The Hidden

Rating:
Summary: No Hidden Talent in this Strong Debut
Review: Rachel Wright collapses one night and is awoken in a hospital with amnesia. She has no memory of her past life. Luckily her neighbour Mike is there for companionship and to help her get through the nightmares that have plagued her new life. Dark dreams in which mirrors are much more than mirrors. A string of ritualistic murders in London is soon connected to Mike and Rachel and ahhh the plot thickens.

This is a very strong debut effort showcasing Ms, Pinborough's talents. There are echoes of King, Lovecraft and Matheson within this novel, but it is very much told in the author's unique voice. The Hidden's terror is built in a very suspenseful manner and is tinged with just enough graphic gore and sensuality to satisfy most bloodthirsty horror fans. The novel never goes over the top though, Pinborough maintains a nice style without any gratuitous sensationalism and using an economy of pages. There are unresolved issues as another reviewer pointed out, but one of the best trademarks of true horror is the questions left unanswered. Character development was a little on the light side, yet there was enough there that I was touched reading scenes that were meant to move the reader. I am fairly discrimitory in my horror reading as there is like in any genre an onslaught of bad writing, but Pinborough definitely doe NOT fall into this category. A very scary first novel and I look forward to follow up releases.

Rating:
Summary: Pure unadulterated Amusement.
Review: With this being the first novel by Sarah Pinborough I have only two words, Good Job. The plot is original and gripping. The events flow decently; the motives and the reactions of the characters are true and completely believable. Getting into the mind of both predator and prey, she takes you on a roller coaster ride where evil awaits with bated breath. Hell even the morally depraved and damaged can be redeemed. I loved it! The atmosphere is filled with a sense of hopeless abandon and a stink of rot. I suggest a scalding hot shower to relieve you of said odor.

The characters are a bit too clichéd, have little or no history and too many questions go unanswered. For example, what happened to Elizabeth Ray between 14 and 40? What kind of childhood did Rachel have? Was the wholesome neighbor, Mike, a stalker? If he only met her a few times, how did he know so much about her? How did Murray's wife die? How many people were killed in Ray's house? Oh I could go on, but I won't. I've decided because it is Pinborough's first book, I will overlook the players ... just this once.

The pace in the book is fanatical, almost dangerous. The tension explodes on the first page and climbs steadily and with stealth. Warning: If you are a nail-biter do not, I repeat do not, read this book without first using precautionary measures. Pinborough's style of writing is compassionate, quick-witted, and above all else compelling. The descriptions are graphic and textured, evoking the scenarios with grotesque imagery. Excellent!

Rating:
Summary: Nightmares!!!
Review: Wow!! Very few books scare me, but this one was hard to put down! Without giving anything away, you will want to keep all the lights on and get rid of all your mirrors!! I highly recommend this if you are a horror fan!!