CALL THE DARK BY J. TODD SCOTT

In Call The Dark, J. Todd Scott designs a thriller that operates as more than just an affective page-turner. It is one of those tales of convergence with several people drawn together by a few twists of dark fate. It also becomes the convergence of several genres.

Maggie Roby hikes up one of the Appalachian mountains, pursued by some shady folks she and her husband double crossed in a crypto-currency scheme. On the other side sits money she has stashed for a getaway. A plane crashes into her path with one of the few survivors being Luna, a fifteen year old girl hunted by some even shadier people. They find protection with a retired sheriff who turned hermit after his son's death. As the bad guys as well as the law close in, a snow storm builds and Luna's powers to "call the dark" manifest.

Scott finds a way to carry and tie the story threads together through momentum. Working lately as a screenwriter as well, he demonstrates an understanding of pace and how to utilize it. He crisply and clearly establishes action and reveals , often through dialogue and action that pops.

By grounding the action and supernatural elements, he makes them easier to blend. A DEA member, Scott knows is guns and as someone who grew up and often operates in the south, he provides and accurate backdrop. He portrays rural society and it's people with with an intelligence and dignity. He uses there legends and superstition to tie into Luna' powers that never go over the top in the portrayal.

Call The Dark is one of those books begging to be a movie. It's tight and moves with characters and action that engage. J. Todd Scott writes like a master craftsman with some new tools to work with.

-review by Scott Montgomery