Mum's Monday: Black Shuck by Piers Warren

The true legend of The Black Shuck can be found in many ghost and legends books, and the story also inspired Sir Arthur Conan Doyle Sherlock Holmes the Hound of the Baskervilles.

Before I bought this fictional version of the legend, this book, reading the second paragraph on the back it made me think ‘How much more can the character Harry Lambert take?’ With all the bad luck and tragedy in his life, he chooses Norfolk one of the Black Shuck counties to relax in, it seems his bad luck continues and is yet to turn to good luck. I bought the book and started to read it.

It was nice to read that Harry has Linda and Frank, who run the guest house, Harry was staying in to confide in and to fishing with Frank is a good distraction until the story of Black Shuck and Harry’s ex-wife Louise is mentioned.

Chapter 4 and others are written from the point of view of the dog, they are cleverly done, the dog is loyal to a fault and these explain the legend in more detail. Reading the prologue carefully is a must to understand this chapter more.

It is nice to read the seals are being looked after by the warden Peter Wild.

This book gives an insight into, when a person has no idea of the stories or legends of an area they can feel weird and come across some strange goings on. When people have an open mind or are not expecting anything other than a normal walk along a beach, who knows what is out there to find or could be following them.

Chapter nine starts off so nice, Linda has gone out but has left a note for Harry to make his own breakfast. This is a kind gesture and treating him like a member of the household and not just a Bed and Breakfast paying customer.

Harry is half way through his week already and isn’t yet feeling the benefits of the break. I sense a plan is looming as I read on.

It is lovely to see Harry get on so well with Peter and especially Peter’s eldest daughter Annie.

This book is a very quick read, things change so fast. It is good to see Harry’s life moving forward from what bought him to Norfolk in the first place. The part in chapter ten written about driving a boat and safety features is well done and realistic, this is good to read if a bit technical, but if it keeps people safe then it is a good thing.

Chapter eleven takes a grizzly turn but then the title of the book is Black Shuck the Devil’s Dog you have to expect some horror. This is written so well that you can really picture the unfortunate scene.

The reaction of Peter when Black Shuck is mentioned is somewhat realistic as you either get as in this case denial or a person is willing to discuss the legend. As with most ghost stories I have come across people who say that nothing happened or to them going into detail of an experience they themselves have had and saying they believe. This book keeps you guessing and intrigues especially at the end of this chapter eleven.

It is good to read so much effort has been put into this book when it comes to Harry’s birdwatching. This story line gives the book depth. It could so easily have been a shallow example, but the detail given shows that a lot of research and thought has gone into it.

In chapter fourteen we are introduced to Linda’s aunt Eileen, this starts off as a normal visit to carry out some care, only to turn into a dark end. Considering the title of the book there is a clever link, proving you are never far away from the books title.

I like how this story all slots together and is well thought-out, Harry being a wild life film maker and has camped in the wild, so moving in to the ‘Watch House’ with its limited amenities is still somewhat a luxury to him. The story all makes sense, him wanting peace and quiet, an available house and Harry being used to fending for himself with not much.

In chapter twenty I did think of who it was that had suffered although the tragic circumstances came as a surprise.

This book keeps you reading if only to find out who the woman in the red dress is.

The book is a brilliant easy read if you are into horror.

One of the places that is mentioned in the book that is linked to the legend of Black Shuck is Blythburgh Holy Trinity church. The church is opened to the public, you can check the opening times on the churches website. The legend is mentioned in the guide book and you can see the scorched alleged claw marks on the church door. You can find the church in Blythburgh on Church road or Priory road along the A12 south of Lowestoft Suffolk. There is a large carpark off to the side of Church road and then you can just walk through to the church.