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Patel & Pardoe #1
Ghost Virus
Samira had been staring into her mirror all morning before she picked up the small bottle of sulfuric acid and poured it over her forehead. She was a young woman with her whole life ahead of her. What could have brought her to this?
DC Jerry Pardoe and DS Jamila Patel of Tooting Police suspect it's suicide. But then a random outbreak of horrific crimes in London points to something more sinister. A deadly virus is spreading: something is infecting ordinary Londoners with an insatiable lust to murder. All of the killers were wearing second-hand clothes. Could these garments be possessed by some supernatural force?
The death count is multiplying rapidly. Now Jerry and Jamila must defeat the ghost virus, before they are all infected...
DC Jerry Pardoe and DS Jamila Patel of Tooting Police suspect it's suicide. But then a random outbreak of horrific crimes in London points to something more sinister. A deadly virus is spreading: something is infecting ordinary Londoners with an insatiable lust to murder. All of the killers were wearing second-hand clothes. Could these garments be possessed by some supernatural force?
The death count is multiplying rapidly. Now Jerry and Jamila must defeat the ghost virus, before they are all infected...
12 pages, Audible Audio
First published May 1, 2018
425 people are currently reading
1763 people want to read
About the author
Graham Masterton
422 books1,966 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 333 reviews
August 26, 2019
To be honest, I absolutely enjoyed and devoured this book. Set in Tooting, London, something seems to affect clothes at charity shops. People wearing items bought there seem to change their personality developing the urge to kill and eat other people. What is the reason behind this strange behaviour? Detectives Jerry Pardoe and Jamila Patel form a great team and discover an incredible mystery. Here's a ghost virus at work. How it exactly works is told by a Polish thug who's imprisoned for stealing clothes of charity shops. Can the police stop clothes running wild? Is there are remedy against this bizarre deadly evil? And what about those already posessed by the ghost virus? Can they be cured? The action culminates in a great finale that satirizes The Texas Chainsaw massacre (brilliant idea). If you want to read an unusual horror novel set in London with a interesting story line, hard scenes (killings), domestic violence, acts of cannibalism, eerie moments and a good shot of satire this is the right stuff. Well written, fast paced, a great novel by Masterton in the 21st century. Highly recommended!
May 5, 2018
Copy furnished by Net Galley for the price of a review.
Creepy crawly coats, scuttling sweaters, grasping girdles, slapping shirtsleeves, raincoats on the rampage. A second skin, rivers of blood, gore galore, and a surfeit of guts.
The writing is fine, but the plot segued into silliness and then boldly leapt into the realm of the absurd. If this is meant to be horror, then it is not my brand. If the purpose is to parody, then mission accomplished.
Creepy crawly coats, scuttling sweaters, grasping girdles, slapping shirtsleeves, raincoats on the rampage. A second skin, rivers of blood, gore galore, and a surfeit of guts.
The writing is fine, but the plot segued into silliness and then boldly leapt into the realm of the absurd. If this is meant to be horror, then it is not my brand. If the purpose is to parody, then mission accomplished.
June 29, 2021
Police procedural with horror elements (possession, supernatural and body horror)
OK, where to start.
I actually really enjoyed this and think this is a brilliant concept for a horror novel. I was pretty freaked out reading it and every time I walk past my wardrobe now I'm giving it the side eye!
There's a epidemic in Tooting, UK where some bizarre and quite frankly disgusting murders and suicides are taking place and its down to the local police force to figure out what's going on. This is fast paced and a real page turner, I couldn't look away and believe me I wanted too, this book is gory and there is no reader protection here. The author is out to shock and gross you out and he does a brilliant job.
I especially get freaked out by possessed children and I'm not a massive fan of this trope so 9 year old Mindy could haunt me for a few weeks yet!
However as much as I enjoyed this book there's was some real jarring moments for me in this novel which I shall note here:
- Pakistani stereotypes throughout. Sigh.
- A Police officer only referred to as 'The black police officer' throughout, was not given a name. Sigh.
- Female police officer implying wives should cook husband breakfast. Sigh.
- This description really jarred me 'Chubby but pretty black woman'. Sigh.
- Asian flu. Really!
- Men can't get breast cancer. Very poor research. Sigh.
- Chinese woman works in a nail bar. How stereotypical. Sigh.
- So many characters referred to only by ethnicity or race. Indian. Polish. Chinese. Pakistani. Black. Sigh.
- 'Female reporter' I'm not sure how many times I saw this reference but it was a lot! I assume every time it said 'Sky news reporter' that its male as no gender is mentioned. Sigh.
- Pakistani police officer can't drive because Pakistanis are terrible drivers. Sigh.
- All hard core criminals were not British.
This is not a complete list, I gave up noting my annoyances in the end.
This is the first book I have read from this author so I'm not sure if these racial stereotypes, racism and sexism are common themes in his books or even if its intentional or unintentional.
I did really enjoy this book but due to the points above I can not give this more than 3 stars.
At time of posting this book is available on Kindle Unlimited.
OK, where to start.
I actually really enjoyed this and think this is a brilliant concept for a horror novel. I was pretty freaked out reading it and every time I walk past my wardrobe now I'm giving it the side eye!
There's a epidemic in Tooting, UK where some bizarre and quite frankly disgusting murders and suicides are taking place and its down to the local police force to figure out what's going on. This is fast paced and a real page turner, I couldn't look away and believe me I wanted too, this book is gory and there is no reader protection here. The author is out to shock and gross you out and he does a brilliant job.
I especially get freaked out by possessed children and I'm not a massive fan of this trope so 9 year old Mindy could haunt me for a few weeks yet!
However as much as I enjoyed this book there's was some real jarring moments for me in this novel which I shall note here:
- Pakistani stereotypes throughout. Sigh.
- A Police officer only referred to as 'The black police officer' throughout, was not given a name. Sigh.
- Female police officer implying wives should cook husband breakfast. Sigh.
- This description really jarred me 'Chubby but pretty black woman'. Sigh.
- Asian flu. Really!
- Men can't get breast cancer. Very poor research. Sigh.
- Chinese woman works in a nail bar. How stereotypical. Sigh.
- So many characters referred to only by ethnicity or race. Indian. Polish. Chinese. Pakistani. Black. Sigh.
- 'Female reporter' I'm not sure how many times I saw this reference but it was a lot! I assume every time it said 'Sky news reporter' that its male as no gender is mentioned. Sigh.
- Pakistani police officer can't drive because Pakistanis are terrible drivers. Sigh.
- All hard core criminals were not British.
This is not a complete list, I gave up noting my annoyances in the end.
This is the first book I have read from this author so I'm not sure if these racial stereotypes, racism and sexism are common themes in his books or even if its intentional or unintentional.
I did really enjoy this book but due to the points above I can not give this more than 3 stars.
At time of posting this book is available on Kindle Unlimited.
May 3, 2018
An act of suicide by acid marks the beginning of bizarre acts of violent insanity across London, heralding an invasion by a supernatural force that lurks within second-hand clothing?!?
Graham Masterton has taken an idea that initially had me shaking my head in disbelief and created a horror novel that delivers equal parts chills and gore, balanced against a solid police procedural, where the forces of the law react realistically to a supernatural threat that is literally beyond comprehension.
