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Dead of Winter
A predator stalks the frozen woods.
At a fort deep in the Ontario wilderness in 1878, a ghastly predator is attacking colonists and spreading a gruesome plague—his victims turn into ravenous cannibals with an unending hunger for human flesh. Inspector Tom Hatcher has faced a madman before, when he tracked down Montreal’s infamous Cannery Cannibal. But can even he stop the slaughter this time?
In Montreal exorcist Father Xavier visits an asylum where the Cannery Cannibal is imprisoned. But the killer who murdered thirteen women is more than just a madman who craves human meat. He is possessed by a shape-shifting demon. Inspector Hatcher and Father Xavier must unravel a mystery that has spanned centuries and confront a predator that has turned the frozen woods into a killing ground where evil has come to feed.
327 pages, Paperback
First published October 4, 2011
7 people are currently reading
753 people want to read
About the author
Brian Moreland
42 books243 followersBrian Moreland writes dark suspense, thrillers, and horror. He's an avid reader and big fan of movies and series. A native Texan, Brian loves to cook, go hiking in nature, and travel to interesting places around the world. He is enjoying life with family in rural Texas and writing new thrilling fiction. His books include:
THE DEVIL'S WOODS
TOMB OF GODS
THEY STALK THE NIGHT
SAVAGE ISLAND
SHADOWS IN THE MIST
BLOOD SACRIFICES: THREE HORROR NOVELLAS:
THE WITCHING HOUSE
DARKNESS RISING
THE SEEKERS
Friend Brian on Goodreads
Follow on Twitter/X @BrianMoreland
THE DEVIL'S WOODS
TOMB OF GODS
THEY STALK THE NIGHT
SAVAGE ISLAND
SHADOWS IN THE MIST
BLOOD SACRIFICES: THREE HORROR NOVELLAS:
THE WITCHING HOUSE
DARKNESS RISING
THE SEEKERS
Friend Brian on Goodreads
Follow on Twitter/X @BrianMoreland
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
October 2, 2016
If your looking for a good, gruesome book to read for Halloween, this one will fit the bill!
There is something out there in the snow, it's creeping, it's changing, what is it?
I'm not telling you what it is, it's many . . .
December 15, 1870
Manitou, Outpost
Ontario, Canada
It was the endless snowstorms that ushered in their doom. Each day and night the white tempests whirled around the fort, harrowing the log houses with winter lashings. At the center of the compound, the three-story lodge house creaked and moaned. Father Jacques Baptiste chanted in Latin and threw holy water on the barricaded front door. Above the threshold, a crucifix hung upside down. No matter how much the Jesuit priest prayed, the Devil would not release its grip on this godforsaken fort.
Inspector Tom Hatcher has been brought in from Montreal to Fort Pendleton to try to help out with disappearances of some of the people. He was notorious for bringing down the Cannery Cannibal and he was looking for a place for him and his son, Chris to get away for a bit. Well . . . he picked the wrong damn place to land that is for sure!
Tom spends time going out looking for clues with some of the soldiers and one of the Ojibwa trackers named Anika. I really liked her character. I don't like things that were done to her but she's a good solid character. They go out on horses or in sleds. Anika has her own sled team that she loves but they have several sled teams as they are needed in the winters.
On their first day out they find the torn apart body of one of the wives. And they find a little girl on horseback, she's sick and doesn't look good. And it only gets worse from there.
They try to get some help from the Ojibwa Village but they will only tell them about legend. BUT <-- legends should not be ruled out.
There are some things in the book I didn't like but that's my own thing, but other than that the book is pretty freaking awesome.
Father Xavier who is an exorcist lives in Montreal and he tries to exorcise the Cannery Cannibal. He thinks he did, but you know. . . that never happens like you want it to.
Father Xavier at one point does end up at the Fort, it seems a lot of people tend to come and go from the fort.
If your looking for a book full of legends, awesome background images (not the gruesome ones), demons, butchering, guts, possessions, fort life, Native Americans, creepiness to the nth, then this book is for you. I thought it was bloody brilliant <--- pun intended :-D
My mom is going to be reading this next because she likes that gruesome scary stuff too!
MY BLOG: Melissa Martin's Reading List
November 5, 2020
Wow this book was a roller coaster ride of chills and thrills!
A little backstory:
Setting: Ontario 1878
A fort out in the wilderness has been invaded by a predatory creature that is attacking the citizens and as the citizens succumb to the creature they begin to turn into crazed cannibals. No one knows how to stop what is happening so they employ Inspector Tom Hatcher from Montreal as he is known for capturing a man called the Cannery Cannibal so they figure he will be able to help them out in solving what is happening within the fort.
But what Tom doesn't know is that the creature is not what it seems and in fact a priest is brought in to help with the case as some things are not of this world which needs to be dealt with another way. So Tom and the priest end up working together to solve the mystery of the creature.
What is the creature? Why has it invaded the fort? Does Tom and the priest figure out the mystery of what the creature is and what it wants? No spoilers here as you will just have to read the book!
This was a very intense spooky story which slowly works its way up to a crescendo as the author slowly pulls you in to the story and then as the puzzle pieces come together everything starts fitting into place.
The author captures the essence of the story and kept me in suspense mode throughout most of the book along with blood and gore weaved into the storyline made this book go into overdrive action. Giving this one five "gut-ripping" stars!
A little backstory:
Setting: Ontario 1878
A fort out in the wilderness has been invaded by a predatory creature that is attacking the citizens and as the citizens succumb to the creature they begin to turn into crazed cannibals. No one knows how to stop what is happening so they employ Inspector Tom Hatcher from Montreal as he is known for capturing a man called the Cannery Cannibal so they figure he will be able to help them out in solving what is happening within the fort.
But what Tom doesn't know is that the creature is not what it seems and in fact a priest is brought in to help with the case as some things are not of this world which needs to be dealt with another way. So Tom and the priest end up working together to solve the mystery of the creature.
What is the creature? Why has it invaded the fort? Does Tom and the priest figure out the mystery of what the creature is and what it wants? No spoilers here as you will just have to read the book!
This was a very intense spooky story which slowly works its way up to a crescendo as the author slowly pulls you in to the story and then as the puzzle pieces come together everything starts fitting into place.
The author captures the essence of the story and kept me in suspense mode throughout most of the book along with blood and gore weaved into the storyline made this book go into overdrive action. Giving this one five "gut-ripping" stars!
April 10, 2016
4.5 stars
Another winner from author Brian Moreland! His use of the extreme winter in Quebec was a force that had a huge effect on the tension and pacing of this novel.
Set in the late 1800's, Avery Pendelton's fort--along with its neighboring colonists and nearby Indian reserve--are being attacked by something that turns people and animals alike into cannibals that feast on human flesh. Tom Hatcher, an inspector from Montreal, is stationed there to help with this outbreak, along with his teenaged son, Chris. Tom previously captured a man known as the Cannery Cannibal, and is hoping to get away from anything associating him with that part of his past.
