'Skinwalker' by Michael Newton follows the story of Gideon Thorn, a protagonist with a tragic past seeking answers about the supernatural in the Old West. The plot revolves around Gideon's quest to uncover the truth behind the killings in a small town, with elements of Native American folklore and a blend of Western and horror genres. The narrative is described as a mix of mystery, suspense, and supernatural encounters, with a focus on Gideon's journey to confront the shape-shifting murderer terrorizing the New Mexico plains.

Characters:

The characters are well-developed, with Gideon Thorn serving as a relatable protagonist.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is engaging and vivid, with some minor inconsistencies.

Plot/Storyline:

The story intertwines Western and horror genres, focusing on a gunslinger's quest to uncover the truth behind supernatural killings.

Setting:

The setting is primarily the American West in the 1870s, rich with historical and cultural details.

Pacing:

The pacing is initially fast but slows down, especially toward the conclusion.

Notes:

Skinwalker is the first western horror novel read by the reviewer.

The protagonist, Gideon Thorn, is a wandering gunslinger with a mysterious past.

Gideon lost his family to a monster when he was just 2 years old.

The story is set in 1875 New Mexico and involves a shape-shifting murderer.

The book mixes genres, resembling shows like X-Files and Kolchak The Night Stalker.

Some inconsistencies in food descriptions were noted, like Texas toast turning into cornbread mid-scene.

Brent Jamison's character carried a cartridge not introduced until 20 years later than the story's setting.

Gideon has abilities to communicate telepathically with animals, though it's not used often.

The book is described as suspenseful and fast-paced, but the ending felt disappointing to some.

It combines elements of classic Westerns with horror, featuring folklore like skinwalkers.

Some found the character of Gideon to be over-the-top and overly skilled.

Several readers enjoyed the imaginative writing and expressions of Navajo folklore.

Though some liked the story's twist ending, others were left unsatisfied.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include themes of violence, death, and some supernatural horror elements.

From The Publisher:

Gideon Thorn, survivor at age two of the unknown 'animal' attack that massacred his family in Kansas Territory, roams the West in search of answers to his personal tragedy and other unsolved mysteries of seeming paranormal origin. In Skinwalker, his quest takes him to Tularosa, New Mexico Territory, where a savage prowler striking on nights with full moons has slaughtered eighteen victims. Can Thorn identify and slay the predator before it claims more lives-including his

Reader Stats (2):

Not Interested (2)

What can you read after
Skinwalker?

Meet New Books is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a way for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to products and services on amazon.com and its subsidiaries.
When you click the Amazon link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commision, at no cost to you.

Activity

Recommendations

My Stuff

Account

More

Activity

Recommendations

My Stuff

Account

More

Skinwalker

Michael Newton

Book 1 in the series:Gideon Thorn