Thanks to Brigids Gate Press and NetGalley for sending me the digital ARC of Colin Leonard's 'Country Roads.'

I was intrigued to read the NetGalley blurb for 'Country Roads' and a little more reading revealed that I grew up in the same part of the world that the author did and writes about in this very enjoyable folk horror offering.

I think the fact that I'm familiar with the landscapes and the types of characters you find in rural and small-town Ireland really helped with my enjoyment of the book.

A young couple with new baby move back to the home place (while maintaining the commute) because life in the city is too expensive to sustain is an all-too-real scenario in 21st century Ireland. On top of the stress and anxiety related to that they're reconnecting with the old friend of the husband's who - until he met and entered a relationship with his now wife - was under the somewhat malign influence of that friend who is now one of the policemen - and an unsavoury character - in the small town they're moving back to.

Things happen very quickly in this novel. Almost immediately, we witness brutal murders and horrific mutilation and the new arrivals are up to their necks in it in every way.

This is a really fast-paced and enjoyable tale of the interaction of the old beings with the modern world. It's suggested that maybe the encroaching population has caused them to become more aggressive and change their ways and while I'd have liked a bit more writing about the creatures - who/what are they - the author does a good job of creating a frightening race of creatures derived from Irish folklore.

Bravo on a first novel and congratulations to Brigids Gate Press for supporting the writers and the genre.

Unfortunately, this just wasn't for me. I found the opening chapter very underwhelming and didn't creep me out or unsettle me at all. Without those hooks dug in, the next 20% just felt light on tension.
Thanks for the approval, but I'm going to have to DNF at 25%.

Thanks to NetGalley and Brigids Gate Press for an advanced reader copy of this ebook, in exchange for an honest review.

The Irish countryside, a new beginning for the Sheridan family, old friends, and small town life, I was drawn right in to the story! The writing was atmospheric, and while I didn’t like many of the characters, they were each interesting in their own way. I kept wondering if the towns people were in some way connected to the evil that came out at night bringing violence and chaos. Overall this story was enjoyable, many spine chilling moments throughout. I would have enjoyed more of the lore in the actual story, and some connection to the town and it’s people. If you like stories about things that go bump in the night, you may enjoy the horrors revealed in this story.

The Irish countryside, a new beginning for the Sheridan family, old friends, and small town life, I was drawn right in to the story! The writing was atmospheric, and while I didn’t like many of the characters, they were each interesting in their own way. I kept wondering if the towns people were in some way connected to the evil that came out at night bringing violence and chaos. Overall this story was enjoyable, many spine chilling moments throughout. I would have enjoyed more of the lore in the actual story, and some connection to the town and it’s people. If you like stories about things that go bump in the night, you may enjoy the horrors revealed in this story.

Thoroughly enjoyed this incredibly atmospheric, fast-paced novel. The feeling of dread stayed with me from page one all the way to the end. If you love small town horror you will not be disappointed! The ending was missing something for me, perhaps a sequel is needed! My first read by this author and excited to see his future works!

An atmospheric horror that was very well executed. The characters were intriguing. I love folk horror and this spun that yarn so well.

4 stars

I loved this. This is exactly my favorite horror niche. I enjoy the writing style here, and the atmosphere. Leonard wrote an amazing folk horror that hit all the right tones and spots. I really hope to see more by him with this feel.

Small town Folk horror, with an eccentric cast of characters, or characters with secrets is my favorite genre. This hits the mark. Spooky, creatures, people with issues. Great read. Look forward to more from this author.

I love a good folk horror book and this one does not disappoint. It has everything you expect in the genre and it's setting is as creepy as the narrative.

This novel takes place in a small town in the Irish countryside and that kind of backdrop always captures my imagination, especially with all of the lore and legends that exist in such places.

There are some nasty blood thirsty creatures in this seemingly ideal hamlet and this author does such a great job of providing us with just enough description while letting our minds run wild. Sometimes less is more and in the dark of night, as unfortunate people come across these creatures, your mind will run rampant with the horrifying possibilities of what these things are.

This story really creeps up on you and scratches at those parts of the brain that scream at you not to go there. Small town horror, folk horror, and family issues ensures that you'll want to keep reading long into the night... with your doors and windows locked, of course! I highly recommend this.