LET HIM IN by William Friend

Have you ever wondered if a child’s imaginary friend could actually be real? Within the pages of William Friend’s debut novel, Let Him In, you may just find that answer.

When Alfie’s wife suddenly passes away, he is forced to raise his two young twin daughters alone. Living in the home that has been in his wife’s family for decades, he begins to feel the affects of being an outsider in his own home. His reality starts to shift when his daughters begin to include their new imaginary friend “Black Mamba” in their day to day activities. As time goes on, Black Mamba’s requests become more and more demanding, pitting Alfie and his sister-in-law, Julia, against the twins.

In his first literary venture, William Friend has crafted a taut thriller that takes the reader on a journey of harmless play, seemingly brought on by a coping mechanism, to bone chilling horror as the effects of Black Mamba begin to take a toll on the family.

Fans of horror are certain to find many elements that are familiar to them but Friend’s use of those tropes still instill fear within the reader. Suffice to say, this reviewer found himself checking his closet and under the bed before turning out the lights, only to wake up in a cold sweat or two.

Let Him In is a fantastic debut novel, that is certain to frighten even the most hardened reader.