The Netherwell Horror (Extreme Horror Series Book 3)
The Netherwell Horror
By Lee Mountford
The Sexton’s musings (spoilers are likely):
This is indeed a very Lovecraftean type of setting. Small coastal town, strange monsters coming from the sea, secret societies, a sense of dread, (did I mention strange monsters?) dimensional travel and phasing…very foreboding. Where Lovecraft’s gore is subtle and refined, Mountford’s is in your face and stomach turning (I love it!). I would say this is the second goriest book of his. The #1 would have to be “Tormented”. It’s crazy violent. The carnage is second to none without being crude.
All of these stories take place in the same universe, dealing with the same interdimensional place and the secret society that it attempting to learn its secrets and use its power. There are direct connections to “Tormented”. This is where our “Director” lands. We learn about what happened to Adrian, which is great because sometimes in series you’re left hanging. Not here!
As for the characters…we have Beth who is our main character and one that you are really rooting for. Don’t hold the fact that she is a Journalist against her. You learn in the beginning the she actually has integrity. She’s a fighter. Her end was not one that I was expecting. In fact, knowing a bit about that other reality I was completely taken back. It’s fascinating but not something that I wanted for her. Although when you look back at her journey what happens makes sense.
Her reason for going to Netherwell Bay is to help her brother Josh. Who she has not had much contact with for most of her adult life. We do get an explanation as to why this is, it’s kinda a whiney little bitch reason BUT it makes sense. Josh is the frustrating character in this one. He just won’t give in to the truth of what is happening to Beth. Even though out of their trio he should know better than anyone that his fight is a loosing one. But he just keeps being bull headed, almost getting himself killed which would completely negate Beth’s reason for being there.
Then there is Jim. We met Jim in “Forest of the Damned” I believe. At the bar. Or perhaps not. I like Jim here! I think he’s a great character as he sort of levels out the others when things get too chaotic. Plus he has Jess, who is the best character in the book, his dog. Loyal to the end. I do have to say that Josh redeems himself a bit there at the end when it comes to Jess. I really hate what happens to Jim! I really did, in my heart, think (hope) he was going to make it all the way through.
Closing thoughts:
You really learn a lot about the Order in this one. Get a look into their methods and motivations. There were only hints before this. “Tormented” was the most we’d learned about how they are organized and where all of this research it taking place. I’d imagine there is a lot of money within their ranks as none of these facilities would be easy to maintain. Not to mention the murder and kidnapping element.
I feel like there was some conclusion to the story but it left open the possibility of an off shoot. We see Ashley again (“The Mark”) who has really stepped up her game. I debate if this situation connects with the “Darkfall” Series but we will just have to wait and see little Ghoulies.
