A review by cassiecat
Mister Lullaby by J.H. Markert

dark mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25

🎧4.25⭐️

I had the audiobook read by David Bendena and Lauren Ezzo who do a great job with the narration. 

The small town of Harrod’s Reach has seen more than its fair share of the macabre. When Sully is injured in an old disused tunnel there are calls from the townsfolk to brick it up. Gideon his brother leaves the town, returning three years later. On  Gideon’s return Deputy Sherif Beth Gardner finds two bodies at the tunnels opening. 

This has a very creepy feel. We follow a few of the characters from the town, and a few who are drawn to the town. It very much has a Stephen King vibe but maintaining a good pace throughout ( unlike SK). 

I like my horror to have a premise that I can buy into, which this one does really well for the most part. For much of the book the emphasis is on creepy rather than full on horror, it develops into horror in the later stages. 

I really liked Beth and Gideon, so was rooting for them throughout, their characters are well fleshed to make them likeable. 

I felt that it ended a bit abruptly, so the ends aren’t all totally tied up, there’s enough to give closure. I wonder if there is a sequel in the pipeline. 

I enjoyed it, and think if you are a toe dip horror reader this one could be for you.