Book Review – Wasp Canyon by Danielle McCrory
Book Review – Wasp Canyon by Danielle McCrory
First published, 2021
‘Early summer can be a miserable time in southern Arizona. It’s hot, it’s monotonous, it’s boring. No one wants to go outside and sweat and swelter in the heat. So they stay locked inside, watching Netflix and praying that the air conditioner doesn’t break. A few brave souls will venture out in the early morning hours─trying to get some time outdoors before the heat really sets in─but mostly people stay locked up inside and hope the monsoons will arrive early.’
14% in, Chapter Nine, Wasp Canyon by Danielle McCrory
Now, it was very early this year when I first read Danielle McCrory. Foster was absolutely awesome, as I recall (yeah, no, I was right: https://petrinabinney.com/2024/01/30/book-review-foster-by-danielle-mccrory/), and so I couldn’t wait to read her next book. But wait I did. Life and such. Often the way.
Wasp Canyon follows the story of Jessica. Recently bereaved and struggling with her loss, Jessica’s therapist suggests she take up running. Personally, I think journalling is easier on the knees, but nobody’s asking me.
Still, as part of her new normal, our heroine starts out slow, but becomes a pretty proficient runner, utilising the hiking trails of Arizona. But there is a certain something lurking in the canyon. And whatever it may have in terms of claws and teeth, it is working its way out of the canyon and into the surrounding residential areas.
Oh, but this was a creepy one. I really enjoyed it. The storytelling was as sound as ever. The dialogue was strong and the characters believable. Sometimes, and I’m sure it’s not just me, when there’s a novel which contains something of the mythic, it’s very easy to fall out of the story and remember that you’re reading fiction. I didn’t encounter that feeling while reading Wasp Canyon. It’s a belter.
