I think this book is one of the "you either love it or hate it" books, there's not a lot of middle ground, especially amongst Herbert's fan base. Some people find the content, especially the climax, a little too upsetting or unreal, but all described "ailments" are true. Our hero is a private detective with a difference. He's not handsome and brave as is the usual way of heroes in stories. In fact it's no spoiler to say that he considers himself to be grotesque. This story is told in the first person viewpoint of our hero, and it works extremely well. There is the usual James Herbert slow burn and build-up to the climax, something which I love about his books. There's plenty of action through the book to keep you interested, and it all works in helping you to understand and empathise with our hero and his associates. If you don't feel our hero's pain and humiliation in the scene on the beach, then you just ain't human, lol. The climax is exciting and disturbing, and it's not short by any means. The action through the climax is exhausting and exhilarating, and a wonderful payoff after following our deformed and reluctant hero. For me, this is how all endings should make you feel, you've been dragged through the wringer but when the end finally comes into view you know it's been a wonderful ride. None of this short climax lark you can get with a lot of writers, leaving you thinking that there must be a sequel to come, or there are a couple of chapters missing from your book. I hate the short endings that leave you feeling like; is that it? This story does not disappoint this reader from start to finish. I've now read the book many times, and in my opinion it is one of Herbert's finest.Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
A good quality book for the price allso a great read
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
I have read most of the books written by James Herbert and enjoy every one in fact I tend to read them more than once, but sadly he died last year so no more new ones, I think ASh was his last book and like the others it was superb. His books wont appeal to every one but to them who do get involved he deserves the status as the number one best writer of horror books.
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