Beneath Still Waters (1989)

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HALLOWEEN REVIEWS 2021

by Matthew J. Costello



The town of Goulden's Falls, long sunken beneath the surface of a man-made lake, harbors a terrible secret. As the fiftieth anniversary of the local dam approaches, a forgotten horror awakens, drawing two independent journalists into its orbit. This novel actually succeeds as an efficient, effective little thriller for much of its length.

 


By the end, however, it becomes clear that author Matthew J. Costello has no way to end it other than by falling back on the hoariest of B-movie clichés. Until that point, though, it evokes some pretty good shudders, particularly in scenes wherein divers explore the submerged town.

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