I felt that the frozen woodlands of this land was the perfect setting for the novel. Along with that, Brian Moreland does a fantastic job of characterization--from the main characters, to the lesser seen ones--we get a feel for each particular person and their motivations. In some cases, the growth of the characters, mentally, was especially telling and gave a "real life" feel to everything in this novel.
There was a slight "lull", I felt, towards the half-way point, but I can't pinpoint exactly what it was that made me feel that way. After that brief interval, however, the action quickly ramps back up, and I didn't want to tear myself away until the very end. I felt that the people all acted "in character" and were consistent with the information Moreland shows us early in his development of them. There were certainly parts that took me completely by surprise, and I loved the fact that they blended in so well with the rest of the story.
I imagine I will be reading much more from this author in the coming years.
Highly recommended!
Another winner from author Brian Moreland! His use of the extreme winter in Quebec was a force that had a huge effect on the tension and pacing of this novel.
Set in the late 1800's, Avery Pendelton's fort--along with its neighboring colonists and nearby Indian reserve--are being attacked by something that turns people and animals alike into cannibals that feast on human flesh. Tom Hatcher, an inspector from Montreal, is stationed there to help with this outbreak, along with his teenaged son, Chris. Tom previously captured a man known as the Cannery Cannibal, and is hoping to get away from anything associating him with that part of his past.
I felt that the frozen woodlands of this land was the perfect setting for the novel. Along with that, Brian Moreland does a fantastic job of characterization--from the main characters, to the lesser seen ones--we get a feel for each particular person and their motivations. In some cases, the growth of the characters, mentally, was especially telling and gave a "real life" feel to everything in this novel.
There was a slight "lull", I felt, towards the half-way point, but I can't pinpoint exactly what it was that made me feel that way. After that brief interval, however, the action quickly ramps back up, and I didn't want to tear myself away until the very end. I felt that the people all acted "in character" and were consistent with the information Moreland shows us early in his development of them. There were certainly parts that took me completely by surprise, and I loved the fact that they blended in so well with the rest of the story.
I imagine I will be reading much more from this author in the coming years.
Highly recommended!
February 7, 2017
In a remote fur-trapping outpost in Quebec, someone...or something is killing the inhabitants of Fort Pendleton and eating their bodies. Tom Hatcher has seen this before. The inspector from Montreal has recently captured the Cannery Cannibal after his gruesome murder spree of 12 prostitutes. Father Xavier has seen these dark forces at work, as well. He has spent his life exercising demons from poor, helpless souls. Anika Moonblood is also privy to the dark spirits that haunt these woods. Her tribe have been dealing with the evil manitous for generations. With the help of Father Xavier and Anika, can Tom Hatcher get to the bottom of these ghastly deaths in time to save people of Fort Pendleton or will evil prevail?
Dead of Winter is one action-packed thrill ride from cover to cover. It is also Moreland's debut, which thoroughly amazes me. It is so well written and thought out. You can really tell that Moreland has done his research. Native American folklore is marriaged beautifully with Catholic exorcisms and set in the unique backdrop of the frigid and desolate backdrop of the remote Canadian wilderness of the late 1800s. I thought the characters were great and Brian packs a ton of twists and turns into 300 pages to keep you flying through it. If I were to look hard and try to come up with a complaint, I can only think of one minor one. His protagonists seem to be way too progressive in their thinking in abuse towards woman in the late 1800s. Although, it would be very normal to be appalled at certain things today, I have my doubts that many people would've put up a fuss in the northern frontier in 1878. But again, it's a minor complaint. The rest of it is superb and it kicked off my 2017 with a bang.
5 Gnawed Severed Arms out of 5
You can also follow my reviews at the following links:
https://kenmckinley.wordpress.com
http://intothemacabre.booklikes.com
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/5...
Dead of Winter is one action-packed thrill ride from cover to cover. It is also Moreland's debut, which thoroughly amazes me. It is so well written and thought out. You can really tell that Moreland has done his research. Native American folklore is marriaged beautifully with Catholic exorcisms and set in the unique backdrop of the frigid and desolate backdrop of the remote Canadian wilderness of the late 1800s. I thought the characters were great and Brian packs a ton of twists and turns into 300 pages to keep you flying through it. If I were to look hard and try to come up with a complaint, I can only think of one minor one. His protagonists seem to be way too progressive in their thinking in abuse towards woman in the late 1800s. Although, it would be very normal to be appalled at certain things today, I have my doubts that many people would've put up a fuss in the northern frontier in 1878. But again, it's a minor complaint. The rest of it is superb and it kicked off my 2017 with a bang.
5 Gnawed Severed Arms out of 5
You can also follow my reviews at the following links:
https://kenmckinley.wordpress.com
http://intothemacabre.booklikes.com
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/5...
November 16, 2016
This is a horror novel done right.
I went into this thinking it'd be a zombie novel. But no, it's much more sinister than that. This is a DEVIL novel.
The idea of demonic possession is one of the few things I find genuinely frightening. As a devout atheist, I fully realize how fucking ridiculous that is, but so it goes. That's the thing about fear: it need not have logic applied. And there's something so profoundly creepy, so intimately horrific, about being possessed by a hell-beast. They see who you REALLY are. They know your secret sins. They know who to appear as, to get through your defenses. That shit is scary. That's some scary shit.
So take that scary shit, and add to it a hunt for a serial killer, a fur-trading fort in the remote Canadian wilderness of the 1800's, an exorcist with a troubled past, a love story between a grieving father and an Indian guide, and some fucking Wendigos.
This book brings it all to the table, and written so well it's nearly a sin.
I went into this thinking it'd be a zombie novel. But no, it's much more sinister than that. This is a DEVIL novel.
The idea of demonic possession is one of the few things I find genuinely frightening. As a devout atheist, I fully realize how fucking ridiculous that is, but so it goes. That's the thing about fear: it need not have logic applied. And there's something so profoundly creepy, so intimately horrific, about being possessed by a hell-beast. They see who you REALLY are. They know your secret sins. They know who to appear as, to get through your defenses. That shit is scary. That's some scary shit.
So take that scary shit, and add to it a hunt for a serial killer, a fur-trading fort in the remote Canadian wilderness of the 1800's, an exorcist with a troubled past, a love story between a grieving father and an Indian guide, and some fucking Wendigos.
This book brings it all to the table, and written so well it's nearly a sin.
March 13, 2015
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
It's 1878 and Tom Hatcher, a famous Montreal detective, has been employed by a rich fur trader to investigate several deaths at a fort in the Ontario wilderness. The deaths are initially thought to be the work of a ferocious bear but news of a horrifying plague in a nearby fort points to something far more terrifying.
Father Xavier is a catholic priest entrusted by the church to perform exorcisms, he finds himself working alongside Tom to solve the mysterious and violent deaths, convinced that it is more than just a virus or a madman on the loose.
