What do you think?
Rate this book
Prosper Snow #1
The Kult
People are predictable. That’s what makes them easy to kill.
Detective Chief Inspector Prosper Snow is in charge of an investigation into a serial killer called The Oracle who turns his victims into macabre works of art. But Prosper harbours a dark secret of his own. He and his old school friends were members of a group called The Kult who made a pact to dish out their own form of vengeance on bullies. Now a member of the group puts their friendship to the test when he makes a far darker request: that they murder someone that raped his wife.
To get away with murder, the friends decide to blame it on The Oracle, but events take a chilling turn when the instigator turns up dead, his body fashioned into a disturbing work of art. Now, one by one, the members of The Kult are being hunted down.
Just when Prosper thinks things can’t get any worse, his wife is kidnapped and he knows that if he goes to his colleagues for help, he risks his dark deeds being unearthed. If he doesn't, he risks losing all that he holds dear.
Detective Chief Inspector Prosper Snow is in charge of an investigation into a serial killer called The Oracle who turns his victims into macabre works of art. But Prosper harbours a dark secret of his own. He and his old school friends were members of a group called The Kult who made a pact to dish out their own form of vengeance on bullies. Now a member of the group puts their friendship to the test when he makes a far darker request: that they murder someone that raped his wife.
To get away with murder, the friends decide to blame it on The Oracle, but events take a chilling turn when the instigator turns up dead, his body fashioned into a disturbing work of art. Now, one by one, the members of The Kult are being hunted down.
Just when Prosper thinks things can’t get any worse, his wife is kidnapped and he knows that if he goes to his colleagues for help, he risks his dark deeds being unearthed. If he doesn't, he risks losing all that he holds dear.
328 pages, Paperback
First published May 25, 2009
16 people are currently reading
1025 people want to read
About the author
Shaun Jeffrey
26 books181 followersShaun Jeffrey was brought up in a house in a cemetery, so it was only natural for his prose to stray towards the dark side when he started writing. He has had five novels published, The Kult, Killers, Evilution, Fangtooth and Deadfall, and one collection of short stories, Voyeurs of Death. He has also had over 40 short stories published in places such as Dark Discoveries and Cemetery Dance. His novel The Kult was optioned for film.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews
May 15, 2009
I had better like it - I wrote it!
February 8, 2012
The Kult is an action-packed serial killer novel with several twists and turns that were atypical of the genre.
When it begins “the Oracle” is planning his next murder and we get a little insight into his creepy head. He’s a guy bent on revenge, who meticulously plans his kills for the most impact, targeting the disfigured, the young, and the old. He turns his victims into pieces of art, dismembering them in various nasty and creative ways and leaves only pictures and clues behind for the police to decipher.
Detective Prosper Snow is leading the case, along with his newbie partner Jill Jones. He’s stumped regarding the clues but determined to find the sick SOB before he kills again. All seems like a standard serial killer novel, eh? But then Prosper receives an email and we begin to learn about “The Kult” and his involvement in it and realize that Prosper is keeping some pretty big secrets and that’s what sets this story apart and kept me reading until the very end. Don’t worry though I’m not going to spoil them for you.
This was a very well-crafted story that didn’t wallow too long in the gore for the super squeamish. It also featured some very imperfect characters which is always a good thing. I have to admit though, that Prosper as a character was hard to get behind. He’s carrying some major guilt which would put anyone on edge BUT he is so unpleasant and has this awful dismissive tone with his wife and some of his co-workers that it made it difficult for me to feel any sympathy for him. He’s stressed yeah, I get it, but that doesn’t give him an excuse to be a dick to the people closest to him.
I can easily recommend this to any fan of serial killer novels. Everything came together in a surprising way that made a lot of sense. And there’s one memorable scene with “the hatchet man” that was grisly, realistic and a bit hilarious (well, to me anyway). It reminded me a bit of the unexpected violence and depravity performed by the tiny women in Out by Natsuo Kirino. Great stuff in both, but only if you’re a bit twisted.
When it begins “the Oracle” is planning his next murder and we get a little insight into his creepy head. He’s a guy bent on revenge, who meticulously plans his kills for the most impact, targeting the disfigured, the young, and the old. He turns his victims into pieces of art, dismembering them in various nasty and creative ways and leaves only pictures and clues behind for the police to decipher.
Detective Prosper Snow is leading the case, along with his newbie partner Jill Jones. He’s stumped regarding the clues but determined to find the sick SOB before he kills again. All seems like a standard serial killer novel, eh? But then Prosper receives an email and we begin to learn about “The Kult” and his involvement in it and realize that Prosper is keeping some pretty big secrets and that’s what sets this story apart and kept me reading until the very end. Don’t worry though I’m not going to spoil them for you.
This was a very well-crafted story that didn’t wallow too long in the gore for the super squeamish. It also featured some very imperfect characters which is always a good thing. I have to admit though, that Prosper as a character was hard to get behind. He’s carrying some major guilt which would put anyone on edge BUT he is so unpleasant and has this awful dismissive tone with his wife and some of his co-workers that it made it difficult for me to feel any sympathy for him. He’s stressed yeah, I get it, but that doesn’t give him an excuse to be a dick to the people closest to him.
I can easily recommend this to any fan of serial killer novels. Everything came together in a surprising way that made a lot of sense. And there’s one memorable scene with “the hatchet man” that was grisly, realistic and a bit hilarious (well, to me anyway). It reminded me a bit of the unexpected violence and depravity performed by the tiny women in Out by Natsuo Kirino. Great stuff in both, but only if you’re a bit twisted.
June 23, 2014
“The only things Prosper ever killed were insects with bug spray, and sometimes he felt guilty about that.” – The Kult
Until I started reading The Kult, I assumed it was horror, but it’s not. Sure, it has some rather graphic scenes where if I were viewing it on film rather than reading words, I’d be closing my eyes. But it’s more dark thriller than horror, with plenty of action, intrigue and suspense. Not to mention the twist in the tail I didn’t see coming.
Shaun Jeffrey uses all the senses to full effect, sucking the reader into the core of this heart-stopping story about relationships, about loyalty, about betrayal. Hang on tight for a ride you won’t forget in a hurry.
Highly recommended for all but the faint-hearted
Until I started reading The Kult, I assumed it was horror, but it’s not. Sure, it has some rather graphic scenes where if I were viewing it on film rather than reading words, I’d be closing my eyes. But it’s more dark thriller than horror, with plenty of action, intrigue and suspense. Not to mention the twist in the tail I didn’t see coming.
Shaun Jeffrey uses all the senses to full effect, sucking the reader into the core of this heart-stopping story about relationships, about loyalty, about betrayal. Hang on tight for a ride you won’t forget in a hurry.
Highly recommended for all but the faint-hearted
May 13, 2009
I finished the Advanced Reading Copy of Shaun's book, The Kult, tonight. I have to say that the little teaser on the back of the book doesn't do the intensity of the story justice. It starts off grabbing your throat and doesn't let go. Shaun has a way of building the suspense and not letting up. The quality of the book, from http://leucrotapress.com
is wonderful. It has a tough binding and a nice cover. They're a newer press with a quality product.
The Kult's protagonist, Prosper Snow, is my type of hero--scarred and not all good. He's human like us and he's thrust into a situation that I wouldn't wish on anyone. The prose is tight and powerful. Shaun does a great job of getting in his character's heads, and his antagonist is frighetening. I'd recommend it to anyone interested in the mystery/horror field. Here's Shaun's webpage: http://www.shaunjeffrey.com/
The Kult by Shaun Jeffrey is one fun ride!
Best wishes,
Lee Thompson
Myspace.com/HL_Thompson
is wonderful. It has a tough binding and a nice cover. They're a newer press with a quality product.
The Kult's protagonist, Prosper Snow, is my type of hero--scarred and not all good. He's human like us and he's thrust into a situation that I wouldn't wish on anyone. The prose is tight and powerful. Shaun does a great job of getting in his character's heads, and his antagonist is frighetening. I'd recommend it to anyone interested in the mystery/horror field. Here's Shaun's webpage: http://www.shaunjeffrey.com/
The Kult by Shaun Jeffrey is one fun ride!
