Dark Matter: A Ghost Story by Michelle Paver
Genre: Ghost story Setting: Arctic Release: 2010
Two days since Bjorvik left. One since the dogs disappeared. I walk bent over, as if there were a tumour in my gut. I miss the dogs. Without them, there's nothing between me and what haunts this place. It can come at any time.
The journey north is without great trepidation but the ship's captain (Eriksson) and crew warn the adventurers about building their shelter at Gruhuken. The danger is almost impossible for the seamen to put into words but the sentiment is clear - do not stay their through Arctic winter.
The warning falls on deaf ears and Jack, Gus and Algie all separately sense portents of doom. Suddenly, Gus falls ill and he and Algie are transported off for medical treatment. Jack agrees to stay to keep the mission going.
It is in his solitude that the darkness that Eriksson warned of has very much arrived with the winter - where sun and hope do not rise.
This is a stunning novel and the torment builds to a fever pitch level by the close of the novel. A thoroughly excellent ghost story that will chill you like an Arctic wind.
Dark Matter: A Ghost Story by Michelle Paver. Published by Orion.