Me & My Shadow (on the Wall)

Review of Shadow on the Wall by Jonathan Aycliffe - (2001)

Being an expert in the field of all things mysterious, albeit an enigma in many ways to the reader, Professor Asquith is called upon by Edward Atherton, who is worried about his brother, the rector of Thornham St Stephen. Having tried to restore parts of his old church, the rector has disturbed the tomb of Abbot of Thornham, and has unleashed something into this world.

Edward begs Asquith to take a trip with him to Thornham and help in any way he can, and save his brother as he fears for his safety. Upon arrival at the church, they find that the rector is dead, and that there is something not right about the church. Things are hidden in the shadows… Things that are malevolent and want to do harm… And Asquith soon realises that not only is Edward in danger, but so is he and his new wife. Written in 2000 and set in the nineteenth century, this is a good gothic horror.

The unseen forces which are at work, mingled with the ghostly shadowy figures. The author gives very little away and it is a joy to see the story unravel. I have read most of his other books and had been after this one for a while. Now out of print, I ended up buying it on Ebay for eight pounds (second hand). I actually found this a hard to read book, though, and it took me longer than I should have to finish it. Other factors (courses I have been taking etc) might be at work here, but it was an anti climax after searching for the book for so long.

 Review was printed on Ciao first by me... Paul McAvoy