It’s uncommon for a work of horror to have a message of hope and a happy ending, but that’s exactly what Amy Langevin accomplishes with her book Spineless. Equal parts horror and empowerment, she presents the very real situation of abuse from the POV of a victim turned vigilante.
Slade seems like he is in control of his secret and unconventional treatment center and for years he’s had a successful system going without a hitch. Everything begins to spin out of control when a past client has a situation relapse and requires extra assistance. All that Slade thinks he knows collapses and he struggles to find new solid ground.
There’s an eclectic mix of everything in this story from crime thriller and romance to straight-up horror and self help. Visceral and unflinching, Langevin faces the ugly not so secret real life story of abuse and lays out the cycle in a fictional story that will challenge readers to examine their own point of view to find the potential “worms” that may be hiding there.
I especially recommend this book for those that may have a history with abuse. Langevin doesn’t mince words as she describes the damage and self harm that can be passed on to us from others… but she also astutely recognizes the circle of abuse for what it is—a deep pit that pulls everyone within proximity down. A wonderful horror, Langevin inspires with shock and wry wit.