Number 7 - Black Dog by Neil Gaiman

Neil Gaiman has long been one of my favourite authors so this was an easy choice for my next cheat read.

This story sees a welcome return to print of Shadow Moon, central character in American Gods. He's in England for some unspecified reason, and he stops for a drink in a country pub where he hears of a few local legends, including the Black Dog which if you see it you die. In true Neil Gaiman fashion, the truth is far more complex.

This is a fantastically easy read as per usual from NG. The illustrations throughout are gorgeously done and add to the atmosphere of weirdness. There are multiple layers to the storytelling with the black dog appearing in it's metaphorical sense as well as the terrifying beast stalking the village and surroundings.

I would advise only reading this if you've read American Gods first, otherwise there are sequences which won't make much sense at all.

If you have read American Gods, then by gods get thisbook too.  A great companion piece with Shadow taking on some very English creatures.

A solid 8/10, maybe higher.