Yes this book contains it's fair share of blood and brutality and it works stunningly with the setting and characters but mixed with the psychological nuances throughout, this book stands above others. For a novel set in one small village it has the scope and range of something larger and that makes it so damn engaging.
This is one her more frightening works, too, with the characters of the Woodcutter and Grandmother standing out as genuinely terrifying. Thick atmosphere. Terrific prose. And a satisfying horror-mystery to wrap the package.
Expect twists and turns along the way, so that you're never quite sure who you should be rooting for.
In summary: A very well written folk horror tale that feels both nostalgic and modern at the same time.