Review: Winterset Hollow

4 stars. To quote myself in the theater immediately after seeing Mother!: I think that was a metaphor for something. 

It was great - unusual, entertaining, funny and dark - but we have a lot to unpack.

Eamon and his two best friends, Mark and Caroline, decide to go on a day trip to visit their favorite author's old home: Addington Island. Its one-time inhabitant was inspired to write a popular book about animals having a feast on the island, and the story spoke to each of them in different, special ways. But after an apparently harmless afternoon of exploring, they realize that there's more to the island - and the story - than it seems.

Let's talk about the very, very good: the premise, and the depiction of the animals. They were perfectly characterized and I could feel them jump out from the pages of my beloved classics. I loved the twist and the intense chase/fight scenes. I truly was unsure how it would all end, and the bones of it were plotted nicely.

Let's talk about the maybe not as good: the author's writing style. It's pretty purple, pretty flowery, and while that results in some truly beautiful passages, it also results in what feels like... overwriting, or a distraction from the tension. There is also, as others have mentioned, a lot of head-hopping, which definitely tripped me up.

But back to the metaphor: I've seen conflicting reports on how successful or sensitive this author has been in representing the tragedy of colonization. I'm in no position to praise or complain. I would simply contribute that I thought this book asked really important questions, and threw out some fascinating answers.

Okay. We all know that I am pretty triggered by animal deaths and I will dock a star for a UDD. In this case I kind of sort of knew what I was getting into, and I'm not going to dock a star because every death in this story I would categorize as necessary. I absolutely, 100% got emotional - but in a good way, if that makes sense? These deaths were beautifully gorgeous and heartbreaking.

Would I have loved a happy ending for everyone? A return to the Hollow? Eamon as the island's caretaker? A celebratory, peaceful feast? Of course. I hoped. But this is basically a slasher horror/dark fantasy. This story gathered familiar aspects of our reading pasts and proceeded to chop them into little pieces. The animals grew up, suffered darkness, and learned to wield it themselves.

An amazing, incredible, savage debut.

Winterset Hollow on: Amazon | Bookshop.org | Goodreads

Review: The Watchers

3 stars. Hmmmmmm. Loved the premise, enjoyed the spooky thrills, but I have to say I'm disappointed! What could've felt like a literary/folklore-inspired episode of The Twilight Zone instead kind of plodded along - I skimmed almost the entire second half. With complete respect for the set-up, the twist, and the incredible monsters, this story would've really benefited from being shaved down. Way down.

After promising to complete a ridiculous errand for a drunk friend, Mina is driving through an isolated part of Ireland when her car breaks down. She ventures into the woods, only to be trapped there in a terrifyingly constructed bunker with three other trapped travelers. When the sun goes down, the watchers come out, and only through desperation strict rules can the group hope to survive.

I can't not mention the bird. Couldn't care less about the human characters, but one of the reasons I started skimming was to avoid being triggered by an unnecessary animal death. Like a few other details, though, the bird actually did seem a bit useless from a narrative perspective, other than to increase the heart rates of readers like me. Which is... cheap.

I loved the twist, but the ending was very meh. I could sort of see where things were going and the final line didn't quite reach the mic drop level of epicness it was clearly trying very, very hard to achieve. Still, this wasn't a bad time. I don't regret reading it. Fans of Irish folklore will love it. I bet an adaptation could take things up a notch! 

The Watchers on: Amazon | Bookshop.org | Goodreads

Review: Haunted: Purgatory (Haunted #3)

3 stars. This book really stuck the landing... kind of reminded me of a Kool-Aid Man moment. I have to admit I skimmed through some parts - there's a fuckton of talking in this one - but it was all worth it in the end, and I'll definitely continue with the series. 

Picking up where the first book left off, Sarah decides to hire David and his team to conduct an investigation, which would hopefully result in obtaining an exorcism from the church and freeing the soul of her sister. Unfortunately, the house has its own devious agenda and thwarts their progress at almost every turn. Can Sarah get the evidence she needs to help her sister find peace? Can David grapple with his own history with the house? Can his team stay safe? The stakes are apocalyptic, people! 

Back to the talking: I really, really admire this author's ability to write crunchy, concise prose that feels effortless to read from a word-choice perspective. But this book really suffered from poor pacing, and, as mentioned, talking. It's not just dialogue - it's conversations designed to catch characters up to what the reader already knows; it's conversations where characters talk in circles only to land on an inevitable conclusion; it's conversations full of "but what if this?" answered with "then this" and so on and so forth. 

