BOOK REVIEW: Gallows Hill by Darcy Coates

My first of what will be many Darcy Coates' books....

I read this for one of our Podcast Book Club Episodes. I had never really heard of this author before, so I knew nothing of what to expect. I went into it blind, simply hoping that it would be a really good spooky, creepy book. One that would be perfect for October.

I was not disappointed. I absolutely LOVED this one so much, that I have since read and and finished Coates’ From Below - both of what I highly recommend.

Here is the synopsis, courtesy of Amazon: The Hull family has owned the Gallows Hill Winery for generations. Their wine wins awards. Their business prospers. Their family thrives. People whisper that the curse has awakened once more. The sprawling old house has long been perched on top of a hill overlooking the nearby town, jealously guarding the estate's secrets. It's been more than a decade since Margot Hull last saw her childhood home. She was young enough when she was sent away that she barely remembers its dark passageways and secret corners. But now she's returned to bury her parents and reconnect with the winery that is her family's legacy―and the bloody truth of exactly what lies buried beneath the crumbling estate. Alone in the sprawling, dilapidated building, Margot is forced to come face to face with the horrors of the past―and realize that she may be the next victim of a house that never rests...

This was everything I want and hope for in a creepy story. The atmosphere and tone played right into developing an escalation of dread and suspense. If you can get past the first bit of the story, which is completely overwhelming with characters and not yet knowing what is happening, the main characters begin to take shape as does the setting and conflict. I will admit that I was a little concerned in the few chapters, but I soon forgot that I ever had those reservations!

... The time felt deeply sick. As though anyone who was alert at this hour invited terrible, horrific things into their lives. As though it opened a doorway to a darker world.

So, some of the things I loved about this one:

• The build up of the tension and suspense. As Margot learns more and spends more time in the house, the nights intensify and that edge of your seat feeling becomes relentless. The creepiest moments that made me cower under the blankets:

  • The attic scene

  • The doggie door incident

  • Being in the tunnels at the end of the book

  • The freaking bells

  • The “Watcher”

• Everything gets explained in time. In stand alone books, I have a huge issue when not all elements are wrapped up, so I was very thankful that this one allowed for a clear resolution. And let’s just say that there was a lot to learn and a lot going on to get to the root of the curse.

• The twist came out of nowhere. I was so sure that I know where the bodies were, but man was I wrong and that is just a whole other issue that I can’t really dive into without spoilers, but if you know, you know!

• The overall tone and atmosphere of the writing. There was a certain gothic feel that comes with creepy type stories like this with those generations old family curses and dark, damp tunnels.

The side characters were a huge support to the structure of the story. They were a necessity in getting information to Margot even though no one wanted to talk about the curse or answer any of her questions. It was kinda like “We don’t talk about Bruno,” but instead, we don’t talk about family history and why it feels like you’ll never survive the night. Kants, Andrew, Witchety and Marsh, along with the others, were expertly created supporting characters.

Then, a scrape. The noise registered in Margot’s head before her ears even had time to process it. She knew that noise. She’d heard it a dozen times a day as a child. No other memories of her earliest years existed, but she knew this. Back then, it had been a good noise. She’d associated it with something she loved. Now, it spread pure dread through her limbs. The scrape came from the dog door as it swung open.

Finally, the book plays on normal, every day fears. I think that is why it came across so much more intense. Fears like being alone in a big, dark house, seeing and hearing things in the silence, never having your cell phone when you need it, and the police not responding when it’s an emergency all evoke a sense of dread and terror.

Overall, it has been my favorite scary read since I read Stolen Tongues!

Where does this land on my bookshelf?

Definitely on the top shelf! The atmosphere, the characters, the conflict mixed with the foreshadowing and descriptive writing adds to the suspense and tension of this book. I would say it is a must ready for anyone looking for a great, creepy time! I am looking forward to reading many more of her books!

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