One Eye Open by Alex Grecian

​ Out of nowhere this was surprisingly good. I’ve never read the author, heard of his and his Yard series, but not being a fan of serials, it didn’t much register. This novella certainly changes that, this merits a register.
     October perfect and atmospheric, this story takes the readers to Jutland, specifically a small island community off the cost of Denmark. A prodigal daughter returns to her ancestral abode, one that now belongs to her following the death of her mother. The daughter has just had a personal tragedy to reckon with, she’s a recent widow with a teenage daughter of her own in tow.
      The community is small, quiet, heavily agricultural, there’s nothing much to do or talk about, but there is a peculiar local custom, a well intended ritual with horrifying potential consequences. One that the young Juniper stumbles upon, one that her mother might have known about all along, the way every local seems to. One that’ll lead to devastating consequences.
      The fields have to be harvested, but at what cost? Read and find out, if you dare.
      So much to like here, where do I even begin? Great writing, realistic likeable characters, a positively haunting location that serves as a character in and of itself, terrific use of local legends, excellently rendered claustrophobia of a small insular community. All very nicely done.
      At the risk of giving away too much and at the risk of being those unimaginative people who compare new works to famous existing ones…this is Dutch Pet Cematary.
      Great read. Should have read it at night, but eerie enough in daytime too. Recommended. Thanks Netgalley.