In the summer of 1985 the bodies of two girls are found in the small midwestern town of Smiths Hollow. Their bodies had been torn apart.
Fourteen-year-old Lauren is still coming to terms with the death of her father, who was found some months previously in the woods with his heart torn out. However, Lauren doesn’t blame the woods for his death. The woods remain her favourite place, especially the old ghost tree where she has often met up with her best friend, Miranda. Yet Miranda is growing up fast and becoming more interested in boys than spending time with Lauren. This is causing tension between them.
When Lauren has a vision of a monster dragging the remains of the girls through the woods, she realises that she needs to find answers unlike almost everyone else in town who seem to gloss over the deaths. Her grandmother tells her about a local witch’s curse that Lauren dismisses as a fairy tale. Yet could there be truth in it?
In her quest Lauren has an ally in Officer Lopez, the newest member of the local police force who has recently relocated from Chicago. Like Lauren, he doesn’t understand the apparent indifference in the townspeople to this heinous crime and is seeking answers.
This was an excellent horror novel in the classic tradition combined with a coming-of-age story. It has plenty of 1980s elements with respect to music, films, and popular culture.
It is important to note that despite the age of its lead character this is not a YA/Teen title but intended for adult readers, who are not likely to be flustered by dark themes, strong language, and the visceral gore appropriate to a horror novel.
I have heard positive things about Christina Henry’s writing for years and was pleased to finally read one of her novels. Following this positive experience, I hope to explore her previous titles in the near future.
Overall, an atmospheric and highly engaging horror novel.
4.5 stars rounded up to 5.
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