Best wishes,
Lee Thompson
Myspace.com/HL_Thompson
September 28, 2009
Harlan Corben, Simon Kernick and even Dean Koontz. What have they got in common? Gripping thriller writers? Yes. But also a little bit...pretentious in their writing. As in 'look how clever and twisty and turny this book is...'
The Kult is just as gripping, just as clever, but all smugness is thrown out the window. It reads like a novel version of films like Se7en, or even SAW. Nasty, vicious...and still intelligent.
I read this over a couple of days as the damn book refused to be put down. I suffered from 'just one more chapter syndrome', leading to one cold bath and possible damage to my full bladder on a few occasions. It's great to get the full package in a novel: break-neck plot, deep characterisation and darn attractive cover. The ending has the wow factor and you will not be disappointed.
A stunning thriller from the author of Evilution and Voyeurs of Death. Keep 'em coming please, Mr Jeffrey!
The Kult is just as gripping, just as clever, but all smugness is thrown out the window. It reads like a novel version of films like Se7en, or even SAW. Nasty, vicious...and still intelligent.
I read this over a couple of days as the damn book refused to be put down. I suffered from 'just one more chapter syndrome', leading to one cold bath and possible damage to my full bladder on a few occasions. It's great to get the full package in a novel: break-neck plot, deep characterisation and darn attractive cover. The ending has the wow factor and you will not be disappointed.
A stunning thriller from the author of Evilution and Voyeurs of Death. Keep 'em coming please, Mr Jeffrey!
April 16, 2010
I liked the way this book makes you feel - it's gruesome, disturbing, shocking - it makes you question choices made. One character in the book used these words, which can also be used to describe The Kult: "It's damn freaky that's what it is."
Chapter 22, when The Kult meets "Hatchet Man", is particularly gruesome :-)
I felt I could have done without about 15 pages from between when we find out who The Oracle is to the 6 months later chapter, but that's just me :-) That part did have a cinematic feel, it was just too much for me. I'm not trying to be too critical, just my honest opinion. I felt the book started very strong but as it got farther along wasn't quite as "tight". I also did find some minor errors in the book, such as:
"He continued through the trees, trying to move quietly WHEN HEARD a chuckle from the darkness." - page 300, Chapter 56 of The Kult (EMPHASIS added :-)
Favorite Quotes From The Kult:
"People are predictable. That's what makes them easy to kill." - Chapter 1
"He studied the room, looking for the Oracle, but he couldn't see anyone else in attendance - at least not anyone alive." - Chapter 51
"Anyone can put paint on a canvas, but only a true master can bring the painting too life. Anyone can kill, but only a genius can make murder and art." -Chapter 32
about Ty: "His whole life was a sham, a fairy tale. The truth hidden behind a wall of lies, each lie another brick in the wall until he probably couldn't see the truth anymore." - Chapter 31
"Prosper didn't think his heart could sink any further, but if a spiritual Marianas Trench existed, he was in it, three miles down in a bathysphere buckling under pressure." -Chapter 30
"Life was a precious thing, easily broken."
-Chapter 9
This book wasn't perfect, but it deserves 5 stars because it was AMAZING!
Chapter 22, when The Kult meets "Hatchet Man", is particularly gruesome :-)
I felt I could have done without about 15 pages from between when we find out who The Oracle is to the 6 months later chapter, but that's just me :-) That part did have a cinematic feel, it was just too much for me. I'm not trying to be too critical, just my honest opinion. I felt the book started very strong but as it got farther along wasn't quite as "tight". I also did find some minor errors in the book, such as:
"He continued through the trees, trying to move quietly WHEN HEARD a chuckle from the darkness." - page 300, Chapter 56 of The Kult (EMPHASIS added :-)
Favorite Quotes From The Kult:
"People are predictable. That's what makes them easy to kill." - Chapter 1
"He studied the room, looking for the Oracle, but he couldn't see anyone else in attendance - at least not anyone alive." - Chapter 51
"Anyone can put paint on a canvas, but only a true master can bring the painting too life. Anyone can kill, but only a genius can make murder and art." -Chapter 32
about Ty: "His whole life was a sham, a fairy tale. The truth hidden behind a wall of lies, each lie another brick in the wall until he probably couldn't see the truth anymore." - Chapter 31
"Prosper didn't think his heart could sink any further, but if a spiritual Marianas Trench existed, he was in it, three miles down in a bathysphere buckling under pressure." -Chapter 30
"Life was a precious thing, easily broken."
-Chapter 9
This book wasn't perfect, but it deserves 5 stars because it was AMAZING!
August 7, 2014
I'm a fan of Micheal Michael Slade. I've always been.
However, I didn't fancy reading his last three novels because, after so many years, his Special X team became a sad bunch to my eyes, and wished some fresher blood, maybe by moving to a new team or just following a single investigator. Maybe, I wished him to go back to where he started (Headhunter, Ghoul, Ripper, Primal Scream). There were, as a critic defined them, 'a thinking man Texas chainsaw massacre'. Rich in details, holding no punches to the reader's stomach, and with shady 'heroes' (anti-heroes?) as the main characters.
Or maybe it's just me.
Well, I think I've found a guy who could join and add fluids to the Michael Slade's team (Micheal Slade being the collective pen-name of a group of Canadian writers, some of them being expert crime lawyers). In fact, I'm reading - and enjoying - a twisted sick novel titled 'The Kult'. Written by Shaun Jeffrey, it's a real page-turner, even for a slow-reader like me.
The prose excellent, it flows down like a good French wine. But it gets better, because you're not just served with it; it comes with appetizers (a back story reminiscent of the kids gang in Stephen King's IT), a succulent main course (the Oracle's killings), and a mouth-watering side dish (the characterization of the faulty detective Prosper Snow).
You just have to wait for dessert.
It will be rich and ... juicy.
One final note: if you don't like your mystery novels rare, this may not be the book for you. There's blood in this meat.
However, I didn't fancy reading his last three novels because, after so many years, his Special X team became a sad bunch to my eyes, and wished some fresher blood, maybe by moving to a new team or just following a single investigator. Maybe, I wished him to go back to where he started (Headhunter, Ghoul, Ripper, Primal Scream). There were, as a critic defined them, 'a thinking man Texas chainsaw massacre'. Rich in details, holding no punches to the reader's stomach, and with shady 'heroes' (anti-heroes?) as the main characters.
Or maybe it's just me.
Well, I think I've found a guy who could join and add fluids to the Michael Slade's team (Micheal Slade being the collective pen-name of a group of Canadian writers, some of them being expert crime lawyers). In fact, I'm reading - and enjoying - a twisted sick novel titled 'The Kult'. Written by Shaun Jeffrey, it's a real page-turner, even for a slow-reader like me.
The prose excellent, it flows down like a good French wine. But it gets better, because you're not just served with it; it comes with appetizers (a back story reminiscent of the kids gang in Stephen King's IT), a succulent main course (the Oracle's killings), and a mouth-watering side dish (the characterization of the faulty detective Prosper Snow).
You just have to wait for dessert.
It will be rich and ... juicy.
One final note: if you don't like your mystery novels rare, this may not be the book for you. There's blood in this meat.
April 22, 2011
The Kult has some pretty exciting moments and Shaun Jeffrey has a real gift for narrative. However, I found myself suspending disbelief a few times too often to really love this novel. It's an interesting idea regarding a serial killer who displays his victims as art with clues to his motives. Meanwhile, the detective who is investigating the murders becomes involved in a copy cat killing to help his friends. I think you can probably see the problem. It is too much of a leap of faith for me to believe the plot and also accept the investigator as anyone deserving of the kind of empathy needed to motivate a true emotional involvement in the reader. I understand that this was the author's first crime novel and he already had a reputation for supernatural horror. I plan to read one of those novels for his gift seems more suitable to the supernatural horror genre where suspension of disbelief becomes a bit easier. In the meantime, The Kult is still a fun read that will keep you guessing.
December 25, 2011
I have to admit through different sets off circumstances I took a long while to really get into this book but once I got into it I managed to finish it in one night (waiting on Santa!)
