I went into this expecting a horror story, as I had formed the impression that that was what Herbert wrote.

This was just sad. A mis-formed detective starts having dreams, visions about something horrible.
But it is so long leading up to that that I was bored. Then things get really rushed and then it ends.

There was nothing scary. There were some horrible things described, but nothing scary. So I am disappointed and doubt I'll read more by this author. ( )

Another one of James's books that had me mesmerised!

I loved the beginning of the book where the main character was given another chance to redeem his life by coming back as private investigator, Nicholas Dismas who is completely the opposite of who he was in his past life!

I was completely floored when he went to investigate a missing baby at the seemingly quaint, 'Perfect Rest' nursing home.

Less peaceful and more the place where nightmares are born - I loved this book because it had suspense, romance, intrigue and horror! ( )

NIL

This is my second novel by James Herbert, and I'm proud to say this one gave me a nightmare. Why am I proud to say this? I read a lot of Koontz and King and love a good thriller and naturally enjoy a bit of a fright! It's hard for a writer to make the reader 'jump' or 'get the creeps' and for me it's the mark of a great author and an excellent book! It certainly gets the adrenalin pumping and the mind racing into the wee hours.

It follows that there is a skill in making a reader cry but first and foremost, I don't really enjoy deeply depressing stories, or stories that are going to upset me for days and days afterwards. Secondly, it's rare for me to cry during a movie, so for a book, this state is almost unattainable. Besides, I'd rather be scared out of my wits, or contemplating the dark side of human nature in a way that is removed from my daily life and therefore 'safe'.

Okay, now onto the book. Dismas is a private investigator in the 'Others' and is born into the world disfigured. The character development and insight here is phenomenal and a little painful at times which deepens the story even further. Dismas is asked to investigate a missing baby supposedly declared dead following the birth, and thus begins a course of events involving babies born with hideous deformities. Without ruining the story-line, I was really creeped out one night reading about the hospital at 'Perfect Rest' although it sounds completely harmless, doesn't it?

The theme of redemption is echoed throughout the novel, and I thoroughly enjoyed following the character's journey and learning about the fate of the Others.

I recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys a good fright, or is a fan of either Stephen King or Dean Koontz. ( )

This was a tough story to get into. After almost 100 pages I very nearly gave up. I liked the characters, but I found it tough going when it felt like the author was getting too caught up in descriptions, or his characters reminiscing.I doubt I'll read anymore James Herbert books. ( )