In the Shadows of Men

I discovered RJB via his fantasy works, but I have been aware of his background in horror. This novella was my first dive into his horror works, and I was impressed.

The basic concept of taking over a run down motel and fixing it up but discovering some secrets is not a new one. The secrets here are interesting and well put together though, creating an excellent sense of unease beneath the normalcy of a hotel renovation. Small towns also lend themselves to these type of secretive horror too.

This doesn't tread anything especially new, but it does take old tropes and execute them well, taking them into a current world environment (the oil boom in onshore Texas). An enjoyable read