After you finish Philip Fracassi’s A Child Alone with Strangers you’ll give every shadow a second glance. Weaving a twisted tale of suspense and drama about a child’s kidnapping, this book is a must-read for all who enjoy a good horror novel. It will have you questioning the characters’ reality as you plunge deeper and deeper into the depths of Fracassi’s imagination .

From the beginning, A Child Alone with Strangers, takes you on a deep dive. The author unveils a gruesome death as a creature in the shadows prepares for the near future . Horror will come for all who are unlucky enough to cross the creature’s path.
And many have. And they’ve been lost.

But, some remain, like young Henry and his father. They live a hard life, but you’re about to find out that all is not what it seems. Already struggling with the grief of losing his wife, Henry’s father is weighed down by something more. A cruel twist of fate. The wrong words whispered in the wrong person’s ears has cost him everything he’s worked so hard for—and that will drive him to horrifying lengths.

As the book continues, the author hammers you with drama and horror. Yes, there will be lulls of peace, but don’t get lulled in too deep. The twists are waiting to pounce . Prepare yourself.
Piece by piece, the storyline builds and develops into a horrific puzzle as you learn certain characters aren’t who they seem. And when the bodies start dropping, you’ll find yourself playing the sleuth. Who’s committing the heinous crimes? No one knows. Who’s safe? No one.

Henry is a great example of resilience and fortitude . He’s a small child but endures so much loss, and through his final loss, is pushed into the bull’s-eye of those who will exploit him for their gain.

While most characters would carry a chip (or boulder) on their shoulder, Henry is unique and shoulders what he’s been through. Has the suffering he’s endured changed him? Absolutely, and in more ways than one. Does he carry a negative attitude about it and feel sorry for himself? No. Why? Because he’s been changed in many ways.

Henry’s story is A Child Alone with Strangers, but it’s more than just his story. Fracassi alternates between Henry and the other characters he interacts with. With a deft hand, he methodically sets the stage piece by piece. Page by page. The story develops in a procedural manner while teasing you with glimpses of the supernatural monster in the shadows.

This story is more than just Henry’s story; it is also the creature in the shadows’ story.

The thought and attention to detail put into this book are extraordinary. From the beginning, the author pulls you into the story. You feel a desire to read more and see what will happen next. Philip Fracassi’s writing dares you to dig deeper and discover the secrets of the characters. Who is the mastermind behind Henry’s next set of unfortunate events?

Avid readers and lovers of mystery, horror, and procedural novels will appreciate the not so hidden meaning behind one particular detail concerning Henry’s abductors. Henry is too young to truly know or understand, but we the readers will know all too well.

Take out the monster, and this book would still be a page-turner of a mystery novel with horror elements. The abduction of an innocent child is any parent’s nightmare. The fear of not knowing, the ticking clock, the desire for answers, and a demand for ransom simply for the proof of life. Now, add in a dark monster who just so happens to be at the same location the kidnappers have chosen. Compound that with the fact she has her own secret hidden away that she’ll do anything to protect, and you have a recipe for an intense story you won’t want to put down.

Page by page, you’re going to wonder, what is going to happen next? How is Henry going to handle this particular situation? The author not only maintains the danger level but makes sure to amp it up. It’s not just the seen and unseen physical dangers, it’s the unseen supernatural dangers as well. One particular element that will draw readers in will be the secret Henry carries. The author is constant with Henry’s interactions with it, but readers will be split in believing it. Be suspicious, be skeptical, but don’t dig that particular hill too high. It’s not one you’re going to want to go down on.

The author’s storytelling is incredibly well done. You’re given just enough to pull you in, pull you to the edge of your seat, before the author changes tactics and shifts the scene together. Right when things are about to take a horrific turn, you’re taken to a less horrifying scene. It makes you want to scream (in a good way, lol), but it also drives you to get through that spot to get back to where you want to be. Telling a horror story is art, and this author has that down to a science.

While you’re reading about Henry’s family, in the back of your mind you’re wondering—what is about to happen back at the farmhouse? That is the constant to-and-fro of this book. The author keeps you in just enough suspense to keep you coming back for more .

This novel brings the horror elements in a multitude of ways. The author gives readers the horror of humanity, then the horror of the monster—in her physicality and her capabilities. Finally, you get the horror of the supernatural. This one is more subtle in comparison to the others, but no less dangerous. The supernatural triggers fear in people because of the unknown factors it creates. It’s unpredictable, and that makes people the most terrified because they can’t control it. Can’t see it.

Packed with suspense from the middle of the book moving forward, you’re not going to want to stop reading until you hit the final page. The horror aspects will start coming at you faster, the final chapters gripping you hard and daring you to look away from the page. But don’t. If you do, you’ll miss the best parts.

This book is a horror masterpiece you’d easily see unfolding in your mind and on the big screen.

From beginning to end, Henry will be the character who grabs your attention and holds it. And your trance will be based on more than just him being a child and a victim of circumstances outside of his control. Page by page, you’ll see many sides of who he is and who he develops into. He’ll push the envelope at the worst times, but when he knows he holds the cards—he’ll play his hand .

Readers of horror are going to want to grab this book. It’s a twisted page-turner from beginning to end. With steady pacing and shocking moments, this book will keep you coming back for more—even as it sticks with you long after you finish.

Pros:

• The author’s attention to detail.
• The amount of drama and twists from beginning to end.
• Just the right amount of horror to hold you spellbound.
• The twisted ending that will have this book lingering in your mind.

Cons:

• None

Lesson of the book: When the plan starts to go hell, and you’re given a chance to leave, it’d be wise to go—before the choice is taken away from you.

Cover Score: 8.3

Book Score: 9.0

Do grab your book on Amazon || Amazon UK || Goodreads || Waterstones Store ||

This review was made by Bunny

Edited by Deon Ashleigh

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