Trickster

by Chris Curry

This talented duo--authors of the critically acclaimed Winter Scream--returns veteran cop who doesn't believe in magic and a reporter seeking the biggest story of her career join forces to pursue Trickster--a monster who is convinced that his ritualistic killings bring him magical, everlasting power.

Genres: Horror

400 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 1992

Reviews

[Phil · Rating 3 out of 5]

Before Tamara Thorne went 'solo' in her writing career, she penned a number of books with co-authors; one of her first was Trickster. Set in Seattle, and featuring subterranean Seattle, Trickster follows several individuals involved with a serial killer who became known as the Trickster. According to the novel, the Trickster occupies a place similar to Pan or Loki in Northwest Native American mythos and it is these mythos that give Trickster supernatural aspects to this thriller/police procedural.

Bodies start turning up that obviously had met a ritual death; the exsanguinated corpses are all anointed with some strange oil, the eyelids cut off, and 'tribal' images cut into their bellies. One of the first victims is reporter Dori Gallagher's sister, and Dori resolves that she will help track him down. Our lead cop, Detective Sergeant Phil Waterman, runs with his hunches, but has a bad feeling about this case. And then we have Seth, who we know from the first few chapters has been doing the nasty deed.

Since the killer is 'outed' right off the bat, we know that the authors have some tricks up their sleeves as this will not be a mystery thriller. Curry and Dean take us deep into Native American lore via conversations with an Indian Shaman that hangs out where most of the action takes place (old Seattle). Another main character, Dennis, works as a tour guide for Subterranean Seattle, and he and Dori had a 'thing' before she left Seattle for LA and college.

The first half moves at a rather slow pace to be sure, but it picks up and really starts to flow toward the end (although the denouement felt rushed). Entertaining story to be sure, filled with lots of ghosts and revenants, but pretty mild for a horror story. As a thriller, this felt padded and could have moved much quicker. In any case, a fun read, but Thorne's later works show a lot more polish and élan. 3 tricky stars!

[Heather Fish · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read my copy of this book so many times the cover has fallen off. It is a bit disturbing for those who are not used to horror as the authors are very descriptive. Seattle is one of my favorite places and I have gone on the Seattle Underground tour so I can easily picture the places that the book takes place. I very much enjoyed this book.

[Charlie Pasta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! Expected nothing from this random horror novel my local bookstore was trying desperately to get rid of. It delivered hard! Great characters, great storytelling, great story, and best of all: icky and spooky!

[Sarah Proctor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well written, captivating story, this book is absolutely amazing! It has been re-read over and over and I still love it every time! Gory but terrific!