A review by seeandieread
Les brumes de Babylone by Michael McDowell

5.0

Cold Moon Over Babylon seamlessly blends gothic horror and murder mystery. This is the second Michael McDowell book I've read after becoming completely enamored of his writing in The Elementals. Like The Elementals, Cold Moon Over Babylon takes place in the rural southeast, a setting that fits American gothic literature like our favorite sweater. McDowell wastes no time with lengthy setups, from a gruesome (totally metal) opening sequence, to a killing reminiscent of The Zodiac in the first 40 minutes of the audibook. He also spares us the winding journey of explanation. You won't find the residents of Babylon sifting through library books or uncovering some dusty chest in the attic that holds all the answers. Nor will a grizzled old woman be called in to burn sage and speak for the spirits. Sometimes violent and evil deeds just beget violent and vengeful entities, and as a horror enthusiast, I find that refreshing.