In a secluded valley in Pennsylvania at the turn of the century lies St. Vincent's, an orphanage for boys. Run by the charity of several priests, St. Vincent's is home to Peter Barlow--priest-in-training and one of the oldest--and dozens of other boys. Their days are filled with the same austere monotony; scant meals that keep all of them just behind the brink of starving, chores throughout the orphanage, and prayer.
Then one night, a dying stranger arrives at the orphanage, and everything changes.
A dark presence permeates the walls of St. Vincent's, and with it, all semblance of order and faith begin to crumble. Boys that were once timid and meek lurk in the shadows with menacing intent, some boys disappear, and Peter is left not knowing who to trust.
"Boys in the Valley," is, as its advanced praise suggests, a thematic nod to both "The Exorcist" and "Lord of the Flies." Much more than that, however, is the fact that it's one of the single greatest pieces of horror I've ever read. Here, Fracassi demonstrates he really is the master of old-school horror and writing suspense; his cast of wayward characters--in both boys and priests alike--against the backdrop of an orphanage that's largely cut off from society makes for a downright terrifying story. From the very first page, he sets an unsettling tone that slowly builds into a crescendo of chaos and violence that, once it begins, you won't be able to look away from.
Incredible.
Rating: 5 Stars
Publication Details: Out 7/11/2023, Tor Nightfire
*Huge thank you to NetGalley & the publisher for providing my review copy!*
