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Patel & Pardoe #4
What Hides in the Cellar
'God, he's good.' Stephen King
A SEVERED HEAD A grisly series of murders across London is baffling local authorities. Eyewitnesses describe suspects who are only partially visible – one appears to have no feet, another no head, a fourth is missing his entire right side.
A SUPERNATURAL CASE These murders are neither straightforward nor easily explained, which means there are only two people fit to DS Jamila Patel and DC Jerry Pardoe, who are used to tracking spirits intent on causing mayhem.
A BLOODY HISTORY When two children go missing – finding themselves lost in another time period altogether – the investigation leads to the discovery of a violent entity. One who has been killing for much longer than anyone first realised – and has no plans to stop...
The new PATEL and PARDOE mystery.
A SEVERED HEAD A grisly series of murders across London is baffling local authorities. Eyewitnesses describe suspects who are only partially visible – one appears to have no feet, another no head, a fourth is missing his entire right side.
A SUPERNATURAL CASE These murders are neither straightforward nor easily explained, which means there are only two people fit to DS Jamila Patel and DC Jerry Pardoe, who are used to tracking spirits intent on causing mayhem.
A BLOODY HISTORY When two children go missing – finding themselves lost in another time period altogether – the investigation leads to the discovery of a violent entity. One who has been killing for much longer than anyone first realised – and has no plans to stop...
The new PATEL and PARDOE mystery.
316 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 21, 2023
115 people are currently reading
616 people want to read
About the author
Graham Masterton
422 books1,967 followersGraham Masterton was born in Edinburgh in 1946. His grandfather was Thomas Thorne Baker, the eminent scientist who invented DayGlo and was the first man to transmit news photographs by wireless. After training as a newspaper reporter, Graham went on to edit the new British men's magazine Mayfair, where he encouraged William Burroughs to develop a series of scientific and philosophical articles which eventually became Burroughs' novel The Wild Boys.
At the age of 24, Graham was appointed executive editor of both Penthouse and Penthouse Forum magazines. At this time he started to write a bestselling series of sex 'how-to' books including How To Drive Your Man Wild In Bed which has sold over 3 million copies worldwide. His latest, Wild Sex For New Lovers is published by Penguin Putnam in January, 2001. He is a regular contributor to Cosmopolitan, Men's Health, Woman, Woman's Own and other mass-market self-improvement magazines.
Graham Masterton's debut as a horror author began with The Manitou in 1976, a chilling tale of a Native American medicine man reborn in the present day to exact his revenge on the white man. It became an instant bestseller and was filmed with Tony Curtis, Susan Strasberg, Burgess Meredith, Michael Ansara, Stella Stevens and Ann Sothern.
Altogether Graham has written more than a hundred novels ranging from thrillers (The Sweetman Curve, Ikon) to disaster novels (Plague, Famine) to historical sagas (Rich and Maiden Voyage - both appeared in the New York Times bestseller list). He has published four collections of short stories, Fortnight of Fear, Flights of Fear, Faces of Fear and Feelings of Fear.
He has also written horror novels for children (House of Bones, Hair-Raiser) and has just finished the fifth volume in a very popular series for young adults, Rook, based on the adventures of an idiosyncratic remedial English teacher in a Los Angeles community college who has the facility to see ghosts.
Since then Graham has published more than 35 horror novels, including Charnel House, which was awarded a Special Edgar by Mystery Writers of America; Mirror, which was awarded a Silver Medal by West Coast Review of Books; and Family Portrait, an update of Oscar Wilde's tale, The Picture of Dorian Gray, which was the only non-French winner of the prestigious Prix Julia Verlanger in France.
He and his wife Wiescka live in a Gothic Victorian mansion high above the River Lee in Cork, Ireland.
At the age of 24, Graham was appointed executive editor of both Penthouse and Penthouse Forum magazines. At this time he started to write a bestselling series of sex 'how-to' books including How To Drive Your Man Wild In Bed which has sold over 3 million copies worldwide. His latest, Wild Sex For New Lovers is published by Penguin Putnam in January, 2001. He is a regular contributor to Cosmopolitan, Men's Health, Woman, Woman's Own and other mass-market self-improvement magazines.
Graham Masterton's debut as a horror author began with The Manitou in 1976, a chilling tale of a Native American medicine man reborn in the present day to exact his revenge on the white man. It became an instant bestseller and was filmed with Tony Curtis, Susan Strasberg, Burgess Meredith, Michael Ansara, Stella Stevens and Ann Sothern.
Altogether Graham has written more than a hundred novels ranging from thrillers (The Sweetman Curve, Ikon) to disaster novels (Plague, Famine) to historical sagas (Rich and Maiden Voyage - both appeared in the New York Times bestseller list). He has published four collections of short stories, Fortnight of Fear, Flights of Fear, Faces of Fear and Feelings of Fear.
He has also written horror novels for children (House of Bones, Hair-Raiser) and has just finished the fifth volume in a very popular series for young adults, Rook, based on the adventures of an idiosyncratic remedial English teacher in a Los Angeles community college who has the facility to see ghosts.
Since then Graham has published more than 35 horror novels, including Charnel House, which was awarded a Special Edgar by Mystery Writers of America; Mirror, which was awarded a Silver Medal by West Coast Review of Books; and Family Portrait, an update of Oscar Wilde's tale, The Picture of Dorian Gray, which was the only non-French winner of the prestigious Prix Julia Verlanger in France.
He and his wife Wiescka live in a Gothic Victorian mansion high above the River Lee in Cork, Ireland.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
April 7, 2024
Another mind bending adventure of our two detectives here. Who are those half people murdering people in present times? What about the reference to Dickens and Oliver Twist? Why is the "Elephant Man" also involved? Graham pulls off a very wild ride (Schrodinger's Cat, Multiverse theory) starting with a story like The Invisible Man but soon getting much darker. Of course we also hear about The Blitz. Great modern horror tale with material from the past used in a very intelligent way. Loved that one in the series too. Spooky criminals, an unforgettable Fagin and a London of the here and now and the past. Highly recommended!
October 21, 2023
Masterton does it again, this fourth entry in his latest series featuring Patel and Pardoe just gets better and better.
