Eight stars
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.
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