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Black Angel
A serial killer is on the loose in San Francisco. Only when Lieutenant Larry Foggia is assigned to the case does the true horror of the killer's motive come to light.
A ritual killer - nicknamed 'Satan' - stalks the city, killing in terrible ways with no apparent motive. Enter Lieutenant Foggia who, assisted by a spiritualist medium, must discover the reason for the slayings. But the truth he unearths is beyond anything he's encountered in the real world - for the killings are paving the way for a force so powerful that the lives of a few innocents will appear unimportant in comparison...
Featuring several of Masterton's favourite themes, such as spiritualism and demonology, Black Angel moves at a fast pace from the stomach-churning opening to the exciting final confrontation between man and demon.
544 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 5, 1991
276 people are currently reading
1010 people want to read
About the author
Graham Masterton
422 books1,967 followersGraham Masterton was born in Edinburgh in 1946. His grandfather was Thomas Thorne Baker, the eminent scientist who invented DayGlo and was the first man to transmit news photographs by wireless. After training as a newspaper reporter, Graham went on to edit the new British men's magazine Mayfair, where he encouraged William Burroughs to develop a series of scientific and philosophical articles which eventually became Burroughs' novel The Wild Boys.
At the age of 24, Graham was appointed executive editor of both Penthouse and Penthouse Forum magazines. At this time he started to write a bestselling series of sex 'how-to' books including How To Drive Your Man Wild In Bed which has sold over 3 million copies worldwide. His latest, Wild Sex For New Lovers is published by Penguin Putnam in January, 2001. He is a regular contributor to Cosmopolitan, Men's Health, Woman, Woman's Own and other mass-market self-improvement magazines.
Graham Masterton's debut as a horror author began with The Manitou in 1976, a chilling tale of a Native American medicine man reborn in the present day to exact his revenge on the white man. It became an instant bestseller and was filmed with Tony Curtis, Susan Strasberg, Burgess Meredith, Michael Ansara, Stella Stevens and Ann Sothern.
Altogether Graham has written more than a hundred novels ranging from thrillers (The Sweetman Curve, Ikon) to disaster novels (Plague, Famine) to historical sagas (Rich and Maiden Voyage - both appeared in the New York Times bestseller list). He has published four collections of short stories, Fortnight of Fear, Flights of Fear, Faces of Fear and Feelings of Fear.
He has also written horror novels for children (House of Bones, Hair-Raiser) and has just finished the fifth volume in a very popular series for young adults, Rook, based on the adventures of an idiosyncratic remedial English teacher in a Los Angeles community college who has the facility to see ghosts.
Since then Graham has published more than 35 horror novels, including Charnel House, which was awarded a Special Edgar by Mystery Writers of America; Mirror, which was awarded a Silver Medal by West Coast Review of Books; and Family Portrait, an update of Oscar Wilde's tale, The Picture of Dorian Gray, which was the only non-French winner of the prestigious Prix Julia Verlanger in France.
He and his wife Wiescka live in a Gothic Victorian mansion high above the River Lee in Cork, Ireland.
At the age of 24, Graham was appointed executive editor of both Penthouse and Penthouse Forum magazines. At this time he started to write a bestselling series of sex 'how-to' books including How To Drive Your Man Wild In Bed which has sold over 3 million copies worldwide. His latest, Wild Sex For New Lovers is published by Penguin Putnam in January, 2001. He is a regular contributor to Cosmopolitan, Men's Health, Woman, Woman's Own and other mass-market self-improvement magazines.
Graham Masterton's debut as a horror author began with The Manitou in 1976, a chilling tale of a Native American medicine man reborn in the present day to exact his revenge on the white man. It became an instant bestseller and was filmed with Tony Curtis, Susan Strasberg, Burgess Meredith, Michael Ansara, Stella Stevens and Ann Sothern.
Altogether Graham has written more than a hundred novels ranging from thrillers (The Sweetman Curve, Ikon) to disaster novels (Plague, Famine) to historical sagas (Rich and Maiden Voyage - both appeared in the New York Times bestseller list). He has published four collections of short stories, Fortnight of Fear, Flights of Fear, Faces of Fear and Feelings of Fear.
He has also written horror novels for children (House of Bones, Hair-Raiser) and has just finished the fifth volume in a very popular series for young adults, Rook, based on the adventures of an idiosyncratic remedial English teacher in a Los Angeles community college who has the facility to see ghosts.
Since then Graham has published more than 35 horror novels, including Charnel House, which was awarded a Special Edgar by Mystery Writers of America; Mirror, which was awarded a Silver Medal by West Coast Review of Books; and Family Portrait, an update of Oscar Wilde's tale, The Picture of Dorian Gray, which was the only non-French winner of the prestigious Prix Julia Verlanger in France.
He and his wife Wiescka live in a Gothic Victorian mansion high above the River Lee in Cork, Ireland.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 142 reviews
August 17, 2017
Πολύ καλό! Ίσως με ενθουσίασε περισσότερο επειδή με έπιασε στο ευαίσθητο σημείο μου: δαίμονες, σπλάτερ, σφαγές και όλα αυτά τα ωραία που στα σέρβιρε σε αφθονία. Το τέλος εξελίχθηκε λίγο γρήγορα ίσως αλλά από την άλλη δε σε άφηνε να βαρεθείς καθόλου. Extra bonus το καταπληκτικό ξεκίνημα που σε αρπάζει από τα μαλλιά.
September 20, 2016
Ξεκίνησα να το διαβάζω γιατί είχα δει καλές κριτικές για τον συγγραφέα, από τις πρώτες όμως σελίδες, άρχισα να ψάχνω τον λόγο γιατί να το τελειώσω, εκτός του ότι είμαι ψυχαναγκαστικός και δεν αφήνω ποτέ βιβλίο στην μέση.
