Kate Maruyama crafts narratives that delve into the unsettling aspects of everyday life and the human psyche, often blurring the lines between reality and the uncanny. Her writing is characterized by a palpable atmosphere and a keen exploration of character motivations, drawing readers into situations where the ordinary can quickly become extraordinary and even menacing. She excels at building suspense and creating immersive worlds that linger long after the last page is turned. Maruyama's work offers a compelling look at the hidden tensions beneath the surface of normalcy.
The plot centers around the emergence of Halloween Beyond stores, which connect the lives of three visitors through a captivating blend of mystery and magic. As their paths intertwine, they uncover secrets and experience enchanting encounters, revealing the deeper significance of the Halloween season. The narrative explores themes of fate and the transformative power of the holiday, creating a rich tapestry of interconnected stories.
Michael should be overjoyed by the birth of his son, but his wife, Sarah, won't let him touch the baby or allow anyone to visit. Greta, an intrusive, sinister doula has wormed her way into their lives, driving a wedge between Michael and his family. Every time he leaves the Harrowgate, he returns to find his beloved wife and baby altered. He feels his family slipping away, and as a malevolent force begins to creep in, Michael does what any new father would do--he fights to keep his family together. Kate Maruyama's debut novel, Harrowgate, is a chilling, richly detailed story of love, loss, and the haunted place that lies between.