Monday, February 11, 2013

What's on the iPod? - 14 By Peter Clines


To say too much about this intriguing and Stoker-nominated novel would deprive readers or listeners of  a great deal of pleasure. It's a tale of discovery, and  it's really about the journey as much as about where it's going.

The protagonist, Nate Tucker, a data entry clerk, moves in to an impressively low-rent Los Angeles apartment. It's too good to be true of course. Even before he moves in, he is told there's something a little off about the building.

That becomes apparent when he learns there are mutant roaches in his kitchen as well as a high-end black light that picks up things that can't be seen by the naked eye.

Mysterious markings under the paint, the truth about Apartment 14 all hint at a strange and dark purpose, but why is it rented out at all?

Nate and a small band of fellow tenants set out to find answers, and soon it's an obsession.

A large portion of the book is about connecting the dots and defying the building manager, who's apparently a stooge for the keepers of the Kavach building, where no two apartments are alike, and there's something in the walls.

With a tantalizing setup, it's easy for a story to disappoint, but Clines weaves in great clues as the story builds to a nail-biting climax that generally proves satisfying.

This actually represents a great updated example of an identified strand of horror literature, but I won't say way kind of __-ian fiction it is. Just trust me, it's a blast.


2 comments:

Charles Gramlich said...

I haven't heard of this one but I generally find your recommendations to be spot on.

Sidney said...

Hope you like it. One of my students picked it up after I discussed it in class, and has really liked it and been telling friends.

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