“Five stars are insufficient to show my admiration of this work by Barbara Cottrell.” – Sarah Stuart, 5 Stars reader’s Favorite
Darkness Below is even more intriguing than horror stories by well-known authors such as Stephen King, Anne Rice, and Ramsey Campbell. Blond and beautiful, Ellen is a student at the fabled Miskatonic University, Massachusetts. A lonely girl, isolated and virtually friendless, she encounters the charismatic lecturer Dr. Carter, a prodigy from her Uncle Joshua’s past. Friend or enemy? As a psychic, Ellen is aware of the danger that is stalking her. Now and then “he” breaks in with a short piece. Deep, down, and dark. “He” is angry with his mother for leaving him with her magic artifact and the force within it. How does “he” impact Ellen? Did he survive an explosion in 1945 and is he still alive? This paranormal tale by Barbara Cottrell will draw you in and perhaps not let you go.
Darkness Below is a compelling story from the first page. I found my curiosity instantly aroused and it never diminished. There is a riveting reality to Ellen and her life, which in retrospect is impossible. References to normality contrast with doubt about the existence of a university dedicated to the study of the supernatural in its most gruesome forms. Ellen undertakes assignments, like arguing why Hades chose Persephone as his bride – a familiar Greek myth. Descriptions of even minor characters are brilliant: “The librarians, severe, sallow-faced men dressed like funeral directors, exhibited an unhealthy attachment to their books.” Five stars are insufficient to show my admiration of this work by Barbara Cottrell.
