Lee Allen's Blog, page 6

Catriona Ward's Little Eve - Review

Little Eve by Catriona Ward

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


A dark gothic tale of abuse and moral corruption.

With the dawning of a new year, a horrific discovery is made on a remote Scottish island - an entire family mutilated and murdered.

There is a sole survivor of the massacre - Dinah - who is able to testify to the atrocity committed by her sister, Eve.

But Eve's own account is a far less clear cut tale of good and evil. Through her story, the truth of what led to that brutal Hogmanay emerges.

'Little Eve' is the second novel by Catriona Ward. I've been excited about reading it since reading the fabulous 'Rawblood', and it proved to be another fantastic book! Ward immerses us in rich gothic prose, conjuring an atmospheric, slow-burning gothic horror. We meet two women - Dinah, the survivor, haunted by the ghosts of her trauma; and Eve, an innocent victim who becomes both liberator and murderer.

Beautifully written, with deeply evocative descriptions, the setting is vividly brought to life, the isle of Altnaharra almost a character in itself, with its rugged, dangerous beauty, the ocean wrapping it in its arms, either protection or imprisonment; the only signs of human habitation the crumbling ruins of an old church and the ancient castle the family have made their home. Despite the horrors that take place there, you cannot fail to feel its potential as a place of peace and sanctuary – a power Uncle abuses to his advantage.

Through Eve and Dinah's perspectives, with some input from a police detective, we discover their family is truly a cult. Eve learns how their “family” came to be and the past of the man they call Uncle, testing her faith in their deity, the Adder, and their entire belief system, as she begins to see the truth of what is happening on their island. We delve into the beliefs of the cult, a chilling subversion of Christian myth - particularly of Genesis and Revelation - how this "faith" allows an abuser to flourish unhindered, and, ultimately, as the mask crumbles, exploring what it truly means to be free when wounds remain in livid scars.

Intense and introspective, 'Little Eve' is a gripping gothic novel that reaches deep to touch your heart and soul.



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Robert Galbraith's The Running Grave - Review

The Running Grave by Robert Galbraith

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


An intense, epic thriller that takes us into the dark heart of a cult.

The Strike and Ellacott Detective Agency is approached by a father whose son has joined a religious group and is now entirely estranged from his family.

With the reclusive Universal Humanitarian Church impenetrable by outsiders, Robin goes undercover to join the cult and ultimately takes residence at their headquarters of Chapman Farm in the Norfolk countryside.

Working from outside and within, Strike and Robin uncover the sinister nature of the UHC and a history of criminal activity, abuse and mysterious deaths.

'The Running Grave' is the seventh novel in the Strike series by Robert Galbraith, pseudonym for JK Rowling in writing the detective series following the lives and investigations of Cormoran Strike and Robin Ellacott. Unlike any case they’ve pursued in the past, their client wishes them to find a way to free his son from the clutches of a nefarious religious group. Rowling once again treats us to a complex, detailed and engrossing novel of epic proportions, hooking us from the very first page and not letting go until the very last, as Robin goes deep undercover in her most dangerous cover identity yet, isolated from Strike and the team. This continues to be one of my favourite crime fiction series, featuring many elements I love about the genre – intricate mystery, subtle gothic overtones, psychological and philosophical depth, and riveting and electric plotting, woven into a superbly written novel driven by distinctive characters.

The Universal Humanitarian Church is richly developed, delving into its history and creation, its religious practices and mythology, having birthed from events that took place many years previously - all of which come under scrutiny, Strike investigating these circumstances as he would a cold case whilst Robin is undercover dealing directly with their primary objective. We experience the UHC’s insidious strategy of manipulation, coercive control and indoctrination, powered by the superficial charm and acute narcissism of leader Jonathan Wace and his close knit team of family and acolytes, as they exploit members and followers of the church in service of their spiritual development and claims at altruistic endeavours for the good of humanity, with the promise of belonging within a select and special minority who understand and teach 'the truth'. So cleverly and artfully done, you could almost admire it were its intent not so cruel and evil – while mirroring behaviours we see in reality from the small scale of abusive households, through cults and radicalised groups, to the ideology of entire nations or groups spanning the globe.

