Shadow Flicker by Gregory Bastianelli

 

'An old man nearly chokes to death after stuffing dandelion heads into his mouth. A pregnant cow repeatedly runs headlong into a fence post. Oscar Basaran investigates a series of strange events on the Kidney Island.'

 Oh, yes, it's certainly fair to say things are a bit 'off' on Kidney Island, just off the coast of Maine. It seems the wind turbines put up on the island by tech company Aerosource are causing the Shadow Flicker of the title and the effect that is having on the islanders is strange to say the least. 

 Basaran goes to Kidney Island thinking it will be a quick solve job but after talking to some of the claimants he soon realises that won't be the case.

 And then he starts to feel the effects of Shadow Flicker himself. . .

 I must say I really enjoyed this slow burn horror story. More creepy than scary but it still had me slightly anxious at times (you know that feeling when you can see what is coming but both want to know but also don't want to turn the page!). The setting of Kidney Island works well too as it gives the feeling of isolation to the cast.

 Difficult to tell you much more without giving away spoilers but suffice to say I read this in two sittings (it would have been one but I had to work the next day so needed sleep). 

 I have never read anything by this author before (to the best of my knowledge) but will certainly be looking to remedy that fact.

 Another winner from Flame Tree Press 

 4/5*

 Many thanks to Anne Cater for inviting me onto this blogtour and to Flame Tree Press for providing the review copy. Please take a look at the posts by the other Random Things bloggers on the tour (below)