Published By: Legend Press
Pages: 272
Date Published: 17/08/2021
Date Read: 28/07/2021
1870. Apprentice lighthouseman James Meakes joins two others at the remote offshore rock of Ripshaw Reef – replacement for a keeper whose death there remains unexplained. Meakes’ suspicions grow as he accustoms himself to his new vertical world. He finds clues, obscure messages and signs that a fourth occupant may be sharing the space, slipping unseen between staircases.
With winter approaching, the keepers become isolated utterly from shore. Sea and wind rage against the tower. Danger is part of the life. Death is not uncommon. And yet as the storm builds, the elements pale against a threat more wild and terrifying than any of them could have imagined.
Thanks to Legend Press for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review.
Ever since I received my advanced copy of this book, I’ve been seeing it everywhere which has only whetted my appetite. There’s been mixed review of it, ranging from one star to five, so I went in with an open mind. And I have to say I’m somewhat disappointed.
Lighthouses have always fascinated me, but there is a dark, creepy quality to them that I felt Matt did manage to depict very well.
There is an awful lot of description in this, which isn’t a problem in and of itself, but there is a case of telling the reader what is going on rather than showing them. There is so much description that you end up thinking whether you need to remember it all for later on in the book. I found where one word could be used to describe things, there are half a dozen. Again, not a spectacular issue, but it does then feel a bit too wordy and rambling.
I don’t like to give up on a book, especially when it has been gifted to me, and I did try to persevere with this, but after about a third, I just couldn’t continue. It just wasn’t grabbing me unfortunately, and I just didn’t have the interest to see how it ended. Not for me sadly.
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