As always, Strike and Robin are at the centre of the narrative – I love both these characters and their relationship. In some ways they are vastly different, in others very similar, so perfectly complementing each other in both their friendship and their business partnership. In their own ways, they are both damaged and in the process of healing, something we've experienced with them as the series has progressed. Finally, Strike is no longer in denial about his feelings for his best friend and business partner. Unfortunately, Robin is now the one in denial, having long since tried to accept that Strike feels nothing for her beyond their friendship and professional relationship, and is now in a relationship with someone else. Their separation and Robin’s peril increases the emotional pressure of their predicament, forcing their feelings closer to the surface. The narrative strikes a perfect balance between the continuing character arcs and current investigations, navigating multiple twists and shocks, bringing the case brilliantly to a close with the final revelation, followed by an emotional denouement that leaves us excited for where the series will take us next.

Powerful and captivating, ‘The Running Grave’ is another sublime, propulsive installment in a superlative ongoing saga. Book eight (of the planned series of ten), 'The Hallmarked Man', has been announced as coming soon!



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Richard Gallagher's Demonic Foes - Review

Demonic Foes: My Twenty-Five Years as a Psychiatrist Investigating Possessions, Diabolic Attacks, and the Paranormal by Richard Gallagher

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


A captivating study of diabolic attacks from a professor of psychiatry.

Richard Gallagher's 'Demonic Foes' is part memoir, part study in demonology, a fascinating exploration of the reality behind phenomena we often witness in horror fiction. As a psychiatrist and member of the International Association of Exorcists, Dr. Gallagher has spent many years working alongside exorcists to combat demonic assaults - including oppression, infestation, and possession - and lead sufferers to their path to deliverance.

Gallagher's involvement began when he was contacted by a priest to undertake a psychiatric assessment of someone believed to be possessed. Contrary to common misconception, responsible clergy will seek medical and psychological assessment prior to an exorcism being performed. As Gallagher notes, the vast majority of suspected diabolic attacks ultimately prove not to be so. Yet, despite their relative rarity, some prove to be paranormal in origin.

In addition to selected accounts of suspected cases of possession he has assessed, Gallagher also details comparison to cases of psychosis and personality disorders, defining how they and spiritual attacks present differently. Gallagher also examines a history of belief in demons, evil spirits and possession across belief systems, with particular focus on the Abrahamic religions and the development of the concept of the Devil and his legion of fallen angels.

It should be noted that, as a Catholic, his beliefs influence his views on spiritualism, pre-Christian beliefs and Eastern religions. Nevertheless, the narrative is largely balanced and consideration given that belief systems in opposition to some Christian beliefs are not necessarily malignant. Regardless of your own beliefs or agnosticism on the subject, 'Demonic Foes' is an endlessly intriguing dossier of spiritual inquiry, religious history, psychological insight, and witness evidence. Intelligent and thought-provoking, it proves powerful testimony for the existence of malign spiritual forces.



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Mental Health Awareness: Anxiety

Many may believe that suffering with anxiety is simply being worried – you know, something we need to stop being so weak and silly about; just get a grip and get on with it.

But anxiety is far from being so simplistic and easily conquerable. Anxiety is like being trapped in a war between yourself and your thoughts and emotions. It is feeling overwhelmed by everything around you and inside your own head – past, present and future. It is feeling a lack of control over your own existence, of being assaulted by a thousand interpretations of present circumstances and future scenarios, none of which you feel you can influence or avert. It is the dread that entirely consumes you. Perhaps you know why, or the thousand reasons why. Perhaps you don’t.