Ξεκινάει με μία βίαια περιγραφή φόνων αλλά όχι απαραίτητα και τρομακτική, το μόνο που με τρόμαξε ήταν πως θα καταφέρω να το τελειώσω. Επίπεδη γραφή, χωρίς καμία ένταση χωρίς να κάνει την καρδιά σου να κτυπήσει λίγο πιο γρήγορα όπως θα έπρεπε να κάνει μία ιστορία τρόμου. Προσπαθούσε να φτιάξει ατμόσφαιρα επαναλαμβάνοντας συνέχεια την ύπαρξη της ομίχλης. Από ένα “ειδικό” σε βιβλία τρόμου περιμένεις κάτι περισσότερο, αυτό ήταν σαν να το έγραψε, πρωτοεμφανιζόμενος συγγραφέας.Τελικά περισσότερο για σάτιρα των βιβλίων τρόμου μου έμοιαζε παρά για βιβλίο τρόμου. Η μετάφραση ήταν το λιγότερο απαράδεκτη! Να ξεκινήσει κανείς από “το δωμάτιο του Τζο ο Νεότερος” και “των πεταχτών μαλλιών του Τζο ο Νεότερος” ή από τις ισπανικές γαλικές και ιταλικές λέξεις που δεν έχουν μεταφραστεί αλλά αποδόθηκαν με ελληνικούς χαρακτήρες, σιτσιόλι, θερβεθα, κρουξ σακρα σιτ μιχι λουξ, τρε αποτυχημένο γάμο, (εγώ πάλι θα έλεγα, τρε αποτυχημένη μετάφραση)
Μ’αυτά και μ’ αυτά, δεν βλέπω να διαβάζω άλλο πόνημα του συγγραφέα στο προσεχές μέλλον!
Ξεκινάει με μία βίαια περιγραφή φόνων αλλά όχι απαραίτητα και τρομακτική, το μόνο που με τρόμαξε ήταν πως θα καταφέρω να το τελειώσω. Επίπεδη γραφή, χωρίς καμία ένταση χωρίς να κάνει την καρδιά σου να κτυπήσει λίγο πιο γρήγορα όπως θα έπρεπε να κάνει μία ιστορία τρόμου. Προσπαθούσε να φτιάξει ατμόσφαιρα επαναλαμβάνοντας συνέχεια την ύπαρξη της ομίχλης. Από ένα “ειδικό” σε βιβλία τρόμου περιμένεις κάτι περισσότερο, αυτό ήταν σαν να το έγραψε, πρωτοεμφανιζόμενος συγγραφέας.Τελικά περισσότερο για σάτιρα των βιβλίων τρόμου μου έμοιαζε παρά για βιβλίο τρόμου. Η μετάφραση ήταν το λιγότερο απαράδεκτη! Να ξεκινήσει κανείς από “το δωμάτιο του Τζο ο Νεότερος” και “των πεταχτών μαλλιών του Τζο ο Νεότερος” ή από τις ισπανικές γαλικές και ιταλικές λέξεις που δεν έχουν μεταφραστεί αλλά αποδόθηκαν με ελληνικούς χαρακτήρες, σιτσιόλι, θερβεθα, κρουξ σακρα σιτ μιχι λουξ, τρε αποτυχημένο γάμο, (εγώ πάλι θα έλεγα, τρε αποτυχημένη μετάφραση)
Μ’αυτά και μ’ αυτά, δεν βλέπω να διαβάζω άλλο πόνημα του συγγραφέα στο προσεχές μέλλον!
June 7, 2016
Είναι δυνατόν να ξέχασα ότι είχα διαβάσει αυτό το βιβλίο; κι όμως... τι σου είναι το μυαλό...
Ένα βιβλίο καθαρού τρόμου, με δαίμονες που ζητάνε θυσίες προκειμένου αυτοί που τους ξεπουλάνε την ψυχή τους να ζήσουν κάμποσα χρόνια χλιδής, πλούτου, φήμης κλπ κλπ. Και οι θυσίες που ζητάνε είναι αντάξιες της δαιμονικής τους ψυχής, όχι αστεία....
Νομίζω ότι το πρώτο κεφάλαιο ήταν από τα πιο ωμά και τρομακτικά που έχω διαβάσει, ενώ τα καρφωμένα χέρια στο πάτωμα είναι κάτι που ακόμα με στοιχειώνει... Η αποκάλυψη για το δολοφόνο επίσης νομίζω ότι είναι από τις μεγαλύτερες ανατροπές (και κάπου εκεί η αιώνια παιδική ψυχούλα μου είχε στιγματιστεί...)
Δεν νοείται λάτρης του τρόμου που δεν έχει διαβάσει Masterton, (προσοχή, για κάποιους πιο ευαίσθητους, μην το διαβάσετε για να το παίξετε δυνατοί, Dark Lord is wathcing.. Μείνετε στο Voldemort αν δεν το αντέχετε!!!)
Ένα βιβλίο καθαρού τρόμου, με δαίμονες που ζητάνε θυσίες προκειμένου αυτοί που τους ξεπουλάνε την ψυχή τους να ζήσουν κάμποσα χρόνια χλιδής, πλούτου, φήμης κλπ κλπ. Και οι θυσίες που ζητάνε είναι αντάξιες της δαιμονικής τους ψυχής, όχι αστεία....
Νομίζω ότι το πρώτο κεφάλαιο ήταν από τα πιο ωμά και τρομακτικά που έχω διαβάσει, ενώ τα καρφωμένα χέρια στο πάτωμα είναι κάτι που ακόμα με στοιχειώνει... Η αποκάλυψη για το δολοφόνο επίσης νομίζω ότι είναι από τις μεγαλύτερες ανατροπές (και κάπου εκεί η αιώνια παιδική ψυχούλα μου είχε στιγματιστεί...)
Δεν νοείται λάτρης του τρόμου που δεν έχει διαβάσει Masterton, (προσοχή, για κάποιους πιο ευαίσθητους, μην το διαβάσετε για να το παίξετε δυνατοί, Dark Lord is wathcing.. Μείνετε στο Voldemort αν δεν το αντέχετε!!!)
October 11, 2022
A strange, but fun read by Masterton for sure. In a way, this is a police procedural thriller about a serial killer, and it opens with a truly horrific chapter involving the killer and a family; his latest victims. It seems the killer, named in the press and Fog City Satan (Master of Lies is set in San Francisco) had already brutally murdered several other families very nastily, but there seems to be no rhyme or reason to the attacks, except he always enters the homes/apartments loudly, using sledgehammers, etc.
The cops are stumped, and the chief of detectives decides he needs new blood on the case, and appoints Larry Foggia, a senior detective, to take over the case. While this is a police procedural, Masterton does not really play up this aspect, and quickly, he introduces some supernatural aspects that are the driving force of the story. I will not go into details, except to say that it seems someone, or some people, are attempted to 'bring from the other side' a really nasty demon, named the Master of Lies (hence the title).
As usual with Masterton, there is lots of snappy dialogue, and enough one liners etc. to make this something of a splatstick rather than a really scary horror novel. This was set in 1988, and Masterton plays a lot with the history of the city, evoking is hippy 60's days with several characters who are still around the city, 'sold out' or otherwise. While the book begins with a real bang, and ends with one as well, the middle ground is a little slow. So, while I loved the beginning and end, I was a little mixed on the main story. 3.5 stars, rounding up for the start/end.