This one had me locking my laundry in the washer....a freaky fun fest of clothing carnage.
Highly recommended.
This was an eArc from Netgalley.
Graham Masterton has taken an idea that initially had me shaking my head in disbelief and created a horror novel that delivers equal parts chills and gore, balanced against a solid police procedural, where the forces of the law react realistically to a supernatural threat that is literally beyond comprehension.
This one had me locking my laundry in the washer....a freaky fun fest of clothing carnage.
Highly recommended.
This was an eArc from Netgalley.
August 22, 2024
Fast Paced Mystery
Small backstory:
DC Jerry Pardoe and DS Jamila Patel come across some disturbing bodies in the town of Tooting as no one seems to know how the bodies are turning up dead until they realize that some kind of virus is loose in the town but the problem is can they stop it before more bodies end up dead?
That is about all I can give on a small backstory so if want to know more then go read this book!
Thoughts:
This story took me on a wild spin as the suspense kept me bound to my kindle as I zoomed along at a quick pace! I found myself reading late into the night as I tried to figure out the mystery of the story. Graham Masterton always keeps me suspended in his stories as I try to figure out the "what, where, and why" of it all.
So now I have another series that I started by this author that I will need to continue on with at some point, but I loved the characters in this story. The characters Pardoe and Patel fit well and I am looking forward to more of their investigations. Giving this book five "Suspense Thriller" stars!
Small backstory:
DC Jerry Pardoe and DS Jamila Patel come across some disturbing bodies in the town of Tooting as no one seems to know how the bodies are turning up dead until they realize that some kind of virus is loose in the town but the problem is can they stop it before more bodies end up dead?
That is about all I can give on a small backstory so if want to know more then go read this book!
Thoughts:
This story took me on a wild spin as the suspense kept me bound to my kindle as I zoomed along at a quick pace! I found myself reading late into the night as I tried to figure out the mystery of the story. Graham Masterton always keeps me suspended in his stories as I try to figure out the "what, where, and why" of it all.
So now I have another series that I started by this author that I will need to continue on with at some point, but I loved the characters in this story. The characters Pardoe and Patel fit well and I am looking forward to more of their investigations. Giving this book five "Suspense Thriller" stars!
March 11, 2022
New to the world of Graham Masterton, I was eager to accept a recommendation to see if it were for me. I love a dark thriller, especially when mixed with a police procedural, as they usually have me thinking well into the night while I cannot sleep. I was not disappointed with this series debut and am eager to read the next. It all begins with a young woman who took a bottle of acid and poured it over her head. DC Jerry Pardoe and DS Jamila Patel commence their investigation, curious to discover that it might have something to do with a jacket that she had purchased from a charity shop. Then, more odd murders occur, seemingly tied to items of clothing, leaving the detectives baffled. Is there something going on that could relate to these items or clothing, or is it something a little more mystical? Pardoe and Patel will have to carefully work their way through the evidence to find a plausible solution. Masterton pens a great thriller that leaves the reader thirsting for more.
A young woman is apprehensive about her upcoming arranged marriage, but is making the most of it. While gazing into the mirror, Samira pours a bottle of acid over her head, ruining her beautiful face and eventually killing her from the shock. What could have made her do this? DC Jerry Pardoe and DS Jamila Patel of Tooting Police are given the task to investigate the apparent crime, wondering if it might be an honour killing. However, what they discover is something entirely odd and out of sorts.
After a pathological investigation, there are odd fibres found on Samira’s back, ones that resemble a jacket found in the house. The detectives trace the item back to a charity shop, but nothing comes of it. When other odd events occur, including: a wife killing her husbad, a school teacher killing students, and a man who dismembers his significant other before eating her, Pardoe and Patel begin to wonder if there is some supernatural aspect to the crimes, all tied to various articles of clothing. Nothing else makes sense, even if it means they will be laughed out of the station. What does arise in each case is that the perpetrator denies being themselves, but rather another person entirely. Is this a case of dual identity? If so, things just got a lot more complicated.
With more crimes taking place, brutal and without explanation, DC Pardoe and DS Patel begin to work outside the box to get to the heart of the matter. The connection seems to be articles of clothing from charity shops, but that does not make sense. Could it be that the items of clothing are responsible? While Totting Police are baffled, answers may rest with a ruthless gang leader on the other side of town. Masterton weaves a dark tale that will have readers hooked until the final revelation, which only makes things more confusing.
Book recommendations can be a perfect way to expand one’s knowledge of what is out there for all to enjoy. I have had a great deal of success, as well as some epic failures, when I let others push books in a certain direction. Discovering Graham Masterton was definitely a great addition to my reading pile, mixing his love for detailed and dark stories with a strong police procedural. Masterton balances both genres well and has the reader on the trail of a killer, or at least a reason for this horrific crimes. I’m hooked and cannot wait to get to the next book, in hopes of being just as impressed
Sharing the protagonist role is DC Jerry Pardoe and DS Jamila Patel. While the novel focuses less on backstory than development, Masterton offers a great deal about each of them to develop strong leadership roles. There are issues of race, culture, and modern relations within one of England’s cities. Both Pardoe and Patel grow closer to one another in their own ways, working the case as best they can to find answers, even if none of it makes sense. There is a lot to digest her and other characters who emerge throughout the novel enhance the story in numerous ways.
While horror novels are a dime a dozen, developing something that has the reader squirm but feels is not simply graphic is much harder. Graham Masterton does well to provide a chilling horror theme with a strong police procedural to keep the reader entertained and curious throughout. There is a great deal here to keep the reader engaged, particularly since the narrative flows with such ease. Well-developed characters provide glimpses into the various aspects of the crime, some darker than others, and keep the reader wanting to know more. Plot lines weave together as the story gains momentum, forcing the reader to wonder how things will come together before the climactic ending. I love something that is dark, yet has some reason for being somewhat graphic, as it reminds me that not all crimes are simplistic, as well as cut and dry. I cannot wait to see what DC Pardoe and DS Patel have waiting them in the next novel.
Kudos, Mr. Masterton, for this unique take on a crime thriller. I will be recommending this book to many, hoping that the series will receive the same praise.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A young woman is apprehensive about her upcoming arranged marriage, but is making the most of it. While gazing into the mirror, Samira pours a bottle of acid over her head, ruining her beautiful face and eventually killing her from the shock. What could have made her do this? DC Jerry Pardoe and DS Jamila Patel of Tooting Police are given the task to investigate the apparent crime, wondering if it might be an honour killing. However, what they discover is something entirely odd and out of sorts.
After a pathological investigation, there are odd fibres found on Samira’s back, ones that resemble a jacket found in the house. The detectives trace the item back to a charity shop, but nothing comes of it. When other odd events occur, including: a wife killing her husbad, a school teacher killing students, and a man who dismembers his significant other before eating her, Pardoe and Patel begin to wonder if there is some supernatural aspect to the crimes, all tied to various articles of clothing. Nothing else makes sense, even if it means they will be laughed out of the station. What does arise in each case is that the perpetrator denies being themselves, but rather another person entirely. Is this a case of dual identity? If so, things just got a lot more complicated.
