"From the hallowed halls of Miskatonic to the outer reaches of the Dreamlands, Cottrell serves up a powerful potion of cosmic horror, urban fantasy, and romantic tension in this vividly imagined mythos adventure. Don’t sleep on this one!”
– Douglas Wynne, author of Red Equinox
Cottrell deftly weaves mythology, history, and horror together in “Thin Places.” I was thrilled to be reunited with Ellen Logan and Andrew Carter, my favorite characters from the first book in this series, as they together and separately continued their adventures. Fans of H.P. Lovecraft (and even though who aren’t fans) will relish this novel, and also be left deliciously craving the upcoming third book in the series.
– Mary Hart, author of Some Horrific Evening
Cottrell’s second installment of The Shadows of Miskatonic series (after Darkness Below) provides a non-stop thrill ride featuring paranormal investigator Ellen Logan, the fearless Miskatonic University student, and her partner, Professor Andrew Carter.
Throughout Cottrell demonstrates a strong feel for the cosmically creepy—Reye threatens Ellen: “Oi chusoi Dios aei enpiptous,” which means “the dice of God are always loaded.” While many of the plot threads take time to come together, readers who pay attention and love the milieu will be rewarded with a thrilling tale, and will savor the Lovecraftian adventure, authentic and likable characters, and satisfying ending with seeds for more to come. The prose is crisp, the homages clever, and the mysteries and moments of horror compelling.
Takeaway: Thrilling, intricately plotted Lovecraft-inspired horror adventure.
Chock full of the occult and supernatural, THIN PLACES is a dark thriller operating in the world of H. P. Lovecraft and there are enough details to intrigue even those outside the fandom.
With a wide array of characters, monsters and worlds, Barbara Cottrell’s THIN PLACES gives readers an action-packed adventure that die-hard H.P. Lovecraft fans will adore.
– Reviewed by Alma Boucher for Readers' Favorite
Thin Places by Barbara Cottrell is an outstanding horror story.
Barbara Cottrell took me on a roller coaster ride of horror, dark fantasy, and mysteries in Thin Places. The author created a world of emotion, evil, and the supernatural. The descriptions of the events fascinated me, and I quickly became part of that world. The story was jam-packed with action, and there was never a dull moment. The suspense kept me on the edge of my seat and I turned the pages as fast as I could, afraid that I would miss something. The characters were excellently developed. They were authentic and robust. My favorite was Ellen Logan. She had psychic abilities but did not abuse them. She was a strong woman who stood up for herself. The story is well-written and exciting, and it was as surprising as it was enthralling.
– Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Author Barbara Cottrell's storytelling prowess shines as she weaves a captivating narrative filled with twists and turns that are sure to keep readers on the edge of their seats from cover to cover. The author skilfully portrays the tension between the well-crafted reality of the university world and the Dreamlands, immersing readers in a thrilling and otherworldly experience. The atmospheric writing and worldbuilding weave a compelling blend of horror, supernatural fantasy, and investigative fiction, delivering an imaginative and thought-provoking reading experience. Cottrell's vivid descriptions and well-developed characters make the story come alive, transporting readers to a realm where danger lurks at every turn. Overall, I would highly recommend Thin Places to readers seeking a read that seamlessly blends mystery, the supernatural, and a strong suspenseful blast of horror.
– Reviewed by Demetria Head for Readers' Favorite
Thin Places by Barbara Cottrell takes readers on a suspenseful journey as Ellen Logan, a young woman grappling with personal demons, confronts her estranged uncle, Joshua, and delves deeper into the mysteries of Miskatonic University and the town of Arkham. As Ellen navigates the shadowy realms of supernatural forces, dangerous secrets, and her troubled past, she becomes entangled in a web of deceit and intrigue that threatens her sanity and life. With the help of unlikely allies, she must discover the truth before the darkness consumes her and those she cares about.
Barbara Cottrell weaves a gripping narrative in Thin Places. Her ability to create an atmosphere of foreboding and uncertainty is commendable, as readers are immediately drawn into the enigmatic world of Miskatonic University and its dark secrets. The pacing is expertly managed, keeping readers on edge as they accompany Ellen on her perilous journey. The character development in this novel is superb. Ellen Logan is a complex and relatable protagonist, haunted by her past and struggling with inner demons. Her determination to uncover the truth, even in the face of danger, is inspiring. Joshua, her enigmatic uncle, adds mystery and intrigue to the story. His evasiveness and hidden knowledge keep readers guessing about his true intentions. The supernatural elements are seamlessly integrated into the narrative, adding depth and complexity to the storyline. Thin Places is a captivating and intriguing novel that appeals to fans of supernatural mysteries and Lovecraftian lore.