Even though this book came highly recommended as a modern take on the Lovecraftian horror story, from the start, I didn’t really know how we’d get from an upstate New York fish story to a tale of eldritch horror. This story is written with deceptively straightforward language, about some down-to-earth characters. The narrator, Abe is very likeable person — despite his flaws — and relatable, whether or not you have suffered a loss like his. As he tells his tale, he tries to be nonchalant and matter-of-fact, but cannot resist the urge and quickly lets slip that his story is not quite as ordinary as we might have thought, and in fact it’s probably more terrifying and tragic than we imagine. Before he can get to what he’s hinting at, the story shifts in the middle to a local legend about the origins of a nearby waterway known as Dutchman’s Creek. That story is also more than it seems, as Dutchman’s Creek is a bad place that locals avoid and warn others to do the same. Though both stories started kind of slowly, Langan has a knack for good storytelling. Many of the character and story details were provided in a smattered and disjointed way at first, but as each story took shape and the narratives came together, they became gripping and creepy stories that had me turning the electronic pages not only to find out what was happening next, but to get past feelings of fear and seek safety on the next page as well. Both stories, though the middle story was more so than the first, were like textbook Lovecraftian tales, with strong elements of monstrous horror and timeless supernatural dread. Otherworldly creatures and malevolent beings tormented the characters as much as unspeakable feelings of terror and the creeping fear entering the mind from just beyond the edge of one’s vision. The writing in a Lovecraftian horror story is difficult to describe in a review because the words and descriptions themselves are what make the writing work. Nevertheless, Langan’s is excellent writing in that regard. Like HP Lovecraft himself, he manages to put into words those ideas and feelings that creep us out, but we can’t quite put a finger on why.

Nevertheless, what makes this story also good as a modern take is that Langan creates some good characters, especially Abe. He’s folksy, and speaks in a plain manner. However, he also possesses a strength and steadfastness that is admirable, and he’s the kind of person you want and trust as a friend. When faced with extraordinary and gut-wrenching experiences he is amazingly stolid, keeping his head (for the most part) even when things around could drive others mad. Of course, this is mostly his version of the story, but as a narrator he feels pretty reliable, acknowledging how difficult his story might be to believe. I realize that I’m being pretty vague and oblique about the specifics of this story, but that’s because it’s the kind of story I don’t want to spoil. Though some readers might be daunted by the slow, mundane start and feel like nothing “good” is happening, Langan saved the best for later, and pays off the reader who sticks around (at least past the midpoint of the book). That being said, the structure does not make the narrative very easy to follow. Once we get to know Abe’s story and the story of his buddy Dan, we shift over (and go back in time) to follow the story of Dutchman’s Creek. Within each story there are also significant flashbacks to events in the past of Abe, Dan, and other characters. While it ultimately isn’t hard to follow the time jumps, it’s unclear why Langan chose to break things up as much as he did. Part of me cannot think of a better way to arrange the two main narratives, but I’m also wondering if something with more of a straight path would have been clearer. 

While I very much enjoyed Abe and Dan’s story, I thought the Dutchman’s Creek story (which is more connected to the book’s title and arguably the main story) was more to my taste. It had the flavour of a folktale or legend and so it fit better with the horror and supernatural aspects. In my view, it could have stood alone and been a great story. The Abe and Dan story was more intimate and got more into the characters’ thoughts and emotions. Because their grief is such a central part of each of their stories, it’s a very much explored theme in this story, also. Langan does well by starting out with each man’s story of how they try to cope (to varying degrees of success), how their grief puts them in touch with some otherworldly aspects, and eventually how they handle their loss also determines their fates. As I’ve suggested, we get to know Abe quite well. It’s also easy to relate to the modern setting (even if we don’t live in a similar geographical area) and imagine that our own lives are not far from his. So for that reason, the supernatural horror elements felt more separate, and felt more like the narrative had taken a sharp turn to reach those. 

I would highly recommend this book to anyone (even if you don’t fish) who is interested in reading a good eldritch or supernatural horror story, who is looking for more of the creeps than the gore, but also wants to explore some deeper emotions. You’ve got to be willing to suspend disbelief, even more than with your typical slasher or ghost story, as we venture a bit further beyond the normal reality. This is an excellent, engaging, spooky, emotional read.

4.5 stars

Please join me on GoodReads and see what I’m reading:  https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/78985113-alvin-ng