Book Review | Elmwood by N.T. Morris

Ever since he found a body at the side of the road, Aidan has been plagued by nightmares. He decides to go on a retreat with his wife Laura to the picturesque town of Elmwood. But the town has secrets – people go missing, the house has a bad history, and voices are calling for Aidan. What is happening in Elmwood and is Aidan in danger?

A part of him had known what it was from the beginning, but another – the scared, in-shock part – hadn’t wanted to believe it. There was no denying it now. It was a person, lying face down in the middle of the road. 

Elmwood is a dark book! It opens with a horrific death scene and that’s just the beginning. Aidan’s retreat is meant to be relaxing but strange things start happening in the house. His fragile mental state worsens because he keeps seeing things. My favourite parts in the book are these hallucinatory nightmare scenes that confuse and scare Aidan. I could feel his disorientation during these moments.

Aidan’s relationship with his wife Laura is a highlight. Even though their relationship is under strain and they experience difficulties, they remain communicative and trusting of each other. The cult storyline is familiar but done well and I’m surprised at how devastating it ends up being. There are graphic descriptions of child and animal deaths. I admit I wasn’t a huge fan of these scenes because I felt the point was belaboured, especially the child character’s death. But these plot choices give the story emotional weight and make the situation even more bleak.

I did wish certain points are expanded more with regard to the history of the cult, as well as the supernatural angle. Aidan’s ultimate fate was also not convincing to me because I don’t think his previously established characterisation allows for that. That said, I finished this book quite fast because I was invested in the story and that’s a huge plus in my column.

Elmwood is a creepy cult horror with strong themes. Take a step into Elmwood if you dare!

CW: child death, animal death

About the author: N.T. Morris

Photo by Alesia Kazantceva