Publisher: Self Published
Written By: Marc W. Johnson
RRP: $12.99 (Paperback)
Reviewed by: Sebastian J. Brook
Review Posted: 6th November 2019
Back in early 2018 we discovered author, Marc W. Johnson and his 'Legacy' title. A chilling, yet thrilling horror that was incredibly intelligently put together. This is something that Johnson carries through perfectly in his latest offering; 'Husker', which focuses on our central character, Jennifer, her father's savage murder and how events from the past come back to play a part in Jennifer's life.
This is truly one of the most terrifying stories we've ever read; and we've read a LOT of Stephen King :) - Dare we say it, but even Mr King could learn a thing or two from Husker - it's as psychologically chilling as it is descriptively.
Johnson has such a talent as a writer; everything is so visual and has a real cinematic texture to the description and flow. In that respect, it really is unlike most horrors or thrillers we've read.
Below is an excerpt from Husker which encapsulates the suspenseful and cinematic genius of Johnsons words:
"Molly's ears perk up when a low wooden creak seeps through the dark, but the sleeping couple does not stir. Molly fixates on the rocker in the dark, she growls softly as she backs out into the hallway and sits, still extremely alert. The rocker sways without a sound while Molly watches."
Earlier we mentioned about the authors intelligence in his writing, and this is heavily based in the way that, as a reader, you feel like you know where things are going (and feel rather clever in the process), only to have the rug pulled from under your feet and taken in a whole new direction. There's nothing more refreshing or exciting than surprise and Johnson knows exactly how to use it!
You want settings, you got 'em; attics, corn festivals, parking lots (complete with chocolate pudding cups - something that you may find you have in common with the titular Husker). The characters are rich and drawn not from stereotypes, but complex palettes that make them feel the more genuine for it.
The journey that Jennifer goes on is both emotionally and psychologically draining and we're doing our very best not to give anything away, but every page is a step closer to the answers you are desperate to find out as the reader. The resolution, as with everything that goes before it, is a complete surprise, and, unlike some Stephen King novels, Johnson knows how to end his stories with reader satisfaction.
We are genuinely terrified to see what Johnson comes up with next, and if form is anything to go by, we're probably going to need some holy water, a priest and a clean change of underwear!
+ Husker is Out Now!
+ Buy this book / Kindle from Amazon.co.uk!
+ Follow @WoordMan on Twitter.
