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Others
Nicholas Dismas is a Private Investigator, but like no other that has gone before him. He carries a secret about himself to which not even he has the answer . . .
He is hired to find a missing baby. One that was taken away at birth . . . Or was it?
His investigation takes him to a mysteriously located place called Perfect Rest. It is supposed to be a nursing home for the elderly . . . But is it?
Here Dismas will discover the dark secret of the Others. And in an astonishing and spectacular finale he will resolve the enigma of his own existence . . .
He is hired to find a missing baby. One that was taken away at birth . . . Or was it?
His investigation takes him to a mysteriously located place called Perfect Rest. It is supposed to be a nursing home for the elderly . . . But is it?
Here Dismas will discover the dark secret of the Others. And in an astonishing and spectacular finale he will resolve the enigma of his own existence . . .
504 pages, Paperback
First published April 9, 1999
125 people are currently reading
2709 people want to read
About the author
James Herbert
100 books2,377 followersJames Herbert was Britain's number one bestselling writer (a position he held ever since publication of his first novel) and one of the world's top writers of thriller/horror fiction.
He was one of our greatest popular novelists, whose books are sold in thirty-three other languages, including Russian and Chinese. Widely imitated and hugely influential, his 19 novels have sold more than 42 million copies worldwide.
As an author he produced some of the most powerful horror fiction of the past decade. With a skillful blend of horror and thriller fiction, he explored the shaded territories of evil, evoking a sense of brooding menace and rising tension. He relentlessly draws the reader through the story's ultimate revelation - one that will stay to chill the mind long after the book has been laid aside. His bestsellers, THE MAGIC COTTAGE, HAUNTED, SEPULCHRE, and CREED, enhanced his reputation as a writer of depth and originality. His novels THE FOG, THE DARK, and THE SURVIVOR have been hailed as classics of the genre.
He was one of our greatest popular novelists, whose books are sold in thirty-three other languages, including Russian and Chinese. Widely imitated and hugely influential, his 19 novels have sold more than 42 million copies worldwide.
As an author he produced some of the most powerful horror fiction of the past decade. With a skillful blend of horror and thriller fiction, he explored the shaded territories of evil, evoking a sense of brooding menace and rising tension. He relentlessly draws the reader through the story's ultimate revelation - one that will stay to chill the mind long after the book has been laid aside. His bestsellers, THE MAGIC COTTAGE, HAUNTED, SEPULCHRE, and CREED, enhanced his reputation as a writer of depth and originality. His novels THE FOG, THE DARK, and THE SURVIVOR have been hailed as classics of the genre.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 240 reviews
June 10, 2014
This is my second novel by James Herbert, and I'm proud to say this one gave me a nightmare. Why am I proud to say this? I read a lot of Koontz and King and love a good thriller and naturally enjoy a bit of a fright! It's hard for a writer to make the reader 'jump' or 'get the creeps' and for me it's the mark of a great author and an excellent book! It certainly gets the adrenalin pumping and the mind racing into the wee hours.
It follows that there is a skill in making a reader cry but first and foremost, I don't really enjoy deeply depressing stories, or stories that are going to upset me for days and days afterwards. Secondly, it's rare for me to cry during a movie, so for a book, this state is almost unattainable. Besides, I'd rather be scared out of my wits, or contemplating the dark side of human nature in a way that is removed from my daily life and therefore 'safe'.
Okay, now onto the book. Dismas is a private investigator in the 'Others' and is born into the world disfigured. The character development and insight here is phenomenal and a little painful at times which deepens the story even further. Dismas is asked to investigate a missing baby supposedly declared dead following the birth, and thus begins a course of events involving babies born with hideous deformities. Without ruining the story-line, I was really creeped out one night reading about the hospital at 'Perfect Rest' although it sounds completely harmless, doesn't it?
The theme of redemption is echoed throughout the novel, and I thoroughly enjoyed following the character's journey and learning about the fate of the Others.
I recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys a good fright, or is a fan of either Stephen King or Dean Koontz.
It follows that there is a skill in making a reader cry but first and foremost, I don't really enjoy deeply depressing stories, or stories that are going to upset me for days and days afterwards. Secondly, it's rare for me to cry during a movie, so for a book, this state is almost unattainable. Besides, I'd rather be scared out of my wits, or contemplating the dark side of human nature in a way that is removed from my daily life and therefore 'safe'.
