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Swallowing the Muskellunge
Wild things run loose at the border. They know that the caravan is coming. Their reach is disturbingly effective, and they have a fierce appetite. The sentinels are patient and can be quite disarming.
From the outskirts of Boston, in 1800, London Oxford’s family climbed aboard a sleigh that was bound for the promised land. They, as part of the Wrights’ caravan, travelled north in the dead of winter. London joined four other young families. Nineteen children were twelve years or younger. Dozens of young, single men, armed with axes, followed on foot. London, who wasn’t always free, was risking everything for a chance at a better life.
Moving through the frigid cold and the blinding white made the adults tired and numb. They felt like they were already asleep. That might be why no-one noticed the drag marks in the snow, or why so few questioned the disappearances. The little ones were left to run recklessly and unfettered. London felt like that—until that something woke him up.
From the outskirts of Boston, in 1800, London Oxford’s family climbed aboard a sleigh that was bound for the promised land. They, as part of the Wrights’ caravan, travelled north in the dead of winter. London joined four other young families. Nineteen children were twelve years or younger. Dozens of young, single men, armed with axes, followed on foot. London, who wasn’t always free, was risking everything for a chance at a better life.
Moving through the frigid cold and the blinding white made the adults tired and numb. They felt like they were already asleep. That might be why no-one noticed the drag marks in the snow, or why so few questioned the disappearances. The little ones were left to run recklessly and unfettered. London felt like that—until that something woke him up.
- GenresHorror
296 pages, Paperback
First published October 31, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
January 21, 2026
I had a very hard time getting into this book. I was very interested due to the blurb. However, I was frustrated by the minutia: descriptions on who sat where, what their clothes looked like, and what the rooms looked like. Due to this, I cannot rate it any higher than I have.
However, I see that others who have read this book have absolutely loved it. This just may not have been the book for me.
However, I see that others who have read this book have absolutely loved it. This just may not have been the book for me.
January 21, 2026
4 1/2 stars Loved it. I had a hard time putting it down. 1800's horror that took place on a journey from Massachusetts to Canada where people shriveled up with age and disappeared. A keeper.
December 4, 2021
An intriguing blend of mystery, fantasy, and religious drama, O’Brien creates a unique narrative in his debut novel, Clochan. The novel is surprisingly lengthy for a debut novel, but the author handles the task smoothly with the handling of the relationship of Kevin, his protagonist, the Walsh family, Anty, and many others. For those of us, like myself, who don’t read much historical fiction, O’Brien’s 18th century Ireland won’t feel like a chore. His prose and his introduction to the world engage the reader well, making them feel a deeper connection than the separation of two hundred years. What I enjoyed most about it was its ambition. It is not often I come across a story that balances as many genres as this story without them coming at odds with their own conventions. Some parts felt Dickensian, which is not a bad thing, then turned into something more familiarly modern with the violent descriptions of events. Bottom line, if you’re into engaging epics of multi-genre scope with well constructed characters, then you’ll surely enjoy Clochan.
November 26, 2025
Law says I’m free, but I’m still not white.
London Oxford is determined to do everything possible to keep his family safe. "The Promised Land" is just beyond a treacherous journey filled with biting cold, snow, and strong winds. Keeping his young children close as they begin to explore a new world around them feels almost impossible.
Abner Oxford is not content merely sitting in the sleigh or caring for his younger sisters. He craves adventure and is determined to prove himself as strong and capable as the other men. However, he senses a dark presence surrounding the caravan. It is challenging for him to convince the adults that there may be someone untrustworthy among them, especially since the evidence he has does not seem credible.
"Swallowing the Muskellunge" by Lawrence P. O'Brien follows the journey of a father and son, each navigating their own challenges as they strive to protect those around them.
London and his family face significant challenges as a coloured family in the 18th century. Although he is a free man and his children were born into freedom, due to Massachusetts' ban on slavery in 1783, society still views him as inferior, and his safety outside of their home is not guaranteed. London and his wife, Jane, have worked for the Wright family for years, and they have become accustomed to their roles. However, when the Wrights announce their plans to move away from their family home in search of a new life and legacy in the "Promised Land", London and his family’s future becomes uncertain. This looming unease permeates the narrative, creating tension from the very beginning.
The characters are easy to connect with; London, his wife, and their three children are well-developed and evoke sympathy through their mistreatment and mistrust in society. Their situation is all the more poignant given their reliance on the Wrights' kindness over the years. Although they are essentially in a position of servitude, they enjoy a degree of freedom, and their roles within the Wright household provide them with some security. Outside of the Wrights’ home, proving their freedom would be difficult, and the danger of being mistaken for runaway slaves poses a significant risk if they were to leave.
The Oxford family has been plagued by a dark force for many years. As London shares the story of his father and how his parents became a couple, the truth about what has been haunting the Oxfords gradually begins to unfold. However, for Abner, the past is not the immediate concern; it is the present that presents a much more frightening reality.
The caravan set out with people familiar to Abner, but as they travelled, strangers joined their group. Whether these newcomers can be trusted remains uncertain. Among them is Matthew, a man who came with a group of men to help clear the land and start building once they arrive. But something about Matthew makes Abner uneasy. He never seems to eat, he is always watching, and gradually, men start to disappear. No matter how often Abner is told that the missing men have simply turned back, he cannot accept it and begins to keep a close eye on Matthew. The contrast between Matthew and Abner is stark. While Abner is still a child, Matthew exudes an unsettling authority that Abner believes to be dangerous. For a young boy, especially a young coloured boy in this era, standing up to such a man requires immense courage. People are more likely to believe those who share their skin colour. Despite this, Abner is determined not only to uncover the truth but also to protect his family in the process.