The cops are stumped, and the chief of detectives decides he needs new blood on the case, and appoints Larry Foggia, a senior detective, to take over the case. While this is a police procedural, Masterton does not really play up this aspect, and quickly, he introduces some supernatural aspects that are the driving force of the story. I will not go into details, except to say that it seems someone, or some people, are attempted to 'bring from the other side' a really nasty demon, named the Master of Lies (hence the title).
As usual with Masterton, there is lots of snappy dialogue, and enough one liners etc. to make this something of a splatstick rather than a really scary horror novel. This was set in 1988, and Masterton plays a lot with the history of the city, evoking is hippy 60's days with several characters who are still around the city, 'sold out' or otherwise. While the book begins with a real bang, and ends with one as well, the middle ground is a little slow. So, while I loved the beginning and end, I was a little mixed on the main story. 3.5 stars, rounding up for the start/end.
July 12, 2017
Kirkus reviews says:" Be warned: Masterton's newest, about the ritualistic resurrection of the fallen angel Beli Ya'al in San Francisco, opens with what may be the single most sadistic scene in horror history." No doubt. I've read many horror books and nothing compares with the opening of this novel. I dare you to read and not get a visceral reaction. My body got tense and I was squirming, gritting my teeth. In bad taste but effective. Rest of the book a bit of letdown because after opening chapter or so a letdown is practically guaranteed after such a vicious sadistic beginning
May 16, 2018
Αυτό το βιβλίο είναι ένα καλό βιβλίο για τους φαν του είδους. Αν σας αρέσει η ωμή βία, οι άγγελοι, οι δαίμονες και τα πνεύματα, τότε αυτό είναι ένα βιβλίο για εσάς. Εμένα από την άλλη δε μου άρεσε. Νιώθω ότι δεν είχε κάτι να μου προσφέρει. Η γραφή ήταν απλά οκ, οι χαρακτήρες σχεδόν αδιάφοροι, και το θέμα του μου ήταν σχεδόν αδιάφορο. Όλη αυτή η ωμή βία για να μου αποδείξει τι; Μέχρι που μπορεί να φτάσει ο άνθρωπος για τον πλούτο και την εξουσία; Έχει γίνει με πολύ καλύτερους τρόπους. Επίσης η ωμή βία σε ένα βιβλίο δε με τρομάζει και δε μου δημιουργεί ατμόσφαιρα. Γενικά νιώθω ότι και να μην το είχα διαβάσει, δε θα έχανα τίποτα.
October 19, 2023
Δεν έχω να πω πολλά! Επί 2 μέρες μου έρχονται εικόνες, τα βραδιά όταν πέφτω για ύπνο νιώθω λίγο περίεργα, ξενύχτησα χτες για να το τελειώσω. Αυτά! Θέλετε κ άλλα;
January 29, 2024
Wstrząsający kawał grozy od jednego z naszych mistrzów – powieść, która łączy w sobie thriller kryminalny, powieść okultystyczną, a całość spowita prawdziwą grozą.
Graham Masterton nierafinowany, surowy, bez mrugnięcia okiem, bez czarnego humoru. To Masterton, który wyprowadza z równowagi i nie bierze jeńców. Takiego go jeszcze nie znałam!
Najbardziej spodobało mi się podobieństwo motywu do mojego ulubionego „Wyklętego” – zatopiony statek, dziwny ładunek, coś uśpione… Nawet absurdalne zakończenie jest podobne! Bo co jak co, ale końcówka może zawieść. Mnie nie zawiodła, wiem że trudno sensownie domknąć motywy okultystyczne i tylko nielicznym to się udało. Ale wiem, że kto spodziewa się końcówki tak intensywnej w emocje jak początek „Czarnego Anioła”, ten może skończyć lekturę z miną co najmniej zaskoczoną. Skończyłam przerażona, wbita w ziemię, poharatana – trzymało mnie wrażenie, jakie zrobił na mnie Szatan z Mgły, a to wspomnienie działań prawdziwego Nocnego Prześladowcy tylko podbiło poczucie niepokoju.
Wrażliwcy muszą wiedzieć –”Czarny Anioł” to nie przelewki, miejcie się na baczności! A kto gotowy jest na thriller i horror w jednym, bezlitosne okrucieństwo, które nie bierze jeńców – czytajcie. Jeden z najlepszych i najstraszniejszych tytułów.
Graham Masterton nierafinowany, surowy, bez mrugnięcia okiem, bez czarnego humoru. To Masterton, który wyprowadza z równowagi i nie bierze jeńców. Takiego go jeszcze nie znałam!
Najbardziej spodobało mi się podobieństwo motywu do mojego ulubionego „Wyklętego” – zatopiony statek, dziwny ładunek, coś uśpione… Nawet absurdalne zakończenie jest podobne! Bo co jak co, ale końcówka może zawieść. Mnie nie zawiodła, wiem że trudno sensownie domknąć motywy okultystyczne i tylko nielicznym to się udało. Ale wiem, że kto spodziewa się końcówki tak intensywnej w emocje jak początek „Czarnego Anioła”, ten może skończyć lekturę z miną co najmniej zaskoczoną. Skończyłam przerażona, wbita w ziemię, poharatana – trzymało mnie wrażenie, jakie zrobił na mnie Szatan z Mgły, a to wspomnienie działań prawdziwego Nocnego Prześladowcy tylko podbiło poczucie niepokoju.
Wrażliwcy muszą wiedzieć –”Czarny Anioł” to nie przelewki, miejcie się na baczności! A kto gotowy jest na thriller i horror w jednym, bezlitosne okrucieństwo, które nie bierze jeńców – czytajcie. Jeden z najlepszych i najstraszniejszych tytułów.
November 12, 2010
Graham Masterton writes a serial killer story. Of course, it's good.
January 6, 2025
3.5 stars.
This started out with a BANG! Some absolutely brutal scenes of a serial killer and his crimes. On the verge of extreme horror stuff, it's that heinous, and I couldn't believe Masteton wrote it. It then however kinda gets bogged down for the rest of the novel. Half police procedural half occult horror. It's fantastic writing, but I was getting a little bored by it, to be honest. It couldn't live up to that initial opening.
This started out with a BANG! Some absolutely brutal scenes of a serial killer and his crimes. On the verge of extreme horror stuff, it's that heinous, and I couldn't believe Masteton wrote it. It then however kinda gets bogged down for the rest of the novel. Half police procedural half occult horror. It's fantastic writing, but I was getting a little bored by it, to be honest. It couldn't live up to that initial opening.
