A Haunting in the Arctic by C. J. Cooke

*** Review ***

In A Haunting in the Arctic, C. J. Cooke spins a web of chilling horror and mystery that transcends time, weaving together the narratives of two women, Nicky in 1901 and Dominique in the present day, both ensnared by the haunting legacy of the Ormen, a whaling ship with a sinister past. The novel explores themes of trauma, survival, and the enduring impact of dark secrets, all against the backdrop of the unforgiving Icelandic landscape.

Cooke’s narrative begins with the discovery of the Ormen’s wreckage on the remote coast of Iceland. Dominique, an explorer with an inexplicable connection to the ship, is drawn to document its final days, even as others before her have met uncanny fates. The novel then takes us back to 1901, where Nicky, the daughter of the ship’s owner, becomes entangled in a nightmarish ordeal aboard the Ormen, setting the stage for a tale of revenge that spans over a century.

What sets A Haunting in the Arctic apart is Cooke’s ambitious storytelling. The nonlinear timeline, alternating between the past and the present, adds layers of complexity to the narrative. The atmospheric setting, perfectly matched with the Icelandic winter, contributes to the novel’s ominous tone. Cooke masterfully creates an environment that is ghostly, creepy, and fear-inducing, making the reader shiver at every turn.

The novel is not an easy read; it is a dark, harsh, and tragic tale that unfolds with tension, surprises, and twists. The 1901 timeline, set on the whaling ship, is particularly challenging, evoking emotions of anger, shock, and sadness as the characters grapple with horrifying trauma. The modern timeline, with Dom and her unnerving companions, adds a layer of psychological thriller, creating a sense of vulnerability and palpable danger.

Cooke seamlessly weaves myths and legends of folklore into the narrative, creating a common thread that ties the timelines together. The High Arctic’s picturesque descriptions, combined with historical tales and urban Nordish folklore, immerse the reader in a world that is both haunting and captivating.

The heart of the novel lies in its characters, particularly Nicky, whose harrowing journey on the Ormen elicits a range of emotions from the reader. The selkie wife’s traumatic story, deeply penetrating and heartbreaking, stays with the reader long after the book is finished. Cooke skillfully explores the mental cages humans create to cope with past traumas, adding a thought-provoking layer to the narrative.

As the mystery unfolds, intersecting the three timelines, the reader is taken on a rollercoaster of emotions. The novel’s conclusion is jaw-dropping, leaving the reader in awe of Cooke’s creative originality in storytelling. The shocking and challenging nature of the novel, coupled with its well-polished and detailed execution, makes it a haunting and unforgettable experience.

The novel’s Gothic atmosphere, the use of folklore, and the stark beauty of the Arctic setting contribute to its uniqueness. Cooke tackles themes of trauma, survival, and loss with a raw intensity that may be difficult for some readers but adds depth and authenticity to the narrative. The reveal, when it comes, is unexpected and thoroughly satisfying, showcasing Cooke’s ability to keep the reader on the edge of their seat.

In conclusion, A Haunting in the Arctic is a tour de force of atmospheric storytelling, blending horror, mystery, and psychological depth. C. J. Cooke’s evocative writing style, coupled with the novel’s shocking twists and emotional resonance, creates an immersive experience that lingers in the reader’s mind—a haunting tale that leaves an indelible mark on the soul.