Horror: The Elementals

Author:  Michael McDowell

Title: The Elementals

Genre: Horror

Publication Date: 1981

Number of Pages: 218

Geographical Setting: Alabama, USA

Plot Summary:

The Savage and McCray families have been coming to Beldame for years and, after a rather disturbing funeral, such a vacation is much needed. The three Victorian houses are the sole structures of the split off Alabama’s Coast and the easy going atmosphere will help get their minds off their troubles. The third house has been void of humans for years, and has been slowly taken over by an eroding sand dune. But the third house isn’t vacant. Something is there, something they don't like to think about, and it’s lurking in the shadows of the sand. It’s killed in the past and it’s looking to kill again.

Appeal:

Foreboding tone- Throughout the book every mention of “the third house” causes the tone of the story to change. Compared to the easy going feel of the rest of Beldame, the parts mentioning the eerie third house feel menacing and the reader continuously feels the climax rising.

Monsters- These monsters are some of the worst kind- unknown. Mystery surrounds them and not much is ever reviled. The reader begins to wonder what lurks in their own shadowed corners.

Storyline- If you’re looking for a story that ends happily, don’t pick up this one up. With nothing being resolved, The Elementals leaves the reader with unease and unsure what will happen to the characters.

Similar Authors and Works:

The Amityville Horror by Jay Anson: A haunted house based on real events. George and Kathleen Lutz have just bought a house for a bargain, but they didn’t account for the previous owners sticking around.

This House is Haunted by John Boyne: This house has an ominous presence. Eliza Caine has come to be a governess, but she may have to deal with more than children.

Enter, Night by Michael Rowe: A small town with a secret. Not a haunted house, but follow the characters as they search out the towns mystery, and discover a monster.