House of Wood by Anthony Price (a review)

Three years ago Rachel James was caught up in terrible events at the House of Wood that ended in tragedy. She survived and left for college, vowing to never return to Willows Peak.

Move to the present, and the death of Rachel's parents changes things - she has to return for the funeral and on approach to the town she sees the last thing she expects.............someone is rebuilding the House of Wood!!

This is a cracking tale of horror and possession in the style of the books I was reading when I first discovered this genre many years ago. No vampires, no werewolves, no zombies, just a tale that creeps up on you, and once it has a hold, doesn't let go 'til the last page is turned.

While the deaths are being investigated Rachel has to stay in town and meets 'new guy in town' Doctor David Cochrane, a psychologist. She agrees to talk to him about the 'event' over dinner and it is here that the story really picks up a couple of gears.

During the evening the whole story comes out (in flashback), the atmosphere grows tenser, and the book gets more difficult to put down.

I must say, I thought I knew where the story was going. It seemed the author was leading the story one way, but in the end he wrongfooted me, and I am glad to have been wrong.

The climax was strong and fast paced, the resolution believable and satisfying.

And then...............The Epilogue - WOW!

Another winner from Crooked Cat Publishing.