by Alister Davison
Welcome to England’s West Country, home of hill forts and ancient stone circles, labyrinthine cave systems and mystical woodlands. But beware, there’s more to this rural idyll than first meets the eye. Within these pages, editor Paul Finch has assembled fifteen stories all set in the same geographical area, evoking the strange sense of mystery and dark magic that the landscape suggests.
Whether it be a much-needed escape to the country or a simple family holiday, there’s often something dark around a twist of road, something sinister lurking in a cottage that was meant to be a getaway from it all. The towns and villages hide many secrets (as do some of the locals), and the authors of these stories are more than happy to reveal them at the expense of their protagonists. There are many surprises to be had, along with some truly unnerving moments that will get under readers’ skins; no quarter is given by any of these writers, who have each given their all to create these tales of terror.
In between each is a narrative on one of the many myths and legends that exist in these parts, small snippets that blur the boundary between fact and fiction, leaving the reader suitably intrigued. All in all, a great collection of unsettling tales that simultaneously showcases several aspects that the folk horror genre has to offer while defying expectations and serving as a warning to think carefully when planning your next holiday…