Okay, now onto the book. Dismas is a private investigator in the 'Others' and is born into the world disfigured. The character development and insight here is phenomenal and a little painful at times which deepens the story even further. Dismas is asked to investigate a missing baby supposedly declared dead following the birth, and thus begins a course of events involving babies born with hideous deformities. Without ruining the story-line, I was really creeped out one night reading about the hospital at 'Perfect Rest' although it sounds completely harmless, doesn't it?
The theme of redemption is echoed throughout the novel, and I thoroughly enjoyed following the character's journey and learning about the fate of the Others.
I recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys a good fright, or is a fan of either Stephen King or Dean Koontz.
January 24, 2013
I'm liking James Herbert more and more the more I read him. This book was a powerhouse and not just by sheer volume. It was creative, well written and (as the author intended accodring to his afterword) very very disturbing. The book starts off with a fascinating premise, then progresses as a detective story with a very original and atypical protagonist, it does have some supernatural moments, but the geniune horror of the plot comes from the evil that men can do. The finale stretched out over the last 100/150 pages is absolutely boombastic and very vividly described. Despite all the action and various genre trappings, this is really a story of redemption and an excellent showcase of James Herbert's talent. Highly recommended.
June 3, 2016
Upon his death a movie star handsome man jumps at the chance when offered another life to redeem himself from living such a selfish and vain life. He will have no memory of his current life and will return horribly disfigured.
As the story unravels the purpose behind his deformities become relevant and he must do whatever he can to stop the gruesom horror that he uncovers.
A good thriller with a original story.
As the story unravels the purpose behind his deformities become relevant and he must do whatever he can to stop the gruesom horror that he uncovers.
A good thriller with a original story.
April 5, 2011
ok. im going to be totally unfair in this review. see, i have this extra karma chip of "free unfairness" that's expiring soon, so i have to use it, like right now. because....(spoiler alert)....
ARGW$%*AG&&*^^*HRUEG$*#@!!!!!!!
FREAKIN' PORN????!!!!!
ok that felt totally good to scream, perhaps i should have not done it at work, ah well...but seriously. SERIOUSLY. the nazi-ish doctor bought and engineered (shocker) severely (and almost x-men-y) deformed creatures/people not for like a super race (so unlike his background!), not for like arms dealers who need big killing-machine soldiers to sell to Cobra or whatever (COBRAAAAA!!!! what, no GI Joe fans? ....um). no. not for any of these. nope. nada. he did it for PORN. dear God in heaven. porn. porn? PLGH!!!!!! this book made me so mad that it now has become the only book i ever gave one star (Twilight fans rejoice). and even though the author totally looks like that guy from the BBC's Top Gear, it didn't matter! that's how mad i am. ARGH. the book could have been so much better.
i would like to apologize to the east baton rouge library system for this completely inappropriate review. and for the bite taken out of the book's spine. it wasn't me. i would have to really really hate a book enough to destroy it. with my mouth. it was just that the dogs decided they also didn't like the book and were all "we must put an end to mommy's misery the best way we know how!" ....they also thought my anne klein sling backs were "so last season" but that is another story all together....
ARGW$%*AG&&*^^*HRUEG$*#@!!!!!!!
FREAKIN' PORN????!!!!!
ok that felt totally good to scream, perhaps i should have not done it at work, ah well...but seriously. SERIOUSLY. the nazi-ish doctor bought and engineered (shocker) severely (and almost x-men-y) deformed creatures/people not for like a super race (so unlike his background!), not for like arms dealers who need big killing-machine soldiers to sell to Cobra or whatever (COBRAAAAA!!!! what, no GI Joe fans? ....um). no. not for any of these. nope. nada. he did it for PORN. dear God in heaven. porn. porn? PLGH!!!!!! this book made me so mad that it now has become the only book i ever gave one star (Twilight fans rejoice). and even though the author totally looks like that guy from the BBC's Top Gear, it didn't matter! that's how mad i am. ARGH. the book could have been so much better.
i would like to apologize to the east baton rouge library system for this completely inappropriate review. and for the bite taken out of the book's spine. it wasn't me. i would have to really really hate a book enough to destroy it. with my mouth. it was just that the dogs decided they also didn't like the book and were all "we must put an end to mommy's misery the best way we know how!" ....they also thought my anne klein sling backs were "so last season" but that is another story all together....
January 27, 2024
Half my life ago (25yrs!! Yikes!!) I read ‘Others’ and was thoroughly entertained by its horrible, HORRIBLE subject matter and grotesque descriptions and sickening gore. I wouldn’t have hesitated to award it five stars on Goodreads (was GR even a thing back then?! Plus I’d have needed access to a computer of course! ha!) I simply loved Mr Herbert's deviant and twisted creativity. The more gruesome, the more I loved it - JH was my go-to author.