October 28, 2024
My favorite of the series. I look forward to the next book.
December 23, 2023
Graham Masterton is one of the great horror writers that I have discovered in the last few years. His work touches not only on the gory, but also holds a strong mystery to propel the reader forward and keep them hungering for more. In another piece that comes out of left field, a number of body parts are discovered, which baffle the police. More troubling than the parts is that they appear to have a long history to them, something that cannot be explained. Delving into the depths of the case and trying to piece it all together, the authorities will do all they can to find a needed solution. Graham Masterton does well to provide the reader with something great on which they can rely.
When a severed head is found, local police are baffled as to what is going on. More grisly discoveries pile up and provide some confusion for DS Jamila Patel and DC Jerry Pardoe. What’s even more confusing is that witnesses have seen a number of partial people at the scenes, missing limbs or heads, all as present as can be. DS Patel and DC Pardoe realise this makes no sense at all.
Their past experience with odd and supernatural cases, DS Patel and DC Pardoe work any angle they can, though they are clearly able to see that things are going nowhere fast. However, they will have to work quickly, as there is no clear understanding when these killings occur or for what reason. They might have experience with the supernatural, bit this exceeds much of their casework or sleuthing abilities.
After two children go missing, it seems as though they have been pushed into an alternate time. Trying to make sense of it all DS Patel and DC Pardoe work an angle and discover a ghastly and ghostly entity. He appears to have some answers, both to the disappearance and the bodies seen all over. Trouble is, it will be tough to make sense of it all and capture the person at the core of the matter. DS Patel and DC Pardoe will need all their gumption to solve this one, which has deep spirit-based ties and some that will never be fully understood. Masterton does well with this piece and keeps the reader on the edge of their seat.
The world of Graham Masterton is surely quite complex, as he has many things taking place to keep the reader enthralled. A deep and troubling sprit-based series, this is one that mixes the supernatural with a crime thriller. Masterton knows what he is doing and keeps the reader hooked with a strong narrative that builds momentum throughout the story.
Decent characters help buoy the story as things float along. DS Patel and DC Pardoe have shaped things up to this point and keep doing so effectively throughout the story. Their differing points of view help flavour things for the reader and keep the story from becoming too predictable. I enjoyed the many secondary characters who grace the pages of the book, some of whom have been seen before, while others are surely meant only for this novel.
Plot twists abound and keep the reader on edge as they progress effectively. In the world of the supernatural, there is little that can be readily predicted from chapter to chapter I am eager to see what is to come and hope things will progress with these two cops, both of whom make for highly entertaining characters. One can only hope Graham Masterton has a plan that includes them in his writing. assignments.
Kudos, Mr. Masterton, for another winning novel.
When a severed head is found, local police are baffled as to what is going on. More grisly discoveries pile up and provide some confusion for DS Jamila Patel and DC Jerry Pardoe. What’s even more confusing is that witnesses have seen a number of partial people at the scenes, missing limbs or heads, all as present as can be. DS Patel and DC Pardoe realise this makes no sense at all.
Their past experience with odd and supernatural cases, DS Patel and DC Pardoe work any angle they can, though they are clearly able to see that things are going nowhere fast. However, they will have to work quickly, as there is no clear understanding when these killings occur or for what reason. They might have experience with the supernatural, bit this exceeds much of their casework or sleuthing abilities.
After two children go missing, it seems as though they have been pushed into an alternate time. Trying to make sense of it all DS Patel and DC Pardoe work an angle and discover a ghastly and ghostly entity. He appears to have some answers, both to the disappearance and the bodies seen all over. Trouble is, it will be tough to make sense of it all and capture the person at the core of the matter. DS Patel and DC Pardoe will need all their gumption to solve this one, which has deep spirit-based ties and some that will never be fully understood. Masterton does well with this piece and keeps the reader on the edge of their seat.
The world of Graham Masterton is surely quite complex, as he has many things taking place to keep the reader enthralled. A deep and troubling sprit-based series, this is one that mixes the supernatural with a crime thriller. Masterton knows what he is doing and keeps the reader hooked with a strong narrative that builds momentum throughout the story.
Decent characters help buoy the story as things float along. DS Patel and DC Pardoe have shaped things up to this point and keep doing so effectively throughout the story. Their differing points of view help flavour things for the reader and keep the story from becoming too predictable. I enjoyed the many secondary characters who grace the pages of the book, some of whom have been seen before, while others are surely meant only for this novel.
Plot twists abound and keep the reader on edge as they progress effectively. In the world of the supernatural, there is little that can be readily predicted from chapter to chapter I am eager to see what is to come and hope things will progress with these two cops, both of whom make for highly entertaining characters. One can only hope Graham Masterton has a plan that includes them in his writing. assignments.
Kudos, Mr. Masterton, for another winning novel.
April 23, 2024
Content warnings also include: misogyny/objectification, blood, violence, mentions of dead bodies, and child death. If you’re reading a review marked with spoilers, you should also know by now the book contains this and more lol
I do want to give the book the benefit of the doubt in one respect: I picked it up from the library not knowing it was a series. I just saw it on the shelf, read the front inside cover and assumed it was a standalone. If I had just flipped to the back cover I would have seen it was the forth book in a whole series. Huge mistake on my end. I don’t think reading the other books would have actually changed my opinion on it, but I think the disclaimer is necessary.
Masterton’s writing is not my thing, I don’t like the way he describes women’s bodies. There is a particularly gruesome scene only a few pages in that reads “[h]er breasts had been sliced the same way, right down to her ribcage, like two jammy puddings” (pg. 7). If a book is marked as a horror novel, I expect it to scare me. This was just a gross and unnecessary comparison. Another description (of an alive woman this time) reads “[n]ext to her, the sister-in-charge was short and bosomy, so that the buttons of her navy-blue uniform were straining, and the watch that was pinned to her left breast lay almost horizontal” (pg 19). A woman would not describe another woman this way, at least not in my experience. It took me out of the story and made me go “this was written by a man” which I don’t want to do while reading a horror novel. A story meant to scare you can have aspects of it you can easily pick apart later, but being ejected from the narrative like that reduces the fear factor. After flipping to the back of the book to read the “about the author” info, I’m not shocked this man has written sex advice books. His writing continues to feel a bit perverse throughout the rest of the book, but at least the main male protagonist, Jerry, doesn’t come-on to the female protagonist, Jamila. Though he does have some weird thoughts about his superior officer and is clearly very attracted to her, he has enough respect for her to not make any rude comments, which is nice.
