In Gothic, Philip Fracassi has given horror fans a work of pure joy. This novel is everything that you love about horror: Possession. Unintended consequences. Violence. And all done masterfully by an author who is recognized as a rising star in the genre.
The novel follows a past-his-prime author whose professional and personal lives are struggling as he copes with the reality of becoming a has-been, struggling not only to reclaim his former glory, but to simply pay his mortgage. Seeking to inspire the creative within her partner, Sarah gives Tyson a gift, hoping that it will be the muse, the change, that he needs to continue doing what he loves.
Unbeknownst to Sarah, the extravagant present has a dark history, and a power, which will work within Tyson to create a muse that neither of them can control. The chaos and madness that ensues will leave bodies and blood in its wake.
Will anyone survive?
This is one hell of an enjoyable novel. It reminded me of reading King or of watching the latest slasher film. It is both unique and comfortable in the darkest of ways. I would highly recommend this novel as I feel that it will be remembered as the book that Fracassi released right before his talent was truly unleashed.