Echo by Thomas Olde Heuvelt is a haunting and unsettling novel that blends horror and fantasy to create a chilling and immersive reading experience. 

Rock climber Nick Grevers tackles the imposing peak that is the Maudit, and fails. A serious accident leaves Nick horribly disfigured, and haunted. Nick’s lover, Sam Avery, witnesses his descent into madness. But is it the madness of trauma, grief, and loss, or is it something more? Is the Maudit calling its own back, is Nick losing his mind? Or is it Sam who is?

Heuvelt’s writing is taut and atmospheric, with complex characters. He expertly builds tension and suspense, and the horror elements of the story are genuinely terrifying. But what sets Echo apart is its underlying themes of fear, paranoia, and the danger of mob mentality. The novel is a commentary on the human psyche and the ways in which we can be driven to unspeakable acts of cruelty. In addition, the look at Dutch culture and folklore is fascinating.

Overall, Huevelt’s Echo is a masterful work of horror fiction guaranteed to leave readers on edge long after they’re done reading. A definite must-read for fans of Stephen King, Peter Straub, and H.P. Lovecraft, as well as anyone who enjoys a good scare.

*******Many thanks to Netgalley and Hodder and Stoughton for providing an egalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.