Book Review for The Devil in Black Creek by D.R. Bartlette
The Devil in Black Creek, by D.R. Bartlette, is a southern gothic story of the demons that lurk behind arrogance, and an innocent child that could see these demons.
The book is separated into three parts. Part I introduces a young girl named Cassie, who’s family is falling apart due to financial difficulties and alcohol abuse. As life goes on, a boy named Jason Jared Moore goes missing, and is later found dead in Black Creek. Part II deals with Cassie’s issues at school, as well as her meeting of a pastor named Butch Goodwin, whom she already has her suspicions with. Part III finally shows Cassie taking her fate into her own hands, as she endeavors to bring a monster to justice. This eerie story tells of a nightmare of being disgraced, though living through that disgrace allows someone to see the truth hidden behind lies.
I loved how strong Cassie was. I enjoyed reading about how she took charge of the house when she and her mother fell on hard times, as well as when she stood up for herself at school. She understood that no one else was going to rescue her, so she had to do whatever it took to fend for herself. It hurt that she was the only one who suspected the truth, and whenever she tried to tell anyone, she was targeted, either by the monster himself, or by adults who were supposed to protect her. Still, despite that she did manage to find a few havens from time to time, such as her wonderful dog, and the teenagers outside the school. While I can’t say that skipping school is the best way to solve your problems, I was still happy whenever Cassie was with them. Personally, the rest of the town irritated me, even the three ladies who took care of Cassie.
The town’s behavior revealed an all too truth of life. As long as you’re wealthy enough, you’re beautiful enough, or you know the right people, you’re considered one of their own. However, should you fall out of favor with any of them, you will be completely ostracized. Cassie particularly resonated with me, because I grew up in school just like that. People stereotyped me because I wasn’t white, because I didn’t like talking with people, because I didn’t share the share the same political views as they. I identified with Cassie because she was an outsider, so whenever she suffered, I suffered.
The Gothic elements in this book were what I loved most. The fall from grace, the dilapidated household, a corrupted pastor; it all fit wonderfully into the setting. Cassie’s mother, who suffered from a failing marriage, before being left with a daughter with little to no money left; the town, who would defend a man they know nothing about; the kids at school, who had rather torment others than see the darkness in their own eyes; it was the perfect storm brewing.
I did wish the ending was more fleshed out; a really nice ending would be nice. But alas, it’s just wishful thinking. Other than that, I enjoyed this book. The Southern Gothic setting, Cassie’s strength, and the characters had all painted a tainted picture of the illusion of perfection. I loved it so very much, and as such, would give this book a rating of a 4.5 out of 5 stars. Thus, I would recommend this book to fans of Tennessee William’s The Glass Menagerie and Rocky Porch Moore’s Clemenceau’s Daughters.
