What do you think?
Rate this book
Matthew Corbett #3
Mister Slaughter
A chilling crime thriller set in colonial America by the New York Times–bestselling author: “The Corbett novels are rich, atmospheric stories” —Booklist on The River of Souls
In 1702, Matthew Corbett is an apprentice problem solver for the Herrald Agency, currently tasked with accompanying serial killer Tyranthus Slaughter on a journey from a Philadelphia asylum to the New York City waterfront. But during the trip, Mr. Slaughter tempts Matthew and his colleague Hudson Greathouse with an unexpected offer—leading to catastrophic outcomes. This darkly compelling novel delves into both the mind of a murderer and the process of a city and a nation moving into the future.
In 1702, Matthew Corbett is an apprentice problem solver for the Herrald Agency, currently tasked with accompanying serial killer Tyranthus Slaughter on a journey from a Philadelphia asylum to the New York City waterfront. But during the trip, Mr. Slaughter tempts Matthew and his colleague Hudson Greathouse with an unexpected offer—leading to catastrophic outcomes. This darkly compelling novel delves into both the mind of a murderer and the process of a city and a nation moving into the future.
413 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2010
326 people are currently reading
3365 people want to read
About the author
Robert McCammon
167 books5,738 followersPseudonyms: Robert R. McCammon; Robert Rick McCammon
Robert McCammon was a full-time horror writer for many years. Among his many popular novels were the classics Boy's Life and Swan Song. After taking a hiatus for his family, he returned to writing with an interest in historical fiction.
His newest book, Leviathan, is the tenth and final book in the Matthew Corbett series. It was published in trade hardcover (Lividian Publications), ebook (Open Road), and audiobook (Audible) formats on December 3, 2024.
McCammon resides in Birmingham, Alabama.
Robert McCammon was a full-time horror writer for many years. Among his many popular novels were the classics Boy's Life and Swan Song. After taking a hiatus for his family, he returned to writing with an interest in historical fiction.
His newest book, Leviathan, is the tenth and final book in the Matthew Corbett series. It was published in trade hardcover (Lividian Publications), ebook (Open Road), and audiobook (Audible) formats on December 3, 2024.
McCammon resides in Birmingham, Alabama.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 478 reviews
October 26, 2021
"Listen! Said the October wind, as it swirled and swooped through the streets of New York! I have a story to tell!"
Just when you thought Robert McCammon couldn't get any better, he produces another Matthew Corbett blockbuster and completely blows me away. This is the third installment of a seven book series and follows on from the magnificent Queen of Bedlam. In my opinion it's the best so far. No questions asked, job done.
The first book in the series was a 'Crucibal'esque witch trial, the second a book bridging into more of a murder/mystery detective style and this one is a full on sprawling adventure with some strong horror elements. What this book had over the other two was a superb villain in the form of the vile but often entertaining Tyranthus Slaughter. That's Mister Slaughter to you peasants! He really is a psychopathic piece of work, who has pure hatred and contempt for anything living that unfortunately gets in his path.
As always the writing with McCammon is absolutely blow your socks off, out of this world stuff with great characterisation. At this point you're really starting to fall in love with the characters as McCammon puts you through a roller coaster journey that has you on the edge of your seat and chewing your nails to the quick.
In this one, our hero Corbett, along with his partner in solving crime, Hudson Greathouse, are charged with escorting the criminally insane Slaughter for delivery overseas to face punishment for his numerous crimes. However on route, they make a deal with the devil and well, I'll leave you to find out how that one works out.
The pacing in this one is exceptional and it's definitely a faster ticket than the previous two, which I really liked. It's great when an author of this calibre mixes it up and you don't know which direction it's going to go.
So to sum things up, every book so far in this series has been an easy five star. This one being the best, guess what? Five stars, no question. I'm getting so predictable these days. Think I need a bit more Matthew Corbett about me.
Robert R McCammon
April 20, 2020
Is it possible that a series can get any better?!
Yeah, THIS SERIES.
Mister Slaughter is the 3rd book in the Matthew Corbett series and was excellent!
The book starts off with Matthew Corbett and his partner, Hudson Greathouse being requested to escort a criminal back to New York. He has been residing in an asylum outside of Philadelphia and none of the constables in New York want anything to do with the man.
Matthew and Greathouse both work for the Herrald Agency and are considered "problem solvers" or what we would think of as detectives. They take cases that the constables and magistrate can't solve or want no part of.
The criminal, named Tyranthus Slaughter is a mass murderer, thief and evil piece of shit. You don't even realize how bad this guy is until halfway into the book. I was just shocked!
When Matthew and Greathouse go to pick up Slaughter, all hell breaks loose.
Mister Slaughter involves an amazing chase through the wilderness, devastating deaths, amazing fight scenes, along with tasty pork sausages.
This book had it all!
The one thing that I really loved the most about this book was McCammon taking the main character of Matthew Corbett and making him a bit flawed in this book.
He introduces the character to tough, life decisions that will end up making Matthew better in upcoming books.
I really enjoyed seeing him evolve into so much more of an amazing character when he understands how his consequences will eventually effect innocents.
By the way, the characters in this series feel so real!
I feel like Robert McCammon has wrote someone who can reach out of the pages and touch you, or stab you with a knife!
I just can't speak more highly of this series. The characterization, writing and horror elements are FANTASTIC.
Yes, I'm yelling at you so that you will go and pick up this series NOW.
Yeah, THIS SERIES.
Mister Slaughter is the 3rd book in the Matthew Corbett series and was excellent!
The book starts off with Matthew Corbett and his partner, Hudson Greathouse being requested to escort a criminal back to New York. He has been residing in an asylum outside of Philadelphia and none of the constables in New York want anything to do with the man.
Matthew and Greathouse both work for the Herrald Agency and are considered "problem solvers" or what we would think of as detectives. They take cases that the constables and magistrate can't solve or want no part of.
The criminal, named Tyranthus Slaughter is a mass murderer, thief and evil piece of shit. You don't even realize how bad this guy is until halfway into the book. I was just shocked!
When Matthew and Greathouse go to pick up Slaughter, all hell breaks loose.
Mister Slaughter involves an amazing chase through the wilderness, devastating deaths, amazing fight scenes, along with tasty pork sausages.
This book had it all!
The one thing that I really loved the most about this book was McCammon taking the main character of Matthew Corbett and making him a bit flawed in this book.
He introduces the character to tough, life decisions that will end up making Matthew better in upcoming books.
I really enjoyed seeing him evolve into so much more of an amazing character when he understands how his consequences will eventually effect innocents.
By the way, the characters in this series feel so real!
I feel like Robert McCammon has wrote someone who can reach out of the pages and touch you, or stab you with a knife!
