Review: Maggie's Grave
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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!