Readers should come prepared for plenty of bloodshed: the murders are gruesome, and Johansen skillfully elicits the fear and torment that plague locals when they’re unable to solve the crimes. Jamie, an unlikely hero in many aspects, suffers her share of trauma as she chases down the killers, but her pluck and resolve will resonate with fans of strong female protagonists. The supernatural elements lurking behind the town’s troubles emerge gradually, but once Johansen introduces them through the locals’ superstitious beliefs, the story quickly comes to a head, alongside a dramatic ending that’s equal parts hair-raising and proudly, can-you-top-this? excessive.
Though the length may intimidate some readers, Johansen’s steady stream of action keeps the pace balanced—even when the narrative delves into the somewhat stereotypical backstories of the main characters. Happy endings aren’t the norm in this thriller, but Johansen manages to keep the outcomes believable despite the onslaught of paranormal savagery sprayed across the pages, and readers cheering for Jamie will be satisfied that her efforts to put the pieces together are eventually rewarded. Fans of paranormal mysteries with elaborate carnage will be pleased.
Takeaway: A small town falls under the spell of paranormal violence in this relentless thriller..
Great for fans of: Alex North’s The Whisper Man, Yrsa Sigurdardóttir’s I Remember You.
Production grades
Cover: B+
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: B
Marketing copy: A
