Daniel Clowes is a man living in poverty who accepts an unusual job offer: to act as the groundskeeper for Craven Manor in exchange for free lodging. Upon arrival, he finds the massive estate crumbling and seemingly abandoned. His employer, Bran, remains hidden behind heavy curtains and communicates only through written letters. As Daniel tends the overgrown gardens and explores the crypt, he discovers a crypt door that should not be open and a local history involving a violent massacre. He soon realizes that he is not just maintaining a yard, but guarding a boundary between the living and the dead.
Fans of gothic horror and haunted house mysteries read this book for its focus on atmospheric isolation and classic ghost story tropes. Readers often seek out Darcy Coates for her ability to build tension through structural decay and unexplained shadows. The story serves those who enjoy a mystery that centers on the history of a specific location rather than a fast-paced thriller. Those who finish the book walk away with a resolution that explains the supernatural mechanics of the estate and the true nature of Bran's reclusive behavior.
Practical, clear-cut and escapist; an easy read.
Best for readers like The Escapist Adventurer. Which reader are you?
- Published
- 2017
- Language
- EN
