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Sinema: The Northumberland Massacre
A winter's tale with a sting.
There's a newcomer to the small Northumberland village of Haydon...a charming novelist and film buff, researching a crime thriller about a serial killer on a rampage in a remote Northumberland community. The only trouble is, it's a work in progress and it's going to be non-fiction.
392 men, women and children stand in his way to achieving a sadistic dream.
As the worst winter in more than a century approaches, can two investigating police officers trapped with the terrorised residents stop this monster?
There's a newcomer to the small Northumberland village of Haydon...a charming novelist and film buff, researching a crime thriller about a serial killer on a rampage in a remote Northumberland community. The only trouble is, it's a work in progress and it's going to be non-fiction.
392 men, women and children stand in his way to achieving a sadistic dream.
As the worst winter in more than a century approaches, can two investigating police officers trapped with the terrorised residents stop this monster?
288 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 21, 2007
28 people are currently reading
224 people want to read
About the author
Rod Glenn
16 books32 followersRod Glenn is an author and actor from Newcastle upon Tyne. His published works include the best-selling Sinema trilogy. Acting roles include feature films, television and stage.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
February 20, 2009
It's my book, so of course I'm going to rate it high! :)
April 3, 2021
This book takes the reader from the ridiculous to the sublime from the word go. It is a VERY tongue in cheek story about a massacre. While massacres are all too real and definitely not funny this is another of those irreverent books that begs to be written by somebody and read by many...it is also not a book to be read if you are likely to be offended by the subject matter or if the tongue in cheek manner it is written is likely to cause upset.
The cinematic knowledge of the author is astounding, as is his ability to twist it into a dark tale of the massacre of an almost entire village. Keeping the daunting subject 'humorous' is also an achievement very few can rival.
Throughout the story the characters appear very much as the people who live around you appear. They are all a little mad but very relatable!
Please do give this one a try but only if you can hold onto that thin grasp of reality that says this is meant to be a light hearted look into a very dark subject
The cinematic knowledge of the author is astounding, as is his ability to twist it into a dark tale of the massacre of an almost entire village. Keeping the daunting subject 'humorous' is also an achievement very few can rival.
Throughout the story the characters appear very much as the people who live around you appear. They are all a little mad but very relatable!
Please do give this one a try but only if you can hold onto that thin grasp of reality that says this is meant to be a light hearted look into a very dark subject
May 4, 2014
I read this book and it's follow up back in October 2010. I recently discovered a third book in the Sinema series and having a recollection of an awesome book peppered with unimaginable blood and gore, I decided to have a second go at the pages and read all three in succession. I must admit, it's far better second time round. Hannibal Whitman "Han", a fictitious person and a film fanatic decides to obliterate a small village of the map somewhere in the county of Northumberland by murdering every living person. He starts of by creating a fictitious persona who manages to wedge himself in the centre of the community under the guise if writing a book. His cover was as a writer who planned on finishing a murder mystery book. He spent more than 6 months in the tiny village of Haydon, gathering intel on all it's residents. He started to build close relationships with many towns people, but a test run in the art of murder brought his status as outsider to every villager's mind. Select townsfolk firmly believed he had a nefarious hand in the disappearance of a suspected runaway. He continued to act as the perfect out of town visitor and despite outside police investigation, no evidence was found of foul play. That prompted Han to go ahead and viciously and without prejudice, systematically and brutally hack, chop, slice, shoot, stab, and partially decapitate more than 200 people over a couple of nights. This is not a book for the squeamish but having said that, it's not dark and depressing either. I'm starting in Sinema 2 very soon.
April 25, 2012
This is a story about a man. An ordinary man who is a film buff and runs a DVD store. He also has a vision of becoming the most prolific serial killer in UK history. He does his research, meticulously, and picks a village of 392 residents in Northumberland. He packs his bags and goes to stay in the village under the pretext of writing a novel. He gets to know the villagers and befriends them. Then one snowy night he puts his terrifying vision into practice.
