • He has been longlisted for the BBC National Short Story Award and other prizes.
  • His debut novel 'The North Shore' was published by Fleet, Little, Brown in 2023.
  • 'Paradise' is published by Influx Press.

Entities

Artists

  • Ben Tufnell
  • Aliya Whiteley

Institutions

  • Influx Press
  • Salt Publishing
  • Fleet, Little, Brown
  • BBC
  • Society of Authors
  • Conjunctions
  • Litro
  • Lunate
  • Nightjar Press
  • Storgy
  • Structo

Locations

  • London
  • United Kingdom

Sources