“Daryl Sneath’s In The Country in the Dark is a romance with a twist. Written in luminous prose, his descriptions of country life, canoeing, falling in love and dealing with grief are exquisite. Utilizing the conventions of a gothic romance, Sneath spins a tale simmering with unease. Landon Wood, a professed luddite, narrates much of the text but shares the story with an omniscient voice, as well as with journal notes written by Joy Kalm, his partner. The couple meet, fall in love and buy a house in the country together – all very quickly and before they really know each other. As they establish themselves in the rural community, they hear disturbing rumours about the previous owners of their home and suggestions that the house itself may be haunted. Landon is utterly content with the quietude of their new shared existence but Joy becomes restless and uncomfortable with the sense of permanence they have created. As other individuals enter their intimate orbit, the couple’s fragile union is disrupted and the love story spirals into something sinister. Landon, Joy and the house are all hiding dreadful secrets and as these are revealed, Sneath exposes the darkness that resides within each of them. Laced with lyricism from the soundtracks referenced in the background, the novel throbs with intensity and dread. Highly recommended.”

— Lucy E.M. Black Author of The Marzipan Fruit Basket, Eleanor Courtown, Stella’s Carpet and The Brickworks