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I recently read *Risen* by MR member and self-publishing indie author Jan Strnad in the US, and can't recommend it highly enough for October's Book Club choice.
This book, when I downloaded it, I didn't think would appeal to me. Its convenient genre tag (maybe 'horror') ain't a favourite of mine, but -- wow! -- did I change my mind. I guess there must be a huge difference between a 'horror story' and a story that can horrify.
Strnad takes a small anytown and creates it brick by brick, just as cleverly and subtly as he builds his every-day characters and his intricate interlocking story lines.
Then, just when you tihnk you're living in that town and know its population so well that you can pop round to borrow the morning paper and share a cup o' joe ... Strnad hits you with epidemic murder, mayhem, and a spernatural element that doesn't require further suspension of disbelief. It arises as naturally and acceptably as a round of 'flu or an infestation of insects in the garden shed. It's just so darned for-real.
Strnad is a master of the creeping macabre. In my book, he succeeds where King so often fails.
Try it.
*Risen* for the October pick. The very book for a long, dark winter night by a flickering hearth fire (or fancy clip-on sidelight for your reader, of course). I just hope you don't feel the need to hide from your neighbours the following morning.
Happy reading. Best wishes. Neil
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