My other main complaint ties into the other reviews that say the ending felt rushed. I definitely feel like this could have been split into two books, but my main hatred of the later half of the book is tied to Archie’s death. He’s a nine year old boy, and while the characters are a little upset, they don’t blame themselves at all for his death, which I found weird. Instead of reevaluating their approach, they just go on a killing spree on “moral grounds” as Jamila puts it later. I think the death of children, especially in a horror novel, shouldn’t necessarily be avoided, but it should be more impactful to the story than Archie’s death was. The book also explains nothing, it hints at there being nothing special about our main antagonist, Mr. Scratch (his eyes are referred to as amber, but then we see the amber spectacles when he is finally revealed) so how are the criminals “sliding through time” at will. Does he have powers? Does he not? If he doesn’t, how does he manipulate time? The only other character we see manipulate time (or the parallel universes or whatever) is Ghost, who very pointedly has supernatural gifts. Masterton also didn’t need to bring the elephant man into this. Why is Mr. Scratch his twin brother, what the fuck? Also using his condition as a source of horror is not great and dehumanizing to disabled people. I would have much preferred him being a high power demon or jinn or another supernatural force. Or even just leaving him as an unexplained supernatural creature would have been better.
All that being said, I probably won’t pick up another of his books, but I’m glad it seems like other people enjoy them! Some other reviewers say they are guilty pleasures, which makes sense to me. There are also redeeming qualities to this book. The main female character being a Pakistani police Sargent is cool! I love that she talks a bit about her culture and it’s not demonized! I thought their solution of blowing up the basement to protect future people, was appropriately unhinged and in character. I don’t know how likely that is for police to do, but given everything else in this book at least it was consistent. I enjoyed Ghost the supernaturally sensitive Labrador, he was cute! I would gladly read a whole series about a time traveling dog. And as a former vet tech, I can definitely vouch for the idea that chocolate labs are probably more likely to have powers than black or yellow labs. Chocolate labs are definitely almost always the craziest labradors you will ever meet.
I do want to give the book the benefit of the doubt in one respect: I picked it up from the library not knowing it was a series. I just saw it on the shelf, read the front inside cover and assumed it was a standalone. If I had just flipped to the back cover I would have seen it was the forth book in a whole series. Huge mistake on my end. I don’t think reading the other books would have actually changed my opinion on it, but I think the disclaimer is necessary.
Masterton’s writing is not my thing, I don’t like the way he describes women’s bodies. There is a particularly gruesome scene only a few pages in that reads “[h]er breasts had been sliced the same way, right down to her ribcage, like two jammy puddings” (pg. 7). If a book is marked as a horror novel, I expect it to scare me. This was just a gross and unnecessary comparison. Another description (of an alive woman this time) reads “[n]ext to her, the sister-in-charge was short and bosomy, so that the buttons of her navy-blue uniform were straining, and the watch that was pinned to her left breast lay almost horizontal” (pg 19). A woman would not describe another woman this way, at least not in my experience. It took me out of the story and made me go “this was written by a man” which I don’t want to do while reading a horror novel. A story meant to scare you can have aspects of it you can easily pick apart later, but being ejected from the narrative like that reduces the fear factor. After flipping to the back of the book to read the “about the author” info, I’m not shocked this man has written sex advice books. His writing continues to feel a bit perverse throughout the rest of the book, but at least the main male protagonist, Jerry, doesn’t come-on to the female protagonist, Jamila. Though he does have some weird thoughts about his superior officer and is clearly very attracted to her, he has enough respect for her to not make any rude comments, which is nice.
My other main complaint ties into the other reviews that say the ending felt rushed. I definitely feel like this could have been split into two books, but my main hatred of the later half of the book is tied to Archie’s death. He’s a nine year old boy, and while the characters are a little upset, they don’t blame themselves at all for his death, which I found weird. Instead of reevaluating their approach, they just go on a killing spree on “moral grounds” as Jamila puts it later. I think the death of children, especially in a horror novel, shouldn’t necessarily be avoided, but it should be more impactful to the story than Archie’s death was. The book also explains nothing, it hints at there being nothing special about our main antagonist, Mr. Scratch (his eyes are referred to as amber, but then we see the amber spectacles when he is finally revealed) so how are the criminals “sliding through time” at will. Does he have powers? Does he not? If he doesn’t, how does he manipulate time? The only other character we see manipulate time (or the parallel universes or whatever) is Ghost, who very pointedly has supernatural gifts. Masterton also didn’t need to bring the elephant man into this. Why is Mr. Scratch his twin brother, what the fuck? Also using his condition as a source of horror is not great and dehumanizing to disabled people. I would have much preferred him being a high power demon or jinn or another supernatural force. Or even just leaving him as an unexplained supernatural creature would have been better.
All that being said, I probably won’t pick up another of his books, but I’m glad it seems like other people enjoy them! Some other reviewers say they are guilty pleasures, which makes sense to me. There are also redeeming qualities to this book. The main female character being a Pakistani police Sargent is cool! I love that she talks a bit about her culture and it’s not demonized! I thought their solution of blowing up the basement to protect future people, was appropriately unhinged and in character. I don’t know how likely that is for police to do, but given everything else in this book at least it was consistent. I enjoyed Ghost the supernaturally sensitive Labrador, he was cute! I would gladly read a whole series about a time traveling dog. And as a former vet tech, I can definitely vouch for the idea that chocolate labs are probably more likely to have powers than black or yellow labs. Chocolate labs are definitely almost always the craziest labradors you will ever meet.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 26, 2023
Bardzo rzadko sięgam po fantastykę, a w zasadzie wcale. Wyjątek stanowią powieści spod pióra Grahama Mastertona. Jego twórczość poznałam przy okazji cyklu przygód komisarz Katie Maguire, która jest jedną z moich ulubionych serii. Z czasem w moje ręce wpadło kilka innych książek autora, między innymi seria „Wirus” o przygodach Jerry’ego Pardoe i Dżamili Patel, detektywów policji londyńskiej, którzy specjalizują się w nietypowych sprawach.
