Today I’m reviewing The Devil’s Pocketbook by Ross Jeffery.
Here’s the blub
Erik and Lara are in mourning for their daughter, who was born “incompatible with life”. To get away from their suffocating grief and the ever-present shadow their daughter has cast in their lives since passing, and desperately trying to recover their increasingly rocky relationship, they take a trip to the seaside town of Polperro, in Cornwall. But no sooner have they arrived, than they realize that their grief cannot be so easily eluded. Drawn to the waters, Erik and Lara discover a large Devil’s Pocketbook, and inside: the miracle child they could never have. Scylla.
Review
Erik and Lara are struggling with the loss of their daughter, it’s been a tough going for the couple when it comes to having a family and just when things seemed to be going well for them the worst happened and their one hope was lost to them.
They set out to reconnect.. to find a way to continue.. I don’t think either really know what they want any more…little do they know they are going to have to face the grief they are suffering head on!
While out one day they notice something in the water… a large Devil’s Pocketbook..a Devil’s Purse…the contents of which is a young frail girl, Scylla.
They take the young girl to their home.. to get her warm and safe while they decide what to do next.
Erik notices subtle changes in the way some locals look at them but doesn’t think too much of it.. Lara on the other hand is lost in her own world caring for Scylla. It’s like she’s been given a second chance to be a mother.
At first Scylla seems quiet and you don’t really know what to make of her.. could she be just the thing Eric and Lara need to heal?
Things quickly turn dark and gruesome, there’s violence, blood and death but Erik still can’t figure out what is actually happening.. it’s like he’s suffering blackouts..things are happening but he just has no knowledge of how..
Slowly, with the help of a couple of locals who don’t want to see another innocent person harmed Erik starts to see the truth but Scylla still has control of him.. he’s powerless at times to go against her will.
Gut wrenching isn’t the word.. it’s got so much depth.. it’s a horror tale but unlike anything I’ve read before. It’s heart destroyingly good as the couple face their grief in the worst possible way… it’s a battle of wills but are they strong enough?
I’ll not post spoilers but Scylla’s origins fascinate me..it’s the stuff of nightmares but makes for such a great tale… it’s a real cerebral pulverising read.. you get so much from the book but it takes from you too.. I dare you to read this an not feel emotionally drained but awestruck at the same time.
A real emotionally charged horror tale and one I’d highly recommend.
I wish I could recall who recommended this book to me but I’m so glad I picked it up. Not for the faint of heart that’s for sure!
5/5 Stars