Ghost Train, a 1986 novel

I just finished reading a novel titled Ghost Train, a debut novel by Stephen Laws, a British author. It's a very good psychological thriller and horror book, containing strong imagery and fear-evoking language. This is probably one of the better horror novels I've read, and after finishing it, I think I'd give it a 4.5 out of 5.

I did notice one thing after finishing the novel, though. Notably, the story has some interesting overlap with the Harry Potter story. I'll give out the basic background information of Ghost Train first, and then add some more plot details to illustrate my thoughts.

Ghost Train is the story of a man named Mark Davies who falls from the King's Cross train, nearly dies, and recovers only to find himself haunted by disturbing nightmares and visions that turn him dysfunctional. The novel depicts his journey into his own mind, searching into the past to conquer his fears and battle the sinister reality that threatens to destroy his life and sanity.

The novel contains strong occult themes and some Christian elements.

More spoilers follow after this point to explain why I think it reminds me so strongly of Harry Potter.

Mark Davies is actually the unwitting victim of a great evil that dwells on the King's Cross line. The malevolent entity subsists on people who take the train, feeding on their fear and destroying them. Mark is the only one to have survived the evil one's grasp, and becomes inexplicably linked to it, turning partially immune to its powers. Mark also retains a scar on his forehead that changes its appearance sometimes when the evil entity attempts to act.

By surviving, Mark becomes the chosen one, and the evil one develops an obsession on him, giving him names such as "One Who Has Twice/Thrice Denied", or "One Who Has Been Chosen" and such. It attempts several times to drive him insane and destroy him.

This evil entity apparently has its roots in ancient druidic and pagan tradition.

Government coverup and denial result in the evil one's unimpeded growth, and in the end, the Ghost Train roars into action, causing great carnage in its path, while the government intervenes too late, helplessly baffled by the Ghost Train. Ultimately, it is up to Mark Davies (and his companions) to put an end to this ancient evil.

The story is only half of the book though. The vivid imagery the author is able to conjure up really is the highlight in this novel, and despite any similarities in the story, Ghost Train really delivers the scares. Highly recommended.