Audiobook Review: Cold Moon Over Babylon by Michael McDowell

Babylon is your typical sleepy and quiet small Alabama town. Years ago, the Larkin family suffered a devastating loss, young parents drowned in the Styx River that borders the family property.  Now, their children are raised by their grandmother, Evelyn, just yards away at their family farm.

Times are tough and the Larkin family is struggling. Their blueberry crops are their only source of income. They are constantly bullied by Nathan Redfield, the son of the local bank owner, in hopes that they will sell the farm.

The family is faced a devastating blow when fourteen year old Melinda is found dead in the very river that took her parents' lives. Her death is quickly ruled a murder.  Evelyn is certain Nathan Redfield is responsible, but his position in the town places him above the law.  But Nathan's social status can't protect him from those whose souls are unable to rest, those that torment him in the quiet darkness of the night...

Why yes, this is the second horror novel by Michael McDowell read in one month. Once I got a taste of his “classic” style of horror writing I had to have more.  Much like The Elementals, this novel is once again set in a small, Alabama town.  McDowell so perfectly crafts and describes the small town of Babylon, allowing it to become “alive” before the readers eyes (or, in my case, ears!).  What starts out as a “whodunit” quickly turns into a horrifying story of vengeance and justice.

The means by which McDowell describes the ghostly visages that haunt Nathan is downright terrifying.  From the sound they make as they walk to the chilling expressions on their faces.  Scott Brick’s narration, too, intensified the horror, leaving me unable to listen to the audiobook at night, certain I, too, would be witness of the haunting.

As I said in my review of The Elementals, McDowell is a must-read author for fans of “classic” horror fiction, that from the late 70s and early 80s.  It’s a shame his illness took him so quickly; this is the kind of horror fiction fans are craving.  Highly, highly recommended.