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David Ash #2
Duivelsdans
Ellen wilde haar zoontje simon niet aan het schrikken maken. Ze was bang dat hij opnieuw weg zou gaan, dat hij in het niets zou verdwijnen, zoals hij al eerder had gedaan. Voorzichtig duwde zij de deur van de badkamer open. En ze zet het op een krijsen als ze het monster ziet staan dat met zijn verkoolde armen de kleine, witte gestalte onder water houdt...
Het schilderachtige dorp Sleath is met zijn lieflijke huizen en zijn middeleeuwse kerk een toonbeeld van rust en vrede. Niets en niemand lijkt de stilte te kunnen verstoren. Tot de geesten verschijnen. Opeens gebeuren er angstaanjagende en bizarre dingen in Sleath...
Grace Lockwood, de dochter van de dominee van Sleath, benadert de ervaren spokenjager David Ash. Wrede geesten, rusteloze zielen die op wraak zinnen, teisteren het dorp. Bewoners verdwijnen en in de huizen heerst ondanks de zomerse hitte een kille kou. In de onheilspellende stilte van Sleath gaat David de strijd aan met de voorouders van de Lockwoods en hun duivelse krachten. Krachten die groter zijn dan alles wat hij tot nu toe heeft meegemaakt...
Het schilderachtige dorp Sleath is met zijn lieflijke huizen en zijn middeleeuwse kerk een toonbeeld van rust en vrede. Niets en niemand lijkt de stilte te kunnen verstoren. Tot de geesten verschijnen. Opeens gebeuren er angstaanjagende en bizarre dingen in Sleath...
Grace Lockwood, de dochter van de dominee van Sleath, benadert de ervaren spokenjager David Ash. Wrede geesten, rusteloze zielen die op wraak zinnen, teisteren het dorp. Bewoners verdwijnen en in de huizen heerst ondanks de zomerse hitte een kille kou. In de onheilspellende stilte van Sleath gaat David de strijd aan met de voorouders van de Lockwoods en hun duivelse krachten. Krachten die groter zijn dan alles wat hij tot nu toe heeft meegemaakt...
349 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 1994
About the author
James Herbert
117 books2,477 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 327 reviews
March 23, 2013
In memoriam of James Herbert.
I've only discovered how much I like James Herbert fairly recently and began reading and collecting his books. Now it makes it all the sadder since his passing only leaves the readers with a finite number of books. Ghosts of Sleath is a very worthy sequel of the excellent Haunted, with David Ash as the haunted(in every sense)paranormal investigator yet again getting involved in a case that's larger and darker than it originally seems. It's also a very well executed spin on a traditional theme...dark past comes home to roost in the quiet quaint sleepy english village. Herbert writes...wrote...so incredibly well, never relying on cheap thrills, taking the time to develop the characters and really build up the dread and never insulting the intelligence of his readers or contributing to the mass produced crap of the uber prolific and utterly unimaginative best sellers sell outs out there. His writing and his books really stand out with their sheer quality, imagination and horrific awesomeness. He will be deeply missed. We, the readers, are left with his literary legacy, 23 excellent novels to cherish and enjoy.
I've only discovered how much I like James Herbert fairly recently and began reading and collecting his books. Now it makes it all the sadder since his passing only leaves the readers with a finite number of books. Ghosts of Sleath is a very worthy sequel of the excellent Haunted, with David Ash as the haunted(in every sense)paranormal investigator yet again getting involved in a case that's larger and darker than it originally seems. It's also a very well executed spin on a traditional theme...dark past comes home to roost in the quiet quaint sleepy english village. Herbert writes...wrote...so incredibly well, never relying on cheap thrills, taking the time to develop the characters and really build up the dread and never insulting the intelligence of his readers or contributing to the mass produced crap of the uber prolific and utterly unimaginative best sellers sell outs out there. His writing and his books really stand out with their sheer quality, imagination and horrific awesomeness. He will be deeply missed. We, the readers, are left with his literary legacy, 23 excellent novels to cherish and enjoy.
