Book Reivew: Afraid by Jack Kilborn

Title: Afraid
Author: Jack Kilborn
Publication Date: 2008
Tags: horror, suspense
Series: no
(from backcover)
"Welcome to Safe Haven, Wisconsin. Miles from everything, with one road in and out, this peaceful town has never needed a full-time police force. Until now... A helicopter has crashed near Safe Haven and unleashed something horrifying. Now this merciless force is about to do what it does best. Isolate. Terrorize. Annihilate. As residents begin dying in a storm of gory violence, Safe Haven's only chance for survival will rest with an aging county sheriff, a firefighter, and a single mom. And each will have this harrowing thought: Maybe death hasn't come to their town by accident..." (back cover)

A true thriller of a book. In one suspenseful night an entire town is virtually destroyed. Told from the point of view of several different characters, including the members of the killing squad, the story progresses along at a good pace. 

There is no fluff to this story. NOT for the faint of heart! I found the blood and guts of the story so to speak to be very graphic but appropriately so. Kilborn could have very easily taken this story into the realm of sexual sadism which would have ruined it. He choose instead to preserve the horror while avoiding gratuitous sexual devilry. Too many horror stories have gone down that road. Kilborn keeps this story on track. There is never a dull moment. 

As fantastical as the plot may seem on the surface, Kilborn's writing gets under your skin. You'll find yourself double checking your locks, turning on your lights, hoping morning wasn't so far away. If you're looking for a happy ending, this isn't the book for you. If you're looking for an intense ride of terror, suspense and mayhem, do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of Afraid.
 
5 stars - highly recommended.