Threshold

Threshold (2013) Jordan L. Hawk (Whyborne & Griffin)

Set in Boston and WV in the late 1800s.

This wasn’t bad, but Lovecraftian monsters just aren’t my thing. So why did I keep reading? Because it was set in WV, and it featured mining and was actually accurate for those things!

I mean, this:

By the time the train began to brake, the green peaks loomed to either side like old men, peering down at the tiny creatures which had dared wake them from their sleep. Only a narrow strip of blue sky remained visible; the hours of direct sunlight must be short indeed.

I mean, this description of a coal town:

(T)he town proper, which mainly consisted of row upon row of identical houses, all of which appeared to have been built in great haste using the shoddiest materials available.

Foul smoke, reeking of sulfur, boiled from the beehive-shaped coke ovens. The sides of the gorge blocked the wind, and the smoke was thick as fog in some places.

I’ve seen places like that, from the gorge to the coke ovens.

Anyway, they go to southern WV to look into a coal mine that might be haunted by monsters. (It is haunted by monsters.)

What was difficult for me (beside the monsters themselves) was that a lot of characters we were introduced to, and whom the characters had conversations with, were killed by said monsters. That’s just not something I’m up for dealing with right now.

On the other hand, Whyborne really is adorable.

Griffin turned to me with a twinkle in his eye. “Would you care to accompany me to the hotel bar?”

“Why on earth would I do such a thing?” I asked.

I mean:

“What a horrid place,” I said, aghast. “How do people stand to live here?”

Griffin’s mouth twitched. “Because this is where the work is. Coal mining doesn’t pay much, but for a man with no other skills, looking to feed his family, it’s better than nothing.”

“I suppose, but surely the houses could be improved, or the streets paved.”

“All of which would cost the company money.” Griffin gave me a half-smile, but his eyes were sad. “I almost envy your shock.”

Me too Griffin. Me too.

So despite not liking the monsters killing everyone, I really loved how he portrayed the mining town and the people in it.

Rating: 7/10

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