I absolutely loved it! The whole last half of the book felt completely full of action and I physically couldn't put it down!
I was even more happy that I called it. I have no idea how because the twist was truly OUT OF THE BLUE but I definitely called it.
I even said to my Mother before I went to bed that I had a totally crazy inkling to the end and when she woke up this morning she said, and I quote, "I take it from the overjoyed victory shout last night at 1:30am you got the ending right."
OH YEAH. I totally. called. it.
I really loved some of the characters and hated others, and the one I truly hated the most was the bad guy - winner!
A brilliant recommendation from some great friends on here, a big thank you to them all and I can't wait to read more of Shaun Jeffrey!!
I absolutely loved it! The whole last half of the book felt completely full of action and I physically couldn't put it down!
I was even more happy that I called it. I have no idea how because the twist was truly OUT OF THE BLUE but I definitely called it.
I even said to my Mother before I went to bed that I had a totally crazy inkling to the end and when she woke up this morning she said, and I quote, "I take it from the overjoyed victory shout last night at 1:30am you got the ending right."
OH YEAH. I totally. called. it.
I really loved some of the characters and hated others, and the one I truly hated the most was the bad guy - winner!
A brilliant recommendation from some great friends on here, a big thank you to them all and I can't wait to read more of Shaun Jeffrey!!
February 9, 2010
"The Kult" is a very dark and gritty thriller that caught me seriously by surprise. Neither did I expect the violent nature of the book, nor the excellence of execution I found here.
Shaun Jeffrey is a masterful storyteller who manages to create a plot that twists and turns and fills it with characters that are highly dimensional and breathing with life. I found myself very intrigued by a number of the plot devices he used to ratchet up the suspense from the very beginning. Starting around the last third of the novel, you will find it near impossible to put down as the story goes into overdrive and breathlessly strings the reader along with a great and macabre twist ending.
"The Kult" was a great read and Shaun Jeffrey easily plays in the same league as the best of them.
Shaun Jeffrey is a masterful storyteller who manages to create a plot that twists and turns and fills it with characters that are highly dimensional and breathing with life. I found myself very intrigued by a number of the plot devices he used to ratchet up the suspense from the very beginning. Starting around the last third of the novel, you will find it near impossible to put down as the story goes into overdrive and breathlessly strings the reader along with a great and macabre twist ending.
"The Kult" was a great read and Shaun Jeffrey easily plays in the same league as the best of them.
May 18, 2010
This isn't a review so much as an explanation as to why I enjoyed this book so much. What I liked about "The Kult" was the sneaky way Jeffrey has in keeping the reader guessing as to what's going on. I also loved the characters, as each one of them had a life and personality of their own and never really deviate from that.
What I liked the most, however, is what I imagine it would feel like to the average Joe, like me, if one were to unwillingly commit murder. I think that Shaun Jeffrey captured very well not only the feeling of guilt, but the stain, the haunting, the physical sickness, an experience like that would leave upon the soul.
Very recommended stuff!
What I liked the most, however, is what I imagine it would feel like to the average Joe, like me, if one were to unwillingly commit murder. I think that Shaun Jeffrey captured very well not only the feeling of guilt, but the stain, the haunting, the physical sickness, an experience like that would leave upon the soul.
Very recommended stuff!
August 31, 2009
First published in 2009, Shaun Jeffrey’s sadistically dark serial killer thriller entitled ‘The Kult’ is his second full length novel to be published.
The tale follows the lead character of Detective Chief Inspector Prosper Snow as a series of disturbing murders begin to take place. The first victim to the psychotic serial killer self-named ‘The Oracle’, is the young and facially disfigured girl Jane Numan. The first that Snow and the rest of the force hear about the murder is when a photograph of the girl’s heavily mutilated corpse arrives at the police station in a sealed envelope. From here on in, the victims pile up displaying increasingly elaborate degrees of sadistic mutilation to their corpses - each one in a morbidly artistic pose.
Before long, Snow is contacted by his school time friend Jerel Jones, who is one of four members of a group that was made via a blood pact many years ago. The other two members of the group, Wolfe Weaver and Ty Westwood, collectively known as ‘The Kult’ are also summoned to this meeting. When they are all once again together, Jones divulges a plan he has formulated to have his wife’s rapist (The Hatchet Man) murdered by the group. Furthermore, with Snow’s insight, Westwood details how he plans to set it up so that ‘The Oracle’ takes the blame for the murder.
After a lot of hesitation from Snow, the group agrees to help out their friend and the murder plot is underway. However, after the abduction and murder of Christine Jones’s rapist, events start going from bad to worse when those around Snow, including the members of ‘The Kult’, are suddenly now being targeted by The Oracle.
Snow is put in a difficult position, where he not only has to tackle ‘The Oracle’ who is slowly working his way through his friends and family, but also try to remain unlinked to the murder of The Hatchet Man. Knowing who he can trust becomes one of the greatest challenges for Snow...
From the start, Jeffrey sets the tale off with a triumphant pace, throwing in an abundance of graphically gory murders and morbidly imaginative mutilations that take the likes of David Fincher’s 1995 movie ‘Se7en’ to even darker depths.
Jeffrey manages to hook the reader in from the very first page, keeping his foot on the accelerator from then on, making it difficult for the reader to jump off this speeding tale at any one stage. This unrelenting pace is complemented perfectly by the ingenious twists and turns that bombarded the reader, leaving them untrusting of any character that comes along.
With the death toll rising, Jeffrey cleverly pulls the story in to a personal battle for Snow, adding a complex array of desperate emotions that hook the reader still further into the dark depths of the tale.
The use of bold characters displaying an array of individual yet likeable characteristics allows Jeffrey to inject a flowing energy and life to every emotional event that takes place for the members of ‘The Kult’. With the storyline twisting and turning seemingly with every turn of the page, the underlying tension keeps mounting throughout. Each twist in the plot forms a new ledge for Jeffrey to start again mounting the tension from, until it eventually reaches almost epic proportions, whereby the reader is almost ripping at the pages to discover the truth behind ‘The Oracle’.
As the storyline races onwards, clues left by ‘The Oracle’ remain un-deciphered, although the solution to these clues seems to be somewhat glaring the reader in the face. This is slightly annoying after a while, with the unsolved ‘mystery’ of the clues left by the killer, simply dragging on. However, this does not ultimately affect the sheer enjoyment of the novel, with its carefully laid subplots creating pure edge-of-the-seat entertainment for the reader.
Hurtling towards the tale’s conclusion with the unveiling and final confrontation with ‘The Oracle’, Jeffrey pulls out all the stops with a dramatic grande finale. With such a carefully thought out and elaborate tale, Jeffrey manages to wrap the whole story up perfectly, with each twist that occurred falling perfectly into place, allowing for a truly satisfying conclusion.
Jeffrey purposefully creates an air of mystery that surrounds ‘The Oracle’ and his motives, keeping the reader puzzling over any potential suspects, which manages to draw the reader in to the storyline still further. With the novel over, the reader can reflect upon and admire the subtleties that Jeffrey cunningly injected into the storyline and into the characters at various points throughout the tale, that only at the end become apparent.
This really is a novel that will claw you in to the pages and keep you prisoner within the text until it finally spits you out. This is 328 pages of high pressured tension that will leaving you gasping for air once the final page is turned.
The tale follows the lead character of Detective Chief Inspector Prosper Snow as a series of disturbing murders begin to take place. The first victim to the psychotic serial killer self-named ‘The Oracle’, is the young and facially disfigured girl Jane Numan. The first that Snow and the rest of the force hear about the murder is when a photograph of the girl’s heavily mutilated corpse arrives at the police station in a sealed envelope. From here on in, the victims pile up displaying increasingly elaborate degrees of sadistic mutilation to their corpses - each one in a morbidly artistic pose.
Before long, Snow is contacted by his school time friend Jerel Jones, who is one of four members of a group that was made via a blood pact many years ago. The other two members of the group, Wolfe Weaver and Ty Westwood, collectively known as ‘The Kult’ are also summoned to this meeting. When they are all once again together, Jones divulges a plan he has formulated to have his wife’s rapist (The Hatchet Man) murdered by the group. Furthermore, with Snow’s insight, Westwood details how he plans to set it up so that ‘The Oracle’ takes the blame for the murder.
