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sorkatani 's review for:
Gallows Hill
by Darcy Coates
Gallows Hill" is the second book I have read by Darcy Coates, and I really engaged with both the plot and the setting.
The plot is both intriguing and distinct. Usually, when reading a horror novel, I can bring two or three similar stories or movies to mind, but I found that wasn't the case with "Gallows Hill".
Rather quickly, I found myself genuinely caring for the supporting characters, though it took to the end of the story for me to warm up to Margot.
There are several scenes and images that really stand out, and that the horror fan in me absolutely loved. (Wine, anyone? 😉 )
Unfortunately, I felt the pacing and, on occasion, the writing didn't do the story justice.
The pacing, in particular, let down the story and actively worked against it at times, especially at the end. The story gains momentum but then peaks prior to the climax. There's a substantial lull between the two that made me so impatient that I reverted to speed reading just to get to the conclusion of the story.
One thing I felt the story failed to do was cement the house and Gallows Hills as a character in its own right. I think that would have given the story a much greater depth and atmosphere.
I also felt that the story was weakest at the start and gained strength as it went. I think if I hadn't previously read a book by this author, I may have stopped reading.
I'm glad that I did stick it out, though, because despite my personal annoyances and the couple of shortcomings, "Gallows Hill" is a good horror novel with a great premise.
The plot is both intriguing and distinct. Usually, when reading a horror novel, I can bring two or three similar stories or movies to mind, but I found that wasn't the case with "Gallows Hill".
Rather quickly, I found myself genuinely caring for the supporting characters, though it took to the end of the story for me to warm up to Margot.
There are several scenes and images that really stand out, and that the horror fan in me absolutely loved. (Wine, anyone? 😉 )
Unfortunately, I felt the pacing and, on occasion, the writing didn't do the story justice.
The pacing, in particular, let down the story and actively worked against it at times, especially at the end. The story gains momentum but then peaks prior to the climax. There's a substantial lull between the two that made me so impatient that I reverted to speed reading just to get to the conclusion of the story.
One thing I felt the story failed to do was cement the house and Gallows Hills as a character in its own right. I think that would have given the story a much greater depth and atmosphere.
I also felt that the story was weakest at the start and gained strength as it went. I think if I hadn't previously read a book by this author, I may have stopped reading.
I'm glad that I did stick it out, though, because despite my personal annoyances and the couple of shortcomings, "Gallows Hill" is a good horror novel with a great premise.