Autumn Bleeds Into Winter

A clever little thriller. The set up here is interesting - combining some coming of age elements, an unusual location (Alaska) and some clever social dynamics. Strand is probably better known for his more pure horror stories. As with most thrillers there is a horrific element to this tale, although there is nothing supernatural about it. Mostly this story deals with the frustrated sense of impotence that most people will feel when confronted with a crime. This take is usually done through grieving parents or some such but taking it through the eyes of a teenage friend is an interesting twist on it. It is also quite clever as the inherent stupidity of a lot of characters in these situations is better explained and rationalised through the dynamic of child, where it is more believable.

The thriller here is well executed. Whilst it is not stretching the boundaries of the genre by an means, it does take its twists and turns well. The prose is very engaging and helps to draw the reader in. I thoroughly enjoyed this!