I just can't speak more highly of this series. The characterization, writing and horror elements are FANTASTIC.
Yes, I'm yelling at you so that you will go and pick up this series NOW.
December 1, 2024
Mister Slaughter is aptly named. Tense, brutal. Interspersing slow pace to a fast chase, even painful because you just never know who you'll lose along the way, and still oh so good. Matthew Corbett sits among my favorite series.
August 9, 2019
re read August ‘19
“Matthew sat wondering if the lowest point of human evil could ever be reached.”
Non stop action all the way. Each and every character undergoes change and develops and such wonderful secondary characters too (Walks in two worlds, Tom, Mrs Sutch, Zed, Faith and Lark Lindsay..Highly recommended as these books seem to get better and better as the series continues.
Absolutely excellent. This is without a doubt my favourite series of historical fiction! It is set in the early 1700s in New York and Philadelphia. I love the secondary characters as much as Matthew Corbett, the main protagonist. A cross-dressing governor (true history!), the coroner, a blustering larger than life Greathouse- Matthews partner- Marmaduke Grigsby, founder of The Earwig (first newspaper of New York) and his independent artist/teacher grand daughter, Berry Grigsby.
The life portrayed in New York at the beginning of the story seems pleasant, settled and entertaining. As the focus moves to the main quest of the story, events and descriptions move from amusing(particularly the beginning of the dilemma that Corbett and Greathouse find themselves in) to something far grimmer. Mister Slaughter is pure evil and the violence perpetrated is really awful.
Matthew Corbett is an admirable character. These books are wonderful. Recommended for any lover of historical fiction.
“Matthew sat wondering if the lowest point of human evil could ever be reached.”
Non stop action all the way. Each and every character undergoes change and develops and such wonderful secondary characters too (Walks in two worlds, Tom, Mrs Sutch, Zed, Faith and Lark Lindsay..Highly recommended as these books seem to get better and better as the series continues.
Absolutely excellent. This is without a doubt my favourite series of historical fiction! It is set in the early 1700s in New York and Philadelphia. I love the secondary characters as much as Matthew Corbett, the main protagonist. A cross-dressing governor (true history!), the coroner, a blustering larger than life Greathouse- Matthews partner- Marmaduke Grigsby, founder of The Earwig (first newspaper of New York) and his independent artist/teacher grand daughter, Berry Grigsby.
The life portrayed in New York at the beginning of the story seems pleasant, settled and entertaining. As the focus moves to the main quest of the story, events and descriptions move from amusing(particularly the beginning of the dilemma that Corbett and Greathouse find themselves in) to something far grimmer. Mister Slaughter is pure evil and the violence perpetrated is really awful.
Matthew Corbett is an admirable character. These books are wonderful. Recommended for any lover of historical fiction.
March 25, 2015
While
Speaks the Nightbird
is a historical mystery similar with touches of The Crucible, with a darker atmosphere than the rest and a hint of the paranormal, and
The Queen of Bedlam
really jump-started the series with more of a straight detective thriller, this next novel truly flipped the Matthew Corbett series on it’s ear by introducing a pure action-adventure novel.
Robert McCammon ratchets up the excitement level in the series with Mister Slaughter and crafts a story that’s simpler and more narrowly-focused than the previous novels, with even bigger stakes! The book picks up where the last book left off, where Matthew (fully in his position as a "problem solver" for the Herrald Agency) and his partner Hudson Greathouse were offered a simple task of escorting pyscho prisoner Tyranthus Slaughter from Westerwicke Prison in the Philly colony to a boat in New York for transport to England. But on the road, the manipulative Mr. Slaughter presents our heroes with an offer they can’t refuse, setting them off on a terrifying chase and a thrilling adventure.
The stakes are even higher in this book, with it being more personal for Matthew. I love the idea of this character we love feeling like he’s made a terrible mistake, and dedicating himself for the rest of the book to making sure he sets it right. As usual with these books, we can feel Matthew maturing and learning during this adventure, growing up, becoming a better detective, and learning how to handle himself in dire situations. And Slaughter is an awesome villain, and definitely the most dangerous one that Matthew has faced up to this point! You feel the malevolence in every one of his lines and the imminent danger whenever he’s around. Even though the book isn’t exactly short, I went through this one like a speed demon; it’s so intensely readable and definitely is the fastest-paced installment in the series! After finishing, you'll want to jump right into the next one, which is even more awesomer!
Robert McCammon ratchets up the excitement level in the series with Mister Slaughter and crafts a story that’s simpler and more narrowly-focused than the previous novels, with even bigger stakes! The book picks up where the last book left off, where Matthew (fully in his position as a "problem solver" for the Herrald Agency) and his partner Hudson Greathouse were offered a simple task of escorting pyscho prisoner Tyranthus Slaughter from Westerwicke Prison in the Philly colony to a boat in New York for transport to England. But on the road, the manipulative Mr. Slaughter presents our heroes with an offer they can’t refuse, setting them off on a terrifying chase and a thrilling adventure.
The stakes are even higher in this book, with it being more personal for Matthew. I love the idea of this character we love feeling like he’s made a terrible mistake, and dedicating himself for the rest of the book to making sure he sets it right. As usual with these books, we can feel Matthew maturing and learning during this adventure, growing up, becoming a better detective, and learning how to handle himself in dire situations. And Slaughter is an awesome villain, and definitely the most dangerous one that Matthew has faced up to this point! You feel the malevolence in every one of his lines and the imminent danger whenever he’s around. Even though the book isn’t exactly short, I went through this one like a speed demon; it’s so intensely readable and definitely is the fastest-paced installment in the series! After finishing, you'll want to jump right into the next one, which is even more awesomer!
January 6, 2025
Matthew Corbett: Man of 900 lives.
December 3, 2017
LISTEN! Said the October wind, as it swirled and swooped through the streets of New York. I have a story to tell!
Trust Robert McCammon to deliver the most gruesome and thrilling page-turner for my Halloween read this year (I know it's December, but I'm a couple of months late in my reviewing). The third book in the series starts with our young hero, Matthew Corbett, enjoying the fame brought by solving a series of terrible crimes in the city in the previous episode. He is a bit short of money after he spent a lot on dandy clothes and good restaurants, so when a job is offered to escort a prisoner from a mental hospital to a ship bound for England, he jumps at the chance. The prisoner's name is Tyranthus Slaughter, and if that name doesn't ring an ominous bell in your ears, I don't know what else will...
