The Spiral Maze

Darleen R. Golke is a high-school teacher-librarian in Winnipeg,
Manitoba.

Neil Gunn and his father, Gregory, come to Amstey on the shores of Lake
Huron to dispose of the Gunn family estate after the death of Aunt
Esther. During their first night in the house, the shade of Neil’s
long-dead twin brother, Jaspar, begs Neil for help in rescuing Charlotte
Padgett, who has been imprisoned in the maze by Dexter Gunn, the founder
of Amstey, since 1849. Neil recruits Fleur, a descendant of Charlotte,
as his assistant in the quest.

Fleur and Neil face monsters controlled by Dexter, encounter false
paths and twists in mazes everywhere, and overcome varied hazards
before, with Jaspar’s help, they solve the mystery of the maze. The
“spiral pattern is the key,” explains Jaspar. “It takes a piece of
the world and twists until it’s not the same world anymore.” The
spiral maze consists of multiple mazes that collapse and eventually spin
Fleur and Neil into Dexter’s world for a final showdown—the classic
battle between good and evil.

This story resonates with vibrant detail and rich character portrayal.
The dialogue flows smoothly and naturally. Glimpses of Neil’s
loneliness add texture and depth to his character as the conflict builds
to its ultimate conclusion. The Spiral Maze is a demanding and
challenging novel that richly rewards the reader who perseveres.
Recommended.