Hello hello book addicts!
Nothing new to report here, so let’s get right into things!
This post is all about The Sundowner’s Dance by Todd Keisling.
I chose this read because it was free on Kobo Plus (a great alternative to Kindle Unlimited) and due to the fact that I’m still a very moody reader at the moment. I haven’t read many Lovecraftian culty books at all, so this seemed like a breath of fresh air for me.
Let’s see how it went!
Blurb
Jerry Campbell just wants to be left alone. Grief-stricken over the death of his wife Abigail, the elderly widower and recent retiree is desperate for a change of scenery. When his realtor suggests a new home in Fairview Acres, a retirement community in the Poconos, Jerry figures it will be a nice place to spend the rest of his days in solitude.
Until he moves in.
Weird neighbors. Nightly block parties. Strange noises across his rooftop at all hours. Worst of all is Arthur Peterson, chairman of the Fairview Acres Community Association, who seems obsessed with coaxing Jerry into participating in these neighborhood activities.
At first, Jerry shrugs off the incidents and eccentricities, telling himself he doesn’t want to be the guy who complains about everything—but that all changes one evening when Katherine Dunnally appears on his doorstep with an ominous warning: “You need to leave. The worms…they dance at nightfall…”
His neighbors all say Katherine suffers from a form of dementia called Sundowner’s Syndrome, but as the weeks progress and the strangeness mounts, Jerry begins to suspect there is something else going on in his neighborhood. Something that has to do with the huge stone in the community park…
Heartfelt and unsettling, Todd Keisling’s latest novel, The Sundowner’s Dance, propels readers through a terrifying exploration of grief, dementia, and perhaps the greatest horror of all: growing old.
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The Review
This was a perfect cosmic horror read!
Jerry is an elderly widower looking to live out the rest of his days away from the tormenting memories of his dear Abigail. Doubtful of a retirement community called Fairview acres, he ultimately decides it would be a nice place to settle down to the end of his days. However, strange happenings and peculiar activity from its residents send Jerry on a nightmarish journey to discover the truth.
I loved every second of this book! What shined the most for me was Jerry. He was expertly portrayed as a grumpy old man who just wants to be left alone. I loved his snark and all of the wonderful memories that were conjured throughout the story. He also had some really great progression throughout.
The writing was super strong and easy to read, and I enjoyed all the great detail that made it easy to envision what Jerry was going through. Lisa and Katherine were also wonderful characters with depth that kept things interesting, as well as the assorted residents of Fairview Acres.
This plot was ev-er-y-thing! Lots of mystery, horror, and twists and turns made this nearly impossible to put down. There’s a great balance between plot and character that made this a home run. I enjoyed my time from the first page to the very last, and this definitely won’t be my last read from this author. Highly, highly recommend!
That’s A Wrap!
Well that’s it for this book review. Like what you see? Leave a tip!
Have you read this book? Are there other similar books you’ve read that you simply have to gush about? Feel free to leave a comment. I’d love to start a conversation!
Have a great day!
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