Matthew Corbett and his partner at the agency, Hudson Greathouse, are in for some very rough time with a serial killer in the still wild part of the New York state, cca 1703. I'm not going to spoil the misadventures of the two detectives, but here is a detailed portrait of the fashionable twenty year old Matheww only a few short days later:
This was a raw-boned and rough-edged leatherstocking straight from the woods, it appeared. Straight from the frontier where Indians hacked your limbs off and boiled them in pots for their suppers. This man looked as if he'd seen a few of those boiling pots. Maybe had barely escaped from one, as well. How old? About twenty-six, twenty-seven? It was hard to tell, with those blue bruises splotching his right cheekbone and forehead. Both his eyes were bloodshot. The left eye had a white medical plaster laid just below it. The dark hollows under his eyes, and the general grim menace of his countenance ... was he twenty-seven, going on fifty? A few days' beard, a mess of black hair, the palms of his hands wrapped up in dirty leather, torn burgundy-colored breeches and a waistcoat the same color, stained stockings, filthy white shirt and a fringed buckskin jacket scabby with grime. On his feet were honest-to-God Indian mocasins.
He was a scout, Oliver guessed. Someone who goes ahead to clear the way, who takes risks only the bravest – or most foolhardy – men can face.
He thought they called that kind of man a providence rider.
Incidentally, that's the title of the very next book in the series. Providence proves to be a harsh mistress in this episode though, and the most painful knowledge for Matthew is that his troubles, and those of his friends, are caused by his own foolishness and greed. McCammon writes excellent action thriller, but with the Matthew Corbett series he surpasses his previous efforts by writing heart wrenching personal tragedies. His secondary characters are stellar also, and I really hope one of these (a very young bright orphan boy) will make a comeback in the next episodes.
Instead of the synopsis I am too lazy to write, I picked a relevant quote from the author's afterword, explaining why he decided to turn the Matthew Corbett story from a stand-alone first book to a series:
I could combine the mystery and puzzles of Sherlock Holmes, the action of James Bond, the weird villains of Dick Tracy, the atmosphere of the Hammer costume-piece horror films of the '50s, and bring my interest in American history, detective fiction and whatever else I might conjure up to a series. This sounded like it would be fun to write, and it also sounded as if it would be fun to read, which is always my first reason to want to create anything.
Judging by my eagerness to pick up "The Providence Rider", I would say the terrifying fun the author had in writing this series got to me good. I gave the previous two books 'only' 4 star reviews, so it's time to raise the stakes for this surprisingly moving hero. As Matthew muses about one of his New York newspaper editor friend, I could exclaim about McCammon:
That old inkthrower sure knew how to turn a phrase!
May 4, 2020
Wow, this was a great ride, exhilarating, scary, well-written and set once again in beautiful, wild Colonial America.
In this one Matthew Corbett and his associate are set to transport and deliver a prisoner to the gaol in New York, this prisoner is Tyranthus Slaughter and he turns out to be one of the scariest villains I have read about in a long time. Then follows a deadly game between Corbett and Slaughter, they match wits and steel and things seem to go from bad to worse, Matthew Corbett is pushed to his absolute limits in this one.
In this third Matthew Corbett novel, the focus is a lot more on action than in the previous two books and a little less on the setting and all the supporting characters (it is also noticeably shorter than the first two books), but Colonial America still very much comes alive, which is great, and the characters that are in there are still very memorable.
The action sequences are excellent, quite descriptive and also violent, I would say this book is definitely not for the faint of heart. The main storyline keeps you on the edge of your seat but there are various smaller side stories that add a lot to the suspense.
I can’t wait to continue this series, next up is “The Providence Rider”, saddle up and let’s go!
In this one Matthew Corbett and his associate are set to transport and deliver a prisoner to the gaol in New York, this prisoner is Tyranthus Slaughter and he turns out to be one of the scariest villains I have read about in a long time. Then follows a deadly game between Corbett and Slaughter, they match wits and steel and things seem to go from bad to worse, Matthew Corbett is pushed to his absolute limits in this one.
In this third Matthew Corbett novel, the focus is a lot more on action than in the previous two books and a little less on the setting and all the supporting characters (it is also noticeably shorter than the first two books), but Colonial America still very much comes alive, which is great, and the characters that are in there are still very memorable.
The action sequences are excellent, quite descriptive and also violent, I would say this book is definitely not for the faint of heart. The main storyline keeps you on the edge of your seat but there are various smaller side stories that add a lot to the suspense.
I can’t wait to continue this series, next up is “The Providence Rider”, saddle up and let’s go!
May 2, 2025
Matthew Corbett's most thrilling, disturbing, and scariest adventure yet, as he tracks down a deranged, escaped convict by the name of Mister Slaughter across Colonial America!
While the first two novels heavily focused on the atmosphere, this one focuses more on the thrills. So do with that as you will. Either way, not for the faint of heart...
While the first two novels heavily focused on the atmosphere, this one focuses more on the thrills. So do with that as you will. Either way, not for the faint of heart...
May 29, 2015
I read this while on my goodreads hiatus - so reviewing it now doesn't do it justice.
All I'll say is, if you've read the first two you won't be disappointed with this third instalment.
And the audio narrator, Edoardo Ballerini, is still my man crush...Rrrrrrrr. Wouldn't dream of experiencing these books any other way.
A good solid mystery/thriller/slasher(?) set in the early 18th century.
My review of Speaks the Nightbird
My review of The Queen of Bedlam
All I'll say is, if you've read the first two you won't be disappointed with this third instalment.
And the audio narrator, Edoardo Ballerini, is still my man crush...Rrrrrrrr. Wouldn't dream of experiencing these books any other way.
A good solid mystery/thriller/slasher(?) set in the early 18th century.
My review of Speaks the Nightbird
My review of The Queen of Bedlam
December 21, 2017
The third instalment in the Matthew Corbett series pits our problem solving hero against the monstrous and murderous Tyranthus Slaughter. This is something of a departure for the series as it’s more a chase thriller than a mystery, at times slipping into outright horror as Matthew follows in his quarry’s bloody wake across the wild New York frontier. A compulsive tale that blends Hammer Horror-esque grande guignol with the historical detective genre to great effect.
September 5, 2024
Matthew Corbett's most thrilling, disturbing, and scariest adventure yet, as he tracks down a deranged, escaped convict by the name of Mister Slaughter across Colonial America!
While the first two novels heavily focused on the atmosphere, this one focuses more on the thrills. It's definitely not for the faint of heart...
Highly recommended!
While the first two novels heavily focused on the atmosphere, this one focuses more on the thrills. It's definitely not for the faint of heart...
Highly recommended!
July 28, 2017
Matthew Corbett is back, this time taking a job transporting a notorious serial killer from an asylum in Philly back to New York for trial and a proper hanging. Easy peezy. Tyranthus Slaughter has other plans however, and all hell breaks loose. The proverbial shit hits the fan - just like the morning after eating a dozen Mrs. Sutch’s Spicy Sausages. Blam! What a mess. Matthew has some serious cleaning up to do.