This was an incredibly engrossing read and not one that I expected, a blending of multiple genres is used to build a story that is highly detailed and layered with elements of native Indian folklore, demonic possession, cannibalism and serial killers. Moreland apparently researched this book for two years and it shows in the amount of detail that he has put into each chapter. Nothing is revealed quickly but the pacing never suffers as the mystery unravels piece by piece, this kept me turning the pages and at times I was reluctant to put this read down, especially towards the end as it raced towards the conclusion.
The multiple storylines keep everything moving along nicely and the author uses every opportunity to add a bit more to each main character, fleshing them out and making them believable and sympathetic. There are no run of the mill 'good' or 'bad' guys here, each character is given traits that you can both admire and despise, this doesn't turn you off the protagonists in the story, Tom and Father Xavier, but only serves to make you understand them and their personal demons all the more.
Highly recommended.
It's 1878 and Tom Hatcher, a famous Montreal detective, has been employed by a rich fur trader to investigate several deaths at a fort in the Ontario wilderness. The deaths are initially thought to be the work of a ferocious bear but news of a horrifying plague in a nearby fort points to something far more terrifying.
Father Xavier is a catholic priest entrusted by the church to perform exorcisms, he finds himself working alongside Tom to solve the mysterious and violent deaths, convinced that it is more than just a virus or a madman on the loose.
This was an incredibly engrossing read and not one that I expected, a blending of multiple genres is used to build a story that is highly detailed and layered with elements of native Indian folklore, demonic possession, cannibalism and serial killers. Moreland apparently researched this book for two years and it shows in the amount of detail that he has put into each chapter. Nothing is revealed quickly but the pacing never suffers as the mystery unravels piece by piece, this kept me turning the pages and at times I was reluctant to put this read down, especially towards the end as it raced towards the conclusion.
The multiple storylines keep everything moving along nicely and the author uses every opportunity to add a bit more to each main character, fleshing them out and making them believable and sympathetic. There are no run of the mill 'good' or 'bad' guys here, each character is given traits that you can both admire and despise, this doesn't turn you off the protagonists in the story, Tom and Father Xavier, but only serves to make you understand them and their personal demons all the more.
Highly recommended.
October 4, 2011
No matter how much I love books and respect every author out there for having the guts to tell his or her story, it isn't often that I am BLOWN AWAY by a book. Dead of Winter, by Brian Moreland, is the best book I've read all year and I believe that Brian, in terms of talent, is one of the best writers I've ever read.
In Dead of Winter, Inspector Tom Hatcher just can't get over what happened when he was on the case of serial killer, the Cannery Cannibal. It haunts him. You can't begin to believe how dark and terrible this killer really is as he craves human meat, killing women to feed his growing hunger. Father Xavier, an exorcism specialist on assignment with the Catholic church, visits the serial killer in an asylum. As he realizes the mental patient is possessed by a demon, we sense that the Cannery Cannibal is far more powerful and deadly than anyone could have imagined.
Now in 1870 at a fur trading fort set in the deep and dense Ontario wilderness, Hatcher confronts his own demons while investigating some gruesome murders. It becomes apparent that a predator from the forest has unleashed a deadly plague among the colonists in which they begin to crave human flesh with an insatiable hunger and take on supernatural powers and body shape to obtain it. Once the shape shifting begins, there isn't ending it and death abounds.
Based on a real historical Native American legend, Moreland crafts his tale to include the spirituality of the Native American culture who lived in these woods and the conflicting arrogance of the white man who often lived at the forts and outposts. Inspector Hatcher doesn't know if he can stop the rampage this time, as good is pitted against evil in an amazing battle of wills. Father Xavier arrives to assist him as no other priest has been able to manage or live through, along with passionate Native American Anika, who is disregarded by everyone but Hatcher, accused of being a witch and used as a slave. Together, they unravel a mystery of epic proportions.
Will Tom be able to overcome his depression and believe in himself? Will the Church be able to fight this powerful evil? Will anyone survive this carnage, this flesh-eating disease that is turning everyone on everyone else? What is this predator in the forest? You definitely don't want to miss the answers to these questions and much more.
There is more to this review and an exclusive interview with the author at my book blog (www.hookofabook.wordpress.com) and the direct link for this review is:
http://hookofabook.wordpress.com/2011...
In Dead of Winter, Inspector Tom Hatcher just can't get over what happened when he was on the case of serial killer, the Cannery Cannibal. It haunts him. You can't begin to believe how dark and terrible this killer really is as he craves human meat, killing women to feed his growing hunger. Father Xavier, an exorcism specialist on assignment with the Catholic church, visits the serial killer in an asylum. As he realizes the mental patient is possessed by a demon, we sense that the Cannery Cannibal is far more powerful and deadly than anyone could have imagined.
Now in 1870 at a fur trading fort set in the deep and dense Ontario wilderness, Hatcher confronts his own demons while investigating some gruesome murders. It becomes apparent that a predator from the forest has unleashed a deadly plague among the colonists in which they begin to crave human flesh with an insatiable hunger and take on supernatural powers and body shape to obtain it. Once the shape shifting begins, there isn't ending it and death abounds.
Based on a real historical Native American legend, Moreland crafts his tale to include the spirituality of the Native American culture who lived in these woods and the conflicting arrogance of the white man who often lived at the forts and outposts. Inspector Hatcher doesn't know if he can stop the rampage this time, as good is pitted against evil in an amazing battle of wills. Father Xavier arrives to assist him as no other priest has been able to manage or live through, along with passionate Native American Anika, who is disregarded by everyone but Hatcher, accused of being a witch and used as a slave. Together, they unravel a mystery of epic proportions.
Will Tom be able to overcome his depression and believe in himself? Will the Church be able to fight this powerful evil? Will anyone survive this carnage, this flesh-eating disease that is turning everyone on everyone else? What is this predator in the forest? You definitely don't want to miss the answers to these questions and much more.
There is more to this review and an exclusive interview with the author at my book blog (www.hookofabook.wordpress.com) and the direct link for this review is:
http://hookofabook.wordpress.com/2011...
October 9, 2015
In Brian Moreland's debut novel for the Samhain Horror line, Dead of Winter follows a Montreal police inspector who's working for a wealthy fur trader magnate in the wilds of Canada. Brutal deaths plague Fort Pendleton and some natives speak of evil manitous seeking out human flesh, turning hapless human victims into ravenous killing machines to stalk the forest. But Inspector Hatcher has seen this evil once before, thought it was stopped, but he may be wrong. What was known in Montreal as the Cannery Cannibal, and who also taunted him and murdered his pregnant wife, could have escaped prison and suddenly appeared here now seemed incredible, impossible. Eventually, Pendleton agrees to enlist the help of a priest who specializes in thwarting demonic infestations...an exorcist, much to Hatcher's dismay. But can they stop this seemingly ancient evil before its too late...
Moreland deftly blends a thoroughly enjoyable blood-chilling historical horror novel that blends elements of Christianity and Native American spiritualism to combat an evil older than time. Highly recommended!
Moreland deftly blends a thoroughly enjoyable blood-chilling historical horror novel that blends elements of Christianity and Native American spiritualism to combat an evil older than time. Highly recommended!
