Snow Day

Let me tell you, I was sincerely impressed with Snow Day. There is a hook at the beginning that draws you in and then, before you know it, you're flipping the last page with shaking fingers. To say that Dan Maurer's book is a thriller is a bit of an understatement. I'd equate it more to one of those horror movies that you just can't look away from. Sure the overall story is a thriller, but at its heart this connects to the reader on a visceral level.

What really struck me was how such a simple concept was turned into such a shiver inducing story. Billy Stone lives in the idyllic world of the 70's. His family believes that the small, suburban neighborhood they live in will protect him from anything that might mean him harm. As long as he stays on his block, life is good. Or is it? Dan Maurer explores the darkness that always lurks beneath the surface of any “perfect” place and he does it with expertise.

The one thing that left a little wanting for me was how quickly the book moved. I know this is a novella, and a very well written one at that. However I can happily admit that I wouldn't have a single problem following Billy's story through a full fledged novel. I love getting to know the characters I'm rooting for, and in this case I barely skimmed their surfaces. Still, I can't deny I loved every minute of it.

If you're a fan of stories that will make your pulse pound and your fingers fly across the pages, Snow Day is a novella you definitely need to add to your TBR. Part thriller, part horror novel, I devoured every minute of it. I know that you will too.