🩸 Horror Fiction

Folklore

✍️ Chris Rush
Reader Score
4.5
(1 review)
$10.44
In stock — ready to ship Ships in 1–2 business days
📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

A novel exploring grief and Irish folklore through a remote Irish setting.

The narrative follows Kevin O'Brien as he copes with isolation after losing his wife Mary. Tension rises between him and John, their brother-in-law, due to differing views on her death. Unexplainable events trigger an investigation into the O'Neill family's history. The resulting truth challenges the assumption that Mary's death was accidental. Subsequent horrific deaths in the vicinity confirm that Irish folklore has become real. Rush uses this progression to show how personal loss can open doors to terrifying realities. The story relies on the unraveling of a specific family secret rather than broad historical surveys.

Key Themes
Irish folklore grief and isolation family secrets
Literary Context

The book is set in a remote part of Ireland, drawing directly on Irish folklore traditions. It connects personal tragedy with local supernatural beliefs, reflecting how these cultural stories can manifest in real life within that specific geographical context.

Difficulty
●● Medium
Recommended For Fans Of
Shirley Jackson · M.R. James · Daphne du Maurier
🩸
Horror Fiction
🏛 Createspace Independent Publishing Platform 📅 2016 📖 199 pages 🌐 English 📔 Paperback ISBN: 9781517463588

📝 Description: Folklore

Chris Rush, an author who examines the intersection of grief and folklore, presents a narrative centered on Kevin O'Brien. Kevin resides in a remote Irish locale, isolating himself following the tragic death of his wife, Mary. His estrangement from his brother-in-law, John, stems from conflicting interpretations of that loss. The plot shifts when inexplicable occurrences disrupt their lives, forcing the revelation of a dark secret held by John's parents, the O'Neill family. This discovery suggests Mary's passing was not merely accidental. As residents in the area suffer horrific fatalities, local Irish folklore manifests with terrifying clarity. Rush structures the story to demonstrate how sensory experiences and hidden truths can alter one's beliefs about reality. The narrative asks readers to consider the validity of traditional stories when confronted with visceral evidence. This work suits those interested in gothic fiction where personal tragedy blends with supernatural elements. It may not appeal to readers seeking lighthearted tales or strictly historical accounts without magical realism.

💎 Our verdict on Folklore

“
🩸
Horror Reads editorial team
Horror desk
Rush effectively utilizes a remote Irish setting to amplify the protagonist's isolation and grief, creating a palpable sense of dread. The narrative succeeds in blending psychological tension with supernatural elements, demonstrating how personal loss can open doors to terrifying realities. By focusing on a specific family secret rather than general history, the story maintains tight pacing and emotional stakes. The portrayal of folklore becoming real provides visceral evidence that challenges the characters' beliefs. This work is best suited for readers seeking gothic fiction where tragedy blends with the uncanny, avoiding lighthearted tones or strict historical accounts without magical realism.
✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

Readers who appreciate the intersection of personal tragedy and supernatural terror will find this narrative compelling. It offers a focused exploration of how grief can unravel reality, making it ideal for those who enjoy psychological horror grounded in cultural mythos. The book suits audiences interested in gothic fiction where family secrets drive the plot rather than broad historical surveys. Fans of atmospheric dread and stories where traditional folklore becomes viscerally real will gain satisfaction from its tense progression.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Horror Reads —

Reader rating

4.5
Based on 1 reviews
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Horror Reads editorial team

Rush effectively utilizes a remote Irish setting to amplify the protagonist's isolation and grief, creating a palpable sense of dread. The narrative succeeds in blending psychological tension with supernatural elements, demonstrating how personal loss can open doors to terrifying realities. By focusing on a specific family secret rather than general history, the story maintains tight pacing and emotional stakes. The portrayal of folklore becoming real provides visceral evidence that challenges the characters' beliefs. This work is best suited for readers seeking gothic fiction where tragedy blends with the uncanny, avoiding lighthearted tones or strict historical accounts without magical realism.

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