It feels like forever since I wrote a book review, but that hasn't stopped me from reading. In fact over on my holiday to Tenerife, I constantly had a book in my hand. Lazy days by the pool were the perfect setting for ploughing through book after book. But since a pool and 30 + degree heat isn't exactly available at hand, curling up in bed with a candle lit and fairy lights on comes a very close second. While summer is great for reading, it can't be denied that getting cosy with a good book on a dark night is pretty ideal too. So with my new blogging schedule - which if you haven't heard about then you can read here - each Sunday I'll be sharing a new book to get dug in to.

The Loney - by Andrew Micheal Hurley

I picked this up in the thriller section of Blackwells, wanting to have something that would scare me, but not totally terrify me. I wouldn't exactly label it a thriller - but this book is creepy, and will leave you questioning everything you just read.

The story begins with the discovery of a child's body in the dark marshes of the Loney, and is narrated by Smith through series of flashbacks. He looks after his younger brother Hanny, who is a mute. While you would think the discovery of the body would be the main storyline of this novel, it actually more looks at the setting of the Loney, and the different experiences that go on within. Smith's family are a prominent member in their Catholic church, of which the congregation decides to make a pilgrimage to at Easter. His mother is determined to visit the shrine where she believes Hanny will be cured. The interactions with the different people at the Loney, and the Loney itself show this place to be a creepy and mysterious place, full of strange characters.

What's most enjoyable about this book is the descriptions that Hurley uses. I'm one for a lot of imagery - the more description a book has, the better, and this book has something in every sentence.t really helps to set the scene, and create an uneasy atmosphere. And this is key to the book. While the story develops slowly, you get a real sense of the place. You're let into secrets about the strange goings on - sometimes you feel like you're intruding on people's lives.

While there isn't a large amount of action, the book is propelled by the ominous feelings - the bleak and foreboding nature of the Loney wanting you to know its secrets. This is a book that will leave you thinking more and more.

I'd recommend reading this book especially this time of year - feel the safety and comfort of your own sofa or bed while you go deeper into the Loney.


Love,
Emily
xxx