Review: Scary combination of genres
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 05 8, 2012
This novella is pretty much equal parts historical fiction, ghost story and sci/fi thriller. It starts off in an early 20th century coal mining town in Central PA. I can only imagine what life as a coal miner in that time period was like, but that topic alone is chilling enough. I do know what it's like to grow up in a small town and hear ghost stories about different locations within the town. How the stories are repeated and gain credibility in the re-telling. Allan does a fantastic job of developing the setting for this story as it flashes to the present day. A kid who is new in town, two working parents, few friends and a naturally curious mind. Obviously he is headed for trouble. Adding to the family dynamic, the relationship between his mother's new partner and him has not yet gone much beyond simple tolerance for each other.The twists and turns in this suspenseful little thriller are like the description of the old coal mine. Winding passages, some of which are long abandoned and have scary stories associated with them. It's a compelling read which is original, thought provoking, and scary. Couldn't put it down before finishing it.