A sense of darkness quickly envelops the pages as you read. The reader gains early insight into the truth behind the peril lurking behind the caravan, but the finer details remain hidden until Abner and London uncover them. This knowledge builds tension rapidly, as readers cannot simply dismiss Abner's concerns as the overactive imagination of a child. The awareness of a lurking danger creates a fast-paced and intense narrative that fully captures the reader's attention, prompting them to turn the pages eagerly in search of the truth and hoping that the characters can uncover it before it's too late.
The author has done an exceptional job of keeping the reader engaged throughout the story, with impeccable world-building and characters crafted with true depth. There are a few punctuation errors that could have been addressed in a final edit; however, they are thankfully rare and do not significantly detract from the overall experience.
Matthew is a character who makes your skin crawl as you read about him. On the surface, he seems trustworthy, but as you follow Abner in his investigations, you begin to notice small quirks that suggest he is not as reliable as he appears. Early in the story, even before the caravan sets off, the reader is given clues that Matthew is not what he seems. However, the truth about who—or what—he truly is remains hidden until closer to the end of the novel. The characters are unaware of the danger lurking among them, which creates a heavy sense of unease throughout the pages. As the tension builds and more people begin to disappear, the reader can’t help but lean toward the edge of their seat, feeling increasingly uncomfortable.
"Swallowing the Muskellunge" by Lawrence P. O’Brien is a novel that explores deep emotional themes and features a diverse cast of characters, from endearing to loathsome. This captivating story, which incorporates supernatural elements, is essential reading for fans of suspenseful narratives.
Review by Ellie Yarde
The Coffee Pot Book Club
London Oxford is determined to do everything possible to keep his family safe. "The Promised Land" is just beyond a treacherous journey filled with biting cold, snow, and strong winds. Keeping his young children close as they begin to explore a new world around them feels almost impossible.
Abner Oxford is not content merely sitting in the sleigh or caring for his younger sisters. He craves adventure and is determined to prove himself as strong and capable as the other men. However, he senses a dark presence surrounding the caravan. It is challenging for him to convince the adults that there may be someone untrustworthy among them, especially since the evidence he has does not seem credible.
"Swallowing the Muskellunge" by Lawrence P. O'Brien follows the journey of a father and son, each navigating their own challenges as they strive to protect those around them.
London and his family face significant challenges as a coloured family in the 18th century. Although he is a free man and his children were born into freedom, due to Massachusetts' ban on slavery in 1783, society still views him as inferior, and his safety outside of their home is not guaranteed. London and his wife, Jane, have worked for the Wright family for years, and they have become accustomed to their roles. However, when the Wrights announce their plans to move away from their family home in search of a new life and legacy in the "Promised Land", London and his family’s future becomes uncertain. This looming unease permeates the narrative, creating tension from the very beginning.
The characters are easy to connect with; London, his wife, and their three children are well-developed and evoke sympathy through their mistreatment and mistrust in society. Their situation is all the more poignant given their reliance on the Wrights' kindness over the years. Although they are essentially in a position of servitude, they enjoy a degree of freedom, and their roles within the Wright household provide them with some security. Outside of the Wrights’ home, proving their freedom would be difficult, and the danger of being mistaken for runaway slaves poses a significant risk if they were to leave.
The Oxford family has been plagued by a dark force for many years. As London shares the story of his father and how his parents became a couple, the truth about what has been haunting the Oxfords gradually begins to unfold. However, for Abner, the past is not the immediate concern; it is the present that presents a much more frightening reality.
The caravan set out with people familiar to Abner, but as they travelled, strangers joined their group. Whether these newcomers can be trusted remains uncertain. Among them is Matthew, a man who came with a group of men to help clear the land and start building once they arrive. But something about Matthew makes Abner uneasy. He never seems to eat, he is always watching, and gradually, men start to disappear. No matter how often Abner is told that the missing men have simply turned back, he cannot accept it and begins to keep a close eye on Matthew. The contrast between Matthew and Abner is stark. While Abner is still a child, Matthew exudes an unsettling authority that Abner believes to be dangerous. For a young boy, especially a young coloured boy in this era, standing up to such a man requires immense courage. People are more likely to believe those who share their skin colour. Despite this, Abner is determined not only to uncover the truth but also to protect his family in the process.
A sense of darkness quickly envelops the pages as you read. The reader gains early insight into the truth behind the peril lurking behind the caravan, but the finer details remain hidden until Abner and London uncover them. This knowledge builds tension rapidly, as readers cannot simply dismiss Abner's concerns as the overactive imagination of a child. The awareness of a lurking danger creates a fast-paced and intense narrative that fully captures the reader's attention, prompting them to turn the pages eagerly in search of the truth and hoping that the characters can uncover it before it's too late.
The author has done an exceptional job of keeping the reader engaged throughout the story, with impeccable world-building and characters crafted with true depth. There are a few punctuation errors that could have been addressed in a final edit; however, they are thankfully rare and do not significantly detract from the overall experience.