Now, I feel a bit different about it. Experience counts for so much, I consider myself to be pretty well read (so there) and I no longer think ‘Others’ to be the perfect horror book. Let me explain a couple of things -
This story is told with too many brackets. Brackets here, there and everywhere. (It’s annoying). It affects the flow of the dialogue (and descriptions). It felt as though Herbert was trying to fill in any potential (minor) plot holes by backtracking with (minor) explanations.
The ending was action packed but too repetitive. We’d had a full explanation as to the whats, whys and who’s, so I was ready to finish reading by page 450. I felt as though I knew everything I needed to know and I was satisfied. The last quarter needed some serious cutting down/editing in my opinion.
Those gripes aside, James Herbert will forever be my all time favourite horror author because I discovered his adult horror fiction when I was just 12 and spent my teenage years with the Master of Macabre, he was my bookish hero. However, that doesn’t stop me from downgrading Others from a 5 star to a 4 because, actually, I’ve read better! I can’t believe I’m saying that, and that’s why I’ve put off rereading this author because I didn’t want my past horror-loving bubble burst. It hasn’t quite burst, but it precariously wobbled about a bit.
Still love you though, Mr H. Always have. Always will.
Now, I feel a bit different about it. Experience counts for so much, I consider myself to be pretty well read (so there) and I no longer think ‘Others’ to be the perfect horror book. Let me explain a couple of things -
This story is told with too many brackets. Brackets here, there and everywhere. (It’s annoying). It affects the flow of the dialogue (and descriptions). It felt as though Herbert was trying to fill in any potential (minor) plot holes by backtracking with (minor) explanations.
The ending was action packed but too repetitive. We’d had a full explanation as to the whats, whys and who’s, so I was ready to finish reading by page 450. I felt as though I knew everything I needed to know and I was satisfied. The last quarter needed some serious cutting down/editing in my opinion.
Those gripes aside, James Herbert will forever be my all time favourite horror author because I discovered his adult horror fiction when I was just 12 and spent my teenage years with the Master of Macabre, he was my bookish hero. However, that doesn’t stop me from downgrading Others from a 5 star to a 4 because, actually, I’ve read better! I can’t believe I’m saying that, and that’s why I’ve put off rereading this author because I didn’t want my past horror-loving bubble burst. It hasn’t quite burst, but it precariously wobbled about a bit.
Still love you though, Mr H. Always have. Always will.
November 29, 2012
Excellent book= horrifying, sad, funny, poignant, mysterious. Wow I really like Nicholas Dismas. I wish there were more featuring this character.
March 31, 2014
James Herbert goes from strength to strength with this complex, deeply absorbing, realistic and gripping tale which is parts supernatural horror, part mystery, part thriller, all pretty sick. It’s very well written and certainly has the edge over recent books by Stephen King I’ve read.
This is not to say that the story is flawless; far from it. Herbert uses a distinctive style which will be off-putting to some readers : the slow-burn. The first two thirds of the book is extremely slowly paced, very much like a mundane detective investigation with the occasional burst of violence or horror.
The approach works in bringing to life the lead, Nick Dismas, born with appalling deformities and living a life as a recluse ever after. Dismas is nevertheless a likable character and a really believable one. The story is pretty unpredictable, up until the conclusion which follows a well-worn route but is no less effective through Herbert’s detailed writing.
The ‘Others’ are more tragic than horrifying, although the scenes in the cellar are sufficiently gruesome to be horrific. Action is described in minute detail which I personally found to be gripping. Other readers might find it drags. Throw in a twist ending, the whole gamut of the human experience (love, anger, hatred, friendship, happiness) and you have an unconventional, but appealing, story.
This is not to say that the story is flawless; far from it. Herbert uses a distinctive style which will be off-putting to some readers : the slow-burn. The first two thirds of the book is extremely slowly paced, very much like a mundane detective investigation with the occasional burst of violence or horror.
The approach works in bringing to life the lead, Nick Dismas, born with appalling deformities and living a life as a recluse ever after. Dismas is nevertheless a likable character and a really believable one. The story is pretty unpredictable, up until the conclusion which follows a well-worn route but is no less effective through Herbert’s detailed writing.
The ‘Others’ are more tragic than horrifying, although the scenes in the cellar are sufficiently gruesome to be horrific. Action is described in minute detail which I personally found to be gripping. Other readers might find it drags. Throw in a twist ending, the whole gamut of the human experience (love, anger, hatred, friendship, happiness) and you have an unconventional, but appealing, story.