Well, this completely blew my socks off. Half the book was a slow burn as we got to know the characters and the other half just took off at a blistering pace and I almost couldn't keep up it was so frantic. I could quite easily see this as a film. I had several characters in my head when I was reading it, all from 'slasher' movies. This book is so much more than that though. It seriously put chills up my spine and certain parts felt very claustrophobic as the terrified and trapped villagers tried to work out what was going on. The writing was wonderfully descriptive but not 'flowery'. In fact it was stark and in your face! The ending was great and left open for a sequel, which I am off to read now.
Well, this completely blew my socks off. Half the book was a slow burn as we got to know the characters and the other half just took off at a blistering pace and I almost couldn't keep up it was so frantic. I could quite easily see this as a film. I had several characters in my head when I was reading it, all from 'slasher' movies. This book is so much more than that though. It seriously put chills up my spine and certain parts felt very claustrophobic as the terrified and trapped villagers tried to work out what was going on. The writing was wonderfully descriptive but not 'flowery'. In fact it was stark and in your face! The ending was great and left open for a sequel, which I am off to read now.
October 25, 2014
From the prologue to the conclusion, this story kept a great pace and flow that provided suspense and horror. This reader couldn't put the book down and read it from cover to cover in one sitting. Being an American reader didn't matter, as even when the language or dialogue fit the characters residing in Northumberland, it didn't hinder the enjoyment and context of the story. It made it more realistic. From the eyes of the killer, stalking his victims, to the police who discover the horror, each character was perfectly executed (no pun intended). It is not a story to be taken lightly or with ease, it's very gory and detailed with each kill. As Whitman speaks ... “I'm a killer. A murdering bastard, you know that. And there are consequences to breaking the heart of a murdering bastard.” -- Perfectly, terrifying
February 6, 2017
A superbly chilling, gut-wrenching read at times. Almost unpleasant to read because it's so grim at certain intervals - there was scope for even more gruesome descriptions and the author chose to leave some of it to the imagination thankfully!
A heavily laid-on theme is the film fan aspect and I felt it should have tied in to the events more meaningfully (linked to a childhood trauma or some such) rather than just being a running overlay throughout. It got a bit much so I didn't really enjoy all the references, although I do think it was a nice idea in principle.
It would have been 3 stars but I gave an extra star because I'm from the area and enjoyed the level of detail around the local references littering the novel - but probably most people would find those a bit too over-specific if they don't know the geography!
Overall an enjoyable read, if you have the stomach for it!
A heavily laid-on theme is the film fan aspect and I felt it should have tied in to the events more meaningfully (linked to a childhood trauma or some such) rather than just being a running overlay throughout. It got a bit much so I didn't really enjoy all the references, although I do think it was a nice idea in principle.
It would have been 3 stars but I gave an extra star because I'm from the area and enjoyed the level of detail around the local references littering the novel - but probably most people would find those a bit too over-specific if they don't know the geography!
Overall an enjoyable read, if you have the stomach for it!
January 27, 2012
So I finised this yesterday, and I am surpised that it took me that long.
I was stuck to my Kindle reading this...
Loved it, it reminded me of a couple of fav authors, John Walker and Steven King!! - High praise you may think, but this is one of the best of this genre that I have read!!
I loved the story and what a twisted mind Mr Glenn has, in the best sense of the word..
I will not say what happens in the book, but the ending is a real shocker!! read it you will see what I mean...
I see on Amazon that there is to be sequel - I hope I want to read more shennegans of Mr Hanibal "Hal" Whitman....
Hope you will look it out... I Loved this...
All best and enjoy reading..
I was stuck to my Kindle reading this...
Loved it, it reminded me of a couple of fav authors, John Walker and Steven King!! - High praise you may think, but this is one of the best of this genre that I have read!!
I loved the story and what a twisted mind Mr Glenn has, in the best sense of the word..
I will not say what happens in the book, but the ending is a real shocker!! read it you will see what I mean...
I see on Amazon that there is to be sequel - I hope I want to read more shennegans of Mr Hanibal "Hal" Whitman....
Hope you will look it out... I Loved this...
All best and enjoy reading..
January 10, 2018
I wish I knew more about film-culture before reading this book as some of the references were a little lost on me, however the ones that I did get i found enjoyable and the use of them really served as something interesting and different about the piece.