Another solid entry in the Matthew Corbett series. A little actiony in spots, but still has the signature McCammon depth of character and appropriate amounts of wit throughout. Looking forward to the next installment.
Another solid entry in the Matthew Corbett series. A little actiony in spots, but still has the signature McCammon depth of character and appropriate amounts of wit throughout. Looking forward to the next installment.
January 10, 2020
Das Cover sieht wieder megamäßig aus, wie auch alle anderen Bände der Reihe, das ist wirklich super gelungen und ich freu mich auch vor allem, dass sie diesen Band im deutschen nicht wieder gesplittet haben. Der Titel ist leider nicht so passend, weil er für mich tatsächlich schon etwas spoilert - das hätte nicht sein müssen, weil die Überraschung dadurch vorweg genommen wurde, auch wenn man ahnt, wie es sich entwickeln wird.
Der Aufbau der Handlung ist wieder eher in einem langsamen Tempo, was mich aber nicht gestört hat, da der Autor eine unglaublich intensive Atmosphäre schafft. Man fühlt sich direkt in die Zeit zurückversetzt und es hatte für mich dieses Mal einen "Western" Charakter, mehr noch als in den Bänden zuvor.
Die Zeit um 1702, in der New York anfängt zu wachsen, sich Kolonisten ansiedeln und die Indianer eine Rolle spielen trägt dazu natürlich bei. Mit detaillierten Beschreibungen lässt Robert McCammon eine anschauliche Kulisse entstehen und er erklärt auch im Anhang die historischen Hintergründe und auch Figuren, die ihm hier ein Vorbild waren.
Vor allem Mister Slaughter, der Verbrecher und Mörder, hat hier eine tragende Rolle und wurde perfekt in Szene gesetzt. Seine perfide Art wirkt anfangs noch unspektakulär, entwickelt sich aber auf eine äußerst erbarmungslose und brutale Weise - körperliche Gewalt und seelische Grausamkeit wird zwar immer nur kurz aber sehr deutlich gemacht, was man sich vor dem Lesen klarmachen sollte.
Sein Bezug zu Benjamin Barker, dem mordenden Barbier, den man aus Musical Sweeney Todd kennt, fand ich sehr cool, auch wenn es nur am Rande erwähnt wird.
Matthew Corbett selbst kennt man ja schon aus den vorangegangen Geschichten und er muss dieses Mal wirklich maßgebliche Entscheidungen treffen, deren Konsequenzen gravierende Folgen haben werden. Wie so oft sind diese in dem Moment nicht überschaubar und reichen weiter, als Matthew auch nur ahnen kann.
Dabei spielt auch die "Gier" nach Geld eine Rolle, die Hoffnung auf ein "sorgenfreies" Leben durch genug Reichtum, der ja vieles erleichtert - aber eben auch seine Schattenseiten hat.
Auch ist die Verdrängung der Indianer und der Natur mit eingeflossen, auch wenn es nicht mit erhobenem Zeigefinger thematisiert wurde. Die Weiterentwicklung der Zivilisation, der Industrie und die damit verbundene "Zeit ist Geld" Maschinerie und wie diese das naturnahe Leben langsam aber sicher auslöscht. Leider ja immer noch aktuell und ein Thema, das mir sehr zu Herzen geht.
Insgesamt war dieser Band für mich der bisher beste der Reihe auch wenn ich von den anderen schon begeistert war. Robert McCammon versteht es vortrefflich, auf eher ruhige aber fesselnde Weise zu erzählen und die Spannung immer wieder neu aufzubauen. Die Charaktere mit all ihren Ecken und Kanten sind lebendig und glaubwürdig und erleben hier ein Drama aus Angst, Verzweiflung und Rache.
Der Aufbau der Handlung ist wieder eher in einem langsamen Tempo, was mich aber nicht gestört hat, da der Autor eine unglaublich intensive Atmosphäre schafft. Man fühlt sich direkt in die Zeit zurückversetzt und es hatte für mich dieses Mal einen "Western" Charakter, mehr noch als in den Bänden zuvor.
Die Zeit um 1702, in der New York anfängt zu wachsen, sich Kolonisten ansiedeln und die Indianer eine Rolle spielen trägt dazu natürlich bei. Mit detaillierten Beschreibungen lässt Robert McCammon eine anschauliche Kulisse entstehen und er erklärt auch im Anhang die historischen Hintergründe und auch Figuren, die ihm hier ein Vorbild waren.
Vor allem Mister Slaughter, der Verbrecher und Mörder, hat hier eine tragende Rolle und wurde perfekt in Szene gesetzt. Seine perfide Art wirkt anfangs noch unspektakulär, entwickelt sich aber auf eine äußerst erbarmungslose und brutale Weise - körperliche Gewalt und seelische Grausamkeit wird zwar immer nur kurz aber sehr deutlich gemacht, was man sich vor dem Lesen klarmachen sollte.
Sein Bezug zu Benjamin Barker, dem mordenden Barbier, den man aus Musical Sweeney Todd kennt, fand ich sehr cool, auch wenn es nur am Rande erwähnt wird.
Matthew Corbett selbst kennt man ja schon aus den vorangegangen Geschichten und er muss dieses Mal wirklich maßgebliche Entscheidungen treffen, deren Konsequenzen gravierende Folgen haben werden. Wie so oft sind diese in dem Moment nicht überschaubar und reichen weiter, als Matthew auch nur ahnen kann.
Dabei spielt auch die "Gier" nach Geld eine Rolle, die Hoffnung auf ein "sorgenfreies" Leben durch genug Reichtum, der ja vieles erleichtert - aber eben auch seine Schattenseiten hat.
Auch ist die Verdrängung der Indianer und der Natur mit eingeflossen, auch wenn es nicht mit erhobenem Zeigefinger thematisiert wurde. Die Weiterentwicklung der Zivilisation, der Industrie und die damit verbundene "Zeit ist Geld" Maschinerie und wie diese das naturnahe Leben langsam aber sicher auslöscht. Leider ja immer noch aktuell und ein Thema, das mir sehr zu Herzen geht.
Insgesamt war dieser Band für mich der bisher beste der Reihe auch wenn ich von den anderen schon begeistert war. Robert McCammon versteht es vortrefflich, auf eher ruhige aber fesselnde Weise zu erzählen und die Spannung immer wieder neu aufzubauen. Die Charaktere mit all ihren Ecken und Kanten sind lebendig und glaubwürdig und erleben hier ein Drama aus Angst, Verzweiflung und Rache.
July 4, 2022
McCammon's Matthew Corbett series is brilliant. It's one of the finest series ever written. That's all you need to know. Of course, I'll be happy if you continue reading this review, but my job is done if you give the series a chance.