W okolicach Lavender Hill dochodzi do serii makabrycznych zabójstw i napadów. Świadkowie wydarzeń utrzymują, że przestępcy byli częściowo niewiadzialni, brakowało im niektórych części ciała. Jerry Parode i Dżamila Patel bardzo szybko dochodzą do wniosku, że siły nadprzyrodzone nie mają nic wspólnego z przestępstwami. Trafiają na trop człowieka o niezwykłych zdolnościach, który od dawna popełnia zbrodnie i wszystko wskazuje na to, że nie ma zamiaru przestać…
Cykl przygód Parode i Patel spodobał mi się od pierwszego tomu, „Wirus”. Po każdym kolejny sięgałam z ogromną ciekawością i nadzieją na dobrą lekturę i za każdym razem byłam pozytywnie zaskoczona.
„Wybryk natury” to doskonale skonstruowana powieść z pogranicza horroru i fantastyki. Akcja powieści toczy się w odpowiednim tempie, czytelnik z każdą kolejną stroną coraz bardziej angażuje się w fabułę i z zaciekawieniem śledziłam kolejne wydarzenia. Nawet przez moment nie czułam się znudzona, a opisy zbrodni i makabryczne wydarzenia tylko podsycały moją ciekawość i chęć jak najszybszego dobrnięcia do finału.
Grahama Masterton ma specyficzny styl, jego książki potrafią wzbudzić w czytelniku przeróżne emocje, ale niewątpliwym jest fakt, że potrafi on zaintrygować czytelnika. Historie, które tworzy, przyprawiają o dreszcze, powodują uczucie niepokoju i lęku, ale mimo to czytamy je z ogromnym zaciekawieniem, wciągają tak, że nim się obejrzymy, przewracamy ostatnią stronę powieści.
Kolejny raz dałam się wciągnąć w fantastyczny świat wykreowany przez Mastertona i nie zawiodłam się. Autor jest mistrzem w tym, co robi, udowodnił to już nie raz. Nie jestem fanką fantastyki, ale powieści spod pióra Mastertona biorę w ciemno. Dlatego, jeżeli lubicie powieści grozy, to koniecznie musicie poznać cykl „Wirus”. To prawdziwa gratka dla miłośników gatunku.
W okolicach Lavender Hill dochodzi do serii makabrycznych zabójstw i napadów. Świadkowie wydarzeń utrzymują, że przestępcy byli częściowo niewiadzialni, brakowało im niektórych części ciała. Jerry Parode i Dżamila Patel bardzo szybko dochodzą do wniosku, że siły nadprzyrodzone nie mają nic wspólnego z przestępstwami. Trafiają na trop człowieka o niezwykłych zdolnościach, który od dawna popełnia zbrodnie i wszystko wskazuje na to, że nie ma zamiaru przestać…
Cykl przygód Parode i Patel spodobał mi się od pierwszego tomu, „Wirus”. Po każdym kolejny sięgałam z ogromną ciekawością i nadzieją na dobrą lekturę i za każdym razem byłam pozytywnie zaskoczona.
„Wybryk natury” to doskonale skonstruowana powieść z pogranicza horroru i fantastyki. Akcja powieści toczy się w odpowiednim tempie, czytelnik z każdą kolejną stroną coraz bardziej angażuje się w fabułę i z zaciekawieniem śledziłam kolejne wydarzenia. Nawet przez moment nie czułam się znudzona, a opisy zbrodni i makabryczne wydarzenia tylko podsycały moją ciekawość i chęć jak najszybszego dobrnięcia do finału.
Grahama Masterton ma specyficzny styl, jego książki potrafią wzbudzić w czytelniku przeróżne emocje, ale niewątpliwym jest fakt, że potrafi on zaintrygować czytelnika. Historie, które tworzy, przyprawiają o dreszcze, powodują uczucie niepokoju i lęku, ale mimo to czytamy je z ogromnym zaciekawieniem, wciągają tak, że nim się obejrzymy, przewracamy ostatnią stronę powieści.
Kolejny raz dałam się wciągnąć w fantastyczny świat wykreowany przez Mastertona i nie zawiodłam się. Autor jest mistrzem w tym, co robi, udowodnił to już nie raz. Nie jestem fanką fantastyki, ale powieści spod pióra Mastertona biorę w ciemno. Dlatego, jeżeli lubicie powieści grozy, to koniecznie musicie poznać cykl „Wirus”. To prawdziwa gratka dla miłośników gatunku.
November 15, 2023
This book of horrific murders by totally nasty men will have you praying they will be stopped. This is a must read for fans of the paranormal.
October 15, 2024
I loved the beginning, which is what made this book even worse!
The whole point of something strange happening is the explanation part, that moment when everything starts to make sense. Like Murder on the Orient Express is awesome BECAUSE it is solved! Imagine if after the murder and laying down all the clues and red herrings, the novel was like and '... And yes, so that's what happened.' without bothering to explain the HOW and the WHY of it all!!? That's what this book was like! False promises, I tell ya.
It is gruesome, but I think gore is pretty much considered the norm in horror books so that's to be expected.
I also did not understand whether Jamila is a Muslim? Bcoz her name implies that but her practices are more Hindu-leaning. Idk.
The punchlines felt a little flat.
Plot was decent paced, so there's that. Also, totally loved Ghost ❤️
I also did not understand why Stephen King commented 'God,he's good'. But I guess he's probably talking about some other book by this writer which may be better than this one. Not sure.
I liked the protagonists, and it was an easy read. But I absolutely abhorred the fact that the occult is just presented as is. Bit of a letdown, imo.
The whole point of something strange happening is the explanation part, that moment when everything starts to make sense. Like Murder on the Orient Express is awesome BECAUSE it is solved! Imagine if after the murder and laying down all the clues and red herrings, the novel was like and '... And yes, so that's what happened.' without bothering to explain the HOW and the WHY of it all!!? That's what this book was like! False promises, I tell ya.
It is gruesome, but I think gore is pretty much considered the norm in horror books so that's to be expected.
I also did not understand whether Jamila is a Muslim? Bcoz her name implies that but her practices are more Hindu-leaning. Idk.