May 22, 2016
My friend and I decided to read this book together after reading the synopsis. It sounded like it would be a dark and disturbing read. Well that it was, among other things. Although I did enjoy it, I did not love it.
Synopsis
Nicholas Dismas is a Private Investigator, but like no other that has gone before him. He carries a secret about himself to which not even he has the answer . . .
He is hired to find a missing baby. One that was taken away at birth . . . Or was it?
His investigation takes him to a mysteriously located place called Perfect Rest. It is supposed to be a nursing home for the elderly . . . But is it?
Here Dismas will discover the dark secret of the Others. And in an astonishing and spectacular finale he will resolve the enigma of his own existence . . .
Ok so the plot to this story was rather long, and I do feel like it could have been shortened about 100 pages and still could have been interesting. In this plotline you do have a lot of different elements involved which does keep the story entertaining. There is mystery and paranormal and even some romance mixed in. The first several chapters are extremely slow, but does pick up around page 40-50, and gets pretty good. The story makes you think a lot as you try to figure out the mystery at hand. I was kind of let down though a bit by the discovery of the mystery at the end. It was not what I had expected to come of it. I also felt like the author got away from the 'synopsis mystery' a lot and the story focused more on our protagonist Nick Dismas, which in itself held a lot of mystery as well, so readers will find that their own focus changes as well. It kind of pushed the original mystery to the back burner.
The characters are probably my favorite part of the story. Nick Dismas is a greatly flawed character who had to deal with his own deformities and put up with a lot of judgement of others. Although he does have those people/friends who do care about him and accept him as he is, he still struggles to figure out what his purpose is in this life. While he does like himself, he still finds himself weak and unlikable, and there are plenty of abhorrent people to consistently instill that into his mind. There are a lot fo great characters that readers will meet throughout the story and those characters have their mystery revolving around them,
I was struggling with who I could recommend this book too since it is an overly long book with a slow start. I think readers who enjoy the dark and disturbing may find this story worth the read. I am going to give this book a 3.5 star rating. I think had it been shortened and had a faster pace it could have ben a 5 star read for me simply by the plotline alone.
Synopsis
Nicholas Dismas is a Private Investigator, but like no other that has gone before him. He carries a secret about himself to which not even he has the answer . . .
He is hired to find a missing baby. One that was taken away at birth . . . Or was it?
His investigation takes him to a mysteriously located place called Perfect Rest. It is supposed to be a nursing home for the elderly . . . But is it?
Here Dismas will discover the dark secret of the Others. And in an astonishing and spectacular finale he will resolve the enigma of his own existence . . .
Ok so the plot to this story was rather long, and I do feel like it could have been shortened about 100 pages and still could have been interesting. In this plotline you do have a lot of different elements involved which does keep the story entertaining. There is mystery and paranormal and even some romance mixed in. The first several chapters are extremely slow, but does pick up around page 40-50, and gets pretty good. The story makes you think a lot as you try to figure out the mystery at hand. I was kind of let down though a bit by the discovery of the mystery at the end. It was not what I had expected to come of it. I also felt like the author got away from the 'synopsis mystery' a lot and the story focused more on our protagonist Nick Dismas, which in itself held a lot of mystery as well, so readers will find that their own focus changes as well. It kind of pushed the original mystery to the back burner.
The characters are probably my favorite part of the story. Nick Dismas is a greatly flawed character who had to deal with his own deformities and put up with a lot of judgement of others. Although he does have those people/friends who do care about him and accept him as he is, he still struggles to figure out what his purpose is in this life. While he does like himself, he still finds himself weak and unlikable, and there are plenty of abhorrent people to consistently instill that into his mind. There are a lot fo great characters that readers will meet throughout the story and those characters have their mystery revolving around them,
I was struggling with who I could recommend this book too since it is an overly long book with a slow start. I think readers who enjoy the dark and disturbing may find this story worth the read. I am going to give this book a 3.5 star rating. I think had it been shortened and had a faster pace it could have ben a 5 star read for me simply by the plotline alone.
November 6, 2019
Others is a solid horror. Dis is a good protagonist; complex, sympathetic but flawed, and his voice is entertaining. The side characters are distinctive and just as entertaining which is a big plus for me (unfortunately, the love interest was the least interesting character, which took away from the romance subplot). The mystery is intriguing and Dis works hard to unravel it rather than passively having things happen to him as the plot unrolls.
