May 31, 2021
Philadelphia police officer Nate Graves, the protagonist of this creepy supernatural thriller from bestseller Wendig (Wanderers), initially rejects his much-hated, abusive father’s dying wish that he buy his childhood house for $1 and then live there with his artist wife, Maddie, and their 15-year-old son, Oliver. The house in Upper Bucks County, Pa., holds horrible memories for Nate, but Oliver, an empath who feels others’ pain and fear, insists he needs a fresh start after being humiliated and bullied for his special ability. A vengeful ghost who may be Nate’s late father stalks the house, and nearby is the park that a serial killer used as a dumping ground before he vanished just as he was being executed. A boy’s penchant for black magic, a haunted train tunnel, and sculptures that come to life add to the eerie atmosphere. Wendig is strongest when concentrating on the Graveses' unshakable love for each other, but the complex plot frequently devolves into confusion and repetitive scenes. Horror fans will best appreciate this one. Agent: Stacia Decker, Dunow, Carlson & Lerner Literary.
October 1, 2021
Wendig's ("Star Wars: Aftermath" series) latest novel pays homage to classic horror staples, featuring demonic hauntings and an isolated small town, complete with a prison, where one family braces against the forces of evil. Former cop Nate Graves moves to the town with his artist wife Maddie and sensitive teen son Oliver, who is coping with anxiety. Together they face the ghost of a local serial killer, bullying jocks, and an alcohol-addicted writer, as well as Nate's relationship with his abusive father. There may be too many stories wrapped up in Wendig's tale, whose vague statements about the hardship of "this world" weigh down the dialogue. Curiously, the demons hunting the Graves family repeatedly praise Nate and Maddie's parenting, which largely negates the novel's suspense. In the narration, Xe Sands's soothing voice combines well with George Newburn's folksy cadence to bring out the rustic qualities of the dark woods where the action happens. VERDICT Passionate fans will love this homage to the genre, but more diverse and innovative works may be a better choice for limited collections.--Aaron Heil, State Lib. of Kansas
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