The punchlines felt a little flat.
Plot was decent paced, so there's that. Also, totally loved Ghost ❤️
I also did not understand why Stephen King commented 'God,he's good'. But I guess he's probably talking about some other book by this writer which may be better than this one. Not sure.
I liked the protagonists, and it was an easy read. But I absolutely abhorred the fact that the occult is just presented as is. Bit of a letdown, imo.
March 6, 2025
There was just sooooooo much about this book that had my skin crawling and I loved every second of it.
-Not only did each horrific accident outdo the one from before, but the author painted such a vivid description I felt as though i was experiencing & seeing things firsthand.
-Playing with time, in the sense of time-slips/ loops is a risky move to me but this was so well written & didn’t leave me confused or annoyed
-At several points in this book i was terrified for people + situations because this was very very brutal & didn’t pull ANY punches bc yikes 🙈🙈🙈
-Charlie & ghost cute as shit duo
(Maybe spoiler?)
.
.
.
.
.
“The only way you can fight madness is with even more madness”
There’s a moment when “X” realizes defense isn’t enough & instead of going on the offensive side they go full on executioner and omg
-Not only did each horrific accident outdo the one from before, but the author painted such a vivid description I felt as though i was experiencing & seeing things firsthand.
-Playing with time, in the sense of time-slips/ loops is a risky move to me but this was so well written & didn’t leave me confused or annoyed
-At several points in this book i was terrified for people + situations because this was very very brutal & didn’t pull ANY punches bc yikes 🙈🙈🙈
-Charlie & ghost cute as shit duo
(Maybe spoiler?)
.
.
.
.
.
“The only way you can fight madness is with even more madness”
There’s a moment when “X” realizes defense isn’t enough & instead of going on the offensive side they go full on executioner and omg
June 2, 2024
I was really looking forward to reading this book as it’s probably my favorite series, and I was definitely not disappointed. Time traveling and solving murders in different timelines is such an interesting concept. I’ve read books before about parallel worlds, but nothing like this! And I loved Ghost so much; he's the best boy ever! I wish the ending was a little less rushed—the story ended a bit too suddenly for me—but I can't even bring down the rating for this because the rest of the book was just so good and captivating.
May 30, 2024
This was worth the wait! I didn't think this series could get anymore bizarre, but I was wrong! Masterton is an absolute genius, I really don't know where he gets his ideas from! This was a truly unique storyline! Also, I hope we see more of Ghost in the next instalment of this series!
April 25, 2024
That was a thriller with a difference. I loved the characters and would recommend to anyone who likes a crime/thriller but is looking for something different
June 9, 2024
This has got to be the weirdest, semi sci-fi (time travel of sorts ... it's all to do with String Theory!), gruesome murder mystery I've ever read.
The murders are so graphic and gruesome, yet the author doesn't dwell on that and returns to his jaunty, quirky storyline almost immediately. It's jarring, but it makes for exciting reading!
CW: GRAPHIC BODY HORROR, racism, rape (off page but referenced)
Senior Fiction
NCEA LEVEL 2: morality, end justifies the means, good vs. evil
Y12, Y13
The murders are so graphic and gruesome, yet the author doesn't dwell on that and returns to his jaunty, quirky storyline almost immediately. It's jarring, but it makes for exciting reading!
CW: GRAPHIC BODY HORROR, racism, rape (off page but referenced)
Senior Fiction
NCEA LEVEL 2: morality, end justifies the means, good vs. evil
Y12, Y13
March 5, 2024
This isn't horror. I would have known that if I had checked the book on Goodreads first and noticed that that it's a crime series with paranormal elements (think X Files but in London). I've read a similar crime/horror series based in London before and it wasn't very good nor scary. This is a slight improvement on that series.
Horror level : 0.5* more mystery with a lot of violence and time travel than horror. And useless time travel. The perp could have achieved way more with that skill.
Writing style: 2.5* it didn't drag but author tries very hard to be funny when none of it was.
Plot/Story: 2.5* the idea was ok (done many times before) but poorly executed. And loads of plot holes and exaggerated scenes. And minor irritations that made it hard to take the book seriously. Including the manner in which people spoke. Even Charles Dickens' journal had a curious mix of modern English usage and 19th century expressions
Mystery: 3* there's definitely a lot of mystery involved as people disappear and reappear in a very Paranormal Activity (the film) portals/doors type manner and it remains a mystery as we don't really know why they had these powers to move between time. And the authorities aren't interested in knowing how either (or pursuing such an incredible discovery).
Characters: 2*
Most of the characters are intellectually-challenged idiots, particularly the police officers.
DC Jerry Pardon the co-protagonist speaks with a "cockney" accent. That said so many of the characters seem to speak with a cockney accent, even people who aren't from East London. Very few people in East London have an East London accent in 2020s anyway.
DS Jamila Patel: other protagonist. The author did his very best to represent multicultural London but went a little too far, particularly as his knowledge is a little shaky. For example the goons from 1941 used the slur "Paki" against Jamila Patel, but Pakistan wasn't a recognised country until 1947. Furthermore, the surname "Patel" is a common Gujarati (mostly Hindu) Indian name, that said may be there are a tiny tiny minority of Hindu Pakistani descent people who do share that surname too? And who in 2024 wears saris at home under the age of 50?
Charlie & his dog Ghost: interesting duo. The dog ghost can sniff out people even those lost in time.
Scratch: the villain who hides in the dark and inspiration for Charles Dickens' Oliver Twist Fagen.
Horror level : 0.5* more mystery with a lot of violence and time travel than horror. And useless time travel. The perp could have achieved way more with that skill.
Writing style: 2.5* it didn't drag but author tries very hard to be funny when none of it was.
Plot/Story: 2.5* the idea was ok (done many times before) but poorly executed. And loads of plot holes and exaggerated scenes. And minor irritations that made it hard to take the book seriously. Including the manner in which people spoke. Even Charles Dickens' journal had a curious mix of modern English usage and 19th century expressions
Mystery: 3* there's definitely a lot of mystery involved as people disappear and reappear in a very Paranormal Activity (the film) portals/doors type manner and it remains a mystery as we don't really know why they had these powers to move between time. And the authorities aren't interested in knowing how either (or pursuing such an incredible discovery).
