Incubus

So yesterday I read Incubus by Ann Arensberg. The storyline is that a farming town and its inhabitants suddenly go through a series of unusual happenings -- birth of deformed livestock, changed weather patterns, and the complete loss of sexual desire in men. What's happening? Why, it's an incubus, preying on the town's women. Interesting enough for a quick read... and a review.

On one hand, the writing was excellent and the descriptions were well thought out. In addition, the storytelling was almost musical; it was beautiful prose. On the other hand, I felt there were superfluous characters (I hate that.) On the third hand, I liked where it was set (Maine), and the story was darkly entertaining. It wasn't gory, but it was somewhat juicy.

Her writing reminds me of Shirley Jackson's -- calm, deliberate, and chilling; but I never got that spine-tingling thrill like at the end of Jackson's works. I was expecting a little more follow-through at the end.

But all in all, it was a good read. I give this book two wide eyes and a few dirty thoughts. Arensberg has also written two other books, and they will definitely be added to my list.