After a lot of hesitation from Snow, the group agrees to help out their friend and the murder plot is underway. However, after the abduction and murder of Christine Jones’s rapist, events start going from bad to worse when those around Snow, including the members of ‘The Kult’, are suddenly now being targeted by The Oracle.
Snow is put in a difficult position, where he not only has to tackle ‘The Oracle’ who is slowly working his way through his friends and family, but also try to remain unlinked to the murder of The Hatchet Man. Knowing who he can trust becomes one of the greatest challenges for Snow...
From the start, Jeffrey sets the tale off with a triumphant pace, throwing in an abundance of graphically gory murders and morbidly imaginative mutilations that take the likes of David Fincher’s 1995 movie ‘Se7en’ to even darker depths.
Jeffrey manages to hook the reader in from the very first page, keeping his foot on the accelerator from then on, making it difficult for the reader to jump off this speeding tale at any one stage. This unrelenting pace is complemented perfectly by the ingenious twists and turns that bombarded the reader, leaving them untrusting of any character that comes along.
With the death toll rising, Jeffrey cleverly pulls the story in to a personal battle for Snow, adding a complex array of desperate emotions that hook the reader still further into the dark depths of the tale.
The use of bold characters displaying an array of individual yet likeable characteristics allows Jeffrey to inject a flowing energy and life to every emotional event that takes place for the members of ‘The Kult’. With the storyline twisting and turning seemingly with every turn of the page, the underlying tension keeps mounting throughout. Each twist in the plot forms a new ledge for Jeffrey to start again mounting the tension from, until it eventually reaches almost epic proportions, whereby the reader is almost ripping at the pages to discover the truth behind ‘The Oracle’.
As the storyline races onwards, clues left by ‘The Oracle’ remain un-deciphered, although the solution to these clues seems to be somewhat glaring the reader in the face. This is slightly annoying after a while, with the unsolved ‘mystery’ of the clues left by the killer, simply dragging on. However, this does not ultimately affect the sheer enjoyment of the novel, with its carefully laid subplots creating pure edge-of-the-seat entertainment for the reader.
Hurtling towards the tale’s conclusion with the unveiling and final confrontation with ‘The Oracle’, Jeffrey pulls out all the stops with a dramatic grande finale. With such a carefully thought out and elaborate tale, Jeffrey manages to wrap the whole story up perfectly, with each twist that occurred falling perfectly into place, allowing for a truly satisfying conclusion.
Jeffrey purposefully creates an air of mystery that surrounds ‘The Oracle’ and his motives, keeping the reader puzzling over any potential suspects, which manages to draw the reader in to the storyline still further. With the novel over, the reader can reflect upon and admire the subtleties that Jeffrey cunningly injected into the storyline and into the characters at various points throughout the tale, that only at the end become apparent.
This really is a novel that will claw you in to the pages and keep you prisoner within the text until it finally spits you out. This is 328 pages of high pressured tension that will leaving you gasping for air once the final page is turned.
April 2, 2012
Cross-posted from Papyrus Independent Reviews (http://papyrus.calebblake.net/2012/04/02/the-kult-by-shaun-jeffrey/)
How far would you go to be loyal to your childhood friends? How far would you go to protect them, avenge them? And how would you hide from the consequences when they come back to stalk you?
The Kult is a serial killer thriller which brings to my mind classics such as Seven. The cat and mouse investigation with a meticulously well-planned serial killer, the grittiness of the settings and people, the gruesome murder scenes and the promised significant end-game would resonate well with fans of that movie. However, this story goes a bit further and challenges the morality of our detective, providing another layer (and complication) to the plot.
Like all good thrillers, this one is a real page turner. I found myself bounding through chapters that were of easily digestible size while focused on advancing the plot, even while our hero’s investigation is being mired in his own tangled web of misplaced loyalties and old, binding childhood pacts.
The detective, Prosper Snow, is a fairly jaded character wracked with guilt over an accident which crippled his wife and a begrudging member of a pact created by four outcast children when he was fat and mercilessly teased. I’m not sure I was overly convinced by Snow. His childhood experiences seemed a little over-the-top for my liking. Where one character summarises him as obviously destined into a life to help others, this didn’t quite gel with some of his actions performed on behalf of friends over the years. Although he does attempt to make some kind of moral stand in the story it all seems too little, too late for me. His friends, although not very deeply explored for the most part seemed a little less problematic.
The author has tried to put together a pretty ambitious plot. For the most part it is executed well. However, again Snow seems to be the weak link. For a good deal of the story he seems to be staring stupidly at photos with a shocked expression and bumbling through his own mess in a way that made me want to scream. Then suddenly we see insight and intelligence as if from nowhere. Maybe he’s just a completely self-absorbed person who finally pulled his proverbial finger out and started trying to solve a case. It’s hard to say, but luckily Oracle, our serial killer, was very entertaining and much more consistent.
When everything heats up, it’s a roller coaster ride, but not without one or two further incongruencies. For example, why would a police officer with a loaded gun choose to run away from an attacker without a gun rather than shoot? To satisfy the author’s overriding aims rather than to present a logical plot development to be sure. There’s quite a few loose ends as the plot becomes quite messy and I believe the author has done a fairly admirable job of tying them up. However, there are some convenient elements that assist such as a witness who seems content to fade into the background and a partner hell-bent on keeping only one copy of her investigation notes (apparently not believing in sharing or keeping digital copies of anything).
This isn’t to say that I didn’t enjoy the book – I did so very much. I loved the Oracle even if I did manage to work out who he was well before the actual revelation (the author’s clues were pretty heavy-handed). Even after he was revealed he still provided continued entertainment. I liked quite a few of the additional cast and found the story compelling despite the issues I had.
The prose itself is really good. I enjoyed the language he used and could picture some of the imposing or just downright depressing settings of the book. He seemed to exercise a good command of some of the gorier aspects of the story. They are certainly there throughout, but I didn’t sense the relish that sometimes permeates such descriptions and leaves me wondering whether such scenes are supposed to have a somewhat pornographic feel. For that I was thankful.
If the serial killer thriller is your milieu, I would give The Kult a try. And if you like it, the author has published a second Prosper Snow book complete with another serial killer to chase.
How far would you go to be loyal to your childhood friends? How far would you go to protect them, avenge them? And how would you hide from the consequences when they come back to stalk you?
The Kult is a serial killer thriller which brings to my mind classics such as Seven. The cat and mouse investigation with a meticulously well-planned serial killer, the grittiness of the settings and people, the gruesome murder scenes and the promised significant end-game would resonate well with fans of that movie. However, this story goes a bit further and challenges the morality of our detective, providing another layer (and complication) to the plot.
Like all good thrillers, this one is a real page turner. I found myself bounding through chapters that were of easily digestible size while focused on advancing the plot, even while our hero’s investigation is being mired in his own tangled web of misplaced loyalties and old, binding childhood pacts.
The detective, Prosper Snow, is a fairly jaded character wracked with guilt over an accident which crippled his wife and a begrudging member of a pact created by four outcast children when he was fat and mercilessly teased. I’m not sure I was overly convinced by Snow. His childhood experiences seemed a little over-the-top for my liking. Where one character summarises him as obviously destined into a life to help others, this didn’t quite gel with some of his actions performed on behalf of friends over the years. Although he does attempt to make some kind of moral stand in the story it all seems too little, too late for me. His friends, although not very deeply explored for the most part seemed a little less problematic.
The author has tried to put together a pretty ambitious plot. For the most part it is executed well. However, again Snow seems to be the weak link. For a good deal of the story he seems to be staring stupidly at photos with a shocked expression and bumbling through his own mess in a way that made me want to scream. Then suddenly we see insight and intelligence as if from nowhere. Maybe he’s just a completely self-absorbed person who finally pulled his proverbial finger out and started trying to solve a case. It’s hard to say, but luckily Oracle, our serial killer, was very entertaining and much more consistent.
