Hammer books

[killercrab]

Yep it's pretty good. Not as gore filled as the usual Hutson fare ( he even admits this at the start) - but it still rattles along well for an adaption which by dint can be too familiar to the Hammer film fan reader. I've come to the conclusion that these reinventions of classics aren't a bad way to go - giving something new as long as they stick to the basic plot. Heretical talk - ah well.

KC

[dem]

'Heretical talk' perhaps, but on the strength of Hands of the Ripper and Vampire Circus (got about halfway before being sidetracked by outside matters, but was enjoying it up to then) am inclined to agree. They do seen a bit hit and miss, though, and what have all the Graham Masterton reissues to do with it?

Thanks for reminding me of the Jimmy Sangster's novel, Mr. Riley!

Incidentally, the good news is that, far from being finished, Hammer books have announced at least one new title for 2013, Martyn Waites' The Woman in Black: Angel of Death (November), a sequel to Susan Hill's original novel. Have to wait until Easter 2014 for the paperback, mind.

[mattofthespurs]

Just had the hardback of "Woman in Black: Angel Of Death" delivered this morning.
I'll be tackling it after Best New Horror 24.

[dem]

Nov 2, 2013 14:37:01 GMT mattofthespurs said:

Just had the hardback of "Woman in Black: Angel Of Death" delivered this morning.
I'll be tackling it after Best New Horror 24.

How are you getting along with Best New Horror 24, Matt? Must say, i've been enjoying it immensely, particularly the stories by Stephen Volk, Dale Bailey, Evangeline Walton, Ramsey Campbell, Joe R. Lansdale, Claire Massey, Thana Niveau, Robert Shearman and (haven't written about Between Four Yews yet) Reggie Oliver. I also like Mr. Jones' revamped "vault think this of the BNH books" comment. We had a (very good natured) chat about his perception of our forum's perception of the series at a most enjoyable Zombie Apocalypse Fightback promo party this time last year.

While i'm here, and thanks to the staff at the Watney Market id*a st**e, a couple to add to the cover gallery (not read either yet).

Shaun Hutson - Twins Of Evil (Hammer Books, 2011)

Blurb
Karnstein Castle stands like a bird of prey on the highest point of the hills that surround the village below. A huge monolithic reminder to all those who see it of the power of the family who have lived there for centuries.

By day, the village of Karnstein is a peaceful place, but by night, an unimaginable evil roams free. Villagers are found dead, their throats ripped open and bodies drained of blood. Young girls disappear and are never seen again. Rumour has it that they are taken to the castle for the pleasure of Count Karnstein, the last surviving member of the family.

Into this strange place come beautiful identical twins Maria and Frieda. While Maria lives a blameless life, Frieda is drawn to the castle and Count Karnstein, a man rarely seen in daylight, a man seeped in Satanic ritual and the blood of beautiful young girls.

Before long, Frieda and Karnstein unleash a reign of bloody terror on the villagers, and no one, it seems, is strong enough to stop them.

Shaun Hutson - X The Unknown (Hammer, 2012)

Blurb:
A giant fissure has opened in the ground in Buckinghamshire.

Suddenly the nearby town of Broughton Green is the scene of several unexplained deaths, and the hospital reports a massive increase in the number of deformed foetuses showing up on scans.

Then a young boy is found horribly burned and close to death.

It falls to Dr Adam Royston, a scientific researcher working at the nearby military base, to investigate the mysterious events that have brought terror to this quiet corner of England. He is certain that everything is linked to the fissure in the earth and that a deadly primeval force has been awakened.

But how can he fight a monster that could have been lurking beneath the earth for millions of years?

[dem]

New to the shelf that died of shame. A hardcover, LARGE PRINT edition of Guy Adam's delightful update on the Hammer gore bath, starring Lord Llewellyn 'Helly' Probert as a beastly cad. See Hands Of The Ripper for terror commentary.

Guy Adams - Hands Of The Ripper (Chivers, 2013: originally Arrow, 2011)

Blurb:
HANDS OF THE RIPPER
On a cold, wet night, recently widowed psychology lecturer John Pritchard visits spiritualist Aida Golding with his son.
Although he is wary, something has driven him here. And he is drawn to a troubled young woman who is trying to contact her child. Something about her intrigues him and despite his doubts he continues to attend meetings.
One night at an intimate séance in Aida’s house, the lights go out and one of the group is brutally murdered. John has his suspicions but he can’t prove anything.
He senses that Aida has some hold over the girl and he offers her a place of refuge in his home. But the dead won't stay quiet. And all too soon the past will catch up with them all...