Review: His Bloody Project

3 stars. I struggle with where to fall with this one, because it's so clearly a well-written, well-researched, thoughtful piece of work indicative of a very intelligent, talented author. I couldn't put it down, for what it's worth, and I absolutely adore epistolary novels, so I found that aspect really engaging and fun. But I think ultimately it wasn't a home run for me because, to be very frank, I was expecting a last-minute twist, so I spent my whole reading experience anticipating that and looking for clues.

His Bloody Project "collects" various documents related to a murder that occurred in rural Scotland in the late 1800s. Included are witness statements, a transcript of the trial as well as the murderer's confession and account of the crime. We as readers learn through these documents about the events leading up to the murders, the history of the town, the victims and the manner with which justice is sought. 

I recommend it as long as you go in knowing: this is not a mystery, or a thriller, or even a why-dunnit. It's a piece of historical fiction that offers an incredibly detailed, thorough image of a time and place. And it's an examination of a "true" crime through an almost academic legal lens. It's essentially a long Wikipedia article, and if this sort of thing interests you, you will love it. If you are looking for a more traditional crime thriller, or as I mentioned before - a twist, you should stay away.

Also, I have some questions!! Multiple interesting considerations were only hinted at or barely examined, when they could have lent additional depth to this. Many other reviewers have noticed that these are clever hints implying a darker conspiracy at work, and I'll continue to think about that - maybe even re-read a few passages. The "villain" was a little cartoonish and I didn't totally buy the main character's path from A to B to Murder - do these play into the bigger picture? Hmmmmmmm.

Anyway, I can't not mention the bigger themes: oppression, suppression, repression, prejudice, religious fervor, access in isolation, tradition, justice, psychology, sociopathy, duty and honor and obligation, the definition of "civilized," the purpose of law, the futility of law, the faults of law, I could go on and on. It's good stuff, it really is. I have no regrets and I'm glad I read it. GREAT title, too.

His Bloody Project on: Amazon | Bookshop.org | Goodreads

Review: In the House in the Dark of the Woods

3 stars. Not what I was expecting at all, even though I knew to expect something strange and far out there! As best as a summary as I can manage: a woman heads into the forest to pick berries for her family, gets lost, goes missing. She then has a long series of very unusual, enchanting, mysterious, almost magical encounters with those who dwell in the woods and finds herself trapped - or perhaps flings herself willingly - into a cycle where her choices will impact far more than her quest to return home.

1 star for slaying a style of writing I've never really encountered before: not only was it very different and unusual, but it was good and beautiful and refreshing. Not different for the sake of being different. Different because it lent to the setting, the voice, the tone, the narrative itself. It further distinguished the book as its own thing - see below. 

1 star for the setting. I'm such a sucker for Colonial horror, especially with witches and crackling fires and magic herbs and fouled wells and berries with cream and bonnets and religious fervor and the decidedly male determination to conquer what is wild and shouldn't be tamed. Take the movie The Witch, turn it inside out, then tip it sideways and then zoom out - this is the type of story you'll find.

1 star for being completely untethered. I considered docking a star for this, but I've so rarely encountered a story that doesn't really reference, or connect, to anything familiar (and boy oh boy did my brain try - over and over again to grasp at whatever it could) that I can't help but admire it. Aside from the most prival (primeval) tropes, like the evil in the woods, and maybe a few lessons about consequences and making promises, this is truly its own thing.

I think maybe I'll remember this story by its moments - by its individual threads versus the whole tapestry. The blurb uses the word "ingenious" and I don't think that's wrong... but it's maybe a little too ingenious, for me. Reminds me of something almost academic. But I truly respect it. And I would like to read more by this author. I might even re-read this one, if I feel like a rabbit hole again.

In the House of the Dark of the Woods on: Amazon | Bookshop.org | Goodreads

Review: Sallow Bend

3 stars. Not bad at all, and truly a whole lot of fun! I love a good carnival. Highly recommend this for spooky season or if you're in the mood for a good, adventurous small-town ghost story. It follows several members of the town of Sallow Bend, to which the carnival has just arrived, as they deal with the disappearance of two girls followed by a series of super unfortunate, tragic, mysterious deaths. Between the local law enforcement, the carnival workers, the school's awkward janitor and the mother of a previous victim, the town rallies as best as they can against what quickly becomes clear is a supernatural threat.

