This is the creepiest looking book that I own. I bought it when Borders went out of business in 2011 and have been wanting to read it for quite some time. I did not realize when I bought the book that the dust jacket glows in the dark, but I found out quick enough. I have some books in the living room and some books in the bedroom. Since I moved into my new place in 2013, I have kept this book in the living room so that I can sleep better at night without the title words THE DEAD PATH glowing in the dark. I have finally started reading this book - we will see if I can sleep with the book by my bed. This book deserves to be better known. It has received strong reviews, but I've heard nothing of it until coming across it on a library shelf. It's Irwin's debut and a most auspicious debut at that. Genuine work of literary horror. If you like witch stories, if woods frighten you (as they ought to, really, woods are freaking terrifying) this story will profoundly unsettle you. Irwin has done a great job here of putting insidiousness into words, it's a creepy creepy tale that's very well written. Recommended.
What do You think about The Darkening (2000)?
3 1/2 stars.A creepy story . Kept me intriged. Don't read if you're scared of spiders !!!!!
—ramie
Fun and creepy story of witchcraft in Australia. Also the cover glows in the dark!
—snogry
Despite over-the-top description, this is an excellent book!
—Corrine