Matthew is a character who makes your skin crawl as you read about him. On the surface, he seems trustworthy, but as you follow Abner in his investigations, you begin to notice small quirks that suggest he is not as reliable as he appears. Early in the story, even before the caravan sets off, the reader is given clues that Matthew is not what he seems. However, the truth about who—or what—he truly is remains hidden until closer to the end of the novel. The characters are unaware of the danger lurking among them, which creates a heavy sense of unease throughout the pages. As the tension builds and more people begin to disappear, the reader can’t help but lean toward the edge of their seat, feeling increasingly uncomfortable.
"Swallowing the Muskellunge" by Lawrence P. O’Brien is a novel that explores deep emotional themes and features a diverse cast of characters, from endearing to loathsome. This captivating story, which incorporates supernatural elements, is essential reading for fans of suspenseful narratives.
Review by Ellie Yarde
The Coffee Pot Book Club
November 17, 2021
A well-written tale of love and loss in 1700s Ireland. Things have been difficult in Ireland for centuries, and one reason there is such a diaspora. This is the tale of one child who loses everything in a rebellion. The one person he hopes to reconnect with is nothing like she was. I must admit to being turned off by the cover somewhat. But the description was interesting. Glad I ignored it.
January 29, 2026
I found this novel hard to read, very confusing characters. I had good intentions when I read the description for the novel but it never grabbed me. I was confused throughout about who was alive, who was good.
December 20, 2025
Lawrence P. O’Brien’s Swallowing the Muskellunge delivers a supernatural thriller that hits all the right marks, giving us a gripping narrative about a sleigh ride north that could mean a new life and a world of possibilities for London Oxford, a Black man and former slave with dreams of a better life. Unfortunately, although Massachusetts is a free state, living with the Wrights means London and his family are still not fully free or secure.
At the promised land, London reminds Philemon Wright that he wants the same share as the other men, but in turn, he’s threatened:
“London, I have a copy of a warrant for the arrest of an Oxford who stole some shoes from my
brother.”
“Missa Wright, you know that piece of paper was written for my brother and not for me…”
London’s pleas initially fell on deaf ears: Philemon’s threat is crystal clear. After the reading of Thomas Wright Senior’s will, the Wrights move north, and London decides that he and his family will join them:
“I’m sure going up there will be a lot better for us. Land is cheap, and there’ll be lots of work.
And those boys have been making a lot of promises.”
Unfortunately, something evil lurks out there in all the snow and cold. There are two supernatural beings out in the snowy wilderness: a monster who goes by “Matthew,” and a shapeshifting indigenous man, Wìsakedjàk, who ends up saving the Oxford children when they get lost in the snowstorm:
He heated the snow in a wooden bowl and dropped bits from a pouch he carried.
“Is this better?”
“Yes, sir. Thank you kindly.”
“That’s a little soup I’m making, in case you’re wondering.”
“I’m Abner, and this is my sister Rachael. What’s your name, sir?”
“Some call me Wìsakedjàk.”
If he hadn’t shown up, they might have frozen to death. It’s a heartwarming scene, but there is more brutal combat around the corner. Mathew, with his creepy tendrils, murders a member of the church congregation where the Wrights and Oxfords worship, and after the group sets off on their journey north, he becomes obsessed with Jane Oxford, stalking her. Matthew believes that someone named Coffey acquired a special stone from the Wìsakedjàk, and he is certain that London’s family has acquired it.
When the children get lost, London sets out into the wilderness, where the showdown with evil will take place.
This is a complex plot, but one handled with a measured hand by the author. Furthermore, the commentary on race and the indigenous population is not didactic or preachy. It fits perfectly with the narrative and helps the world-building, which is at times both magical and realistic. This is a smart and compelling take on the supernatural horror/thriller.
Lawrence P. O’Brien’s Swallowing the Muskellunge is a work that poses deep questions about race and identity, survival on the frontier, and the overwhelming power of nature. What this novel most reminds me of is a book written in the 1800s by a man named Henry Tuft, The Autobiography of a Criminal. O’Brien mines similar territory in Swallowing the Muskellunge, showing us the history of a nation forged in violence and crime, where poor blacks and whites are pitted against each other for survival in a tough new world and a violent frontier. It puts the ugliness of human nature and the messiness of empire-building in a stark light, and it forces the reader to ask themselves if the price we have paid for our country was not perhaps a bit too steep.
In the end, O’Brien’s work left me with as many questions as it did answers, and I like books that do exactly that.
At the promised land, London reminds Philemon Wright that he wants the same share as the other men, but in turn, he’s threatened:
“London, I have a copy of a warrant for the arrest of an Oxford who stole some shoes from my
brother.”
“Missa Wright, you know that piece of paper was written for my brother and not for me…”
London’s pleas initially fell on deaf ears: Philemon’s threat is crystal clear. After the reading of Thomas Wright Senior’s will, the Wrights move north, and London decides that he and his family will join them:
“I’m sure going up there will be a lot better for us. Land is cheap, and there’ll be lots of work.
And those boys have been making a lot of promises.”
Unfortunately, something evil lurks out there in all the snow and cold. There are two supernatural beings out in the snowy wilderness: a monster who goes by “Matthew,” and a shapeshifting indigenous man, Wìsakedjàk, who ends up saving the Oxford children when they get lost in the snowstorm:
He heated the snow in a wooden bowl and dropped bits from a pouch he carried.