The book is full of shining horror moments. Between the carnival, a spooky old cabin, and the villain's ability to glamour the whole town, there's a lot to be found that will satisfy a horror reader. Ultimately, though, it isn't that scary. The multiple POV format doesn't exactly lend itself to anything other than repetitive conversations, and also unspools some narratives that never get resolved. (Look to Stephen King for successful examples of going deep and wide.) The carnival aspect is appreciated and creates a kind of trope-y nostalgia, but there was just something... missing.

Maybe I wanted more answers, or more of Hester's story, or maybe the ending wrapped things up a little too neatly. I can't quite put my finger on it. But hey, as I mention often in my reviews/responses: I've never written a book, and it seems quite difficult to do. I won't not recommend this because the vibes alone are pretty awesome. I'm excited to read more from this author! And it kept me very entertained on the train.

Sallow Bend on: Amazon | Bookshop.org | Goodreads

Review: A Lush and Seething Hell

5 stars. See, there's 5 stars, and then there's... 5 stars. A rating that makes you question every 5-star read before it, because none of them could’ve possible been this good. This book is definitely everything I look for in horror and more. It's a top contender for a Kelly Choice Award and I've already recommended it to friends and family. It's great on multiple levels: premise, writing style, imagery, characterization, themes, and narrative. It is full of disturbing moments and creative scares; it weaves mystery, folklore, culture, and history into two stunning and vibrant and distinct-but-similar sibling stories. 

Let's get into it.

The Sea Dreams it is the Sky

"You do not know what I’ve been through,” he said. “And I do not know what you’ve suffered. There is a beyond to every woman and man. There is a beneath. There will always be misery in the world."

I suppose this story starts with a violent political coup in a fictional South American country. A young woman, who escapes the chaos and lands in another country, encounters another refugee of sorts: a much older, once-infamous poet. They strike up a kinship, perhaps out of shared trauma, and eventually he asks her to watch his apartment so he can return home for not entirely obvious reasons. She discovers many treasurers there, including a dark and mysterious manuscript that references the poet's extremely dark past and uncertain future.

I found this novella to be absolutely beautiful, brilliant, mind-blowing... even a little sexy. It's rare for me to want to highlight, or write down quotes, and I was fighting that urge every few pages. Isabel is wonderfully formidable and... prickly. I liked that about her. The story needed that. And her relationship with The Eye clicked. His characterization was a little less unusual, but very compelling. I rooted for them both.

But, of course, this is horror. Cosmic horror no less. And there's a delicious antagonist and a slippery - but terrifying - central conflict. Some of the details (the original text's title being translated to A Little Night Work, for example; and the content itself - known to the reader by vague reference only) were downright brilliant. BRILLIANT. The little motifs and recurrences - feed the cat, for your protection - I had fun with this. I had FUN with this. It reminded me of when I first encountered Stephen Graham Jones. 

My Heart Struck Sorrow

"A piece of music draws you on, leading you places you’ve never been. You’d never think of journeying to."

This story follows a Library of Congress employee, returning to work after the tragic and untimely deaths of his wife and son. He and his colleague travel to the house of a recently-deceased ancestor of a pivotal figure in folklore preservation, who spent time in the 30s traveling the South and recording folk music for the Library. They find a stash of old records, his field journal, and much more than they bargained for. 

This should've been my favorite based on the premise alone (I have a thing for musical horror), but it didn't impress me as much as TSDIITS. But there's so much to enjoy here, too. I have so many questions, which I'm sure is partly the point. It's like I want more, but also it could've been a little shorter. It's another frame narrative, with a story within the story, and there are a surprising amount of penises. That isn't a complaint, exactly (I'm a little tired of female breasts), but a couple times I was like ... is that necessary? Just consider yourself warned.

It's very clear that Jacobs did his research (for both of these) and that absolutely lends itself to the writing. I live in Alexandria, and I'm deeply familiar with the LOC, and he kind of nailed both (the part where he ruminates on justifying his existence for grant money... I felt that lol). I'd love to hear some theories about what the heck happened at the end, though. Maybe some brave soul will do a little rendition of Stagger Lee? I'd be into it. 

...

