THE METHOD BY DUNCAN RALSTON

Review by Tony Jones 

“Marriage problems?
​I’d recommend divorce before rerolling in ‘The Method’”

A few months back I nominated ‘The Method’ for possible publication for a new venture by Amazon called ‘Kindle Scout’ where by reading previews and a voting system readers can help choose which books will be published on kindle. As Duncan is both well known in the horror community, and has an entertaining online presence, I was not surprised ‘The Method’ was picked up for publication. Because I voted for this book, I received a free copy prior to release. This was a nice touch from Amazon.

Since Ralston appeared on the horror scene a few years ago his popularity has grown pretty quickly and I think that ‘The Method’ will most definitely increase his reach. In my old age, I’ve turned into a bit of a wuss, so I generally avoid the ‘extreme horror’ banner he sometimes writes under, but have enjoyed ‘Harbringer’ and some of his other shorter work. However, I’m pleased to say that ‘The Method’ shows that Ralston is most definitely widening his range and stretching his versatility as a writer. This work has elements of horror, but is also a very decent thriller which doesn’t rely on gore, violence or shock value to tell a story that moves at a fair old lick.
 
I whizzed through this page-turner of a novel which cleverly revealed its secrets very slowly. I expected the ending to be somewhat of a disappointment or anti-climax, but it bobbed and weaved right to the end. Any hard-core Ralston gore hounds out there should not be put-off either as there are still a couple of pretty graphic scenes, one with a bear-trap which will have you wincing, and a pretty elongated torture scene which was unpleasant for the psychological effect, as much as the fact that it pulled few punches.
 
Linda and Frank have been having marital problems, nothing too serious, but after meeting up with old friends Dillon and Trevor are convinced to go on a weekend retreat (which is very pricy) which the other couple assure them will help them with their marriage. Dillon and Trevor try very hard to get Linda and Frank to sign up (DON’T DO IT GUYS!) and of course they do…. There are early warning signs.... such as why are Dillon and Trevor covered in bruises? All they’ll say is that it was “a very intense experience” and they really weren’t lying…..
 
I don’t want to give too much of the plot away, but the couple arrive at the remote retreat and have their mobile phones confiscated and soon realise they are being monitored through secret cameras in their room before meeting another strange couple. Realising they have signed contracts without reading the small print Duncan Ralston takes us on an entertaining,  journey which has a good few twists, plot jumps, introducing a range of nasty characters, but where nothing is what it seems. Sure it gets a bit far-fetched, but it is never dull.
 
‘The Method’ is not a long novel and it was fun company for a few hours. More often than not you know where most novels are heading, but I think Ralston particularly enjoys throwing curveballs at the reader.  ‘The Method’ deserves to be a success on Kindle Scout and will hopefully find the author some new readers in the thriller end of the market as well as horror.
 
Tony Jones    

​How hard will you fight for the one you love?

Frank and Linda's marriage is falling apart. When old friends tell them about an "unconventional therapy retreat" called The Method, they jump at the chance to attend.

Dr. Kaspar's Lone Loon Lodge is a secluded resort deep in the Montana wilds. The staff is friendly. The other couple joining them is intense. But when a death occurs events quickly spiral out of control, leaving Linda and Frank unable to trust anyone but each other.

Nothing is what it seems, and only one thing is certain: Love Is Pain.

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