Characters: 2*
Most of the characters are intellectually-challenged idiots, particularly the police officers.
DC Jerry Pardon the co-protagonist speaks with a "cockney" accent. That said so many of the characters seem to speak with a cockney accent, even people who aren't from East London. Very few people in East London have an East London accent in 2020s anyway.
DS Jamila Patel: other protagonist. The author did his very best to represent multicultural London but went a little too far, particularly as his knowledge is a little shaky. For example the goons from 1941 used the slur "Paki" against Jamila Patel, but Pakistan wasn't a recognised country until 1947. Furthermore, the surname "Patel" is a common Gujarati (mostly Hindu) Indian name, that said may be there are a tiny tiny minority of Hindu Pakistani descent people who do share that surname too? And who in 2024 wears saris at home under the age of 50?
Charlie & his dog Ghost: interesting duo. The dog ghost can sniff out people even those lost in time.
Scratch: the villain who hides in the dark and inspiration for Charles Dickens' Oliver Twist Fagen.
November 14, 2023
Another book in the Patel and Pardoe series, two London detectives that are given the more unusual cases that crop up to solve. When there are a series of violent crimes one thing links them. Witnesses say that the perpetrators were not all there, as in their head was missing, or their feet, or they were only half a person; the right half. It's not any easy case to get into as all the forensic evidence is old, as in the weapon is 80 years old and cigarette butts haven't been made since World War 2.
But slowly they work their way into the case and realise they have to become just as violent as the perpetrators they are chasing to be able to solve the case.
There is a lot of horror and bodies in this book but it's an enjoyable read and what one would expect from the author.
But slowly they work their way into the case and realise they have to become just as violent as the perpetrators they are chasing to be able to solve the case.
There is a lot of horror and bodies in this book but it's an enjoyable read and what one would expect from the author.
September 3, 2023
To było moje pierwsze spotkanie z książkami pana Mastertona i szczerze powiem, se bardzo mi się podobało :). Pomieszanie śledztwa policyjnego z fantastyka (równolegle czasy) i horrorem... Nie spodziewałam się, że bardzo dobrze się bawiłam, język przystępny, szybko się czyta. Pewnie sięgnę po wcześniejsze książki z tej serii (dodam, że tę książkę można przeczytać jako samodzielna część, nie ma nawiązań do poprzednich śledztw).
January 28, 2024
Really wanted to like it, but found it disjointed and lacking in depth. The villains were neither creepy or menacing. They just sounded like a lightweight version of the Hitcher from the Mighty Boosh.
“I'm a cockney geezer, watch me bleed ya! I knew the Ripper when he was just a nipper, I taught him how to slice, I cut him up a treat! Pound ya banana!”
“I'm a cockney geezer, watch me bleed ya! I knew the Ripper when he was just a nipper, I taught him how to slice, I cut him up a treat! Pound ya banana!”
June 13, 2024
2.75⭐
I really wanted to like this one. The idea of parallel universes and time slipping intrigued me. I just think the execution of it was a bit...meh? There were a few things that felt like inconsistencies that took me out of the story.
And the ending was very quick. It feels somewhat unfinished.
I really wanted to like this one. The idea of parallel universes and time slipping intrigued me. I just think the execution of it was a bit...meh? There were a few things that felt like inconsistencies that took me out of the story.
And the ending was very quick. It feels somewhat unfinished.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 24, 2023
Was this written by AI? The only thing making me think it was a human who wrote it is a general undercurrent of bad vibes. The story is decent enough but good grief, this barely passes the Turin Test.
December 7, 2023
started off so well…..
I normally love Graham Masterton books, but feel this one let the side down.
It started of brilliantly but gradually seemed to get lost and became a bit boring!!!
Such a shame.
I normally love Graham Masterton books, but feel this one let the side down.
It started of brilliantly but gradually seemed to get lost and became a bit boring!!!
Such a shame.
June 6, 2024
What the hell!? For me a very Luke warm read. Minimal horror it felt more like a doctor who episode! Time travelling medium dog? Explosives? Charles Dickins? It was such a strange melting pot of different plots and ideas I struggled to like!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 19, 2023
Silly
I found this story very silly & had to laugh at times. I found the other 2 J&J books the same not a patch on GM's other books. Definitely NOT scarey
I found this story very silly & had to laugh at times. I found the other 2 J&J books the same not a patch on GM's other books. Definitely NOT scarey
August 8, 2023
Gdy w krótkim czasie w okolicach Lavender Hill dochodzi do okrutnych zbrodni, których sprawcy wydają sie rozpływać w powietrzu londyńska policja nie radzi sobie najlepiej. Dopiero gdy do pomocy ściągnięci zostają detektywi Jerry Pardoe i Dżamilia Patel, których za plecami koledzy nazywają łowcami duchów sprawy zaczynają nabierać rozpędu. Czy jednak i tym razem uparte duo poradzi sobie ze sprawami nie z tej ziemi? I co w przypadku, gdy duchy przeszłości zaczną nabierać całkiem namacalnych kształtów?
Wybryk natury to już czwarta – po Wirusie, Dzieciach zapomnianych przez Boga i Ludziach cienia – cześć przygód wyjątkowych londyńskich detektywów, którzy muszą na równi działać w majestacie prawa i bronić londyńczyków przed zjawiskami, które wymykają się nie tylko prawu ale i zdrowemu rozsądkowi. Jak na króla fantasy horror Graham Masterton i tym razem nie zawodzi. Krwawe zabójstwa i wymykający się policji zbrodniarze, niewyjaśnione zniknięcia i czas, który jak zawsze odgrywa najważniejszą rolę.
Oczywiście nie jest to lektura dla wszystkich, tym którzy nie przepadają za brutalnością i krwią niemal skapującą ze stronnic książki serdecznie odradzam. Jednak Ci, którzy poszukują wrażeń i nie straszne im mroczne uliczki, podejrzane typy i niemożliwe do wytłumaczenia podróże w czasie i przestrzeni znajdą w Wybryku natury to co lubią najbardziej.