Both of these stories explore potent, relevant, real-world themes: racism, war, absolute power, cultural and political trauma, America's failures (American as failure), corruption, oppression, guilt, punishment, justice or lack thereof, and the darkness found in humanity. There's a lot to think about. Some of it - especially in MHSS - made me uncomfortable. Jacobs checks himself through Hattie's character, but those moments felt a little contrived, or try-hard, like a last-minute safety net. 

Anyway. As with all horror, not for everyone. But yes, yes, a thousand times yes for me. I haven't really read anything like it, and now I'm really hooked on this vibe. Look out for a re-read, because I won't be able to stay away.

A Lush and Seething Hell on: Amazon | Bookshop.org | Goodreads

Review: Maggie's Grave

5 stars. Two Maggies in a row for me, having just finished No One Gets Out Alive, and this one was way too much fun. I've discovered a new favorite author! I can't believe Maggie's Grave combines so many of my favorite tropes into something so fresh and unique. I want more! I wish it was longer! I want everyone to read it so we can discuss the creative kills! 

Three hundred years ago, a group of puritanical Scottish townsfolk executed a falsely-accused witch named Maggie Wall and sacrificed her baby. And now, she's back. The town has shrunk to almost nothing, but she's determined to destroy, rampage and kill every one of her murderers' descendants until she finds what was taken from her so many years ago. But she's not the only threat looming over the little corner of Scotland.

Truly, this was so good. Dark, funny, and a little strange. Maggie Wall is a perfectly rendered monster and the kills are absolutely INSANE!! It was maybe a little predictable (though I did not see that final twist coming), but I didn't mind at all - I was enjoying myself. It all felt very cozy and familiar, in a good way. This should get adapted! Or turned into an anthology episode or something. 

Read this if you're looking for: crisp, easy writing, fast-paced action sequences, small towns, folklore, brutal kills, satisfying revenge, randomly amazing descriptions of beer, a few surprisingly sweet moments, disturbing imagery (TW: naked old people - think sagging butts and flopping penises) and a killer ending. Perfect for Halloween season. Team Maggie! 

Maggie’s Grave on: Amazon | Bookshop.org | Goodreads

Review: No One Gets Out Alive

4 stars. What the in the batshit whackadoodle ever loving fuck did I just read?! Like, what room did I just walk out of, dazed and blinking and disturbed and relieved and kind of annoyed? I felt in over my head with this one, but boy was it a crazy ride. Very excited for it to haunt me when I least expect it. I'll say upfront: I do suggest checking out TWs! Also, I've watched the adaptation and while it's very different, it's very, very enjoyable! Highly recommend!

The story follows Stephanie, a young woman who flees her mentally ill stepmother, landing in the city with very little money and no job prospects in a dreadful economy. Essentially homeless, she takes a room at a dirty boarding house with a flaky landlord, determined to make it work. Her first night in the house, though, is far from peaceful. Creepy voices and strange noises emanate from the floors and walls, and the temperature fluctuates beyond explanation. Stephanie's circumstances grow more and more desperate as she has to decide: stay in a haunted house, or leave with nothing?

When I say that's just the beginning, you should believe it. That's like the first quarter of the book. Things take a huge turn halfway through, and get even crazier before finding an odd but acceptable resolution. I didn't mind the length so much - the journey made me really invested and interested in Stephanie's fate - but the writing itself could've used some editing. There is a lot - A LOT - of time spent in her head as her anxiety spirals. There are a lot - a LOT - of words dedicated to her questioning everything from every angle, examining every option, analyzing every possibility. I'm not saying this wouldn't happen (and I guess it does sort of escalate the tension as you yell at her to run), but I'm saying it got a little repetitive. 

I'm also not entirely sure if the plot maybe was a little bit meandering? Especially in the second half. Nevill does such a terrific job writing moments - he truly has a dark gift for crafting dreadfully descriptive and horrifying episodes - but sometimes his story felt like a vehicle for the moments, not the other way around. Which isn't exactly a complaint (especially talking about horror - it's all about the scary moments), I'm just genuinely trying to sort through why I felt like the narrative lacked a bit. Or felt a little random at times.

Stephanie is a fierce heroine, though, and I never for one second dreamed of abandoning her. And Nevill also skillfully introduces us to one of the most creative, abhorrent villains of all time in Knacker. Knacker manages to offend every single one of the five senses. It's brilliant characterization - cartoonish but in a good way. I squirmed every time I encountered him on a page, which was surely the goal.