The book is long, but the pacing is fine - until the end. I listened to the audiobook and it took, literally, over an hour for Dis to get away from a fire. It might even have been two fires. This included ridiculous conversations on burning stairwells - conversations that really, really could have waited.
Dis is 'deformed', hunchbacked and one-eyed and bearing an unfortunate resemblance to Quasimodo. I thought James Herbert presented Dis's psychology very well (caveat that it seemed realistic to me, though I'm not 'deformed' but am physically disabled), then kind of ruined it all with his later treatment of 'freaks' as objects of sick fascination. There were pages upon pages of lurid descriptions of deformities as Dis examined one after the other - like a freakshow in book form. He tries to excuse it by making the most deformed of them evil, thereby making it worse.
The biggest problem is that the plot just doesn't make sense. We find out in the first few pages that the main character was sent to Hell after being a pretty shitty person, and now he's getting a second chance to be 'reincarnated' on Earth and do better the second time around. But once he is reborn he doesn't remember any of that, so it makes no sense that he makes different choices to become a good person. In a world where God is real, as he is in Others, does it make sense that whether you go to Heaven or Hell is a roll of the dice?
Then Dis indulges in mental gymnastics to explain that all human souls deserve to live, except the ones that are REALLY ugly and 'freak'ish and thus are evil and deserve to die. Apparently God sanctions this, along with unspeakable suffering for... reasons.
The religious overtures in general were a bit ham-fisted and obvious. All the characters have Biblical names or the names of virtues. Our hero is tasked with saving the lives of helpless people, flanked by... Mary and Joseph. It's a bit much. And it didn't make sense.
But Others is entertaining, and I enjoyed my time with Dis and his crew.
The book is long, but the pacing is fine - until the end. I listened to the audiobook and it took, literally, over an hour for Dis to get away from a fire. It might even have been two fires. This included ridiculous conversations on burning stairwells - conversations that really, really could have waited.
Dis is 'deformed', hunchbacked and one-eyed and bearing an unfortunate resemblance to Quasimodo. I thought James Herbert presented Dis's psychology very well (caveat that it seemed realistic to me, though I'm not 'deformed' but am physically disabled), then kind of ruined it all with his later treatment of 'freaks' as objects of sick fascination. There were pages upon pages of lurid descriptions of deformities as Dis examined one after the other - like a freakshow in book form. He tries to excuse it by making the most deformed of them evil, thereby making it worse.
The biggest problem is that the plot just doesn't make sense. We find out in the first few pages that the main character was sent to Hell after being a pretty shitty person, and now he's getting a second chance to be 'reincarnated' on Earth and do better the second time around. But once he is reborn he doesn't remember any of that, so it makes no sense that he makes different choices to become a good person. In a world where God is real, as he is in Others, does it make sense that whether you go to Heaven or Hell is a roll of the dice?
Then Dis indulges in mental gymnastics to explain that all human souls deserve to live, except the ones that are REALLY ugly and 'freak'ish and thus are evil and deserve to die. Apparently God sanctions this, along with unspeakable suffering for... reasons.
The religious overtures in general were a bit ham-fisted and obvious. All the characters have Biblical names or the names of virtues. Our hero is tasked with saving the lives of helpless people, flanked by... Mary and Joseph. It's a bit much. And it didn't make sense.
But Others is entertaining, and I enjoyed my time with Dis and his crew.
March 21, 2020
So the blurb says... Nicholas Dismas is a Private Investigator, but like no other that has gone before him. He carries a secret about himself to which not even he has the answer . . .He is hired to find a missing baby. One that was taken away at birth . . . Or was it? As usual a well paced and thought out chiller thriller by Herbert, although the core concept of the book has almost become a trope in itself. 6 out of 12.
July 31, 2019
Another James Herbert re-read (I've re-read a few this year as it's been several...ahem...many years since I first discovered his horror books and devoured the lot) and this was very enjoyable.
What a fantastic story teller he is...and his brand of horror is pretty shocking and unique.
He always likes to bring in a bit of religion and a bit of sexual deviance...so it's not for everyone!
I don't read much horror these days and I'm not sure why. James Herbert got me back into reading after my University years (I understand it is common for people to abandon reading temporarily whilst studying) but I have moved into other genres since *shrugs*.
I think James Herbert sits on the line between mild horror with sick elements and extreme horror and I really don't want to feel sick whilst reading ...but mild horror bores me?? Yeah, not sure where to go with the horror genre *shrugs again* we'll see!
Anyway, I'm glad to say that quite a lot of the James Herbert books I'm getting to still hold up as great reads! And I will be trying to read some more horror because I do miss it.