“Is this better?”
“Yes, sir. Thank you kindly.”
“That’s a little soup I’m making, in case you’re wondering.”
“I’m Abner, and this is my sister Rachael. What’s your name, sir?”
“Some call me Wìsakedjàk.”
If he hadn’t shown up, they might have frozen to death. It’s a heartwarming scene, but there is more brutal combat around the corner. Mathew, with his creepy tendrils, murders a member of the church congregation where the Wrights and Oxfords worship, and after the group sets off on their journey north, he becomes obsessed with Jane Oxford, stalking her. Matthew believes that someone named Coffey acquired a special stone from the Wìsakedjàk, and he is certain that London’s family has acquired it.
When the children get lost, London sets out into the wilderness, where the showdown with evil will take place.
This is a complex plot, but one handled with a measured hand by the author. Furthermore, the commentary on race and the indigenous population is not didactic or preachy. It fits perfectly with the narrative and helps the world-building, which is at times both magical and realistic. This is a smart and compelling take on the supernatural horror/thriller.
Lawrence P. O’Brien’s Swallowing the Muskellunge is a work that poses deep questions about race and identity, survival on the frontier, and the overwhelming power of nature. What this novel most reminds me of is a book written in the 1800s by a man named Henry Tuft, The Autobiography of a Criminal. O’Brien mines similar territory in Swallowing the Muskellunge, showing us the history of a nation forged in violence and crime, where poor blacks and whites are pitted against each other for survival in a tough new world and a violent frontier. It puts the ugliness of human nature and the messiness of empire-building in a stark light, and it forces the reader to ask themselves if the price we have paid for our country was not perhaps a bit too steep.
In the end, O’Brien’s work left me with as many questions as it did answers, and I like books that do exactly that.
November 30, 2025
Swallowing the Muskellunge drops you into a brutal and uncanny world where Black families in the late 1700s try to carve out a life in a landscape full of danger, superstition, and raw human fear. The story follows London Oxford, his son Abner, and the Wright family as they navigate violence, prejudice, mysterious deaths, and something darker hiding in the woods and rivers. The book mixes historical fiction with unsettling folklore, and the result is a journey that twists between real-world cruelty and eerie, mythic threats.
The writing hits with a quiet confidence, yet it never lets you rest. Scenes that start with simple family troubles drift into something tense, then something dreadful, then something almost magical. I found myself leaning in and frowning at the page, not because the prose was hard, but because the emotions were sharp. O’Brien has a way of slipping horror into places that should feel safe. Kitchens, barns, small paths, quiet rivers. The fear creeps in slowly. I kept thinking, I know these people, and I don’t want anything to happen to them, yet trouble keeps finding them. Some moments even made my stomach turn, especially when the book turns toward the threats against Abner or the strange shadow creatures near the river. It all felt personal.
What struck me hardest, though, was the mixture of cruelty and tenderness. I felt anger at the unfairness thrown at London and his family, and I felt warmth in the smaller human moments that kept them standing. A father reaching for his son after a violent scare. A mother snapping at the world because she is scared of losing everything. Those scenes felt raw. The conversations are messy and real. People stumble through their choices, and you see their flaws, yet you can’t help rooting for them. O’Brien’s ideas about freedom, belonging, and survival sit right under the surface. They poke at you in quiet ways. I loved that.
This is a gripping story that digs into both the mythic and the human. I would recommend Swallowing the Muskellunge to readers who enjoy historical fiction with grit, folktale shadows, and characters who feel painfully real. Anyone who likes stories that blend lived struggle with something uncanny will find a lot to chew on here.
The writing hits with a quiet confidence, yet it never lets you rest. Scenes that start with simple family troubles drift into something tense, then something dreadful, then something almost magical. I found myself leaning in and frowning at the page, not because the prose was hard, but because the emotions were sharp. O’Brien has a way of slipping horror into places that should feel safe. Kitchens, barns, small paths, quiet rivers. The fear creeps in slowly. I kept thinking, I know these people, and I don’t want anything to happen to them, yet trouble keeps finding them. Some moments even made my stomach turn, especially when the book turns toward the threats against Abner or the strange shadow creatures near the river. It all felt personal.
What struck me hardest, though, was the mixture of cruelty and tenderness. I felt anger at the unfairness thrown at London and his family, and I felt warmth in the smaller human moments that kept them standing. A father reaching for his son after a violent scare. A mother snapping at the world because she is scared of losing everything. Those scenes felt raw. The conversations are messy and real. People stumble through their choices, and you see their flaws, yet you can’t help rooting for them. O’Brien’s ideas about freedom, belonging, and survival sit right under the surface. They poke at you in quiet ways. I loved that.
This is a gripping story that digs into both the mythic and the human. I would recommend Swallowing the Muskellunge to readers who enjoy historical fiction with grit, folktale shadows, and characters who feel painfully real. Anyone who likes stories that blend lived struggle with something uncanny will find a lot to chew on here.
October 21, 2025
"Swallowing the Muskellunge" is a historical fantasy novel that takes place in the late 18th century. It combines elements of black history, immigration, and horror across the U.S. and Canadian border during this time frame. It intertwines realism and folklore, showing how greed, freedom, and nature’s mysticism come together to create a severe backdrop of early North America. O’Brien writes in a very descriptive style that oscillates between being lyrical and gritty depending on which point of view he is writing from.
