The Haunting of Toby Jugg by Dennis Wheatley

My friend, Christine, sent this book to me to read and review, so I am dedicating this post specifically to her! Sorry it has taken so long to share my opinion with you, but do know that I am always here to review future books for you at any time, no matter the miles between us! :)

When I first read the back cover of this book, I had many doubts! Questions began going through my mind . . . What exactly should I be expecting? Will this be filled with gruesome details and rituals? Will this be like any other horror novel I've read? Afterall, the front cover of the copy that I had contained comments about Black Magic!!

Before I go any farther, let me share with you the synopsis from Amazon . . . Night after night, out there in the moonlight, Something was trying to get in at the bedroom window. A huge malevolent Something. Something not of this world. Inside, Toby Jugg, a wounded Battle of Britain pilot, thought first that he was hallucinating, then that he must be going mad, finally that this evil Something was real and striving to reach him. So begins what is probably Dennis Wheatley's most terrifying story of the supernatural. The struggle which ensues brought Toby unexpected help but also ungues treachery as it moves inexorably towards an appalling confrontation and seemingly inevitable catastrophe.

Once I began the book, I discovered that all my preconceived notions were wrong. I realized as I looked closer that this book was published in 1948. Black Magic in the 40's and the books written about it were completely different from what they would be in our present day.

The book is written in journal format from the point of view of the title character, Jugg. It is a bit confusing at first as the reader tries to figure out what is truly happening to Jugg and his current situation. Throughout the book, twists and turns create an interesting read. In the end, I felt that Wheatley probably fulfilled his purpose; however, in my opinion, it was not the most interesting read or even the most effective mode of delivery. The last quarter of the book was the most intriguing because all the loose ends were finally tied up by then and I was able to better fully understand and submerge myself in the story. Overall, it was just an okay read. It was not a quick read (or, at least not for me!). However, it was fun to step back in time, to read the written word that was of a more innocent era.