Title: Maggie’s Grave
Author: David Sodergren
Published: 2020
Genre: Horror, Folk Horror, Supernatural Thriller
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
A chilling, fast-paced supernatural thriller that blends folk horror and modern suspense with a sinister flair.
I really enjoyed Maggie’s Grave by David Sodergren — this was my first time reading his work, and I’m already hooked. The book is a whirlwind of eerie atmosphere, solid character development, and old-school ghostly horror that grips you from the very first pages.
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Plot Overview (Spoiler-Free)
The story swings between two timelines:
- 16th-century Scotland – a haunting tale of kings, witches, and betrayal.
- Present-day village – a Scottish town cloaked in secrets, where unease simmers beneath the surface.
While the idea of witches and curses isn’t entirely new, Sodergren executes it with fresh energy and suspenseful storytelling. The shift between past and present works beautifully, layering tension and deepening the sense of dread.
Characters & Atmosphere
- The villagers are flawed, fearful, and human, making them feel very real.
- Maggie’s ghost is one of the most chilling and memorable parts of the novel. She isn’t just a one-note specter, but a layered and symbolic presence that lingers in the reader’s mind.
- Sodergren’s style brings the Scottish setting to life with vivid imagery and cinematic horror.
What Stands Out
The book doesn’t rely only on jump scares. Instead, it thrives on atmosphere, tension, and the creeping sense of something deeply wrong. The eerie build-up in the village and the historical backdrop come together like two halves of a haunting puzzle.
That narrative shift — from witch trials to a cursed village in modern times — is what makes this story so immersive.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Fast-paced and gripping
- Strong folk horror elements with a Scottish twist
- Believable characters and atmospheric setting
- Unique ghost portrayal that feels more symbolic than simple
Cons:
- Some questions are left unanswered
- Readers who like fully tied-up endings may feel unsatisfied
Final Verdict
I give Maggie’s Grave 4 out of 5 stars. It’s a sinister, atmospheric read that combines folklore and modern horror in a way that feels both classic and refreshing. Though a few threads remain unresolved, that only adds to the sense of mystery.
I’m already picking up The Haar, David Sodergren’s second novel, because if Maggie’s Grave is anything to go by, he’s an author worth following.
Recommended for: fans of folk horror, ghost stories, and readers who love fast-paced but chilling tales that linger long after the final page.
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