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tracyreads's review
3.0
“It was survival, pure and simple: live through each moment and then worry about what the next one brings.” – David Watkins, The Devil’s Inn
I loved the premise of this book. Based on several old legends and myths, I was happy to find an Author’s note at the end of the book explaining the pub in the novel is, in fact, the Warren House Inn in Dartmoor.
Furthermore, the author states that “it does get cut off by snow and does indeed have a fire that has burned every day since 1845.” He’s not sure if it has ever gone out and has no intention of finding out. I don’t blame him.
The background provided by that note is one I wish I would’ve read before reading. I love information about old myths and legends and perhaps it would’ve added more depth to the tale for me. That being said, Watkins does a decent job with atmosphere and the description of the moor. Set in the depths of winter, this book would make for a good winter read, I think.
I didn’t connect as well to these characters though. Some truly devastating and disgusting (yay!) things happen in this story and I just didn’t have enough emotional investment. The gore and deaths were entertaining for what they were and I did have a good time with this book. The pacing is decent, and while I could’ve used some more exposition to break up the larger chunks of dialogue, it kept me turning the pages.
This read gets three stars from me- it’s a good read with an intriguing premise – it just lacks some of the connection I like to have with books. I plan to seek out more of Watkins’ work; keep this in mind as cooler months arrive.
I loved the premise of this book. Based on several old legends and myths, I was happy to find an Author’s note at the end of the book explaining the pub in the novel is, in fact, the Warren House Inn in Dartmoor.
Furthermore, the author states that “it does get cut off by snow and does indeed have a fire that has burned every day since 1845.” He’s not sure if it has ever gone out and has no intention of finding out. I don’t blame him.
The background provided by that note is one I wish I would’ve read before reading. I love information about old myths and legends and perhaps it would’ve added more depth to the tale for me. That being said, Watkins does a decent job with atmosphere and the description of the moor. Set in the depths of winter, this book would make for a good winter read, I think.
I didn’t connect as well to these characters though. Some truly devastating and disgusting (yay!) things happen in this story and I just didn’t have enough emotional investment. The gore and deaths were entertaining for what they were and I did have a good time with this book. The pacing is decent, and while I could’ve used some more exposition to break up the larger chunks of dialogue, it kept me turning the pages.
This read gets three stars from me- it’s a good read with an intriguing premise – it just lacks some of the connection I like to have with books. I plan to seek out more of Watkins’ work; keep this in mind as cooler months arrive.
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