The fact that Chuck Tingle, an enigmatic author who’s been known chiefly an internet meme for years, wrote a “serious” book is surprising. That this book was deftly written, that the story was compelling, the characters relatable, the horror and the heart both present in spades, is nothing short of shocking.

A horror story based on a fundamentalist gay conversion camp is something of a niche genre at this point. I can specifically think of at least three other titles that cover largely this same theme. And no wonder, so called “conversion therapy” is more terrifying than anything to be found in the pages of a Stephen King or Clive Barker novel. But Camp Damascus may do it better than any other book I’ve read. Without veering into spoiler territory, Mr. Tingle, whoever he really is, has a keen sense for what makes conversion therapy, and religious fundamentalism in general, scary. He uses this insight, and flowing prose to spin a very fine yarn from beginning to end.

This book grabbed me from the first scene and propelled me on to finish it as fast as I could. I was intrigued, I was scared, I was entertained, and I may have teared up once or twice. I would encourage anyone who likes horror fiction, or just simply good storytelling to pick up this title.