If I had to find something to complain about with regards to the work of Rio Youers it would be that he is not terribly prolific. Three years since his last novel is a very long time. Of course, that last novel was Westlake Soul, one of my favorite books of the last five years and now he's given us another gem.
Point Hollow presents the reader with a new and intriguing premise that gets off to a wickedly good start. Old Bear Mountain is known to the locals as Abraham's Faith. At thirty-four hundred feet, it was the tallest of the peaks surrounding the town of Point Hollow. It was also a place of which the locals tend to steer clear.
When he was ten years old, Matthew Bridge had a terrifying experience with the mountain, one that would (although he couldn't recall what had happened) haunt his dreams well into adulthood and could end up costing him his marriage.
The characterizations in this novel are strong, Rio's skill at creating conversations is excellent, he shows the ability to do with words what a great artist can do with paints and a canvas.
At times disturbing and exceedingly dark, the story flows quickly through its 280 pages and is one of the most complete novels I've read in some time. The truth, when revealed, is horrible beyond words And the last third of the book was just a heart pounding race to the finish.
Youers may not be pounding them out like James Patterson or even Stephen King, but what he creates places him right up there with the leading writers of modern horror.
I can honestly say Point Hollow is my favorite read so far in 2015 and it's going to be a tough one to top. Do yourself a favor and get yourself a copy, available now in paperback or ebook from ChiZine Publications.
I give this one my highest recommendation.
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