On the Lips of Children - Mark Matthews

Title: On the Lips of Children
Author: Mark Matthews
Genre: Horror
Published: 2013
Formats: Ebook

Available at:
Amazon
Smashwords
Amazon UK

Review
“On the Lips of Children” by Mark Matthews is a horror novel that actually had shocked me from the first few pages. The story follows Macon and Erin, a couple who are staying at a San Diego hotel with their daughter in preparation for a marathon that Macon intends to take part in the following day. However, when Macon decides to go for a training run he sets in motion a chain of events that will brings both him and his family face to face with evil and cruelty.

I won’t say much more than this as I don’t want to ruin the plot, however the story itself was a thoroughly good read that was well written and well-paced. I had some real moments of unease in regards to some of the events that take place which is something I do look for when reading horror novels. These elements were also well supported by some good atmospheric work by Matthews, there is a real sense of darkness here and the tension and dread is built up and maintained wonderfully.

However, the thing that really works well in this novel is the characters. Whilst the elements of running and tattoos that are core to the main characters thoughts didn’t mean much to me, it didn’t really affect my appreciation for who they were. They still felt like real people to me with their determination to protect their family being really powerful to witness.

A word of warning about the novel however is that some parts are rather gruesome and uncomfortable to read. If you are used to this genre or enjoy some of the more visual horror movies out there then it probably won’t bother you, but if it is new to you then you may find it quite disturbing.

Overall this is a dark and intense story that should keep all horror fans well and truly hooked right up until the end. The back of my mind is still tormented by some of the images portrayed in this book which I think really shows both the impact of the story and the ability of Matthews to write it.