The book starts with a prologue ripe with symbolism from the point of view of a loon who just lost its mate to human hunters. This introduction foreshadows themes throughout the novel that will be explored, such as violence, loss, and the need for survival.
The story then shifts to the narrative of the Wright family, rich white settlers, in Massachusetts 1796 as they prepare to get ready to go to Canada after the death of their patriarch. At this point, we learn about their Black servants, London and his wife Jane Oxford and their young children, who are attempting to navigate the boundaries of identity as it pertains to race, class, and belonging.
As Thomas and Philemon, two of the Wright brothers, hope to gain a new settlement near Montreal, tensions builds between the family and servants. The brothers’ wishes to build a “promised land” in the wild north uncovers the darker undertones that define the United States at the time, such as manifest destiny, displacement of Indigenous people, and the exploitation of Black labor.
A series of violent and supernatural events unfolds. Major themes explored in this book are freedom vs. servitude, nature vs. spirit, and supernatural justice. O'Brien's mix of perspectives—animal, human, and supernatural—creates a mystical, intimate, and holistic picture of early America’s moral landscape. O'Brien cinematically reveals how the quest for liberty often comes at the cost of others—and how nature, in its memory and consciousness, responds.
The book starts with a prologue ripe with symbolism from the point of view of a loon who just lost its mate to human hunters. This introduction foreshadows themes throughout the novel that will be explored, such as violence, loss, and the need for survival.
The story then shifts to the narrative of the Wright family, rich white settlers, in Massachusetts 1796 as they prepare to get ready to go to Canada after the death of their patriarch. At this point, we learn about their Black servants, London and his wife Jane Oxford and their young children, who are attempting to navigate the boundaries of identity as it pertains to race, class, and belonging.
As Thomas and Philemon, two of the Wright brothers, hope to gain a new settlement near Montreal, tensions builds between the family and servants. The brothers’ wishes to build a “promised land” in the wild north uncovers the darker undertones that define the United States at the time, such as manifest destiny, displacement of Indigenous people, and the exploitation of Black labor.
A series of violent and supernatural events unfolds. Major themes explored in this book are freedom vs. servitude, nature vs. spirit, and supernatural justice. O'Brien's mix of perspectives—animal, human, and supernatural—creates a mystical, intimate, and holistic picture of early America’s moral landscape. O'Brien cinematically reveals how the quest for liberty often comes at the cost of others—and how nature, in its memory and consciousness, responds.
April 9, 2026
This is a gripping combination of historical fiction and horror. The Oxford family, an African American family living in Boston in 1800 are free but face prejudice and danger in society. They decide to join the family they work for on a trip to Canada--"the promised land"--in the dead of winter. They are joined by other groups, some of whom may or may not be trustworthy. As they struggle to survive on the cold, winter-storm filled trip north the adults fall into a weary despondent state while the children run wild and something is causing members to disappear. Something, maybe something that people only know about in folk tales, may be stalking them.
This isn't just a horror story. It is also a poignant look at a young African American family who are free in Boston at the turn of the 19th century but they are by no means equal or safe. It explores the insecurity members of the family feels while Abner, the young son, also struggles to establish himself even though it means pushing boundaries that are dangerous. There are moments of intimacy and tenderness but also moments when those tensions overflow. That is all before they go on the trip.
Then the supernatural and horror builds up during the trek north. Abner knows something is going on but the adults don't seem to realize it. Throw in the dangers of travelling during the winter just pushes the tension up.
I thought it was a really good mix of slow build of supernatural horror while also exploring the very real human drama facing the Oxford family. Definitely one of the better horror stories I've read because of the exploration of human experience and the right pacing of the terror building which so often just doesn't hit it right for me.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for an aRC in exchange for an honest opinion.
This isn't just a horror story. It is also a poignant look at a young African American family who are free in Boston at the turn of the 19th century but they are by no means equal or safe. It explores the insecurity members of the family feels while Abner, the young son, also struggles to establish himself even though it means pushing boundaries that are dangerous. There are moments of intimacy and tenderness but also moments when those tensions overflow. That is all before they go on the trip.
Then the supernatural and horror builds up during the trek north. Abner knows something is going on but the adults don't seem to realize it. Throw in the dangers of travelling during the winter just pushes the tension up.
I thought it was a really good mix of slow build of supernatural horror while also exploring the very real human drama facing the Oxford family. Definitely one of the better horror stories I've read because of the exploration of human experience and the right pacing of the terror building which so often just doesn't hit it right for me.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for an aRC in exchange for an honest opinion.
November 10, 2025
The Review
This was such a rich and compelling historical fiction meets folklore horror novel. The powerful imagery of the harsh, wild landscapes the characters traverse, along with the tension that fills the air in every chapter, kept readers on the edge of their seats. At the same time, the balance the author found between the violent supernatural events of the story and the need for survival that takes center stage in the narrative made this novel soar.
