“Tucked Inn” by Nadine AuCoin – A review
“Tucked Inn” by Nadine AuCoin is a chilling novella that grips the reader with its suspenseful plot and evocative portrayal of a family known as ‘The Banishers’’ fighting against malevolent entities.
The story follows the eighteen-year-old Lucy, who for reasons unbeknownst to her is held hostage by Madame Dominique and her minions: the perverted Darko and Drake, the handsome Allister. As she settles in, she begins to experience strange occurrences that suggest a dark force is lurking, and the unraveling of her own superpowers, which ultimately aid in her fight against the evil Henry!
Perhaps the greatest strength of “Tucked Inn” is Nadine’s ability to create a vivid depiction of the characters. From Lucy’s heroic but yet naive fortitude, to Madame Dominique’s regality and even Henry’s own fierce persistence, each character is fully fleshed out and believable.
One must also commend Nadine for her work’s sweet ability to keep the reader in a constant search for the truth. The pacing is perfectly calibrated, with moments of quiet reflection punctuated by sudden bursts of terror and confusion and sometimes even disgust. Her descriptions of the supernatural, which are instrumental in propelling the story forward, are vivid and unsettling, and the final confrontation between Lucy and the evil entity that is Henry, and every malice he represents, is truly harrowing.
Nadine AuCoin’s “Tucked Inn” is a gripping and well-crafted mystery novella that is sure to satisfy fans of the genre. With its vivid characters, skilled use of literary devices, and heart-stopping suspense, it is a testament to the power of well-crafted storytelling.
I would suggest it to anyone, except for my mother.
Reviewed by Lucille Sambo