With more crimes taking place, brutal and without explanation, DC Pardoe and DS Patel begin to work outside the box to get to the heart of the matter. The connection seems to be articles of clothing from charity shops, but that does not make sense. Could it be that the items of clothing are responsible? While Totting Police are baffled, answers may rest with a ruthless gang leader on the other side of town. Masterton weaves a dark tale that will have readers hooked until the final revelation, which only makes things more confusing.
Book recommendations can be a perfect way to expand one’s knowledge of what is out there for all to enjoy. I have had a great deal of success, as well as some epic failures, when I let others push books in a certain direction. Discovering Graham Masterton was definitely a great addition to my reading pile, mixing his love for detailed and dark stories with a strong police procedural. Masterton balances both genres well and has the reader on the trail of a killer, or at least a reason for this horrific crimes. I’m hooked and cannot wait to get to the next book, in hopes of being just as impressed
Sharing the protagonist role is DC Jerry Pardoe and DS Jamila Patel. While the novel focuses less on backstory than development, Masterton offers a great deal about each of them to develop strong leadership roles. There are issues of race, culture, and modern relations within one of England’s cities. Both Pardoe and Patel grow closer to one another in their own ways, working the case as best they can to find answers, even if none of it makes sense. There is a lot to digest her and other characters who emerge throughout the novel enhance the story in numerous ways.
While horror novels are a dime a dozen, developing something that has the reader squirm but feels is not simply graphic is much harder. Graham Masterton does well to provide a chilling horror theme with a strong police procedural to keep the reader entertained and curious throughout. There is a great deal here to keep the reader engaged, particularly since the narrative flows with such ease. Well-developed characters provide glimpses into the various aspects of the crime, some darker than others, and keep the reader wanting to know more. Plot lines weave together as the story gains momentum, forcing the reader to wonder how things will come together before the climactic ending. I love something that is dark, yet has some reason for being somewhat graphic, as it reminds me that not all crimes are simplistic, as well as cut and dry. I cannot wait to see what DC Pardoe and DS Patel have waiting them in the next novel.
Kudos, Mr. Masterton, for this unique take on a crime thriller. I will be recommending this book to many, hoping that the series will receive the same praise.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
November 14, 2021
This is a 3.5 star read.
Well, strap my face to the side of a pig and roll me in the mud!!! Wasn't this one of the weirdest and most original horror novels I've read. 😳
To be honest I wasn't quite sure whether this was meant to be a horror or a farce ..... like most of the characters in the book, I just couldn't believe what was happening. I was hooked though, and the end fairly romped home with my heart in my mouth. And unlike most "weird" books, everything was explained and satisfyingly tied up neatly in the end. Just a warning though - like most of Graham Masterton's novels, (both crime and horror) it was quite grisly and visceral. Scary enough to have me looking sideways at my clothes and shoving them back in my wardrobe because ..... well .... because that is some FREAKY SHIT!!
Well, strap my face to the side of a pig and roll me in the mud!!! Wasn't this one of the weirdest and most original horror novels I've read. 😳
To be honest I wasn't quite sure whether this was meant to be a horror or a farce ..... like most of the characters in the book, I just couldn't believe what was happening. I was hooked though, and the end fairly romped home with my heart in my mouth. And unlike most "weird" books, everything was explained and satisfyingly tied up neatly in the end. Just a warning though - like most of Graham Masterton's novels, (both crime and horror) it was quite grisly and visceral. Scary enough to have me looking sideways at my clothes and shoving them back in my wardrobe because ..... well .... because that is some FREAKY SHIT!!
January 26, 2022
I've been reading Graham Masterton books for decades now, and one of my favorite things about his horror is that it's weird and wonderfully scary. No matter that sometimes when I start a story by him I think to myself "self, this time it's too crazy." Usually within a short about of time I believe whatever insanity he's come up with. This time was bad. Really bad. Haunted, possessed clothes? Well, sure. Seriously, I can almost believe it. I loved the idea, and since its Masterton I know it's going to be filled with ooey, gooey blood and guts! Sometimes I like blood and guts. But.....the damn book was just ridiculous. By the end I was mentally screaming for a flame thrower. Not just for the infected clothes, but well, I really do need a flamethrower. I hated this book..My thanks to the publisher's and Netgalley for allowing me to read and review this Arc.
April 11, 2018
Review: GHOST VIRUS by Graham Masterton
(Release May 1)
A master never fails, and Graham Masterton has been an acknowledged Master of Horror for decades. GHOST VIRUS is a breathless, breathtaking, read, with horror so implacable the reader can't believe there will ever be any escape alive, nor any end. Caught up with the characters--both local police and citizens--readers are immediately immersed in the tale, a particular gift of this author's. From the explosive and compelling first chapter (which had me shouting "No! No! No! Stop!") racing through to the end (a feat in a 400-page novel), I could not stop nor could I consider reading anything else. Mr. Masterton not only delivers horror, he also serves up history, medicine, psychiatry, culture, and folklore.
For Graham Masterton fans, this is a must. For those who haven't met the Master, come on in. Prepare for the run of your life.
(Release May 1)
A master never fails, and Graham Masterton has been an acknowledged Master of Horror for decades. GHOST VIRUS is a breathless, breathtaking, read, with horror so implacable the reader can't believe there will ever be any escape alive, nor any end. Caught up with the characters--both local police and citizens--readers are immediately immersed in the tale, a particular gift of this author's. From the explosive and compelling first chapter (which had me shouting "No! No! No! Stop!") racing through to the end (a feat in a 400-page novel), I could not stop nor could I consider reading anything else. Mr. Masterton not only delivers horror, he also serves up history, medicine, psychiatry, culture, and folklore.
For Graham Masterton fans, this is a must. For those who haven't met the Master, come on in. Prepare for the run of your life.
October 22, 2024
An interesting story, something different for sure. I recommend this book. 4 stars.
May 27, 2018
I have heard amazing things about Graham Masterson so was very excited when I had the opportunity to read one of his books. Now, I realize the synopsis speaks of second hand clothing and the possibility of them being possessed but I don't think I was quite ready for the read that I received.
This is part police procedural, part horror and part silly. Personally, I read this as almost a satire to what we would expect from a true horror book. The "horror" part is in the gruesome death scenes - and don't get me wrong - I LOVE a good, gory and bloody death scene. This is where it ended for me in terms of horror. I just can't picture clothing racing after me as scary - I find it more comical than anything. Though to be honest, I'll probably be steering clear of second-hand stores from here on out.
I was enraptured with the scenes and how the clothing would possess the wearer and how they attached themselves to their prey... but after a while this did get a little repetitive and I found myself skimming through certain parts. Mindy, bar far, was the scariest part of this possession - but I always find children a bit scarier than anyone else.
While this did get a little farcical at a certain point, I have to give credit to creating such a unique storyline. Once I rid myself of thinking of this as true horror and took it to a more satirical side, I began to enjoy the book further. If you can look past the fact that this is about demonic second-hand clothing, then this can be quite the fun ride. Personally, I think this would have worked better as a novella or short story.
