Robert McCammon is a New York Times bestselling author of horror, historical, and suspense novels. His latest book, The River of Souls, is the fifth installment in the Matthew Corbett series, which follows the adventures of a professional "problem solver" in the early 18th century. The River of Souls was published in 2014 by Subterranean Press and is available in hardcover, paperback, and ebook formats.
The River of Souls takes place in 1703, in the Carolina settlement of Charles Town. Matthew Corbett accepts a lucrative commission to escort a beautiful woman to a fancy dress ball, but his assignment takes a darker turn when he becomes involved in a murder investigation. A sixteen-year-old girl has been stabbed to death on the grounds of a local plantation, and the suspected killer is a slave who has escaped with two family members into the swamp. Matthew joins the hunt for the runaway slaves, but soon discovers that something born of the swamp is stalking the hunters with more than murder in mind.
The River of Souls is a fast-paced and thrilling story that blends historical fiction, mystery, and horror. McCammon creates a vivid and atmospheric setting that transports the reader to the colonial era, with its social tensions, political intrigues, and cultural diversity. He also introduces a variety of fascinating characters, such as the mysterious woman who hires Matthew, the ruthless plantation owner who wants revenge, the native tribe that lives in harmony with nature, and the mythical beast that lurks in the swamp. McCammon's writing is rich and engaging, with a balance of action, suspense, and humor.
The River of Souls is a standalone novel that can be enjoyed by new and old fans alike. However, readers who want to follow Matthew Corbett's journey from the beginning can start with the first book in the series, Speaks the Nightbird, which was published in 2002. The other books in the series are The Queen of Bedlam (2007), Mister Slaughter (2010), and The Providence Rider (2012). McCammon has also announced that he is working on the sixth book in the series, titled The King of Shadows.
The River of Souls is a highly recommended read for anyone who loves historical thrillers with a touch of horror. It is a captivating and entertaining book that showcases McCammon's talent and imagination as a storyteller.
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