Slash of Crimson

Name: Slash of Crimson
Price: 11.73 USD
Availability: InStock
ISBN: 9798613896073

✍️ Alan Shields

Reader Score

4.4

(1 review)

$11.73

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

📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

Bryce Iverson inherits a cursed art gallery in snowy Amsterdam.

This novel follows Bryce Iverson as she deals with the aftermath of her uncle's death and the subsequent violent events at his gallery. The central conflict revolves around the 'Slash of Crimson,' a painting attributed to a witch that seems to drive the recent murders. Shields uses the mystery of the stolen eyes and the history of the artwork to build suspense. The narrative focuses on Bryce’s attempt to understand the connection between the past crimes and the current threats. It is a work of supernatural fiction that emphasizes atmosphere and dread over gore.

Key Themes

cursed painting art gallery mystery witch's creation

Literary Context

The story is set in Amsterdam during winter, utilizing the snowy environment to enhance the gothic mood. It draws on the tradition of cursed artworks and supernatural horror, placing Bryce Iverson in a dangerous situation involving an infamous painting linked to witchcraft.

Difficulty

●● Medium

Recommended For Fans Of

Daphne du Maurier · Shirley Jackson · Thomas Ligotti

🩸

Horror Fiction

🏛 Independently Published 📅 2020 🌐 English 📔 Paperback ISBN: 9798613896073

📝 Description: Slash of Crimson

Alan Shields presents a chilling narrative centered on Bryce Iverson, who travels to a snow-covered Amsterdam after inheriting an art gallery from an uncle she barely knew. The story begins with violence when her uncle’s aged assistant is stabbed to death and his eyes removed. As additional murders occur, the plot tightens around a cursed painting titled 'Slash of Crimson,' which was created by a witch and had been missing for decades before being reinstalled in the gallery. Shields structures the tale as a mystery where Bryce must uncover the secrets linking past and present killings to survive. The book draws on gothic traditions and supernatural fiction, focusing on the eerie atmosphere of the gallery and the dark history of the artwork. It suits readers who enjoy atmospheric horror and puzzles involving cursed objects. Those preferring fast-paced action or non-fiction will likely find this slow-burn mystery less appealing. The narrative relies on the tension between Bryce’s investigation and the looming threat of the painting. The story does not offer easy answers. Bryce faces a dangerous situation where finding the truth means confronting a deadly curse. The setting of snowy Amsterdam adds to the isolation and dread that permeates the gallery walls.

💎 Our verdict on Slash of Crimson

“

🩸

Horror Reads editorial team

Horror desk

Alan Shields crafts a tense, atmospheric tale where the eerie setting of a snow-covered Amsterdam gallery amplifies the sense of isolation and dread. By focusing on the mystery of the 'Slash of Crimson' and its witch-made origins, the narrative builds suspense through psychological tension rather than gratuitous gore. The story effectively blends gothic traditions with supernatural elements, creating a chilling environment that draws readers into Bryce’s dangerous investigation. This approach suits fans of puzzle-driven horror who value mood and lingering unease. However, those preferring fast-paced action or non-fiction may find the slow-burn mystery less appealing. It is a solid entry for enthusiasts of cursed object narratives.

✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

Readers who appreciate slow-burn atmospheric horror and gothic mysteries will find this narrative deeply engaging. The book offers a compelling puzzle centered on a cursed painting, appealing to those who enjoy investigating the dark history of artworks and the psychological toll of supernatural threats. It is ideal for audiences seeking tension and isolation rather than rapid action or gore. The focus on Bryce’s investigation into past and present killings provides a satisfying intellectual challenge for fans of supernatural fiction that prioritizes mood and suspense over explicit violence.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Horror Reads —

Reader rating

4.4

Based on 1 reviews

Horror Reads editorial team

Alan Shields crafts a tense, atmospheric tale where the eerie setting of a snow-covered Amsterdam gallery amplifies the sense of isolation and dread. By focusing on the mystery of the 'Slash of Crimson' and its witch-made origins, the narrative builds suspense through psychological tension rather than gratuitous gore. The story effectively blends gothic traditions with supernatural elements, creating a chilling environment that draws readers into Bryce’s dangerous investigation. This approach suits fans of puzzle-driven horror who value mood and lingering unease. However, those preferring fast-paced action or non-fiction may find the slow-burn mystery less appealing. It is a solid entry for enthusiasts of cursed object narratives.