A review by aj_humphreys
Below by Laurel Hightower

challenging dark mysterious reflective tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

 This story was very much a character driven creature feature, and because of that it’s a little slow to break the rails. But gosh dangit, did it fly off the rails. 

 

The main character Addy is attempting to rediscover her identity as a middle-aged (ish) woman fresh off a divorce. Unfortunately, the scars and trauma of her ex-partner’s voice linger like a parasite. Throughout, she must fight their tempting urges towards her old life. 

 

The early unease comes from the rural nature of Addy traversing the West Virginia foothills at night, in a snowstorm, all alone. She barely trusts herself, let alone the nameless faces passing her by, filling her with unanswerable questions and enough doubt to feed the considerable paranoia gnawing at her psyche. 

 

But when a stranger offers her kindness, respect, and aid on her journey traversing these conditions, she warily accepts his well-intentioned offer. 

 

But what will Addy do when the shoe is on the other foot? How far will she go to help a stranger in distress? 

 

It’s a short, quick read filled with cryptids, disembodied voices, lingering questions, and visceral moments of unease and terror. All set in Appalachia. What do you have to lose?