I'm glad I committed to this. It's horror in the truest sense of the word and I think it'll be considered a classic soon if not already. I can’t wait to continue my journey with Adam Nevill!

No One Gets Out Alive on: Amazon | Bookshop.org | Goodreads

Review: Wylding Hall

3 stars. This was a fantastic way to spend 2 hours. It's been on my list forever and ever and ever - it's always recommended on Reddit and on lists of popular folk horror books - and I'm glad I finally read it, even if it wasn't a stellar knock out of the park for me. 

It's about the members of a British folk band in the 70s who are forced by their manager to spend the summer on an isolated old estate in the rural countryside. They write some songs, and make some interesting recordings, but their lead singer/guitarist Julian starts to pull away, and appears to be at the center of some strange experiences at the Hall. Told in interview format as the remaining members of the band recall the events of that summer, the book oozes hippie acid vibes with a folk horror twist. 

I think I would've enjoyed it more had it not reminded me so much of Daisy Jones and also had I not loved the Six Stories series so much. The Six Stories books are super crunchy, scary stories in interview format but they aren't exactly subtle, so I think I was expecting a bit more directness and a few more answers. A comp might be more along the lines of Picnic at Hanging Rock maybe (which I did absolutely love).

So: what am I missing? Is it possible this taps into some British folklore or fairy tales I'm unaware of and therefore can't catch the references? The wren stuff was confusing to me and... clearly there was something going on with time, and barrows, and different realms... I don't mind ambiguity at all, but I just couldn't quite grasp onto enough here. Which is probably the point! I just typically want more answers.

I highly recommend reading this for the writing, the moments, and the vibes. 

Wylding Hall on: Amazon | Bookshop.org | Goodreads

Review: Stolen Tongues

5 stars. I had a tricky job picking a rating for this book, because of one thing: it scared me. We'll get into it, but I've decided based on some valuable advice to adopt a new rule for my rating process. I already have one, and that is to automatically dock a star for a UDD - an Unnecessary Dog Death. My new rule, to be employed immediately, is to automatically add a star if a book actually spooks me. It's a very rare and very special event (lol that sounds so dramatic), when a book scares me, and I think it deserves recognition. 

Stolen Tongues is about a young couple, Felix and Faye, who are offered a cabin stay in the Rockies by her parents as an engagement gift. Things almost immediately start to go wrong, though, when they hear voices from outside - voices they recognize. Faye, who has always had sleep issues, starts to change and exhibit strange behavior. They leave, but it's not that easy - whoever, or whatever, terrorized them at the cabin follows them home. 

There's something truly amazing and odd about books that started as creepypastas. I've read two now - that I know of - that came from Reddit, and in both I was immediately struck by how strange the writing style seems. It's so informal, and amateur-sounding, kind of jarring, in a way that always makes me think like... is this bad? Is this right? But I should not be the dictating voice on what writing should be. It was just noticeable. And then, like, the very thing I sort of recoiled from actually made the book itself that much more effective, even scary? The cheesy dialogue became… endearing? The nonsensical, random plot points didn’t bother me? Life is full of surprises.

Don't get me wrong - this book isn't perfect. It would've earned a solid 4 stars except for the fact that I had to keep the light on after reading it. I really didn't like the character of Faye, and how useless she was. Recognizing she's the victim, and living through a terrible trauma, I would've related to her more had she acted more motivated to... fix the damn problem. And it's a pet peeve of mine when authors throw in exposition to explain a scary moment, versus the other way around? Like "this person had a nightmare." Opening of the next chapter: "this person started having nightmares at age 3." 

I also found the "twist" at the end, particularly related to the number 5, and the conclusion itself to be a little anticlimactic. Ultimately, too, maybe this book is a little long - there are a couple of sequences that are just strings of moments with no forward momentum. A little too repetitive. But OMG OMG OMG - it was so great. Don't listen to my nitpicking and criticizing - this is a must-read for horror fans. This is the type of book I want everyone to read so I can talk about it! Blackwell has an incredible talent for DESCRIBING MOMENTS. He is clearly a VERY thoughtful author, knows how to make you care, knows how to make you scared. I am so excited to read more of his work.