I found the plot to be very engaging - not very scary, as some of the other reviewers pointed out, but a little gritty in places (I was reading this book at the same time as 'Serial Killers: The method and madness of monsters', which is a non-fiction account of serial killers so I had in my mind the more graphic real-life accounts of what people have done when reading!)
Although the main character is not particularly detailed or relatable (thank goodness!), the plot is engaging and makes for a very interesting read - recommended.
I found the plot to be very engaging - not very scary, as some of the other reviewers pointed out, but a little gritty in places (I was reading this book at the same time as 'Serial Killers: The method and madness of monsters', which is a non-fiction account of serial killers so I had in my mind the more graphic real-life accounts of what people have done when reading!)
Although the main character is not particularly detailed or relatable (thank goodness!), the plot is engaging and makes for a very interesting read - recommended.
June 6, 2013
Found this book entertaining from start the finish and just read it for the second time . The character is well written and you almost end up feeling sorry for him which I am sure is the authors intention .
Its shocking in parts and comical in others , it has everything I personally want from a book .
Highly recommend reading this .
The only concerning bit is that the author reminds me too much of the main character lol ( sorry glen )
Its shocking in parts and comical in others , it has everything I personally want from a book .
Highly recommend reading this .
The only concerning bit is that the author reminds me too much of the main character lol ( sorry glen )
October 19, 2015
What a series. The first book takes you on a macabre journey as the main character sets out to butcher a village. Book 2 follows on as he embarks on a brutal plan to rid society of SCUM. Book 3 take that further as he joins a society to do the same thing but almost legally, until the bottom falls out of the plan. Great books which should be read back to back, and they would make a fantastic TV series or film. A MUST READ. 20/10
October 20, 2012
Would read another book by the author but there was a lot unexplained in the story. I have been associated with law enforcement for over 25 years and I would need a lot more detail as to how this could possibly happen. I could see maybe with just the main characters but not for the whole town.
April 27, 2011
Read my short review here: http://mycoconutshy.blogspot.com/2011...
August 27, 2013
Horrifyingly good! Was quite disturbing in places. Rods imagination is pretty sick. I'm definitely going to go back and read it again.
April 19, 2014
Recommended by a friend from work I went online and bought it after she sung its praise. I absolutely loved this book and read it in 2 days. I just couldn't put it down!
October 2, 2019
A Great read! I Totally enjoyed it. Yes there were a few holes in the novel, Despite how friendly we are in the North, we still have some British reserve, Yet the main protagonist/antagonist of the book is on first name terms with the people in the village within a few hours of arriving. None of the shops or Pubs seem to have cleaners as two dozen listening devices were scattered around various premises, Under tables, Under sinks, Under panels, even Under the barbers chair, yet none were ever discovered.
Would a small village of only 342 inhabitants have its own car dealership Or indeed Bingo hall albeit unused?
But The story picks you up & takes you with breathtaking speed from one page to the next. I'm not sure how some of the dialect in the book would be picked up by readers in other countries, or come to that here in the UK, But as someone who lives not half an hour from the supposed area where the book was set, I care not a jot. Some of the violence & horror in the book may put some off reading it, But if you're looking for a good horror to while away the dark coming winter nights this is it!
Would a small village of only 342 inhabitants have its own car dealership Or indeed Bingo hall albeit unused?
But The story picks you up & takes you with breathtaking speed from one page to the next. I'm not sure how some of the dialect in the book would be picked up by readers in other countries, or come to that here in the UK, But as someone who lives not half an hour from the supposed area where the book was set, I care not a jot. Some of the violence & horror in the book may put some off reading it, But if you're looking for a good horror to while away the dark coming winter nights this is it!
August 8, 2022
Slow burn massacre
Loved it, wasn't sure Han could do it but damn. Such a massacre but so much Intel and stalking leading up to it. I actually felt bad for most everyone because he became friends and a lover and father figure to someone. But that all went out the window and he became a feelingless monster. Would have liked at the end for him to read about it online and crown him king of murder.
