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Post by andydecker on May 22, 2023 8:39:31 GMT
Shaun Hutson – Hell To Pay (Time Warner Books, 2003, hc, 370 pages)  Cover: Larry Rostant Shaun Hutson delivered his next novel in the usual spot in summer 2003. After the debatable start at Time Warner this thriller works better. The three stories – DI Fielding, who hunts a bizarre child murderer, Roma Todd, whose daughter has a strange sickness which will be the death of her and who has an affair with a student of hers, Nikki and Jeff Reed, who gets mercilessly squeezed by a loan shark – have at first nothing common, and Hutson manages to keep this suspenseful with gracious portions of icky paedophiles, violence from the gangsters and lots of sex. All events are happening from Monday to Friday in a week, a technique which always generates speed. While the crime novel elements come together more or less – I don't mind a few loose ends, but some of the final clues are a bit clunky and the motive of the child murderer doesn't make a lot of sense - the actual fiery end while duly prepared in the course of the events is rather unbelievable. Still, the novel is undeniably a fast and entertaining read, and as always Hutson does bitter and pissed off people as well as Midsomer Murders did lunatic villagers in its prime. Also this novel and the rest of Hutson's work for a main publisher is still available as eBooks from Orbit for little money. Not bad for a 20 year old horror novel, less good for the writer who can't take the work to other places. |
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Post by ripper on May 29, 2023 11:36:41 GMT
I read this one about 15 years ago but remember virtually nothing about it. Even after reading Andy's post, the plot didn't ring any bells. Perhaps I will give it another go at some stage, but it left no impression on me at the time either positively or negatively.
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Post by helrunar on Jul 4, 2023 23:55:13 GMT
New Shaun Hutson interview in the new issue of We Belong Dead. Journalist Emma Dark talks to Shaun. webelongdead.co.uk/product/we-belong-dead-issue-36In the preview page, it appears that Emma starts off asking Shaun about his Hammer novelisations. Hel. |
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Post by johnnymains on Jul 5, 2023 6:41:56 GMT
Ah, good to see the commentary I did with Michael Brooke for the Hammer film THE SNORKEL get a mention on page 56 of the mag.
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Post by andydecker on Jul 5, 2023 7:51:57 GMT
Ah, good to see the commentary I did with Michael Brooke for the Hammer film THE SNORKEL get a mention on page 56 of the mag. Hi, Johnny, good to read you! Everything better? |
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Post by johnnymains on Jul 5, 2023 8:22:43 GMT
Ah, good to see the commentary I did with Michael Brooke for the Hammer film THE SNORKEL get a mention on page 56 of the mag. Hi, Johnny, good to read you! Everything better? Morning! Thanks ever so for asking. On medication for the heart - but there may be an operation (ablation) in the future. But it's had an impact, it stopped a two week trip to Germany in April, had to cancel a bit of work etc. Adjusting to this new normal has been difficult. Big test is this weekend, off to Derby for a convention, hope I don't have to make any visits to the hospital while I'm up there! |
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Post by andydecker on Jul 5, 2023 10:05:12 GMT
Hi, Johnny, good to read you! Everything better? Morning! Thanks ever so for asking. On medication for the heart - but there may be an operation (ablation) in the future. But it's had an impact, it stopped a two week trip to Germany in April, had to cancel a bit of work etc. Adjusting to this new normal has been difficult. Big test is this weekend, off to Derby for a convention, hope I don't have to make any visits to the hospital while I'm up there! Great to hear. Hope the medication will be enough. Have fun in Derby. |
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Post by Swampirella on Jul 5, 2023 10:51:57 GMT
Hi, Johnny, good to read you! Everything better? Morning! Thanks ever so for asking. On medication for the heart - but there may be an operation (ablation) in the future. But it's had an impact, it stopped a two week trip to Germany in April, had to cancel a bit of work etc. Adjusting to this new normal has been difficult. Big test is this weekend, off to Derby for a convention, hope I don't have to make any visits to the hospital while I'm up there! I hope the operation won't be necessary and you can enjoy the convention. |
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Post by helrunar on Jul 5, 2023 17:57:35 GMT
That's cool about your commentary, Johnny. The Snorkel was a new one on me. Will have to check it out.
Wishing you health and happiness! I hope you are able to enjoy your time at the convention.
cheers, Steve
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