November 9, 2012
The first chapter was great, and it alone earns this an additional star, but the rest of the book failed to live up to what came before it, and the beginning alone made me want to finish it when I briefly considered quitting. Still, it was a pretty good read, and there was some silliness thrown in. Not something I'd want to read again, but I may look for something else by Masterton.
August 24, 2022
Black Angel has one of the most gore filled, gut wrenching opening stanzas I've ever read. The extreme violence laced with bizzaro fiction sets a precedence which thankfully, doesn't continue in such overtly graphic fashion as the story progresses, though it's certainly a plot point on the peripheral.
There's an element of the 'supernatural detective' sub genre which plays out quite nicely as Lieutenant Foggia goes on the hunt to bring the darkly disturbing serial killer to justice. No so much a cat and mouse formula but close to it - the supernatural sojourn fits the theme while keeping a semi-realistic vantage point to the prose.
Black Angel is an enjoyable read which will appeal to dark fiction and horror aficionados, and some truly memorable characters (think Edna-Mae), however I felt like the story would've benefited from fleshing out a couple of bit-players in reporter Fay Kuhn and police chief Dan Burroughs.
There's an element of the 'supernatural detective' sub genre which plays out quite nicely as Lieutenant Foggia goes on the hunt to bring the darkly disturbing serial killer to justice. No so much a cat and mouse formula but close to it - the supernatural sojourn fits the theme while keeping a semi-realistic vantage point to the prose.
Black Angel is an enjoyable read which will appeal to dark fiction and horror aficionados, and some truly memorable characters (think Edna-Mae), however I felt like the story would've benefited from fleshing out a couple of bit-players in reporter Fay Kuhn and police chief Dan Burroughs.
August 18, 2022
Έχω διαβάσει κι άλλα βιβλία του Μάστερτον, με πολύ ανατριχιαστικές σκηνές. Το πρώτο κεφάλαιο αυτού του βιβλίου, δεν είναι ότι θα μου μείνει ανεξίτηλο, ξεθωριάζει ήδη, όμως ναι, είναι από τα πιο σκληρά που έχω διαβάσει, σφίχτηκε το στομάχι μου!
Κατά τα άλλα, από τη μέση και μετά, άρχισα να βαριέμαι λίγο, και το τέλος ήταν κάπως απότομο, ως συνήθως, δεν ήταν όμως τόσο... πως να το πω.. ό,τι να ναι να το πω, παράξενο να το πω... Ήταν ένα τέλος συμβατό με τη φύση του βιβλίου!
Πάντως στο σύνολό του ήταν ένα βιβλίο που με έκανε να νιώσω αρκετά άσχημα!
Κατά τα άλλα, από τη μέση και μετά, άρχισα να βαριέμαι λίγο, και το τέλος ήταν κάπως απότομο, ως συνήθως, δεν ήταν όμως τόσο... πως να το πω.. ό,τι να ναι να το πω, παράξενο να το πω... Ήταν ένα τέλος συμβατό με τη φύση του βιβλίου!
Πάντως στο σύνολό του ήταν ένα βιβλίο που με έκανε να νιώσω αρκετά άσχημα!
December 21, 2025
A solid example of unapologetic early-90s paperback horror. This is gory, campy, over the top, and the book comfortable lives in that space.
When the horror hits, it’s brutal and cringe-inducing, exactly as intended. Masterton doesn’t hold back. Readers who enjoy visceral, no-apologies horror will get exactly what they’re looking for in the pages. This is definitely not a book for non-horror readers, even with its serial-killer investigation angle.
The opening is excellent and shocking and sets the tone perfectly. The pacing does falter in the middle, and the book shifts into a slower burn and drags a little with limited plot movement before things pick up again. That section could have been tighter.
One aspect I really enjoyed was the inclusion of mediums and spiritualists. This added an extra layer to the story and helped distinguish it from a straightforward serial-killer narrative. There are some good twists along the way, some happen seemingly out of nowhere, but they work well enough within the context and tone of the book.
This isn’t just gore for the sake of it. There’s a coherent story and structure holding everything together. The characters are also stronger than expected for this kind of horror. I thought Larry, Wilbert, and Tara stood out in particular.
An enjoyable slice of 90s horror excess. The book is messy in places, but confident, nasty, and entertaining for fans of the genre.
Masterton will always bring horror that will shock and make you cringe.
When the horror hits, it’s brutal and cringe-inducing, exactly as intended. Masterton doesn’t hold back. Readers who enjoy visceral, no-apologies horror will get exactly what they’re looking for in the pages. This is definitely not a book for non-horror readers, even with its serial-killer investigation angle.
The opening is excellent and shocking and sets the tone perfectly. The pacing does falter in the middle, and the book shifts into a slower burn and drags a little with limited plot movement before things pick up again. That section could have been tighter.
One aspect I really enjoyed was the inclusion of mediums and spiritualists. This added an extra layer to the story and helped distinguish it from a straightforward serial-killer narrative. There are some good twists along the way, some happen seemingly out of nowhere, but they work well enough within the context and tone of the book.
This isn’t just gore for the sake of it. There’s a coherent story and structure holding everything together. The characters are also stronger than expected for this kind of horror. I thought Larry, Wilbert, and Tara stood out in particular.
An enjoyable slice of 90s horror excess. The book is messy in places, but confident, nasty, and entertaining for fans of the genre.
Masterton will always bring horror that will shock and make you cringe.
October 11, 2018
Ένα βιβλίο πραγματικού τρόμου.Αν θέλεις να δεις το απόλυτο τρόμο με τα ίδια σου τα μάτια δεν έχεις πάρα να καλέσεις τον άρχοντα του ψεύδους.
Ο Μαστερτον,δεξιοτέχνης των θρίλερ με ταξίδεψε στην φρίκη μέσα από σκοτεινά μονοπάτια,με απόλυτη επιτυχία.
Αν έχεις γερά νεύρα και σου αρέσουν αυτού του είδους τα βιβλία,το προτείνω.
5/5
Ο Μαστερτον,δεξιοτέχνης των θρίλερ με ταξίδεψε στην φρίκη μέσα από σκοτεινά μονοπάτια,με απόλυτη επιτυχία.
Αν έχεις γερά νεύρα και σου αρέσουν αυτού του είδους τα βιβλία,το προτείνω.
5/5
April 29, 2021
Αν και προς το τέλος το βιβλίο γίνεται λίγο B-Movie και οι διάλογοι γνωρίζουν προφανή "πτώση" στη ποιότητα, σαν εμπειρία συνολικά ήταν ωραία.
