Book Review: Valley Of The Scarecrow – Author Gord Rollo

VALLEY OF THE SCARECROW

by Gord Rollo
Dark Regions Press

During the great depression, a small backwoods community in Iowa face even more difficult times than most, having to endure the slowly fading sanity of their leader, Reverend Joshua Miller. When it is clear the man has slipped beyond the edge of reason and perhaps signed a deal with the devil, the citizens unite to stop him any way they can, breaking into the church to lash the reverend to his wooden alter cross then boarding up the windows and doors to leave him to fate and God’s judgment. The people of Oak Valley then abandoned their town to the cornfields and woods; ending the madness for what they hoped was forever.

They were wrong!

Seventy-four years later, the corn and trees have taken back the area and not much is left of the once thriving little community but Joshua Miller’s desecrated church still stands, and within it’s boarded up and sun-baked walls something that used to be a holy man waits for whoever is unfortunate enough to release him from his cross…

THE SCARECROW WILL WALK AT MIDNIGHT

“Valley Of The Scarecrow” is his fourth novel, preceded by “Jigsaw”, “Crimson” and “Strange Magic”. I have to admit I didn’t care for “Jigsaw” the first time I read it, though once Gord told me the underlying story behind it I could see why he wrote it. I reread it and came to appreciate it more. “Crimson” and “Strange Magic” were both great books in my opinion.

Gord’s latest effort “Valley Of The Scarecrow” might just be his best tale yet.

I have always loved scarecrows, from Dorothy’s lovable friend to the TV movie “Dark Night Of The Scarecrow”, they hold a special place in my heart, especially around Halloween.

Gord’s Reverand Joshua Miller is the most maniacally delightful scarecrow I have come across. His only thoughts; revenge against those that wronged him. If he can maim, kill, torture and feed on a few unsuspecting victims along the way, why not.

“Valley Of The Scarecrow” is fast paced, with enough frights, violence and gore to satisfy any horror lover, though I did feel it was a bit predictable at times.

The characters were believable and well thought out, and the atmosphere spooky and dark.

If you are a fan of Gord Rollo’s previous books this a must for your collection. If you love scarecrows this is a definite must. If you just enjoy a well told tale by one of horror’s best up and coming writers this will satisfy all of your dark needs.

Visit our good friends at Dark Regions Press and pick up “Valley Of The Scarecrow”.

As I have come to expect from Dark Regions, this is a simply stunning edition, with the best cover art I’ve seen in a long time.