It was just the sort of small, run down, out of the way cottage that you would instantly want to buy. Homely and comforting, but that was just part of its Good magic. The Bad also has a way of showing up. Another great story by one of my favourite horror writers.

I first read this book many, many years ago and remember being blown away by it. Yet, when I came to pick it up again, I was surprised at how little had stayed with me - the general gist of the story, the twist at the end and that was it. So it was almost like reading a new book this time round.

The premise is out of any standard horror movie and the narrator, Mike, freely admits this. Him and his girlfriend, Midge, move into their ideal cottage, deep in the woods, only to find that their is a strange 'aura' about the place. Animals seem over friendly, the house and gardens seem to look after themselves, and injuries heal over night. Add to this a strange cult living nearby, the horrific death of the previous occupant and more than a few 'marital' spats, and you have a nice scenario for a great horror story.

Sadly, on my second reading, I'm not convinced it quite delivered. As a 'story' it's great and Herbert's writing is as good as ever. You do fall under the spell of the cottage and it did make me want to spend more time outside. However, the book is very 'end heavy' - all the action and 'horror' are condensed in the last half dozen chapters, which makes an exciting finish to the read, but leaves you wondering how much more the author could have made of the story, with so many slower chapters up front.

That said, I still like it and it is one of my favourite books from one of my favourite authors. Worth reading, but maybe approaching from a non-horror point of view!

Off to the winner of the Supernatural Sweepstake ... hope you enjoy it!

Thank you for this interesting looking book, dark-draco! I don't think I've read this before, so I'm looking forward to a new magical reading experience.

"Do you believe in Magic?
I mean, real Magic, capital M. Not rabbits out of hats, disappearing sequined ladies, or silver spheres that dance in the air. The real stuff, not tricks, illusions. I mean spells, enchantments - witchery, even. Damaged limbs that heal overnight, animals that trust in humans, paintings that come alive. Shadowy figures that aren't really there."

An older "horror" story which might seem like a haunted house story but it's not quite just that. Mike and Midge find their dream house in the countryside where animals aren't wild - but neighbours are too strange. And the previous owner died in mysterious circumstances.

A little bonus book. ;)

Thank you!