My Goodreads review: In the Light

In the Light by S.P. Miskowski

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


[Full disclosure: I received a free e-copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.]

This novella winds up Miskowski’s Skillute Cycle, which began with her debut novel Knock Knock (a Shirley Jackson Award finalist) and continued through the novellas Delphine Dodd (also a Shirley Jackson Award finalist) and Astoria. Like all these works, it succeeds through its focus on the internal lives of its characters – primarily women, though one very sympathetic male arises in this one! – and its dead-on portrayal of claustrophobic life in a backwoods small town.

Without going into spoilers, the plot of this one confronts the supernatural threat unleashed by three young girls way back in Knock Knock. When another bullied child stumbles across a metal box containing burnt bones, her desperation opens a door back to this world . . .
one that several people have already given their lives trying to close.

This story unfolds through three characters, with a section devoted to each. The viewpoint shifts carry the plot along remarkably well, allowing the reader a full view of each life -- including vital bits of family history – without slowing the creepy flow of events.

Miskowski does a fine job of weaving together the loose generational ends from her previous tales to achieve a satisfying conclusion, though without much recap for readers who may have forgotten some crucial detail. Fortunately, these details are usually vivid enough to pop back into memory after a page or two! That said, I can’t stress enough that this is a concluding “chapter, ” not a standalone item. Please begin with Knock Knock to achieve the full effect.




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