What a fantastic story teller he is...and his brand of horror is pretty shocking and unique.
He always likes to bring in a bit of religion and a bit of sexual deviance...so it's not for everyone!
I don't read much horror these days and I'm not sure why. James Herbert got me back into reading after my University years (I understand it is common for people to abandon reading temporarily whilst studying) but I have moved into other genres since *shrugs*.
I think James Herbert sits on the line between mild horror with sick elements and extreme horror and I really don't want to feel sick whilst reading ...but mild horror bores me?? Yeah, not sure where to go with the horror genre *shrugs again* we'll see!
Anyway, I'm glad to say that quite a lot of the James Herbert books I'm getting to still hold up as great reads! And I will be trying to read some more horror because I do miss it.
August 6, 2009
Ugh...considering not bothering to finish this book. I'm almost halfway through and the plot hasn't even begun to show itself in any form. The main character is a deformed hunchback private investigator, which is pretty cool, but the author likes to mention his deformities and shame as often as possible. This could definitely be an interesting avenue to go down, but it's totally ham-fisted here, as are the constant drug references...it's just awkward, like listening to your parents joke about "smoking some dope".
I'm hoping it'll redeem itself soon with some action, but I doubt it.
I'm hoping it'll redeem itself soon with some action, but I doubt it.
October 16, 2013
An exploration into the depths of human depravity, where science crosses into sadism, in a world where broken souls in twisted flesh struggle along the path of pain towards the brass ring of redemption and peace.
A novel of unparalleled emotional power, this one will leave even the most jaded heart shaken to it's core.
A novel of unparalleled emotional power, this one will leave even the most jaded heart shaken to it's core.
December 5, 2018
I loved this book! It is very dark and disturbing, but totally worth the read. Echoes of Dr. Moreau in the story line. James Herbert is becoming one of my favorite authors very quickly.
December 15, 2024
Another entertaining read from James Herbert. This was different from what I expected but definitely done In the Herbert style that I enjoy. He really knew how to write a great story. This did get a bit disturbing, which was ok on its level, but kept me interested all the way through.
October 27, 2020
On a reread I am not 100% Happy with whom are being called the "creatures" in this book - even though I acknowledge that they are also portrayed as both the heroes and the victims.
So in one word - unsettling?
So in one word - unsettling?
March 20, 2022
I had been aware of this Herbert novel as I continue on my journey through all of them. For some reason I put this one back a couple of times, maybe due to the fairly subtle cover.
It was a mistake. I may have thought it to be a supernatural or ghost story but it was something quite different. A large book at just over five hundred pages. For the first couple of hundred it progresses like a crime or detective thriller mystery, only the main character is a physically imperfect man, judged and mocked on his appearance his whole life. As the story progresses he tries to find the missing child of his client, a fresh and increasingly disturbing mystery is waiting for him.
This being one of the later Herbert novels, I found a quite obvious progression in his writing style and choice of story and themes. In actual fact, on finishing reading I found it to have been similar to some of the works of another favourite author of mine, Clive Barker. Much more than I had expected, though it could have trimmed it was a very entertaining Herbert tale of monsters of many kinds.
It was a mistake. I may have thought it to be a supernatural or ghost story but it was something quite different. A large book at just over five hundred pages. For the first couple of hundred it progresses like a crime or detective thriller mystery, only the main character is a physically imperfect man, judged and mocked on his appearance his whole life. As the story progresses he tries to find the missing child of his client, a fresh and increasingly disturbing mystery is waiting for him.
This being one of the later Herbert novels, I found a quite obvious progression in his writing style and choice of story and themes. In actual fact, on finishing reading I found it to have been similar to some of the works of another favourite author of mine, Clive Barker. Much more than I had expected, though it could have trimmed it was a very entertaining Herbert tale of monsters of many kinds.
October 5, 2012
So even though I am a HUGE horror fan, this was my first James Herbert I believe. I did enjoy the way he wrote, I think he has a deft skill in providing the situation and characters in a detailed way. However he is somewhat clumsy in structure and the book was needlessly long. Saying that I did enjoy it, even if it started to take a troubling path towards the end.
One particular element I can pick out to say was decent about the story was his involvement of Brighton. I did live there a while back and so appreciated references to areas dotted throughout.
I felt uncomfortable with the underlying karma underpinnings to the story for although I get his point and it was not so crudely drawn as I shall now state- It was on the premise that: a man was reborn bearing the ugly nature of his personality on the outside in a second life. And so unfortunate handicaps may be construed as punishment from a previous life, something I find hard to swallow and, yes, discriminative.