When everything heats up, it’s a roller coaster ride, but not without one or two further incongruencies. For example, why would a police officer with a loaded gun choose to run away from an attacker without a gun rather than shoot? To satisfy the author’s overriding aims rather than to present a logical plot development to be sure. There’s quite a few loose ends as the plot becomes quite messy and I believe the author has done a fairly admirable job of tying them up. However, there are some convenient elements that assist such as a witness who seems content to fade into the background and a partner hell-bent on keeping only one copy of her investigation notes (apparently not believing in sharing or keeping digital copies of anything).
This isn’t to say that I didn’t enjoy the book – I did so very much. I loved the Oracle even if I did manage to work out who he was well before the actual revelation (the author’s clues were pretty heavy-handed). Even after he was revealed he still provided continued entertainment. I liked quite a few of the additional cast and found the story compelling despite the issues I had.
The prose itself is really good. I enjoyed the language he used and could picture some of the imposing or just downright depressing settings of the book. He seemed to exercise a good command of some of the gorier aspects of the story. They are certainly there throughout, but I didn’t sense the relish that sometimes permeates such descriptions and leaves me wondering whether such scenes are supposed to have a somewhat pornographic feel. For that I was thankful.
If the serial killer thriller is your milieu, I would give The Kult a try. And if you like it, the author has published a second Prosper Snow book complete with another serial killer to chase.
October 14, 2009
The Kult starts off from the eyes of a serial killer, fittingly given the name, The Oracle. He believes that all people are predictable, and that that's what makes them so easy to kill. After The Oracle kills a person, he sends in a picture to the police of the body with pictures of various other serial killers surrounding the body.
Detective Chief Inspector Prosper Snow is heading the case of The Oracle and is at a loss to what the significance of the surrounding pictures within these pictures could mean. While deep into the case, Snow gets an email in one of his private email accounts at home, The Kult email, set up between him and his old school buddies. They had formed the Kult so they could help each other out. In this email, one of Snow’s friends asks for assistance. Unfortunately, it is more than the typical "beat so-and-so up for me" request. This friend’s wife has been raped, and he wants revenge on the rapist. He wants someone killed! The friend thinks that the timing is good to set it up to look like The Oracle is the killer. Hesitant to go along, Snow finally gives in to his friend's wishes. Once he agrees, all kinds of crazy things start happening and Snow doesn’t know what to do as it appears now that someone is trying to frame him for ALL of the murders!
Shaun Jeffrey had me on the edge of my seat from the get-go with this book. I was trying to guess throughout the book who The Oracle was, but Jeffrey’s plot twists and turns, and threw me off enough that I never did figure out exactly what was going on until the very end. The book was extremely suspenseful, and with short chapters, I had a hard time putting it down, as I figured just one more couldn't hurt! This was my first glimpse into Jeffrey’s writing, but I will definitely be delving deeper, as I was mesmerized by this book. I think anyone that enjoys a good mystery, thriller, or horror novel would enjoy this book. Highly recommended!
Review also posted at MonsterLibrarian.com
Detective Chief Inspector Prosper Snow is heading the case of The Oracle and is at a loss to what the significance of the surrounding pictures within these pictures could mean. While deep into the case, Snow gets an email in one of his private email accounts at home, The Kult email, set up between him and his old school buddies. They had formed the Kult so they could help each other out. In this email, one of Snow’s friends asks for assistance. Unfortunately, it is more than the typical "beat so-and-so up for me" request. This friend’s wife has been raped, and he wants revenge on the rapist. He wants someone killed! The friend thinks that the timing is good to set it up to look like The Oracle is the killer. Hesitant to go along, Snow finally gives in to his friend's wishes. Once he agrees, all kinds of crazy things start happening and Snow doesn’t know what to do as it appears now that someone is trying to frame him for ALL of the murders!
Shaun Jeffrey had me on the edge of my seat from the get-go with this book. I was trying to guess throughout the book who The Oracle was, but Jeffrey’s plot twists and turns, and threw me off enough that I never did figure out exactly what was going on until the very end. The book was extremely suspenseful, and with short chapters, I had a hard time putting it down, as I figured just one more couldn't hurt! This was my first glimpse into Jeffrey’s writing, but I will definitely be delving deeper, as I was mesmerized by this book. I think anyone that enjoys a good mystery, thriller, or horror novel would enjoy this book. Highly recommended!
Review also posted at MonsterLibrarian.com
December 3, 2009
Here's a book that really does live up to those often used phrases for book reviews 'a page tuner of the highest order'... 'a white hot read'... 'sizzling'.
When I first started reading The Kult I was expecting another novel from the school of kooky detective vs sadistic serial killer... thankfully Shaun's novel shattered these expectations and after the initial 70 odd pages I was well and truly hooked.
Two nights later and I'm racing towards the climax of the novel, eager to discover what was in store for our hero, Prosper Snow.
The Kult provided me with one of those great moments when you suddenly realise who the killer actually is just seconds before the author reveals his culprit. I love these moments in books and, indeed films... and as we're talking films for a moment, The Kult brought to mind the giallo's of Argento etc rather than the forensic/police procedural approach of American movies like Silence of the Lambs and others of that ilk.
Shaun's style is very readable and his chapters are quite short and condensed, without sacrificing too much in the way of characterisation, particularly that the main protagonist of the novel. And lets face it, there are plenty of 'house brick' novels out there full of detailed character study, and long multi-part chapters detailing every nuance of a characters life.
The Kult is a THRILLER... and it certainly does thrill, and one that can be enjoyed by horror fans worldwide.
When I first started reading The Kult I was expecting another novel from the school of kooky detective vs sadistic serial killer... thankfully Shaun's novel shattered these expectations and after the initial 70 odd pages I was well and truly hooked.
Two nights later and I'm racing towards the climax of the novel, eager to discover what was in store for our hero, Prosper Snow.
The Kult provided me with one of those great moments when you suddenly realise who the killer actually is just seconds before the author reveals his culprit. I love these moments in books and, indeed films... and as we're talking films for a moment, The Kult brought to mind the giallo's of Argento etc rather than the forensic/police procedural approach of American movies like Silence of the Lambs and others of that ilk.
Shaun's style is very readable and his chapters are quite short and condensed, without sacrificing too much in the way of characterisation, particularly that the main protagonist of the novel. And lets face it, there are plenty of 'house brick' novels out there full of detailed character study, and long multi-part chapters detailing every nuance of a characters life.
The Kult is a THRILLER... and it certainly does thrill, and one that can be enjoyed by horror fans worldwide.
Read
May 28, 2011Read this review at Smash Attack Reads! http://www.smashattackreads.com/2011/...
The Kult is my first taste of horror in a long while, and boy, have I missed it. This book was pretty awesome in all its gory, thrilling, sadistic glory. I really enjoyed the author’s writing style and use of phrasing and foreshadowing. And, he’s a really good story teller! The story keeps you on your toes as you try and figure out who the serial killer is, and cunning misdirection by the author ensures you will be quite surprised when the killer is revealed.
There are two plotlines at the beginning of the story, but then all of a sudden – BAM! – they merge with horrifying clarity. That is when the story heats up and sucks you in for the hellish ride. I felt the character’s agony, fear and terror through much of the book. There’s one scene where a character is running from the killer in a pitch black warehouse. The character’s terror was palpable and my hair was standing on end throughout the entire scene! I love to be scared. I‘m a haunted house and horror movie junkie, and this scene was pretty vivid!
Being a social worker, I enjoyed the inclusion of the the psychopathology of serial killers, which I find pretty damn fascinating. Anti-Social Personality Disorder, anyone? This book is obviously not for the faint of heart, but for those who love a good mystery horror thriller, definitely partake in the horrific awesomeness that is The Kult.
The Kult is my first taste of horror in a long while, and boy, have I missed it. This book was pretty awesome in all its gory, thrilling, sadistic glory. I really enjoyed the author’s writing style and use of phrasing and foreshadowing. And, he’s a really good story teller! The story keeps you on your toes as you try and figure out who the serial killer is, and cunning misdirection by the author ensures you will be quite surprised when the killer is revealed.