July 24, 2011
The Ghosts of Sleath is what I would call a true horror novel. It covers everything that most horror fans could wish for including (but in no way limited to), violence, the unknown, zombies, murder, a very descriptive sex scene, rape, you name it. Oh, and it also contains ghosts, obviously. To me, the most enjoyable thing about this novel was the way it did not let the reader know what was going on too soon. I love the unknown factor in horror novels when they use it but usually you find out that the book is about zombies, vampires, some monster, a restless spirit, or just some guy who hates barking dogs right in the beginning. If you like these kinds of books where half the plot is given away on the back of the book and most of the rest by the cover, you may not enjoy this horror masterpiece by James Herbert. I can easily say that this is my favorite Herbert novel so far, some how managing to beat out The Fog and Domain. Some details from other Herbert novels make an appearance here as well. David Ash returns in this far superior sequel to Haunted to smoke a lot and drink Vodka, and to attempt to do his job. Thick impenetrable fog is in the book, rats, and even the word portent. Maybe I am reading into this a bit much but I like when authors mention their other works because of Stephen King’s habit of doing so.
Over all, a viciously terrifying book, one that I actually stopped reading one night because it got to me so much. I have read hundreds of horror novels and maybe one out of every hundred scares me now. The Ghosts of Sleath has that great honor and I can’t thank it and its author enough for it. I will end this with a visual. If you know what a jack plane is, imagine a crazed carpenter using it on a helpless nineteen-year-old boy’s face, after beating him horribly with a heavy wooden mallet. If you don’t know what a jack plane is, several tool purchasing sites should assist you and ultimately convince you to read this horror gem
Over all, a viciously terrifying book, one that I actually stopped reading one night because it got to me so much. I have read hundreds of horror novels and maybe one out of every hundred scares me now. The Ghosts of Sleath has that great honor and I can’t thank it and its author enough for it. I will end this with a visual. If you know what a jack plane is, imagine a crazed carpenter using it on a helpless nineteen-year-old boy’s face, after beating him horribly with a heavy wooden mallet. If you don’t know what a jack plane is, several tool purchasing sites should assist you and ultimately convince you to read this horror gem
February 24, 2013
For those unaware, James Herbert is pretty much the UK's most popular "chiller" writer; think the British version of Stephen King, in terms of depth of work and the fact that a few of his books have been made into major motion pictures or made for TV programs (Haunted, Fluke, The Secret of Crickley Hall). Yes, I know some may want to chime in and mention Ramsey Campbell, who's arguably deserving of that, but for me, Herbert is the man. I've long enjoyed his work.
The second installment involving paranormal investigator, David Ash, the Ghosts of Sleath takes our skeptical enquirer to the quaint sleepy English countryside village of Sleath, which has suddenly fallen prey to sudden numerous hauntings. Once there, Ash begins to have his own ghostly experiences, and aided by the daughter of the town vicar, they begin to unearth something far more terrible and horrifying than mere ghosts.
Herbert is a master of his craft, layering in the frights and chills, while spinning a tale about a town with a dread, dark secret that spans hundreds of years. If you haven't checked out any of Herbert's novels, I'd recommend this book, certainly, or my personal favorite, The Dark. Even though this is the second novel featuring Ash, you don't have to start with Haunted, the first book that introduces us to that character. Recently, Herbert published Ash, the third David Ash novel.
The second installment involving paranormal investigator, David Ash, the Ghosts of Sleath takes our skeptical enquirer to the quaint sleepy English countryside village of Sleath, which has suddenly fallen prey to sudden numerous hauntings. Once there, Ash begins to have his own ghostly experiences, and aided by the daughter of the town vicar, they begin to unearth something far more terrible and horrifying than mere ghosts.
Herbert is a master of his craft, layering in the frights and chills, while spinning a tale about a town with a dread, dark secret that spans hundreds of years. If you haven't checked out any of Herbert's novels, I'd recommend this book, certainly, or my personal favorite, The Dark. Even though this is the second novel featuring Ash, you don't have to start with Haunted, the first book that introduces us to that character. Recently, Herbert published Ash, the third David Ash novel.
November 5, 2012
Best Ghost story ever told and beautifully written by our very own Mr.Herbert. The scenes and images are perfect,
Is that Children singing in the school
When it's closed...
Is that Children singing in the school
When it's closed...
January 20, 2023
hmm...this was so hit and miss.