Ja osobiście do książek Mastertona powracam z upodobaniem od czasów nastoletniości, ta idealnie wyważona mieszanka horroru, kryminału i fantastyki przyciąga mnie jak misia do miodu, nie inaczej było z kolejnym jego dziełem. Bez większych problemów wciągnęłam się w akcję i wraz z policjantami i Duchem – psem policyjnym z ciekawą przeszłością – przeszukiwałam ulicę Londynu i przemierzałam czas, by odnaleźć morderców i ich patrona.
Dla mnie zdecydowane 7/10 naprawdę przyjemnie było wrócić do twórczości tego autora i zagłębić w nieco mroczniejszą powieść.
Za egzemplarz recenzencki dziękuję Domowi Wydawniczemu Rebis
#współpracareklamowa
#współpracarecenzencka
#współpracabarterowa
Wybryk natury to już czwarta – po Wirusie, Dzieciach zapomnianych przez Boga i Ludziach cienia – cześć przygód wyjątkowych londyńskich detektywów, którzy muszą na równi działać w majestacie prawa i bronić londyńczyków przed zjawiskami, które wymykają się nie tylko prawu ale i zdrowemu rozsądkowi. Jak na króla fantasy horror Graham Masterton i tym razem nie zawodzi. Krwawe zabójstwa i wymykający się policji zbrodniarze, niewyjaśnione zniknięcia i czas, który jak zawsze odgrywa najważniejszą rolę.
Oczywiście nie jest to lektura dla wszystkich, tym którzy nie przepadają za brutalnością i krwią niemal skapującą ze stronnic książki serdecznie odradzam. Jednak Ci, którzy poszukują wrażeń i nie straszne im mroczne uliczki, podejrzane typy i niemożliwe do wytłumaczenia podróże w czasie i przestrzeni znajdą w Wybryku natury to co lubią najbardziej.
Ja osobiście do książek Mastertona powracam z upodobaniem od czasów nastoletniości, ta idealnie wyważona mieszanka horroru, kryminału i fantastyki przyciąga mnie jak misia do miodu, nie inaczej było z kolejnym jego dziełem. Bez większych problemów wciągnęłam się w akcję i wraz z policjantami i Duchem – psem policyjnym z ciekawą przeszłością – przeszukiwałam ulicę Londynu i przemierzałam czas, by odnaleźć morderców i ich patrona.
Dla mnie zdecydowane 7/10 naprawdę przyjemnie było wrócić do twórczości tego autora i zagłębić w nieco mroczniejszą powieść.
Za egzemplarz recenzencki dziękuję Domowi Wydawniczemu Rebis
#współpracareklamowa
#współpracarecenzencka
#współpracabarterowa
December 28, 2023
It's kind of a guilty pleasure. Typical Masterton novel which doesn't just jump a shark but performs whole parkour around that shark.
It's a fourth book of the series of Pardoe and Patel (British Mulder and Scully, just more daft). A series of gruesome murders brings a pair of Met detectives together again. The murders seem to have a supernatural element in common and only Mulder and Sc.... rewind.... Pardoe and Patel are the right people to solve all the cases.
Spoilers.
One thing that made me thinking to stop reading every time I encounter it was death of Archie. Not even once it occured to these two doofuses that it was actually their fault the kid died. Zero guilt. There are other dumb things like Met hires dumb people. Acquiring C4 is dead easy when you're a police officer (yeah, right). Number of deaths within 24 hours doesn't leak to the press, etc. The problem is the setting of the story. It is very hard to suspend disbelief if the events take place in the big city of Europe and places like streets, landmarks are all real. Masterton does that often and it may work when reader isn't familar with London but otherwise it feels like sharky parkour. This is one thing that King used to do correct by placing events in less familiar and smaller environmets so it was easier to suspend disbelief. Living in London, if any murders like that had place nowadays that wouldn't go unnoticed. When you think the book can't get any more absurd then be patient because it certainly will (although, it doesn't get to the "living clothes" level of absurd).
I knew what I was getting myself into but didn't have much choice. I was sitting in the airplane and just before the take-off I downloaded a free book to my Kindle app (forgot my reader) so ended up with this one for the flight. I'm kind of ranting about it but like I said, this is kind of a "guilty pleasure". You know it will get stupid and all you want is to see how high it will lift the bar of absurd. This one does lift it quite high.
It's a fourth book of the series of Pardoe and Patel (British Mulder and Scully, just more daft). A series of gruesome murders brings a pair of Met detectives together again. The murders seem to have a supernatural element in common and only Mulder and Sc.... rewind.... Pardoe and Patel are the right people to solve all the cases.
Spoilers.
One thing that made me thinking to stop reading every time I encounter it was death of Archie. Not even once it occured to these two doofuses that it was actually their fault the kid died. Zero guilt. There are other dumb things like Met hires dumb people. Acquiring C4 is dead easy when you're a police officer (yeah, right). Number of deaths within 24 hours doesn't leak to the press, etc. The problem is the setting of the story. It is very hard to suspend disbelief if the events take place in the big city of Europe and places like streets, landmarks are all real. Masterton does that often and it may work when reader isn't familar with London but otherwise it feels like sharky parkour. This is one thing that King used to do correct by placing events in less familiar and smaller environmets so it was easier to suspend disbelief. Living in London, if any murders like that had place nowadays that wouldn't go unnoticed. When you think the book can't get any more absurd then be patient because it certainly will (although, it doesn't get to the "living clothes" level of absurd).
I knew what I was getting myself into but didn't have much choice. I was sitting in the airplane and just before the take-off I downloaded a free book to my Kindle app (forgot my reader) so ended up with this one for the flight. I'm kind of ranting about it but like I said, this is kind of a "guilty pleasure". You know it will get stupid and all you want is to see how high it will lift the bar of absurd. This one does lift it quite high.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 5, 2024
I really enjoyed this fourth installment in the Patel & Pardoe craziness.
The situation in this one is weird apparitions of mostly partial people who apparently can interact and hurt those getting too close.
This is another of Masterton's take on the apparitions we often call ghosts and like, this time with a twist of theoretical physics and quantum mechanics, and that's the all I will expose. It is of course a completely messy blast from start to the end.
