Book Review of The Pram by Betty Woodcock

The Pram by Betty Woodcock
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I received a copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review.

This is an intriguing horror story that gripped me from the first page and kept me hooked!

Carrie MacIntyre is an intriguing character. She is a proud mother and a soon to be Grandmother. I liked her, but found her inner monologues a bit rambling and long winded. However, I didn't like her attitude towards "Ghost Baby". She seemed cold and uncaring. Yes, she felt terror that she was losing her mind, but she didn't even consider the baby ghost's feelings.

The other characters were also rather annoying. I found Carrie's daughter whiny and very selfish. Her son-in-law was no better. Gervaise was the least annoying. I actually liked him, but his amused and humouring attitude felt a bit condescending to me.

I must admit that I don't read a lot of books in the Horror genre, but I was intrigued with the synopsis. This book is told in first person, and gives an insight into Carrie's thoughts and emotions. This was a suspenseful read that had me turning the pages! As I am not a mother, I have never experienced what Carrie and other mothers have - the joys and pain of motherhood or of being a grandparent. However, I can understand and sympathize with Carrie's experience. The pram seems to be the catalyst to a supernatural ability for Carrie to see ghosts. That pram has a lot to answer for! The horror that unfolds sent chills down my spine! Unfortunately, it was the ending that disappointed me; up until then, I would have given this story a 5 because I was enjoying it. I'm all for cliched endings, but I felt that it was an easy way out, and a rather abrupt one at that. However, I'll leave you to make your own decision.

Betty Woodcock has written a horror story that was gripping and suspenseful. I liked her writing style, which flowed well. I may consider reading more of her books in the future.

I recommend this book if you love horror, suspense or thriller genres. - Lynn Worton

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