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Powerfully Chilling, 14 Sep 2004
The plot is not really about the hitchhiker, the constant danger, or even the bloodshed. Those are all secondary. It's really about the family and the cracks that have developed within. Cutting a piece into this family's life, Lebbon takes us through the infestation of their lies, and makes us watch as the disease destroys them. The story, while not original, is innovative and powerfully chilling. The climax of this family's collision with the hitchhiker is explosive and the ending - enigmatic! The pace in the story is slow, but with intention and will. Lebbon's pace proves that the best thrill is the one that's earned, and earn you shall. His style of writing is crisp, concise, and psychologically intense. Although it's clear from the first page that the author is British, it's easy to eventually disregard as you join him on his journey. The atmosphere is claustrophobic, sucking the air from your lungs word by word. Moving through each chapter this world seems to get a little tighter, a little smaller, and a lot more compact. Brilliant! Now here is where Lebbon truly shines - his players. The characters are each affected individually and their reactions are both sound and unpredictable. Breathing life into each player, Lebbon keeps it real and allows each of them their own distinctive personality and depth. I even liked the antagonist, much to my dismay and shame.
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