Temple Fall

Temple Fall is the latest YA horror offering from up-and-coming author R.L. Boyle. Boyle’s 2021 debut, The Book of the Baku, was shortlisted for the prestigious Bram Stoker Award and her writing is in the best tradition of fellow YA horror writers Chris Priestley, Martin Stewart and Helen Grant.

This novel has a cracking premise, and the opening chapters pull the reader in immediately. There’s a strong sense of atmosphere throughout and the scenes set in Temple Fall itself are chilling and oppressive. Boyle does a great job of letting the house’s malevolence seep into the characters’ lives and make them question their sanity. Can a house be infused with the past evil and tragedy contained within its walls, to alter lives? How real is the devasting energy of the Split? Is what Flynn experiences real, or a result of profound childhood trauma?

Temple Fall covers a lot of ground in terms of the turning point in the lives of the six young characters: their varying backgrounds, their individual struggles and the seeds of fear and jealousy that the house seemingly sows are probed with skill. Boyle also does an excellent job of traversing multiple storylines. The relationship between Flynn and her adoptive family, particularly her bond with Riley, is acutely and sensitively observed. Mad Dog is a real treat (an artist and visionary who brings Boyle’s pages to life).  The importance of true connection – friendship, loyalty and understanding – is a thread which runs throughout what is often a dark and troubling narrative. The graphic detail in the book of child abuse, infant death and the inexplicable, haunting presence of Temple Fall make this a disturbing, but rewarding, read.  And it has a knockout ending that stunned me and will make readers gasp.