Rathcrog: A Horror Novel

Neil T Jacobs presents a horror novel centered on Fran Hopper, a Chief of Police in a small town who has encountered death before. The narrative shifts focus to Dennis Tierney, a dentist who considers himself a legendary ladies' man despite his mediocre professional standing. He decides to explore Warner, an abandoned mining town in West Virginia, ignoring local warnings and strange stories about the area. His journey into the mountains brings him face-to-face with something far older than human history. Fran Hopper, formerly an Army Lieutenant, has witnessed significant pain and suffering throughout her career. However, she remains unprepared for the malevolent creature that lurks beneath the town, existing since before the settlement itself was established. The story explores the consequences of Dennis Tierney’s actions as he becomes entangled with this ancient evil. The novel draws on gothic traditions of isolated settings and hidden horrors, utilizing the specific geography of West Virginia to ground its supernatural elements in a tangible reality. This book suits readers who enjoy character-driven horror stories set in rural American landscapes. It may not appeal to those seeking fast-paced action or urban mystery plots. Jacobs qualifies as an author by crafting a narrative that blends professional duty with personal hubris. The text is organized to alternate between the perspectives of law enforcement and the unsuspecting civilian, building tension through their intersecting fates in Warner.