March 28, 2016
This story take place in the wilderness of Ontario, back in 1878. A fur trading post, is being attacked by monsters from the dark forest surrounding the outpost. Native American legend says, that these monsters could be windigo. A Montreal inspector, Thomas Hatcher is hired by Avery Pendelton, to stop these horrific deaths. Hatcher, has previously success capturing the Cannery Cannibal. The death were originally thought to caused by a giant bear. Hatcher, can not stop the slaughter and the outpost.
It is also learned that the Cannery Cannibal has escaped from jail and could be on his way to the outpost. Father Xavier, a Catholic priest is sent by the church to perform an exorcism. Tom and the priest work together to try and stop these evil deaths that are overrunning the outpost. This is Brian Moreland at his beast. This is the type of book, that you just want to keep reading. Moreland, is a good writer and an excellent storyteller. I would highly recommend this book.
It is also learned that the Cannery Cannibal has escaped from jail and could be on his way to the outpost. Father Xavier, a Catholic priest is sent by the church to perform an exorcism. Tom and the priest work together to try and stop these evil deaths that are overrunning the outpost. This is Brian Moreland at his beast. This is the type of book, that you just want to keep reading. Moreland, is a good writer and an excellent storyteller. I would highly recommend this book.
January 5, 2015
It's always interesting picking up an author for the first time - wondering if it will be worth the time to try her or him out, hoping that you hold an excellent book in your hands so that you can chase up that author's back catalogue, worrying whether you should have gone with Known Author A or B instead ... So it was with Brian Moreland's Dead of Winter for me. A horror novel that manages to weave curses, cannibals, supernatural entities, demons, resurrections, exorcisms, secret societies, and Indian folklore into its lengthy number of pages.
The novel starts at a frenetic pace. A bevy of characters are introduced, some are killed off, an exorcism takes place, and what seemed to be one of the main plotlines is quickly resolved. In fact, everything was happening so fast that I began to wonder how Moreland could possibly string things out for another 250 pages. And truth be told, this was probably the novel's biggest weakness. So much happens early on that when the inevitable lull in the narrative comes, it was oddly jarring for me, and felt like it took an inordinate number of pages before things of consequence started happening again.
That said, when they do commence happening, everything kicks back into high gear very fast, allowing for the conclusion of Dead of Winter to tie all the disparate threads together in a manner that should satisfy most horror fans.
Moreland writes in crisp, clean prose that is eminently readable, and it was this writing that carried me through the novel's slower parts. His characterisations are not quite up to the same standard, however, with some falling into generic territory, while their relationships sometimes felt forced and less than authentic (at least to me). As this is a horror read, those who enjoy bloodshed can rejoice as they will find more than their fair share of death and dismemberment here.
So, in the end, Dead of Winter had its good and not-quite-so-good points. It may not have struck me in the way I was hoping as I picked up a first time author, but I did not regret bypassing Known Author A or B for this read. In fact, it demonstrated enough promise that I plan on seeking out more of Moreland's work in the foreseeable future.
3 Spoonfuls of Oddly Tasty Stew for Dead of Winter.
The preceding honest review was based on an electronic copy of the novel provided by Samhain Publishing through Netgalley.
The novel starts at a frenetic pace. A bevy of characters are introduced, some are killed off, an exorcism takes place, and what seemed to be one of the main plotlines is quickly resolved. In fact, everything was happening so fast that I began to wonder how Moreland could possibly string things out for another 250 pages. And truth be told, this was probably the novel's biggest weakness. So much happens early on that when the inevitable lull in the narrative comes, it was oddly jarring for me, and felt like it took an inordinate number of pages before things of consequence started happening again.
That said, when they do commence happening, everything kicks back into high gear very fast, allowing for the conclusion of Dead of Winter to tie all the disparate threads together in a manner that should satisfy most horror fans.
Moreland writes in crisp, clean prose that is eminently readable, and it was this writing that carried me through the novel's slower parts. His characterisations are not quite up to the same standard, however, with some falling into generic territory, while their relationships sometimes felt forced and less than authentic (at least to me). As this is a horror read, those who enjoy bloodshed can rejoice as they will find more than their fair share of death and dismemberment here.
So, in the end, Dead of Winter had its good and not-quite-so-good points. It may not have struck me in the way I was hoping as I picked up a first time author, but I did not regret bypassing Known Author A or B for this read. In fact, it demonstrated enough promise that I plan on seeking out more of Moreland's work in the foreseeable future.
3 Spoonfuls of Oddly Tasty Stew for Dead of Winter.
The preceding honest review was based on an electronic copy of the novel provided by Samhain Publishing through Netgalley.
April 29, 2018
Wow what a surprise this was. Never really heard of Brian Moreland to be honest, but had this book lying around for awhile. I gotta say, this book is legit scary, written very well, great characterization, and never dull. This thing is chock full of different elements of horror. You get demons, spirits, werewolves, serial killers, exorcists...oh my. Usually when I read a horror novel if I’m lucky, I’ll get one maybe two creepy scenes that stick with me. This book has a ton of those. I’m an instant fan of Moreland after reading this and immediately purchased another full length novel of his after being pretty entertained with this one.
April 24, 2012
When a predatory entity stalks a wilderness fort in the 1878, Ontario territory, attacking settlers and spreading a plague that turns them into zombie-like cannibals, a law man and a man of the cloth must intervene to stop the slaugher.
Tom Hatcher has fled to the wilderness with his son to escape the memories of the Cannery Cannibal, a man he tracked down and imprisoned for his heinous crimes against thirteen women in Montreal. A hunt which cost Tom his wife and a bit of his sanity.
Father Xavier visited the Cannery Cannibal in a Montreal asylum and found him possessed by a shape-shifting demon with a taste for human flesh that can possess his victims and make them bow to his will.
Together these two men must combine their talents to destroy the demon before it wipes out the entire population of the Ontario wilderness, and claims their own souls for itself.
Brian Moreland has written a wonderfully, creepy tale and placed it in a chillingly, frozen setting, making for a one-two punch for readers. The evil is so thick, the reader can cut it with a knife, and it spills over onto every word of Moreland’s well researched story. This tale has everything any fan of horror or suspense could want and then some. Masterfully written, it will keep you reading to the bitter end.
I’m giving Dead of Winter a 5 spider rating and recommending this book to anyone who loves a good horror/suspense read. This one has it all!
DJ Weaver
Tom Hatcher has fled to the wilderness with his son to escape the memories of the Cannery Cannibal, a man he tracked down and imprisoned for his heinous crimes against thirteen women in Montreal. A hunt which cost Tom his wife and a bit of his sanity.
Father Xavier visited the Cannery Cannibal in a Montreal asylum and found him possessed by a shape-shifting demon with a taste for human flesh that can possess his victims and make them bow to his will.
Together these two men must combine their talents to destroy the demon before it wipes out the entire population of the Ontario wilderness, and claims their own souls for itself.