Stolen Tongues on: Amazon | Bookshop.org | Goodreads

Review: The Wager

4 stars. Like so many others, I love David Grann's writing style and consider him a must-read author. I was so excited to snag this from the library and will probably buy it as gifts for others in my life. It is without a doubt a masterful, beautifully-written, well-researched narrative that is truly stranger than fiction. And not for the faint of heart, either. Anyone sensitive to animal harm: check TWs. I did not, and ended up crying on the train and then in the bar after.

In the early 1740s, a squadron of ships, in an effort to gain advantage over their rival/enemy-in-conflict Spain, set out from Britain with the goal of capturing a Spanish ship full of treasure. Their route: hazardous. Their group: literally forced into it by press gangs. The conditions: filthy. Their supplies: unfortunately lacking citrus. One horrible thing leads to another and one of the ships, the Wager, gets separated from the group and wrecks off the coast of Patagonia. And that is basically only the beginning.

As someone who is fully fascinated by the dark side of life - true crime, natural and unnatural disasters, cults, creepy stuff, unsolved mysteries - I shouldn't have been bothered by this. I mean, one of the earliest internet rabbit holes I ever climbed down was Jack the Ripper. The Terror is one of my favorite books of all time. I suppose it's partly a testament to David Grann's writing, and maybe also the extreme grittiness of this particular story, but I honestly had to read it sort of... through my fingers. I was really bothered by the... why of it all. 

And more existentially, the why of any of it. Existing is hard enough, why do we, historically, consistently, universally, distinctively, make it harder for ourselves? Why do we insist on pushing outward and inward and upward in damaging ways? I guess it's in our nature, a concept that becomes less and less easy to accept as this story unravels. It knocked at my brain after every brutal twist: none of this had to happen.

Grann's answer to this is imperialism. I've read in other reviews that his use of the Empire to frame the story this way is sloppy, lousy, lame, ill-fitting or simply incorrect. I disagree. The Empire's obsession with dominance is the reason why the men were on this voyage in the first place. It contributed to and informed their actions and decision-making - even at the most desperate times, even facing death. It is an irrefutable context and yes, he sort of bops you round the head with it more than once, but he couldn't have told the story without it. 

Anyhoo, I couldn't put this down. The short chapters - and the constant twists and turns - kept me turning pages and as philosophically harrowing as it was (which is surely kind of the point), I highly recommend it. This is storytelling at its finest. 

The Wager on: Amazon | Bookshop.org | Goodreads

Review: Episode Thirteen

3 stars. Aw man, I wanted to love this so much! As a bona fide found footage aficionado, this should've been a home run. But... I hate to say it... there's a reason why found footage is found footage, and epistolary novels don't necessarily try so hard to lean in that direction. I admire the attempt, and maybe it's more successful in audio, but this kind of at times felt like it just wanted to be a screenplay. If that won't bother you, go for it! 

It features the collected journal entries, interviews, raw footage transcripts and correspondence of the paranormal investigation team behind the fictional show Fade to Black: Matt, the leader, his wife and scientist (and Virginia Tech grad! Go hokies!) Claire, cameraman Jake, ex-police officer Kevin, and wannabe actress Jessica. Together they attempt to investigate historic Foundation House for the thirteenth episode, and season finale, of their show. With the future on the line, their reputations at stake, will the secrets of the house... bring them together... or tear them apart...? *fade to black*

I will say, I couldn't put this down. The short chapters propel things along quite well, and I really appreciated that it doesn't drag on and on and on. The fact that the house had already been investigated added an interesting mystery twist, and I loved the random incorporation of 60s/70s hippie culture. Honestly? That shit IS extremely creepy, now, looking back on it lol. I also enjoyed how each character had his or her own brush with the paranormal, and how each incident came back to (ahem) haunt them in the end.

And yet the characters were so, so, so incredibly flat. I didn't buy Matt and Claire's marriage for a second, and any attempt to color in the lines seemed really cheap and amateur. I think it must be truly so challenging to write distinct character voices in any book, especially one with multiple POVs in this format, but everyone basically sounded the same with a few tweaks here and there. It was just a little... lame.

Here's what I'd say: if you want sort of a popcorn, Blockbuster mash-up of House of Leaves, Annihilation, Grave Encounters, and maybe The Themis Files, you'll enjoy this book. Fair enough? I'll probably read this author again! I want more books that try something like this.

Anyway, go hokies.

Episode Thirteen on: Amazon | Bookshop.org | Goodreads