Gripping mystery

"The Haunting of Modesto O’Brien by Brit Griffin A genre bending novel that blends historical fiction, supernatural horror and mystery into a single compelling story. Set amid the lawlessness of a mining town swept up in the frenzy of silver fever in 1907, the fates of Modesto (detective & fortune teller), the Nail sisters and the three men they are pursuing or being pursued by all converge in Cobalt. The narrative’s trajectory isn’t immediately clear, but the early chapters effectively introduce a fascinating cast of characters and immerse you in the brutal, chaotic world of a boomtown on the edge. This is an absorbing story that shines a light on the violence, greed and mania that consumed people and the towns that sprang up during the mineral rush. Each character is shrouded in mystery, and the slow unraveling of their backstories gradually reveals their points of intersection. Griffin steadily builds tension and dread by weaving together supernatural elements and manmade horror, leaving the reader to constantly question whether a “monster” exists or is it entirely of this world. The story is steeped in darkness, shaped by the nature of the men drawn to Cobalt, by Irish mythology, and by the spectral forces at play; resulting in an atmospheric and riveting tale of mystery and greed."

— Whatithinkaboutthisbook (4/5)