The second book in the David Ash series and I still don't know if I liked it..I think the elements were all there the atmosphere was really well built, the gore and horror aspects were all great too, but the plot line just didn't do enough.
I have read a few from James Herbert now and I feel like he is a hit and miss author for me now, there are parts of his writing that I love but there moments that just confuse me or just don’t interest me.
The Secrets of Crickley Hall I really loved and I enjoyed the first book in this series too. I think I like it more when James Herbert writes about the supernatural but makes it feel like it could really be happening, when it is too far fetched I don't tend to enjoy his books.
I will keep reading things by this author because I think there are still some hidden gems for me, I will be continuing with this series too, because I aren't a quiter and there is only one to go!
The second book in the David Ash series and I still don't know if I liked it..I think the elements were all there the atmosphere was really well built, the gore and horror aspects were all great too, but the plot line just didn't do enough.
I have read a few from James Herbert now and I feel like he is a hit and miss author for me now, there are parts of his writing that I love but there moments that just confuse me or just don’t interest me.
The Secrets of Crickley Hall I really loved and I enjoyed the first book in this series too. I think I like it more when James Herbert writes about the supernatural but makes it feel like it could really be happening, when it is too far fetched I don't tend to enjoy his books.
I will keep reading things by this author because I think there are still some hidden gems for me, I will be continuing with this series too, because I aren't a quiter and there is only one to go!
August 6, 2012
Ok, so in this sequel to 'Haunted' James Herbert stepped it up a notch. He went from out-in-the-sticks haunted manor house to out-in-the-sticks haunted town!
There were some good creepy moments here, and I really felt for poor old Ash - will things ever work out for him? (I guess I'll find out when I read Herbert's new book Ash - yey, can't wait!)
What I love about Herbert's style most is that he tends to keep his chapters short and snappy, and he manages to weave lots of characters into the story so that you get to enjoy a glimpse of most people involved - rather than just being told the story from the protagonist's point of view. It worked especially well in this book - I felt like I knew the entire sinister cast of the village of Sleath personally.
Fabulous. Like I said, can't wait to read David Ash book number three!
There were some good creepy moments here, and I really felt for poor old Ash - will things ever work out for him? (I guess I'll find out when I read Herbert's new book Ash - yey, can't wait!)
What I love about Herbert's style most is that he tends to keep his chapters short and snappy, and he manages to weave lots of characters into the story so that you get to enjoy a glimpse of most people involved - rather than just being told the story from the protagonist's point of view. It worked especially well in this book - I felt like I knew the entire sinister cast of the village of Sleath personally.
Fabulous. Like I said, can't wait to read David Ash book number three!
December 23, 2010
Rich in body horror and testing my limits in its sheer gruesome brutality, The Ghosts of Sleath upgrades itself to a five star read; I’d given it four when I first read it decades ago, but now I’ve decided it deserves no less than full marks.
’I danced on a Friday
When the sky turned black;
It’s hard to dance
With the devil on your back’.
The second in the David Ash trilogy, Herbert once again proves just how remarkable he was at taking his readers on a horrifying, yet fascinating journey into the dark and mysterious world of the paranormal.
The misery in the quaint little village of Sleath is becoming unbearable, it’s sinister history of perverse, violent blood-lust has been simmering for years, and reaches its peak as Psychic Investigator David Ash arrives on a mission to uncover the truth that lies within Lockwood Hall and deep in its bowels of evil lurking below.
I made the best decision choosing to do a “Herbert Halloween” reread month. This author is why I LOVE horror. Herbert gave me kicks between the pages as a teen, and continues doing just that as I reach middle age. I’m so glad I’m still loving his work all these years later, admittedly I’ve been reluctant to reread just incase they didn’t live up to my expectations, but it turns out I shouldn’t have worried about that at all.
One last note - being the devoted Herbert fan that I am, I happened to notice that throughout this story I saw many of his other book titles scattered within the text. Coincidental, or purposely done, who knows…
5 ⭐️ - Brilliant. I loved it.
’I danced on a Friday
When the sky turned black;
It’s hard to dance
With the devil on your back’.
The second in the David Ash trilogy, Herbert once again proves just how remarkable he was at taking his readers on a horrifying, yet fascinating journey into the dark and mysterious world of the paranormal.
