and it stared off so well .... A recommendation from Adam Nevill had me reading this and the 1st half didn't disappoint of this novella. Decent characterisation, even if the sea captain was a bit of a cliché but then just as things were getting good ... it's the dreaded 'dream sequence' .. I personally loathe these, Mr King has a LOT to answer for but this was pointless in regards to the plot and just an excuse for an OTT descriptive scene. Whilst there was a point - of sorts - to the protagonist falling asleep for the plot development - a simple, 'drained by the events of the day and the beers consumed, sleep came quickly' would have sufficed you know ? Post nap though, things went very strange, illogical actions abound and the whole pacing fell apart as did the plot. It actually felt like it was written by a different author such was the change. Will check out the author's other works though and hope this was a one off. ( )

This was the book that put Fracassi on my radar. To be very specific, it was the understated, gorgeous cover that initially caught my eye, but it was the story that made me want to check this guy out.

I am so damned glad I did. I don't want to give anything away here, but I can say that this story is everything a solid, successful horror story should be. Isolated cast, unexpected antagonist, and unflinching horror.

So good. All the stars. ( )