Title: Mine
Author: Robert McCammon
First published January 1, 1990
496 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780671739447 (ISBN10: 0671739441)
Rating: 3.92
Overview
Lost in time and consumed by her own thoughts, an ex-military veteran takes matters into her own hands and abducts a young child, hoping to find solace in the innocence of youth. But when the child’s mother discovers what has happened, she embarks on a dangerous journey across the country to retrieve her baby, aided by a skilled tracker who will stop at nothing to bring the child home safely.
Will they be able to outrun the troubled kidnapper, or will their pursuit lead them into even greater danger? Find out in Robert McCammon’s gripping novel, “Mine”.
About the Author
Robert Rick McCammon has been a successful horror writer for years, making a name for himself with novels like Boy’s Life and Swan Song. However, he took a break from writing to focus on his family before returning with a newfound interest in historical fiction.
His latest work, The King of Shadows, is the eighth installment in the Matthew Corbett series. It’s set to be released in ebook and audiobook formats in June 2022, with a trade hardcover version coming from Lividian Publications in December 2022.
Lividian is also planning to release five trade paperback versions of the Matthew Corbett series, one per month starting in July 2022.
McCammon currently lives in Birmingham, Alabama, and is hard at work on the ninth book in the Matthew Corbett series.
Editoral Review
In Robert McCammon’s “Mine”, the author masterfully combines the horror and thriller genres to create a heart-wrenching tale of loss, redemption, and the darkness that can lurk within the human psyche. Published in 1990, “Mine” explores themes of possession, obsession, and the dangers of unchecked ambition.
The story takes place in Alabama, where journalist Laura Clayborne has just inherited a valuable piece of property from her grandfather. However, her joy is short-lived when she discovers that the land is haunted by the ghost of a Confederate soldier, who believes that Laura’s family had stolen “his” mine during the Civil War.
As the soldier’s wrath intensifies, Laura becomes increasingly obsessed with uncovering the truth about her family’s past and clearing her name. One of the strengths of “Mine” lies in McCammon’s vivid and evocative prose.
Throughout the novel, he paints a rich and immersive picture of rural Alabama, from the rolling hills to the dilapidated buildings. The dialogue is realistic and captures the colloquialisms of the southern United States.
The characterization is also excellent, with Laura’s inner turmoil and vulnerability being particularly well-drawn. The pacing is also excellent, with the tension building steadily throughout the novel to a thrilling climax.
Moreover, “Mine” has relevance beyond its genre. The novel addresses themes of family legacy, exploitation, and historical memory.
The underlying conflict between the Confederate soldier and Laura’s family reflects the continued impact of the Civil War on American society, while Laura’s quest for the truth speaks to the importance of historical memory and the dangers of forgetting the past. This is particularly relevant in light of recent debates over the removal of Confederate monuments and the legacy of slavery and racism in the United States.
However, “Mine” is not without its flaws. Some readers may find the supernatural elements of the novel to be too over-the-top, while others may feel that the resolution of the central conflict is somewhat anticlimactic.
Additionally, while McCammon does an admirable job of balancing horror and suspense, some readers may find the imagery too disturbing or graphic. Overall, “Mine” is an excellent read for fans of horror, thriller, and historical fiction.
The novel’s powerful themes, vivid characters, and masterful prose make it a standout in the genre. While it may not be for everyone, those who enjoy tales of the supernatural and the darker side of human nature should not miss out on this haunting and unforgettable book.
Score: 4/5
