Starkville is a quiet, peaceful town stuck in the middle of the forest. It was founded by John Stark, who had made his money on the gold found in stark river, in the late 1800's. Now, in the year 2000, it is Maggie Stark who has returned home after being a detective in the San Francisco police who has taken over the family spread. Just in time to help solve the grisly murders thathave started.

First it was Emmet Scarborough, who died mysteriously after exploring Howling cave. Then his dog, who suddenly went rabid and ran down to Joe's house, where he was shot. Then it was Joe, who murdered his wife and ran into the woods, looking for more people to kill. He came across Billy, Maggie's son, and tied to kill him, but was shot by the sherif.

What could be causing these killings? Why were the normal people of this small town suddenly becoming psychotic and killing each other? Could the past lead to the answer? And what about the old Chinaman who claims to be one hundred and fifty years old?

Fred Wiehe has written a fast paced, non stop story that will draw you in and keep you hooked. The characters are believable and the research has been well done. The demon in the story is unique in its description and how it carries itself. The horror parts were not overly graphic but the author gave the reader enough to fill in the blanks with his own imagination. One the down side, it seemed that every once in a while, the author rushed through a scene, leaving the reader a little cheated. As a consequence, the writing became choppy and the description of an event vague and disorganised. Though I liked the story, because of this problem, I can only give the book a 3 out of five.

Reviewed by Ken Mason for Simegen.com

Author of the blockbuster novel Riley - Eye in the City

published by Crossroadspub.com

krmason@look.ca