Old Country is one of the best horror stories I’ve read in a very long time.
Tartlets, this supernatural horror novel by Matt Query and Harrison Query is AWESOME. There’s no other word for it. Old Country blew me away with its originality, insidiously creepy reveals, and excellent writing. I’ve read a lot of haunted house stories, but this tale about a young married couple living on haunted land stands out as a rare treat in the horror genre.
What makes Old Country so damn good?
One of the things that makes Old Country so good isn’t just the horror of the story — it’s the heart. I always appreciate scary stories that make you feel something for the people being haunted. Think of how the Poltergeist and The Conjuring movies start: there’s a slow lead-in as you get to know the families and get attached to them. This way, when all hell breaks loose, you’re just as devastated as they are.
When you’re introduced to Old Country main characters Harry and Sasha and their dog Dash, you immediately take a shine to them. They’ve put up with some shit before the story begins, especially former Marine Harry, and you want nothing but the best for this trio as they make a fresh start.
They’ve bought this awesome house on this awesome plot of land; they have lovely, albeit slightly strange neighbors; and you just really, really want them to live out their American dream on their Idaho ranch. So, when Harry and Sasha’s perfect little world starts to shift as they become very, very haunted, you’re just begging for everything to turn out okay.
How scary is Old Country?
The creep factor of Old Country is extremely high. We’re talking Native American ghost lore and legends that seem too impossible to be true; shape-shifting spirits that find new and creative ways to terrorize you; and being bound to the home in a way you never thought possible.
You may be thinking, Yeah, yeah, I’ve read this kind of stuff before.
NO. NO, YOU HAVEN’T. This story is utterly unique, fresh, and imaginative.
I didn’t want to put Old Country down. Even though it creeped the hell outta me, I couldn’t stop reading. There’s a lot packed into this book, but believe me when I tell you that every page, every paragraph, every sentence is masterfully written so as to build suspense. The details of the haunting that Harry and Sasha encounter are revealed layer by layer, season by season. The anticipation builds slowly and steadily, making you practically salivate for more with every turn of the page.
Should you read Old Country?
Um, YES. Absolutely yes. If you’re a fan of intense, atmospheric hauntings, you definitely want to read Old Country as soon as possible. I wish I could read this one again for the first time. That’s how good it is.
And, make sure you read this one slowly, folks. You’ll be tempted to speed-read and skim along because you just have to know what happens next. But, don’t do it; don’t race ahead. You need to read EACH. AND. EVERY. WORD. because you don’t want to miss one single second of what happens in Old Country.
Slight spoiler alert: Does the dog die at the end of Old Country?
I am very happy to tell you that the beloved dog, Dash, does not die at the end of Old Country. **crowd erupts in cheers**
Honestly, I don’t think this reveal is a spoiler, per se. If you’re anything like me, you’ll sometimes refuse to pick a book up if you fear an animal companion will meet an untimely end. Dash is such an integral part of Old Country that I would call him a Supporting Character. Unfortunately, books like Where the Red Fern Grows have taught me not to get too attached to Animal Supporting Characters. Sigh.
So, thank you, Querys, for keeping Dash alive. I’m so glad you did because it means I can recommend Old Country to everyone I know and their mother.
My book-inspired recipe for Old Country
Be sure to check back in for my book-inspired recipes: Grilled Rosemary Balsamic Steaks with Tomato, Corn, and Torn Basil Salad.
