Epeolatry Book Review: Gothic by Philip Fracassi

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Title: Gothic
Author: Philip Fracassi
Publisher: Cemetery Dance
Genre: Horror
Release Date: 1st January, 2023

Synopsis: On his 59th birthday, Tyson Parks—a famous, but struggling, horror writer—receives an ornate antiquarian desk in the hopes it will rekindle his creative juices. Tyson Parks’s last best seller was years ago. His agent hardly takes his calls anymore. Tyson is running out of money, and ideas.

Gothic is a novel that will appeal to writers, as many will understand Tyson’s struggle with the creative muse, and the pressure to live up to his past successes. This book reads like The Shining meets In the Mouth of Madness

Tyson’s descent into darkness begins when his longtime girlfriend gifts him an antique writing desk for his birthday. Suddenly, miraculously, it seems that Tyson’s muse has returned, and writer’s block is a thing of the past. But Tyson can’t remember what he’s written, his behavior becomes increasingly erratic, and worst of all, he seems to be seeing things. 

I enjoyed the feeling of inevitability with this book. Going in, I knew what was going to happen, but that didn’t detract from my enjoyment. I loved watching this unfold. Fracassi doesn’t need to rely on plot twists or other gimmicks to provide the reader with an overwhelming sense of dread. The suspense is palpable as we follow Tyson, waiting to see exactly how far he will fall before the end. 

This is one of the best horror books I’ve read so far this year. 

 

/5

Available from Cemetery Dance

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