“Our Trespasses” has two things going for it. First, it’s a well-written novel. Second, it’s a darn good horror story. The minor glitch here is that the two aren’t completely compatible.

As a novel, the strength of the story is in the characters. Everyone in the story is vividly portrayed, from the most positive love interest to the most negative drug dealer, and all the spectrum in between.

Likewise, we experience the setting in intimate detail. The main character’s feelings as he returns after ten years to the town where he grew up imbue every step he travels.

Both elements figure hugely in the conflicts — internal, interpersonal and paranormal — and all these battles are tied up in a completely logical, “I should have seen that coming,” conclusion.

As a horror story, there is a reasonable amount of heavy-duty action, some of it very…well…”horrible” is the only word. Suspense is increased slowly as the main character tries again and again to distance himself from his extra-sensory connection to his real-life evil twin, who just happens to be dead, but each attempt demonstrates further the serious nature of the evil he is fighting.

Having said all this, there is a small disconnect. The amount of ink it takes to give thorough descriptions of characters and settings, no matter how beautifully portrayed, can’t help but affect the action. There is one place just before the middle of the story where the action needs to pick up, and is instead slowed down by a description of the town. Despite this minor complaint, I found the book a very enjoyable read.

Highly recommended for fans of good writing and horrible horror.

(5 / 5)