The Intruders is a really ghostly thriller, with a seasoning of science-fiction providing an edge. All of the major characters are deep and well drawn, using a style of writing that is both cinematic and wonderfully readable. Unusually, the author mixes first person narrative with third person exposition, but pulls off the balancing trick with aplomb. Almost every major character in the novel is touched by sadness or tragedy, and the portrayal of their pain has an easy believability. Michael Marshall also has a way with homespun philosophy, including a passage which explains how the worst crime committed by those who die, is that they leave echoes of themselves behind. Echoes which those who loved them have to deal with until their own time comes.

As the story progresses, all roads lead to Seattle, where tendrils of an ancient evil are wrapping tightly around little Madison. Jack Whalen is manipulated by fate and circumstance to a point where he has no choice but to seek the truth, if he is to redeem his wife. Marshall gradually ramps up the tension, until the characters lives collide in a sequence that could make a truly impressive movie, and does make an above average novel. The portrayal of Madison, in particular, is on a par with the unnerving depiction of Fenny Bate, from Peter Straub's seminal thriller, Ghost Story.

There were a half handful of negatives. Without giving away anything vital, when the reason for the Anderson murders becomes apparent I found myself wondering why there had not been a chapter, earlier on in the book, detailing Bill Anderson's intriguing activities. Similarly, the role of Shepherd is often murkier and more confusing to the reader than it needs to be. Finally, the conclusion, although satisfying, felt slightly fudged, suggesting that Marshall might just have a sequel planned. I do hope this is the case, as his world is one that I would be keen to explore again, and in greater depth. In particular, the prematurely terminated work of Bill Anderson into the more esoteric properties of sound, Amy Whalen's past, present and future, and the centuries spanning machinations of the Nine. Until then, I can recommend The Intruders to anyone who enjoys tautly written, flowing thrillers, minus the gore factor but imbued with just enough spookiness to require a night light.