Every once in a while, a book will come along that not only grabs your attention, but also has one thinking of the story for days to come. The Lurking Man by Kieth Rommel is just such a book.
The Genre is a fantasy/Horror/ Psychological Thriller, as the story deals heavily in psychology, the science of addiction, as well as child abuse issues.
The Lurking man (Death), revolves around a young woman, named Cailean, who is a textbook alcoholic, who uses bottles of wine as a crutch in dealing with childhood traumas she has suffered, and cannot escape. This explanation of her past will be flipped upside down in the end, giving the reader an unexpected twist. Her drinking has impacted her child, as well as her marriage, along with everyone she comes into personal contact with.
Most of the story jumps back and forth between Cailean standing before Death , answering for her actions, and flashbacks of important events which have brought her there.
My favorite aspect of the book would have to be the character development of Death. This is by far, one of the best literary depictions of Death that I have ever read. Unlike the stoic, silent sentinel which snatches humans from life without feeling, Death has been written as a tortured, sad persona who is capable of feelings such as compassion, and hope. It really is a breath of fresh air.
More than anything else, this is a story of addiction, abuse, self-deception and finally, redemption. The final chapters introduce some thrilling twists and turns, culminating in a truly unexpected ending.
I highly recommend The Lurking Man to anyone interested in the study of addiction, psychological thrillers, and all-around engrossing stories.