“Hell’s Gates” is a story about Walmart. Just kidding; I couldn’t resist. Seriously, though, the writing reminds me of 1980s horror maven Ruby Jean Jensen’s books, which is a good thing. There is a similar creeping sense of horror and a timelessness to the story that is refreshingly free of modern constraints despite the contemporary setting. Masters slowly builds up the atmosphere to a chilling level, and while there is some profanity and a few sexual situations, these are not overbearing—a rare find in the adult horror genre. A multitude of characters, both past and present, contribute to the plot, each credible and relatable. This is a great read for horror fans, whether it’s Halloween or not!