Set in a monastery at the time of the reformation this mystery has a really strong sense of atmosphere. The darkness, damp and cold of the monk's lifeSet in a monastery at the time of the reformation this mystery has a really strong sense of atmosphere. The darkness, damp and cold of the monk's life provides the backdrop for the murderous monks and their fears of the reformation. I enjoyed it. ...more
The story follows the fortunes of a wealthy Alabama family from before the depression right through to the modern era.
The supernatural elWhat a book!
The story follows the fortunes of a wealthy Alabama family from before the depression right through to the modern era.
The supernatural element of the story and one or two of the main characters is never overplayed. In fact it is rarely mentioned or used in the tale but it is also at the heart of the family. As a result the casual way it's treated makes it more believable.
I found the epic nature so wonderfully drawn. As a result of the massive span of years there are a huge variety of characters coming and going, living and dieing. Not one of them felt anything but a meaningful part of the story. Superb!
Although there are moments of violence, McDowell has a wonderful way of making the horror subtle and because ofBeautifully written historical horror.
Although there are moments of violence, McDowell has a wonderful way of making the horror subtle and because of that all the more disturbing. This skill has no better showcase than the character from which the title comes. She is vile but goes about her business in an almost unassuming way. Excellent! ...more
My first taste of Michael McDowell but not my last. The deep south setting with the terrible heat, the oppressive humidity, the ocean and of course thMy first taste of Michael McDowell but not my last. The deep south setting with the terrible heat, the oppressive humidity, the ocean and of course the sand is as much a character in the story as are the humans.
The writing is simply superb. Creepy and eerie are really tough atmospheres to create but this story has both in abundance. And that's what really makes this book stand out. The atmosphere created by McDowell's magnificent writing.
I don't go into plots in reviews because it's unfair but I'd urge overs of good books, not just in the horror genre, just good books, to read this....more
This is the third installment in the Matthew Corbett series and although I enjoyed it I didn't think it was quite as good as it's predecessors. That'sThis is the third installment in the Matthew Corbett series and although I enjoyed it I didn't think it was quite as good as it's predecessors. That's not to say it wasn't good, it was, but I thought the first two were exceptional.
In this one we see Matthew and Greathouse tasked with transporting Tyranthus Slaughter from Asylum to port for transport to England.
We realise fairly quickly that Slaughter is a nasty piece of work! He's a thoroughly despicable man who leads them on a merry dance.
For me the story really took off in the second half linking nicely to the bigger picture and the nefarious Professor Fell!
The first two in this series (I believe a fourth is planned) were up there with my favourites. This part isn't. Although I enjoyed it I didn't get theThe first two in this series (I believe a fourth is planned) were up there with my favourites. This part isn't. Although I enjoyed it I didn't get the intensity of the first parts, particularly The Angel's Game. Fermin is a great supporting character and has some fabulous lines. His story is fascinating but I thought it lacked the brooding mystery of Sempere and David Martin.
Having said that I eagerly await the fourth part. The Cemetery of Forgotten Books has more to reveal! ...more
The premise of the story is excellent and offers a great variation on the post apocalyptic world. The spore is a brilliant take on "infection" and actThe premise of the story is excellent and offers a great variation on the post apocalyptic world. The spore is a brilliant take on "infection" and actually gives some of the characters the chance to evolve into something more than they were.
I thought the characters were well fleshed out and the story moved along really well. My only criticism would be the bad guys. I wanted a bit more from them - a bit more friction with the camp over a longer period would have increased my interest in them.
However I really enjoyed it and Joe Hill is moving up my list of must read authors. ...more
Containing both the novella Exorcist Road and the novel Exorcist Falls I found both stories to be highly entertaining. Although I don't think the arc Containing both the novella Exorcist Road and the novel Exorcist Falls I found both stories to be highly entertaining. Although I don't think the arc is quite finished yet!
The first part (Road) is a take on an exorcism and although the longer story is supposed to be the draw I enjoyed the novella more.
It's very claustrophobic, set largely in a room within a house and told in real time it moves along at a cracking pace. Dark, powerful and riddled with menace - both human and non!
There's a fair amount of explicit violence here but it isn't used out of context nor is it used merely to shock. The gore and violence is used to illustrate the nature of a demon and it's worked in to the story very well.
