A review by karlakayjenniges
The Lingering by DM Gritzmacher

dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes

4.5

"His chest heaved, and his mouth worked in the dim light of the kerosene lantern. Despite himself, soft moans of pleasure escaped is dripping lips."

1900s, the creature is among them, traveling, wandering, ever watchful as it hunts for its next meal. It must satisfy its hunger. The fear, the taste, the sweet entering causing pure bliss. 

Present Day, Stander and Secrist travel back to the roots of Standers home. Searching for answers from a past that has ever haunted him. Needing the answers to a mystery that has never been solved, buried deep within the history of time. 

1980s, four young boys set out on an adventure. Deep within the woods lies a hidden graveyard from a time that has long past,  forgotten and avoided. Undisturbed until the boys explore and uncover something buried deep underground. They are now running for their lives from an ancient evil that has set itself upon them. Their lives will be forever altered by the darkness that has been visited upon them. 

Three timelines woven together to reveal what has been lurking in the darkness. Not only upon the earth, but in the hearts and souls of all who have been affected. Many questions have been answered in this third installment of the "Skulldiggery" series. Taking us back in time into the life of Stander and what he experienced as a young boy. An adventurous boy with a free spirit that was taken from him and his friends and has lingered within them as the years have passed them by. 

The atmosphere has a foreboding that makes the mind wonder what will come out to play in the darkness. When it does, what occurs is visceral and horrific. It leaves a bloody path behind in our minds, filled with disturbing images with no doubt of what is lying in bloody piles. The lost lives upon our hearts and the lost innocence upon our souls. 

Although these can be read as stand alone novels, I recommend reading them in order as it really adds to the whole experience of a marvelously created series. 

‘It’s a good day as long as your elbows aren’t touching pine,’...