The Haar
"The Haar" by David Sodergren is a gripping and genre-blending horror novel that weaves together elements of folk horror, cosmic terror, and visceral body horror into a hauntingly unique tale. Set in the fictional Scottish fishing village of Witchaven, the story centers on Muriel McAuley, an elderly widow in her 80s who has spent her entire life in the coastal town. Fiercely independent and deeply tied to her home, Muriel faces an existential threat when a ruthless American property developer, Patrick Grant, sets his sights on razing Witchaven to build a luxury golf course. As the billionaire pressures the remaining residents to sell their ancestral lands, Muriel stands as the last holdout, refusing to abandon the house her late husband, Billy, built for her decades ago.
The narrative takes a dark and fantastical turn when a mysterious fog—known as the "haar" in Scottish dialect—rolls in from the sea. This eerie, dense mist brings with it something otherworldly: a grotesque, shapeshifting creature that Muriel discovers washed up on the beach. Naming it Avalon, she forms an unexpected bond with the entity, which possesses strange and terrifying powers. What begins as a story of resistance against corporate greed transforms into a tale of vengeance, love, and supernatural horror as Muriel harnesses Avalon’s abilities to fight back against those who seek to destroy her way of life.
Sodergren’s writing shines in his creation of Muriel, a protagonist who defies the typical horror trope of youthful heroes. She is a complex, fiery character—sassy, resilient, and unapologetically herself—whose longing for her lost husband and determination to protect her home make her instantly relatable and endearing. The relationship between Muriel and Avalon adds a layer of tenderness to the story, blending the grotesque with the sentimental in a way that feels both bizarre and oddly heartwarming. This dynamic has led some readers to describe "The Haar" as a “sentimental horror” or a twisted fairy tale, balancing its gory excesses with an emotional core.
The horror elements are where Sodergren’s reputation for visceral storytelling comes into full play. The novel doesn’t shy away from graphic body horror, with scenes of mutilation and transformation that echo the unsettling imagery of films like The Thing. The violence is unflinching yet purposeful, often serving as a cathartic release for Muriel’s pent-up rage and grief. While the death count remains relatively low, each kill is meticulously crafted to maximize its gruesome impact, leaving a lasting impression on the reader.
Beyond the bloodshed, "The Haar" explores themes of loss, aging, and the power of memory. Muriel’s refusal to leave Witchaven is not just about stubbornness—it’s about preserving the life she built with Billy, whose absence still haunts her after 12 years. The inclusion of her late grandmother’s memoirs at the novel’s end, a personal touch from Sodergren inspired by his own family, deepens this emotional resonance, grounding the fantastical elements in a poignant reflection on legacy and love.
Critically, the book has been praised for its originality and Sodergren’s ability to blend disparate tones—romance, revenge, and horror—into a cohesive and entertaining whole. Some readers have noted that the American antagonists can feel a bit caricatured, leaning into stereotypes of greedy capitalists, but this rarely detracts from the story’s momentum. At just over 200 pages, "The Haar" is a tight, fast-paced read that hooks you from its unforgettable opening line: “Muriel Margaret McAuley was 84 years old the first time she saw a man turned inside out—by a sea monster.”
Published in 2022 by Sodergren’s own imprint, Paperbacks and Pugs, "The Haar" stands as a testament to his growth as an indie horror author. It’s a love letter to Scotland’s rugged coastlines and folklore, infused with a modern sensibility that appeals to fans of both classic creature features and emotionally driven narratives. For those who enjoy their horror with a side of heart—and aren’t afraid to get a little queasy along the way—"The Haar" is a must-read that lingers long after the fog clears.
You can buy The Haar by David Sodergren with my Amazon Affiliate link: https://amzn.to/3FYG2Dm
The narrative takes a dark and fantastical turn when a mysterious fog—known as the "haar" in Scottish dialect—rolls in from the sea. This eerie, dense mist brings with it something otherworldly: a grotesque, shapeshifting creature that Muriel discovers washed up on the beach. Naming it Avalon, she forms an unexpected bond with the entity, which possesses strange and terrifying powers. What begins as a story of resistance against corporate greed transforms into a tale of vengeance, love, and supernatural horror as Muriel harnesses Avalon’s abilities to fight back against those who seek to destroy her way of life.
Sodergren’s writing shines in his creation of Muriel, a protagonist who defies the typical horror trope of youthful heroes. She is a complex, fiery character—sassy, resilient, and unapologetically herself—whose longing for her lost husband and determination to protect her home make her instantly relatable and endearing. The relationship between Muriel and Avalon adds a layer of tenderness to the story, blending the grotesque with the sentimental in a way that feels both bizarre and oddly heartwarming. This dynamic has led some readers to describe "The Haar" as a “sentimental horror” or a twisted fairy tale, balancing its gory excesses with an emotional core.
The horror elements are where Sodergren’s reputation for visceral storytelling comes into full play. The novel doesn’t shy away from graphic body horror, with scenes of mutilation and transformation that echo the unsettling imagery of films like The Thing. The violence is unflinching yet purposeful, often serving as a cathartic release for Muriel’s pent-up rage and grief. While the death count remains relatively low, each kill is meticulously crafted to maximize its gruesome impact, leaving a lasting impression on the reader.
Beyond the bloodshed, "The Haar" explores themes of loss, aging, and the power of memory. Muriel’s refusal to leave Witchaven is not just about stubbornness—it’s about preserving the life she built with Billy, whose absence still haunts her after 12 years. The inclusion of her late grandmother’s memoirs at the novel’s end, a personal touch from Sodergren inspired by his own family, deepens this emotional resonance, grounding the fantastical elements in a poignant reflection on legacy and love.
Critically, the book has been praised for its originality and Sodergren’s ability to blend disparate tones—romance, revenge, and horror—into a cohesive and entertaining whole. Some readers have noted that the American antagonists can feel a bit caricatured, leaning into stereotypes of greedy capitalists, but this rarely detracts from the story’s momentum. At just over 200 pages, "The Haar" is a tight, fast-paced read that hooks you from its unforgettable opening line: “Muriel Margaret McAuley was 84 years old the first time she saw a man turned inside out—by a sea monster.”
Published in 2022 by Sodergren’s own imprint, Paperbacks and Pugs, "The Haar" stands as a testament to his growth as an indie horror author. It’s a love letter to Scotland’s rugged coastlines and folklore, infused with a modern sensibility that appeals to fans of both classic creature features and emotionally driven narratives. For those who enjoy their horror with a side of heart—and aren’t afraid to get a little queasy along the way—"The Haar" is a must-read that lingers long after the fog clears.
You can buy The Haar by David Sodergren with my Amazon Affiliate link: https://amzn.to/3FYG2Dm
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