Ένα τρομαχτικό και απίστευτα βίαιο μυθιστόρημα. Νομίζω ότι ο Masterton μου κέντρισε το ενδιαφέρον.
Ένα τρομαχτικό και απίστευτα βίαιο μυθιστόρημα. Νομίζω ότι ο Masterton μου κέντρισε το ενδιαφέρον.
July 20, 2016
Από τις πρώτες παραγράφους άρχισα να ψάχνω έναν λόγο για να το διαβάσω. Συνέχισα, ίσως γιατί ήλπιζα πως αργότερα θα έβρισκα κάτι ν’ αξίζει τον κόπο, πίσω από την πρόχειρη πρόζα δηλαδή, τους αφύσικους διαλόγους Λάμψης, δεν θέλεις να ξέρεις τι έκανε Γιάγκο, τι έκανε μάνα μου, δεν σου λέω, δεν το πιστεύω, Χριστούλιη μου, το έκανε τελικά. Ίσως να έβρισκα κάτι πίσω από τα άπειρα μπουρδουκλώματα και τις γελοίες παρομοιώσεις που σε πετάνε ξανά και ξανά από την αφήγηση, σαν τη μάνα σου που σου φωνάζει να ξεκλειδωθείς επιτέλους από την τουαλέτα.
Υπήρχαν στιγμές που έψαχνα να βρω έστω μια γαμημένη παρομοίωση που να μην είναι για τα μπάζα.
Και βρήκα –όχι παρομοίωση, κάτι να αξίζει τον κόπο.
Σε ένα σύμπαν που οι Ιταλοί ονομάζουν τους παπαγάλους Μουσολίνι, λένε τσάο μάμα και τρωγοπίνουν πίτσες και καπουτσίνο, σ’ ένα σκηνικό που για να το κάνει ατμοσφαιρικό ο τύπος σου επαναλαμβάνει ότι έχει ομίχλη, με την εμμονή ανώμαλου που επιμένει να σε κεράσει παγωτό (στα δέκα σου), υπάρχουν μερικές στιγμές τρόμου που είναι καλές. Ως πολύ καλές. Σχεδόν σε κάνουν να το συμπαθήσεις. Μέχρι να έρθει το τέλος που, ναι, προσπαθεί να κάνει κάτι, αλλά μάλλον αποτυγχάνει.
Αν δικαιολογούν το διάβασμα του βιβλίου; Για να είμαι ειλικρινής δεν ξέρω.
Από τη μια οι χαρακτήρες είναι για ταινία του Βαν Νταμ, η αστυνομική πλοκή είναι αντίστοιχη, η τεχνική καρπουζοπαζαρτζή στο ξεκίνημα, είναι γλύκα, είναι μέλι, μην το στείλεις στο παρτέρι, σε κάνει να θες να το στείλεις στο παρτέρι και το μοναδικό σημείο στο οποίο δεν έχει καταφύγει σε κλισέ είναι οι παρομοιώσεις –κι εκεί, μακάρι να ‘χωνε κανένα κλισέ δηλαδή, απ’ το να σου ραμφίζει τα μάτια σαν νοσηρός κόρακας με κανιβαλιστικές διαθέσεις.
Από την άλλη ομολογώ πως διασκέδασα.
Αν ήταν αυτοέκδοση πρωτοεμφανιζόμενου θα έλεγα, οκ, ο τύπος ίσως να έχει μέλλον. Όμως τούτος εδώ, λέει, έχει γράψει εξηνταφεύγα βιβλία και εκατοντάδες άρθρα.
Ε, λοιπόν πάω στοίχημα πως δεν έχει ρίξει δεύτερη ματιά ούτε σε ραβασάκι.
Υπήρχαν στιγμές που έψαχνα να βρω έστω μια γαμημένη παρομοίωση που να μην είναι για τα μπάζα.
Και βρήκα –όχι παρομοίωση, κάτι να αξίζει τον κόπο.
Σε ένα σύμπαν που οι Ιταλοί ονομάζουν τους παπαγάλους Μουσολίνι, λένε τσάο μάμα και τρωγοπίνουν πίτσες και καπουτσίνο, σ’ ένα σκηνικό που για να το κάνει ατμοσφαιρικό ο τύπος σου επαναλαμβάνει ότι έχει ομίχλη, με την εμμονή ανώμαλου που επιμένει να σε κεράσει παγωτό (στα δέκα σου), υπάρχουν μερικές στιγμές τρόμου που είναι καλές. Ως πολύ καλές. Σχεδόν σε κάνουν να το συμπαθήσεις. Μέχρι να έρθει το τέλος που, ναι, προσπαθεί να κάνει κάτι, αλλά μάλλον αποτυγχάνει.
Αν δικαιολογούν το διάβασμα του βιβλίου; Για να είμαι ειλικρινής δεν ξέρω.
Από τη μια οι χαρακτήρες είναι για ταινία του Βαν Νταμ, η αστυνομική πλοκή είναι αντίστοιχη, η τεχνική καρπουζοπαζαρτζή στο ξεκίνημα, είναι γλύκα, είναι μέλι, μην το στείλεις στο παρτέρι, σε κάνει να θες να το στείλεις στο παρτέρι και το μοναδικό σημείο στο οποίο δεν έχει καταφύγει σε κλισέ είναι οι παρομοιώσεις –κι εκεί, μακάρι να ‘χωνε κανένα κλισέ δηλαδή, απ’ το να σου ραμφίζει τα μάτια σαν νοσηρός κόρακας με κανιβαλιστικές διαθέσεις.
Από την άλλη ομολογώ πως διασκέδασα.
Αν ήταν αυτοέκδοση πρωτοεμφανιζόμενου θα έλεγα, οκ, ο τύπος ίσως να έχει μέλλον. Όμως τούτος εδώ, λέει, έχει γράψει εξηνταφεύγα βιβλία και εκατοντάδες άρθρα.
Ε, λοιπόν πάω στοίχημα πως δεν έχει ρίξει δεύτερη ματιά ούτε σε ραβασάκι.
October 26, 2009
As harsh as anything Masterton has written - the first chapter alone made me question whether I wanted to read the whole thing - this is an excellent novel, beautifully constructed and scary as hell. Highly recommended.
December 28, 2022
What did the poor parrot ever do to you????!!!!! 😥
June 5, 2024
It’s kind of hard to write a review about Black Angel without mentioning the multiple things I’ve talked about in the tons of various Masterton novels I’ve read previously and reviewed.
