Andrew Michael Hurley's "Saltwash" is a haunting, atmospheric novel that plunges readers into the depths of mortality and the human condition. This dark folk horror tale deftly weaves together elements of cosy crime fiction to create a complex, unnerving narrative that will leave even the most seasoned reader unsettled.
At its core, "Saltwash" is a story about the fragility of life and the crushing weight of regret. Tom Shift, a septuagenarian protagonist struggling with his own mortality, finds himself drawn into a mysterious annual gathering at the crumbling Castle Hotel, where a group of elderly strangers are united by their desire to win a lottery that promises an otherworldly prize.
As Tom becomes increasingly entangled in the web of intrigue and deception surrounding the lottery, he is forced to confront the darkest aspects of human nature. The novel's prose is deceptively simple, yet Hurley's masterful storytelling weaves together threads of psychological suspense, cosmic horror, and existential despair that will leave readers gasping for air.
The author's use of setting is characteristic of his work, conjuring a sense of place that is both deeply evocative and uncannily prescient. The desolate coastal town of Saltwash, with its "delta of dark streams and vast sandbanks," becomes a character in its own right, exuding an atmosphere of neglect, decay, and foreboding.
Yet beneath the surface of this eerie tableau lies a scathing critique of human nature, where the vulnerable are preyed upon by those who would seek to exploit their fears and weaknesses. As Tom navigates the treacherous landscape of his new acquaintances, he begins to realize that the lottery is not just a game, but a test of wills – a Faustian bargain that promises salvation but comes with a terrible cost.
"Saltwash" is a novel that will appeal to fans of cosmic horror and folk fiction alike. It's a raw, unsettling work that will leave readers feeling existentially shaken, yet strangely mesmerized by its dark, hallucinatory world. While it may not be the ideal Christmas gift for anyone confronting their mortality, it could be the perfect cure for those who have been searching for meaning in a seemingly meaningless world.
Ultimately, "Saltwash" is a testament to Hurley's skill as a storyteller and his willingness to confront the darker aspects of human nature. It's a novel that will linger in your mind long after you finish reading it, its haunting imagery and existential themes seared into your consciousness like a branding iron.
At its core, "Saltwash" is a story about the fragility of life and the crushing weight of regret. Tom Shift, a septuagenarian protagonist struggling with his own mortality, finds himself drawn into a mysterious annual gathering at the crumbling Castle Hotel, where a group of elderly strangers are united by their desire to win a lottery that promises an otherworldly prize.
As Tom becomes increasingly entangled in the web of intrigue and deception surrounding the lottery, he is forced to confront the darkest aspects of human nature. The novel's prose is deceptively simple, yet Hurley's masterful storytelling weaves together threads of psychological suspense, cosmic horror, and existential despair that will leave readers gasping for air.
The author's use of setting is characteristic of his work, conjuring a sense of place that is both deeply evocative and uncannily prescient. The desolate coastal town of Saltwash, with its "delta of dark streams and vast sandbanks," becomes a character in its own right, exuding an atmosphere of neglect, decay, and foreboding.
Yet beneath the surface of this eerie tableau lies a scathing critique of human nature, where the vulnerable are preyed upon by those who would seek to exploit their fears and weaknesses. As Tom navigates the treacherous landscape of his new acquaintances, he begins to realize that the lottery is not just a game, but a test of wills – a Faustian bargain that promises salvation but comes with a terrible cost.
"Saltwash" is a novel that will appeal to fans of cosmic horror and folk fiction alike. It's a raw, unsettling work that will leave readers feeling existentially shaken, yet strangely mesmerized by its dark, hallucinatory world. While it may not be the ideal Christmas gift for anyone confronting their mortality, it could be the perfect cure for those who have been searching for meaning in a seemingly meaningless world.
Ultimately, "Saltwash" is a testament to Hurley's skill as a storyteller and his willingness to confront the darker aspects of human nature. It's a novel that will linger in your mind long after you finish reading it, its haunting imagery and existential themes seared into your consciousness like a branding iron.
last weekend and I swear, the ocean has been driving me CRAZY since then 
. I mean, I love the coast as much as the next person, but have you ever noticed how the way the sunlight reflects off the water can make your skin feel all pruney and gross? Like, is that even a thing? 
And don't even get me started on trying to eat a sandwich while driving with the windows down... it's like, how do people even do that?! 
. I mean, what's next? Ghostly gatherings at abandoned asylums or cursed festivals in rural villages? It's all just the same old tropes and cliches with a few atmospheric details thrown in for good measure.
i mean in a good way tho, like how can one book tackle so many complex emotions and themes? the setting of that desolate coastal town is giving me chills, i need to add it to my bucket list ASAP 
and the lottery plot twist? mind blown! i love how the author weaves together elements of cosy crime fiction and cosmic horror, it's like a dark dream come true 
the setting of this desolate coastal town seems so creepy and foreboding... i can already imagine how unsettling it must be to read about. and that lottery plot twist? 
just read this review for Andrew Michael Hurley's "Saltwash" and I'm low-key intrigued 
. i love how the author weaves together elements of cosy crime fiction with dark folk horror to create this complex, unsettling narrative 
. the setting of the desolate coastal town of Saltwash sounds like it's straight out of a cosmic horror novel 
. but what really resonates with me is the scathing critique of human nature that lurks beneath the surface of this eerie tale 
. And Tom Shift's journey is just so... human 
. It's not just a spooky story, it's about how we all struggle with our own mortality and regret. I loved how the author wove together elements of cosy crime fiction to create this complex web of suspense and horror. The ending left me feeling unsettled, but in a good way 
.
! The author's use of setting is insane, the whole town of Saltwash feels like it's stuck in a time warp 
. I loved how the story weaved together elements of cosy crime fiction with folk horror to create this super unsettling atmosphere 
. And that lottery? Total scam 
! The author's critique of human nature is spot on, it's like they're holding up a mirror to our darkest selves 
. I'd definitely recommend this book to fans of cosmic horror and folk fiction, but maybe not for Christmas... 
. It's not exactly Christmas reading material, but for those who want to confront the darker side of human nature, this might be just what they need 
. but seriously, its prob not the best read if u r havin a bad day or somethin cuz its like... existential crisis mode activated 
just read about this new book 'Saltwash' by Andrew Michael Hurley & I gotta say, the plot sounds super messed up... some old dude gets pulled into this lottery thing that's supposed to grant him salvation but it sounds like it's gonna be a total trap 
... but hey, if you're into that sorta thing, go for it 
the setting of the desolate coastal town is so vividly described it felt like i was walking alongside tom shift 
but what really got me was how the author critiques human nature without being preachy or heavy-handed 
but in a good way? 
. I'm low-key terrified after reading this book but at the same time, I want to dive back in & explore more of its eerie world 
And what's with the comparison to folk horror and cosmic horror - it's like they're trying too hard to fit into some genre box. Can't we just enjoy a good story without all the labels? 