Beware the clothing that you buy. And if you're feeling hungry.... well, try not to get caught, ok? 😉
Read this for the shocking death scenes. If you're a lover of frivolous horror, then this will be perfect for you.
This is part police procedural, part horror and part silly. Personally, I read this as almost a satire to what we would expect from a true horror book. The "horror" part is in the gruesome death scenes - and don't get me wrong - I LOVE a good, gory and bloody death scene. This is where it ended for me in terms of horror. I just can't picture clothing racing after me as scary - I find it more comical than anything. Though to be honest, I'll probably be steering clear of second-hand stores from here on out.
I was enraptured with the scenes and how the clothing would possess the wearer and how they attached themselves to their prey... but after a while this did get a little repetitive and I found myself skimming through certain parts. Mindy, bar far, was the scariest part of this possession - but I always find children a bit scarier than anyone else.
While this did get a little farcical at a certain point, I have to give credit to creating such a unique storyline. Once I rid myself of thinking of this as true horror and took it to a more satirical side, I began to enjoy the book further. If you can look past the fact that this is about demonic second-hand clothing, then this can be quite the fun ride. Personally, I think this would have worked better as a novella or short story.
Beware the clothing that you buy. And if you're feeling hungry.... well, try not to get caught, ok? 😉
Read this for the shocking death scenes. If you're a lover of frivolous horror, then this will be perfect for you.
March 12, 2022
Honest to God, I had no idea that murderous pieces of clothing was exactly what I needed to read about before stumbling upon this one. Now I do. This was just an amazingly entertaining and unique read. All my knitted sweaters feel suspiciously itchy...
December 11, 2021
Racist misogynistic idiotic babble.
July 21, 2018
GHOST VIRUS, by Graham Masterton is a book that I have completely mixed feelings on. On one hand, Masterton is a genius when it comes to "original" horrific threats, and this certainly fits the bill. However, there was just "too much" repetition of everyday things that ramped up the page count unnecessarily. For example, I lost count of the number of times the main characters took a triple expresso break. . . .
The premise here is pretty clear with the title GHOST VIRUS: some sort of virus that infects clothing, causing the new wearers to do things that they would never have done under ordinary circumstances. The idea was one that did capture my attention at first, and the graphic, gory death scenes were fantastically detailed for horror fans. These I had no issues with.
In addition to the added/unnecessary data, I felt that many of the different parts of the novel were left unresolved. The opening scene was incredible and really grabbed the reader's attention. However, the cause of demise there is quite different from the ones that occur later on; yet this is never addressed or even "commented" on by the detectives in charge. You would think that the initial instance that they know of having a vastly different "outcome" would have been brought up at some point. Also, while I did enjoy the theory behind the virus, I felt it took entirely too long to give any indication of it, and by the time it was revealed, the book was almost over. The "resolution" felt very rushed to me on account of this, and after 400 pages, I would have liked a little more discussion as to the hows and whys.
Overall, this novel is one that really had me conflicted throughout my reading. One minute, I was loving the scenes, and the next, I felt like I was reading 1/2 hour of wasted "filler". A great premise for a story, but I feel the execution could have been a lot smoother overall.
**Copy received through NetGalley in exchange for a review.**
The premise here is pretty clear with the title GHOST VIRUS: some sort of virus that infects clothing, causing the new wearers to do things that they would never have done under ordinary circumstances. The idea was one that did capture my attention at first, and the graphic, gory death scenes were fantastically detailed for horror fans. These I had no issues with.
In addition to the added/unnecessary data, I felt that many of the different parts of the novel were left unresolved. The opening scene was incredible and really grabbed the reader's attention. However, the cause of demise there is quite different from the ones that occur later on; yet this is never addressed or even "commented" on by the detectives in charge. You would think that the initial instance that they know of having a vastly different "outcome" would have been brought up at some point. Also, while I did enjoy the theory behind the virus, I felt it took entirely too long to give any indication of it, and by the time it was revealed, the book was almost over. The "resolution" felt very rushed to me on account of this, and after 400 pages, I would have liked a little more discussion as to the hows and whys.
Overall, this novel is one that really had me conflicted throughout my reading. One minute, I was loving the scenes, and the next, I felt like I was reading 1/2 hour of wasted "filler". A great premise for a story, but I feel the execution could have been a lot smoother overall.
**Copy received through NetGalley in exchange for a review.**
July 11, 2023
Ha ha this was a bit ridiculous! Enjoyed it though, love Pardoe!! An easy gruesome read that required zero brain power. 3 steady stars ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️
April 25, 2018
I hadn't previously read anything by Graham Masterton, but had heard his name pop up in horror circles often enough that I knew I'd have to give him a go. That said, I'm not entirely convinced Ghost Virus is the best place to start, given its odd balance as a work that is both flat-out silly and a serious procedural with a whole lot of deliciously descriptive violence and carnage betwixt it all.
The fact is, the central premise behind Ghost Story is absolutely ludicrous. That premise? Killer clothes. And I don't mean in the sense of keen fashion and sharp ensembles, but literally clothes that murder - jackets that slaughter, sweaters hungry for blood, windbreakers that would snap your neck and dismember you in the street. Killer. Clothes. It's the sort of schlocky mass-market 80s pulp, or straight to SyFy Channel by way of The Asylum films, that is deliriously, eye-rollingly bad...but also perversely entertaining in its own charmingly idiotic way. It helps, some, that Masterton's own characters cannot believe the threat terrorizing their London suburb of Tooting Bec either, oftentimes rolling their own eyes right alongside readers. One almost has to wonder just how much expert-level trolling Masterton is conducting upon readers with this one. The police, at regular intervals, speak the reader's mind as they confusedly stammer, "None of this makes any sense."
Granted, Masterton makes a basic attempt at trying to square this ultimately nonsensical work against the rough framework of Tooting's diverse neighborhood, drawing on Pakistani and Lithuanian lore, with talk of djinns and ghosts and various other regional folklore. No matter what kind of hodgepodge justifications Masterton knits together to explain the inexplicable, the threat at the core of Ghost Virus is still utterly preposterous.
However, if you can either accept, or better still, look past the harebrained idea of demonic second-hand clothes, Ghost Virus is actually a pretty fun, pulpy romp that fans of the crazier 80s horror paperbacks should enjoy. The central premise is outlandish, but it's at least entertaining and Masterton's writing is smooth enough to keep the pages turning. And the violence. Dear lord, the violence! Masterton doesn't shy away from details, and there's a number of well-done, graphically depicted shock scenes as the owners of these possessed clothes wreak havoc on themselves, their lovers, and neighbors. There's moments of awful violence throughout, and if you revel in gore, Masterton will blanket you in buckets of blood and piles of innards.
My advice? Ignore the goofy premise, and read this one for the shock scenes. If you're a fan of silly horror, you ought to eat this one right up.
[Note: I received an advance copy of this title from the publisher via NetGalley.]