As a fan of fantasy, horror, and folklore storytelling, I loved the idea of the Wìsakedjàk being such a powerful force in the worlds of North American folklore and culture, and taking on a physical presence in the wilds of this setting. Yet it was the powerful themes of this book that stood out. The exploration of Manifest Destiny at the expense of indigenous people, as well as the struggle for identity, is what many people in the Black community felt when they attempted to create their own path in life, but felt the confines of labor for others take control. The exploration of freedom vs servitude, as well as the freedom of nature versus the conquest of land and the rights mankind has to dominate the world, made this narrative so compelling and thought-provoking.
The Verdict
Harrowing, dynamic character arcs and powerful themes, author Lawrence P. O’Brien’s “Swallowing the Muskellunge” is a must-read historical fiction meets folklore horror novel. The emotional resonance readers will have with these characters, the struggles they endure, and the depth of survival they must go through highlight the hardships of life in this era, while also bridging the gap by infusing supernatural terror into the narrative fabric that feels strangely natural.
This was such a rich and compelling historical fiction meets folklore horror novel. The powerful imagery of the harsh, wild landscapes the characters traverse, along with the tension that fills the air in every chapter, kept readers on the edge of their seats. At the same time, the balance the author found between the violent supernatural events of the story and the need for survival that takes center stage in the narrative made this novel soar.
As a fan of fantasy, horror, and folklore storytelling, I loved the idea of the Wìsakedjàk being such a powerful force in the worlds of North American folklore and culture, and taking on a physical presence in the wilds of this setting. Yet it was the powerful themes of this book that stood out. The exploration of Manifest Destiny at the expense of indigenous people, as well as the struggle for identity, is what many people in the Black community felt when they attempted to create their own path in life, but felt the confines of labor for others take control. The exploration of freedom vs servitude, as well as the freedom of nature versus the conquest of land and the rights mankind has to dominate the world, made this narrative so compelling and thought-provoking.
The Verdict
Harrowing, dynamic character arcs and powerful themes, author Lawrence P. O’Brien’s “Swallowing the Muskellunge” is a must-read historical fiction meets folklore horror novel. The emotional resonance readers will have with these characters, the struggles they endure, and the depth of survival they must go through highlight the hardships of life in this era, while also bridging the gap by infusing supernatural terror into the narrative fabric that feels strangely natural.
January 5, 2026
Swallowing the Muskellunge is an emotionally charged, folk horror novel that I received as an ARC from NetGalley, and it definitely kept my interest. Enough so that I read it in a couple days. The book takes place in the late 1700s, when the threat of being returned to slavery is enough to keep a freed man in line, and tells the journey of several families from Massachusetts to Canada. It is there that London Oxford, the main character of this tale, intends to settle his family alongside the Wrights on a large tract of land.
Because I’m unfamiliar with Native American folklore, this book pushed me to do a little research and the way O’Brien has interwoven the legends of Matantu and Wisakedjäk felt in rhythm with what I read online. I absolutely loved the slow climb to terror, and my heart broke at the trauma the families are forced to face in this novel. O’Brien’s descriptions make the horrors the caravan face feel palpable.
I did find it hard to follow along with character names, especially in the earlier portion of the book. While this may be historically accurate in familial naming, it left me confused on more than one occasion. Overall, I could barely put the book down.
According to the cover, Swallowing the Muskellunge is the first in a series. I hope to read more in the future.
Because I’m unfamiliar with Native American folklore, this book pushed me to do a little research and the way O’Brien has interwoven the legends of Matantu and Wisakedjäk felt in rhythm with what I read online. I absolutely loved the slow climb to terror, and my heart broke at the trauma the families are forced to face in this novel. O’Brien’s descriptions make the horrors the caravan face feel palpable.
I did find it hard to follow along with character names, especially in the earlier portion of the book. While this may be historically accurate in familial naming, it left me confused on more than one occasion. Overall, I could barely put the book down.
According to the cover, Swallowing the Muskellunge is the first in a series. I hope to read more in the future.
March 22, 2026
I received this as an ARC through LibraryThing in exchange for an honest review, and I do intend to be honest... brutally honest.
This book was absolutely terrible. If Goodreads had rolled out the "DNF" shelf before I'd gotten as far in as I had, this would be the first book I'd have put on there. The author goes into the tiniest minutia of detail on the most unnecessary things. For example, there's a family meeting early on in the story and the author goes into PAINFUL specifics about who's sitting where and what they're wearing.
This continues, to a lesser extent, through out the story making it challenging to follow. Often, you lose site of what's actually going on and there are so many characters that it's hard to keep the lesser ones straight. At one point, they name all of the dozen or so children that are in the caravan with their parents and who belongs to whom, although it doesn't make one lick of difference and, if I'm being honest, we could have done without naming any other than the ones who actually played a roll in the story.
This story had so much potential, but it was bogged down with so much unnecessary information and someone complaining about or making someone watch the children so often that it was completely unreadable.
This book was absolutely terrible. If Goodreads had rolled out the "DNF" shelf before I'd gotten as far in as I had, this would be the first book I'd have put on there. The author goes into the tiniest minutia of detail on the most unnecessary things. For example, there's a family meeting early on in the story and the author goes into PAINFUL specifics about who's sitting where and what they're wearing.
This continues, to a lesser extent, through out the story making it challenging to follow. Often, you lose site of what's actually going on and there are so many characters that it's hard to keep the lesser ones straight. At one point, they name all of the dozen or so children that are in the caravan with their parents and who belongs to whom, although it doesn't make one lick of difference and, if I'm being honest, we could have done without naming any other than the ones who actually played a roll in the story.
