This was my first experience in the wonderful world of Adam Nevill, and it didn’t disappoint. Not. One. Bit.

The Reddening explores the English countryside in a mesmerizing way that truly transports the reader. More than just about any other book I can name off the top of my head, this one opens the pages a little wider and pulls the reader inside. Once in, there’s a plethora of caves and tunnels to explore, but you may not like what you find inside.

Nevill presents horrors that feel other-worldly, but this is the beauty of the set-up. Events (and people) that, on the surface, seem like they could never happen to us are dropped into such a compelling real-life setting that even the bravest of us will be looking around a little bit more at night, unsure of our surroundings, or a little more wary of that inexplicable creak coming from the top floor.

The Reddening is probably best-described as slow burn horror, although when things do kick into gear, it’s positively unrelenting. There is a scene involving Kat, one of the primary protagonists and her boyfriend about halfway through that I can honestly say will be stuck in my head from here on out. There are parts of this novel where you want to look away and Nevill simply won’t let you.

If you like longer novels that take their time to world-build, establish compelling characters, and deliver on the keep-you-up-at night frights, this is the one for you. My wife will be happy that I’ve finished and the cover won’t be gracing my nightstand anymore. This is an easy pick for one of the best books of 2019.