There are two plotlines at the beginning of the story, but then all of a sudden – BAM! – they merge with horrifying clarity. That is when the story heats up and sucks you in for the hellish ride. I felt the character’s agony, fear and terror through much of the book. There’s one scene where a character is running from the killer in a pitch black warehouse. The character’s terror was palpable and my hair was standing on end throughout the entire scene! I love to be scared. I‘m a haunted house and horror movie junkie, and this scene was pretty vivid!
Being a social worker, I enjoyed the inclusion of the the psychopathology of serial killers, which I find pretty damn fascinating. Anti-Social Personality Disorder, anyone? This book is obviously not for the faint of heart, but for those who love a good mystery horror thriller, definitely partake in the horrific awesomeness that is The Kult.
May 14, 2012
“The Kult,” first of the Detective Chief Inspector Prosper Snow novels, is an incredible, complexly-plotted, mystery/thriller/suspense/horror. Not for the faint of heart due to its graphic violence, it is nevertheless well worth the reading-and the violence is never gratuitous, but rather an integral part of the plot line and characterization. Well-written, fascinating, and riveting, “The Kult” serves as a fine introduction to author Shaun Jeffrey, and convinced me to read his entire oeuvre.
Unraveling this plot is the joy of the story, so I won’t detail it other than to say that on the choices of the past are founded the mistakes of the present and the fears of our future. As Detective C. I. Snow discovers, not only are our choices in the past part of our present, but so are the choices others around us made. As John Donne penned centuries ago, “No man is an island,” and this is very true for Snow and the friends of his youth. Seeds planted in secondary school bear fruit now decades later, both for good and for bad; and Snow and his friends discover that the foundations laid in past years are sometimes very shakily constructed indeed.
Unraveling this plot is the joy of the story, so I won’t detail it other than to say that on the choices of the past are founded the mistakes of the present and the fears of our future. As Detective C. I. Snow discovers, not only are our choices in the past part of our present, but so are the choices others around us made. As John Donne penned centuries ago, “No man is an island,” and this is very true for Snow and the friends of his youth. Seeds planted in secondary school bear fruit now decades later, both for good and for bad; and Snow and his friends discover that the foundations laid in past years are sometimes very shakily constructed indeed.
January 10, 2014
The Kult focuses on a serial killer known as 'The Oracle', killing his victims in gruesome ways, and displaying his victims' bodies as works of art. Prosper Snow is a police detective working on the case, and eventually is goaded by a few old high school friends into doing a copycat killing. Now the real killer is after Snow and his friends. They risk being killed or being arrested for murder.
The second I started reading The Kult and read the first couple of chapters, I had a hard time putting down the book. I wanted to read it all in one sitting, but couldn't. It has everything a horror fan could want - mystery, mayhem, havoc, curiosity, etc.
Jeffrey put so much detail into the murders, which I liked. They each were vivid, which made me have a hard time putting down the book. Some of the characters were a bit underdeveloped to me though. A bit unsatisfying there, but manageable.
Overall, I would definitely recommend this book as a must-read and I would re-read this book again and again.
The second I started reading The Kult and read the first couple of chapters, I had a hard time putting down the book. I wanted to read it all in one sitting, but couldn't. It has everything a horror fan could want - mystery, mayhem, havoc, curiosity, etc.
Jeffrey put so much detail into the murders, which I liked. They each were vivid, which made me have a hard time putting down the book. Some of the characters were a bit underdeveloped to me though. A bit unsatisfying there, but manageable.
Overall, I would definitely recommend this book as a must-read and I would re-read this book again and again.
May 14, 2010
Against Officer Prosper Snow's better judgement (and wishes) he agrees to help a friend out in need. Once the task is undertaken it seems that everything that can go wrong does go wrong. With everything spiraling out of control he has to fight to save not only his life but those of his friends and family as well. This book will keep you glued to your seat because you won't be able to wait to find out what happens next.
May 14, 2010
I liked this book, I was surprised by the ending, and loved the fast pacing. I enjoy books with short chapters, and high energy. While it was a bit to gory, I felt that it wasn't just gory to be gory, but that it was important to the story line. At first I felt that I had 'been had' with the ending, but of course in hindsight, the clues were all there. Would I recomend this book? yes, if you don't want to sleep!
May 10, 2011
People are predictable. That’s what makes them easy to kill.
Detective Chief Inspector Prosper Snow is in charge of an investigation into a serial killer called The Oracle who turns his victims into macabre works of art. But Prosper harbours a dark secret of his own. He and his old school friends were members of a group called The Kult, who made a pact to dish out their own form of vengeance on bullies. Now a member of the group puts their friendship to the test when he makes a far darker request: that they murder someone that raped his wife.
To get away with murder, the friends decide to blame it on The Oracle, but events take a chilling turn when the instigator turns up dead, his body fashioned into a disturbing work of art. Now, one by one, the members of The Kult are being hunted down.
Just when Prosper thinks things can’t get any worse, his wife is kidnapped and he knows that if he goes to his colleagues for help, he risks his dark deeds being unearthed. If he doesn’t, he risks losing all that he holds dear.
I’m a great believer that the best, most startling horror needs to be as realistic as possible. Though I admit a soft spot for vampires, zombies and werewolves I find that horror which is grounded in the real world tends to pack more of an emotional punch. The Kult by Shaun Jeffrey is a superior example of this. It has a simple premise, a serial killer on the loose, that is made all the more horrific by the fact that this story could unfold anywhere and could happen to anyone.
The Oracle is a really nasty piece of work, he is driven by anger and hatred. His single-mindedness makes him a very efficient and devious killer. His crimes are horrific and the author doesn’t sugar coat anything when he describes them in vivid, bloody detail. The victims he chooses are selected from the most vulnerable sections of society. He wants people to hate and fear him and tries to generate the most public outrage he can. Here the reader is presented with a character that is utterly vile.
Snow, on the other hand, is written as a character that is very much in conflict with his life. The pact he made with the other members of The Kult may have seemed like a good idea when they were all teens, but as a grown man it flies in the face of his duty is a police officer. His loyalties are divided between his friends and his work. I liked the fact that as the story progresses there is an increasingly desperate sense to all of Snow’s actions as he tries to capture the killer without implicating himself.
In addition to the Oracle’s killings, there is the second narrative strand that details the Kult’s attempt to arrange a perfect murder of their own. Both stories are enjoyable to read but the plot really excels when these two strands are brought together. Just how far are Snow and his friends willing to go in order to help one another? The Kult works best when it is pushing these dark moral boundaries.
There are plenty of unexpected twists and turns, and I was pleased that the outcome didn’t feel in any way predictable. Add in a healthy dose of character paranoia, and satisfyingly climactic conclusion, and you get a novel that is well worth your time.
February 22, 2010
“People are predictable. That’s what makes them easy to kill.” – The Oracle
Killing people is The Oracle’s business, and business is good in author Shaun Jeffrey’s incredibly dark novel The Kult. The Oracle, you see, doesn’t just kill people; he tortures and mutilates them in horrifying ways, turning them, in his mind, into macabre works of art. Then he takes photographs of his creations, which he sends to the police.
Detective Chief Inspector Prosper Snow is in charge of The Oracle investigation. He’s also a member of the Kult, a small group of friends he’s known since his school days. Initially formed when they were just kids to help each other deal with bullies, the Kult stayed in contact over the years, occasionally calling on each other for assistance with increasingly “grown up” issues.
An email Snow receives from one of the members calling for a meeting leads to the group facing the most grown up issue possible: murder. At the meeting, Snow learns that the wife of one of his friends has been raped and not only does his friend intend to seek revenge, he expects his fellow Kult members to assist. He argues that the timing is perfect for them to kill his wife’s rapist, because if they do so in a sufficiently gruesome manner it will be blamed on The Oracle.
