Maggie’s Grave by David Sodergren | Review

Maggie's Grave by David Sodergren
Published by Independently Published on October 8 2020
ISBN: 9798680192276
Genres: Occult Horror, Horror, Witchcraft, Paranormal
Pages: 266
Format: Paperback
Source: Purchased Book
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The small Scottish town of Auchenmullan is dead, and has been for years. It sits in the shadow of a mountain, forgotten and atrophying in the perpetual gloom.
Forty-seven residents are all that remain.
There's nothing to do there, nothing to see, except for a solitary grave near the top of the mountain.
MAGGIE WALL BURIED HERE AS A WITCH reads the faded inscription.
But sometimes the dead don't stay buried. Especially when they have unfinished business.
"Relentless, atmospheric folk-horror. Enhanced by Sodergren's gift for eerie settings and relatable characters, Maggie's Grave is the perfect way to kick off your spooky season reading." Laurel Hightower, author of WHISPERS IN THE DARK and CROSSROADS
"Maggie's Grave is everything I love about a good horror story; slithery as a snake, with a nasty wee bite that will sting for a while. Compelling, immersive, and unashamedly Scottish." Gemma Amor, Bram Stoker Award nominated author of DEAR LAURA

If you haven’t added Maggie’s Grave to you TBR, then why the hell not?  This is in my opinion the best example of a witchy folk tale horror out there.  It brings it all to the table, Sodergren slaps it all down, liquified organs and all.  The first couple of chapters are usually enough to decide whether a book is going to be for you…the author nailed it in one.  I had a keen sense of foreboding, that small time village feel, residents knowing everything about you, talking about you, judging you.  Sodergren nails it. 

The shades of darkness is quite literally written on the wall. 

“Was this parenthood?  Love and fear combined into one tiny ball of unimaginable stress? Probably.”

Beth was one of those characters you just loved to hate.  I’m not saying she was all bad, far from it.  I could completely relate to her.  Like her I have lived in a small highland village and it can be claustrophobic.  Everyone seems to know your business before you do.  It seems like many of the residents have no ambition to live anywhere else.  That was never me, like Beth I wanted out.  Beth epitomises the human condition.  She gets carried away with bad thoughts and feelings even though she tries to batter them down.  First impressions? I thought she treated everyone around her horribly – Alice and Grady especially.  Even if I couldn’t understand why she did a thing, I could at least understand the thought behind it.

Maggie’s grave is bloody cinematic.  A group of teenagers decide one night (I mean are they fucking crazy?)  to trek up the mountain to visit Maggie’s cottage and grave.  She was killed as a witch in 1657 and the tale of how she was buried is horrific.  One of the teenagers is onto a promise and he’d literally do anything to have sex with this fresh American girl.  The following scenes had me both gasping in shock but laughing at just how outrageous the scene must have looked in Beth’s eyes.  (I have a sick sense of humour). 

Maggie’s grave scared the living crap out of me.  Little do the teens know the importance behind Maggie coming back.  Just why is she stalking them?  Disclaimer:  I was seriously shocked behind her resurrection.  This story would be amazing as a movie – Shudder you better be listening! 

“Once you’ve seen a witch tear a man inside out from his arsehole, you’ve seen it all.”

Maggie’s Grave is a tailspin of emotions.  Once Sodergren hits the accelerator he doesn’t pause for breath.  He cranks the tension and gore to breaking point. 

ABOUT DAVID SODERGREN

David Sodergren lives in Scotland with his wife Heather and his best friend, Boris the Pug.

Growing up, he was the kind of kid who collected rubber skeletons and lived for horror movies. Not much has changed since then.

His first novel, The Forgotten Island, was published on October 1st 2018 to much acclaim. Sadie Hartmann in Scream Horror Magazine said,  “Lots of sex, violence, gore and laughs – this one is sure to be a hit with classic and modern fans alike!”

Up next is Night Shoot, a brutal throwback to the early 80s slasher movie cycle, coming Spring 2019.

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