Brian Moreland has written a wonderfully, creepy tale and placed it in a chillingly, frozen setting, making for a one-two punch for readers. The evil is so thick, the reader can cut it with a knife, and it spills over onto every word of Moreland’s well researched story. This tale has everything any fan of horror or suspense could want and then some. Masterfully written, it will keep you reading to the bitter end.
I’m giving Dead of Winter a 5 spider rating and recommending this book to anyone who loves a good horror/suspense read. This one has it all!
DJ Weaver
April 20, 2015
The greatest strength of the book at the same time is also its weakness: length and complexity. Several times I wished the author would get to the point instead of going down some side road and present yet another twist. But every time (and only several pages later), I marveled at his ability to effortlessly weave that new strand into the already intricate plot. Each time I thought the story was full to the brim I discovered the new addition made it look even more complete. So what do we get? Cannibalism, Indian myths, evil cults, inner demons like guilt and debauchery, exorcism - a whole palette of themes whereof each would make a great story on their own. Combined into one story, they make 'Dead Winter' an overwhelming novel. The description of the towering stick-like creatures lurking in the snow and the turning of the infected sent a chill down my spine and deserves an extra star for creepiness. A special effects team would have the time of their life bringing this one to life for the big screen.
October 7, 2012
"At a fort deep in the Ontario wilderness in 1878, a ghastly predator is attacking colonists and spreading a gruesome plague—his victims turn into ravenous cannibals with an unending hunger for human flesh. Inspector Tom Hatcher has faced a madman before, when he tracked down Montreal’s infamous Cannery Cannibal. But can even he stop the slaughter this time?
In Montreal exorcist Father Xavier visits an asylum where the Cannery Cannibal is imprisoned. But the killer who murdered thirteen women is more than just a madman who craves human meat. He is possessed by a shape-shifting demon. Inspector Hatcher and Father Xavier must unravel a mystery that has spanned centuries and confront a predator that has turned the frozen woods into a killing ground where evil has come to feed."
I have posted the synopsis of this ASTOUNDING work of fiction above so I can concentrate, not so much on the overall plot- which is flawless and deeply affecting, but rather on the novel as a whole. It is that unique and magnificent on so many levels.
With DEAD OF WINTER, Brian Moreland, a writer with what appears unlimited mastery of varied prose has combined three genres seamlessly to produce one of the most fascinating ..and horrifying reads I have read.
While viewing Mr. Moreland's website, I noted that he spent over two years researching and writing DEAD OF WINTER. This dedication to quality shines on every page. From the opening carnage to the attempted exorcism of the "Cannery Cannibal", I was utterly swept up by the level of detail and scope of language. One cannot read the first two chapters and not be completely submerged into a horrific era - the blizzard filled, demon infested Canada of 1870.
It would be a grave mistake to label this simply a "horror" book. It certainly chills the reader to the bone, without cliche and needless carnage- yet it is also very much a thriller. Mr. Moreland has chosen, very wisely, to have short chapters, alternating between the wild and still wide open mountains, streams and outposts of Ontario and far more modernized Montreal. It is in these very chapters, each one a self contained portrait of a land,a time and the characters who inhabit them that Mr. Moreland's research truly shines. His knowledge of the Indian culture, it's strong beliefs on spirits and most important, the relations between them and the fur traders and merchants who now inhabit their land is expertly rendered. The precise detail, language, characterizations and interactions rival the finest of historical novels.
Dead of Winter is comprised of 225 chapters, most a few pages long. I found this very effective, as it was truly impossible to stop reading at the end of a chapter when each drew me deeper into the horrific and addicting story and lives of the characters. Tom Hatcher is the British Inspector dispatched to find out just who..or what!! is killing the traders and inhabitants of the frozen North. An expert in the capture of insane killers, Hatcher brings much emotional baggage with him, a dead wife, a father he resents for stealing his childhood by forcing him to become a detective as well, and his son Chris, who Hatcher is trying to protect from the same lost childhood, and at the same time trying to decide when the teenager is old enough to take up the "family occupation" Tom Hatcher is a fine example of all the characters that inhabit DEAD OF WINTER, multi-layered, neither all good or all bad, and utterly relatable.
I have always felt that the greatest gift a novel can give it's reader is a true escape into a different world, while maintaining the reader's core knowledge and belief base. Mr. Moreland, with DEAD OF WINTER has succeeded on all levels. Lovers of good horror, supernatural and thriller stories will find themselves clinging to each page as demons and possessed shape-shifters wreak havoc. Lovers of historical novels will be stunned at the level of detail Mr. Moreland includes about the Indians and traders and other folks who lived during this period. I must repeat, the amount of information, keenly placed within the narrative about the spiritual beliefs of the Native Indians is staggering, never condescending and very much adds to what is one of the very finest horror/thriller/historical novels I have read.
I urge all to read DEAD OF WINTER, but be prepared to be completely immersed in a land and time, that you have never yet encountered. Can there be any higher reason to recommend a book? I think not!
AN OFFICIAL JAMES MASON COMMUNITY BOOK CLUB MUST READ
RICK FRIEDMAN
FOUNDER
THE JAMES MASON COMMUNITY BOOK CLUB
In Montreal exorcist Father Xavier visits an asylum where the Cannery Cannibal is imprisoned. But the killer who murdered thirteen women is more than just a madman who craves human meat. He is possessed by a shape-shifting demon. Inspector Hatcher and Father Xavier must unravel a mystery that has spanned centuries and confront a predator that has turned the frozen woods into a killing ground where evil has come to feed."
I have posted the synopsis of this ASTOUNDING work of fiction above so I can concentrate, not so much on the overall plot- which is flawless and deeply affecting, but rather on the novel as a whole. It is that unique and magnificent on so many levels.
With DEAD OF WINTER, Brian Moreland, a writer with what appears unlimited mastery of varied prose has combined three genres seamlessly to produce one of the most fascinating ..and horrifying reads I have read.
While viewing Mr. Moreland's website, I noted that he spent over two years researching and writing DEAD OF WINTER. This dedication to quality shines on every page. From the opening carnage to the attempted exorcism of the "Cannery Cannibal", I was utterly swept up by the level of detail and scope of language. One cannot read the first two chapters and not be completely submerged into a horrific era - the blizzard filled, demon infested Canada of 1870.
It would be a grave mistake to label this simply a "horror" book. It certainly chills the reader to the bone, without cliche and needless carnage- yet it is also very much a thriller. Mr. Moreland has chosen, very wisely, to have short chapters, alternating between the wild and still wide open mountains, streams and outposts of Ontario and far more modernized Montreal. It is in these very chapters, each one a self contained portrait of a land,a time and the characters who inhabit them that Mr. Moreland's research truly shines. His knowledge of the Indian culture, it's strong beliefs on spirits and most important, the relations between them and the fur traders and merchants who now inhabit their land is expertly rendered. The precise detail, language, characterizations and interactions rival the finest of historical novels.
