Short Sharp Shocks! #55
Curfew: Kev Harrison
Reviewed By Steve Stred
Shameful to think this is my first go-around with any of Kevin Harrison’s writing.
I have ‘The Balance‘ on my Kindle to read at some point here, but when the new batch of Demain’s SSS series was announced, I snagged a few to review, making sure to get Mr. Harrison’s.
What I liked: This is a very quick read (think the pdf copy said 38 pages) but it packs a ton into this tight page count. We begin with a husband and wife making their way to a bed and breakfast in a small town, seemingly in the middle of nowhere. When they arrive, they are introduced to the woman who owns it, Mrs. Heinz. She gives them the basic rundown, and then, as the title indicates, lets our characters know that there is a firm curfew at midnight. At 12 sharp, the door is dead-bolted and there is no entry or exit.
I MEAN COME ON! How does this not get alarm bells ringing! But, I guess when celebrating we sometimes gloss over little details that stack up to mean HORROR! Ha!
Harrison of course gets our couple into trouble by having them leave the house and head to dinner and a pub. On night one, returning with no time to spare. But the title is ‘Curfew‘ and trouble is brewing just ahead.
Harrison kept the tension high throughout, and one thing I loved was that he didn’t resort to having the couple bicker or argue over some of the random going’s on that created unease. By doing this, you really connect with both of the characters instead of immediately picking sides.
The ending was a swift kick, something I expected to a point, but also something completely off the wall, which made for a great conclusion.
What I didn’t like: Saying that – I think the ending was a bit rushed. Situationally, it dictated an action-packed finale, but I thought it was very abrupt. It didn’t lower the enjoyment at all, but I wonder if Harrison could’ve gone even darker if it was a few pages longer?
Why you should buy it: Another great entry into the Demain catalog and a swift kick in the teeth for me to go read more Harrison. This was a fun romp through the countryside and another argument I’ll keep in my back pocket when my wife asks why I don’t think staying at a bed and breakfast would be fun.
Short Sharp Shocks! #55
Curfew: Kev Harrison
When Jamie takes his girlfriend for a summer anniversary getaway by the sea, he thinks only the great British weather can ruin his plans. But he hasn’t accounted for Mrs Heinz, the bizarre proprietor of The Sailor’s Rest, and her obsessive fixation on midnight and curfew…
(cover by Adrian Baldwin)
You can buy Curfew from Amazon UK & Amazon US
Steve Stred
Steve Stred is the author of a number of novels, novellas and collections. He has appeared in anthologies with some of Horror’s heaviest hitters.
He lives in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada with his wife, son and their dog OJ.
You can follow Steve on Twitter @stevestred
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