The Man in the Closet

By Michael Andrew Marsden

Reviewed by D. Andrew McChesney

            When Kyle Carraher’s family moves from Washington, D. C. to Wallace, Idaho, his fear of large rodents gnawing through the wall is replaced by dread of the man in the closet.  Over the subsequent years, the supposed presence in the upper floor storage room exerts unusual influences over members of his extended family. Eighteen years later Kyle returns to the house to determine if there really is a man in the closet.

            As it begins, this book reads like one intended for a younger reader. The straight forward writing clearly depicts extraordinary events in what were quite ordinary lives. As the story progresses, darker, more sinister, more adult themes are introduced, taking the tale to a level meant for a more mature audience. When one reaches the final page, murder, arson, sex for sale, sex as a means of coercion, and criminal insanity have all made their presence known. Each chapter takes the reader to greater heights of suspense and increases the “can’t put it down” factor.

The Man in the Closet is the author’s second ghost story set in north Idaho, and is pleasantly devoid of many of the faults associated with self-published work. In all aspects it is a well-written, well-edited, and professionally produced book.

The Man in the Closet, from Marsden Publishing, ISBN 1-59975-485-1, is priced at $16.00 and is available at local Spokane, and Coeur d’Alene bookstores and at www.amazon.com. Check out the author’s web-site at www.michaelmarsden.com