The Evil Returns

The Evil Returns seems to be a sequel, judging by the brief backstory given in the novel's opening pages, but don't let that discourage you from picking this up, you'll be missing a real treat. Margal (the returning evil) kidnaps a young American girl and sneaks her into Florida, but for what? Finding out is a lot of fun. Judging by the list of awards and high praise blurbs Hugh B. Cave receives on the book jacket, the man is a well known and respected writer in the horror genre. I have been reading horror for well over twenty years and Cave's name is new to me, but discovering this writer late is way better than never, believe me. The Evil Returns features the kind of tight plotting, strong characters, and brisk pace that many contemporary writers seems incapable of providing. Highly recommended.

Hugh B. Cave has an intimate knowledge of Haiti and voodoo and this shows in his novels. The story follows the exploits of an evil bocor (sorcerer) who has a plan to gain influence the US President. The sorcerer uses his powers to control the minds of others, including a little girls who he kidnaps and takes with him to Florida. I enjoyed the creepier aspects of the novel but thought that some of the subplots were a drag, including a perfunctory romance. But all in all if you want a voodoo story that uses authenic details to come alive-this is it!