Thomas Olde Heuvelt is a well-known Dutch author who has released five novels. Although many of his short stories have been translated into English, Hex is the first of his long-form stories to be translated into English. As such, anticipation is high to see whether the story is well received outside of his home country.

Hex is a unique story. Set in a town known as Black Spring, it revolves around a woman from the 17th century who walks about the town and enters people’s homes and will sometimes even stand over them while they sleep. Her eyes are sewn shut. The first few chapters are chilling, with Heuvelt managing to simply show how normal it is for this witch to turn up in a house. From the start, the novel is very creepy. The teenagers are quite stereotypical, taking the lead in bad jokes, but are fundamental to the development of the story to show the reader the importance of technology in the town. Applications on phones and cameras are set up to create a sense of ease around the town to show that the witch is under control. However, it isn’t long until the teenagers cause trouble and the craziness starts.

Hex is a rather chilling story with a clever concept that is likely to be a hit in the UK. Although some of the characters are less well developed than others, the haunting atmosphere that is created easily generates one of the best works of chilling fiction this year. It is clear why this is the first of Heuvelt’s work to be translated, and it will likely be followed by much more. An entertaining read with a chilling concept. Not for the faint hearted.

HEX / AUTHOR: THOMAS OLDE HEUVELT / TRANSLATOR: NANCY FOREST-FLIER / PUBLISHER: HODDER & STOUGHTON / RELEASE DATE: APRIL 28TH