Review #27 - Shallow Graves

Author: Patrick Logan

Rating: ★★★★1/2

There are two kinds of people in the world. Ones that read horror books and enjoy them without getting scared, in fact sometimes they even laugh it off as if it's nothing, and the others who read and watch the same despite getting scared out of their wits, and possibly not being able to sleep in the night. Well I guess it's a no-brainer about which category I fall under.

Usually I'm a bit skeptical about reading horror fiction. I know I'd be hurting majoritarian and popular sentiments, but I am not a huge fan of Stephen King novels. In fact I prefer his short stories. It's due to the simple fact that it feels like he writes in so much detail about the character's life and issues and what nots that the very crux of the story, the paranormal, the ghost or the psycho just exists for about 10% of the book.

So when I came across this book, which is the first in "The Haunted" series, I wasn't expecting much. But oh my, I was so wrong.

Robert Watts must be the unluckiest man on earth, as he seems to have been hit by unemployment and adultery all on the same day, only to be left with a pile of bills and a daughter to take care of with no money in sight, and a house that is about to be seized. So when a mysterious man arrives on his front door with a letter from an Aunt he has never known his entire life, with the simple message that if he is to take care of her in her dying days, the Harlop estate shall be inherited by him after her demise, it seems like a God sent gift. Or is it?

This book grips you from the very beginning of the prologue. It is eerie, mysterious and makes you question everything that is going on till the very end of the story. It will give you goosebumps, and it'll give you twists and turns you will never see coming. I think what I enjoyed a lot is that the author doesn't go on to add unnecessary characters to the story, or give too many sub plots. It's neat, crisp and clean, without much of deviance. I definitely am going to give the entire series a read.

I'd recommend this book to anyone that is looking for a good Halloween month read!

#horror #paranormal #fantasy #ghosts #supernatural #suspense