Loved it, wasn't sure Han could do it but damn. Such a massacre but so much Intel and stalking leading up to it. I actually felt bad for most everyone because he became friends and a lover and father figure to someone. But that all went out the window and he became a feelingless monster. Would have liked at the end for him to read about it online and crown him king of murder.
August 15, 2022
Christmas Nightmare
A man goes on a,murderous rampage wiping out most of a small town. His,coldness,and brutality shock the residents, some friends, some lovers. But the killer, a movie aficionado, is following his own script.
This is a strange but readable book. The killer's motivation is,not really clear. He insinuates himself into small town life while keeping his eye on his agenda. Interesting read.
A man goes on a,murderous rampage wiping out most of a small town. His,coldness,and brutality shock the residents, some friends, some lovers. But the killer, a movie aficionado, is following his own script.
This is a strange but readable book. The killer's motivation is,not really clear. He insinuates himself into small town life while keeping his eye on his agenda. Interesting read.
June 5, 2019
Good read
Excellent story line, gets into the role right from the start. You even start to think nothing is going to happen. Then it goes haywire
Excellent story line, gets into the role right from the start. You even start to think nothing is going to happen. Then it goes haywire
May 7, 2011
Plot summary:
Sinema is a extremely creepy book revolving around the protaganist Hannibal Whitman, a film fanatic and budding author who decides to take a trip to a village in Northumberland to begin writing his book. During his time in the village, he grows to know each and every individual, liking some, despising others, even entering into a relationship with one of the villagers. However as the villagers are about to unfortunately find out, the book that Hannibal is writing about mass murder is actually going to be non fiction, with the victims, themselves.
Sinema takes us from the very beginning where Hannibal the newcomer begins to forge bonds and relationships with most of the villagers(whether for good or bad) in a Northumberland village.
This somewhat makes it harder to handle when we know what is coming after Hannibal decides to test his plan by abducting and murdering a local girl from the village. We know at this stage that the plan he wants to carry out is going to involve all of the villagers, even those he has developed friendships with.
After the test murder, no evidence is found linking Hannibal to it and so the police have nothing to go on,until finally, on Christmas day, a massacre takes place.
Thoughts
I liked this book, I did but for me it was just good, nothing outstanding. And various little things about it grated on me, hence not having more stars given to it. Although not bad by all means and I think that I will be picking up the sequel, Sinema 2...
The book is original, there can be absolutely no doubt about that, the sadistic story being told through the POV of a wannabee killer is nothing like anything I have ever read before and I liked it. It was extremely creepy, voyeuristic almost, as you could see the evil in this guy, wanting to warn all the villagers he had formed bonds with...
That is another strength of this book. The author does such a great job of bringing each and every one of these villagers to life, all of them with some kind of life story to add to the main plot and to make you feel either sympathy for them, when their time comes or enjoy the moment, depending on whether they are likeable characters or not. I found some of the killings slightly distressing, such as the killing of children, particularly the child of his "best friend" in the village, who Hannibal not only killed but chopped into pieces. This was even pushing my horror/crime tolerance a little and I was somewhat upset by this...
The annoyances were only small but they existed. For example, I appreciate that the lingo up in Northumberland/Newcastle area consists of words such as "pet" but to be honest, it just grated on me hearing it every other sentence, OTT to be honest and slightly offputting...
Then there were the random italicised paragraphs and sentences which were just thrown in and made no sense in relation to the plot and of which I still can't figure out the point of them....
Finally, the end part of the book. By this stage I had quite honestly for the most part got tired of all the killings and stuff, and found it dragged anyway but some of the characters behaviour just started to seem absurb, family members had been absolutely massacred but they still had the time to get a bit of a laugh in? What? So very unbelievable!
Like I say though, a good book, just not outstanding!
Sinema is a extremely creepy book revolving around the protaganist Hannibal Whitman, a film fanatic and budding author who decides to take a trip to a village in Northumberland to begin writing his book. During his time in the village, he grows to know each and every individual, liking some, despising others, even entering into a relationship with one of the villagers. However as the villagers are about to unfortunately find out, the book that Hannibal is writing about mass murder is actually going to be non fiction, with the victims, themselves.