This story had so much potential, but it was bogged down with so much unnecessary information and someone complaining about or making someone watch the children so often that it was completely unreadable.
April 5, 2026
Lawrence P. O'Brien's book Swallowing the Muskellunge is a more than just a story about family or determination.
This book is one of holding on when everything else is telling you to let go, to keep fighting for your loved ones when you know without a doubt someone, or something, is trying to do everything they can to destroy what you hold most dear.
Swallowing the Muskellunge is one man's fight to keep his family safe, to do what he has to, to keep harm from tearing everyone he loves apart, and going to lengths he never knew he was capable of.
The tension is thick, keeping readers glued to the book to find out what is going to happen next. Fans of Stephen King and M. Night Shyamalan will love this book. With the vivid descriptiveness, readers will be able to watch in what feels like 3D as their imagination brings the story to life.
Forging new paths, determination to protect the ones they love, refusal to admit defeat in the face of immense adversity, Swallowing the Muskellunge will keep readers on the edge of their seats up until the last page.
For readers looking for a new book, or a new author to give a welcoming chance to, Lawrence P. O'Brien and the Swallowing the Muskellunge are two to watch for.
This book is one of holding on when everything else is telling you to let go, to keep fighting for your loved ones when you know without a doubt someone, or something, is trying to do everything they can to destroy what you hold most dear.
Swallowing the Muskellunge is one man's fight to keep his family safe, to do what he has to, to keep harm from tearing everyone he loves apart, and going to lengths he never knew he was capable of.
The tension is thick, keeping readers glued to the book to find out what is going to happen next. Fans of Stephen King and M. Night Shyamalan will love this book. With the vivid descriptiveness, readers will be able to watch in what feels like 3D as their imagination brings the story to life.
Forging new paths, determination to protect the ones they love, refusal to admit defeat in the face of immense adversity, Swallowing the Muskellunge will keep readers on the edge of their seats up until the last page.
For readers looking for a new book, or a new author to give a welcoming chance to, Lawrence P. O'Brien and the Swallowing the Muskellunge are two to watch for.
November 26, 2025
Memorable and Well-Written
Swallowing the Muskellunge surprised me with how quietly emotional it is. The story builds slowly at first, but once the characters settle in, it becomes easy to care about them—especially London and his family. The author does a great job bringing the setting to life, and some scenes felt so real I had to pause for a second.
There are a few slower moments, but overall the writing is strong, the atmosphere is vivid, and the emotional parts land well. It’s the kind of story that leaves you thinking about the characters even after you’re done reading.
Swallowing the Muskellunge surprised me with how quietly emotional it is. The story builds slowly at first, but once the characters settle in, it becomes easy to care about them—especially London and his family. The author does a great job bringing the setting to life, and some scenes felt so real I had to pause for a second.
There are a few slower moments, but overall the writing is strong, the atmosphere is vivid, and the emotional parts land well. It’s the kind of story that leaves you thinking about the characters even after you’re done reading.
January 4, 2026
A complex novel that blends elements of horror and the paranormal with themes of European settlement in North America, the American Civil War, the liberation of black slaves, and the extermination of Native Americans.
There is a lot going on, yet the author skilfully guides the reader through the story of London Oxford, a freed slave, his “non-masters”, the journey of this huge extended family to the promised land of Canada, and the horrors that await them along the way.
A book that keeps you glued to the pages, breathless and rooting for London.
There is a lot going on, yet the author skilfully guides the reader through the story of London Oxford, a freed slave, his “non-masters”, the journey of this huge extended family to the promised land of Canada, and the horrors that await them along the way.
A book that keeps you glued to the pages, breathless and rooting for London.
November 29, 2025
They are all part of a caravan going through the cold for a better life. He joined it hoping for a better life with children among them. No one noticed the disappearances or the foot steps in the snow. What is going on? Follow them as they travel to find a new life
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and a great read
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and a great read
February 14, 2022
“Clochan”, by Lawrence Patrick O’Brien, is a powerful and entertaining story about a young Irish man named Kevin Neal who comes of age in the shadow of Blackstairs Mountains. The timeframe is prior to the great famine, and Kevin is the youngest of the Neal boys. He manages to survive war but thinks he’s lost everyone. The mountain people care for him and help him on his way. He’s strong and resilient, and meets up with Anastasia Kelly, his childhood friend, who has changed from the girl he remembers. She’s a bit standoffish now. Violence surrounds them, and they have few places to hide. The orphans do what they can do to survive in the face of an Irish rebellion, but something dangerous is on the loose, and Keven doesn’t know how to fight it.
O’Brien has created a masterful story of suspense, mystery, action, and adventure—all rolled into an Irish historical fantasy novel. It has everything an adventure fan would want: strong characters and a solid story that just keeps getting better as it goes along. The folklore is interesting, and of course the romance is the perfect balance for all of that action and drama. This author is exceptionally skilled at building worlds, characters, and tension. And old Ireland comes to life in a way that it doesn’t in history books. You will enjoy taking this journey with Neal.
