HNS Reviews - November 2007
CAPPAWHITE by Gerald R. Tate (Derwent Press, pb, 273pp, 1846670195)
Otis Tweedy is an African-American ex-policeman married to Irish-born Sarah in 1960s California. With his career ended by injury, and weary of prejudice, Sarah is all Otis has left. When she inherits a home in the Irish village of Cappawhite, they decide to make a fresh start. But Cappawhite is no Irish postcard—it's a town of people with dark secrets, bad memories, and personal demons. Soon, strange events lead Sarah to believe that one of these demons may be real. Otis dismisses this stereotypical Irish superstition with stereotypical American brusqueness, but as events unfold he realizes there really is something lurking in Cappawhite, and its next victim may be his wife.
I enjoy unapologetic horror stories, and Cappawhite has some scary moments. Some readers may be put off by the amount of gore; being raised on Stephen King, I was not traumatized. The historical element is brought in through a prologue, epilogue, and flashbacks; these play no major role except to give scope to the mythology. I found Sarah a little bland—her role was basically perpetual victim—and it took me awhile to warm to Otis; but this was made up for by the great cast of supporting characters, each one with his/her own backstory and a role to play in the conclusion. I cared about them all, and my interest was held until the final twist ending.
The main drawback was the typographical and editing errors throughout the book. I'm told these are corrected in the new printing; I hope so, because their distraction made it difficult to suspend disbelief and enjoy the story. Beyond that, Cappawhite was a straightforward, creepy tale. If you enjoy monsters and folklore, and aren't bothered by blood, this book could be a good evening's read.
BRIDE FOR A KNIGHT by Sue-Ellen Welfonder (Warner, pb, 384pp, 044661730X)
Jamie MacPherson is the youngest of ten brothers, and the only one left alive after a terrible tragedy. To strengthen what's left of his family Jamie agrees to an arranged marriage with Aveline Matheson, the younger daughter of a rival lord. Fortunately for the young betrothed, they fall in love with each other at first sight; but in the Scotland of 1325 things are not always what they seem, and the new couple's happiness is threatened before it begins -- by family secrets, dark intrigues, plots of revenge, and perhaps even the intervention of the dead.
Welfonder's love for her setting and time period fill her prose with lush descriptions of a misty Highland scene perfect for mysterious events, eerie visions, and windswept romance. The medieval setting lends atmosphere and feeling rather than important historical plot elements. Though the dialogue is jargon-heavy, the refreshing take on plot (the hero and heroine fall in love at the beginning and spend the story trying to stay together) and sensuality flavored with the supernatural provide for an engaging and enjoyable read. Fans of Scottish romance will find much to savor.