Mister Slaughter picks up a few months after the events pictured in The Queen of Bedlam. Matthew earns good money as a problem - solver, and he spends too much on fancy clothes and shoes. His vanity gets the better of him, and his selfish attitude has dire consequences.
Matthew and Hudson Greathouse escort a brutal murderer, Tyranthus Slaughter, to prison in Philadelphia. Tyranthus is vicious and cruel. His sharp intelligence and uncanny ability to "read" people and identify their weaknesses make him truly dangerous. He finds a way to tempt Matthew and Hudson. The outcome will leave scars on everyone involved. And a lot of corpses around.
The plot of Mister Slaughter is relatively simple and focuses on a brutal manhunt. But, of course, McCammon finds a way to enrich it with fascinating historical details and excellent characterization. Additionally, all the events, even small ones, set the stage for the following books in the series. Like Matthew's short stay with a tribe of Indians that will change Matthew's life in more ways than one.
Tyranthus Slaughter is genuinely terrifying, a psychopath who revels in inflicting pain on others. Butchering entire families or innocents makes him happy. He turns Matthew's life into chaos. Lessons learned during the gruesome chase through the jungle changed Matthew forever.
Without spoiling too much or speaking about specific scenes, McCammon is, for me, a true master of characterization. His vivid prose and perfect scene-setting (Tom and his dog, Matthew, and Hudson in the well) evoke unforgettable and powerful images of humanity at its best and its worst. Amazing writing.
If you wonder if you can start the series with Mister Slaughter, the answer is yes. But don't do it. You won't appreciate all details and won't get all the nuances. Also, why on earth would you devoid yourself of the pleasure of reading Speaks the Nightbird and Queen of Bedlam?
Mister Slaughter is a frenetically-paced and harrowing manhunt story with fantastic characterization and a terrifying villain. I've already read all available books in the series, and I'm reviewing them after completing all of them. It makes me appreciate McAmmon's brilliance even more.
Matthew Corbett is one of the finest series ever written. Period.
Mister Slaughter picks up a few months after the events pictured in The Queen of Bedlam. Matthew earns good money as a problem - solver, and he spends too much on fancy clothes and shoes. His vanity gets the better of him, and his selfish attitude has dire consequences.
Matthew and Hudson Greathouse escort a brutal murderer, Tyranthus Slaughter, to prison in Philadelphia. Tyranthus is vicious and cruel. His sharp intelligence and uncanny ability to "read" people and identify their weaknesses make him truly dangerous. He finds a way to tempt Matthew and Hudson. The outcome will leave scars on everyone involved. And a lot of corpses around.
The plot of Mister Slaughter is relatively simple and focuses on a brutal manhunt. But, of course, McCammon finds a way to enrich it with fascinating historical details and excellent characterization. Additionally, all the events, even small ones, set the stage for the following books in the series. Like Matthew's short stay with a tribe of Indians that will change Matthew's life in more ways than one.
Tyranthus Slaughter is genuinely terrifying, a psychopath who revels in inflicting pain on others. Butchering entire families or innocents makes him happy. He turns Matthew's life into chaos. Lessons learned during the gruesome chase through the jungle changed Matthew forever.
Without spoiling too much or speaking about specific scenes, McCammon is, for me, a true master of characterization. His vivid prose and perfect scene-setting (Tom and his dog, Matthew, and Hudson in the well) evoke unforgettable and powerful images of humanity at its best and its worst. Amazing writing.
If you wonder if you can start the series with Mister Slaughter, the answer is yes. But don't do it. You won't appreciate all details and won't get all the nuances. Also, why on earth would you devoid yourself of the pleasure of reading Speaks the Nightbird and Queen of Bedlam?
Mister Slaughter is a frenetically-paced and harrowing manhunt story with fantastic characterization and a terrifying villain. I've already read all available books in the series, and I'm reviewing them after completing all of them. It makes me appreciate McAmmon's brilliance even more.
Matthew Corbett is one of the finest series ever written. Period.
July 3, 2015
My favorite of the series so far!
While the first 2 books were centered around a mystery, "Mister Slaughter" was about a hunt and dark revelations. It was filled with action, violence and dread, and I loved every minute of it!
More than the horror elements, I think what made me love this book so much were the new characters we got to meet, "Walker In Two Worlds" and young Tom. They really made this a special book.
I can't wait to find what happens next! I hope we finally get to see Corbett's arch nemesis, the mysterious Professor Fell.
While the first 2 books were centered around a mystery, "Mister Slaughter" was about a hunt and dark revelations. It was filled with action, violence and dread, and I loved every minute of it!
More than the horror elements, I think what made me love this book so much were the new characters we got to meet, "Walker In Two Worlds" and young Tom. They really made this a special book.
I can't wait to find what happens next! I hope we finally get to see Corbett's arch nemesis, the mysterious Professor Fell.
April 11, 2024
The 3rd installment of the Matthew Corbett series certainly sees events that take us into a much darker and sinister world. Shocking us with sudden terrifying and horrific events, the tale of Mister Slaughter is disturbing, yet so intriguing and captivating. We see Matthew evolving and maturing in a world that is more sinister and less forgiving than we have seen so far. But there is always room for Mrs Sutch's Sausages....
June 3, 2014
I adored the first two books. I love the characters. I loved the stories. I loved the evocation of the time period. This is saying a lot for me because historical fiction usually leaves me cold--even genre mashing historical fiction. I was excited that Slaughter was going to play a central role. I was excited when the cover art was revealed. I ordered this the moment it was announced. Since it arrived at my door, I have been champing at the bit to read it...and perhaps that's the problem.
I was underwhelmed. If I'd read this first, I would not have gone on to the rest of the series. Here's a short list of my problems with it (don't read them if you haven't read the book and plan to--or do so at your own risk):
1) There is no mystery. Both previous novels had history, horror, fine writing, great characters, AND compelling mysteries. Though there are several ongoing mysterious elements, there is no central mystery and the hunt for Slaughter isn't enough to carry the book.
2) I don't mind a few flash backs...but every single major event in the novel is narrated up to a point and then SPANG! It's hours or days in the future & the events between then and now are told in flashback. It got quite old by the end of the novel. I didn't mind the cliffhangers that others have mentioned finding annoying...but I did not like being jerked around in time. It only served to put me out of the flow of the narrative.
3) Slaughter's single scene in "Queen of Bedlam" was one hundred times more interesting than his every appearance in this book. Mrs. Such was more menacing and interesting in her few scenes at the end than Slaughter. I had been advertising him in my anticipatory booktalks (at the library) as a Hannibal Lecter of the 1700's...but he was more of a violent Rip Taylor of the 1700's and a little whiney.
