You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Take a photo of a barcode or cover
jkellyjr 's review for:
Let Him in
by William Friend
Grief and shadows collide in 'Let Him In,' a haunting tale that will make you question what's lurking beyond the darkness...……
Book Information
Let Him In, written by William Friend, is a 240-page horror novel with an expected publication date of October 3, 2023. Thank you to Poisoned Pen Press for providing me with an advance readers copy of this book for review.
Summary
Amid a summer night, Alfie awakens to his twin daughters' claims of a lurking shadow in their room. Blaming it on a nightmare due to their mother Pippa's passing nine months earlier, he initially dismisses their distress. The twins create an imaginary companion, seemingly a harmless reaction to grief, but it takes a darker turn as they set places for him, whisper ominously, and hint at being taken away.
Growing concerned, Alfie turns to Julia, Pippa's psychiatrist sister. Yet, as he grapples with haunting visions and an eerie sensation of surveillance, Alfie starts questioning the true nature of this presence. Delving into his own secrets and the ominous history of Hart House becomes imperative for Alfie to avert an impending tragedy that defies comprehension.
My Thoughts
This is an impressive debut novel with an equally remarkable cover. Perhaps we shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, but it is one of the things that drew me in. "Let Him In," is a quick and atmospheric read that delves into the realm of creepy and suspenseful horror, blurring the lines between reality and imagination. Twins, secrets, and a malevolent 'friend' weave a web of suspense that will keep you guessing.
The book unfolds through the dual perspectives of a grieving husband and Julia, the twin sister of his deceased wife. Friend masterfully crafts the unsettling presence of an "imaginary friend" that haunts the story. This is well written such that readers will wonder alongside Alfie, the father, whether it is imaginary or perhaps something more. The portrayal of the twins is also particularly well-executed.
While the story effectively builds suspense and immerses the reader in its eerie atmosphere, it does suffer from occasional repetitiveness and generally slower pacing. Numerous concepts are introduced, hinting at deeper meanings, only to be left unresolved, leaving readers questioning their significance.
As the story progresses, the anticipation grows, but the ending falls short of expectations. The lack of clarity in the conclusion left me disappointed, wondering if it was a deliberate creative choice or a result of me just not fully grasping its intent. Despite the intense buildup and investment in the characters, the payoff doesn't align with what I anticipated.
Recommendation
"Let Him In" is undoubtedly a solid story that showcases Friend's talent for crafting a chilling narrative. However, the unresolved concepts and ambiguous ending may leave readers grappling with a sense of incompleteness. Still a good book and recommended.
Rating
3 Imaginary Stars (or are they real….)
Book Information
Let Him In, written by William Friend, is a 240-page horror novel with an expected publication date of October 3, 2023. Thank you to Poisoned Pen Press for providing me with an advance readers copy of this book for review.
Summary
Amid a summer night, Alfie awakens to his twin daughters' claims of a lurking shadow in their room. Blaming it on a nightmare due to their mother Pippa's passing nine months earlier, he initially dismisses their distress. The twins create an imaginary companion, seemingly a harmless reaction to grief, but it takes a darker turn as they set places for him, whisper ominously, and hint at being taken away.
Growing concerned, Alfie turns to Julia, Pippa's psychiatrist sister. Yet, as he grapples with haunting visions and an eerie sensation of surveillance, Alfie starts questioning the true nature of this presence. Delving into his own secrets and the ominous history of Hart House becomes imperative for Alfie to avert an impending tragedy that defies comprehension.
My Thoughts
This is an impressive debut novel with an equally remarkable cover. Perhaps we shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, but it is one of the things that drew me in. "Let Him In," is a quick and atmospheric read that delves into the realm of creepy and suspenseful horror, blurring the lines between reality and imagination. Twins, secrets, and a malevolent 'friend' weave a web of suspense that will keep you guessing.
The book unfolds through the dual perspectives of a grieving husband and Julia, the twin sister of his deceased wife. Friend masterfully crafts the unsettling presence of an "imaginary friend" that haunts the story. This is well written such that readers will wonder alongside Alfie, the father, whether it is imaginary or perhaps something more. The portrayal of the twins is also particularly well-executed.
While the story effectively builds suspense and immerses the reader in its eerie atmosphere, it does suffer from occasional repetitiveness and generally slower pacing. Numerous concepts are introduced, hinting at deeper meanings, only to be left unresolved, leaving readers questioning their significance.
As the story progresses, the anticipation grows, but the ending falls short of expectations. The lack of clarity in the conclusion left me disappointed, wondering if it was a deliberate creative choice or a result of me just not fully grasping its intent. Despite the intense buildup and investment in the characters, the payoff doesn't align with what I anticipated.
Recommendation
"Let Him In" is undoubtedly a solid story that showcases Friend's talent for crafting a chilling narrative. However, the unresolved concepts and ambiguous ending may leave readers grappling with a sense of incompleteness. Still a good book and recommended.
Rating
3 Imaginary Stars (or are they real….)