Though he’d always been there for the Kult in the past, Snow can’t agree to such extreme action. That is, not until his supposed friends inform him that if he doesn’t help, including supplying them with the inside information necessary to copy the unique m.o. of The Oracle, they will reveal to his superiors all the previous questionable activities in which Snow has participated. Caught between the proverbial rock and hard place, Snow caves and assists in the killing. And that is when things go from merely screwed up to genuinely life threatening, because following their attempt to frame The Oracle for the murder they commit the Kult members begin getting knocked off themselves.
In The Oracle Jeffrey has conjured up one of the nastiest, most perversely creative serial killers in recent memory, which makes it all the more impressive that Jeffrey did not make his protagonist an über-Detective. Quite the contrary, Snow spends most of the story frustrated, one step behind, and continuously making extremely questionable decisions based on emotion rather than logic… which makes him a believable and sympathetic lead.
The tension and stakes rise to almost stifling levels as Snow races to discover The Oracle’s identity before he finds himself in the crosshairs, setting the stage for a truly disturbing showdown in The Oracle’s decidedly creepy lair. Definitely not for the faint-of-heart, The Kult is a gripping read that’s part horror, part mystery, part police procedural, and completely in-your-face.
Killing people is The Oracle’s business, and business is good in author Shaun Jeffrey’s incredibly dark novel The Kult. The Oracle, you see, doesn’t just kill people; he tortures and mutilates them in horrifying ways, turning them, in his mind, into macabre works of art. Then he takes photographs of his creations, which he sends to the police.
Detective Chief Inspector Prosper Snow is in charge of The Oracle investigation. He’s also a member of the Kult, a small group of friends he’s known since his school days. Initially formed when they were just kids to help each other deal with bullies, the Kult stayed in contact over the years, occasionally calling on each other for assistance with increasingly “grown up” issues.
An email Snow receives from one of the members calling for a meeting leads to the group facing the most grown up issue possible: murder. At the meeting, Snow learns that the wife of one of his friends has been raped and not only does his friend intend to seek revenge, he expects his fellow Kult members to assist. He argues that the timing is perfect for them to kill his wife’s rapist, because if they do so in a sufficiently gruesome manner it will be blamed on The Oracle.
Though he’d always been there for the Kult in the past, Snow can’t agree to such extreme action. That is, not until his supposed friends inform him that if he doesn’t help, including supplying them with the inside information necessary to copy the unique m.o. of The Oracle, they will reveal to his superiors all the previous questionable activities in which Snow has participated. Caught between the proverbial rock and hard place, Snow caves and assists in the killing. And that is when things go from merely screwed up to genuinely life threatening, because following their attempt to frame The Oracle for the murder they commit the Kult members begin getting knocked off themselves.
In The Oracle Jeffrey has conjured up one of the nastiest, most perversely creative serial killers in recent memory, which makes it all the more impressive that Jeffrey did not make his protagonist an über-Detective. Quite the contrary, Snow spends most of the story frustrated, one step behind, and continuously making extremely questionable decisions based on emotion rather than logic… which makes him a believable and sympathetic lead.
The tension and stakes rise to almost stifling levels as Snow races to discover The Oracle’s identity before he finds himself in the crosshairs, setting the stage for a truly disturbing showdown in The Oracle’s decidedly creepy lair. Definitely not for the faint-of-heart, The Kult is a gripping read that’s part horror, part mystery, part police procedural, and completely in-your-face.
June 25, 2009
Having read the book I can honestly say that the story was interesting, well thought out, imaginative and crafted so that the reader followed it eagerly to the ending.
I am an avid reader of many books of varying genres and my tastes run from horror, crime fiction to comedy.
I have read one of Shaun Jeffrey's previous books "Evilution" and enjoyed that immensely so I eagerly awaited his latest novel.
I would describe The Kult as a crime thriller which, on occassion, put me in mind of the Alex Cross series of books by James Patterson.
The main protagonist is a serial killer who mysteriously calls himself The Oracle for his uncanny ability to predict the way that people will act in a given situation.
The book begins with The Oracle establishing his credentials by committing a series of gruesome murders which also have artistic overtones that seem to mock the Police who are charged with bringing him to justice.
The authorities in this case are represented by Inspector Prosper Snow who, in the first instance seems to be the epitomy of British Policing, a tenacious Detective Inspector. It soon becomes clear that however that the Inspector has a dark secret in his past. Snow and a group of old school friends have made a secret pact to protect and defend each other and form a clandestine group called "The Kult" hence the book title.
When one of "The Kult" members asks Snow and the others to help him to get revenge on a man by killing him and framing The Oracle for the crime Snow is faced with a dillema that places him between friendship, loyalty and duty.
The Kult is a rivetting read that I could not put down and finished in short order.
The characters are colourful and believable and the plot provides a twist at the end that will leave the reader reeling.
Shaun Jeffrey should be congratulated for another fantastic book. A must read for any fan of the thriller genre and I eagerly await the next novel.
I am an avid reader of many books of varying genres and my tastes run from horror, crime fiction to comedy.
I have read one of Shaun Jeffrey's previous books "Evilution" and enjoyed that immensely so I eagerly awaited his latest novel.
I would describe The Kult as a crime thriller which, on occassion, put me in mind of the Alex Cross series of books by James Patterson.
The main protagonist is a serial killer who mysteriously calls himself The Oracle for his uncanny ability to predict the way that people will act in a given situation.
The book begins with The Oracle establishing his credentials by committing a series of gruesome murders which also have artistic overtones that seem to mock the Police who are charged with bringing him to justice.
The authorities in this case are represented by Inspector Prosper Snow who, in the first instance seems to be the epitomy of British Policing, a tenacious Detective Inspector. It soon becomes clear that however that the Inspector has a dark secret in his past. Snow and a group of old school friends have made a secret pact to protect and defend each other and form a clandestine group called "The Kult" hence the book title.
When one of "The Kult" members asks Snow and the others to help him to get revenge on a man by killing him and framing The Oracle for the crime Snow is faced with a dillema that places him between friendship, loyalty and duty.
The Kult is a rivetting read that I could not put down and finished in short order.
The characters are colourful and believable and the plot provides a twist at the end that will leave the reader reeling.
Shaun Jeffrey should be congratulated for another fantastic book. A must read for any fan of the thriller genre and I eagerly await the next novel.
June 25, 2011
If you seek cheap thrills, then please, keep on searching. The Kult is a book that will draw your time away from until you realize you're up in the wee hours of the morning (after all, time flies when you're having fun)! I can definitely attest to that previous claim. I only started reading the book a day and a half ago, and finished it earlier today! Not many books can capture my attention like The Kult did, so Shaun Jeffrey, major kudos to you!
The book delivers an enthralling adventure following Detective Chief Inspector Prosper Snow as he tracks down a mysterious serial killer known only as "The Oracle." The Oracle sends clues to the police force in the forms of macabre art, all vividly described.
But when he is called back into "duty" by the childhood friends, The Kult, things begin to become far stranger. They are enlisted to murder a man, a vast difference to their usual take on beating someone up. Prosper, although reluctant, helps to carry out the deed. The catch, is they are instructed to make it seem like the man is just another of The Oracle's victims.
The Oracle doesn't seem to take too kindly to their farce, and begins to hunt The Kult down. It is left to Prosper and his remaining friends to discover the identity of The Oracle and make it out alive!
The Kult is a very well written book, with wonderful descriptions. More often than not during the book, it is easy to imagine the scenery, to see the actions the characters take and to bear witness the grisly murders committed by The Oracle. The book takes you through a rollercoaster of suspicion, keeping you guessing as to The Oracle's identity, shifting your trust from one character to the next. The characters are very well rounded, and all contribute to the insanity (and yes, this is good!) of the story
The book delivers an enthralling adventure following Detective Chief Inspector Prosper Snow as he tracks down a mysterious serial killer known only as "The Oracle." The Oracle sends clues to the police force in the forms of macabre art, all vividly described.
But when he is called back into "duty" by the childhood friends, The Kult, things begin to become far stranger. They are enlisted to murder a man, a vast difference to their usual take on beating someone up. Prosper, although reluctant, helps to carry out the deed. The catch, is they are instructed to make it seem like the man is just another of The Oracle's victims.
