Books from the Backlog #333

Books from the Backlog is a fun way to feature some of those neglected books sitting on your bookshelf unread.  If you are anything like me, you might be surprised by some of the unread books hiding in your stacks.

If you would like to join in, please feel free to enter your link, link back to this post, and then spend some time visiting some of the other posts.

This week’s neglected book

It Rides a Pale Horse by Andy Marino
Published by Orbit on October 4, 2022
Genres: Fiction / Horror
Pages: 368
Source: Publisher
Goodreads
Amazon | Audible | B&N | Kobo | Libro.fm

From a new star in horror fiction comes a terrifying novel of obsession, greed, and the shocking actions we’ll take to protect those we love, all set in a small town filled with dark secrets. 

“If you like Grady Hendrix’s novels, Clive Barker, or just a dash of Lovecraftian horror, you’re going to love this one.” – San Francisco Book Review
 
Peter Larkin — Lark to his friends — is a local hero in the small town of Wofford Falls. The one who went to the big city, found fame in the art world, then returned home to settle down. He's the kind of guy who becomes fast friends with almost anyone. His sister, Betsy, is talented as well. And eccentric. Unlike Lark, she keeps to herself.

When Lark meets with a fabulously rich client, it seems like a regular transaction. Even being met at the gate of the sprawling, secluded estate by an intimidating security guard seems normal. Until the guard plays him a live feed: Betsy being abducted in real time.

Lark is informed that she's safe for now, but her well-being is entirely in his hands. He's given a book. Do what the book says, and Betsy will go free.

"Marino draws readers in quickly, creating sympathy for the characters, unveiling the necessary details to immerse them in a world of art, siblings, deadly intrigue, and a centuries-long nefarious quest. Dread is present from the start, but it quickly escalates into a disorienting cosmic terror that touches everyone." — Booklist

"Marino offers horrors both existential and visceral." — M. R. Carey, author of The Girl with All the Gifts, on The Seven Visitations of Sydney Burgess

"Dark and fascinating . . . Not quite like anything I've ever read before. A strange, compelling, late-night page-turner. It kept me reading way past my bedtime." —T. Kingfisher, author of The Hollow Places​, on The Seven Visitations of Sydney Burgess

Also by Andy Marino:
The Seven Visitations of Sydney Burgess
 

Why did I add It Rides a Pale Horse to my bookshelf?

Do you see that cover?! Of course, I wanted a copy of this book on my shelves. In all seriousness, this book sounds like something that I would really like and it has been praised by a few authors that I respect. Based on reviews, it looks like this is another book that people either love or hate. Reviewers seem to describe it as weird which makes me want to pick it up as soon as possible.

What are your thoughts? Have you read this book?  Would you recommend it?

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