Book Review – Fearmaker: Family Matters

Fearmaker: Family Matters – A Deviously Clever Novel

Rating: 4 of 5
Author: Terry Castle
Format: Paperback, Kindle

Twelve-year-old Adam Castle has a secret, one he can hardly believe himself had he not heard the words straight from his parents mouths.  The secret?  His father is a cold blooded psychopathic murderer.  And he seemed so nice.  But what to do?  Could it really be?  Adam goes on a quest to confirm the awful suspicion he has, but after intercepting a package for his father – one with a cutoff toe inside – he is certain.  Armed with his friend and video camera in hand to document his findings, Adam goes on a quest to save the next victim who just happens to be the cutest girl in school.  But will his parents learn he knows their secret before he can save her?

Terry Castle’s “Fearmaker” is a deviously clever novel.  It quickly sucks in the reader into a world of a twelve year old boy and any reluctant reader of similar age will easily become absorbed in the engaging story line.    The book is, however, fairly gruesome in its descriptions though not necessarily over the top. None-the-less, parents may wish to read this book first before letting their kids jump in.  If you do, read all the way through before making any judgements.  And without giving the plot away, things work out in the end making this much less macabre than I thought it was going to be (which is why it is deviously clever!).

Castle is the real life daughter of horror film maker William Castle and it is easy to see where her inspiration comes from.  Is this really fiction or was life at the Castle household a little like this?  One can only wonder!

Note: A complimentary copy of this work was provided in return for a review.