Literary horror is a somewhat niche genre that is harder to find than some of the more mainstream horror and thriller titles. I've read many horror stories over the years, and while I continue to enjoy them, it's rare I find one as gripping and utterly unpredictable as Susan Barker's Old Soul.
Old Soul hooked me from the first few pages, and at no point did I sense what direction this story would take. It grabs you and takes you along for a country-hopping journey that transcends genres and has a fascinating Lovecraftian hook at its center, often dabbling in cosmic horror.
The story unfolds in a series of anecdotes as protagonist, Jake, travels from place to place in search of people who all share a mysterious connection to an enigmatic woman. It begins when Jake and Mariko meet by chance one night in Osaka, leading to dinner and drinks. A pleasant buzz leads Mariko to divulge a dark secret, the story of what happened to her twin brother, who died in a brutal and incredibly strange fashion.
Jake is immediately intrigued, as something similar happened to his best friend. Through their conversation, Jake realizes that both of their loved ones came into contact with a strange woman that no one has seen since. Jake falls down a rabbit hole, discovering more loved ones of victims of this woman, as he slowly starts to learn exactly who and what she is, as well as her purpose.
A captivating mystery told in a unique format, Old Soul casts a spell over its readers not unlike the inscrutable woman at its center. It delves into a formidable ancient evil, and Barker crafts such a compelling main villain that it's impossible not to want more once you start reading.
I devoured Old Soul in only a few sittings. I couldn't stop thinking about it or put it down once I started. It has become one of my first five-star books of the year, and I get the sense I won't be able to shake it for a long time.
Old Soul is now available for purchase wherever books are sold.