Kill Creek
Kill Creek
By Scott Thomas
The Sexton’s musings (spoilers ahead):
This is a haunted house story where the house is most definitely a major character! This book is split up into parts that become more and more intense as they go. Most of the characters are pretty neutral from the get go with one exception…Moore. My very first impression at the dinner with the studio executives was a good one. Interestingly enough I was just having a conversation regarding the very issue at hand, studios disrespecting the whole purpose of the original story to make it “mass marketable”. As an avid horror story reader and watcher I get angry when an authors story get ruined because some worthless executive, lawyer, hubris asshole decides that they want to reach a broader audience. If the story was not for the weak of constitution or the easily offended then make it for those that are in it for the artistry the writer intended or fuck off! So Moore’s reaction is one that I can respect. But then the feminist bullshit she touts grates on my nerves. In the end you understand that this attitude is a defense mechanism because of her past and she does eventually did grow on me but I was not a fan for a bit after that initial positive impression. These kinds of characters usually have a purpose so I did not let this discourage me. We have previously discussed The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson and how I felt that the house was not a character in and of itself. That is not the case here. This house is a pulsing living entity that creates a fascinating primary character that take on many faces as the story progresses. The house gaining power through notoriety, dares on the walls of bathroom stalls and whispers in the shadows is brilliant. What an amazing insight from the author. The masses give rumor and legend power through their belief. I think this is true in many aspects of life especially in those taboo subjects like religion and politics. Where belief system run high and passion in personal belief is king. This is an absolutely wonderful story full of complex characters that are relatable. The writing style flows easily and once you get past the introductions it flies by like a flash of lightening. The climax conclusion is tragic and sad but there is a lift of spirits up to the epilogue. The epilogue rips it all down. Considering some of the situations during the final fight, perhaps this horrific aftermath is suspected or even expected but it still rips the bittersweet happy ending to shreds. The only thing I can say is pick this one up. It’s worth snacking on!