The Devil In Gray

Masterton once again manages to bring a unique story to the oversaturated, and often redundant, horror genre. I appreciated the inclusion of American and African folklore, historical US War elements and the Santeria religion....of which I had previously never heard of.

This one doesn't shy away from gore and visceral violence. But, the lighter elements, historical additions, and sarcastic and humorous personality of Detective Decker, somehow keep it from feeling too graphic or overwhelmingly gruesome.....while us avid horror readers revel in carnage, some will appreciate the levity.

Masterton writing shines in his ability to create lovable and endearing characters... Sandra, a girl with downs syndrome that can see ghost.....and make you show more like characters you probably shouldn't.....gang members and callous and sometimes crude Detective Decker.

Action packed and fast paced, the violent killings start immediately, with no slow build-up. A page turner and must read for fans of the genre. show less

Wow. What a different story. Wait a minute, just let me repeat that again - Wow.

The plot, while not flawless, is certainly a ride on the "different side"...it possesses something actually unique (can you believe it?) The book is another twist on the classic "detective hunting down a madman" deal...come on, admit it, it's hard to get tired of those if they're done right! While that parts familar, the end result and villian aren't. And..neither is the detective.

The religion Santeria is focused on, which is a new one for me, something that proved to be fascinating.

Taking place in Richmond, VA, Detective Decker is a sarcastic lady go-getter determined to stay out of relationships since the tragic death of his ex-girlfriend. Bizarre cases show more unfold concerning an invisible type man, which Decker doesn't believe in at first...until he just doesn't have a choice. With his friendly partner (and partner's shy but talented wife), and the aide of a little girl who's disabled but 'gifted', the group prepares for the ultimate hunt of the ultimate bad guy.

One of the things in the novels favor is its characterization. Detective Decker had me laughing out loud on more than one occassion with his seemingly endless bag of cheap pick-up lines. Although he did some asshole things, I eventually found him endearing for seeing the reason of his actions. He had a good amount of bravery in doing what he had to, and evolved throughout the story, coming to terms with pain and loss. Sandra, a little girl with down syndrome and uncanny abilities, was fun to read about, and although she wasn't present much of the time, when she was it counted.

It begins with violence and ends with violence. Quick paced but not suffocating, Masterton passes this part of the test. Masterton's writing style shines; this man almost paints the words on the page, beaming with great talent. There are no complaints in this department! This novel also relies heavily on gore and graphic violence, what a treat :)

While The Devil in Gray had me sitting there wanting to devour it all at once -- it really WAS hard to break myself away from it --- that's not to say there weren't faults to be found. While Detective Decker was cute and clever, a few small shades of her personality were a little unconvincing. When it was revealed what had happened to his wife, I had sort of predicted that from the get go.

But overall this is a treat I'll be re-reading one day. The old religion Santeria, fascinating history of the US war, detectives in modern times, psychic children and wives, nervous partners, excessive blood shed and violence detail -- what more could one ask for? show less

People are dying but there is no one there. Decker has the task of solving this mystery while fighting his own demons and nightmares that apparently are more than mere dreams. In the meantime the killing continues. The only clue he has is from a child with Downs Syndrome who amazing can see the killer. This was a good scary book. Decker was not my favorite character. He seemed more interested in sex than solving the crime. The reader will very quickly get tired of his attitude and manners.

A chilling ghost story with a vengeful spirit going for blood with a sword blade. People are dying, hacked apart in uncomfortably graphic svenes by an invisible attacker and a police detective has to figure the answers. Typically gripping horror story by Masterton, author of the Manitou series. Highly recommended...one of Masterton's most effective.

An incredibly creepy ghost story that will definitely keep you reading, The Devil in Gray is written by one of my all-time favorite writers of horror and I highly recommend it. Anyone who likes stories involving ghosts, Santeria, & revenge will like this book.

The story begins as a man and woman who are expecting a baby are remodeling the home they've just bought. The man notices that he's cut himself with a wallpaper knife, but he also notices that the wound is expanding and he's bleeding everywhere. He calls to his wife to help him, she dials 911, but the signal is choppy. By the time the paramedics get to the house, they find him in a gigantic puddle of blood, trying to put his wife's head back on her neck. The problem is that he show more didn't do it. The police assign detective Decker Martin to the case. There is also a witness, who swears she saw a "so-scary man" coming through the door. As Decker investigates, the case draws him into the world of Santeria where he also finds out that his own days are numbered.

The end was inventive, but kind of silly, but it really worked! If you've read anything by Masterton, you know that he's a very good author and this book will not disappoint. show less

The Devil in Gray is a gritty and visceral novel written by the master of horror Graham Masterton. In this novel, Decker Martin, a detective who lives on the edge and is at risk of falling off of it, mostly with his choice in women, faces an impossible case. People are dying in incredibly violent fashion with the killer seemingly appearing and disappearing out of nowhere. The only witness is a girl with Down’s syndrome. Meanwhile his dead former girlfriend is appearing to him as an apparition, warning him about the case that he is pursuing. All of this leads to practitioners of Santeria and the Civil War.

This is an enjoyable novel and certainly one that is well written. I don’t think Graham Masterton is capable of writing a bad show more novel. He’s just too good at his craft for such a thing. However, I don’t think this is quite at the same level as his other novels. There are a couple of plot holes and some slow points. All the same it is an enjoyable novel, one worth reading.

Carl Alves – author of Blood Street show less

An absolutely excellent novel by Graham Masterton that follows a cop from Virginia who is tasked with discovering how a family was killed by a seemingly implausible assailant. With the help of his partner, gang members, an autistic child, and others, the policeman finds that he may be dealing with a threat that has ties to an old battle in the Civil War, as well as African folklore.

I had a lot of fun reading this, especially since I got a lot of insight into the Santeria culture, as well as their religious beliefs. As far as I know, Masterton did a wonderful amount of research, as he normally does for his works, and it was very interesting to learn as I read. One of his best novels without a doubt.