4) Perhaps my largest problem with the novel is than I just did not believe that Hudson and Matthew would believe anything Slaughter said. They simply would not have left the trail on the promise of a little extra scratch...especially if it's Slaughter telling them how to get it. Neither of them is that dumb. Most of the inmates of the asylum aren't that dumb.
5) In general the writing here was also not up to the previous two. Still love ya RM, but the pages just weren't turning this time. And I have to say I was glad to shut the book.
6) And my final criticism: the illustrations looked like they were done by a high school art class. If you're not gonna pop for something along the lines of Michael Whelan's illustrations in the original edition of King's "The Gunslinger," don't bother. These were sad and distracting.
So, I give it three stars instead of two on the strength of the other two books in the series and the set-up and the denouement which, of course, sets up the next volume in the series (to come after a modern fiction novel about a rock band). Let's hope volume four is back to the strength of the previous volumes.
I was underwhelmed. If I'd read this first, I would not have gone on to the rest of the series. Here's a short list of my problems with it (don't read them if you haven't read the book and plan to--or do so at your own risk):
1) There is no mystery. Both previous novels had history, horror, fine writing, great characters, AND compelling mysteries. Though there are several ongoing mysterious elements, there is no central mystery and the hunt for Slaughter isn't enough to carry the book.
2) I don't mind a few flash backs...but every single major event in the novel is narrated up to a point and then SPANG! It's hours or days in the future & the events between then and now are told in flashback. It got quite old by the end of the novel. I didn't mind the cliffhangers that others have mentioned finding annoying...but I did not like being jerked around in time. It only served to put me out of the flow of the narrative.
3) Slaughter's single scene in "Queen of Bedlam" was one hundred times more interesting than his every appearance in this book. Mrs. Such was more menacing and interesting in her few scenes at the end than Slaughter. I had been advertising him in my anticipatory booktalks (at the library) as a Hannibal Lecter of the 1700's...but he was more of a violent Rip Taylor of the 1700's and a little whiney.
4) Perhaps my largest problem with the novel is than I just did not believe that Hudson and Matthew would believe anything Slaughter said. They simply would not have left the trail on the promise of a little extra scratch...especially if it's Slaughter telling them how to get it. Neither of them is that dumb. Most of the inmates of the asylum aren't that dumb.
5) In general the writing here was also not up to the previous two. Still love ya RM, but the pages just weren't turning this time. And I have to say I was glad to shut the book.
6) And my final criticism: the illustrations looked like they were done by a high school art class. If you're not gonna pop for something along the lines of Michael Whelan's illustrations in the original edition of King's "The Gunslinger," don't bother. These were sad and distracting.
So, I give it three stars instead of two on the strength of the other two books in the series and the set-up and the denouement which, of course, sets up the next volume in the series (to come after a modern fiction novel about a rock band). Let's hope volume four is back to the strength of the previous volumes.
July 7, 2022
The third in this series has moments of "The Silence of the Lambs" and “The Fugitive" in colonial New England. Absolutely fantastic story and writing.
Matthew Corbett is only supposed to escort a convicted murderer to the docks for a quick transport to England to be hanged. He gets much more than he bargains for!
Matthew Corbett is only supposed to escort a convicted murderer to the docks for a quick transport to England to be hanged. He gets much more than he bargains for!
February 25, 2023
Another Great Entry In The Corbett Series
Robert McCammon who has written two of my favorite books of all time in Boy's Life and Swan Song continues to hit homeruns with his historical fiction mystery series with his character, Matthew Corbett. For me each book has been better than the last and Mister Slaughter ranks only behind the 2 previously mentioned masterpieces in my McCammon rankings.
This entry has the best villain yet in the series who is incredibly multilayered and interesting on a Robin Hobb-esque scale. At the same time he is frightening and violent. There are parts of this book where there was so much coming dread and shock it felt akin to a horror novel. While it was less mystery focused than the previous two books, there are mysteries and revelations here that start to really expand this universe and series. I'm very excited to continue.
Robert McCammon who has written two of my favorite books of all time in Boy's Life and Swan Song continues to hit homeruns with his historical fiction mystery series with his character, Matthew Corbett. For me each book has been better than the last and Mister Slaughter ranks only behind the 2 previously mentioned masterpieces in my McCammon rankings.
This entry has the best villain yet in the series who is incredibly multilayered and interesting on a Robin Hobb-esque scale. At the same time he is frightening and violent. There are parts of this book where there was so much coming dread and shock it felt akin to a horror novel. While it was less mystery focused than the previous two books, there are mysteries and revelations here that start to really expand this universe and series. I'm very excited to continue.
September 25, 2016
6 books in this series now? I have some catching up to do. These are all kick ass historical mysteries.
September 30, 2023
When viewed as a standalone this book is fantastic. But it's not a standalone it is the third book in a series. There were character changes to Matthew off the page between bedlam and slaughter that just don't make sense. He is obsessed with fashion and money and is now deeply in debt because of this. Elements that Matthew never expressed interest in before. These lead to fundamental choices being made that result in the whole story taking place.
Don't get me wrong it's a great book. but it's also incredibly brutal as well. It is Overly brutal at certain times.
Don't get me wrong it's a great book. but it's also incredibly brutal as well. It is Overly brutal at certain times.
July 8, 2024
A really good addition to the series. Robert McCammon's writing style is spot on. Great character and story development. I really enjoy reading about Matthew Corbett and his adventures. However, I removed one star for the rating because some parts of the story are very gruesome, and for me, it took away from the enjoyment of reading this novel. I will definitely read the next installment tho.
February 6, 2017
I may have liked this one better than the first! Such rich, well-crafted characters, some of whom die, which seems a waste since they would have been great allies and/or enemies in future installments. Still, the book itself was all the more powerful for it. The second book dipped to 4 stars for me, but this one brought it back to 5 and then some. Overall, a great series so far.
As with the second book, McCammon can get a little long-winded with his character and room descriptions, but other than that, not a single criticism to be had.
Highly recommended.
As with the second book, McCammon can get a little long-winded with his character and room descriptions, but other than that, not a single criticism to be had.
Highly recommended.
January 31, 2025
Cokolwiek miałbym napisać o Panu Slaughterze, sprowadzi się do prostej konstatacji "bardzo dobre i coraz lepsze".
Trzeci tom cyklu o Matthew Corbetcie, nazywanego przeze mnie złośliwie Mateuszkiem albo Mefju, jest bezpośrednią kontynuacją poprzedniego tomu. Corbett, już jako przedstawiciel agencji Herralda, usiłuje rozwiązać niedające mu spokoju kwestie ze sprawy prowadzonej w Królowej Bedlam. Przeszukując niedawne miejsce zbrodni znajduje coś, co wywraca jego sytuację do góry nogami. Niedługo potem - wraz z towarzyszącym mu Greathouse'm - otrzymuje natomiast sprawę kierującą go na ścieżkę, z której nie zejdzie czysty.
