The rule for most monster films (or books) is that the more screen/page time the monster gets, the less frightening it is, and Samhain gets considerably less frightening as the novel goes on. While I love the idea of incorporating him as a character, it wasn’t as effective as I’d hoped. I like him because I like that archetype, but it isn’t exactly groundbreaking. The rest of the characters are fleeting and forgettable, with the exception of Samhain. Structurally, I wasn’t that impressed by it.ĭetective Grant is basically the stock detective: tragic past, drinks too much, but is incredibly good at his job. The writing is passable but not overwhelming, and the pacing is strange due to a five year gap in the timeline and an unnecessary and undeveloped field trip to Ireland. I’m fine with an occasional steamy romance novel, but I probably would have put it down if that weirdness continued. The novel starts with an awkward sex scene that actually ends up being one of the creepiest moments in the book, but… I’m just not sure I would start a detective novel that way. I may go back and read them eventually if I happen across copies, but I probably won’t go out of my way either. It has a nice Halloween atmosphere, and it’s a fun, easy ride for fans of paranormal detective fiction. I didn’t have any trouble following the plot or the characters, although I suspect a reveal late in the novel lacked some of its punch for me because it connects to earlier plots. Thoughts: I don’t think it’s completely necessary to read this book with the rest of the series. It isn’t until a sinister carnival called Halloweenland is set up outside of town that he realizes the “weird shit” this time might actually lead to the apocalypse. When a hit and run accident results on some strange events, Grant knows it has something to do with Samhain, the ghostly Lord of Death who rules over Halloween. Life offers so few chances to be a rebel.Ībout: Detective Bill Grant is used to the "weird shit” that happens in Orangefield every Halloween, but either he’s getting older or the shit is getting weirder. (Maybe several? They include a bottomless love for horror and pathological book buying, to start.) I realized after I bought it but before I started reading that it was third in the series, and then went ahead and read it anyway. Grant waited a moment before answering: 'He’s the thing you fight every day, Doc.’“Ĭontext: I picked this up at a used book sale because it had Halloween in the title, and I have a problem. “‘I’ve never seen anything like this, ever, Bill! I’m a doctor ! Who the hell is this "Sam”?’
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