Dead of Winter is comprised of 225 chapters, most a few pages long. I found this very effective, as it was truly impossible to stop reading at the end of a chapter when each drew me deeper into the horrific and addicting story and lives of the characters. Tom Hatcher is the British Inspector dispatched to find out just who..or what!! is killing the traders and inhabitants of the frozen North. An expert in the capture of insane killers, Hatcher brings much emotional baggage with him, a dead wife, a father he resents for stealing his childhood by forcing him to become a detective as well, and his son Chris, who Hatcher is trying to protect from the same lost childhood, and at the same time trying to decide when the teenager is old enough to take up the "family occupation" Tom Hatcher is a fine example of all the characters that inhabit DEAD OF WINTER, multi-layered, neither all good or all bad, and utterly relatable.
I have always felt that the greatest gift a novel can give it's reader is a true escape into a different world, while maintaining the reader's core knowledge and belief base. Mr. Moreland, with DEAD OF WINTER has succeeded on all levels. Lovers of good horror, supernatural and thriller stories will find themselves clinging to each page as demons and possessed shape-shifters wreak havoc. Lovers of historical novels will be stunned at the level of detail Mr. Moreland includes about the Indians and traders and other folks who lived during this period. I must repeat, the amount of information, keenly placed within the narrative about the spiritual beliefs of the Native Indians is staggering, never condescending and very much adds to what is one of the very finest horror/thriller/historical novels I have read.
I urge all to read DEAD OF WINTER, but be prepared to be completely immersed in a land and time, that you have never yet encountered. Can there be any higher reason to recommend a book? I think not!
AN OFFICIAL JAMES MASON COMMUNITY BOOK CLUB MUST READ
RICK FRIEDMAN
FOUNDER
THE JAMES MASON COMMUNITY BOOK CLUB
September 26, 2013
Great read. This book had everything I like from Indian folklore to a dominant old Priest (I always think Anthony Hopkins character in The Rite)and exorcisms/demons and shape-shifters. Would gladly read more from this author!
May 27, 2018
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review
Let me start off by saying that there aren't very many authors that have made me afraid of sleeping with my back to the door, but that's how I felt when I was reading this! While I was reading I kept looking back, expecting one of the creatures out of this book to be staring me in the face. That being said, I really liked this book!
It is obvious that Moreland did a lot of research for this novel. There was a lot of research that must have been done on Catholicism as well as some of the Native American tribes that appear in this book. That's something that I could really appreciate. There are a lot of authors that don't take the time to research as they should.
With that, Moreland spends a lot of time giving his characters a lot of depth. From Father Xavier to Anika, all of the major characters, you really got a sense of who they were and why they were that way. You could relate to them and like them (in most cases). And then he makes the villain so despicable that you have so much hate for him, but he still scares the hell out of you.
My favorite part though, were the demons. He describes these creatures so vividly that I actually dreamed about them. And they're scary. Not to mention that there is a fair amount of gore sprinkled throughout this book, which I thought was fantastically executed.
Moreland does a fantastic job introducing the characters, making to connect with them and going through the story with them, making you just as scared as they are. There's also a level of suspense as you wait to find out where these creatures are coming from and how they are going to be stopped.
Overall, fantastic book and it was a fantastic read for October! If you love horror and don't mind gore, I highly recommend that you check this book out! I give it 4 out of 5 stars!
Let me start off by saying that there aren't very many authors that have made me afraid of sleeping with my back to the door, but that's how I felt when I was reading this! While I was reading I kept looking back, expecting one of the creatures out of this book to be staring me in the face. That being said, I really liked this book!
It is obvious that Moreland did a lot of research for this novel. There was a lot of research that must have been done on Catholicism as well as some of the Native American tribes that appear in this book. That's something that I could really appreciate. There are a lot of authors that don't take the time to research as they should.
With that, Moreland spends a lot of time giving his characters a lot of depth. From Father Xavier to Anika, all of the major characters, you really got a sense of who they were and why they were that way. You could relate to them and like them (in most cases). And then he makes the villain so despicable that you have so much hate for him, but he still scares the hell out of you.
My favorite part though, were the demons. He describes these creatures so vividly that I actually dreamed about them. And they're scary. Not to mention that there is a fair amount of gore sprinkled throughout this book, which I thought was fantastically executed.
Moreland does a fantastic job introducing the characters, making to connect with them and going through the story with them, making you just as scared as they are. There's also a level of suspense as you wait to find out where these creatures are coming from and how they are going to be stopped.
Overall, fantastic book and it was a fantastic read for October! If you love horror and don't mind gore, I highly recommend that you check this book out! I give it 4 out of 5 stars!
March 26, 2014
I finished this book with a little sadness, as it meant that I'm now completely and utterly up to date with everything that Moreland has released so far. There are probably some short stories out there, but I think I've read everything. Now I can only wait for the next work to come out.
Like much of Moreland's other works, this book is definitely a throwback/homage to 80s/90s horror films. For those who love that sort of thing, this will be an incredibly addicting book that they won't really want to put down. There are some great, incredibly creepy scenes here that really made me scrabble to try to tell others about them. Let's just say that dolls are utilized well in this work.
This isn't entirely perfect, as sometimes things progress a little too quickly to be entirely realistic. However this is something I expect in Moreland's work and really, it's pretty typical for this type of horror. This is the sort of thing where the main focus is the horror (human or supernatural) more than anything else. Moreland does give us enough to where we'll be drawn into the characters, but the main thrust here is to give us the monsters. That's why I keep comparing his books to 80s/90s and even 70s horror: that's sort of the way the films of those era played out.
I definitely recommend this, but I will say that this will probably be something more appreciated by fans of this type of horror.
Like much of Moreland's other works, this book is definitely a throwback/homage to 80s/90s horror films. For those who love that sort of thing, this will be an incredibly addicting book that they won't really want to put down. There are some great, incredibly creepy scenes here that really made me scrabble to try to tell others about them. Let's just say that dolls are utilized well in this work.
This isn't entirely perfect, as sometimes things progress a little too quickly to be entirely realistic. However this is something I expect in Moreland's work and really, it's pretty typical for this type of horror. This is the sort of thing where the main focus is the horror (human or supernatural) more than anything else. Moreland does give us enough to where we'll be drawn into the characters, but the main thrust here is to give us the monsters. That's why I keep comparing his books to 80s/90s and even 70s horror: that's sort of the way the films of those era played out.
I definitely recommend this, but I will say that this will probably be something more appreciated by fans of this type of horror.
February 22, 2014
I thoroughly enjoyed Dead of Winter from Brian Moreland. Such great characters, and I truly did care about the outcome of Tom, Anika, Father Xavier, and even Avery. I am especially happy with his outcome.
The settings were fantastic, and I felt like I was there, especially the wintry outposts. Plenty of description without going overboard, and it all made sense.
Very fast paced, a good build of dread, and fear, just the right amount of gore, and overall a wonderful time for a few days.
My only negative would be some certain similarities from a few of the scenes that could be compared to some other famous exorcism movies, books.
I would recommend this to any fan of horror, freaky exorcisms, windigos, indian folklore, and creepiness.
