Can Michael McDowell write a bad horror story? I don´t know yet, because Cold Moon Over Babylon, my third book by this author, has been excellent … truly excellent, in the most terrifying kind of way. I had to look numerous times over my own shoulder, because I got the impression that someone (or something) was standing there, lurking over my shoulder. I´m not afraid to admit it, this novel freaked me out. And I loved every second of it.
What really works for me in a McDowell book is his writing. He knows how to create atmosphere in his stories. The dense and dark pine trees, the deep and muddy waters of the river or the looming sphere of the moon – the most ordinary objects get turned into something menacing. And how he matter-of-factly turns up the gore and the scariness is highly entertaining. I´m already looking forward to my next McDowell.
I have read this book for Halloween bingo. It qualifies for Southern Gothic, Slasher Tales, Ghost Stories, Terror in a Small Town, Genre: Horror. I call the square Southern Gothic.
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 - Michael McDowell, Mike Mignola)
