The Elementals by Michael McDowell

*An Audiobook Review      The Elementals, by Michael McDowell and narrated by R. C. Bray is a ghostly tale of family, family issues and family land.  The author used odd situations, a haunted mansion and people with strange names share a story with dysfunctional, southern flare.  I didn't expect to walk away from this book happy, but I did.

     The Elementals is about the Savage and the McCray families after dealing with the death of their matriach.  To recover from their loss (for some it was a good thing), they decided to visit their land, with three beach houses, in Beldame, along the Alabama Gulf Coast.  When a grandchild decides to inspect one of the three houses on the property, strange occurrences begin.  The third house is known for strange goings-on, but there's something angry in The Third House and it is hostile.

     First off, let me say: This book is phenom!  There are a few dry spots where they have to get into the lives of the characters, but the ghostly hauntings make the story unbelievably real, and very spooky!  There's a lot going on, and most of it has to do with Marian Savage's children coping with their dysfunction, but the story in its entirity is written in a style that's both gothic and horrific.  I found myself rooted in the story and looking for more- I wanted to peek inside The Third House!      The story's only issue (for me) is between Luker and his daugher, India.  The girl is thirteen and speaks to her father like he's either a brother or a boyfriend.  She drinks and because of her terrible relationship with her father, is disrespectful to other adults.  But her character is pivotal to the story, thus making her, and her idiosyncrasies necessary.

     I have to admit, the story is way good.  I can't say it's a classic, but the author is definitely under rated.  Check out The Elementals and see for yourself while I move on to the next read! *The Torment of Rachel Ames is next.
The Elementals
Michael McDowell
Valencourt Books, Audible.com 
June 24, 2016