It can prevent you from living your life to the fullest and doing things you enjoy; it can harm your relationships with others; it can make you turn and run away or freeze you in your tracks. It is the enemy of pleasure and happiness, of peace, of time fulfilled. With it may come embarrassment and shame, due in part to the way people do not understand, and still hold on to their preconceptions of what it means to be anxious.

Anxiety manifests in multiple ways – perhaps in an inability to switch off, a constant awareness of a long list of tasks that must be accomplished, beginning a cycle of feeling overwhelmed and exhausted; in social anxiety, leaving you on edge amongst large crowds of people, or even with your closest family and friends; in health anxiety, wondering if the slightest blemish or ache or pain is actually something sinister; in obsessive thoughts and compulsive coping mechanisms, overwhelmed by a desperate need to maintain control over your mind, your body, your environment when you feel such a lack of control elsewhere. These scenarios are just some of my own experiences. Others will read this whose anxiety manifests in entirely different ways.

In recent years, I've usually been able to recognise the symptoms early enough to combat them. Not that it's by any means easy to separate your thinking from external triggers. Nor does awareness of thinking irrationally or obsessively make it any easier to escape the escalating thoughts and emotions. More often than not, I'm able to find solace in writing and my hobbies and interests, when I’ve not slipped too far down the track to where my mind cannot focus and everything feels like noise. Being out in nature always soothes my soul; such reminders of how it feels to be free can help the mind find freedom.

Something it took me a long time to accept was that I needed to stop. That the only way to heal was to be able to pause. Far easier said than done when part of what’s causing the anxiety is feeling intensely overwhelmed by everything you need to do and think and feel and plan for. Too many of us still feel inadequate or ashamed, telling ourselves this is our "fault", if only we could be "stronger" then we could more adequately deal with these things. Until very recently, I didn't directly speak about my own experiences. I still struggle to allow myself to be that vulnerable.

In my short story, “Run”, I personified anxiety and depression as a demon stalking the main character’s soul. Unsurprisingly, it’s probably the story that has the most readers saying it left them confused. And, of course, that is partly the intention. If mental health issues were so easy to understand, to empathise with, then we wouldn't even need to talk about it, to explain it, in order to raise awareness. It would simply be self-evident; then, people may naturally treat sufferers with compassion.

Mental health has featured heavily throughout my work – sometimes directly, sometimes metaphorically – long before it became “normal” or “socially acceptable” to talk about it. But that is the beauty of fiction, and we’ve been doing it for centuries. It can help us know we’re never alone, even when we feel that we are.

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Sabrina Voerman's Blood Coven - Review

Blood Coven by Sabrina Voerman

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


A bewitching tale of empowerment and vengeance.

Red lives trapped by her family's abuse, only ever venturing outside to visit her grandmother's house deep in the forest.

Meeting a coven of young witches, Red realises there is far more to the world than her confinement, their allure hinting that her dreams of escape may be possible.

But when an ancient curse is enacted to sacrifice her to the werewolf of legend, Red finds herself colliding with her own destiny, faced with a fight to decide if she emerges as victim or survivor.

‘Blood Coven’ is the debut novel by Sabrina Voerman and the first in the ‘Blood Bound’ series. A dark fantasy reimagining of the classic fairy tale of Red Riding Hood, with a heart of feminist steel, we follow dual timelines - one in Red's contemporary Year of the Moon, and other four hundred years earlier in the Year of the Curse. Primarily we follow the narratives of Red and Matthias in each respective timeline, with other character perspectives at points adding to the account of the beginning and the culmination of a curse that spans generations.

Through lush and poetic gothic prose, conjuring the themes of witchcraft and the dark, brooding origins of our most beloved fairy stories, Voerman crafts an entrancing tale of deceit and revenge, of trauma and self-empowerment. Vivid descriptions draw us in from the first page, an aura of mystery and a twisting plot enrapturing us throughout. Bloodthirsty and emotive, evoking an underlying sensuality and connection with nature, as if the craft oozes between each line, there are elements reminiscent of Anne Rice’s ‘Tales of the Mayfair Witches’, and vibes of the TV series ‘Once Upon a Time’, while simultaneously building its own unique world.

The way the enchantment works out in unexpected ways for the coven is especially well done; the dynamic between Red and the Wolf leads to some thought-provoking discussion; and that hint of how love could come into Red's life, something she's never truly experienced, makes the tragedy ever more piquant. Following astutely developed characters and richly described settings, the non-linear plot maintains the pace and keeps us rivetted until the final pieces fall into place, telling a tale of victims reclaiming their own stories and fighting back against their abusers.

'Blood Coven' is a superb debut novel and opening chapter to the series; I'm very much looking forward to reading the second novel, ‘Ashen Heart’.



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Val McDermid's Past Lying - Review

Past Lying by Val McDermid

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


A thrilling lockdown investigation for Karen Pirie.

An unpublished manuscript by recently deceased crime author Jake Stein is unearthed, with a plot eerily similar to the disappearance of a young woman the previous year.

Lara Hardie was an aspiring writer and student at Edinburgh University, who vanished one evening between her home and the library.

DCI Karen Pirie and her team in the Historic Cases Unit follow the clues set out in the unfinished novel in pursuit of the truth and closure for Lara's family.

‘Past Lying’ is the seventh novel in the Karen Pirie series by Val McDermid. Set during the first UK national lockdown of the COVID-19 pandemic, picking up shortly after the conclusion of the previous novel ‘Still Life’, we are confronted with the limitations and challenges of the precautions in place at the time – a reminder of the personal journeys we experienced, the horrors of the pandemic, and an exploration of the effects this had on police procedure. The Historic Cases Unit, deemed practically non-essential at this time, are currently reviewing case files while staying at home. A lead from an unexpected source at the National Library leads them to focus their attention on a case only a year old, a young woman disappearing seemingly without trace.

As the series has progressed, the books have become increasingly character-focussed, their ongoing personal lives sharing as much of the plot as each case. Karen’s drive and determination, her morality and commitment to justice – both legal and social – power the narrative as surely as the mystery at its core. Her relationships with protégé Jason and recent recruit Daisy lie at the heart of the story; in the backdrop of the pandemic, this novel feels more about the police team than the investigation itself. With the characters in lockdown, their familial and romantic relationships are under strain, exposing both strong bonds and brittle cracks, positive and negative exacerbated by the present unsettling situation.

McDermid always delivers an engaging and thrilling narrative, this one a complex puzzle within the world of crime writing, which leads to some light-hearted and tongue-in-cheek moments, juxtaposed with the serious nature of the investigation and some tragic and emotional elements; the formula of the Karen Pirie novels once again presenting an example of police procedurals at their best. Also following a secondary narrative of the fictionalised version of the alleged abduction and murder through the manuscript discovered amongst Jake Stein’s papers, we enjoy a multi-layered, detailed plot that grips from its tantalising opening chapters to satisfying conclusion.

Poignant and timely, 'Past Lying' is another immersive thriller from the Queen of Scottish crime fiction.



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N.A. Preedy's The Dark Obsession - Review

The Dark Obsession by N.A Preedy

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


A romantic suspense thriller with a celestial twist.

Rosa meets Dale at the library, sparking an instant attraction that quickly bubbles into passion.

The following day, Rosa is offered a new job at a prestigious law firm, assisting senior partner Rafael Alcazar.

As Rosa's world shatters with the realisation Dale is not as he seems, leaving her and her entire family in danger, she finds herself under Rafael's protection; a vow he will stop at nothing to keep.