The settings were fantastic, and I felt like I was there, especially the wintry outposts. Plenty of description without going overboard, and it all made sense.
Very fast paced, a good build of dread, and fear, just the right amount of gore, and overall a wonderful time for a few days.
My only negative would be some certain similarities from a few of the scenes that could be compared to some other famous exorcism movies, books.
I would recommend this to any fan of horror, freaky exorcisms, windigos, indian folklore, and creepiness.
June 24, 2015
Book Review originally posted here: http://www.iheartreading.net/mini-rev...
Dead of Winter tries to combine a lot of different tropes: cannibals, curses, demons, all into one. But while that’s a good idea in theory, in practice it doesn’t always work that way. It takes a skilled author to pull that off. Luckily, Brian Moreland happens to be a skilled author, and his creation of the Cannery Canibal, a serial killer eerily reminiscent of Hannibal Lecter, shows that he knows how to create characters that, albeit mad, are believeable. The plot is complex and challenging, but in a good way. Definitely a must-read for fans of horror.
Dead of Winter tries to combine a lot of different tropes: cannibals, curses, demons, all into one. But while that’s a good idea in theory, in practice it doesn’t always work that way. It takes a skilled author to pull that off. Luckily, Brian Moreland happens to be a skilled author, and his creation of the Cannery Canibal, a serial killer eerily reminiscent of Hannibal Lecter, shows that he knows how to create characters that, albeit mad, are believeable. The plot is complex and challenging, but in a good way. Definitely a must-read for fans of horror.
March 16, 2012
Holy damn! This book had everything from Wendigos to satanic cannibals to demon possession. Oh and it is super bloody. Total splatter punk if splatter punk took place in late 1800's Canada! Reading this was a total blast and you never knew what was going to hit you next. I can't wait to read more from this guy.
I had just read another book about wendigos that left me super flat, "Enter, Night". Maybe that's why I thought Dead of Winter was so awesome.... then again probably not. The characters are easy to identify with and you feel the terror they experience in the frozen wilds.
I had just read another book about wendigos that left me super flat, "Enter, Night". Maybe that's why I thought Dead of Winter was so awesome.... then again probably not. The characters are easy to identify with and you feel the terror they experience in the frozen wilds.
September 1, 2015
Started listening to this on audio. After over an hour and a half I couldn't stand it. Didn't care for the storyline and the reader was awful. Maybe the reader has more to do with me disliking this so much but life is too short to continue with this book.
November 10, 2015
*3.5 Stars*
September 14, 2018
I'm a sucker for a good historical horror story with a remote, isolated setting. Dead of Winter was everything I asked for. Secret societies, an isolated outpost in the Canadian wilderness, the legend of the Wendigo, demons and black magic--all the right elements to keep me up all night!
Moreland has a great talent for creating compelling characters and a deep knowledge of 19th century Montreal and the deep woods surrounding it. I was as fascinated by the history as I was terrified by the monsters lurking in the woods. This is a book where no one is safe, not even those inside a military garrison in the frozen wastelands or in the heart of metropolitan Montreal.
A great read for fans of horror, history, and compelling mysteries.
Moreland has a great talent for creating compelling characters and a deep knowledge of 19th century Montreal and the deep woods surrounding it. I was as fascinated by the history as I was terrified by the monsters lurking in the woods. This is a book where no one is safe, not even those inside a military garrison in the frozen wastelands or in the heart of metropolitan Montreal.
A great read for fans of horror, history, and compelling mysteries.
October 26, 2023
This book was very eerie. I loved the nod to Native American myths and legends. Demons, killers and cannibals all in this book! It was very entertaining and spooky. Would recommend it if you like supernatural horror. Lots of gore....so fair warning!
February 2, 2026
Fast paced and filled with lore, some of the few things I like when reading a book. It was a ride from start to finish, not a dull moment at all. I loved reading about the back story of the phenomenon that was happening in the story.
August 30, 2017
It's amazing
December 26, 2020
This book does not hold back its borders on the gore and killing of children.
Loved it!!!!
Give me more!
Loved it!!!!
Give me more!
October 27, 2011
Dead of Winter takes place in a fort in the Ontario wilderness in 1878. Inspector Tom Hatcher has been called in to solve a mystery surrounding strange murders involving cannibalism and a plague that seems to be turning its victims into ravenous creatures that both look and act inhuman. Tom has come from Montreal, where he dealt with a cannibal of a different sort-a serial killer who murdered street walkers and devoured their flesh. He managed to capture that madman, and tossed him into prison. Now it seems a new killer is following in that maniacs footsteps out in the backwoods. At the same time, back in Montreal, Father Xavier, an exorcist, has been called upon to cast out the demon possessing the serial killer that Tom Hatcher caught while the man rots in prison.
These two men's paths intertwine as the mystery at the fort grows deeper and more people end up dead or worse, transformed into savage monsters, both in mind and in body. It is up to these two men to discover what is behind the plague and stop it before everyone else ends up dead.
Dead of Winter is a horror-mystery that intertwines both of these elements with ease. The author also intermingles Catholic beliefs in demonic possession and exorcism with the traditional native tribal beliefs of evil and good spirits, and does so quite deftly. The interesting thing is that the way the story is told, the two elements don't clash or conflict with one another, but seem to make sense as a natural blend. Evil is evil, whatever it is called, and you need whatever resources you can collect to combat it. The culture, religious faiths, and historical elements of the story are well researched, and my first guess was that the author must live in the region, since he knows so much about its tribes and history. So I was surprised to find out that Mr. Moreland lives in Dallas according to his bio (though I suppose that doesn't mean he isn't originally from Canada).
I enjoyed the detail to which the characters were developed and the depth they were given. They are revealed inch by inch, divulging enough details that they kept me intrigued without revealing too much, too soon. The reveals are intriguing at each turn and the author was willing to give the reader a surprise with a startling turn of events fairly early on in the story. Elements like that are unexpected, but welcomed despite the sense that an author has zigged when you might expect him to zag. At least for me. Characters like Tom Hatcher and Father Xavier are definitely not cookie cutter-there are plenty of reasons to both like and dislike both men, and to really feel what they are going through as they face this nightmare both on their own and with the rest of the cast of characters.
I have not read anything else by Brian Moreland, but if his other works are this well researched and well crafted, I look forward to checking them out as well. Dead of Winter is a well crafted story that I thoroughly enjoyed.
These two men's paths intertwine as the mystery at the fort grows deeper and more people end up dead or worse, transformed into savage monsters, both in mind and in body. It is up to these two men to discover what is behind the plague and stop it before everyone else ends up dead.
Dead of Winter is a horror-mystery that intertwines both of these elements with ease. The author also intermingles Catholic beliefs in demonic possession and exorcism with the traditional native tribal beliefs of evil and good spirits, and does so quite deftly. The interesting thing is that the way the story is told, the two elements don't clash or conflict with one another, but seem to make sense as a natural blend. Evil is evil, whatever it is called, and you need whatever resources you can collect to combat it. The culture, religious faiths, and historical elements of the story are well researched, and my first guess was that the author must live in the region, since he knows so much about its tribes and history. So I was surprised to find out that Mr. Moreland lives in Dallas according to his bio (though I suppose that doesn't mean he isn't originally from Canada).