The misery in the quaint little village of Sleath is becoming unbearable, it’s sinister history of perverse, violent blood-lust has been simmering for years, and reaches its peak as Psychic Investigator David Ash arrives on a mission to uncover the truth that lies within Lockwood Hall and deep in its bowels of evil lurking below.
I made the best decision choosing to do a “Herbert Halloween” reread month. This author is why I LOVE horror. Herbert gave me kicks between the pages as a teen, and continues doing just that as I reach middle age. I’m so glad I’m still loving his work all these years later, admittedly I’ve been reluctant to reread just incase they didn’t live up to my expectations, but it turns out I shouldn’t have worried about that at all.
One last note - being the devoted Herbert fan that I am, I happened to notice that throughout this story I saw many of his other book titles scattered within the text. Coincidental, or purposely done, who knows…
5 ⭐️ - Brilliant. I loved it.
October 11, 2014
David Ash is such a lovable character, and once again he is thrown into the supernatural despite the fact that the parapsychologist would much rather that part of the world does not exist.
Personally I enjoyed this one a lot more than the first (although I did also love the first). I feel as though there are more twists within this one which aren’t quite as obvious as those in the first book, with David developing even more. It is possible to read this one without having read the first but I wouldn’t recommend it: the first book sets things in motion and there are references in this which would be lost upon you if you have not read the first. Nevertheless, it is a great read which I would recommend to any Herbert fan – or anyone who is a fan of the genre in general.
Personally I enjoyed this one a lot more than the first (although I did also love the first). I feel as though there are more twists within this one which aren’t quite as obvious as those in the first book, with David developing even more. It is possible to read this one without having read the first but I wouldn’t recommend it: the first book sets things in motion and there are references in this which would be lost upon you if you have not read the first. Nevertheless, it is a great read which I would recommend to any Herbert fan – or anyone who is a fan of the genre in general.
December 28, 2012
Not as fast-paced as the first book, sadly enough. Still, it picked up a bit toward the end, and the ending itself...well that was enough to bump it up from what was going to be a three star rating. I wasn't too keen on the all-over-the-place narrative, actually, that's my biggest complaint about this book, with the obnoxious romance/ridiculously long sex scene coming in a very close second.
Definitely still for finishing the series, and hoping the third book is just a bit better than this one.
Definitely still for finishing the series, and hoping the third book is just a bit better than this one.
March 19, 2013
-Horror, efectivamente-.
Género. Narrativa Fantástica.
Lo que nos cuenta. En el pequeño pueblo inglés de Sleath se están produciendo, al parecer, una serie de fenómenos extraños que afectan a sus habitantes. David Ash, un incrédulo miembro del Instituto de Investigaciones Psíquicas, trata de dar una respuesta a los sucesos.
¿Quiere saber más del libro, sin spoilers? Visite:
http://librosdeolethros.blogspot.com/...
Género. Narrativa Fantástica.
Lo que nos cuenta. En el pequeño pueblo inglés de Sleath se están produciendo, al parecer, una serie de fenómenos extraños que afectan a sus habitantes. David Ash, un incrédulo miembro del Instituto de Investigaciones Psíquicas, trata de dar una respuesta a los sucesos.
¿Quiere saber más del libro, sin spoilers? Visite:
http://librosdeolethros.blogspot.com/...
May 17, 2009
First published back in 1994, ‘The Ghosts Of Sleath’ is the loosely fitting sequel to Herbert’s 1988 novel ‘Haunted’, which first introduced the psychic investigator David Nash. Although this novel is somewhat of a stand alone tale, it does still include a number of references to ‘Haunted’ which add a certain depth and understanding to the character of Nash, giving a better explanation towards some of his quirks and fears.
Predominantly set within the sleepy rural village of Sleath, the tale begins with a number of strange and supernatural occurrences happening throughout the village. Nash is sent to investigate these paranormal happenings, and from the moment he drives into Sleath, he is flung head first into the mysterious and sometimes deadly hauntings that are spreading fear amongst the village’s small community.
Nash soon starts to uncover the terrible history that haunts the small village, with an evil that spans decades. With Nash’s investigations getting closer to unveiling the hideous truth, so the ghostly visitations become stronger and in doing so, much more deadly to the citizens of Sleath.