Nowhere does Black Angel truly stand out as a soaring achievement in Masterton’s long and illustrious career, however that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Consistency is the name of the game since everything presented here has been done before in his other books. This one is, as expected, clever, creepy, and well constructed (as are the majority of his works). It’s darkly humorous at times with the typical brand of acerbic wit Masterton has demonstrated time and time again. Plot-wise there are many similarities between this and other works such as The Pariahand Night Warriors as well as Charnel House and The Manitou .
Where this one does have its moments of uniqueness (when compared to other Masterton’s, at least) is its dark tone and exceptional violence, perhaps being one of his most gory novels…not that Masterton has been averse to blood and guts, but everything is ramped up to levels of “extreme” horror in Black Angel. The opening chapter alone was one of the most brutal and unsettling things I’ve read from this author in a long time.
Nowhere does Black Angel truly stand out as a soaring achievement in Masterton’s long and illustrious career, however that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Consistency is the name of the game since everything presented here has been done before in his other books. This one is, as expected, clever, creepy, and well constructed (as are the majority of his works). It’s darkly humorous at times with the typical brand of acerbic wit Masterton has demonstrated time and time again. Plot-wise there are many similarities between this and other works such as The Pariahand Night Warriors as well as Charnel House and The Manitou .
Where this one does have its moments of uniqueness (when compared to other Masterton’s, at least) is its dark tone and exceptional violence, perhaps being one of his most gory novels…not that Masterton has been averse to blood and guts, but everything is ramped up to levels of “extreme” horror in Black Angel. The opening chapter alone was one of the most brutal and unsettling things I’ve read from this author in a long time.
February 1, 2014
Μπορώ να πω ότι το απόλαυσα. Ήταν το πρώτο βιβλίο του Μάστερτον που διάβασα και το βρήκα πολύ καλό. Επίσης ήταν το δεύτερο βιβλίο -μετά την Κυρά του σκοταδιού του Leiber- με φόντο το ατμοσφαιρικό Σαν Φρανσίσκο. Ωραία πόλη για εγκληματίες...! Εντάξει, έχει κάποιες περιβόητες σκηνές μόλις στο πρώτο κεφάλαιο, (που λειτουργούν καλά ειδικά αν είσαι πατέρας) αλλά εμένα προσωπικά με αηδίασε μια σκηνή στη σελίδα 222. Όσοι έχετε το βιβλίο θα το καταλάβετε, εκεί λίγο πιο πάνω από τη μέση. Ως προς την ιστορία: Μια σειρά ανατριχιαστικών φόνων με τελετουργικό τρόπο έχουν στοιχειώσει την αστυνομία του Σαν Φρανσίσκο και αναθέτουν την υπόθεση στον Λάρι Φότζια που αναλαμβάνει να εξιχνιάσει την υπόθεση. Φυσικά δεν πρόκειται για ένα απλό έγκλημα αλλά έχει να κάνει με τον ερχομό ενός έκπτωτου δαίμονα. Το βιβλίο ανεβάζει ταχύτητα από τη μέση και μετά, ενώ έπειτα από το πρώτο κεφάλαιο πέφτει λίγο ο ρυθμός του. Το βρήκα στρωτά γραμμένο παρά τις όποιες υπερβολές του. Ωραίο βιβλίο. Σίγουρα θα διαβάσω και άλλα βιβλία του ίδιου συγγραφέα.
July 20, 2014
That's the third book I read from this writer and I have to say I'm pretty disappointed. Lack of imagination and complexity. I was bored already on page 50. The beginning of the book is strong but after that everything was eeeh.
I read the book just to see how is going to end.
I read the book just to see how is going to end.
April 2, 2022
Four stars? Not a literary masterpiece but if does what it needs to do, and it does it effectively.
This is gory. The novel begins with a serial killer victimizing a family and shifts into a police investigation where the main character and his relationship to his family reminds me of Chief Brody from Jaws.
The police detective protagonist makes the book work, when it works, but the book throws the unbelievable at the reader before the reader is prepared, and for me, suspension of disbelief evaporated.
That's not to say the book wasn't entertaining, or downright terrifying at points, but it's flaws made me stumble more often than not. Still, a good solid horror novel from the 80s. Golden.
This is gory. The novel begins with a serial killer victimizing a family and shifts into a police investigation where the main character and his relationship to his family reminds me of Chief Brody from Jaws.
The police detective protagonist makes the book work, when it works, but the book throws the unbelievable at the reader before the reader is prepared, and for me, suspension of disbelief evaporated.
That's not to say the book wasn't entertaining, or downright terrifying at points, but it's flaws made me stumble more often than not. Still, a good solid horror novel from the 80s. Golden.
February 15, 2015
It did take that time to read... Believe me. Well long story short I began to read it when I was at the hospital alongside Dune by Frank Herbert. Don't know why but I didn't finish them both so I left them on my pile to read afterwards (there are 8 books piling there). So I thought July was a good month to finish most of them. I was right. In the end I was very pleased with Graham Masterton and it's an author I should read a couple other books.... (if you have any idea drop me a comment).
This was one of the few horror books I read this year which troubles me because I do like horror books and movies... I have a couple more in my desk and I should start with them..
Now for the book ...
Larry Foggia, a police detective investigating a series of brutal murders, discovers that the killer is not human but an actual demon. Still mostly imprisoned by a century-old spell, the demon and its minions are killing people in a ritualistic fashion, growing with each death, preparing for the day when they will be strong enough to gain their freedom.
In this book I saw one of the most horrifying scenes I had the "pleasure" to read. It was just on the beginning as we enter the mind of the killer as he prepares a ritual he must perform. It was brutal. When I finish reading I had to read it again.. Just twisted mayhem with a glimpse of insanity... This killer is evil. Believe me. Apart from the first chapter (and I must say that the book had only 9 chapters with each chapter with 40 pages(ish). It was troublesome for me to read it since I like to read on the transports and I stay on a middle of chapter. The book takes us from the main chapter with the killer into the mind of the Foggia, the police, as he talks to several dozen characters to deciphre the mystery. He then enters into the supernatural investigation and in the end must battle with superhuman demons (well, demon). The confrontation with Belial is hilarious... How could an fallen angel with timeless wisdon fall to the weak mind of a human? It was too easy for Foggia... That's my opinion.
I would advise this book to anyone who likes horror novels with supernatural elements. It was a good book indeed.
This was one of the few horror books I read this year which troubles me because I do like horror books and movies... I have a couple more in my desk and I should start with them..
Now for the book ...
Larry Foggia, a police detective investigating a series of brutal murders, discovers that the killer is not human but an actual demon. Still mostly imprisoned by a century-old spell, the demon and its minions are killing people in a ritualistic fashion, growing with each death, preparing for the day when they will be strong enough to gain their freedom.
