Review: Original Take on a Gothic Theme
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 03 23, 2014
Chapman is a master story teller and adept in a variety of genres, but this Victorian Gothic nicely showcases his fluid prose and compelling narrative style and may represent his strong suit as a writer. Although “Last Request” hints at a Poe-like scenario (odd and creepy characters, mysterious crypt, an absurd request), this period tale offers an original take on our obsession with ‘life beyond.’ The denouement comes somewhat quickly, but the final reveal offered this reader at least a sense of grim satisfaction. The novella length serves this story well, and as novellas grow in popularity, Chapman’s popularity as a ghost/horror/fantasy writer will increase as well. A recommended read.