Fabuła różni się od poprzednich - stacjonarne śledztwo przeradza się w pościg, w czasie którego Corbett poznaje nowych towarzyszy, a nawet spotyka dawno niewidzianych. Większa dynamika wnosi odświeżenie - jestem ciekaw co McCammon zmieni w kolejnych tomach. Jak na razie za każdym razem wprowadza ciekawą odmianę względem poprzedniego tomu, zachowując świeżość przy pozornie niewielkim zakresie zmian. Mocnym punktem jest złożoność zakończenia – epilog jeszcze bardziej podbił stawkę, komplikując sytuację, wprowadzając nowe zagrożenia i budując fundament pod czwarty tom cyklu. Nie mogę się doczekać jego premiery i liczę, że pojawi się już w tym roku. Obym nie musiał jechać do Czerwonaka, żeby pikietować pod siedzibą wydawnictwa Vesper.
Moja wyżej wspomniana złośliwość względem bohatera tyczy się trzech aspektów. Po pierwsze, jego wyborów . Irytują mnie podobne zachowania, tu jeszcze wzmocnione inną mało sympatyczną cechą. Zawiódł mnie też Greathouse, któremu przypadła iście judaszowa rola „zapalnika” głównej fabuły. W moim odczuciu nie powinien zachować się tak, jak się zachował – ale naprawdę warto przeczytać tę książkę samemu, by to ocenić.
Ta podróż zmienia Corbetta, choć nie wiem czy na stałe – mam nadzieję, bo chciałbym, by dojrzał. Zwłaszcza, że wydarzenia których staje się świadkiem mogą niektórych przyprawić o dreszcze. Skala przemocy, uprzemysłowienie zbrodni, dosłowne przedstawienie niektórych scen sprawiają, że nie każdy powinien sięgać po tę książkę. Sam tytuł powinien wystarczyć za ostrzeżenie. Z drugiej strony już pierwszy tom był brutalny. Wracając jednak do głównego bohatera – mam nadzieję, że obserwuję jego dojrzewanie. Mimo przezorności w wielu aspektach, w innych pozostaje wręcz ślepy (i to nawet całkiem niezłe puszczenie oka do znających fabułę). Mam nadzieję, że za jeden czy dwa tomy nie będę miał uwag co do zachowania Matthew.
Świetnie natomiast opisano innych bohaterów – nie tylko drugoplanowych jak , ale też odleglejsze plany. Każda z tych postaci miała swoje istotne miejsce i charakter wyróżniający z tła. Jest też tytułowy Slaughter – człowiek na swój sposób ujmujący, bardzo dobry i wyrazisty antagonista, choć , a to właśnie zdolność snucia mgły tajemniczości jest jednym z największych atutów McCammona.
Kolejny bardzo udany tytuł w serii. Kartki przeskakiwały same, a dobrze dobrany krój pisma nie męczy oczu. Niespełna pięćset stron to niemały kaliber - a mimo przerw i raczej niewielkiej ilości czasu udało mi się skończyć Slaughtera w dziesięć dni, sporadycznie czytając nawet inną książkę w międzyczasie. Bardzo dobra powieść, świetna kontynuacja - nie dla każdego, ale dla wszystkich, którzy polubili Zew Nocnego Ptaka i Królową Bedlam.
Trzeci tom cyklu o Matthew Corbetcie, nazywanego przeze mnie złośliwie Mateuszkiem albo Mefju, jest bezpośrednią kontynuacją poprzedniego tomu. Corbett, już jako przedstawiciel agencji Herralda, usiłuje rozwiązać niedające mu spokoju kwestie ze sprawy prowadzonej w Królowej Bedlam. Przeszukując niedawne miejsce zbrodni znajduje coś, co wywraca jego sytuację do góry nogami. Niedługo potem - wraz z towarzyszącym mu Greathouse'm - otrzymuje natomiast sprawę kierującą go na ścieżkę, z której nie zejdzie czysty.
Fabuła różni się od poprzednich - stacjonarne śledztwo przeradza się w pościg, w czasie którego Corbett poznaje nowych towarzyszy, a nawet spotyka dawno niewidzianych. Większa dynamika wnosi odświeżenie - jestem ciekaw co McCammon zmieni w kolejnych tomach. Jak na razie za każdym razem wprowadza ciekawą odmianę względem poprzedniego tomu, zachowując świeżość przy pozornie niewielkim zakresie zmian. Mocnym punktem jest złożoność zakończenia – epilog jeszcze bardziej podbił stawkę, komplikując sytuację, wprowadzając nowe zagrożenia i budując fundament pod czwarty tom cyklu. Nie mogę się doczekać jego premiery i liczę, że pojawi się już w tym roku. Obym nie musiał jechać do Czerwonaka, żeby pikietować pod siedzibą wydawnictwa Vesper.
Moja wyżej wspomniana złośliwość względem bohatera tyczy się trzech aspektów. Po pierwsze, jego wyborów . Irytują mnie podobne zachowania, tu jeszcze wzmocnione inną mało sympatyczną cechą. Zawiódł mnie też Greathouse, któremu przypadła iście judaszowa rola „zapalnika” głównej fabuły. W moim odczuciu nie powinien zachować się tak, jak się zachował – ale naprawdę warto przeczytać tę książkę samemu, by to ocenić.
Ta podróż zmienia Corbetta, choć nie wiem czy na stałe – mam nadzieję, bo chciałbym, by dojrzał. Zwłaszcza, że wydarzenia których staje się świadkiem mogą niektórych przyprawić o dreszcze. Skala przemocy, uprzemysłowienie zbrodni, dosłowne przedstawienie niektórych scen sprawiają, że nie każdy powinien sięgać po tę książkę. Sam tytuł powinien wystarczyć za ostrzeżenie. Z drugiej strony już pierwszy tom był brutalny. Wracając jednak do głównego bohatera – mam nadzieję, że obserwuję jego dojrzewanie. Mimo przezorności w wielu aspektach, w innych pozostaje wręcz ślepy (i to nawet całkiem niezłe puszczenie oka do znających fabułę). Mam nadzieję, że za jeden czy dwa tomy nie będę miał uwag co do zachowania Matthew.
Świetnie natomiast opisano innych bohaterów – nie tylko drugoplanowych jak , ale też odleglejsze plany. Każda z tych postaci miała swoje istotne miejsce i charakter wyróżniający z tła. Jest też tytułowy Slaughter – człowiek na swój sposób ujmujący, bardzo dobry i wyrazisty antagonista, choć , a to właśnie zdolność snucia mgły tajemniczości jest jednym z największych atutów McCammona.
