Coleridge, by Tom Deady, is a lot of story in a small package. You're probably tired of reading about the novella being the premier vessel for horror delivery, but there's a reason that statement keeps being made. A story that takes up about 100 pages can leave the reader with a sense of ambiguity, not just in the ending, but in the development of the characters themselves.

If I'm honest, I'm not 100% sure I know what happened by the end of the story. Normally such a statement would translate into 'This book is a mess. Stay away.', but in the case of Coleridge, the journey is what we've signed on for, not the destination (at least in this reader's humble opinion).

Dalia and Zadie are very likable main characters, despite the fact that Zadie only appears in flashbacks. Deady does a fine job of establishing these women, but the standout moment that makes the reader stand up and give a shit about their relationship happens quite late in the book. I do believe you'll know it when you get to it.

I expected the house to feature as more of a character, but since I love going into books without the synopsis, that's on me. It has a history that is dealt with briefly, and it is the reason Dalia and Zadie are brought together, but it's mainly there to bring Slade, the antagonist, into our story. Slade is not particularly devilish or genuinely evil. Instead his strength lies in mystery. Again, an emphasis on character and journey.

If you're looking at the cover expecting an evil and/or haunted house story, you're not going to get it in Coleridge. Neither will you get a clear first, second, and third act wrapped up with a neat little bow. If you're looking for something a bit outside the box, that leaves room for the reader to interpret, this may be for you. Again, Deady succeeds here in not just giving you the facts and allowing you to piece together the ending, but in allowing you, even daring you, to look very closely at each piece before you proceed.

I was given a e-copy by the publisher for review consideration.