Il Lupo: A gripping, intelligent thriller

Il Lupo by Gregory Alexander Sharp is a masterful blend of psychological depth and supernatural horror, skillfully combining ancient folklore with the complexities of modern life. This character-driven thriller, reminiscent of classics like Frankenstein and Dracula, centers on two old friends, Nick Frobisher and Charlie Mortimer. After Nick’s father’s death, the friends journey to the Amalfi Coast seeking solace but instead find themselves ensnared in an ancient curse and a confrontation with Telemaco Russo, a man believed to be a werewolf.

Book review: Il Lupo

Sharp's use of an omniscient narrator is brilliant, shifting perspectives seamlessly to build an ever-deepening sense of suspense. This narrative technique enhances the pacing and ensures tension remains high, even as the story shifts direction. The real strength of Il Lupo lies in its exploration of grief, the fragility of the human psyche, and the complex dynamics of friendship. Nick, spiraling into self-destruction, and Charlie, battling anxiety, are portrayed with such depth and empathy that they never feel like mere caricatures.

The suspense builds gradually, like a fuse burning toward an inevitable explosion. By the time the midpoint climax arrives, it’s almost cinematic in its intensity, gripping the reader tightly. Sharp’s approach to horror, relying more on psychological tension than blood and gore, makes the supernatural elements feel even more chilling and personal. The clues to the mystery are woven subtly throughout the text, rewarding attentive readers with a richer experience.

The novel's settings, from the breathtaking Amalfi Coast to the eerie ruins of Pompeii, add layers of atmosphere and mythology, making the world feel alive and steeped in history. The blend of gothic horror and modern sensibilities makes Il Lupo feel timeless yet fresh, a rare book that stays with you long after you’ve turned the last page.

With its compelling characters, slow-building suspense, and thought-provoking exploration of fate, Il Lupo is a must-read for fans of intelligent thrillers with supernatural twists, classic horror, and psychological horror. I highly recommend reading Il Lupo before its sequel, Kill and Cure: Il Lupo 2.0, to fully appreciate the depth of the characters and their journey. A gripping, intelligent thriller that earns 5/5 stars.

Classic horror at its finest

I typically avoid reviewing horror novels that focus on slasher themes with high body counts and graphic violence, or those that rely heavily on paranormal elements with gratuitous brutality. However, I have a keen appreciation for character-driven horror that blends psychological depth with iconic supernatural entities to evoke fear, suspense, and introspection on human nature. Gregory Alexander Sharp's writing style in Kill and Cure: Il Lupo 2 achieves this delicate balance flawlessly.

About the book

At its core, the story revolves around Charlie Mortimer, a striking young man transformed into a lycanthrope. Shedding his former anxieties and health issues in human form, he emerges robust and self-assured. While his friends provide a safe haven to prevent him from harming others during the full moon, his lingering fear of harming others persists. Together with a small circle of allies, they embark on a quest for a cure. Notable among them are Nicholas Frobisher, a grieving coffee magnate turning to alcohol to alleviate his anxieties, and the erudite Ernest Wainright, whose past dealings with vampires offer a glimmer of hope through the research of Dr. Waggner.

Book review: Kill or Cure: Il Lupo 2 - 5 stars

Sharp's narrative effortlessly weaves together imaginative storytelling with an exploration of the werewolf and vampire realms, imbued with an unsettling atmosphere that warns against venturing too far. The vividly described settings—from London nightclubs to the rustic Sithean Blair farmhouse—enhance the narrative's depth. In my view, this novel epitomizes classic horror at its finest, featuring robust world-building and compelling, multi-faceted characters whose fates I eagerly followed through a complex and unpredictable plot enriched with folklore and superstitions. 

While minor editorial oversights like occasional word choice errors (such as "slither" instead of "sliver") were noted, they did not detract from my overall enjoyment. Consequently, I am delighted to award Kill and Cure: Il Lupo 2 a well-deserved 5-star rating. I eagerly anticipate delving into the series' first installment, Il Lupo, and await the release of book 3 in the series. I highly recommend this book to aficionados of horror who appreciate intricately crafted narratives that resonate long after the final page is turned.

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I received a review copy of this book from the author and have not been compensated for reviewing or recommending it. Some links in this post are affiliate links. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to amazon.com and affiliate sites.

Other links to check out:

Werewolf the Podcast Introduces Il Lipo

Werewolf the Podcast Introduces Kill and Cure: Il Lipo 2.0 

 

 

About the Author: Gregory Alexander Sharp

Gregory Alexander Sharp is a professional services executive who has worked for some of the world's best known tech and consulting companies. He's always been something of a storyteller, and a huge fan of the supernatural tales that made his spine tingle as a boy.

Novels:

IL LUPO, his first published novel, draws on Greg's love for the classic Hollywood horror movies (think Bela Lugosi, Boris Karloff, and of course, Lon Chaney Jnr), but also on his own personal experiences with loss, and grief, and anxiety. Woven together with a real sense of building tension and jeopardy, and with a smattering of Greg's sense of humour, Il Lupo is the first book he always wanted to write.

KILL AND CURE builds on the themes from Il Lupo and drives them ever further, with Nick Frobisher struggling to manage the stresses of work, grief, and his best friend's lycanthropy. We are introduced to gangsters and vampires, and we reconnect with familiar characters. Kill And Cure has been written in such a way that it can be read as a sequel to Il Lupo, or can easily stand alone as a distinct story.

Short-story:

THE BRIDGE, which touches on how adult problems can easily cause damage to teenagers in the home. Again, Greg brings personal experiences to the fore here. In less than four thousand words, we are introduced to a broken heart, a disrupted education, bullying, public humiliation, the perils of social media, and mental health problems... oh, and watch out for the ghost!

Greg is currently working on a new novel which promises to be a tale of friendship, betrayal, love, loss, and revenge! Watch this space.