Sinema takes us from the very beginning where Hannibal the newcomer begins to forge bonds and relationships with most of the villagers(whether for good or bad) in a Northumberland village.
This somewhat makes it harder to handle when we know what is coming after Hannibal decides to test his plan by abducting and murdering a local girl from the village. We know at this stage that the plan he wants to carry out is going to involve all of the villagers, even those he has developed friendships with.
After the test murder, no evidence is found linking Hannibal to it and so the police have nothing to go on,until finally, on Christmas day, a massacre takes place.
Thoughts
I liked this book, I did but for me it was just good, nothing outstanding. And various little things about it grated on me, hence not having more stars given to it. Although not bad by all means and I think that I will be picking up the sequel, Sinema 2...
The book is original, there can be absolutely no doubt about that, the sadistic story being told through the POV of a wannabee killer is nothing like anything I have ever read before and I liked it. It was extremely creepy, voyeuristic almost, as you could see the evil in this guy, wanting to warn all the villagers he had formed bonds with...
That is another strength of this book. The author does such a great job of bringing each and every one of these villagers to life, all of them with some kind of life story to add to the main plot and to make you feel either sympathy for them, when their time comes or enjoy the moment, depending on whether they are likeable characters or not. I found some of the killings slightly distressing, such as the killing of children, particularly the child of his "best friend" in the village, who Hannibal not only killed but chopped into pieces. This was even pushing my horror/crime tolerance a little and I was somewhat upset by this...
The annoyances were only small but they existed. For example, I appreciate that the lingo up in Northumberland/Newcastle area consists of words such as "pet" but to be honest, it just grated on me hearing it every other sentence, OTT to be honest and slightly offputting...
Then there were the random italicised paragraphs and sentences which were just thrown in and made no sense in relation to the plot and of which I still can't figure out the point of them....
Finally, the end part of the book. By this stage I had quite honestly for the most part got tired of all the killings and stuff, and found it dragged anyway but some of the characters behaviour just started to seem absurb, family members had been absolutely massacred but they still had the time to get a bit of a laugh in? What? So very unbelievable!
Like I say though, a good book, just not outstanding!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 8, 2011
Sadly this crime thriller is rather run of the mill and like a made-for-TV movie. It is a bit like Eastenders but set in a small remote village in Northumberland. It does not raise the bar as a crime thriller and is rather bland. What this novel lacks is an author's voice, his writing style is not distinctive. It is however an easy read and although it is quite ordinary, you feel that Rod is trying hard. But this story is bulked out by to many references to films and songs.
The planning by Hanibal Whitman is good but how come so many people befriend him? It is rather strange how all these characters befriend a stranger in the pub and accept him. This is not quite the reality of rural pubs in remote villages. The pace of this novel is okay and villagers become known to the killer and the reader, rather than be random victims of slaughter. But how can Carol Belmont afford to visit the pub so often and buy all those drinks?
The sub-plots are good but the details are too convenient. Just by chance the pub had a side entrance for Hanibal to slip out unnoticed. The ending provides a reason for the sequel, which is also convenient.
Humour is there but it is quite shallow. Another problem is the banning on smoking in enclosed public spaces across Britain. Throughout this book there was a lot of smoking going on, even in the pub.
The motive for The Northumberland Massacre, sadly is very plausible.
The planning by Hanibal Whitman is good but how come so many people befriend him? It is rather strange how all these characters befriend a stranger in the pub and accept him. This is not quite the reality of rural pubs in remote villages. The pace of this novel is okay and villagers become known to the killer and the reader, rather than be random victims of slaughter. But how can Carol Belmont afford to visit the pub so often and buy all those drinks?
The sub-plots are good but the details are too convenient. Just by chance the pub had a side entrance for Hanibal to slip out unnoticed. The ending provides a reason for the sequel, which is also convenient.
Humour is there but it is quite shallow. Another problem is the banning on smoking in enclosed public spaces across Britain. Throughout this book there was a lot of smoking going on, even in the pub.
The motive for The Northumberland Massacre, sadly is very plausible.
