The Bog (1986)

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     HALLOWEEN REVIEWS 2025

by Michael Talbot



An archeologist brings his family to live near a gloomy bog so he can study the ancient bodies discovered there, but this places them under the influence of the imperious local Marquis, who rules the area like a lord and has a mysterious connection to the local swamp monster. 



The late Michael Talbot uses strong literary prose to create an atmosphere of dread. 


Michael Talbot


He also appears to have done his homework, providing interesting details about the excavation and preservation of “bog bodies” that add verisimilitude to a story that gets pretty bonkers by the end. 



The revelation of the nature of the Marquis and his relationship with a mysterious woman changes the nature of the story pretty decisively in a way I did not care for but others may. 



Talbot won me back by the end, so I can provide a moderate recommendation.


"The Devil's Bog" (French)

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