The dialogue is dynamic, and the coming-of-age theme against the backdrop of war is poignant and powerful. The author has conducted a respectable amount of research to bring such a ring of authenticity to his novel, and we readers are rewarded with an imaginative and realistic story of mystery and history. I like the character arc that the author gave to Kevin, who seems like a flesh-and-blood person. We feel what he feels, think what he thinks, but we’re given enough room to think ahead and wonder what Kevin will have to face next and how he will handle it. It’s good to see how all of those forces shaped his life, and that he took his life and circumstances into his own hands whenever he could. I liked Anastasia as a character too, and she seemed like a three-dimensional character instead of a caricature.
Some parts will break your heart, but this is what a good book and a good writer can do. Very well-done. “Clochan”, by Lawrence Patrick O’Brien, is a historical fantasy fan’s delight.
O’Brien has created a masterful story of suspense, mystery, action, and adventure—all rolled into an Irish historical fantasy novel. It has everything an adventure fan would want: strong characters and a solid story that just keeps getting better as it goes along. The folklore is interesting, and of course the romance is the perfect balance for all of that action and drama. This author is exceptionally skilled at building worlds, characters, and tension. And old Ireland comes to life in a way that it doesn’t in history books. You will enjoy taking this journey with Neal.
The dialogue is dynamic, and the coming-of-age theme against the backdrop of war is poignant and powerful. The author has conducted a respectable amount of research to bring such a ring of authenticity to his novel, and we readers are rewarded with an imaginative and realistic story of mystery and history. I like the character arc that the author gave to Kevin, who seems like a flesh-and-blood person. We feel what he feels, think what he thinks, but we’re given enough room to think ahead and wonder what Kevin will have to face next and how he will handle it. It’s good to see how all of those forces shaped his life, and that he took his life and circumstances into his own hands whenever he could. I liked Anastasia as a character too, and she seemed like a three-dimensional character instead of a caricature.
Some parts will break your heart, but this is what a good book and a good writer can do. Very well-done. “Clochan”, by Lawrence Patrick O’Brien, is a historical fantasy fan’s delight.
July 14, 2022
There is an interesting idea behind this book: to combine historical events with some of the mythological creatures of Ireland, along with "alternate universe" (so popular these days!). It is even, perhaps, a bit "Lovecraftian" - although I might be stretching that too far.
The problem is, the book is SO BADLY EDITED, it's almost impossible to read. You have to be really and truly determined. 25-30 % of the time, the reader cannot really understand what is being described, the events, or who said what to whom, partly because it is poorly written, but as often because there are grammatical errors and typos everywhere - on every other page. And even the page layout is messed up.
I only persisted because I am "that person" (i never quit a book once I have started it), and because we were vacationing in Ireland.
If you don't already know about the Rebellion in Westford from 1797-1812, you are well-advised to look it up, because the book will not give you enough information to be able to understand the story.
Lawrence Patrick O'Brien: if you write another book, PLEASE come to me to edit it! I can help you!
The problem is, the book is SO BADLY EDITED, it's almost impossible to read. You have to be really and truly determined. 25-30 % of the time, the reader cannot really understand what is being described, the events, or who said what to whom, partly because it is poorly written, but as often because there are grammatical errors and typos everywhere - on every other page. And even the page layout is messed up.
I only persisted because I am "that person" (i never quit a book once I have started it), and because we were vacationing in Ireland.
If you don't already know about the Rebellion in Westford from 1797-1812, you are well-advised to look it up, because the book will not give you enough information to be able to understand the story.
Lawrence Patrick O'Brien: if you write another book, PLEASE come to me to edit it! I can help you!
February 25, 2022
Clochán is a historical fiction set in the late eighteenth century. Kevin Neal is six years old and has been through a great deal witnessing the loss of his family by English soldiers in 1798. As he runs away while he sees his family get murdered, he finds shelter and is adopted by a Walsh family, but things don’t end there either.
Kevin’s life is constantly on the move, and as we watch him grow into a man, he encounters everything that comes with coming of age and more. The vicious attacks and murders in his community intrigue him to find answers, and with that, he also finds himself.
The author describes living poor and the struggles of a young child in a very intriguing way. I enjoyed reading about the Irish rebellion and the troubles of the Púca. The story was enjoyable and unique to read. The pace was steady, and the characters meshed well with Kevin.
I recommend this book to historical fiction fans.
Kevin’s life is constantly on the move, and as we watch him grow into a man, he encounters everything that comes with coming of age and more. The vicious attacks and murders in his community intrigue him to find answers, and with that, he also finds himself.
The author describes living poor and the struggles of a young child in a very intriguing way. I enjoyed reading about the Irish rebellion and the troubles of the Púca. The story was enjoyable and unique to read. The pace was steady, and the characters meshed well with Kevin.
I recommend this book to historical fiction fans.
November 20, 2021
"From within a mist-like smouldering flicker was a vision of the first of his many troubles."
O'Brien has crafted an edge-of-your-seat tale with a vivid, dramatic presence in this debut historical thriller. Young Kevin Neal's destiny is forged in the crucible of the Irish Rebellion. He seems perpetually accompanied by death and destruction (and many thoughts of his true love, Anty Kelly) during his childhood and young adulthood losses. Both individuals are capable, feisty, and orphaned during the siege at New Ross when Kevin's brothers and father and Anty's father ride with the star-crossed Captain John Kelly in a failed uprising against the Crown. The brutal battle is stunning and leads to the slaying by the English of Irish women and children who bore witness to the carnage. So the pair lose their mothers too. . .
Read more at The US Review of Books!
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