Shrouded

by Carol Anne Davis

Douglas likes women - quiet women; the kind he deals with at the mortuary where he works. Douglas meets Marjorie, unemployed, gaining weight and losing confidence. She talks and laughs a lot to cover up her shyness, but what Douglas really needs is a lover who'll stay still - perfectly still. Perhaps he can put Marjorie into a state of limbo and use her to feed his growing sexual hunger. Douglas studies his textbooks to find a way ...

Genres: Horror, Fiction

320 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 1997

Reviews

[Tony · Rating 4 out of 5]

Creepy story about two socially maladjusted people whose lives intersect with nasty consequences. Douglas is a mortician with no interpersonal skills, making lists on his computer, and approaching each task in life analytically. Physically abused as a child, he finally moves out of his mother's house as an adult and slowly unravels mentally, turning into a quiet homicidal maniac. Marjorie is an asthmatic, overmothered wallflower who craves attention. Her timid involvement with a fish owner's club brings her into contact with Douglas. The book is convincing in showing how minor personality problems can either mask a dangerous psyche or get one in a lot of trouble. Could make a very good film.

[Nick Davies · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author appears to have written several books about true crime as well as a handful of novels, and it shows in the crafting of this disturbing and involving story. Some of the content is grim and uncomfortable, dealing with necrophilia, self-esteem, mental issues and sexual inadequacy, but it is so well written and well placed that this - and other unpleasant subjects dealt with other books by the same author - is not a barrier to it being a compelling and involving read.