Phil Wigglesworth

The Watching Tide offered a pretty atmospheric read with a chilling premise. The plot felt a bit slow to really get going, especially in the first half. Dr. Eliza Harland's journey into her family's dark history was intriguing, though some supporting characters felt a little underdeveloped. Wigglesworth's writing style painted a vivid, unsettling picture of the island and its traditions. I appreciated the exploration of guilt and inherited burdens, which were central to the story. The connection between Eliza and the island's secrets was a strong element that kept me reading. The pacing picked up considerably once the storm hit and the stakes became more apparent. While the ending provided closure, it felt a little rushed after the build-up. Fans of gothic folk horror and stories with a deep sense of dread will likely find something to enjoy here. It’s a solid choice for a spooky night in, though it didn't completely blow me away.

The Watching Tide is an exceptionally crafted piece of gothic folk horror that left a significant impression. Wigglesworth masterfully weaves a tale of ancient pacts and inherited guilt, building a palpable sense of dread. The pacing is deliberate, allowing the atmospheric tension to simmer and intensify as Eliza uncovers the island's chilling truths. Dr. Eliza Harland's transformation from detached observer to integral participant in the island's doom is compelling. The exploration of inherited burdens and the consuming power of the ocean resonates deeply throughout the narrative. The prose is evocative, painting vivid pictures of the remote island and its spectral inhabitant. The author skillfully balances the supernatural elements with psychological horror, creating a potent blend. This novel offers a richly detailed and unsettling journey into the heart of darkness. I highly recommend The Watching Tide to anyone seeking an immersive and genuinely frightening read. The intricate plot, centered around ancestral sins and oceanic power, is expertly executed.

"The Watching Tide" offered a compelling, if uneven, dive into gothic folk horror. The premise of a spectral entity tied to the sea and demanding sacrifices was certainly intriguing, though the pacing felt a bit sluggish in the middle. Dr. Eliza Harland's journey into her family's dark secrets was the most engaging aspect of the narrative. Wigglesworth's prose effectively created a sense of creeping dread and isolation on the remote island. I appreciated the exploration of inherited guilt and the inescapable power of nature, which resonated well. The climax delivered some genuine chills, but the resolution felt a little too neat after the build-up. It’s a good read for those who enjoy atmospheric settings and a slow-burn mystery with familial ties. I felt the story could have been even stronger with a bit more tension in the second act. The connection between Eliza and The Watcher was the driving force, and it worked well when fully realized. Ultimately, it's a respectable entry into the genre with a solid foundation. I would recommend it to fans of dark folklore and oceanic horror with a personal connection. The book left me thinking about the weight of ancestry long after I finished.