Book review
Written by John Saul
Pan paperback
Release date Out now
The long-deserted house on the lake, Pinecrest, has people living in it again, and in the darkness, something has awoken…
John Saul is well known for ‘children in jeopardy’ tales, and in this book we visit the well-trodden path of evil deeds re-awoken, targeting the haunted house’s new inhabitants. Or at least the teenage son, Eric Brewster, and his pals Kent Newell and Tad Sparks.
The boys’ families are renting places by Pine Lake for the summer, and for the first time the largest house there is available: Pinecrest. Previously the home of a psychiatrist who was fascinated by serial killers, it’s been empty since he disappeared some years before – or has it?
Eric and his friends discover a storage room in the garage, filled with strange items belonging to Dr. Darby, the house’s former occupant, and soon they’re hearing voices as the spirits dwelling there call out to the boys for fresh blood.
In The Dark of the Night is a fairly predictable read, but certainly enjoyable if taken on its own merits. It helps that the characters are so well drawn – not only Eric, but also his circle of friends and their families.
The locals are also intriguing figures. Some of them look up to “the summer” people as their main source of income. Others - namely sulky youth Adam Mosler and friends – resent them, watching angrily as they ‘waltz in’ and get the girls, enjoying their summer while they have to work.
As the town’s 4th July celebration approaches, the scene is set for a final bloody confrontation. The newly awakened spirits have been released, and embark on a killing spree one more time. Marie O’Regan
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