Reviews

Gothic by Philip Fracassi

cmrosens's review

Go to review page

3.0

2.5 stars rounded up. A good read - unlikeable characters and fast-paced. Watch out for the transphobic comment right near the end (a throwaway remark). Also content note for r*pe in a committed relationship and refs to domestic abuse. Read for books of horror book group, looking forward to discussions later. Basically - if you enjoyed John Carpenter's In The Mouth of Madness, you'll recognise the plot, and where it's going. You'll probably also like this!

dianeakasnook's review against another edition

Go to review page

dark medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Violence, rape, gore 

randommissdi's review

Go to review page

dark mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.75

not_bender's review

Go to review page

4.0

This was a real page turner! It felt, to my eyes (admittedly, maybe not overly experienced with 80s horror) like a horror novel written in the 80s. Maybe by Stephen King. Maybe by T.E.D Klein. Maybe a collaboration? Some definite inspiration, but also definitely the Fracassi I've come to enjoy after his first couple of short story collections.

A suitably fun and creepy book, though I think it could have been just as good, or even better, without throwing in some rapey scenes.

4 stars.

horrorreaderweekend's review

Go to review page

5.0

Tyson Parks is a famous horror author with many bestsellers. But lately he feels old and frustrated and cannot come up with a good story. Money is running out and he needs inspiration. Sarah, the love of his life, gives him an antique desk for his 59th birthday to inspire him. And HO. LEE. MO. LEE. things go bad quickly.

The desk is also being sought by a mysterious woman, as it is an alter used for centuries for her family’s dark arts.

This book is very well written. Every word is precise and weighty and ominous. Fracassi creates Tyson and Sarah’s characters so easily, quickly engaging the reader with their congenial home life and ordinary worries. But then the desk arrives and WOW, the book darkens so quickly and so powerfully.

Scary SCARY stuff begins to happen, as the desk begins to wield it’s power and manipulate Tyson.

Fracassi is a grifted horror writer and I will look for more of his work.

mhughes383's review

Go to review page

5.0

Woooaaaa. What a great story. Loved every minute of it. This guy can write!

savagemanwoman's review

Go to review page

dark mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

reading_ryn's review

Go to review page

3.0

In this one we are taking on the dark forces of a desk. Yes, a desk. It’s pulpy and a bit ridiculous at times which adds to the fun of this book. It goes on too long for what it is and I really wish it would have been shorter.

breadandmushrooms's review

Go to review page

dark medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.25

meggles801's review

Go to review page

dark sad fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0