A Haunting in the Arctic by C.J. Cooke

Something has walked the floors of the Ormen for almost a century.

Something that craves revenge…

A Haunting in the Arctic by C.J. Cooke – a horror book review by Jim Mcleod.

It always amazes me when creative minds find a common theme and thematic way to present their work; I often wonder how they independently create a similar story and a similar storytelling technique almost simultaneously. What is floating about the ether inspiring authors to write similar-sounding stories?  

Within a few short weeks, we have the excellent Where the Dead Wait by Ally Wilkes and A Haunting in the Arctic by C.J. Cooke. Both novels are set in dual timelines in the Arctic region and focus on the ramifications of a failed “expedition” to the region. With two narrative threads alternating between revealing the horrors ensconced in the stories, this part of the novel is the perfect companion read. But does A Haunting in the Arctic by C.J. Cooke hold up to the excellence of Ally Wilkes’s novel?  

First, don’t let that cover fool you; what might look like a lovely novel about Scottish whaling history is not what you will find here. At times, this powerful and creepy novel tips over into pure brutality. I did not expect this from the novel. Don’t get me wrong, C.J. Cooke wastes no time piling on the tension here, hooking the reader in right from the first page, but I did not expect some of the scenes on show here. C.J. Cooke’s writing style is immersive and evocative, fully capturing the mood of both timelines. And with a rich turn of phrase, Cooke has created a genuinely mesmerising supernatural tale.  

I often worry when a novel is based in or around Scotland and Scottish people, especially after reading that book about Loch Ness by the author of The Gigantic Shark Books. Still, thankfully, C.J. Cooke fully understands how to set a book and fill it with characters that don’t come across as a horrible cliche.  

One fascinating aspect of this brilliant novel is the exploration of many Scottish and, in particular, Scottish sailing myths, legends and superstitions. We are a superstitious people, and Cooke has delivered a thoughtful and respectful look at what many of us still look upon as the gospel. And it was so refreshing to read a novel based on one of my favourite “monsters” The last time I read a book based on these was when Willie Meikle had them kill me in one of his books. And if you are interested as me about my theory about these creatures and their link to the Loch Ness Monster.

There is a deep sense of sadness and tragedy throughout this novel, and C.J. Cooke expertly blends the horror with the novel’s heart, resulting in a story that will scare you as much as make you cry at the events unfolding.  

Is this a better book than Where the Dead Wait by Ally Wilkes? Both are truly amazing novels. However, my dog Casper is easily bribed, and one of these authors brought him some dog treats at an event a while back.  

Personally, I think you should all buy both books and enjoy two excellent chilling horror novels. 

A Haunting in the Arctic by C.J. Cooke

Something has walked the floors of the Ormen for almost a century.

Something that craves revenge…

1901. On board the Ormen, a whaling ship battling through the unforgiving North Sea, Nicky Duthie awakes. Attacked and dragged there against her will, it’s just her and the crew – and they’re all owed something only she can give them.

1973. Decades later, when the ship is found still drifting across the ocean, it’s deserted. Just one body is left on board, his face and feet mutilated, his cabin locked from the inside. Everyone else has vanished.

Now, as urban explorer Dominique travels into the near-permanent darkness of the northernmost tip of Iceland, to the final resting place of the Ormen’s wreck, she’s determined to uncover the ship’s secrets.

But she’s not alone. Something is here with her. And it’s seeking revenge…

‘Rich, chilling and gorgeously gothic. A Haunting in the Arctic is the kind of enchanting, terrifying mystery I just adore’ Chris Whitaker

’Cooke delivers yet another spine-chilling treat in this lushly imagined, terrifying novel. The characters will haunt you long after the final page is turned’ Emilia Hart, bestselling author of Weyward

‘Mesmerising and terrifying, this is a powerful story lovingly told . . . with characters that remain with me. Highly recommended’ Lisa Ballantyne

‘Evocative and chilling, an addictive piece of polar gothic’ Anna Bailey

‘A Haunting in the Arctic is a story of a woman haunted in every way. An eerie, atmospheric novel that is full of tension and suspense, this is a beautiful gothic chiller of a book’ Elizabeth Lee

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