Dark Country

Overview

Bram Stoker Awards Nominated author whose work hit #1 on Amazon across multiple categories and is optioned by top Hollywood producers

"Anyone liking a tense mystery with elements of the supernatural, a villain who believes himself about to become a god, and a heroine who swears she'll prevent it while at the same time acknowledging her own weaknesses, will read Dark Country and demand more. Thankfully, the sequel, False Prophet, is already on the way." ~New York Journal of BooksFrom multi-Bram Stoker Award Nominee Monique Snyman, Dark Country highlights the multicultural mythologies, magic, histories, beauty, and horror of living in pseudo-modern South Africa.Too often people mistake monsters for gods. When a ravaged corpse is discovered in Pretoria, South Africa, Esmé Snyder—an occult-crime expert—is called in to investigate. But she doesn't know the scope of what she's up against. Esmé is the target of a cat-and-mouse game with a serial killer who uses the paranormal to do his bidding, with the intent of becoming a god on Earth. With assistance from her team—a brusque detective, eccentric millionaire, stoic priest, hawkeyed secretary, and handsome British forensic criminologist—Esmé hopes to find the killer before he strikes again. But the clock isn't all that's working against them. The media catches wind of the threat against the citizens of Pretoria, and their reported speculations promise a post-Apartheid Satanic Panic. As the body count grows, Esmé must figure out who is behind the heinous crimes before she ends up the final sacrifice. * * * * * "A blend of horror and thriller components make Dark Country a thoroughly compelling, edge-of-your-seat read. As mythology, history, and cultural relations coalesce, Snyman excels in an ability to bring both the investigative and the supernatural potions of the story to life against a backdrop of South African culture. "A fictional tale with one foot in reality," the story tackles issues of magic, belief systems, and their impact. The broader meanings of good, evil, and crime-fighting efforts elevate Dark Country in delightfully unexpected ways, lending to its appeal to a broader audience than readers of supernatural horror or crime-solving alone." ~Midwest Book Review "While reading an author without prior exposure, certain resistances and preconceived notions are prevalent and skepticism rears its ugly head. Allow me to be the first to go on record and say faithful readers, believe the hype; believe every last word. Few can deny that fear is an ultimate aphrodisiac and Dark Country delivers from cover to cover. Snyman's prose are infectious from page one. The tell-tale sign of an effective storyteller is when a reader is so enthralled, he or she doesn't even realize they're reading a story. Perhaps what is most noteworthy is the elusive presence of the serial killer. The author seems to firmly grasp just how effective the elements of less is more. It is often what is read between the lines that is the true horror. Snyman takes the audience along a psychological winding path, knowing full well, as reluctant as we are, we'll follow each step of the way. The feedback is unanimous, the word of Monique Snyman is here to stay." ~HorrorNews.net

Reviews

"Snyman crafts a vivid story worthy not just of mature teen attention, but adult horror story readers. The tale excels in strong characterization and mystery, which drives the plot and keeps readers guessing. The result is an engrossing story that brings relationships and possible love to a relative loner whose former goal was to get out of town as soon as she is of age. It's a special brand of mystery, horror, and dark fantasy, finished with a touch of romance..." —Midwest Book Review  

"Stephen King's It meets Stephenie Meyer's Twilight in a frightening story of horror and fantasy woven together to create a delectable tale of the macabre. Snyman's storytelling will have people lining up for the next book in the series." —School Library Journal    

"There's a clear M. Night Shyamalan vibe … a spine-chilling sense of dread on every page of this truly excellent work." —Readers' Favorite    

"Snyman's creative adoption of English folklore adds a unique twist, and satisfying frights abound in an enjoyable, frenetically paced fantasy." —Publishers Weekly    

"… weaves together small-town horror with an intricate otherworldly fairytale to deliver a blend of horror and fantasy that captures the essence of young adult terror seasoned with the stuff of grown-up nightmares." —The Nerd Daily

"I have been searching high and low to find a writer that could intrigue me with writing as witty and crafty as Cassandra Clare, and lo and behold I found one. HOLY HELL what a read." —Nadine Maritz, MY HEAD IN A NUTSHELL    

"If YA dark fantasy is your fare, then The Night Weaver is right up your alley. Snyman has begun to build a promising world of intrigue and monsters in the dark. Though don't assume all that hides in shadows is beastly." —HORRORFUEL.COM

"Snyman's sinister and satisfying fantasy tale is an atmospheric start to a new series. The novel is unique and introduces a world of myth, intrigue, and darkness with considerable technique. It also functions on a metaphorical level, growing stronger by feeding on the negative emotions of the townspeople. Related horrors work on multiple levels. The familiar small-town atmosphere is imbued with a chilling aura, and the mystery at the heart of the book keeps pages turning. Skillful descriptions add to the spooky mood, as when the novel declares that 'with a single glare of those midnight eyes, even Death would surrender his scythe.' In addition, characters who have real stakes ground the tale in reality." —Foreword Reviews

Author Biography

Monique Snyman is an editor and the author of Bram Stoker Award® nominated novels, THE NIGHT WEAVER and THE BONE CARVER. Monique was born in Pretoria, South Africa and grew up on the western edge of the city during the post-Apartheid Era. As a result, she was exposed to various cultures, languages, religions, and class differences from a very early age. While Monique’s first language is Afrikaans, she dedicated her career to specializing in English creative writing. Monique resides outside of Johannesburg with her husband and daughter.www.MoniqueSnyman.com