Assessment:

Plot/Idea: Robinson's twisty, suspense-filled novel grips readers as the story swells to include Charlie's night time visitor, a horror-laced scene that reverberates throughout the Barry family. The plot is layered, rich with detail, and satisfyingly complex.

Prose: Robinson is a strong writer and storyteller, particularly adept at creating living, breathing tension. The narrative, which jumps back and forth from a younger to older Charlie, is extremely effective at not only advancing the story but also in keeping readers guessing as to what is actually happening.

Originality: Walking the Dusk is rich with the pressure of uncertainty, creating insidious danger that lurks just beneath the surface. Readers will be left unsettled long after the last page is finished.

Character/Execution: During the story's flashbacks to childhood, Charlie's voice feels too mature for his age at times, though that adds an element of erratic disquiet to the more terrifying scenes. As an adult, Charlie's ongoing battles with nightmares add a chilling clarity to his experiences.

Date Submitted: August 20, 2024