I enjoyed the detail to which the characters were developed and the depth they were given. They are revealed inch by inch, divulging enough details that they kept me intrigued without revealing too much, too soon. The reveals are intriguing at each turn and the author was willing to give the reader a surprise with a startling turn of events fairly early on in the story. Elements like that are unexpected, but welcomed despite the sense that an author has zigged when you might expect him to zag. At least for me. Characters like Tom Hatcher and Father Xavier are definitely not cookie cutter-there are plenty of reasons to both like and dislike both men, and to really feel what they are going through as they face this nightmare both on their own and with the rest of the cast of characters.
I have not read anything else by Brian Moreland, but if his other works are this well researched and well crafted, I look forward to checking them out as well. Dead of Winter is a well crafted story that I thoroughly enjoyed.
March 5, 2012
I thoroughly enjoyed Brian Moreland's first book which was set during the battle of Hurtgen Forest during World War 2 and I wanted to like this one too.
Certainly, it starts well - great setting in the Ontario wilderness in the 1870's - snow just seems to work well in horror stories. The book is well-written and there are a number of creepy scenes.
The plot features elements of the Exorcist, The Thing, epidemic movies and werewolf movies . In terms of bad guys there are cannibals, serial killers, succubi, demons, werewolves, wendigos and mysterious societies. Phew!!!
However, I have a number of issues which affected my enjoyment of the book.
SPOILER ALERT
Firstly, it wasn't clear how the infection spreads - in the early part of the book it appears it is spread through close contact or bites, later a character becomes infected by seeing the wittigos and then towards the end it appears to be via curses or hexing.
Most of the main characters are fleshed out by way of flashbacks, or diary enteries at some point. Once or twice was okay but for me this technique was overused.
Each chapter is told from the point of view of a different character. This is fine when it is one of the main characters but at other points minor characters are introduced simply for the purpose of being killed off. Again this would be ok if the character were killed off in the same chapter but often they have two or three chapters before they are ultimately dispatched. Some of the more interesting viewpoints were overlooked such as the Doctors or Lt Hysmith.
To me, the end of the book felt rushed, characters suddenly succumbed or were found dead with no indication of how it happened. The Exorcist, Father Xavier, talked about the urgency in conducting exorcisms but lets matters get out of control before attempting one and then seemingly waits overnight before undertaking it.
There is also a section where two of the characters returned to Montreal about a third of the way into the book - for me this destroyed the atmosphere that had been building in the confines of the blizzard besieged fort.
I didn't dislike the book as a whole and I will still read Mr Moreland's next novel. He should be commended for setting his books in unusual time periods and different settings.
Certainly, it starts well - great setting in the Ontario wilderness in the 1870's - snow just seems to work well in horror stories. The book is well-written and there are a number of creepy scenes.
The plot features elements of the Exorcist, The Thing, epidemic movies and werewolf movies . In terms of bad guys there are cannibals, serial killers, succubi, demons, werewolves, wendigos and mysterious societies. Phew!!!
However, I have a number of issues which affected my enjoyment of the book.
SPOILER ALERT
Firstly, it wasn't clear how the infection spreads - in the early part of the book it appears it is spread through close contact or bites, later a character becomes infected by seeing the wittigos and then towards the end it appears to be via curses or hexing.
Most of the main characters are fleshed out by way of flashbacks, or diary enteries at some point. Once or twice was okay but for me this technique was overused.
Each chapter is told from the point of view of a different character. This is fine when it is one of the main characters but at other points minor characters are introduced simply for the purpose of being killed off. Again this would be ok if the character were killed off in the same chapter but often they have two or three chapters before they are ultimately dispatched. Some of the more interesting viewpoints were overlooked such as the Doctors or Lt Hysmith.
To me, the end of the book felt rushed, characters suddenly succumbed or were found dead with no indication of how it happened. The Exorcist, Father Xavier, talked about the urgency in conducting exorcisms but lets matters get out of control before attempting one and then seemingly waits overnight before undertaking it.
There is also a section where two of the characters returned to Montreal about a third of the way into the book - for me this destroyed the atmosphere that had been building in the confines of the blizzard besieged fort.
I didn't dislike the book as a whole and I will still read Mr Moreland's next novel. He should be commended for setting his books in unusual time periods and different settings.
September 28, 2011
Brian Moreland’s supernatural thriller, “Dead of Winter,” takes place in 1878, in the Ontario wilderness. A remote fort there falls victim to a plague that turns its victims into cannibalistic predators. Early sections of the novel move between the fort and a parallel story in Montreal, where an exorcist, Father Xavier, visits an asylum where a notorious serial killer, the Cannery Cannibal is imprisoned. Xavier believes he has driven a demon from the killer but later learns this was an illusion. At the wilderness fort, Inspector Tom Hatcher begins to realize the plague is really the work of an ancient shape-shifting demon. The two stories then converge as Xavier travels to the fort to offer assistance. Their adversaries are the same.
Moreland’s novel covers ground that has been traveled before—an exorcist with a demon from his past, legends of werewolves, shape-shifters and windigos, serial killers that never seem to go away, but he casts a highly original yarn with his own variants of these elements, avoiding clichés.
Moreland assembles a large cast of characters that are not cardboard cutouts—they are real people with flaws, haunted pasts, and inner demons that interact seamlessly with the plot. Character and story work together in a fast-paced and often unpredictable fashion. I read a lot of thrillers and I was genuinely surprised more than once by the unexpected death of a character or wonderful plot twist.
I was also impressed by the fully realized Native American characters. Moreland has done his research into the tribe at hand and his Native characters are every bit as fleshed out as those of European descent.
Anyone who enjoys spooky tales set in a savage wilderness in the dead of winter, supernatural thrillers based on Native American mythologies, or tales of demons versus holy men, will not be disappointed. Moreland’s multi-faceted novel hits on all cylinders and provides a wonderful read.
Moreland’s novel covers ground that has been traveled before—an exorcist with a demon from his past, legends of werewolves, shape-shifters and windigos, serial killers that never seem to go away, but he casts a highly original yarn with his own variants of these elements, avoiding clichés.
Moreland assembles a large cast of characters that are not cardboard cutouts—they are real people with flaws, haunted pasts, and inner demons that interact seamlessly with the plot. Character and story work together in a fast-paced and often unpredictable fashion. I read a lot of thrillers and I was genuinely surprised more than once by the unexpected death of a character or wonderful plot twist.
I was also impressed by the fully realized Native American characters. Moreland has done his research into the tribe at hand and his Native characters are every bit as fleshed out as those of European descent.
Anyone who enjoys spooky tales set in a savage wilderness in the dead of winter, supernatural thrillers based on Native American mythologies, or tales of demons versus holy men, will not be disappointed. Moreland’s multi-faceted novel hits on all cylinders and provides a wonderful read.
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