What a book! The setting, the characters, the toil, the adventure, all of it on an equal footing in terms of the story. I felt like I'd been thrEpic!
What a book! The setting, the characters, the toil, the adventure, all of it on an equal footing in terms of the story. I felt like I'd been through it all with them by the end.
Uncanny is a good word to describe this book. Nightmarish a better one to describe the stories and the atmosphere. There is an eerie quality to the stUncanny is a good word to describe this book. Nightmarish a better one to describe the stories and the atmosphere. There is an eerie quality to the stories that is unlike anything I've read before.
They flow into each other through the black fog of Dunnstown, leaving traces of what came before in your mind. It's very clever and I found it utterly engrossing.
A much darker tale than Shadow of the Wind but, for me, none the worse for it.
A mystery with a supernatural element that left a few unanswered questiA much darker tale than Shadow of the Wind but, for me, none the worse for it.
A mystery with a supernatural element that left a few unanswered questions. I quite enjoy that aspect to a book though and parts, were very powerful and moving.
On the whole an excellent story and I enjoyed it as much as Shadow of the Wind so five stars. ...more
The story of Nat Love, former slave, farmer, spittoon emptier, saloon bouncer, would-be rat catcher, expert marksman, marshal.A truly wonderful book.
The story of Nat Love, former slave, farmer, spittoon emptier, saloon bouncer, would-be rat catcher, expert marksman, marshal.
Moving, hilarious, and with a cast of characters that is as rich and detailed, the story feels epic in the best way.
Some familiar names crop up - Wild Bill Hickock being my favourite, particularly with his descriptions of his interactions with Calamity Jane!
The story moves along perfectly taking in all the sights, sounds and smells of the west. I could carry on reading about the exploits of Deadwood Dick for another thousand pages or more without getting bored. Wonderful.
I've read and enjoyed most of the original Sherlock Holmes' stories and for that reason shied away from reading this for a long time. I wish I hadn't!I've read and enjoyed most of the original Sherlock Holmes' stories and for that reason shied away from reading this for a long time. I wish I hadn't!
This has all the trademarks of an original Arthur Conan Doyle tale and I think is every bit as good. The use of familiar characters - Holmes and Watson of course, but also Mrs Hudson, Lestrade and Wiggins isn't overdone and not once did it feel they were shoehorned in to give authenticity.
I won't discuss the plot for fear of giving anything away but it's everything you could possibly want in a Holmes story and more. The atmospheres, the setting and of course the mystery, it's all there in spades.
I really enjoyed it and will look for the others in the series. ...more
I first read this about twenty years ago and wasn't disappointed with the second reading. Atmospheric, creepy and clever. Thoroughly enjoyable and recI first read this about twenty years ago and wasn't disappointed with the second reading. Atmospheric, creepy and clever. Thoroughly enjoyable and recommended reading for any lovers of horror! ...more
A classic, and deservedly so. A short excursion to Alabama and the US Civil War. A man about to be hanged on Owl Creek Bridge lives his last few breatA classic, and deservedly so. A short excursion to Alabama and the US Civil War. A man about to be hanged on Owl Creek Bridge lives his last few breaths......more
A book for lovers of books. A book about a book, the author who wrote it, the city he lived in (Barcelona) and the lives he touched at the time and inA book for lovers of books. A book about a book, the author who wrote it, the city he lived in (Barcelona) and the lives he touched at the time and in the years afterwards.
What sets this book apart, and at the top, is the characterisation. Not just of the players but of the city itself. There are moments of poetic beauty and those moments sit comfortably beside the bawdy comedy of one particular character. He often manages both at the same time!
There is sadness, a darkness and no lack of intrigue running through the story that keep it moving at a wonderful pace. A fantastic book. Delicious. ...more
A classic 80's storyline - small town, evil presence, the fight between God and evil with some great characters. The author makesWhat's not to enjoy?
A classic 80's storyline - small town, evil presence, the fight between God and evil with some great characters. The author makes no excuses for taking us down this well worn road. And why should he because The Wicked was well written, very easy to read with a great flowing pace. Great entertainment and very enjoyable. ...more
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