Madman Across the Water by Author Caroline Angel is a horror novel with a Steven King feel that tells the story of a family who are haunted by a tall and slender supernatural being that lurks in the mist / fog. It sees and it follows, killing anyone who has the misfortune to set eyes on it or get in its way. A generation of twin brothers have survived it once, the first by not looking at it, the second brother by isolating himself from any other living being and using an object to keep it a bay each time it comes for him. The villagers call him the mad man, but when children go missing and are brutally murdered, they are forced to acknowledge that something sinister lives in the woods and so they turn to the mad man across the water for help. Can he find a way to rid his family and the village from this being once and for all.
Overall this is a well written and atmospheric tale with a fascinating antagonist. There are some odd editorial issues but nothing that would distract the reader from their enjoyment of the story. The plot moves at a good pace, skipping back and forth between present and past to enable the readers to gain a basic understanding of the historical events behind the family’s curse. There does feel that there is more to be shared by the Author in subsequent books. The characters and dialogue are credible and convincing and readers are able to build a connection and elicit an emotional reaction to the events through the narration.
I enjoyed reading Madman Across the Water and I award 4 stars.
