Much like Barker's last novel, 2007's Mister B. Gone, Coldheart Canyon suffers from writing that is sub-par compared to most of the author's earlier work. It is a book in desperate need of editing down and touching up as, despite being far from bad (in actual fact I enjoyed the hell out of it), at times it comes off as infantile, akin to the over active imagination of a teenager.
It also suffers in it's length. Unlike The Great and Secret Show (which, whilst being long, somewhat justified being epic), Canyon does not have enough ideas to warrant a length of 751 pages, thus, by page 300, it has slowed to a crawl. Barker spends needless time detailing the debauchery the Canyon has fallen into, where orgies are common place as well as extreme sadomasochism. The detail is beyond graphic. Barker clearly revels in his hedonistic side here but, in terms of serving the story, it does not further the plot in any way, making it's inclusion unnecessary.
That said, if you can muscle your way passed this 200 page lull, the rest is a belter. One thing Barker is an expert at is setting up and ending his stories, spending enough time on both that, once the novel comes to a close, there is a great wave of satisfaction. The build up to said climax is terrific and once the reader is passed the debauchery, the plot lets rip with chases and skirmishes aplenty. The story progresses naturally and whilst there is still Barker's trademark flair for gore (one poor soul has her vagina ripped open), it does not hinder the experience.
I have, however, had enough of Barker for the time being. Just looking at my copy of Imajica, a mammoth undertaking at 1200+ pages, is somewhat disconcerting.
4/5
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