The fact is, the central premise behind Ghost Story is absolutely ludicrous. That premise? Killer clothes. And I don't mean in the sense of keen fashion and sharp ensembles, but literally clothes that murder - jackets that slaughter, sweaters hungry for blood, windbreakers that would snap your neck and dismember you in the street. Killer. Clothes. It's the sort of schlocky mass-market 80s pulp, or straight to SyFy Channel by way of The Asylum films, that is deliriously, eye-rollingly bad...but also perversely entertaining in its own charmingly idiotic way. It helps, some, that Masterton's own characters cannot believe the threat terrorizing their London suburb of Tooting Bec either, oftentimes rolling their own eyes right alongside readers. One almost has to wonder just how much expert-level trolling Masterton is conducting upon readers with this one. The police, at regular intervals, speak the reader's mind as they confusedly stammer, "None of this makes any sense."
Granted, Masterton makes a basic attempt at trying to square this ultimately nonsensical work against the rough framework of Tooting's diverse neighborhood, drawing on Pakistani and Lithuanian lore, with talk of djinns and ghosts and various other regional folklore. No matter what kind of hodgepodge justifications Masterton knits together to explain the inexplicable, the threat at the core of Ghost Virus is still utterly preposterous.
However, if you can either accept, or better still, look past the harebrained idea of demonic second-hand clothes, Ghost Virus is actually a pretty fun, pulpy romp that fans of the crazier 80s horror paperbacks should enjoy. The central premise is outlandish, but it's at least entertaining and Masterton's writing is smooth enough to keep the pages turning. And the violence. Dear lord, the violence! Masterton doesn't shy away from details, and there's a number of well-done, graphically depicted shock scenes as the owners of these possessed clothes wreak havoc on themselves, their lovers, and neighbors. There's moments of awful violence throughout, and if you revel in gore, Masterton will blanket you in buckets of blood and piles of innards.
My advice? Ignore the goofy premise, and read this one for the shock scenes. If you're a fan of silly horror, you ought to eat this one right up.
[Note: I received an advance copy of this title from the publisher via NetGalley.]
July 6, 2018
This book was a surprise for me. I have never read anything by Graham Masterton before and before I was half way through this I was already checking out the descriptions for his other books.
Whenever I tried to explain what the story was about and what was happening at any point everyone gave me the weirdest looks. I had to explain how entertaining it was regardless of how far fetched and ridiculous it sounded.
Sure it seems like a campy B horror movie when you are reading it and honestly that is what makes it so much fun to read. There is a lot of gore and that is not for everyone. For me it was hard to put down. I read it in a couple of sittings.
How the virus spreads is so ridiculous I couldn't even get upset with the characters for denying what was right in front of their faces for so long before they accepted it. If you like gore and horror this is the book for you. If not, I highly suggest you pass.
Thank you to Netgalley, Graham Masterton and Head of Zeus Publishing for a copy in exchange for a review.
Whenever I tried to explain what the story was about and what was happening at any point everyone gave me the weirdest looks. I had to explain how entertaining it was regardless of how far fetched and ridiculous it sounded.
Sure it seems like a campy B horror movie when you are reading it and honestly that is what makes it so much fun to read. There is a lot of gore and that is not for everyone. For me it was hard to put down. I read it in a couple of sittings.
How the virus spreads is so ridiculous I couldn't even get upset with the characters for denying what was right in front of their faces for so long before they accepted it. If you like gore and horror this is the book for you. If not, I highly suggest you pass.
Thank you to Netgalley, Graham Masterton and Head of Zeus Publishing for a copy in exchange for a review.
May 10, 2018
Pretty ridiculous story but Masterton commits himself completely to the idea and like the master he is, pulls it off and delivers a fast-moving and bloody horror novel.
May 6, 2025
How Graham Masterton can take the absurd and make it this entertaining is beyond me. There is no way The Ghost Virus should’ve worked, but it did…for the most part.
What appears to be normally mild-mannered people are committing bloody and brutal murders all around Tooting, London. For detectives Jerry Pardoe and Jamila Patel, the only link they can find between the similar crimes is the murderers are wearing clothes from area thrift stores and babbling about how the clothes made them do it. When a couple of killers use it as an alibi, the detectives could dismiss it as coincidence. But when all of them blame the clothes? Speaking of the clothes, how are the fibers able to interweave themselves with the killers’ flesh?? A Polish thug brought in on a thrift store crime ring claims to have the answer. A ghost virus is infecting the fibers.
Again, there is no way this story should. The premise is crazy. Clothes having a life of their own, traipsing about under their own power, clinging to their next victim, turning them into a blood-thirsty butcher? If anyone with fewer writing chops than Masterton attempted it, this would’ve fallen flat on its face. But Graham’s detective duo of Pardoe and Patel carry this story to its full potential with their wonderful charisma. And let’s not forget about the ending. Pure B-movie nuttiness. If you can’t unhook the serious side of your brain and enjoy Masterton’s wild and bloody ride, you’re going to have a tough time. If you can, by all means, pick up The Ghost Virus and buckle up!
4 Clothes-Ripping Chainsaws out of 5
What appears to be normally mild-mannered people are committing bloody and brutal murders all around Tooting, London. For detectives Jerry Pardoe and Jamila Patel, the only link they can find between the similar crimes is the murderers are wearing clothes from area thrift stores and babbling about how the clothes made them do it. When a couple of killers use it as an alibi, the detectives could dismiss it as coincidence. But when all of them blame the clothes? Speaking of the clothes, how are the fibers able to interweave themselves with the killers’ flesh?? A Polish thug brought in on a thrift store crime ring claims to have the answer. A ghost virus is infecting the fibers.
Again, there is no way this story should. The premise is crazy. Clothes having a life of their own, traipsing about under their own power, clinging to their next victim, turning them into a blood-thirsty butcher? If anyone with fewer writing chops than Masterton attempted it, this would’ve fallen flat on its face. But Graham’s detective duo of Pardoe and Patel carry this story to its full potential with their wonderful charisma. And let’s not forget about the ending. Pure B-movie nuttiness. If you can’t unhook the serious side of your brain and enjoy Masterton’s wild and bloody ride, you’re going to have a tough time. If you can, by all means, pick up The Ghost Virus and buckle up!
4 Clothes-Ripping Chainsaws out of 5
July 22, 2019
I do like a book with an out there plot and you don’t get much more insane than cannibalistic possessed second hand clothing! I’m not I know how to even start with reviewing this one. I did enjoy it but I’m not sure if it would be one for everyone. I repeat possessed charity shop clothes that make you want to eat people….
It does build really well. It starts with detectives looking into a young Muslim girls’ death after pouring acid over herself. Is it a honour killing or something more? It ends with these creepy clothes being able to attack without the need to be worn. The army is called in to help.
The characterisation isn’t great. There’s not much growth for the 2 main detectives but then they’re too busy having fights with haunted coats. Yes I did just type that sentence…
I also didn’t feel the need for romance or the implied romance if the situation was different. You really don’t need it in this scenario and it added nothing to the overall story. Neither did the rather bonkers reasoning. No the reasoning made sense, the guy who suddenly declared himself the clothing messiah didn’t.
Bringing in the army did seem a tad silly, especially when the detectives worked out how to stop the clothing from taking over. I guess that was there to show the escalation of what was happening.
Overall abandon all your ideas of a traditional horror story and what may be normal/not normal. In fact abandon everything you think about stories and read with one eyebrow firmly raised. It’s definitely one to polarise the reader.
