I'm not sure Christina Henry wanted to write a horror novel. The majority of the work, I appreciated how well constructed the main character was, how strongly you get a sense of someone keeping poverty at bay, having escaped an oppressive, borderline abusive/neglectful, religious upbringing, survived homelessness and constantly vigilant in supporting a kid as a single parent without a high school diploma in a gentrifying area. 1/?
When it comes to how things were resolved... it's a bit of a speed run. While I wish we knew more about the Bright Horses house's origins, I am glad the reporter never got to have his triumphant moment after the earlier pestering. 1w
And here we arrive at my frequent conclusion with straightforward horror: it's often more sad than scary. Javier Castillo didn't love anything or anyone more than filmmaking, he neglected his wife and never cared enough for his son, which destroyed both relationships long before he felt it necessary to murder them both. 1w
⚠️child abuse 1w