In this book I saw one of the most horrifying scenes I had the "pleasure" to read. It was just on the beginning as we enter the mind of the killer as he prepares a ritual he must perform. It was brutal. When I finish reading I had to read it again.. Just twisted mayhem with a glimpse of insanity... This killer is evil. Believe me. Apart from the first chapter (and I must say that the book had only 9 chapters with each chapter with 40 pages(ish). It was troublesome for me to read it since I like to read on the transports and I stay on a middle of chapter. The book takes us from the main chapter with the killer into the mind of the Foggia, the police, as he talks to several dozen characters to deciphre the mystery. He then enters into the supernatural investigation and in the end must battle with superhuman demons (well, demon). The confrontation with Belial is hilarious... How could an fallen angel with timeless wisdon fall to the weak mind of a human? It was too easy for Foggia... That's my opinion.
I would advise this book to anyone who likes horror novels with supernatural elements. It was a good book indeed.
November 15, 2017
On the plus side, this book was mostly like an awesome, extremely gory detective story. Like, kind of like the first season of True Detective, but with a real monster. The main killer dude reminded me a lot of the main killer dude in True Detective, gigantic, with an insatiable appetite for death.
This could have been a really great book with a few things changed. "Intimate" scene with the wife was just embarassing, and then way the demon is dispatched at the end was dumb. There was also an error in the first couple of pages, chronological mistakes in books for some reason really bother me:
"It was 9:03 on the night of Thursday, August 11, 1988." A few paragraphs later,
"Once, nine years ago, when they were staying the night with friends in Mill Valley, Joe had asked Nina...." Then about a page later,
"Nina had met Joe in 1981, at an Independence Day jazz concert..."
If they met in 1981, 7 years before the current time of the story, it would have been impossible for them to be staying with their friends 9 years ago. Super minor detail, super annoying, haha.
This could have been a really great book with a few things changed. "Intimate" scene with the wife was just embarassing, and then way the demon is dispatched at the end was dumb. There was also an error in the first couple of pages, chronological mistakes in books for some reason really bother me:
"It was 9:03 on the night of Thursday, August 11, 1988." A few paragraphs later,
"Once, nine years ago, when they were staying the night with friends in Mill Valley, Joe had asked Nina...." Then about a page later,
"Nina had met Joe in 1981, at an Independence Day jazz concert..."
If they met in 1981, 7 years before the current time of the story, it would have been impossible for them to be staying with their friends 9 years ago. Super minor detail, super annoying, haha.
September 24, 2014
This novel gets straight into it. A ritualistic killer rampages through 80's San Francisco, killing innocent families in the most appalling ways. His aim is to resurrect an abhorrent angel; the demon Belial. The first chapter details the sixth ritual, which I feel even Graham Masterton took things a little too far. Disturbing, yes...but certainly a gripping book. It is up to an instinctive detective to catch the killer, but his involvement and curiosity brings him face to face with the demon, and now he must send him back to the limbo from which he came.
July 30, 2019
ίσως το καλύτερο που έχω διαβάσει από τον μάστερτον
η πρώτη σκηνή είναι απλά αριστουργηματική και από τα πιο ακραία πράγματα που έχω διαβάσει
το τέλος είναι κάπως κουτό και σύνηθες με βάση την μανιέρα του μάστερτον
αυτό το βιβλίο με εισήγαγε στην πένα του και -δυστυχώς- έκτοτε κανένα δεν μου έχει κάνει τόσο τρομερή εντύπωση
ένα βιβλίο που πρέπει να διαβαστεί από τους απανταχού τρομάδες
η πρώτη σκηνή είναι απλά αριστουργηματική και από τα πιο ακραία πράγματα που έχω διαβάσει
το τέλος είναι κάπως κουτό και σύνηθες με βάση την μανιέρα του μάστερτον
αυτό το βιβλίο με εισήγαγε στην πένα του και -δυστυχώς- έκτοτε κανένα δεν μου έχει κάνει τόσο τρομερή εντύπωση
ένα βιβλίο που πρέπει να διαβαστεί από τους απανταχού τρομάδες
Read
October 9, 2009One of best starts to a novel ever.
January 16, 2015
I discovered Graham Masterton quite by chance. A colleague who left his job somewhat unexpectedly left one of his novels in his desk, a thoroughly enjoyable read called "The Sleepless". They were, I wasn't, but I was hooked. I am a huge horror fan, this was a new author, so let's have some more!
There was a small independent bookshop not too far from where I was living at the time. I used to visit frequently and chat to the owner, who is also a horror fan. I loved that place, and I miss it still. Where else can it take you half an hour to make a purchase, even after you've chosen the book and got to the counter? One day, amongst a couple of other things, I picked "Black Angel" from the shelf. "I've just started reading this," she said "the first chapter's really nasty." Well, that was like a red rag to a bull with me, and I nearly ran home to get started.
So, are you sitting comfortably? Yes? Good! It's probably just as well, because if you were the one reading this novel, you wouldn't be for long! This is most definitely not bedtime reading. I wouldn't recommend reading it after a heavy meal, either. It's nasty, and I love it, but it is only for those with a strong stomach!
The novel opens on the kind of family scene that Americans seem to like calling "typically American". The children in bed, ex-cop Joe Berry and his wife Nina are doing typically homely things. He's finishing dinner, she’s making a pie. (Apple? Of course!) But there's a little countdown happening between the lines. What's that all about? By this time, I've already taken a liking to Joe, as he has indicated a shared belief in one of my own philosophies: "Decaff isn't coffee. Same as lite beer isn't beer." You tell 'em, Joe!
By the end of the first chapter, however, the countdown has reached zero. And what was it counting down to? A brutal attack on the Berry family. When I say brutal, I mean BRUTAL! A man breaks into their apartment, nails Joe and Nina to the floor, making each hammer the first nail into their spouse's hand, on their hands and knees (nails through their knees, oh yes!), rapes Nina and nails their two children to the wall before setting them alight, whilst their parents are forced to watch. Well, they can't really go anyplace else. This is our first introduction to the man known to San Francisco Police as the Fog City Satan.
Detective Larry Foggia is assigned to the case, to take over from a colleague. Now that the Fog City Satan has started killing their own, the police and the city mayor suddenly have a new urgency, and want the killer caught NOW. Larry is chosen largely due to his being high profile, and good with the media. Larry immediately suspects that he has been handed the case in an effort to end his career, and that there are reasons behind the case being transferred that he does not know about. There are, but not the ones he suspects.