It does build really well. It starts with detectives looking into a young Muslim girls’ death after pouring acid over herself. Is it a honour killing or something more? It ends with these creepy clothes being able to attack without the need to be worn. The army is called in to help.
The characterisation isn’t great. There’s not much growth for the 2 main detectives but then they’re too busy having fights with haunted coats. Yes I did just type that sentence…
I also didn’t feel the need for romance or the implied romance if the situation was different. You really don’t need it in this scenario and it added nothing to the overall story. Neither did the rather bonkers reasoning. No the reasoning made sense, the guy who suddenly declared himself the clothing messiah didn’t.
Bringing in the army did seem a tad silly, especially when the detectives worked out how to stop the clothing from taking over. I guess that was there to show the escalation of what was happening.
Overall abandon all your ideas of a traditional horror story and what may be normal/not normal. In fact abandon everything you think about stories and read with one eyebrow firmly raised. It’s definitely one to polarise the reader.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 23, 2018
So, it kind of pains me to write this review because I like and respect the author’s other work so much, but I really did not like this book.
Ghost Virus…the Attack of the Killer Coats – and One Seriously Warped Anorak!
So, not a spoiler because it’s mentioned in the book’s description, but it’s really hard to take seriously a book about killer clothing. The really hard part is that, when trousers and sweaters aren’t killing people, it’s clear what a good writer Masterson is. The scenes in which people are doing bad things are genuinely scary. The atmosphere is so dark and the deaths so depraved that you’re on the edge of your seat…and then a raincoat runs down the street.
As I read, I kept looking for something that would show the author was doing this tongue in cheek. While there were a few flashes of humor, you also got a serious look into Pakistani culture, a rather grim look at how Muslims are treated in Britain, and even a biting commentary on racism. It’s all good and then….LOOK OUT FOR THAT SWEATER!
As I write this review, I’m hoping that someone pops up and tells me that it was all in fun. That the author was just having us on. But for now, good writer – terrible plot.
*ARC Provided via Net Galley
Ghost Virus…the Attack of the Killer Coats – and One Seriously Warped Anorak!
So, not a spoiler because it’s mentioned in the book’s description, but it’s really hard to take seriously a book about killer clothing. The really hard part is that, when trousers and sweaters aren’t killing people, it’s clear what a good writer Masterson is. The scenes in which people are doing bad things are genuinely scary. The atmosphere is so dark and the deaths so depraved that you’re on the edge of your seat…and then a raincoat runs down the street.
As I read, I kept looking for something that would show the author was doing this tongue in cheek. While there were a few flashes of humor, you also got a serious look into Pakistani culture, a rather grim look at how Muslims are treated in Britain, and even a biting commentary on racism. It’s all good and then….LOOK OUT FOR THAT SWEATER!
As I write this review, I’m hoping that someone pops up and tells me that it was all in fun. That the author was just having us on. But for now, good writer – terrible plot.
*ARC Provided via Net Galley
June 28, 2018
Graham Masterson was one of the authors who introduced me to horror novels and nothing will ever beat the Manitou for how much it absolutely terrified me but sadly his work does not age well.
Ghost Virus is about possessed clothing and Yes, I know that sounds ridiculous trust me it only gets worse when you read the book. There's nothing scarier in this book than the amount of racism that is casually inserted on every other page. The horror aspect is laughable at best but the racism really destroyed the book for me and I wasn't comfortable giving it anymore than a one star review because of this as it really did distract from the storyline and there was absolutely no need for it, there was no redemption for the racist main character he just went on being an absolute knob until the last torturous page.
Ghost Virus is about possessed clothing and Yes, I know that sounds ridiculous trust me it only gets worse when you read the book. There's nothing scarier in this book than the amount of racism that is casually inserted on every other page. The horror aspect is laughable at best but the racism really destroyed the book for me and I wasn't comfortable giving it anymore than a one star review because of this as it really did distract from the storyline and there was absolutely no need for it, there was no redemption for the racist main character he just went on being an absolute knob until the last torturous page.
April 24, 2018
Well.. that was different! I'll say that for it.
The cringe factor starts immediately as a young woman melts her face off with a bottle of acid purposely poured over herself, and dies a grisly painful death all due to wearing a jacket from a second hand shop. Oddly she seemed to be the only one affected in this way by the "ghost virus." The others who tried on the second hand clothes developed murderous and cannibalistic traits against others instead of themselves. I guess the story could have been too easily wrapped up if everyone had only killed themselves.
This was a gruesome, gore fest of a read, and whether or not you like it may depend on your willingness to sacrifice logic and realism for the sake of enjoyment.
I received an advance copy for review.
The cringe factor starts immediately as a young woman melts her face off with a bottle of acid purposely poured over herself, and dies a grisly painful death all due to wearing a jacket from a second hand shop. Oddly she seemed to be the only one affected in this way by the "ghost virus." The others who tried on the second hand clothes developed murderous and cannibalistic traits against others instead of themselves. I guess the story could have been too easily wrapped up if everyone had only killed themselves.
This was a gruesome, gore fest of a read, and whether or not you like it may depend on your willingness to sacrifice logic and realism for the sake of enjoyment.
I received an advance copy for review.
December 20, 2018
I received this from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I really have no idea how to rate this one. The first half of the book wasn't bad at all, and read like a British police procedural, with a DS and DI investigating linked murders. In the second half, the book went off the rails, and I felt like I went from watching a CSI episode to Shawn of the Dead.
The writing wasn't bad, but it seemed like the author lost control of the plot, and it ran wild.
I really have no idea how to rate this one. The first half of the book wasn't bad at all, and read like a British police procedural, with a DS and DI investigating linked murders. In the second half, the book went off the rails, and I felt like I went from watching a CSI episode to Shawn of the Dead.
The writing wasn't bad, but it seemed like the author lost control of the plot, and it ran wild.
January 17, 2025
Well that was…interesting. Then again, this is a Graham Masterton novel we are talking about, and since Masterton always finds ways to write some truly crazy horror novels with some totally bizarre moments, I guess the whole plot of possessed clothes causing terror and bloodshed shouldn’t come as a surprise…its absolutely absurd, but Masterton leans into the weirdness with such confidence that it somehow works.
Aside from the batshit insanity of the plot, Masterton’s skill at pacing is one of the novel’s greatest strengths. Masterton wastes no time building suspense, and each chapter escalates the stakes in new and unexpected ways. From gangs of animated overcoats to zombies, to rampaging clothes of all kinds, the scenes of violence and possession are as creative as they are disturbing, and the unrelenting wildness makes this one incredibly hard to put down.
However, that same wildness that makes Ghost Virusso entertaining also makes it, at times, hard to take seriously. Some of the more outlandish moments—possessed clothing coming to life, gruesome transformations that defy logic—teeter on the edge of absurdity. Add that to Masterton’s penchant for dark humor in the midst of the terror, and the kind of weird that will either have you hooked or shaking your head. Despite this, the book is memorable and refreshingly original, as well as a return to horror after quite a few years away from the genre.
