A Ghost Chases the Horizon


Fiction - Literary
Kindle Edition
Reviewed on 05/02/2025
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    Book Review

Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite

M. L. Mallow’s A Ghost Chases the Horizon explores memory and the spectral imprints left behind by tragic historical events. Set against the eerie backdrop of the deserted Weston Hospital, the novel brings the past and present together into a rich tapestry of interconnected lives. The narrative is largely anchored around the institution, portrayed as a sentient entity observing the unfolding human dramas over the decades. This unique perspective gives the narrative an omniscient quality that enriches the unfolding stories.

Mallow’s prose is rich and atmospheric, imbuing the setting with a palpable foreboding while also capturing the melancholy beauty of the decaying structure. The characters are meticulously crafted, and their stories reveal the deep scars left by personal and historical traumas. The narrative is particularly strong in conveying how the past persistently infiltrates the present, with the characters’ lives being shaped by long-ago events that refuse to remain buried. The novel also explores themes of redemption, reconciliation, and the need to make sense of the past. The hospital’s dark history and eerie presence are a perfect metaphor for the hidden histories that affect all of us in one way or another. A Ghost Chases the Horizon is a riveting read, ideal for those who enjoy novels that blend historical depth with supernatural elements. The book isn’t for everyone. It contains content that some readers may find upsetting, but this story can’t be told without the harsh realities that shape the characters and their world. It confronts these difficult themes head-on, offering a raw, unflinching look at the complexities of human experience.