The Keeper by Sarah Langan

With The Keeper, Sarah Langan has created a work of creeping dread. The novel focuses on a small town in Maine, struggling to keep its place on the map, as the only real source of income, the paper mill, threatens to succumb to a struggling economy. But the turmoil and uncertainty of Bedford's chief livelihood is nothing compared to the terror which flits around the edges of everything that happens in the town. At the center of this horror is Susan Marley, a dark and damaged young woman who lives amongst the townfolks, but very much apart from them.

Sarah Langan's obvious strength is atmosphere, imagery, evoking dismay and a feeling of isolation. There are several key characters who inhabit the story, but though we find ourselves inside their thoughts and emotions, we are more wrapped in the crumbling loneliness of a dying town.

I've found that works of fiction can be great, even if one or more aspects of the story are not developed to their full potential and power. Am I saying that Langan's characters weren't fleshed out or interesting? No, but I came away from this book, and my initial and very visceral reaction of approval was primarily aimed at the town and the evil working inside it.

I am always hungry for the artistry of a quiet horror novel, and Sarah Langan has painted some stunning word pictures with her first book.