The Loney

By Andrew Michael Hurley

 

Before I delve into this review, I want my readers to know that I am in no shape or way a fan of thrillers of mysteries at all. You have been warned.

The Loney by Andrew Michael Hurley is a fresh take upon British horror/mystery/thriller genre. The Loney is an area of Lancashire coastline (near Liverpool) that is known for its dangerous tides. Hurley instantly hits the reader with the dangers of said tide and the most recent flood that has hit the area. That is when Hurly sets you up with the gut punch of something bad is going to happen or has happened.

All throughout The Loney you can instantly envision every character and location and even the mood of each scene. I could easily feel the tension as if I was actually there. Brilliant descriptions are littered throughout the entire book. In no shape or way does Hurley take two or three pages to describe a house or an individual, yet he does it in a manner of two or three sentences.

Richard Burnip is narrator for the audiobook version and does a great job of keeping the characters individuality constant and the moods heightened.

In conclusion, if you are a fan of thrillers, mysteries, or horror, definitely get this book! I would reveal more. However, seeing how this is a mystery, I do not want to spoil anything for potential readers/listeners. But if you’re looking for an early summer thrill, go and get this book. You will not be disappointed.

Story: 4/5

Narration: 4/5

Overall: 4/5

Pros: Great descriptive environments and characters. Deep emotions.

Cons: Some fluff here and there that seems mysterious as to why the author put them in. Far and few in-between though.