Herbert’s ‘The Ghosts Of Sleath’ is a thoroughly engrossing tale of paranormal horror that sets down a fast pace from the very start. With a storyline that is more involved, more dramatic and on a much larger scale than that of ‘Haunted’, Herbert has really gone all out with this paranormal tale of ghostly horror.
The gritty character of David Nash is just as much of an anti-hero as he was in ‘Haunted’. His very human characteristics add such a solid weight to the story’s realism. The storyline itself is eerie throughout, with imaginative and purposely confusing hauntings that initially start putting down the pieces to this elaborate and intricate tale.
The usual multiple sub-plots and inclusion of a love interest for Nash thickens out the novel, making the tale very engaging for the reader. With a well written and careful description to the village of Sleath, it’s easy for the reader to become submerged in Herbert’s spooky location.
As the tale continues, the pace keeps picking up pace, building up the number, scale and seriousness of the hauntings, until the imaginative and rather spectacular truth is revealed behind the hauntings. Herbert doesn’t tackle these things by half, delivering a truly epic conclusion to the novel.
For pace and sheer enjoyment alone, Herbert’s ‘The Ghosts Of Sleath’ is up there with the best of his work. Combined with ‘Haunted’ the two novels are a masterpiece of contemporary horror literature and a must read for all fans of Herbert’s early work.
The novel runs for a total of 409 pages and includes a beautiful illustration of the fictional village of Sleath.
Predominantly set within the sleepy rural village of Sleath, the tale begins with a number of strange and supernatural occurrences happening throughout the village. Nash is sent to investigate these paranormal happenings, and from the moment he drives into Sleath, he is flung head first into the mysterious and sometimes deadly hauntings that are spreading fear amongst the village’s small community.
Nash soon starts to uncover the terrible history that haunts the small village, with an evil that spans decades. With Nash’s investigations getting closer to unveiling the hideous truth, so the ghostly visitations become stronger and in doing so, much more deadly to the citizens of Sleath.
Herbert’s ‘The Ghosts Of Sleath’ is a thoroughly engrossing tale of paranormal horror that sets down a fast pace from the very start. With a storyline that is more involved, more dramatic and on a much larger scale than that of ‘Haunted’, Herbert has really gone all out with this paranormal tale of ghostly horror.
The gritty character of David Nash is just as much of an anti-hero as he was in ‘Haunted’. His very human characteristics add such a solid weight to the story’s realism. The storyline itself is eerie throughout, with imaginative and purposely confusing hauntings that initially start putting down the pieces to this elaborate and intricate tale.
The usual multiple sub-plots and inclusion of a love interest for Nash thickens out the novel, making the tale very engaging for the reader. With a well written and careful description to the village of Sleath, it’s easy for the reader to become submerged in Herbert’s spooky location.
As the tale continues, the pace keeps picking up pace, building up the number, scale and seriousness of the hauntings, until the imaginative and rather spectacular truth is revealed behind the hauntings. Herbert doesn’t tackle these things by half, delivering a truly epic conclusion to the novel.
For pace and sheer enjoyment alone, Herbert’s ‘The Ghosts Of Sleath’ is up there with the best of his work. Combined with ‘Haunted’ the two novels are a masterpiece of contemporary horror literature and a must read for all fans of Herbert’s early work.
The novel runs for a total of 409 pages and includes a beautiful illustration of the fictional village of Sleath.
August 15, 2010
This is the third James Herbert novel I have read (the others being The Magic Cottage and Once) and it doesn't disappoint. It was definitely scary and creepy, full of mystery and gore. Although I do admit the main character feels quite similar to his other main characters but that didn't deter me at all.
As always, Herbert sets the scene for the spooky 'out of the way' village perfectly. A picturesque place set in England where all seems normal, yet there is an atmosphere which makes you realise something strange is lurking in the background.
The suspense and mystery is built up at a good pace throughout, however, I feel that the ending where the reason for the hauntings is discovered is over quite quickly. That been said the ending was still quite clever and not your typical happy Hollywood ending.
Overall very eerie with lots of squeamish scenes. A definite recommend if you are looking for an engrossing and good horror novel that will make you hide under the covers at night.
As always, Herbert sets the scene for the spooky 'out of the way' village perfectly. A picturesque place set in England where all seems normal, yet there is an atmosphere which makes you realise something strange is lurking in the background.
