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Solace House by Will Maclean review
A dead poet’s cluttered mansion is the setting for a heady brew of magic, mystery and mushrooms
TL;DR
- The novel is set in the summer of 1993, focusing on student Alex Lane's experiences.
- Alex takes a job clearing out Marshlands asylum and the nearby gothic mansion, Solace House.
- Solace House was inhabited by the reclusive and eccentric poet Edwin Flayne, a hoarder.
- The story involves supernatural occurrences, "timey-wimey" events, and a descent into madness.
- Comparisons are made to Arthur Machen, Charles Williams, HP Lovecraft, True Detective, The Secret History, and House of Leaves.
- The novel features a clever and satisfying twist at the end, making sense of Flayne's poetry.