A Cosmology of Monsters is described as a literary horror novel, which isn’t a bad description. The plotting is strong, especially for a first novel, but I found the writing style barren and unemotional. I got used to it by the end, but it did feel like I was reading a newspaper account rather than a literary novel.
The book keeps a sense of dread throughout, people keep disappearing, the tension is ratcheted up well. I was hoping for a big ending, which didn’t work for me. I was expecting explanations, conclusions, but I found the lack of clarity in the ending unsatisfactory.
Still, a solid 4 stars, and an author to look out for. I’m sure the quote from Stephen King on the cover will ensure this book finds its way into many homes.