'The Dark Obsession' is the debut novel by N.A. Preedy. We meet law graduate Rosalie “Rosa” Lockwood, dreaming of finding love and preparing to embark on her career. Feisty and ambitious, and still possessing the naivety of youth that's both endearing and dangerous, she is astonished to find her dreams appear to be coming so quickly to fruition with her lover, Dale, and new boss, Rafael. Preedy cleverly subverts our expectations of these relationships in the early chapters. An intense connection of burning desire and affection that we believe may be a meeting of soul mates soon reveals itself as the superficial skin of manipulation, as Rosa falls victim to a narcissistic, obsessive stalker.

Rafael Alcazar is an intriguing and mysterious character, with power and influence that extends beyond his position as a prestigious private attorney. Unofficially assisting police with their enquiries, with apparent free access to police premises, he assigns himself supporter of grieving families and protector of the abused. The narrative is peppered with hints and clues that he is far more than he seems; intense and empassioned, his emotion for Rosa quickly becomes his defining focus, wishing to save her while battling his desire for her.

With a fast-paced plot, multiple twists and action sequences, the threat to Rosa and those around her increasing at every turn as her stalker becomes increasingly vile and volatile, the narrative dances with danger and romance, exploring the characters' flaws and hidden desires, flirting with Rosa and Raphael's need to consummate their relationship. But Rafael hides a secret, one that answers those mysterious questions and leaves us with many more as the final revelation plays out and we discover his true nature.

Thrilling and emotional, 'The Dark Obsession' is a suspenseful debut novel, leaving us excited to delve deeper into this world of ethereal justice.



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Patricia Cornwell's Unnatural Death - Review

Unnatural Death by Patricia Cornwell

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


A bizarre and mysterious case for Dr. Kay Scarpetta.

Two campers are murdered deep in the forestry of Virginia, necessitating a perilous recovery of their bodies and examination of the scene.

The savagery and frenzied nature of the crime appears more akin to perpetration by a wild animal, yet with the cunning and malice of a very human attacker.

As Scarpetta and her colleagues investigate, danger closes in around them, a threat unlike any they’ve faced before.

'Unnatural Death' is the twenty-seventh novel in Patricia Cornwell's Kay Scarpetta series. The third of Scarpetta's post-pandemic novels, the forensic science thrillers continue to thread with traditional elements of police procedural and psychological thriller, while sewn with increasing themes of political thriller and touches of speculative fiction. With its gritty realism and impeccably researched material, Cornwell is once again firing on all cylinders in a gripping and immersive thriller, featuring intricate forensic detail, riveting action sequences, fascinating technological advancements and chilling psychological insights.

The mystery and claustrophobia feel more heightened than ever as we head into the dense wilderness with Scarpetta, Lucy and Marino. The crime scene and post-mortem examinations are always captivating, with the frenzied level of violence, isolated forestry location, and seemingly invincible nature of the invisible assailant evoking hues of a slasher; leading into the paranoia of a conspiracy thriller as links to organised crime and threats to international security become apparent – these elements always topical, in the present of our sociopolitical climate. Meanwhile, an unexpected footprint found at the crime scene diverts us into the territory of cryptozoology in a case where nothing may be as it appears.

Despite the detailed focus on the investigations in each novel, the series is primarily character driven, first and foremost through Kay's narrative, and the recurring characters around her - her closest colleagues also being her closest family and friends. We've followed the characters since the very beginning, and their many trials along the way - including some recurring villains and their legacies. Long-term fans especially are treated to a mid-novel twist with the return of a dangerous nemesis, reminding us of much of the history and trauma suffered by the characters throughout the series, heightening the tension as we anticipate a confrontation with a dangerous foe in a tense climax. It never ceases to amaze how skilfully Cornwell ties up the narrative threads in the final pages, having once again delivered an enthralling, intense crime thriller.

Scarpetta will return in book twenty-eight - 'Identity Unknown'.



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Carrie Dalby's Perilous Confessions - Review

Perilous Confessions by Carrie Dalby

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


A consuming gothic romance laced with desire and demons of the mind.

