It’s been way too long since I’ve read James A. Moore, and his writing story doesn’t disappoint after a hiatus. It’s easy to be absorbed into the story by the way he weaves words together.

The mysterious Jonathan Crowley was the most fascinating character in the book. Supernaturally gifted, he travels and haunts down different baddies, led by sources, gut instinct, and something else not explained to the reader. This cover of mystery only makes him more intriguing. Simon MacGruder, the other main, is writing a story of the town’s history, sorting through the violent history and legends which have befallen the town.

Every town has it’s sordid history, but this one worse than others, and things are finally being set in motion to bring it all to a head, revenge style. Intriguing premise.

Pacing is languid but to suit the tone of the story, and also since it’s a trilogy not everything is going to be wrapped up here. It’s all being set in motion and the foundation laid. Writ in Blood goes back and forth between three storylines, which can get disorientating if you don’t pay attention, but ultimately necessary to get all the tidbits in there. I personally dislike timeline changes like that for the most part, as I get sucked into one story and don’t want to leave it, but it’s done as effectively as it can be here.

By the end of the book, I have glimpses of the overall storyline, but not enough to merit me wanting to absorb myself in the story yet.
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In upstate New York, a writer embarks on writing his hometown's history. What Simon MacGruder learns are dark and disturbing moments that the entire town seems to casually overlook. Occult forces are at work - they always have been, since Serenity Falls' cursed beginning. Meanwhile, Jonathan Crowley, a mysterious man with decidedly unnatural abilities, heads toward Serenity Falls to meet something dark and evil. But, strange events keep his arrival perpetually delayed.

'Serenity Falls' was originally one self-contained novel. When it went to paperback, the story was expanded into a trilogy of novels. As such, 'Writ In Blood' tends to be a very large setup novel that sets the stage for the rest of the trilogy (I assume.)

Moore likes to build his town and reveal it to the reader in due time. He does this deftly and keeps the reader interested all the way. 'Writ In Blood' might be more about the town of Serenity Falls than its inhabitants, though many of them do have roles to play. This opening tale is largely about atmosphere and that's what good horror is, to me.

Moore presents the tale across three aspects - MacGruder's experiences as he digs into the town history, the town history itself, and Crowley's journey. It's a good idea, with Crowley's physical action giving counterweight to the drama of MacGruder and the history of the town.

This opening tale ends on a some very unresolved notes. (see - "split up into trilogy.") But I've been invested enough in the twisted little town of Serenity Falls that I certainly will be returning for the second installment. ( )

I liked this book and plan to try the other 2 books in the series. There were several small stories within the story, so it did seem to jump around a bit. I had trouble connecting some of the characters without looking back to see where I had read their names before. If the characters and chapters had flowed together a bit more smoothly, I would have given this book an even higher rating. ( )