Opposite the prior story in the installment the Shadow People, I didn't feel the characters were flat and disengaging, but this might have a bit.to do with the overall pace in this one is pretty full speed all the way. I do feel the characters were flashed out better in the first two though, but in this one I don't feel I miss anything at the end.
I recommend this one to people who doesn't mind a messy, gory at times, funny blast, and who doesn't rely on conventional ideas as Masterton as always has a quirky twisted perspective on tropes we know from so many other stories.
The situation in this one is weird apparitions of mostly partial people who apparently can interact and hurt those getting too close.
This is another of Masterton's take on the apparitions we often call ghosts and like, this time with a twist of theoretical physics and quantum mechanics, and that's the all I will expose. It is of course a completely messy blast from start to the end.
Opposite the prior story in the installment the Shadow People, I didn't feel the characters were flat and disengaging, but this might have a bit.to do with the overall pace in this one is pretty full speed all the way. I do feel the characters were flashed out better in the first two though, but in this one I don't feel I miss anything at the end.
I recommend this one to people who doesn't mind a messy, gory at times, funny blast, and who doesn't rely on conventional ideas as Masterton as always has a quirky twisted perspective on tropes we know from so many other stories.
November 17, 2024
This fourth in the Patel & Pardoe series once again sees the pair investigating some seemingly unexplainable deaths....people are being brutally & viciously murdered (no surprise there!) & according to witnesses the killers are missing various body parts - they haven't been amputated, they just can't be seen! Throw in a parallel universe with wartime London, a dog who can sniff out spirits & a Fagin-style man/creature who lives in a cellar & you may be forgiven for thinking this sounds a bit bizarre...even ridiculous...but with Masterton at the helm it all added up to another cracking read.
Now to show I'm not completely biased in Masterton's favour I will say I don't see how or why "what hid in the cellar" had the "abilities" it did, that certainly wasn't explained to my satisfaction. Still that whinge didn't affect my overall enjoyment of this story. Very much looking forward to #5
Now to show I'm not completely biased in Masterton's favour I will say I don't see how or why "what hid in the cellar" had the "abilities" it did, that certainly wasn't explained to my satisfaction. Still that whinge didn't affect my overall enjoyment of this story. Very much looking forward to #5
February 11, 2025
Fascinating
What a wonderful compelling read. An unexpected series of events with no way of solving them. From brutal murders, to some awful disfiguring wounds. But each with their own unique style. Jerry and jamila are the only police detectives with a compulsion for these types of crimes. Can they solve these strange crimes or is it too late for them? I truly enjoyed this read, there is lots of action and happenings, but you are drawn into their world and can embrace every emotion and action, feeling its warmth, or hatred throughout the whole read. I loved the addition of ghost, what a unexpected twist, and he worked amazingly well in the story. He has to be my favourite character in this read. A brilliant and pleasant experience throughout this read. Highlighting so many wrongs but also so many rights. Recommended to all!
What a wonderful compelling read. An unexpected series of events with no way of solving them. From brutal murders, to some awful disfiguring wounds. But each with their own unique style. Jerry and jamila are the only police detectives with a compulsion for these types of crimes. Can they solve these strange crimes or is it too late for them? I truly enjoyed this read, there is lots of action and happenings, but you are drawn into their world and can embrace every emotion and action, feeling its warmth, or hatred throughout the whole read. I loved the addition of ghost, what a unexpected twist, and he worked amazingly well in the story. He has to be my favourite character in this read. A brilliant and pleasant experience throughout this read. Highlighting so many wrongs but also so many rights. Recommended to all!
March 9, 2025
SPOILERS
This was a tough one to get through.
The writing was very amateur, the two main characters had the same conversation over and over, and there was no explanation as to why/how these people were traveling from a parallel world/different time other than Scratch was doing it, but how? And why was it happening with such frequency all of a sudden?
Also, the detectives completely mishandled the rescue of Archie. Even while I was reading it I was thinking "they're going to kill him now" and sure enough he turned up dead in the next chapter and the detectives just went and had lunch after discovering his body. They didn't seem to realize or care that it was their fault.
Overall, just an awful book.
This was a tough one to get through.
The writing was very amateur, the two main characters had the same conversation over and over, and there was no explanation as to why/how these people were traveling from a parallel world/different time other than Scratch was doing it, but how? And why was it happening with such frequency all of a sudden?
Also, the detectives completely mishandled the rescue of Archie. Even while I was reading it I was thinking "they're going to kill him now" and sure enough he turned up dead in the next chapter and the detectives just went and had lunch after discovering his body. They didn't seem to realize or care that it was their fault.
Overall, just an awful book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 17, 2024
It's difficult to say whether I liked this or not. The idea was interesting, and I'm fully aware of Masterton's writing style and imagination. I like him and am fully accepting of any shortcomings.
However, this review is for the Audible version of the book and the whole thing it let down by a terrible performer. Mark Meadow's voice, when we first hear him, sounds fine. The problem is his delivery. He sounds like he is delivering an online VAT course. The emphasis is all over the place and rarely in service to the story. He can make the scariest scenes, boring.
So I enjoyed the idea but any chance of enjoying the story was ruined. A pity.
However, this review is for the Audible version of the book and the whole thing it let down by a terrible performer. Mark Meadow's voice, when we first hear him, sounds fine. The problem is his delivery. He sounds like he is delivering an online VAT course. The emphasis is all over the place and rarely in service to the story. He can make the scariest scenes, boring.
So I enjoyed the idea but any chance of enjoying the story was ruined. A pity.
November 4, 2024
First things first, I love the dynamic between Patel and Pardoe. I hope it never actually turns into anything because I like the tension.
Again this one just misses the mark for me. Maybe my expectations were too high after books 1 and 2 but it feels like there's too much trying to make the supernatural bits fit and push it more to that end. I'd be happy to have it more like the first where they really didn't know it was supernatural and were desperately trying to find a normal explanation.
It's interesting as a concept this one, it just didn't do it for me in practice.
Again this one just misses the mark for me. Maybe my expectations were too high after books 1 and 2 but it feels like there's too much trying to make the supernatural bits fit and push it more to that end. I'd be happy to have it more like the first where they really didn't know it was supernatural and were desperately trying to find a normal explanation.
It's interesting as a concept this one, it just didn't do it for me in practice.
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