Kolejny bardzo udany tytuł w serii. Kartki przeskakiwały same, a dobrze dobrany krój pisma nie męczy oczu. Niespełna pięćset stron to niemały kaliber - a mimo przerw i raczej niewielkiej ilości czasu udało mi się skończyć Slaughtera w dziesięć dni, sporadycznie czytając nawet inną książkę w międzyczasie. Bardzo dobra powieść, świetna kontynuacja - nie dla każdego, ale dla wszystkich, którzy polubili Zew Nocnego Ptaka i Królową Bedlam.
August 24, 2024
Detektyw Pafeu otrzymał nowe zadanie – ktoś ukradł wszystkie goferki Cesarii, pozostawiając jedynie okruszki. Od pewnego czasu na wolności grasuje Goferkowy Birb, który nie spocznie, dopóki nie zdobędzie wszystkich gofrów. Czy to właśnie ten Birb zjadł wszystkie gofry?...
Fantastycznie było wrócić do Nowego Jorku wraz z Matthew Corbettem. Pan Robert McCammon ponownie zachwyca swoją umiejętnością prowadzenia fabuły.
W najnowszym tomie serii, detektywistyczny motyw ustępuje miejsca głębszemu wglądowi w postać Corbetta. Historia rozpoczyna się od zlecenia, które Corbett i Greathouse otrzymują: mają przewieźć niebezpiecznego więźnia, Tyranthusa Slaughtera, do Nowego Jorku, skąd zostanie odesłany do Anglii, by odpowiedzieć za swoje zbrodnie. W trakcie podróży Slaughter składa im jednak zaskakującą propozycję…
Jednym z największych atutów tej książki jest postać Tyranthusa Slaughtera. Jego spryt i szaleństwo sprawiają, że jest jednym z najbardziej intrygujących antagonistów, jakich spotkałem w literaturze. Autor szczegółowo i barwnie opisuje brutalne czyny Slaughtera (czasami może nawet zbyt szczegółowo), co pozwala czytelnikowi jeszcze głębiej zanurzyć się w jego obłędzie.
Na początku miałem obawy, że rezygnacja z detektywistycznego wątku na rzecz czystej akcji może zaszkodzić książce. Jednak po jej lekturze uważam, że był to znakomity ruch ze strony autora. W tej części możemy śledzić, jak Matthew mierzy się z trudnymi decyzjami, które kształtują jego osobowość i determinację. Jestem pewien, że w kolejnych tomach powrócimy do naszego "amerykańskiego Sherlocka", zwłaszcza że ta książka rozwiązuje pewne zagadki z drugiego tomu.
Książka wciągnęła mnie bez końca - istny majstersztyk.
Ocena ★★★★★
Fantastycznie było wrócić do Nowego Jorku wraz z Matthew Corbettem. Pan Robert McCammon ponownie zachwyca swoją umiejętnością prowadzenia fabuły.
W najnowszym tomie serii, detektywistyczny motyw ustępuje miejsca głębszemu wglądowi w postać Corbetta. Historia rozpoczyna się od zlecenia, które Corbett i Greathouse otrzymują: mają przewieźć niebezpiecznego więźnia, Tyranthusa Slaughtera, do Nowego Jorku, skąd zostanie odesłany do Anglii, by odpowiedzieć za swoje zbrodnie. W trakcie podróży Slaughter składa im jednak zaskakującą propozycję…
Jednym z największych atutów tej książki jest postać Tyranthusa Slaughtera. Jego spryt i szaleństwo sprawiają, że jest jednym z najbardziej intrygujących antagonistów, jakich spotkałem w literaturze. Autor szczegółowo i barwnie opisuje brutalne czyny Slaughtera (czasami może nawet zbyt szczegółowo), co pozwala czytelnikowi jeszcze głębiej zanurzyć się w jego obłędzie.
Na początku miałem obawy, że rezygnacja z detektywistycznego wątku na rzecz czystej akcji może zaszkodzić książce. Jednak po jej lekturze uważam, że był to znakomity ruch ze strony autora. W tej części możemy śledzić, jak Matthew mierzy się z trudnymi decyzjami, które kształtują jego osobowość i determinację. Jestem pewien, że w kolejnych tomach powrócimy do naszego "amerykańskiego Sherlocka", zwłaszcza że ta książka rozwiązuje pewne zagadki z drugiego tomu.
Książka wciągnęła mnie bez końca - istny majstersztyk.
Ocena ★★★★★
July 31, 2021
Esmu iekāpusi vilcienā ar nosaukumu "Metjū Korbets" un jūtu, ka man nebūs miera, kamēr nenonākšu līdz pēdējai stacijai. Trešajā grāmatā mēs joprojām esam 1703.gada Ņujorkā. Korbeta pārstāvētajai detektīvaģentūrai ir jāpārved kāds ļaundaris no vietējās psihenes uz kuģi, kas to aizvestu uz Anglijas tiesu. Divatā tas nešķiet pārlieku grūts uzdevums, bet ļaundaris Sloters izrādās ciets rieksts un slīpēts nelietis. Romāna darbība notiek lielākoties ceļā, lasītājs saspringti seko pakaļdzīšanas cilpām, un Metjū ir atļauts nebūt supervaronim, bet daudz un cilvēciski kļūdīties.
P.S. Iesaku stingri pārdomāt romāna lasīšanu, ja esat iecienījuši pikantas sardelītes.
P.S. Iesaku stingri pārdomāt romāna lasīšanu, ja esat iecienījuši pikantas sardelītes.
May 4, 2024
Sweeney Todd, McCammon style!
July 1, 2022
I’m at the point with McCammon where I may as well just rate his books as 5 stars before I even start. The man just does not miss! All the stuff you love about the first two Corbett books is here, only this time, things start to take a very dramatic turn into action horror territory, courtesy of an especially vile villain named Mr. Slaughter who lives up to his name, killing anyone who gets in his way (even children) in the harshest manner. As a diehard horror fan, I was delighted with this trajectory. This is my favorite of the series yet, and I can’t wait to continue on.
5 stars and an extra side of sausages.
5 stars and an extra side of sausages.
June 8, 2013
The compelling aspects of the first book (and sections of the second book) are missing here. There's absolutely no mystery, the characters behavior is at odds with their usual intelligent behaviors. The gore is unnecessary and adds nothing to the story.
The whole thing is just a let down in comparison to the first books but if that was the only problem falling short of expectations I'd have been fine. The problem is on it's own this book would have made me think this was bad writing.
The whole thing is just a let down in comparison to the first books but if that was the only problem falling short of expectations I'd have been fine. The problem is on it's own this book would have made me think this was bad writing.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 478 reviews