There is no denying Masterton knows how to craft vivid, stomach-churning horror while also injecting a bit of levity and self-awareness. While it may not be for everyone, fans of Masterton and his creative boundary-pushing horror will find plenty to enjoy. Yes, Ghost Virus is strange, and entertaining—just be prepared for a story that’s outright crazy as its premise…whether that’s good or bad? Well that’s up to you to decide.
Aside from the batshit insanity of the plot, Masterton’s skill at pacing is one of the novel’s greatest strengths. Masterton wastes no time building suspense, and each chapter escalates the stakes in new and unexpected ways. From gangs of animated overcoats to zombies, to rampaging clothes of all kinds, the scenes of violence and possession are as creative as they are disturbing, and the unrelenting wildness makes this one incredibly hard to put down.
However, that same wildness that makes Ghost Virusso entertaining also makes it, at times, hard to take seriously. Some of the more outlandish moments—possessed clothing coming to life, gruesome transformations that defy logic—teeter on the edge of absurdity. Add that to Masterton’s penchant for dark humor in the midst of the terror, and the kind of weird that will either have you hooked or shaking your head. Despite this, the book is memorable and refreshingly original, as well as a return to horror after quite a few years away from the genre.
There is no denying Masterton knows how to craft vivid, stomach-churning horror while also injecting a bit of levity and self-awareness. While it may not be for everyone, fans of Masterton and his creative boundary-pushing horror will find plenty to enjoy. Yes, Ghost Virus is strange, and entertaining—just be prepared for a story that’s outright crazy as its premise…whether that’s good or bad? Well that’s up to you to decide.
April 4, 2022
Review 4: Ghost Virus by Graham Masterton
Masterton's Ghost Virus, let's face it, sound ridiculous on its face. Possessed clothing tearing people apart? A jacket apocalypse? But I would be lying if I said that I wasn't entertained: in fact, I was more than amazed that there are still old-school, King-era authors who don't give a damn that the excesses of 80s horror are over. And just like any typical Masterton, there are dozens of scenes of carnage, ranging from disembowelments, dismemberments, cannibalism, and other assorted fun. Masterton's attempts to add a possession angle into this whole mess are admirable, but once the corduroy apocalypse starts, it's back to cheesy gore and scenes you'd never thought to see in a modern horror book. This book is the equivalent of a greasy, bacon-filled Cheeseburger cooked and served to you by an English gentleman who once wrote sex manuals. It is filling and makes you want more. What, there's a second one? Holy Sh.
Masterton's Ghost Virus, let's face it, sound ridiculous on its face. Possessed clothing tearing people apart? A jacket apocalypse? But I would be lying if I said that I wasn't entertained: in fact, I was more than amazed that there are still old-school, King-era authors who don't give a damn that the excesses of 80s horror are over. And just like any typical Masterton, there are dozens of scenes of carnage, ranging from disembowelments, dismemberments, cannibalism, and other assorted fun. Masterton's attempts to add a possession angle into this whole mess are admirable, but once the corduroy apocalypse starts, it's back to cheesy gore and scenes you'd never thought to see in a modern horror book. This book is the equivalent of a greasy, bacon-filled Cheeseburger cooked and served to you by an English gentleman who once wrote sex manuals. It is filling and makes you want more. What, there's a second one? Holy Sh.
July 6, 2019
Ghost Virus by Graham Masterton is a horror novel that simply does not horrify. It is intense and visceral but in the end, the monster/creature simply does not do it. I am a big Graham Masteron fan and on his name alone, I picked up this novel and read it. But even Masteron's powerful writing style could not make this a book I can recommend.
"...BEWARE, BELOW THERE BE SPOILERS!!!!...."
"...Samira had been staring into her dressing-table mirror all morning before she summoned up the courage to burn off her face.
You are not me, she whispered to herself. Whoever you are, you are not me..."
DC Jerry Pardoe and DS Jamila Patel of Tooting Police investigate the crime scene of a young woman who has been murdered. Sulfuric acid had been poured over her face until all that was left was bone. It had been splashed on her, but slowly poured. It took time and the pain must have been excruciating. What troubles Pardoe and Patel is that the young woman showed not signs of struggling or being restrained. But then a young husband who never showed any signed of violence murders his wife and a young woman kills her boyfriend. But it doesn't stop there. A local school Principal begins throwing children out a second story window and a young girl murders her parents. Worse than the killings, is that they had also begun to eat their victims, consuming the flesh raw and in some instances, cooking them.
Pardoe and Patel have come to realize that there is a virus of some kind that is causing these psychotic episodes. These acts of extreme violence and cannibalism. But what they find is difficult to understand and even far more difficult to prove.
"...It's not possible,' said Jerry, shaking his head. 'I'm asleep, and this is a dream. Well-no it's not, it's a nightmare.'
'It is possible,' Jamila told him. She was clenching her fists and her voice was very level, but Jerry could tell that she was shocked and upset. 'It is possible in the same way that all spirits are possible.'
'I don't get you.'
Jamila looked up at him. He had yet to see her expression so serious. 'Just because people in the West have lost their belief in their God, and everything that cannot be explained by science, that doesn't mean for a moment that they no longer exist. I believe that ghosts exist, Jerry, and I believe that evil spirits exist, and that they can possess anything and everything..."
Okay, here is the big reveal, the spoiler and the main reason i simply could not take this horror novel seriously.
The evil spirits/ghosts are possessing used clothing. That kind you would pick up at a Goodwill.
The clothing attaches to the host body and causes the possessed to do these horrible and graphically described crimes. Soon the clothing does not even need a host body and just goes forth to murder and mutilate at its leisure, that is if it is a leisure suit. Okay that was bad. But clothing given to a charity resale outlet?
Of course the Ghost Virus then moves on to newer clothing because as it is explained. Many clothing manufacturers use threads and fabric from used clothing to make new. So what we have here is clothing going around and killing people. Not just killing, but dismembering and tearing their internal organs out. There is one scene where an article of clothing, after tearing off a young woman's underwear, enters her vagina and proceeds to grip her uterus and graphically rip her inside out. Masterton writes graphic depictions of violence, all his novels are this way and it may be too much for some readers.
But the graphic violence is not what failed me here. Nor is it Masterton's writing because he is a very gifted writer. Check out his Katie Maguire or Beatrice Scarlett series of mysteries and you will become a huge fan of his work. Only with Ghost Virus, less than a third of the way through, I kept thinking...doesn't anyone have a match? A lighter? Hell, how about a military grade flamethrower!
I literary kept reading just to see how long it would take them to figure it out. But no, instead they are shooting bullets into the mass of clothing attacking them and getting torn apart. There is a scene toward the end where one of the cops takes a chain saw to one of the possessed jackets and hacks it to pieces. All I could think of was Ash in Evil Dead. It was shortly after this that fire came in to fight the clothes.
I believe it was Stephen King who said, and I am paraphrasing here, that the two most difficult genres to write in are comedy and horror. Because horror, when not executed, becomes comedy. The moments that should feel you with dread are actually funny and then, well sad.
Ghost Virus falls somewhere in there.
A terrific writer that just missed on this one for me.
I
"...BEWARE, BELOW THERE BE SPOILERS!!!!...."
"...Samira had been staring into her dressing-table mirror all morning before she summoned up the courage to burn off her face.