The suspense and mystery is built up at a good pace throughout, however, I feel that the ending where the reason for the hauntings is discovered is over quite quickly. That been said the ending was still quite clever and not your typical happy Hollywood ending.
Overall very eerie with lots of squeamish scenes. A definite recommend if you are looking for an engrossing and good horror novel that will make you hide under the covers at night.
September 26, 2024
This is the sequel to Haunted and I give this a solid 5 stars. I wasn't completely feeling it at the beginning but it got much better as the story progressed. I am really engrossed in a story when the paranormal elements get intense and this one was definitely intense for me. I do like the character of David Ash and am really looking forward to see what happens with the next installment.
April 21, 2017
Read this.
First of all, this is the second book about David Ash, which I didn't know when I picked it up. It stands alone well, but does spoil the end of Haunted, so if you like to read things in order go for that first.
Anyway, this book. Creepy as hell. Small town secrets and many not so innocent characters. It builds to a crescendo that had me put down the book and walk away because of the gruesomeness, only to pick it up again five minutes later because i needed to know what happened.
Some really creepy things that are going to stay with me for a LONG time.
Grace
First of all, this is the second book about David Ash, which I didn't know when I picked it up. It stands alone well, but does spoil the end of Haunted, so if you like to read things in order go for that first.
Anyway, this book. Creepy as hell. Small town secrets and many not so innocent characters. It builds to a crescendo that had me put down the book and walk away because of the gruesomeness, only to pick it up again five minutes later because i needed to know what happened.
Some really creepy things that are going to stay with me for a LONG time.
Grace
March 22, 2015
I enjoyed the first book in this series but while it featured a singular incident this book broke the boundaries of that with a whole village suffering from hauntings and what a great read it was! Had more of the trademark Herbert many scenes happening at once, especially in the end sequence, great!
September 8, 2018
James Herbert has a way with endings! Wow! Another great read; I’m not sure how I’ve gone so long without having heard of this author. His style reminds me a lot of Phil Rickman, one of my favorite authors! I can definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for a good ghost story.
November 23, 2009
A loose sequel to "Haunted", The Ghost of Sleath is propably the most eerie novel I have ever read. This sleepy village entertained me thoroughly. Recommended !
December 28, 2024
I was excited to dive into the sequel to Haunted (following the same protagonist, but altogether a different story) and the premise was great, a haunting, but not a house or a person, a whole town, the town of Sleath. There were some standout scenes, some ‘haunting’ moments, but the story seemed to drift in the final third, when it should have ampt up! Glad I read it and I’ll still finish the trilogy, with Ash, maybe in the new year when I’ve read a couple of other books on my radar!
August 13, 2022
Interessant verhaal maar veel losse eindjes en ik was geen fan van de twee, ja TWEE, pedospoken.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 17, 2019
This book was all over the shop for me. At one point I was thinking of moving it back to 2, but then it went up to 3 with significant reservations however after the masterful and horrible ending I have to say it deserves a 3.5 and so have rounded up to even though there are aspects of the book that really lead me to concern. Those parts will be in the spoilers and I can tell you noe there will be spoilers there and at least one sexual swear word so please don't read if you are likely to be offended.
The good then. This was a great ghost story. Now what youy expect and full of real horror and fear all the way through. I was worried at one point that the author not not leaving himself enough time to end the tale but he chose a route that worked and shocked to the core. I liked the conceit of the book, it was not the most original but it was deftly handled and many of the individual hauntings were fantastic and awful and scary. This was a proper horror book.
The central ‘hero’ Ash was a little too broken to get quite so many sexual conquests for my tastes. Smoking all the time, alcoholic and damaged goods. Not a keeper I would have thought but I am clearly wrong. It was nicely written, the pace was solid and the tension and horror were very effective. Deftly handled. The ending is amazing. But now for the spoilers and some of my concerns.
The good then. This was a great ghost story. Now what youy expect and full of real horror and fear all the way through. I was worried at one point that the author not not leaving himself enough time to end the tale but he chose a route that worked and shocked to the core. I liked the conceit of the book, it was not the most original but it was deftly handled and many of the individual hauntings were fantastic and awful and scary. This was a proper horror book.
