A Look at the Work of British Author, James Herbert

I just finished reading The Secret of Crickley Hall, the latest addition to James Herbert's vast array of published novels. If you are a fan of horror you will most definitely like this British authors books. Even if you aren't a fan of the horror genre you should at least read one of James Herbert's books in order to decide whether, or not you like his novel's. I like his writing style and the fact that each one of his books has been completely different. His novels are usually quite graphic, and can be gory, so be warned,if you don't like that sort of stuff this author is not for you. The books draw you into another world, you actually feel like you are a character in the book observing each and every aspect of each role the individual characters are playing. I'm going to do a short review of some of his books.

The Secret of Crickley Hall

This book had me drawn in from the start, and wondering what was going to happen next at every turn of the page. A family move from America to a place in Yorkshire, in England. They come across Crickley hall, and decide to rent the place for a while. Upon entering the wife of the family is aware of a strange presence within the house. None of the family really feel comfortable in the house. The wife believes that the house is haunted when strange things start to happen in the house. They find a punishment book, and cane in a closet. It turns out that back in the 40's there were some orphaned children living in the house. Their caregivers were less than nice to them at the time. The book conveys the reality of how the children were treated. The author goes into graphic details of what happened in Crickley Hall all those years ago. The book is the tale of how the family eventually find out the truth about Crickley Hall.

Nobody True

This is the story of a man who has died, but doesn't know he is dead in the beginning of the book. Although he is dead his spirit is still alive. He finds out how he died, and who killed him. He comes across one particular evil spirit that he has to dispose of before the spirit destroys his still living family. Jim True finds out how he was betrayed when he was still alive, and one ultimate betrayal that he can never forgive.

The Rats

This is the first novel that I ever read by James Herbert. It is all about how huge rats take over, and try to over power every human, or living being in their paths. There are also sequels to this book, The Lair, and The Domain, which are also worth reading.

The Magic Cottage

This novel was a particular favorite of mine. The characters in the book think they have found the ultimate, quiet, cosy cottage in which to live. The relaxing atmosphere doesn't last long. Soon the bad magic of the cottage becomes apparent to it's inhabitants. James Herbert mixes the true meaning of evil and magic in this well written novel.

Others

In this book titled Others you will be amazed at what, or should I say who, are lurking in the dungeons. The main character finds out who, or what exactly the Others are when he does his own investigating.

The Fog

The title is one that you may have heard before as this book was also released in movie form. The basic story is of people in a town who are driven crazy by a strange type of fog that takes presence throughout their land.

Portent

There have been many great reviews in regards to this novel. In the book it seems as though the world is finally coming to an end. James Rivers decides to do soma investigating to find out what the reason for the suddenly overwhelming proportion of disasters means.

The Survivor

It has been the greatest plane crash in history killing all 300 passengers, but one man survives. The main character sets out to find what magical forces prevented his death.

More titles written by James Herbert include The Jonah, Moon, '48, The Ghosts Of Sleath, The Shrine, and The Dark. You can see all of this authors published novels at this website http://www.james-herbert.co.uk/titles.htm You can also purchase his books at amazon.com.