The Devil Walks in Mattingly by Billy Coffey

            Some books can be read once and the theme and story are clear. There are also some that take a careful, close reading and attention to story line to discern what is happening.        This book by Coffey seems to be the latter.

                Every book has a theme. A possible theme would be redemption

                It is told in three voices. Jake Barnett, the towns’ sheriff, Kate, his wife, and a mountain man called Taylor Hathcock. Years ago, when they were children, they all knew Philip McBride, now dead. Ruled a suicide but they all feel they had a part in his death. Now years later they are adjusting in their own way.

                Another main character is a young girl named Lucy. She is troubled and seeks to be independent. She interfaces with our three major characters.

                Kate is trying to do good to pay for her part in the past. Jake has become the sheriff but one that is not decisive. Taylor has gone crazy and goes around killing people to set them free from the dream.  Now the three of them are being haunted by Philip.

                Another murder happens. Taylor has killed a boy to set him free from this life. Lucy has run away from home and runs into Taylor and they bond. It is up to Jake to find her.  Jake has to prove himself worthy of being sheriff.

                It is hard to place it in a genre. It is not a Christian horror tale nor a suspense thriller. But it tries to be in the psychological mystery motif. I guess this is the best I can do when it comes to determination of storytelling style.

                Having said that I would not advise a person to think it will be light reading. I recommend this book for people who enjoy strange tales.

                I was sent this book free by BookSneeze as part of their BookLook blog review team. I was not required to give a positive review. The views expressed are those of the reviewer and not the publisher.