On a stormy night, a small plane crashes in the mountains of New Hampshire. Among the passengers Kylie O'Rourke, her husband Jack, her best friend Amelia, and Amelia's husband Dix.
The four barely survive the crash. Kylie suffers the worst injuries. Upon awakening, she is tormented by memories of post-crash events that didn't happen. Kylie remembers a cabin and a conversation with another passenger. However, that man died on impact. Could she have imagined the entire scene?
The recollections persist and increase in alarming detail. Doctors assure Kylie that the crash trauma triggered repressed memories from her childhood. A frightening figure stalks her with spiritual claims that she should have died in that crash.
Quietus follows Kylie as she teeters on the fine line between reality and the afterlife. A man no one else can see torments her with fatalistic prophecies. When his words ring true, Kylie realizes that unless she breaks the connection with the entity, she and her loved ones will perish.
This is a 400-page story trapped in a 600-page book. Kylie spends lots of time being haunted and running scared. Simultaneously, there is extensive discussion regarding the politics of the afterlife. A handful of these scenes would be enough, but the actual amount lessens the horror factor considerably.
The story doesn't flow smoothly, either. Schilling pauses regularly to explain something pertinent to the plot. Much of the information is related to past symbols of the Catholic Church. Those with an interest in religious history best receive the digressions in the tale.
Quietus is recommended for readers who enjoy gothic themes. The novel is set in and around the Boston area. Schilling's use of old buildings and darkened streets will definitely increase your heart rate. Wade through the verbosity and you'll find a haunting tale that examines the relationship between life on earth and the mysteries of the afterlife.
