Lindsey Barraclough

This is the best dark fiction I have read so far this year.

While I was reading it, I compared it to the Stephen King novel, It, as both books had a very similar theme. I thought that this book was better.

Why? Because it was strictly British with no boomercentric pop culture references; even though these two novels are set in the same time period. Also, we don't delve into the details of the characters lives and learn a lot of personal things that have nothing to do with the story.

The monster is better. I really loved the Beowulf reference during the final battle with Long Lankin.

I am just a sucker for a novel with a moldering old manor house, a Domesday Book family with a curse and an ancient monster out of legend. You just can't get much better than that.

I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a traditional, creepy ghost story.

Pet Lover's Advisory: SPOILER!
A good dog dies a brave death in this story. The death is not a gratuitous manipulation of the reader's emotions, but integral to the story. Not bloody, gory, disgusting, but he does die......so be warned!… (mais)