It’s hard to be a freelance journalist. It’s even harder when you’ve discovered an island hidden by the government and are chased by giant boar. This week, join me as we dive into Voodoo Island by Russ Tilton! This little novelette is filled with blood, conspiracies, and the steady, never-ending terror that comes with freelance work really big piggies.
What Is Voodoo Island About?
A journalist is going to relaunch his failing career with a killer scoop. There’s an island off the coast of Haiti where officials have been creating a biological weapon (giant boar). And while the adventure starts off normal, there are powerful men who don’t want this island found.
This novelette features a small cast, quick scares, and plenty of tropical vibes. It’s a fantastic read for one of those weekends where all you can think about is hopping on a plane and heading for greener (read: warmer) pastures.
What I Liked …
I’ve been so torn on whether to mark Voodoo Island as a four star or a five star read. I’ve landed here in the middle, but honestly, I think it depends on what you go into this book looking for. I needed a fun, quick, and bloody horror that wasn’t too dark. So, I got exactly what I needed. I devoured this book in one sitting, and I enjoyed every minute of it. I used this to help get me out of a slump, and despite the guts and gore, it’s a very fun read.
The atmosphere was fantastic, and the tension is ratcheted up from the start. The journalist starts on a boat with two men who refuse to step foot on the haunted island and one camera man who seems to barely know his first name. The journalist and his cameraman have to go to the island by themselves on a tiny boat, with the fishing boat refusing to get any closer. So immediately, the sense of isolation and dread is packed on.
… And What I Didn’t
I don’t think this was a book where I can really say much bothered me. Overall, I think this is a really great set up for the author’s full book. Do not go in expecting to get a lot of closure out of this, and don’t go in expecting a deep story of corruption and pig-slaughtering mayhem (okay, maybe the second). It’s a novelette, so cater your expectations.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the writing is easy, the characters are likable (enough), and the killer pigs are aplenty. The book (and seemingly all others by Russ Tilton) is available on KU, so this makes it way easier to try out for people. It’s perfect for a fun afternoon read. Let the forest reclaim the land in this spooky novelette!