Is Under The Shanghai Tunnels Worth Reading?

I went into 'Under the Shanghai Tunnels' expecting ghosts and jump scares, but it surprised me by being way more psychological. The tunnels themselves are almost a character, dripping with this oppressive sense of dread, and the author’s research into Portland’s real-life underground history adds a cool layer of realism. The protagonist’s voice is raw and messy, which makes her flaws feel relatable—she’s not your typical 'strong female lead,' and that’s refreshing.

What stuck with me, though, were the side characters. There’s this homeless historian who spouts cryptic warnings, and a bartender with ties to the tunnels’ past, and their stories weave together in this satisfying, tragic way. The book’s not perfect—some metaphors are heavy-handed, and the middle drags a bit—but it’s got heart. If you liked 'The Book of M' or 'House of Leaves,' give it a shot.

Honestly, I’m torn about this one. 'Under the Shanghai Tunnels' has gorgeous prose and a unique setting, but it leans hard into ambiguity, which might frustrate readers who want closure. The horror elements are subtle—more creeping unease than outright terror—and the historical flashbacks are hit-or-miss; some feel vital, others like padding. Still, there’s a scene where the protagonist gets lost in a pitch-black section, and her panic is so visceral I had to put the book down for a minute. That kind of raw writing makes it worth the read, even if the plot meanders.

I picked up 'Under the Shanghai Tunnels' on a whim after seeing it mentioned in a niche book forum, and wow, it hooked me from the first chapter. The atmospheric writing really pulls you into the eerie, claustrophobic world beneath Portland—those tunnels practically breathe with history and secrets. The protagonist’s journey is less about solving a mystery and more about unraveling layers of personal and collective trauma, which gives it this haunting, literary feel. Some readers might find the pacing slow, but I loved how it lingered on details, like the way light filters through cracks in the ceiling or the echoes of footsteps that might not be entirely human.

That said, if you’re after fast-paced action or clear-cut answers, this might not be your jam. The ending leaves a lot open to interpretation, which I personally adored—it’s the kind of book that lingers in your mind for weeks. I’d recommend it to anyone who enjoys atmospheric horror with a side of historical weight, like 'The Silent Companions' or 'Mexican Gothic.' Just don’t read it alone in a basement.