By Gareth Powell© 4/23/2019 by Tordotcom
File Size 5324 KB
ASIN: B07HF2Q1CV
I have read and enjoyed other Gareth Powell books, all of which were science fiction. Ragged Alice is not sci-fi; instead, it’s a paranormal mystery, and it’s every bit as good as I expected from this author.
The story takes place in a small town in Wales, a detail I loved. Descriptions evoke the crash of waves from the nearby seas, and the sense of isolation. A few of the words, taken from common Welsh language yet easily understandable given the context, added to the feel of place throughout. There’s even a stone circle that plays a role in the story. Not everything is quite as it appears here. Some relevant elements live beyond the limits of what most people can see, hear, or feel.
Characters are just odd enough to fit into a paranormal setting. Main character Holly can see into people’s heads. An elderly character (who is, I daresay, quite a character) sees ghosts. And a waitress/hostess at the hotel has a glass eye and can “see” things others don’t. Powell doesn’t overdo these details; he just drops them in and leaves the rest to the reader’s imagination. Nicely done.
While there are some graphic elements to the tale, the author doesn’t linger on them in any given scene. (Thank goodness.) He judiciously sprinkles in relevant details throughout, with the reveal coming in a flashback; I wasn’t really sure where the flashback was coming from, which character was “seeing” it, until the very last few pages, when a final twist made clear the ending. Nicely done!
Overall, this was a riveting story. Once I got in, I didn’t want to put it down. If you love a good paranormal mystery, this book is for you. Definitely recommended.