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thomaswjoyce's review
5.0
A wonderful continuation of the Skillute story began in the novel Knock Knock. Miskowski really impressed me with the great characters and relationships depicted in the novel. This certainly continued with book 2. The exploration of the history of Skillute through characters from Delphine to Eve Alice is great, as is the pacing as Miskowski covers a great deal of time in the story without the narrative dragging. I read this book (and book 3) in one day, it was that gripping and entertaining, and I can't speak highly enough of Miskowski's writing.
motherhorror's review
5.0
S.P. Miskowski writes what I want to read. Her storytelling voice is seriously unparalleled among her peers. The narrative pulls the reader in with vibrant characters, authentic/realistic dialog and engaging drama. There is *never* a good place to drop your bookmark down--the story consumes and demands to be finished.
DELPHINE DODD is the tale of a young girl and her sister who are abandoned by their "free-spirited" (selfish) mother and left in the care of their grandmother. The scenes where the two girls adapt to their new life with their grandma, Eve Alice, are some of my favorites. These chapters reminded me of when I would get lost in my Little House on the Prairie books! Lots of details about fishing and food gathering, learning and growing while managing chores and having some playtime while being resourceful. I could read that sort of thing forever and ever. Eve Alice is a tidy, live-off-the-grid sort of woman and the era is in the 1920s, I believe, so we're talking outhouses and no neighbors--a real cabin in the woods. Except, Eve Alice practices home remedies and such, so people come to see her and she also makes this herbal tea for a doctor that runs a sanitorium nearby.
Things get really interesting with that sanitorium.
Terrifying.
I loved this novella.
The section called "The Changeling" I had read before in the novel KNOCK, KNOCK (I think) but I loved reading it again because it's a dark and twisted tale--one of my favorites. I wish I could sit and listen to this author tell me stories in real life. Her tales seem so real-they're so rich in details and dates and strange circumstances that just don't feel made up.
I need more. More, more, more.
DELPHINE DODD is the tale of a young girl and her sister who are abandoned by their "free-spirited" (selfish) mother and left in the care of their grandmother. The scenes where the two girls adapt to their new life with their grandma, Eve Alice, are some of my favorites. These chapters reminded me of when I would get lost in my Little House on the Prairie books! Lots of details about fishing and food gathering, learning and growing while managing chores and having some playtime while being resourceful. I could read that sort of thing forever and ever. Eve Alice is a tidy, live-off-the-grid sort of woman and the era is in the 1920s, I believe, so we're talking outhouses and no neighbors--a real cabin in the woods. Except, Eve Alice practices home remedies and such, so people come to see her and she also makes this herbal tea for a doctor that runs a sanitorium nearby.
Things get really interesting with that sanitorium.
Terrifying.
I loved this novella.
The section called "The Changeling" I had read before in the novel KNOCK, KNOCK (I think) but I loved reading it again because it's a dark and twisted tale--one of my favorites. I wish I could sit and listen to this author tell me stories in real life. Her tales seem so real-they're so rich in details and dates and strange circumstances that just don't feel made up.
I need more. More, more, more.
rbandock's review
5.0
Left on the roadside by their mother, Delphine Dodd and her little sister, Olive, have been discarded and left in the care of their unfamiliar grandmother. The first of three Knock Knock related novellas, Delphine Dodd by S.P. Miskowski is full of moments that will leave you terrified; but most of all, moments that leave you wanting more.
charshorrorcorner's review
4.0
I just read Knock Knock and I noticed this book also takes place in the town of Skillute, WA. Since I enjoyed the characters from KK, I picked up this novella to learn more about them.
The setting of Skillute is almost a character itself. Ms. Miskowki paints vivid pictures of the woods, streams, plants, and wildlife. It's some of the humans in Skillute that pollute the atmosphere.
I enjoyed learning the backgrounds of Mrs. Knox and Flora, both of whom were introduced in KK. I also learned more about Skillute and its history.
The author has created a tight story, deftly weaving medicine women, hillbillies, native American traditions and human nature with a creepy, but beautiful setting.
This novella was well done! I would recommend reading Knock Knock first, though. Being slightly familiar with some of the characters added another level of understanding for me. Recommended for fans of atmospheric, subtle horror.
The setting of Skillute is almost a character itself. Ms. Miskowki paints vivid pictures of the woods, streams, plants, and wildlife. It's some of the humans in Skillute that pollute the atmosphere.
I enjoyed learning the backgrounds of Mrs. Knox and Flora, both of whom were introduced in KK. I also learned more about Skillute and its history.
The author has created a tight story, deftly weaving medicine women, hillbillies, native American traditions and human nature with a creepy, but beautiful setting.
This novella was well done! I would recommend reading Knock Knock first, though. Being slightly familiar with some of the characters added another level of understanding for me. Recommended for fans of atmospheric, subtle horror.
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