Argon

Don’t start this book if you have anything important to do soon. I mean, Jeepers.
It’s a tense, breathless read. The horror of the story comes from the pettiness, and small town, suspicion, and casual cruelty and selfishness even before there are any fantastical happenings.
Oh, that ending btw. There’s one single horrifying line that felt like I had been punched. Luckily a sequel is coming, and I’m very interested.

An impressive mystery thriller with a supernatural twist!

This one kept me well and truly gripped and definitely gave me "just one more chapter" syndrome, I finished it in less than 24 hours. The story has plenty of twists and turns before coming to its inevitable and shocking end.

I found it a little difficult to keep track of who is who at the beginning as the reader is introduced to a number of characters who are all interconnected and many of them have similar names or are known by multiple names. Once I got to grips with everyone, I very much enjoyed the different characters. Some we very likable, others not so much (but in a good way!). The author wrote different ages very well as we read from the point of view of a number of characters of different ages and all were believable.

With a dark supernatural thriller set in a small town, you can't help but compare it to the likes of Stephen King. There are many similarities of themes, disappearing children, the evil of a small town, the evil not only of the supernatural but more importantly, the evil of ordinary men and women. This is a theme I absolutely love and it is truly terrifying.

Thank you very much to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review

Argon, a quiet town on the Canadian border has new residents, the Larsens; Thomas, Mellie, Robbie and Bec.

Whilst playing, Robbie's friend Jimmy vanishes before his eyes in mysterious circumstances. Of course, he blames himself, unaware of the real truth behind his disappearance.

Bec is playing with her friend Roseli by the dyke, Robbie watches from afar, keeping an eye on his sister afraid she may vanish, however, Roseli's yellow rubber boot is found in the dirt not far from the back garden of the Larsens, and Roseli is missing.

Fingers are pointed and eyes view the new family with suspicion, egged on by Walt Blackwell who decides to lead an assault on the Larsens home after more kids go missing. However, supernatural forces are at work and the town is plunged into turmoil with devastating consequences.

This was one of those books that skips along at a good pace, pulls you in, and time vanishes. You will say just one more chapter then bed, but it does not happen. Whilst the first part of the book there are many characters to be introduced the latter half pulls them together. Not advisable reading if you have important things to do, like feed the kids, go to bed etc., because you just won't want to put it down until its finished. Great first novel.

I am looking forward to the next book The Reappearing Man and the continuing saga.

E L Patrick gave me a copy of his book for an honest review.