Scuttler's Cove by David Barnett

David Barnett writes books that should be made into mini-series. I loved Withered Hill, so I was PUMPED to read Scuttler’s Cove. It was perfect—a chef's kiss. Five stars. A+++

Merrin Moon hasn't been back to Scuttler's Cove since she left for university. She and her mother were estranged, so returning to visit was never really something she cared about. She forgot about Scuttler's Cove and its traditions. She returns after learning her mother has died, leaving her life (and boyfriend) in London for good. It was time to return.

Jen is a young widow coming to Scuttler's Cove for the summer. It's a beautiful seaside town that tourists have taken over for the summer holiday season. Jen is enveloped in the 'gang,' her deceased husband's group of big-spender friends. They all purchased land and built huge summer homes surrounding an old apple tree.

Scuttler's Cove is a character in and of itself. The local families are steeped in tradition, with sons and daughters taking over the family business from their parents. Taran is now the local fisherman, Bobby is now the butcher, and Merrin is destined to be whatever her mother was to the town.

Jen and Marrin became friends, but that was not without problems. One night, both women desire apples. Marrin collects the fallen fruit and shares it with Jen in an almost bacchanalian moment—sharing fruit and memories.

Everything comes to an explosive finale when the apple tree's fruit starts to rot, and the woods around the tree become more profound and more intense. The two women must band together to save the town and each other.
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Both of Barnett's stories are deep into folklore, which truly makes both novels so great. Old stories told around campfires, passed among friends at a bar, and said to kids at night are all cautionary tales. Barnett takes those tales and makes them into quant towns full of darkness.

I am hoping that there are more dark tales and creepy towns coming.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review this fabulous book.