Book Title: The Waiting (Standalone)
Author: Joe Hart
Number of pages: 254
Synopsis:
Evan Tormer is haunted.
His life has been shattered by events beyond his control and regret is his constant companion. His wife is gone, lost to an unbeatable cancer. His son has been mentally and physically handicapped by a tragic accident. He’s been fired for using company funds in a failed attempt to save his wife’s life.
On a whim, Evan accepts an invitation to housesit on a picturesque island in northern Minnesota. At first it seems like the perfect second chance for he and his son to recover and rebuild their life together.
But there is something very, very wrong with the house and all that occupies it. And worst of all, Evan doesn’t know if the house is haunted…
…Or if it’s all in his mind.
(re: Goodreads @ The Waiting by Joe Hart)
Should this book be picked up? the tl;dr spoiler-less review:
- There is emotionally-charged depth in character development.
- Narrative is layered and is more than your typical horror thrill ride.
- Inclusion of gimmicks that remind you of why you’re scared of them in the first place. Well played, sir.
- A certain modern realism in plotting – if you own, want to own, or can imagine a cottage…read this.
Initial Thoughts:
Classified as a (supernatural) horror-ghost thriller? Alright, you can do this; you’ve seen stuff like this before. No problem. Cue the curtain call: creepy basement, a doll that stares back at you, hallucinations and night terrors, the ticking of a clock; a few of many chills that encapsulate this narrative. And for someone who doesn’t normally read horror novels, I might need more.
I’ll explain:
Disclaimer: Potential spoilers inherent to this review from here onward.
thoughts and afterthoughts. 