With his debut novel, Blood Club, author Walt Schnabel captures not only the internal struggle of a man at a crossroads, but the unique experience that is life in small-town New Hampshire. The reader is brought along on a tale of good-versus-evil and a personal journey for Brian, our troubled protagonist. His journey will have a lasting impact not only for himself, but his son, wife and their collective existence in their newly adopted home-town.
That's because more bubbles beneath the surface in Barlow than meets the eye. Brian doesn't just see it, he feels it. Seeing his family becoming drawn into the discomfiting goings-on, he is compelled to investigate further. With the assistance of a local of Native American heritage, Brian embarks upon a quest to understand the strange undertones in town. Mr. Schnabel's juxtaposition of Native American themes against the behavior and attitudes of the exclusive 'inner circle' of townsfolk was especially well-done.
While the storyline is solid, the characters believable and relate-able, and the climax of the book a true page-turner, I think that this book would benefit from a more solid editing--I found several spots that could have used some tightening up, although it is important to note that this did not inhibit my overall enjoyment of the book.
Ultimately, I gave Blood Club five stars and the editor three; hence a four-star rating. If you live in New England, have ever been curious about small-town living, or are a fan of Stephen King, you will find Blood Club to be an engaging read that grabs you and holds you to the very last page.