Old, outdated, and falling apart, St. Agnes Hospital's management is looking to upgrade locations. But the upcoming move provides an opportunity for things to slip between the cracks, and someone, or something, is taking advantage of the chaos.
Simon is working as a porter at the hospital when an anonymous doctor approaches him with the opportunity to make more money. But as the requests weigh on his conscience and the payoffs stop balancing out the questions, he's left wondering what he's gotten himself into.
Alessia is a physiotherapist trying to build a life of her own in spite of her past mistakes and overbearing parents. As the move looms closer, she notices strange and concerning irregularities in the wards, putting a target on her back.
Both are caught in a web, but neither knows who or what is preying on the hospital -- or how they can avoid becoming the next victims.
Assessment:
Plot: Deck’s medical mystery is an engaging slow burn. A complex web is woven, which at times feels a little unwieldy as the reader follows many point-of-view characters.
Prose/Style: Deck’s prose is taut and unflinching. He manages to create enough intrigue and suspense to keep the reader’s interest piqued.
Originality: Although spooky hospitals and deranged doctors are a frequent subject in horror, Deck’s take on the genre is nuanced enough that it will grab the attention of even the most seasoned horror fan.
Character Development/Execution: A multiplicity of point-of-view characters keeps the reader from becoming truly invested in the outcome of the story until about the latter third of the book. However, Deck’s talent lies in creating a creepy atmosphere.
Date Submitted: August 30, 2021