The central ‘hero’ Ash was a little too broken to get quite so many sexual conquests for my tastes. Smoking all the time, alcoholic and damaged goods. Not a keeper I would have thought but I am clearly wrong. It was nicely written, the pace was solid and the tension and horror were very effective. Deftly handled. The ending is amazing. But now for the spoilers and some of my concerns.
December 24, 2015
There are some books that, while by no means perfect, are exactly what they should be, and unapologetically so. This is one of those. It's a nasty, gruesome ghost story, a late-night creature feature with enough brains and wit to charm you along.
This is a sequel to Haunted, a much more traditional ghost story, and starts with David Ash recovered, but still shaken, from the events of that book. He's still cynical, but he's aware that sometimes, the ghosts are not just unquiet memories or hoaxes. And the he gets called to the village of Sleath, which has as many secrets as it does ghosts.
This is not highbrow stuff, nor does it want to be. Where the first book was restrained and focused, this one is loud and sprawling. One of Herbert's trademarks is sequences that flit from one gruesome circumstance to another, creating a tapestry of pain and grue. There was no room for that in the previous installment, but it is used to strong effect here, albeit in a less vicious form than some of his other books. It's mostly used to show the stakes and set us up for the powerful, shattering ending. Some of Herbert's endings fall a little flat, but this time, he just flat nails it.
Herbert also nails the characters here, something he doesn't always manage. You understand their struggles and grief, care about them (most of them, anyway), and despair as everything starts to go to Hell, dragging them with it.
The plot, while it has neat little twists, is nothing new, but it's just a framework that Herbert hangs his inventive nastiness on. And it does get seriously nasty towards the end, so the faint of heart should read something else.
To sum up, I liked this a lot, It does drag in a couple places, but never for long. If you like Herbert, or just want an exciting bit of ghastliness, you will most likely be satisfied with this.
By the by, while reading Haunted first does add a bit of context, it isn't necessary, but you should read it, too. It's quite good.
This is a sequel to Haunted, a much more traditional ghost story, and starts with David Ash recovered, but still shaken, from the events of that book. He's still cynical, but he's aware that sometimes, the ghosts are not just unquiet memories or hoaxes. And the he gets called to the village of Sleath, which has as many secrets as it does ghosts.
This is not highbrow stuff, nor does it want to be. Where the first book was restrained and focused, this one is loud and sprawling. One of Herbert's trademarks is sequences that flit from one gruesome circumstance to another, creating a tapestry of pain and grue. There was no room for that in the previous installment, but it is used to strong effect here, albeit in a less vicious form than some of his other books. It's mostly used to show the stakes and set us up for the powerful, shattering ending. Some of Herbert's endings fall a little flat, but this time, he just flat nails it.
Herbert also nails the characters here, something he doesn't always manage. You understand their struggles and grief, care about them (most of them, anyway), and despair as everything starts to go to Hell, dragging them with it.
The plot, while it has neat little twists, is nothing new, but it's just a framework that Herbert hangs his inventive nastiness on. And it does get seriously nasty towards the end, so the faint of heart should read something else.
To sum up, I liked this a lot, It does drag in a couple places, but never for long. If you like Herbert, or just want an exciting bit of ghastliness, you will most likely be satisfied with this.
By the by, while reading Haunted first does add a bit of context, it isn't necessary, but you should read it, too. It's quite good.
September 21, 2011
Without a doubt this is one of James Herberts best works. Set three years after the events at Edbrook (Haunted), paranormal investigator David Ash is sent to the quiet village of Sleath. What he finds is an idyllic country village with a dark history steeped in evil.
This is what a horror story should be; Dark, disturbing and yet no matter how unsettled you become, you have to keep reading. Easily his best book since The Magic Cottage.
This is what a horror story should be; Dark, disturbing and yet no matter how unsettled you become, you have to keep reading. Easily his best book since The Magic Cottage.
July 16, 2017
This second time around, after reading HAUNTED first...? Ash has been through the wrecker. Wonder what the next novel holds for him. Also - Seamus Phelan seems like more than just a throwaway character. Wonder if Herbert wrote any other novels about him? After this, HAUNTED, and THE SHRINE...I definitely need to bone up on James Herbert's work.
