Title: Gallows Hill
Author: Darcy Coates
Series: n/a
Great protag, great lore, great scares
I would like to thank Darcy Coates, Poisoned Pen Press, and NetGalley for allowing me to read a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I’m a recent fan of Coates; I’ve been wanting to read her for a few years but was stymied by Audible’s exclusive access to her audiobooks. Though I really can’t afford it, I finally caved and subscribed for monthly credits, since there were other audiobooks aside from hers that I wanted to listen to but that weren’t available to libraries (damn you, Audible . . .). So once I’d stored up some credits, I bought some of her audiobooks and had me a binge. Some are excellent, some lackluster, but I’ve enjoyed them all so far. It finally occurred to me that she might use NetGalley, and sure enough, there was Gallows Hill. My request was accepted, and here I am.
I LOVED this book. It was very slow to start, but if you can power through the first few chapters to Margot’s first night in the house, you’ll be hooked. The pace was steady from that point. Fantastic writing; everything teased came back around.
I made only a couple notes, one being Margot’s lack of need for a bathroom until her second or third day in the house (I think? I rather lost track of the day count, but that’s my failing, not the book’s). If it’s not Coates’s style to include details like characters needing to pee, that’s fine, but at least mention that Margot prioritized locating a bathroom not long after she arrived so it doesn’t come across like she didn’t need one at all until she was covered in dirt and wanting to shower. I was so distracted by it.
The only other thing was—why didn’t Margot bother to obtain more flashlights instead of relying on her phone the entire time? For backup if nothing else. I understand she couldn’t really go to the hardware store, nor was there time to wait for deliveries, but there had to be some in the house, and she could have asked if anyone had extras. I have no doubt residents had some powerful ones, and lots of extra batteries.
Otherwise I loved that Margot was smart and logical. She didn’t wander into danger like the dumb bimbo in a scary movie. Margot tried to stay away from danger, but danger found her nevertheless, stalked her more like, and so finally she faced it. She was glorious, with a full, clear arc and admirable qualities.
I liked the other characters, too. Well, I could give or take Andrew; he showed moments of personality, and I believe he was a good guy, but something about him put me off. Maybe it was his lack of initiative to help Margot; he was there if Kant asked for him, but Andrew never did anything to help without Kant’s prompting. He made it clear he was only helping for Kant’s sake when he asked Margot not to bother Kant anymore—but failed to give her his number to call instead. Nora and Ray were sweeties, and Kant . . . My only wish is that he had been young enough to be Margot’s love interest instead of her father/grandfather figure. When she asked for his button, I melted. Just melted. It would have been funny of Andrew offered one of his, and she said no thanks. Translated as: eff you, Andrew.
And the horror! THE HORROR. It was also glorious. It was teased at first, hearing and seeing creepy things like in any horror book/movie, gradually dialing up the tension, but then all the stops were pulled out and Coates went there. Took it to eleven when the dead ones starting showing intelligence and strategy. Their actions could have used explanation a time or two, like when the one in the effigy suddenly glanced up at the ceiling; I could only think that perhaps Esther had communicated something to him, but I don’t know why that would be. It didn’t detract from the scene, though.
I reveled in the delicious lore; simple and possibly done, but no less effective. We could have used a little more of it, perhaps an identity for the seeming leader of the dead ones. The solution for justice and repentance Margot came up with was good, but I’m shocked she didn’t also decide to burn the house down and erect a memorial in its place. Sure, it should no longer be haunted by ghosts, but I feel it would remain haunted by memories and still represents insult and poor taste.
Overall, this book was a delight; my only wish is that Coates included little romances in her books, but that’s apparently not her style. Sigh. I recommend this to anyone looking for a good scare, and read it at night in the dark!
