Tearstone Review – Holley Cornetto
TEARSTONE
By: David L. Day
Published: April 01, 2018
Publisher: Dark Recesses Press
Pages: 268
Reviewed by: Holley Cornetto
Tearstone, by David L. Day, is a tale of evil unleashed in small town Ohio, and the consequences that resonate for all of the citizens of Washington Heights. Although Day deftly uses multiple points of view to give readers the most complete picture of the story, the major narrative revolves around brothers Tom and Kyle. Tom, having left town many years ago, has returned upon the death of his father. He has unfinished business, and it seems that Washington Heights is not yet done with him. The story unfolds in different periods of time, with Day filling in past events as they become relevant to the plot. This structure worked well in giving the reader all of the necessary information, while maximizing tension and suspense. Through this structure, we are able to see the dark secrets and skeletons in the closets of all the residents of Washington Heights.
This story is at turns gripping and terrifying. I wanted to keep reading, but at the same time, felt a creeping sense of dread as the story played out. Day demonstrates a strong emotional range as a writer, with scenes that move from the terrifying to gruesome to heartbreaking without missing a beat. On the surface, it might seem tempting to label this as an extreme horror novel and be done with it, but Day gives so much more. The characters feel real and complete. There is a sense of depth and history to Washington Heights and its residents that reveals Day’s skill as a writer. We care because these characters are fully realized people. We all know people like them and places like this.
In Tearstone, Day has written a solid horror story that is actually terrifying.
Recommended for fans of small-town horror, extreme horror, and (to a lesser extent) hidden secrets/secret societies
