Crossings: Special Edition (Special)

Name: Crossings: Special Edition (Special)
Price: 13.99 USD
Availability: InStock
ISBN: 9780648541189

✍️ Ashley Capes

Reader Score

4.5

(1 review)

$13.99

In stock — ready to ship Ships in 1–2 business days

📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

A horror novel about a ranger facing dark forces in the Australian bush.

Lisa Thomas works as a wildlife ranger in a remote part of Australia. Her life is complicated by her history with an abusive ex-husband named Ben. When she finds animal entrails at her door, she assumes he is behind it. The plot complicates when more deaths happen that exceed his capacity for revenge. Capes uses this setup to explore themes of fear and the unknown. The story does not rely on complex magical systems. Instead, it focuses on the visceral reaction to finding dead animals and the subsequent loss of life. The setting plays a crucial role in isolating the main character from help.

Key Themes

wildlife ranger animal entrails abusive ex

Literary Context

The book is set deep within the Australian bush, drawing on local folklore and the isolation of rural wildlife management. It reflects contemporary Australian horror traditions that focus on the land as a source of dread.

Difficulty

●● Medium

Recommended For Fans Of

Peter Straub · H.P. Lovecraft · Stephen King's rural horror

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Horror Fiction

🏛 Close-Up Books 📅 2019 🌐 English 📔 Paperback ISBN: 9780648541189

📝 Description: Crossings: Special Edition (Special)

Ashley Capes writes a horror novel set in the Australian bush. The story follows wildlife ranger Lisa Thomas as she investigates strange occurrences near her home. Her investigation begins when she discovers a pile of animal entrails on her doorstep. She initially suspects her abusive ex-partner, Ben, is responsible for the disturbing scene. However, the narrative quickly shifts as a sudden spate of deaths occurs that seem beyond even his vindictiveness. The book draws on traditions of supernatural fiction and gothic horror. It places these elements within the specific context of the Australian wilderness. The plot relies on the tension between personal trauma and an unknown, dark force stirring in the environment. Capes structures the story to blur the lines between human malice and paranormal threat. This approach creates a sense of unease that grows with each new discovery. This title suits readers who enjoy atmospheric horror with a focus on rural settings and psychological tension. It may not appeal to those seeking fast-paced action or urban crime thrillers. The narrative stays grounded in the immediate experiences of its protagonist. The ending leaves the nature of the darkness ambiguous, challenging the reader to decide if the threat is human or something else entirely.

💎 Our verdict on Crossings: Special Edition (Special)

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Horror Reads editorial team

Horror desk

Ashley Capes delivers a potent entry into contemporary Australian horror, leveraging the treacherous beauty of the bush to amplify psychological tension. The novel effectively merges gothic traditions with modern themes of abuse and isolation, creating a palpable sense of dread. Capes avoids reliance on intricate magical systems, focusing instead on visceral reactions and atmospheric unease. This approach suits readers who value character-driven horror and ambiguous threats over explicit explanations. The narrative’s strength lies in its ability to sustain mystery while grounding supernatural events in the protagonist’s traumatic reality. It is best recommended for those seeking a chilling, immersive experience that challenges perceptions of safety in remote environments.

✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

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Why this book is worth reading

Readers who appreciate atmospheric horror grounded in specific, isolating landscapes will find this title compelling. It offers a visceral exploration of fear, blending personal trauma with an encroaching, unknown darkness. The narrative excels in building tension through the protagonist’s immediate experiences rather than complex lore. Those who enjoy psychological depth alongside supernatural elements will appreciate how the story blurs the line between human malice and paranormal threat. It is ideal for fans of slow-burn dread who prefer rural settings over urban crime thrillers. The ambiguous ending invites reflection on the nature of evil, making it a thought-provoking choice for those seeking unease rather than clear-cut resolutions or fast-paced action.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Horror Reads —

Reader rating

4.5

Based on 1 reviews

Horror Reads editorial team

Ashley Capes delivers a potent entry into contemporary Australian horror, leveraging the treacherous beauty of the bush to amplify psychological tension. The novel effectively merges gothic traditions with modern themes of abuse and isolation, creating a palpable sense of dread. Capes avoids reliance on intricate magical systems, focusing instead on visceral reactions and atmospheric unease. This approach suits readers who value character-driven horror and ambiguous threats over explicit explanations. The narrative’s strength lies in its ability to sustain mystery while grounding supernatural events in the protagonist’s traumatic reality. It is best recommended for those seeking a chilling, immersive experience that challenges perceptions of safety in remote environments.