I assume from other reviews that this is not his usual work and so in which case I shall read more of his books for the style if not slightly rambling was enjoyable it was just the subject that did not wholly grab me.
One particular element I can pick out to say was decent about the story was his involvement of Brighton. I did live there a while back and so appreciated references to areas dotted throughout.
I felt uncomfortable with the underlying karma underpinnings to the story for although I get his point and it was not so crudely drawn as I shall now state- It was on the premise that: a man was reborn bearing the ugly nature of his personality on the outside in a second life. And so unfortunate handicaps may be construed as punishment from a previous life, something I find hard to swallow and, yes, discriminative.
I assume from other reviews that this is not his usual work and so in which case I shall read more of his books for the style if not slightly rambling was enjoyable it was just the subject that did not wholly grab me.
October 24, 2016
Truly disturbing novel from Herbert! I've read a few others by Herbert and they have all been pretty good horror/thriller novels but he exceeded himself with this one. It tells the story of the redemption of Nicholas Dismas, a private investigator with a deformed body who describes himself as a monster. A client hires him to locate her missing son that she thought died during childbirth. At first, Dismas goes through the motions of an investigation but does not believe there is any chance of success. But then with the help of a clairvoyant, he discovers a decades old cover-up involving children born with indescribable deformities at a nursing home called Perfect Rest. There, he encounters Dr. Leonard Wisbeech, one of the most diabolically perverse doctors ever encountered, and the secret experiments that shed light on the case and on Dismas's own origins. This all leads to a very shocking conclusion.
I was really engrossed in this one and would recommend it but be prepared to be disturbed!
I was really engrossed in this one and would recommend it but be prepared to be disturbed!
October 16, 2009
The best thing about the book was that I managed to finish it. But this is probably due to the fact that I veeeeery rarely put books aside. 'Others' was not a rewarding read - it was to much of a mix-up of good things and horrible things (in the literary sense). But the bad sides prevailed - to many cliches, to many mundane monologues...
I do not recommend it - it would be 3/10
I do not recommend it - it would be 3/10
June 29, 2021
Could not get into this book. It was just one big boring monologue of how awful his life was because he had physical deformities (which I assume he was meant to be given as a punishment- *eye roll*) and lots of unnecessary repetitious mentions about how he took drugs. I just couldn’t stick it out. Dnf.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 14, 2014
I was quite disappointed with this book, as I really love James Herbert he is such a talented author and I really loved the main character, but the book was just not my thing :(
June 11, 2016
Really enjoyed this book. One of James Herbert's best!
December 22, 2023
A rehash of ‘The Jonah’ that manages to be twice as long and equally as boring.
Baby dumped and abandoned … second soul attached to the protagonist … evil doctor who kindly explains everything at the end … huge disaster to wrap it all up.
Also, Henry’s death was brushed over way too lightly considering a) the other characters (against all odds) liked him and b) it was vile and traumatic. But no, somehow the colour of Constance’s eyes is more impactful to Nick.
Baby dumped and abandoned … second soul attached to the protagonist … evil doctor who kindly explains everything at the end … huge disaster to wrap it all up.
Also, Henry’s death was brushed over way too lightly considering a) the other characters (against all odds) liked him and b) it was vile and traumatic. But no, somehow the colour of Constance’s eyes is more impactful to Nick.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 27, 2013
To start off, Nick Dismas is one of the most unique characters I have come across. **if you haven't read this, I'm not going to add anymore**
What starts out looking like a mystery in a search of a missing son for a client...turns into anything but. What Dis finds in an upscale nursing home, is unimaginable. This is a creepy, disgusting and sad story rolled in to one. What made it even more of a creepy story, was Mr. Herbert's end note. Based on a true incident years ago in London.
His last sentence sums it up for me, "I sincerely hope you have been disturbed".
What starts out looking like a mystery in a search of a missing son for a client...turns into anything but. What Dis finds in an upscale nursing home, is unimaginable. This is a creepy, disgusting and sad story rolled in to one. What made it even more of a creepy story, was Mr. Herbert's end note. Based on a true incident years ago in London.
His last sentence sums it up for me, "I sincerely hope you have been disturbed".
January 2, 2019
This book is about a chance for a soul to redeem itself in the form of a disfigured detective. There were parts of this book that pulled me in and parts where was taken back by the creativity of the author. Although the majority of the last 3/4 of the book were a challenge for me to read through. The plot slowed down and the number of pages it took for the next scene to enfold lengthened. I do love the plot idea of the author but I very much struggled to stay interested in this book and as a result, I never really felt drawn or pulled into this story.
