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agirlandherlibrarian's review against another edition
3.0
My Cozy Chat on YouTube regarding the wonder that is James Herbert can be found here: https://youtu.be/-JN-UxLi28A
danniibooksnstuff's review
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
kimblefairy1989's review against another edition
3.0
This novel was fast paced and, for the most part quite exciting - it kept me turning pages until the end.
However, when I bought this I was looking for something that would scare me. As with 'The Magic Cottage' (the last Herbert novel I read) this unfortunately failed to deliver on that front.
Worth a solid 3.5 stars but just didn't quite make it to 4 or 5.
However, when I bought this I was looking for something that would scare me. As with 'The Magic Cottage' (the last Herbert novel I read) this unfortunately failed to deliver on that front.
Worth a solid 3.5 stars but just didn't quite make it to 4 or 5.
georgesreads's review against another edition
3.0
Corny 90s horror at its finest. Herbert made me laugh, cringe and gasp with this novel. For me the plot was a little lacking compared to the character of Creed himself- I prefer my books plot driven. Even so, I begrudgingly liked Joe in the end- how could I not. Definitely don’t go into Herbert’s work expecting an atmospheric and suspenseful read, it’s much more fun and experimental.
Joseph Creed is a well-known paparazzo who whilst admired for his work is generally disliked and known to be a scumbag of the highest order. After taking photos at a famous actresses funeral, still hidden he witnesses a strange man do some um strange things over her grave. That night his apartment is burgled, and these photos are missing- just before Creed falls down the stares he witnesses something. Something leading him to question his sanity.
Joseph Creed is a well-known paparazzo who whilst admired for his work is generally disliked and known to be a scumbag of the highest order. After taking photos at a famous actresses funeral, still hidden he witnesses a strange man do some um strange things over her grave. That night his apartment is burgled, and these photos are missing- just before Creed falls down the stares he witnesses something. Something leading him to question his sanity.
beytwice's review against another edition
2.0
Really mixed feelings with this one as I did like a lot of elements about it but overall reading it felt like trudging through mud. Typically, I enjoy an unlikeable character who serves crucial to the plot (some of my favourites in media being Walter White and Dutch van der Linde to name a couple) but Creed just didn’t hold the same charisma for me.
The pacing of the story itself was nice with some great horror imagery in its pages but I just didn’t feel invested enough to want to know what was happening. So many scenes were great to read but they were diluted amongst conversations I wasn’t interested in or action that didn’t engage me. Some real potential is overshadowed here and made this one a disappointment to have read.
The pacing of the story itself was nice with some great horror imagery in its pages but I just didn’t feel invested enough to want to know what was happening. So many scenes were great to read but they were diluted amongst conversations I wasn’t interested in or action that didn’t engage me. Some real potential is overshadowed here and made this one a disappointment to have read.
arbaazk1999's review against another edition
4.0
The dead love to tease.
Sometimes a little sleaze is well worth it to defeat evil.
Sometimes a little sleaze is well worth it to defeat evil.
phil629's review
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
mike_brough's review against another edition
3.0
An interesting one. An unlikeable, but not unsympathetic, hero, the epitome of modern secularism, is gradually persuaded that evil is real. Maybe.
Some good set pieces, some good characters. I found the authorial asides a little jarring at times but eventually it all added to the charm of the book.
Some good set pieces, some good characters. I found the authorial asides a little jarring at times but eventually it all added to the charm of the book.
escadue's review
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
joshtenet's review against another edition
3.0
Just your basic horror-thriller. Nothing special, but very readable. Herbert's writing style is fantastic at times, too.