4 out of 4 stars
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Do you believe in ghosts? This question is often asked yet only a few answer truthfully. The Wretched Walls by Brian Kaufman, tells of a man’s struggle to answer this question. Is what he is seeing real? Or are the effects of strenuous work clouding his mind? The terror that then ensues hints at a dark, hidden past and the very real obsession that then develops.
Garrett has just become the proud owner of an old Victorian mansion. His dream is to renovate this house, a dream which led him to quit his career as a college professor. Although he always had problems with committing, either with his jobs or his relationships, his mother is still willing to help him with his new endeavor. However, balancing the remodeling of the mansion, the demands of his mother, and his relationship with his new girlfriend, will prove to be a weight he cannot handle easily. The only solution is to give himself completely to his work. After starting the renovation, he soon uncovers a secret hidden within the walls of the mansion. A secret that reveals the dark past of this house and the mysterious woman who once called it home. A woman who in death, will demand more of Garrett than anyone else before.
The Wretched Walls is a novel that can easily fill you with dread. The strange occurrences that happen in Garrett’s house may be enough to give you chills, but what will keep you at the edge of your seat is the novel’s use of psychological horror. The connection between the haunting of the mansion and Garrett’s own internal battles becomes apparent throughout the reading. He becomes dangerously obsessed with the house and the woman who once occupied it. This leads to a series of events that would drive anyone mad. It is safe to question whether this was a real ghost, or one of his own creation and fueled by his obsession. Whatever the answer, the effects are still chilling.
One thing I greatly enjoyed is the way suspense is gradually built as the story progresses. Each detail given adds to the anticipation and the intrigue. I found that even though it is a short novel (78 pages) we still get a full view of the characters and their lives. Not to mention the development of the mystery surrounding the house is enough to pull you into the story to walk the same hallways as the characters. But be warned, you never know what you might see if you dare to look behind you.
Overall, this book is definitely one that made my skin crawl. The author is very skilled at keeping his readers in suspense. Throughout the book it is easy to feel curious yet afraid of what might happen next. I really recommend The Wretched Walls for anyone interested in a fast and chilling read. For these reasons I give The Wretched Walls 4 out of 4 stars.
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The Wretched Walls
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