November 27, 2010
Truly horrifying tale.. I don't know if "like" is the right thing to say.
February 21, 2016
This is one of my least favourite James Herbert books. The premise of the story uplifting. After all don't we all want to meet our love ones again?
August 10, 2023
Wow gotta love this one a classic paranormal twisted story this author always surprises me
October 4, 2023
It's no secret that I, as I near the end of Herbert's bibliography, have not been impressed by much of his output since...well honestly, not much has impressed me since his second novel,
The Fog
from back in the mid-70s.
Having said that, with his last novel, '48 , and now with this one, he seems to have been stepping out of his comfort zone and trying something a little different. And while the results are uneven, I have been enjoying the books a little more.
With that though, I will say I started the audiobook for this and was, quite frankly, immediately turned off by the opening scene. I actually flipped over and started listening to a completely different novel, which I hated and will not review or mention. Thinking that Herbert's couldn't be worse than the other one, I abandoned it and moved back to Herbert. Taking a deep breath, I carried on and was happy to see the book shift focus with the main story (though that opening scene was a serious spoiler that told me exactly how this book would end), my joy was short-lived when the story just kind of...sat there...for the longest time.
To be honest, the plotting and pacing of this novel was just kind of bizarre. As though Herbert knew how to end it, but didn't have much story to throw before that ending that took up a solid final quarter—if not a full third—of the end of the book.
Overall, though, it was a reasonably good return to horror for Herbert, and I likely would have enjoyed it more if the story hadn't relied as heavily on two tropes I typically don't enjoy.
The first is pretty much an enjoyment killer for me, and that's a heavy reliance on dreams. Dreams, to me, are just big pauses in the story, where crap happens that has little effect on the story proper, and are usually inserted to cause doubt and unease in the readers' minds. The only time I've enjoyed dream inserts are when they have a real and lasting impact on the characters. Think Nightmare on Elm Street. So, that was, aside from the opening, turn off number one for me.
The second is a heavy reliance on a psychic character who always shows up just in time to move the plot forward. And man, does Herbert rely on one in this story. Like, literally, there'd basically be no story without someone who has no right knowing what they know showing up to push Diz in the right direction, over and over again.
So, aside from the opening, the dream sequences, the psychic, and questionable pacing, I will say there's some really good set pieces, and some decently horrific stuff that Herbert leads you through, at times almost skirting Clive Barker territory.
Herbert takes some chances here. Some work, some don't. But at least he took some chances again, because it felt like he'd been playing it safe for far too long.
Having said that, with his last novel, '48 , and now with this one, he seems to have been stepping out of his comfort zone and trying something a little different. And while the results are uneven, I have been enjoying the books a little more.
With that though, I will say I started the audiobook for this and was, quite frankly, immediately turned off by the opening scene. I actually flipped over and started listening to a completely different novel, which I hated and will not review or mention. Thinking that Herbert's couldn't be worse than the other one, I abandoned it and moved back to Herbert. Taking a deep breath, I carried on and was happy to see the book shift focus with the main story (though that opening scene was a serious spoiler that told me exactly how this book would end), my joy was short-lived when the story just kind of...sat there...for the longest time.
To be honest, the plotting and pacing of this novel was just kind of bizarre. As though Herbert knew how to end it, but didn't have much story to throw before that ending that took up a solid final quarter—if not a full third—of the end of the book.
Overall, though, it was a reasonably good return to horror for Herbert, and I likely would have enjoyed it more if the story hadn't relied as heavily on two tropes I typically don't enjoy.
The first is pretty much an enjoyment killer for me, and that's a heavy reliance on dreams. Dreams, to me, are just big pauses in the story, where crap happens that has little effect on the story proper, and are usually inserted to cause doubt and unease in the readers' minds. The only time I've enjoyed dream inserts are when they have a real and lasting impact on the characters. Think Nightmare on Elm Street. So, that was, aside from the opening, turn off number one for me.
The second is a heavy reliance on a psychic character who always shows up just in time to move the plot forward. And man, does Herbert rely on one in this story. Like, literally, there'd basically be no story without someone who has no right knowing what they know showing up to push Diz in the right direction, over and over again.
So, aside from the opening, the dream sequences, the psychic, and questionable pacing, I will say there's some really good set pieces, and some decently horrific stuff that Herbert leads you through, at times almost skirting Clive Barker territory.
Herbert takes some chances here. Some work, some don't. But at least he took some chances again, because it felt like he'd been playing it safe for far too long.
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