Aspiring writer Lucy is preparing for her society coming out at the New Year's Eve ball, while furiously working on her novels and poetry.

At a Christmas party, she meets the dashing Alexander Melling. Their attraction is instant, and he sweeps Lucy off her feet as their romance blooms.

But society has no place for the passion of a love story, while Alex's demons lurk beneath the surface, threatening to doom their relationship before it's even begun.

'Perilous Confessions' is the first novel in 'The Possession Chronicles' by Carrie Dalby, a Southern Gothic family saga set in Mobile, Alabama during the early twentieth century. Set at the end of 1904 into early 1905, the novel introduces us to the Easton and Melling families and charts the beginning of a relationship that may alter the fates of both dynasties. Impeccably researched, the novel is rich in historical detail, with particular attention to the structure, attitudes and beliefs of society during this time.

The romance between Lucy and Alex, the two lead characters, sweeps us away, with their chemistry and passion, the intensity of their connection. At a time in history when displaying affection or succumbing to desire before marriage was forbidden and sinful, we witness their struggle during those early days of courtship when it entirely consumes you and anything feels possible. Tragically, Alex is damaged and haunted, his emotion and desire for Lucy at war with his natural instinct to run from her in the belief she will be better off without him. His trauma has nurtured a dark side, one that succumbs to weakness and cruelty, engulfing him and threatening to destroy what he cherishes most.

Through its delicious gothic prose and a brisk-paced plot, the novel perfectly portrays both characters and evokes the heart of their relationship, leading to some incredibly moving, emotional scenes that many will find relatable, some elements desirable while others potentially triggering. We may all crave such a connection, the fortunate amongst us may experience it, but it is undeniable that something so potent is as dangerous as it is beautiful.

Impassioned and tragic, 'Perilous Confessions' immerses us in a tale of love and longing, and the impact of the ghosts that haunt us; a fantastic opening installment to a gothic saga.

Next chronologically in the series is novella 'Mosaic of Seduction', shifting the focus to Alex's sister, Eliza, whom we met in this first novel.



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Peter James' You Are Dead - Review

You Are Dead by Peter James

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


A gripping serial killer thriller, featuring Detective Superintendent Roy Grace.

A woman is abducted from the car park beneath her home, waking to find herself trapped and at the mercy of her attacker.

The police launch a major inquiry in search of her; meanwhile, skeletonised remains are uncovered at an excavation site.

When the inquiries merge, Grace and the team find themselves hunting a serial killer who has eluded detection for decades.

'You Are Dead' is the eleventh novel in Peter James' Roy Grace series. An intense psychological thriller, it takes us into the twisted psyche of a serial killer, delving into his past and how his crimes began, through to his chilling endgame. We also experience the plight of the victims, closely following Logan's predicament from the moment of her abduction, while the police uncover the evidence of the killer’s crimes in a race against time to find Logan before she, too, loses her life.

With detailed insights into forensics and police procedure, Peter James once again delivers an immersive, riveting thriller; another superb novel in the long-running police procedural series. Also picking up on several elements where we left the characters in the previous novel, we again continue to follow the central and recurring characters’ lives closely, the team in the aftermath of losing one of their own and preparing to have to say goodbye. Recently married and with a young son at home with Cleo, Roy feels the pressure more than ever as perhaps the biggest investigation of his career to date dominates his life.

In a relentlessly paced, action-packed and character-driven narrative, we navigate each twist and turn in the investigation towards the tense finale; the novel also an incredibly emotional entry in the series, fraught with danger for characters we have grown to love over the previous ten novels, with the increasing momentum of suspense as the team get closer to catching this vicious killer.

Alongside the investigation, the ongoing subplots of the series continue, as Roy comes closer than ever before to solving the mystery of Sandy's disappearance, at a time when perhaps he wishes it would be best left in the past. The novel ends leaving us in eager anticipation of diving into the twelfth novel, 'Love You Dead'.



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