June 2, 2016
A name that is obsessed with movies has come up with the plan to be the most notorious serial killer who murders everyone in a village. He comes up with the name Hannibal Whitman and randomly picks a small village in Northumberland. From there he follows the different residents around, learning about them while becoming part of this small village. Hannibal tests the waters and is a suspect since he is the new person in town. But when no evidence is found, he proceeds on to the murder everyone in town phase.
I love how this story is told. The first part is slower as Hannibal comes up with his plan and start getting to know the locals while becoming part of the town. Then you get hit when he goes on his rampage. I couldn’t read fast enough to find out what was going to happen next in the break neck speed of events.
The problem I have with the book is once the killing starts you lose the story. Yes, the deaths are detailed and bloody. But then he goes out and kills most of the town and there isn’t anything about it. I admit that I was left disappointed by the ending. Here you are on the edge of your seat with Hannibal and then…
This is a gory, gruesome story. If you are a fan of slasher horror movies you need to read this book. I do see that there are two other books in this series and I will definitely be getting them to see what happens to Hannibal.
I received Sinema: The Northumberland Massacre a long time ago for free in exchange for an honest review.
I love how this story is told. The first part is slower as Hannibal comes up with his plan and start getting to know the locals while becoming part of the town. Then you get hit when he goes on his rampage. I couldn’t read fast enough to find out what was going to happen next in the break neck speed of events.
The problem I have with the book is once the killing starts you lose the story. Yes, the deaths are detailed and bloody. But then he goes out and kills most of the town and there isn’t anything about it. I admit that I was left disappointed by the ending. Here you are on the edge of your seat with Hannibal and then…
This is a gory, gruesome story. If you are a fan of slasher horror movies you need to read this book. I do see that there are two other books in this series and I will definitely be getting them to see what happens to Hannibal.
I received Sinema: The Northumberland Massacre a long time ago for free in exchange for an honest review.
January 10, 2013
I bought it, read it to the end, and failed to get it. I enjoy a good thriller, but this seemed to me like a rather pointless and implausible story about somebody killing off hundreds of people for no apparent reason. I didn't find it at all frightening.
Whilst reading I kept feeling that I was entirely missing the point, and that it would be revealed at the end. But if it was, I missed it.
However, clearly the book has been hugely successful, so congratulations to the author. It's just not for me.
Based on its popularity, I'm giving it 3 stars.
Whilst reading I kept feeling that I was entirely missing the point, and that it would be revealed at the end. But if it was, I missed it.
However, clearly the book has been hugely successful, so congratulations to the author. It's just not for me.
Based on its popularity, I'm giving it 3 stars.
April 21, 2012
A one-man killing machine. With no apparent reason to the reader, Han travels to a distant village and plans his murderous rampage of people he hadn’t previously known.
Good story for about the first half of the book then it becomes all blood and gore and no more story.
Many movies are mentioned as well as verses from songs of yore.
So ya, I liked the first half. The second half – over the top with one man being able to kill off dozens of others.
Good story for about the first half of the book then it becomes all blood and gore and no more story.
Many movies are mentioned as well as verses from songs of yore.
So ya, I liked the first half. The second half – over the top with one man being able to kill off dozens of others.
September 11, 2011
Despite the gruesome details I found this story horribly fascinating. There were far to many cinematic and musical references for me to get them all, but the author helpfully provides a list at the end.
July 29, 2016
Writing was okay but...
Subject matter awful, story follows a cold blooded killer who kills just because he can. Horror is not one of my preferred genres and this book was definitely horror.
Subject matter awful, story follows a cold blooded killer who kills just because he can. Horror is not one of my preferred genres and this book was definitely horror.
February 5, 2017
I loved the concept behind this thriller, and in the whole thought it was good, but there were occasional parts that I didn't find entirely believable, which took the edge off it a bit for me and just stopped it completely absorbing me. That said, I'll read the second one at some point I'm sure.
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November 7, 2012Can't even rate this it is such a shocking gruesome book. Please donor read it.
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January 30, 2016tbr
July 27, 2013
strange book, not sure who I would recommend it to!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews