Wow, just wow. I hope that David Barnett is my new go to for Folk Horror, because currently it is Andrew Michael Hurley and he doesn't write enough lol .
Anyway, both great folk horror writers. I was lucky enough to read this one and Withered Hill and was extremely impressed by both. I hope this author stays in this vein of writing as it's my favorite sub genre of horror.

I thoroughly enjoyed my time reading this book. The bright, beachy atmosphere with a looming undercurrent of something dark and sinister kept the tension high throughout most of the story. I found myself itching to read more when I wasn’t actively reading it. I really liked Merrin and Jen’s characters. They felt well thought out and developed. Overall, a solid horror story!

Wow. I feel so lucky that I’ve gotten to read two books by this author in under a year! Scuttler’s Cove is just as good as Withered Hill. Both in the folk horror genre, but still very different. This one had some heart in it, which I quite enjoyed. The town, the characters, the folklore elements are all so amazing. There is a nice feminist message here that fits nicely, not shoehorned in. I can’t wait to read more by David Barnett!

Thanks to NetGalley and Canelo for the eARC.

(I received this book from the editor and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review)
An entertaining folk horror with a fairy tale’s heart, Scuttler’s Cove is my first book by David Barnett and I think it will not be the last.
At first, I thought the novel would be folk horror 101, that is to say, city girl comes back home to a small village, her family has secrets, people in town do not really trust her, things go crazy… and I was not wrong, but I was also not expecting the magnitude of what was coming.
I was not very fond of the nameless character, though. I know it was somehow necessary for the story, but I felt out of place and rhythm compared to the other characters. Speaking of, I love me some city folks being obnoxious and playing with things they do not understand.
All in all, a very quick reading with an irregular rhythm and a background that is worth exploring.

Happy to say this novel was another gem! Scuttler's Cove takes you on a wild ride of mystery, intrigue, and horrific folklore brought to life! From the POV of several characters, this book draws you in and grips you from start to finish! The story follows Merrin and Jen and their journey to Scuttler's Cove in Cornwall, a majestic seaside town with a deep rooted history that will change both women's lives forever.
A war between myth, monsters of men, and the very fabric of the laws of nature collide in this epic tale!
I think anyone who is a fan of The Harr, with a dash of clash of the titans then you will definitely enjoy this book by David Barnett!

This was such a great folk horror novel and worked with the concept that I was looking for. The plot had that overall feel that I was looking for and had enjoyed how terrifying the sea was in this book. I enjoyed getting to know the characters and was glad I got to read this. David Barnett wrote this perfectly and can’t wait for more.

"There was something in Scuttler’s Cove you couldn’t quite put your finger on. Even the name sounded a bit… creepy-crawly. Put her in mind of things scuttling. Of course, she knew the reason the town was named that, and it was the same reason , probably, that the townsfolk would never really take a copper to their hearts."
‘
⚠️Triggers⚠️
Animal death, murder

⚠️Possible spoiler⚠️


‘Reconcile Endellion and Avallen,’ said Taran. ‘Thee lord of the land and the lady of the sea. As it should always have been, before man interfered. Restore the balance. End the cycle of sacrifice.’

Endellion's fury is unbound because of men's greed and meddling. Yes to feminine rage!
The cover blurb says "A seaside idyll with horror at its heart." and I'm sold. I knew I had to request it though I didn't have high hopes it will be granted. So suffice to say I was pretty excited when I got approved for this ARC. I have seen mostly good reviews about Withered Hill and although I haven't read that one yet, I surely will after this. This is just right up my alley and it is very well-written and sprinkled with what makes a good folk horror - typical elements including a rural setting, isolation, themes of superstition or supernatural entity, folk religion, rituals, sacrifice and the dark aspects of nature. Moral ambiguity of the genre is also to be expected. I'm still curious as to what happened to one of the key characters and his mysterious disappearance. I was left thirsting for more! Withered Hill and Scratch Moss were mentioned at the end so I'm guessing that Scratch Moss is a possible sequel or could be another book entirely. 🤔🤔🤔 Really enjoyed this one. Dark, compelling and atmospheric. Def recommend!


I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you to NetGalley and Canelo publishing 🖤

I loved Withered Hill, but I might love Scuttler’s Cove even more. This is folk horror at its finest, with a great and creepy small town on the coast, some great lore, and characters you really care about. It leads to an intensely satisfying and fantastic ending that will have you actually cheering.

Merrin left the Cornish town of Scuttler's Cove for university and never returned. But now that her mother has died she's going back to the place she had all but forgotten. Jen is recently married and soon after widowed. Her wealthy husband and his wealthy friends have invested in new summer properties in Scuttler's Cove, and they're bringing her with them to take time off in their new investments. Unbeknownst to them, the two women are fated to be part of something ancient that resides in the seaside town.
This was English countryside folk horror at its finest. A secluded village that follows age-old traditions, ancient gods, mystic rituals, everything that makes for a great folk tale is present with a new spin on the theme. It almost feels like a modern version of The Wicker Man, but in best possible way and with its own unique take.

Scuttler's Cove is an absolutely creepy folk horror novel set in Cornwall. A story of old gods, class wars, and sacrifices, this book has secrets galore and, if you like folk horror as much as me, will definitely be among your favorites in the genre.

A woman moves back to the titular small town after the death of her mother. She's been gone for many years and finds the town is a haven for wealthy summer people, while pricing out locals. There's a tension present, rich vs. poor, and it's palpable throughout the story.

But there are things older than the town, living in the ocean and under the soil. Things which require sacrifice for the town to thrive. Old rituals and bloodshed in exchange for prosperity.

And our protagonist is going to find herself in the middle as a returned "daughter" of the town, even if she's not willing.

Filled with great characters, a downright creepy unsettling narrative, and surprises in store which you won't see coming, this is a must read folk horror novel. I highly recommend it.