(Every now and then I feel like I have to throw out a disclaimer - I've never written a book, and it seems ridiculously hard. Just noting something that pulled me out of an otherwise immersive, fun, scary experience.)

Otherwise, these books are like popcorn - addicting! I always want one more handful. 

Purgatory on: Amazon | Bookshop.org | Goodreads

Review: The Willows

5 stars. I found this terrifying. Everything about it: its familiar premise, the fresh path it carves, its tidy, concise plot, its words and sentences and sequences, its ending... it really spooked me. I would have loved to study this in a class and dissect it until I know what makes it tick, or until I discover that it bloomed from the magic of right time, right place, right idea, right author. The word that comes to mind is masterpiece.

It's a simple predicament: our unnamed narrator and his Swedish companion, after having traveled many miles via canoe on the Danube, stop for the night on an isolated island absent of life except for many crowded willows. They set up camp, gather some driftwood and settle in for the night. Soon it becomes clear, quite predictably, that something isn't quite right with the island - the river is rising, the wind is deafening, the willow branches sway, and something else... something otherworldly... doesn't want them to leave. 

It does sound a bit cheesy. In fact I think I went into this expecting cheesy. Or maybe I was expecting cliches. It's so much more than that. "There was a suggestion here of personal agency, of deliberate intention, of aggressive hostility, and it terrified me into a sort of rigidity." I was not ready for the crazy cosmic twists and turns this story takes - and yes, I know some folks argue that it isn't horror, it's weird, but often I find weird horrifying, so I'll say it's both. It's deeply unsettling, disturbing, creative in a way I haven't encountered before. It's very, very obvious that the author maybe... wanted to believe, or wanted to be open, or was sort of... daydreaming up the situation as though fantasizing. It almost felt personal. Which gives it that extra disturbing edge.

I find it really fascinating that packed into this short story is so much psychological self-analysis. The narrator is telling us the story from the future, recalling a memory, and he details almost every twist or shift of emotion he experiences, sometimes in the length of a second or a moment. From awe to disbelief to dread to confusion to "curious excitement" to mistrust to fear to deep, existential terror - we are along for every step of the ride. "Yet what I felt of dread was no ordinary ghostly fear. It was infinitely greater, stranger, and seemed to arise from some dim ancestral sense of terror more profoundly disturbing than anything I had known or dreamed of."

What I also admire is that, for all the atmospheric detail included, there's very little context about the characters. They are virtually without identity. We're told again and again to include context around characters - especially in horror - so the emotional stakes feel high. This proves that technique less required. The author peppered in just enough clues, but really it's his insane adeptness at writing terror that makes it irrelevant.

That ending!

The Willows on: Amazon | Goodreads | Bookshop.org

Review: Haunted: Devil's Door (Haunted #2)

3 stars. No complaints; this was a perfect follow-up to the first book. These really are fun, popcorn reads that serve as perfect palette cleansers! I was really delighted by the fact that it serves as a prequel to the first book and answers a few questions about Chloe and Sarah's pasts, and the house itself.

Rita, Ray and their daughter Chloe arrive at Perron Manor at the invitation of Rita's brother Vincent and the house's owner, Marcus Blackwell. They work together to turn the house into a hotel, slowly getting to know the old place and its dark history. As Rita becomes more and more determined to turn a profit, Ray becomes concerned for his family's wellbeing. Everything culminates with the infamous Halloween weekend massacre, proving the house's earned nickname of Devil House. 

The author does a really fantastic - maybe an improved - job of incorporating multiple POVs into this story. The pace is almost perfect, but the scares were a little less scary (to me - I think maybe the stakes don't feel as high, since we know sort of who survives and who doesn't). But the imagery is extra gross in this one, and I loved the human threat as well. I'm honestly very eager to move on to the next one and find out more!

Devil’s Door on: Amazon | Bookshop.org | Goodreads

Review: The Hacienda

3 stars. There is some really great stuff here, especially for a debut. I believe it achieves what it sets out to do. I read it in two days, which says a lot about how compelling and concise it is. And, as so many others have mentioned, I would highly recommend it for fans of Rebecca and other gothic horrors of the like. Ultimately I think it lacks sharp edges, for me - or rather, its edges are too dull - but still. I liked it.

