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A review by 1outside
The Spiral Staircase by Ethel Lina White
4.0
It was definitely an improvement on ELW's [b:Fear Stalks the Village|11581738|Fear Stalks the Village|Ethel Lina White|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1371471437s/11581738.jpg|16523042]. This time the author didn't go with the village detective story format, but went about as full Gothic horror as she could in the 1930's. A thrilling page-turner, which is nevertheless undercut by the leading character's many annoying moments, and it's clear that the irrationality of her behaviour is there just to serve the plot.
I also continue not being a fan of White's tendency to foreshadow. Just....don't, woman. don't.
But I have to say this whole set-up definitely fit her style of writing much better than Fear.
And the pacing great. Perfect. Just made for being transformed into a film. (Which it was, in 1946...I think I'll watch it at some point.)
Consider this a weak 4, but a 4 nonetheless. I had fun, and that's what counts.
I also continue not being a fan of White's tendency to foreshadow. Just....don't, woman. don't.
But I have to say this whole set-up definitely fit her style of writing much better than Fear.
And the pacing great. Perfect. Just made for being transformed into a film. (Which it was, in 1946...I think I'll watch it at some point.)
Consider this a weak 4, but a 4 nonetheless. I had fun, and that's what counts.