September 27, 2021
This book is excellent, a dark ghost story, book 2 in the David Ash series, after 'Haunted' which you don't have to read before this one, but I'd recommend reading it first, it give you more background the the main charactor. for those that have read Haunted, this has the same feel, but darker and on a bigger scale.
August 16, 2025
A book I first read and re-read as a teenager, picked up again recently when staying with family. The ghosts of sleath is just a really well written ghost story. I enjoyed it as much now as I did as a teen.
September 24, 2022
Actual rating: 2.5 stars
October 21, 2020
Great old fashioned horror, following the decrepitude of Lockwood Manor and the tribulations of David Ash. Wonderfully written by a master of horror.
August 8, 2014
It's a real testament to a writer like Herbert, when he can make a fictional picturesque countryside village in the height of summer seem deeply ominous. The very thing that you would associate with charming and cosy has under it surface and unsettling side. This is the village where David Ash investigates a worrying increase in ghostly goings on as well as some gruesome incidents and accidents around the village. A recently bereaved mother who sees her dead sons ghost, a girl who is tormented by the spirit of the rapist who attacked her when she was young, children singing from a playground from a closed school when no one is there, a doctor drinking filled with remorse over misdiagnosis of patients, a farmer cross bowed but trespassers on his land, and a sick revered who hides the passed of his ancestors from the investigator. Throughout the book I felt as though I was just going from situation to situation instead of a journey of different characters story. You are all the more aware of this when you reach it's conclusion without much satisfaction. The real bad guys are the old generation of the once rich and powerful Lockwood family, and their dictatorship grip that once ruled supreme over the village hundreds of years ago. There is a chapter that I had to speed read through as it felt soooooo long winded (perhaps like my review) about the past atrocities that were committed by the family on the villagers of Sleath, but could have had far more impact using half the words but to the same effect. Thrown in also was some unexpected and may I say unwanted sexy moments,I just wanted it out of the way to see where the story goes next. A Crumbling building, lighting, a thick fog. Yes a lot of running around for the remainder of the book in those conditions with a rather flaccid conclusion. It was for me an anticlimax, the story just drifts out to nothing just like the strange mist that had at one point engulfed the town and later fades.
November 7, 2017
The second book with David Ash as its main protagonist. If you haven't read the first do, do so prior to reading this one, as it will definitely spoil the end of the first book.
This is a typical James Herbert book. The characters, the story, events, love affair (and there always has to be a love affair, no matter how far-fetched/implausible) and ending - all classical in his writing style.
As sequels go, this one goes over and beyond the horrors of the first one. It's like a true horror film sequel, where we have to have everything bigger, bolder, gorier and expanded thousandfold, all for shock-sake. This time around, we have not a haunted house, but a full haunted village.
Having that said, I fell the plot itself falls short of what it could had been. Yes, its interesting enough and will keep you guessing until the end. But once reaching the final 3 chapters, I couldn't shake this feeling of "is this what's really happening?"
The story unfolds in a somewhat implausible tone, never really delivering that punch in the face I was expecting or a truly suspenseful conclusion. I found the ending to be quite unsatisfactory, rushed and unoriginal: as if written not by a consolidated horror author, but rather someone who'd just started a career in writing.
Recommended for Herbert fans. Others may want to read something else. Perhaps the original David Ash volume 1?
This is a typical James Herbert book. The characters, the story, events, love affair (and there always has to be a love affair, no matter how far-fetched/implausible) and ending - all classical in his writing style.
As sequels go, this one goes over and beyond the horrors of the first one. It's like a true horror film sequel, where we have to have everything bigger, bolder, gorier and expanded thousandfold, all for shock-sake. This time around, we have not a haunted house, but a full haunted village.
Having that said, I fell the plot itself falls short of what it could had been. Yes, its interesting enough and will keep you guessing until the end. But once reaching the final 3 chapters, I couldn't shake this feeling of "is this what's really happening?"
The story unfolds in a somewhat implausible tone, never really delivering that punch in the face I was expecting or a truly suspenseful conclusion. I found the ending to be quite unsatisfactory, rushed and unoriginal: as if written not by a consolidated horror author, but rather someone who'd just started a career in writing.
Recommended for Herbert fans. Others may want to read something else. Perhaps the original David Ash volume 1?
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