Young Beatriz, following the tragic destruction of her family amidst political unrest - finds a way out: marriage. She and her new husband travel to his home, Hacienda San Isidro, and she is determined to claim ownership of her new household and carve out a new life. Unfortunately, the Hacienda resists. Instead, Beatriz spends the nights terrified as the house threatens her with its destructive and horrifying secrets. 

My clumsy summary leaves out that this is really a sort of horror romance, not straight up horror. I loved its historical socio-political themes, and its depiction of Hacienda communities and the generational lore of the land, but there is also so. much. angst, which is not really my favorite (unless I'm reading romance). I also couldn't really distinguish either POV, and the twists were very predictable. 

Regardless, there should be more books like this. I really, really enjoyed Beatriz as a character - fierce AF. I enjoyed the spooky moments a LOT. I enjoyed the level of detail and apparent research that went into it. I enjoyed the very clear and obvious homages to various beloved gothic ghost stories. I do recommend it. 

The Hacienda on: Amazon | Bookshop.org | Goodreads

Review: Haunted: Perron Manor (Haunted #1)

4 stars. Wow, that was awesome!! Most random KU discovery ever. I am clearly in my ~ horror era ~ and I can't get enough of all the fresh, literary, disturbing, new voices out there, but sometimes I really crave your basic trope-filled fear fest. And this delivered that as a truly tasty snack and beyond. Blew my expectations out of the water. 

Sisters Chloe and Sarah inherit an old house, Perron Manor, and decide to move in and fix the place up. Chloe brings along her husband Andrew and baby daughter Emma, and Sarah has time on her hands after leaving the military. There's a creepy old furnace, a locked study full of occult artifacts, and a lot of rumors about the history of the place, which the locals call Devil's House. Eventually things escalate... you know the rest.

Think of it as an extra scary, well-written episode of A Haunting or Paranormal Witness - both shows that I absolutely adore (and were my after-school gateways to the horror I consume today). Suitable set-up, characters that are just interesting enough to care for, and some surprisingly awesome scares. Kind of like a campfire story. Dependably creepy and you pretty much know what you're going to get. In a good way!

And yeah, I maybe would mention that it escalates quickly. The pacing is fine, it just... shoots out of control a little at the end. I had no idea there would be a cliffhanger and it made me want to read the next one immediately! Seriously, don't sleep on these books. I intend to make them my new palette cleansers in-between other books. Good stuff.

Perron Manor on: Amazon | Bookshop.org | Goodreads

Review: The Fisherman

4 stars. Okay, a reread! Exciting. I read this for the first time years and years ago, and it didn't hit me right. I decided to try again because I find hype for it everywhere. I couldn't remember much (except for the black ocean - that I 100% remembered), and I have to say reading it this time around was a totally different experience. I've always been into horror but I'm officially in my ~ horror era ~ and I actually think having a few more cosmics under my belt has given me a more open mind. I don't think I was ready before for something so mature, or so weird, or so think-y.

It's about two grieving colleagues who slowly find a sort of friendship through fishing. They decide to check out a mysterious spot called Dutchman's Creek, but when they stop for food on their way, the diner's owner warns them to stay away. He tells them a tale, a tale that weaves the history of the land with the darker folklore of its people. A tale that will ultimately change the lives of both men forever (ooooh that was so cheesy but forgive a poor wrap-up it's Monday).

This time, moments really stood out. I was unsettled. I was intrigued. I was impressed with the sheer creativity of it all. I truly don't think there's anything out there like this. I still think the structure could maybe be improved, and the writing could use a quick polish, but those moments, dude, the ones that stood out - those are going to stick with me. Images like a head in the water, the look in a man's eye who has lost everything, a desperate and battered arm wildly seeking its children through a door, black flakes on a man's face, a door knocker, a silver kitchen knife. 

Many, many readers love to point out and praise this book's depiction of grief as a central premise and harrowing theme. Those who don't get spooked get knocked over by the heartbreak in this story. And it's really, really compelling, deep, sad stuff. But what popped out to me this time were some of the smaller explorations around culture, identity, evolution, a middle-aged coming-of-age, weakness, strength, and choice. The central "evil" in this book is a little on the ambiguous side, and the actions of the "bad guys" are all understandable and even, maybe in some worlds, justified. I love that. It's different.