You are not me, she whispered to herself. Whoever you are, you are not me..."
DC Jerry Pardoe and DS Jamila Patel of Tooting Police investigate the crime scene of a young woman who has been murdered. Sulfuric acid had been poured over her face until all that was left was bone. It had been splashed on her, but slowly poured. It took time and the pain must have been excruciating. What troubles Pardoe and Patel is that the young woman showed not signs of struggling or being restrained. But then a young husband who never showed any signed of violence murders his wife and a young woman kills her boyfriend. But it doesn't stop there. A local school Principal begins throwing children out a second story window and a young girl murders her parents. Worse than the killings, is that they had also begun to eat their victims, consuming the flesh raw and in some instances, cooking them.
Pardoe and Patel have come to realize that there is a virus of some kind that is causing these psychotic episodes. These acts of extreme violence and cannibalism. But what they find is difficult to understand and even far more difficult to prove.
"...It's not possible,' said Jerry, shaking his head. 'I'm asleep, and this is a dream. Well-no it's not, it's a nightmare.'
'It is possible,' Jamila told him. She was clenching her fists and her voice was very level, but Jerry could tell that she was shocked and upset. 'It is possible in the same way that all spirits are possible.'
'I don't get you.'
Jamila looked up at him. He had yet to see her expression so serious. 'Just because people in the West have lost their belief in their God, and everything that cannot be explained by science, that doesn't mean for a moment that they no longer exist. I believe that ghosts exist, Jerry, and I believe that evil spirits exist, and that they can possess anything and everything..."
Okay, here is the big reveal, the spoiler and the main reason i simply could not take this horror novel seriously.
The evil spirits/ghosts are possessing used clothing. That kind you would pick up at a Goodwill.
The clothing attaches to the host body and causes the possessed to do these horrible and graphically described crimes. Soon the clothing does not even need a host body and just goes forth to murder and mutilate at its leisure, that is if it is a leisure suit. Okay that was bad. But clothing given to a charity resale outlet?
Of course the Ghost Virus then moves on to newer clothing because as it is explained. Many clothing manufacturers use threads and fabric from used clothing to make new. So what we have here is clothing going around and killing people. Not just killing, but dismembering and tearing their internal organs out. There is one scene where an article of clothing, after tearing off a young woman's underwear, enters her vagina and proceeds to grip her uterus and graphically rip her inside out. Masterton writes graphic depictions of violence, all his novels are this way and it may be too much for some readers.
But the graphic violence is not what failed me here. Nor is it Masterton's writing because he is a very gifted writer. Check out his Katie Maguire or Beatrice Scarlett series of mysteries and you will become a huge fan of his work. Only with Ghost Virus, less than a third of the way through, I kept thinking...doesn't anyone have a match? A lighter? Hell, how about a military grade flamethrower!
I literary kept reading just to see how long it would take them to figure it out. But no, instead they are shooting bullets into the mass of clothing attacking them and getting torn apart. There is a scene toward the end where one of the cops takes a chain saw to one of the possessed jackets and hacks it to pieces. All I could think of was Ash in Evil Dead. It was shortly after this that fire came in to fight the clothes.
I believe it was Stephen King who said, and I am paraphrasing here, that the two most difficult genres to write in are comedy and horror. Because horror, when not executed, becomes comedy. The moments that should feel you with dread are actually funny and then, well sad.
Ghost Virus falls somewhere in there.
A terrific writer that just missed on this one for me.
I
October 19, 2022
I'm not sure what I was expecting with this book. I bought it imaging vombies, boy was that wrong.
There are a few cringy moments, stereotypes and there like (hence not 5 stars) but I didn't care. This was so fun, unexpected, and different. There was so many laugh out loud moments (no its not a comedy, but if you know, you know).
Not sure I'm ever going to buy anything from a charity shop again!!!!!!
There are a few cringy moments, stereotypes and there like (hence not 5 stars) but I didn't care. This was so fun, unexpected, and different. There was so many laugh out loud moments (no its not a comedy, but if you know, you know).
Not sure I'm ever going to buy anything from a charity shop again!!!!!!
May 19, 2018
Where to begin with this one? ......For some unknown reason, I have never read any of Graham Masterton's books so when the chance came up to read an ARC of "Ghost Virus", I jumped at the chance for an introduction to his work.
I have never read anything quite like "Ghost Virus". After a young woman looking forward to her promising future and marriage dies a gruesome death by pouring sulphuric acid on her face, DC Jerry Pardoe and DS Jamila Patel are faced with an incomprehensible reality. Their search for the truth about this terrible tragedy is connected by even more horrible crimes that force them to confront the impossible. I do not want to say more than that because I really do not like to have spoilers in my reviews.
I have read similar books and stories about haunted or possessed items but this one stood out from the others for a variety of reason.
I absolutely adore the characters of DC Pardoe, and DS Patel. I really would love to see another b00k continuing the story of these characters. They were very complex and well developed and I found much of the book derived its strength from these characters and their interactions with each other and the investigation at hand. Graham Masterton must have done much research about Muslims and I found the information provided quite accurate and very pertinent to the story especially with the first known victim. I have to admit I also found it interesting and entertaining to learn about current British lingo especially regarding the names of street drugs and other slang words ( I am Canadian).
All in all, I found Graham Masterton's writing to be solid and fluent and I enjoyed this book enough to try another one. I wish I had discovered his books before now but I look forward to reading more of his novels.
I received a copy of this book from Head of Zeus via Netgalley for free in exchange for my honest review. Thank you so much for allowing me to read this novel.
I have never read anything quite like "Ghost Virus". After a young woman looking forward to her promising future and marriage dies a gruesome death by pouring sulphuric acid on her face, DC Jerry Pardoe and DS Jamila Patel are faced with an incomprehensible reality. Their search for the truth about this terrible tragedy is connected by even more horrible crimes that force them to confront the impossible. I do not want to say more than that because I really do not like to have spoilers in my reviews.
I have read similar books and stories about haunted or possessed items but this one stood out from the others for a variety of reason.
I absolutely adore the characters of DC Pardoe, and DS Patel. I really would love to see another b00k continuing the story of these characters. They were very complex and well developed and I found much of the book derived its strength from these characters and their interactions with each other and the investigation at hand. Graham Masterton must have done much research about Muslims and I found the information provided quite accurate and very pertinent to the story especially with the first known victim. I have to admit I also found it interesting and entertaining to learn about current British lingo especially regarding the names of street drugs and other slang words ( I am Canadian).
All in all, I found Graham Masterton's writing to be solid and fluent and I enjoyed this book enough to try another one. I wish I had discovered his books before now but I look forward to reading more of his novels.
I received a copy of this book from Head of Zeus via Netgalley for free in exchange for my honest review. Thank you so much for allowing me to read this novel.
June 10, 2018
Oh boy. I love Graham Masterton, but this book got pretty silly. Murderous clothes?? Definitely an interesting concept, and as a horror writer Graham literally brought these clothes to life like Stephen King did for the car in Christine. A little hokey, sure, but enjoyable nonetheless.
Thank you Netgalley for my copy!
Thank you Netgalley for my copy!
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