The twists and turns in To Haunt or Be Lost by B. L. Allen transforms a late-adolescent memoir into a psychological thriller. To give credit, the author does not bill the novel as a memoir, although it starts out to read like one.
Hello, Chuckie!
Lori, a second year college art student who lives with her parents, begrudgingly accepts Cousin Agatha into her home when her aunt and uncle, Agatha’s parents, are killed in an auto accident. While we may see it as coincidental but not outside the realm of reasonable happenstance, Lori’s boy infatuation centers on Gabriel, an outwardly weird but believable character, who is later disclosed to be near the fatal accident.
If this were the story, it would be boringly simple and earth-centric.
Lucky for us, it isn’t.
As the title suggests, there’s a reference to magic which consumes one character. To reveal which one would be a gigantic spoiler. Let’s just note the reference to dreamcatchers, worry dolls, and chants to summon communication with the dead.
The first person narrative is intense and fitting, even though Lori, the protagonist, tries to explain she is “socially shy.” Yet there is a contradiction. While Lori is chatty, she is also wordy. For example, she says, “I conclude in my mind…” “More rich” should be “richer.” In a description of their adjoining bedroom, Lori says Agatha is “next room over.” Why is “over” necessary?
Don’t be put off by the typical teenage wishy-washy observations of the world outside. Dig deep for the clues that expose an accurate rendition of human motivation. You’ll enjoy the experience.
Reviewer Donan Berg is the author of twelve novels. His fantasy, Find the Girl, A Fantasy Novel, has been Number One most popular for 420 days at www.authorsden.com. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily..
Ron