The Oracle doesn't seem to take too kindly to their farce, and begins to hunt The Kult down. It is left to Prosper and his remaining friends to discover the identity of The Oracle and make it out alive!
The Kult is a very well written book, with wonderful descriptions. More often than not during the book, it is easy to imagine the scenery, to see the actions the characters take and to bear witness the grisly murders committed by The Oracle. The book takes you through a rollercoaster of suspicion, keeping you guessing as to The Oracle's identity, shifting your trust from one character to the next. The characters are very well rounded, and all contribute to the insanity (and yes, this is good!) of the story
January 6, 2012
"The Kult" is an exceptional mystery thriller that keeps you guessing right until the end. Packed with action and excitement, you'll find yourself unable to put it down.
It follows the character Prosper Snow, who is thoroughly relatable police detective, but like all good sleuths, somewhat flawed. A little misguided loyalty towards his friends spirals out of control and he finds himself caught up in the middle of a very dark deed indeed.
In a twist on the regular whodunit theme, Snow gets involved in both sides of the investigation. On the one hand, he's trying to catch a serial killer that revolts him, but at the same time, he's having to keep his own misdemeanours safe from police detection.
The book is very gory. I found myself scared to get out of bed in the middle of the night whilst reading it. Although being terrified isn't my favourite emotion, it's great when you read a book that really makes you feel.
Shaun Jeffrey is an indie writer who deserves great success. When "Killers" (the second Prosper Snow novel) came second in the InBoBo best indie books of 2011 competition, I knew it was time to read "The Kult". I certainly understand why the series is so highly recommended.
All is all, a great book, which will suit anybody who likes a modern, bloody whodunit. It's not for the fainthearted.
It follows the character Prosper Snow, who is thoroughly relatable police detective, but like all good sleuths, somewhat flawed. A little misguided loyalty towards his friends spirals out of control and he finds himself caught up in the middle of a very dark deed indeed.
In a twist on the regular whodunit theme, Snow gets involved in both sides of the investigation. On the one hand, he's trying to catch a serial killer that revolts him, but at the same time, he's having to keep his own misdemeanours safe from police detection.
The book is very gory. I found myself scared to get out of bed in the middle of the night whilst reading it. Although being terrified isn't my favourite emotion, it's great when you read a book that really makes you feel.
Shaun Jeffrey is an indie writer who deserves great success. When "Killers" (the second Prosper Snow novel) came second in the InBoBo best indie books of 2011 competition, I knew it was time to read "The Kult". I certainly understand why the series is so highly recommended.
All is all, a great book, which will suit anybody who likes a modern, bloody whodunit. It's not for the fainthearted.
May 14, 2009
If you are looking for a quick read with plenty of twists and turns, this is your book. It is a good mystery from beginning to ending.
As much as I liked the book, it was not a masterpiece. I felt the characterization was a little weak; I didn't end up getting invovled with the characters as much as I usually would like.
I thought that some of the descriptions were a little overdone and cheesy. A thesaurus is a great tool. But who uses the word "funereal" twice in one book.
Reading this book reminded me of going to see an action adventure movie. There was plenty of ation that held my attention, but not as much substance as I would have liked.
I can say that some of the scenes were extremely descriptive. So that is a deffinite plus for the book. The author has a fascinating writing style in that he is great at giving detail.
All in all I would recommend this book to a friend or even fans of Stephen King. I had a lot of fun figuring out all the twists and turns before I was supposed to. And I was pleasently surprised that it wasn't as predictable as I thought it would be either.
As much as I liked the book, it was not a masterpiece. I felt the characterization was a little weak; I didn't end up getting invovled with the characters as much as I usually would like.
I thought that some of the descriptions were a little overdone and cheesy. A thesaurus is a great tool. But who uses the word "funereal" twice in one book.
Reading this book reminded me of going to see an action adventure movie. There was plenty of ation that held my attention, but not as much substance as I would have liked.
I can say that some of the scenes were extremely descriptive. So that is a deffinite plus for the book. The author has a fascinating writing style in that he is great at giving detail.
All in all I would recommend this book to a friend or even fans of Stephen King. I had a lot of fun figuring out all the twists and turns before I was supposed to. And I was pleasently surprised that it wasn't as predictable as I thought it would be either.
June 11, 2011
Barely having finished another book by Shaun Jeffrey, "Deadfall" to be exact, I simply had to grab another one by him as my next read. And this one drew me in even more than the first one, mainly because I love good suspenseful books a wee bit more than horror.
The story of childhood friends helping each other out in every possible (and murderous) way and the hunt for a serial killer culminate in a shocking connection in the person of Prosper Snow. The amazing cast of characters and the captivating writing style are once again bordering on perfect. And the story? Thrilling, with an interesting twist, just the way I like it. Bloody? Yes. Very. Hard to put down? You bet. Let's just say I wasn't at all surprised when I found out afterwards that this book will be made into a movie soon. I need to watch it and even more so I ned to get hold of more books by the author!
In short: Books like action movies? You must read this gripping thriller. Right now!!
The story of childhood friends helping each other out in every possible (and murderous) way and the hunt for a serial killer culminate in a shocking connection in the person of Prosper Snow. The amazing cast of characters and the captivating writing style are once again bordering on perfect. And the story? Thrilling, with an interesting twist, just the way I like it. Bloody? Yes. Very. Hard to put down? You bet. Let's just say I wasn't at all surprised when I found out afterwards that this book will be made into a movie soon. I need to watch it and even more so I ned to get hold of more books by the author!
In short: Books like action movies? You must read this gripping thriller. Right now!!
June 26, 2013
This is a short serial killer v. detective novel that has momentum from the very beginning. The book opens into the mind of the murderous master of the mayhem which gives the book a serious cat and mouse attitude. The detective protagonist and all the other cast, we might care about, are definitely the mice. There's no filler in this book, it's streamlined and focused. The only flashback is entertaining and necessary in establishing understanding of the protagonist. The detective is not a genius and comes across as a man trying to do a difficult job in stressful circumstances, which makes complete sense. Of course the detective has baggage, but it's of a kind that I've not come across before and certainly compelling in both it's essence and threat.
If you like puzzles this book has one that works. We are given enough clues to work out the identity of the killer/killers without it being too easy and with plenty of misdirection to help us along.
If you like puzzles this book has one that works. We are given enough clues to work out the identity of the killer/killers without it being too easy and with plenty of misdirection to help us along.
June 6, 2011
This was a very well written, thrilling read. I was anxious from the very beginning, as the Oracle tracks down his first victim and slowly calculates his next move. It was chilling, and definitely not for the faint of heart. This novel is classified as horror, and I now know why! There are very graphic, gruesome descriptions of the mutilated bodies, and much of the work is done while the victim is alive… so if you have a weak stomach, I’m telling you now that this isn’t for you. I wasn’t expecting so much insight into the murders, but in order to really understand the psyche of the Oracle, especially as information begins to surface regarding the Oracle’s identity, the graphic prose are needed.
To read my full review (7/14):
http://bookvacations.wordpress.com/20...
To read my full review (7/14):
http://bookvacations.wordpress.com/20...
June 1, 2012
All I can say is that this book IS NOT for any one with a week stomach!
I've read some pretty gory books in my day that were even more graffic then this one.. But this one some how seem to hit the gag reflex!
This is a story about a serial killer with a twist! Never read a book writen with this kinda twist before... Excelent!
That being said it was a great book! Well writen, and kept you reading... Just HAD to know the reasons behind this sereal killer, and what happens to The Kult!
Most books I can usually tell you how they will end and have figured out who the killer is.. Not this one, I didn't know till the author told me!
When an author can do that in my opinion ... That is a GREAT book!
I've read some pretty gory books in my day that were even more graffic then this one.. But this one some how seem to hit the gag reflex!
This is a story about a serial killer with a twist! Never read a book writen with this kinda twist before... Excelent!
That being said it was a great book! Well writen, and kept you reading... Just HAD to know the reasons behind this sereal killer, and what happens to The Kult!
Most books I can usually tell you how they will end and have figured out who the killer is.. Not this one, I didn't know till the author told me!
When an author can do that in my opinion ... That is a GREAT book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews