🩸 Horror Fiction

A Family Affair: A Novel of Horror

✍️ V J Banis
Reader Score
4.4
(1 review)
$14.99
In stock — ready to ship Ships in 1–2 business days
📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

A holiday turns deadly when two brothers with a fire obsession target a woman in Portugal.

The plot follows Jennifer as she investigates the dark history of the Alenquer brothers. Their shared fascination with fire leads to conflicting stories about a past tragedy at their castle. One brother claims the other murdered his wife, while the other blames his sibling's madness. As Jennifer stays near them, the threat becomes immediate when her accommodation is destroyed. The story relies on the uncertainty of which brother is lying and who poses the real danger. It combines elements of romantic suspense with the dread of a stalking killer.

Key Themes
family heritage pyromania castle tragedy
Literary Context

This novel sits within the gothic suspense tradition, utilizing settings like castles and villas to create atmosphere. It engages with themes of supernatural horror and family secrets common in genre fiction. The work is published by Borgo Press, a label known for horror titles.

Difficulty
●● Medium
Recommended For Fans Of
Anne Rice · Daphne du Maurier · Thomas Harris · Mary Shelley
🩸
Horror Fiction
🏛 Borgo Press 📅 2024 🌐 English 📔 Paperback ISBN: 9781434445285

📝 Description: A Family Affair: A Novel of Horror

V J Banis presents a gothic suspense narrative centered on Jennifer, whose Portuguese holiday descends into terror. She encounters brothers Neil and Philip Alenquer, who share an obsession with fire. Their family history involves a castle overlooking the Atlantic where a tragic blaze occurred. The brothers offer conflicting accounts of this event. Philip accuses Neil of killing his young wife after finding her with him. Neil counters that Philip started the fire due to insane pyromania. Jennifer finds herself drawn to both men while trying to determine the truth. When the villa she occupies burns down, she realizes she is now the target of an obsessed killer. This novel draws on traditions of gothic fiction and supernatural horror. It explores themes of family heritage, deception, and dangerous passions. Banis structures the story around the escalating threat posed by the brothers. The setting in Portugal provides a backdrop for this thriller. Readers who enjoy suspenseful tales with romantic entanglements may find this appealing. Those seeking lighthearted beach reads might prefer other options. The narrative focuses on psychological tension and the mystery of the past.

💎 Our verdict on A Family Affair: A Novel of Horror

“
🩸
Horror Reads editorial team
Horror desk
Banis effectively merges gothic fiction with romantic suspense, creating a tense atmosphere where the past actively threatens the present. The narrative excels in building uncertainty around the Alenquer brothers, forcing readers to question who is lying and who poses the real danger. The setting in Portugal provides a stark, isolating backdrop that enhances the feeling of entrapment. While it lacks the supernatural weight of cosmic horror, its focus on psychological manipulation and stalking creates genuine dread. This book suits readers who prefer suspenseful tales with romantic entanglements over lighthearted beach reads. It is a solid choice for those who enjoy unraveling complex family secrets amidst immediate peril.
✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

Readers who enjoy psychological tension and the uncertainty of unreliable narrators will find this novel compelling. It appeals to those who like gothic atmospheres where romantic entanglements complicate survival instincts. The book offers a gripping mystery centered on conflicting family histories, keeping the audience guessing about the true nature of the danger. Fans of stalking thrillers combined with dark fantasy elements will appreciate the escalating dread. It is ideal for audiences seeking suspense over horror gore, focusing on the psychological impact of obsession and deception rather than explicit violence.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Horror Reads —

Reader rating

4.4
Based on 1 reviews
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Horror Reads editorial team

Banis effectively merges gothic fiction with romantic suspense, creating a tense atmosphere where the past actively threatens the present. The narrative excels in building uncertainty around the Alenquer brothers, forcing readers to question who is lying and who poses the real danger. The setting in Portugal provides a stark, isolating backdrop that enhances the feeling of entrapment. While it lacks the supernatural weight of cosmic horror, its focus on psychological manipulation and stalking creates genuine dread. This book suits readers who prefer suspenseful tales with romantic entanglements over lighthearted beach reads. It is a solid choice for those who enjoy unraveling complex family secrets amidst immediate peril.

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