Genres: Fiction
Pages: 125, Kindle Edition
Published: 2014 by EAMONN JAMES MURPHY
Cover Rating: 3/5
On the eve of Halloween this year, I decided to read something different. A book that is based on the Halloween night, written by Eamonn Murphy, Arnos Hell – Horror at NHS Direct. I know many think that horror fiction is not their piece of bread, I used to think that, but I must tell you there are books that might seem to represent a traditional way of this genre but are attractive enough to try out. Not every spirit is bad, there are some good souls even in afterlife.
The plot starts at an interesting point. NHS Direct, a health advice and information service have moved their office in Bristol to an old graveyard at Arnos Vale. Employees who handle patient calls along with nurses working at the hospital have their shifts both in day or at night. Bob Harding, the protagonist is getting started in romance with attractive Caroline and for whom he is happy to do the night shift. The night is of Halloween eve and soon Bob and his co-workers discover that the hospital full of having paranormal activities. At first each individual tends to ignore, a normal human reaction in these situations, but then they come face to face with an outspoken spirit who wants them out of the building and the intention of the spirit is clearly to burn the building.
The storyline of the book moves smooth, chapters are short with a garnish of humour here and there. The third person narrative voice is what really drives this plot forward. It is as intriguing as it can be and any reader will be hooked by the pace of it. The theme of the plot is understandable as to why the element of spooky fits here correctly. Imagine yourself in the situation I described in the synopsis, you will be spooked at least on night like this. I know, I will. Three chapters down, I could leave my eyes off the book. It is so much enjoyable. I want to appreciate the effort writer has put in constructing the plot in an organised manner.
The characterisation of this book is really great. You won’t easily find a good amount of characters moving forward along with the plot in this less amount of pages. Together with the protagonist, every character is explored just enough, which is interesting. The writing style is great since there is no dragging element and there is enough thrill in creation for a reader to reach the end of the book. It is a novella well-written.
I am recommending this book to anyone who wants to enjoy a good novella on the eve of Halloween night!
4 out of 5
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