After certain inexplicable events, Larry begins to suspect a supernatural force behind the murders. Much to the disgust of his superiors and colleagues, he begins investigating along these lines. Despite their reservations, further incidents and hearing stories that sounds familiar to what he has seen with his own eyes confirm his suspicions. As he continues, more and more inexplicable and gruesome things happen, convincing Larry he’s on the right track, but confusing him and scaring him more and more.
And it’s not just Larry Foggia that’s likely to be scared by what described either. Masterton has this wonderful way of both scaring and grossing out the reader. The action keeps coming, with hardly time to draw breath between one shocking event and the next, before building into a huge finish.
But it’s the death scenes that make this as good (or bad, depending on your viewpoint!) as it is. Every time you get to another death, it is described in such detail, almost lovingly, that you get the impression that Masterton is really enjoying his death scenes. Which, in all honesty, makes two of us. This is the kind of thing you read horror novels to see, and I’ve not seen a death described in as much detail anywhere, particularly the one where a character is hit by a truck. The images of that one have stayed in my memory for a long time, and not in the best kind of way. Masterton does the disgustingly messy death better than anyone I can think of!
This is quite possibly one of the books I've most enjoyed, in my own warped little way! The deaths, whilst largely unrealistic, are vividly described down to the last drop of blood and Wilbert Fraser's demise is particularly painful from a male point of view! In every death Masterton puts King and Koontz to shame - they never killed anybody this well! This is a novel you really want to see on screen, just to see how they handle the deaths but, at the same time you don't, as you know they will ruin the novel, as films often do!
There are also, despite all this, some nice humorous touches throughout the novel. Larry's leaving of a message for his informant, and the confusion of the person trying to accept that the message really should read "Tell Dogmeat he's dogmeat" is good fun, as is Larry's snide remarks and running battle with his mother's parrot. There are other mildly amusing moments, but although they do lighten the mood slightly, they can’t take your mind off the blood and gore for long.
If you have a weak stomach, or a nervous disposition, or have trouble sleeping at the best of times, stay well away from this book. But if you’re the kind of twisted person who enjoys a good horror novel and loves a big dollop of blood and gore, a bit like me, in fact, you've got to jump aboard.
This review may also appear under my name at any or all of www.ciao.co.uk, www.thebookbag.co.uk, www.goodreads.com, www.amazon.co.uk and www.dooyoo.co.uk
There was a small independent bookshop not too far from where I was living at the time. I used to visit frequently and chat to the owner, who is also a horror fan. I loved that place, and I miss it still. Where else can it take you half an hour to make a purchase, even after you've chosen the book and got to the counter? One day, amongst a couple of other things, I picked "Black Angel" from the shelf. "I've just started reading this," she said "the first chapter's really nasty." Well, that was like a red rag to a bull with me, and I nearly ran home to get started.
So, are you sitting comfortably? Yes? Good! It's probably just as well, because if you were the one reading this novel, you wouldn't be for long! This is most definitely not bedtime reading. I wouldn't recommend reading it after a heavy meal, either. It's nasty, and I love it, but it is only for those with a strong stomach!
The novel opens on the kind of family scene that Americans seem to like calling "typically American". The children in bed, ex-cop Joe Berry and his wife Nina are doing typically homely things. He's finishing dinner, she’s making a pie. (Apple? Of course!) But there's a little countdown happening between the lines. What's that all about? By this time, I've already taken a liking to Joe, as he has indicated a shared belief in one of my own philosophies: "Decaff isn't coffee. Same as lite beer isn't beer." You tell 'em, Joe!
By the end of the first chapter, however, the countdown has reached zero. And what was it counting down to? A brutal attack on the Berry family. When I say brutal, I mean BRUTAL! A man breaks into their apartment, nails Joe and Nina to the floor, making each hammer the first nail into their spouse's hand, on their hands and knees (nails through their knees, oh yes!), rapes Nina and nails their two children to the wall before setting them alight, whilst their parents are forced to watch. Well, they can't really go anyplace else. This is our first introduction to the man known to San Francisco Police as the Fog City Satan.
Detective Larry Foggia is assigned to the case, to take over from a colleague. Now that the Fog City Satan has started killing their own, the police and the city mayor suddenly have a new urgency, and want the killer caught NOW. Larry is chosen largely due to his being high profile, and good with the media. Larry immediately suspects that he has been handed the case in an effort to end his career, and that there are reasons behind the case being transferred that he does not know about. There are, but not the ones he suspects.
After certain inexplicable events, Larry begins to suspect a supernatural force behind the murders. Much to the disgust of his superiors and colleagues, he begins investigating along these lines. Despite their reservations, further incidents and hearing stories that sounds familiar to what he has seen with his own eyes confirm his suspicions. As he continues, more and more inexplicable and gruesome things happen, convincing Larry he’s on the right track, but confusing him and scaring him more and more.
And it’s not just Larry Foggia that’s likely to be scared by what described either. Masterton has this wonderful way of both scaring and grossing out the reader. The action keeps coming, with hardly time to draw breath between one shocking event and the next, before building into a huge finish.
But it’s the death scenes that make this as good (or bad, depending on your viewpoint!) as it is. Every time you get to another death, it is described in such detail, almost lovingly, that you get the impression that Masterton is really enjoying his death scenes. Which, in all honesty, makes two of us. This is the kind of thing you read horror novels to see, and I’ve not seen a death described in as much detail anywhere, particularly the one where a character is hit by a truck. The images of that one have stayed in my memory for a long time, and not in the best kind of way. Masterton does the disgustingly messy death better than anyone I can think of!
This is quite possibly one of the books I've most enjoyed, in my own warped little way! The deaths, whilst largely unrealistic, are vividly described down to the last drop of blood and Wilbert Fraser's demise is particularly painful from a male point of view! In every death Masterton puts King and Koontz to shame - they never killed anybody this well! This is a novel you really want to see on screen, just to see how they handle the deaths but, at the same time you don't, as you know they will ruin the novel, as films often do!
There are also, despite all this, some nice humorous touches throughout the novel. Larry's leaving of a message for his informant, and the confusion of the person trying to accept that the message really should read "Tell Dogmeat he's dogmeat" is good fun, as is Larry's snide remarks and running battle with his mother's parrot. There are other mildly amusing moments, but although they do lighten the mood slightly, they can’t take your mind off the blood and gore for long.
If you have a weak stomach, or a nervous disposition, or have trouble sleeping at the best of times, stay well away from this book. But if you’re the kind of twisted person who enjoys a good horror novel and loves a big dollop of blood and gore, a bit like me, in fact, you've got to jump aboard.
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