I didn't find it boring, or slow, or meandering. I didn't find it cliched, and I wasn't put off by a certain scene depicting intimate fishy relations. I didn't find it perfect, but I looked forward to picking it up, and I loved meeting a character like Abe again (Abe is undeniably a character you root for, feel for, cry with, laugh with, want to hang out with). I'm so glad I reread this, and that I enjoyed it - I love the idea that my taste buds can change and grow and expand along with me (within reason lol). That ending broke my fucking heart, too. 

I want this to be the type of book that gets studied in literature classes. It deserves its passionate fans, it deserves to be picked apart and raved about and criticized and I want to go to a gathering of The Fisherman fans so we can all discuss and have beers and burgers and tell dark fairy tales and get freaked out by black puddles in the street. I'm here for the weird. Bumping things up to 4 stars. 

The Fisherman on: Amazon | Bookshop.org | Goodreads

Review: His Black Tongue

3 stars. This is a really fun, imaginative and interesting collection. I picked it up because I've seen it recommended for fans of Between Two Fires, and each story does blend historical fiction - or historical elements - and cosmic horror in entertaining ways. This author has some really great ideas and a talent for description. I wasn't truly creeped out or scared at any point, but there's no question this is excellent horror.

Most readers, as far as I can tell, agree that the first story - set in plague-riddled medieval France - is the strongest. Out of all of them, I really understood its purpose and its point. The Bone Fields was also a treat, as I really can't get enough of Viking horror. The final two stories weren't my favorites, as they felt a little anchorless, but they served as adequate vehicles for some fun, disturbing moments. Necropolis blends science fiction into the mix in a way that I don't think I've encountered before, in a good way.

Overall I recommend. It does no good to nitpick work like this (although I could go with one less "gaping maw"), in fact I'd love to read more from this author and see where he goes! I could see this appealing to fans of Ballingrud as well. I liked it!

His Black Tongue on: Amazon | Bookshop.org | Goodreads

Review: Speaks the Nightbird (Matthew Corbett #1)

5 stars, but I would give this 10 if I could. This is by far one of the best books I've ever read. Most well-written, most enjoyable, most entertaining, most impressive, most well-plotted... it really tops the lists for all of those categories. It'll be in my best of the year list, and also my forever favorites. This is a must-read for fans of horror, historical fiction and immersive mysteries. It will keep even the most well-seasoned reader guessing and glued to the story. I cannot say enough good things. It bought me so much joy. 

Speaks the Nightbird takes place at the very end of the 1600s. The New World has been colonized but not conquered, as many new settlements struggle to prosper with so many threats: the climate, the soil, wild beasts, Indians... and most recently, the work of the devil. Fount Royal, the southernmost colony in the Carolinas, seems doomed to fail thanks to the curse of a witch, who allegedly murdered her husband (plus the town's reverend) and committed a few other delightfully unspeakable acts.

Having accused and jailed the witch but aware she is by law innocent until proven guilty, the town's founder sends for a magistrate from the nearby Charles Town to judge the case and provide sentencing, who arrives under somewhat unsteady circumstances with his trusted clerk, Matthew Corbett. And so we are off. 

Off on an investigation so twisty, so dark, so intense that maybe, like me, you'll need to put together a list of suspects on your phone and obsess over the details so you won't miss a single clue (“has a mysterious sack in his barn” really played out in a fun way eh?). Maybe you'll be compelled to discuss it at length with those around you because you can't stop thinking about the characters or the world or the answers to the many questions. Maybe you'll get a few things right, but likely you won't. It's genius in that way.

Matthew Corbett is a great, if somewhat unlucky, hero. Sort of... a Sherlock Holmes type with all the feeeeeeelings and frustrations and follies of being young (and in this case, in love). He is not perfect, nor is he your typical romantic alpha. And yet watching him basically fumble his way through this mystery was a wonderfully rich and sometimes humorous experience, because even as things went wrong at every turn, he stayed true to himself. I really look forward to continuing his journey.

I can't say I've ever, as an adult, been so transported by a book. It is written as though the author literally saw the events unfold before him and he transcribed them so smoothly and vividly I felt like I was there watching with him. (Speaking of, why??? how??? has this not been adapted yet?? HBO?!?!) It's a particular type of sustenance to the soul: like brain food, like a soak in a hot tub, like a hike or a drive when the leaves peak in Autumn, like a sip of expensive whiskey (or apple beer). This book made me fall in love with reading all over again.

Speaks the Nightbird on: Amazon | Bookshop.org | Goodreads