Rating: 
Summary: Slade is somewhat back
Review: I have to say, I was worried when Slade changed from a group of guys, to a father-daughter grouping. But, I was proven wrong. The sex, the violence, ah, reminds me of the books from the beginning. Though not as gruesome, and not as fun as Ripper. And the ending is not as surprising as Headhunter, but they did keep me guessing til the very end. I gave it only 4 stars because I'm comparing it to the other books. This isn't as dark and twisted as early novels. But it was definitely a great read, especially for the true Slade fans out there.
Rating: 
Summary: Bed Of Nails
Review: I thought this book was ok. It went into a lot of details, which in some spots made it a bit confusing. This is the only book i have read out of the series but it explained things that happened in past books which made it easier to understand. I wouldnt mind checking out some of this authors other work.
Rating: 
Summary: Slade has NEVER written a bad novel.
Review: I was once lucky enough to see Slade on a talk-show that I barely watch...I was entranced by the idea of the book that they were talking about (Hangman)...and I have been forever changed for the better. Slade has forever changed this genre. Anyone who has read the very first Special X novel, Headhunter, knows that whodunnits rarely get any better, never mind action, and suspense. And never does anyone come out more smart, having read the book, then by reading any other book. Slade has this weird ability to make anything and everything interesting, amusing and fascinating. Think reading about a bunch of old Zulu battles is interesting?--whoever says no must now read Evil Eye (aka Zombie). But enough about the entire Special X series. Bed of Nails-actually the TENTH book of the series--is nothing less of the greatness which has been set by the previous nine books. It starts off with one heck of a weird chapter which falls into place quite quickly. Slade immediately sets the mystery level on full-blast by bringing in the killer in the next chapter. This intriguing introduction of the killer we remember from the book Ripper (referred, continuily in here as Ripper so there's no real need to have read the first book before) in an insane asylum, starting the spooks off admirably. This book continues off into realms of smartness and experience that only Slade knows how to pull off. I am pissed off that one reader wrote a stupid review of this book. He should have tried knowing the subject more. It's quite common knowledge that Slade writes more infromation into his books than anyone else--and those who do research something very rarely give their sources as Slade always does. The Special X series is a unique interpretation of Canada-problems we can become involved in-and the best psychos ever created. He has garnered himself one of the biggest cult followings possible without really becoming known everywhere he goes. People from many parts of the world have been fascinated by his writing-and many others have had hte distinct pleasure of having their homelands part of the bloodbath that is a Slade novel. It's now time that Slade is let out of the box. Although I take a little pride in being in on this little secret, Slade deserves much much more in sales than anyone else. If anyone wants to complain about obvious whodunnits, there may be a case or two where a Slade book uses one of hte more common whodunnit angles found in many other books. But there's a reason that these kind of books still get published: A) it's not about hte person themselves, it's about what's in the very heart of their soul and B) if you don't read trying to be a little investigator of your own, then it'll be a surprise anyways; the investigation is left up to the characters, not the reader and the writer makes sure it all comes out in due time. Slade is every good part of all the greatest books ever written. He writes well--weaving his suspenseful tales like only he knows how--and he draws longlasting subplots throughout the series which add a little colour, and he knows his stuff. NO ONE beats Slade.
Rating:
Summary: One of Slade's best!!
Review: I'm finding it hard to believe that Stone Junction has read the same book as me?!?! Remember the revenge Vincent Price exacted on his critics in Hammer's 'Theatre of Blood'? - maybe Ripper will get him for you Slade!!
A terrific book by one of my literary heroes.
Well worth tracking down
Rating:
Summary: Pretty good...informative if not a little formulaic
Review: I've read several Michael Slade books over the years and they have certainly been consistent. The books teem with psycho killers doing unspeakably nasty things to innocents and with the angelic qualities of their heroes. But along the way, there is lots of well-researched history, alternating perspective and character building. For the most part, they are informative and interesting thrillers. My only complaint is that the heroes are nowhere near as interesting as the villians (in Bed of Nails, I was rooting for the villian who, in interest of remaining spoiler free I will not reveal, to get the good guy once and for all). The heroes seem almost cardboard thin and just as stiff and the plot moves them around rather than the other way. Jay, Rebecca, I enjoy your books and this one was very snappy. I like the con-geek segments as I've lived those as well. The mention of SCA brought a particular smile to my face as I've been a member for many years. Keep up the good work!
Rating:
Summary: RCMP Au Gratin
Review: If nothing else, Bed of Nails is a milestone, the tenth volume in a series authored under the pseudonym of Michael Slade. Without exception, they belong in the hack and splash section of the bookstore. These are serial killer horror stories with a thin veneer of detective mystery story. One can honestly say that, regardless of which of the many authors is part of the current writing team, the stories are all almost identical in nature. Although the earlier books were a bit more varied in the details. Nowadays, a new Slade novel means someone is having Inspector Zinc Chandler for lunch again. Regular readers will remember The Ripper, the homicidal maniac who structured his killings in a ritual that would enable him to warp time and place so that he can kill at will. Even look up in an insane asylum, Ripper manages to convince The Goth that killing Chandler will reap amazing benefits. And so, without any further adieu, a series of murders leads Zinc to a horror convention and then to the South Pacific, where the only item on the menu is Mountie sushi. Slade stories always border on the zany, and Bed of Nails is no exception. In many cases, the only people who seem to be running on all cylinders are the victims. Another feature is unending details about everything from cannibalism and tarot cards to child abuse in the Canadian Bible Belt. I have mixed feelings about this because some of it advances the plot and some is just idle chit chat to fill space. If you like gruesome, Slade & Co. are just the writers for you. Unfortunately the overall atmospherics (whacked-out killers, semi-competent Mounties, and sarcastic bystanders) lowers the impact of the gruesomeness. It brings you up short when you realize that you are reading a description of the discovery of the victims parts (and what the killers did with those parts) as if it were a comedy or errors. As I've already said, nothing really has changed from the first book in the series. If you have liked them so far, you will like Bed of Nails. But they are getting a bit too cookie cutter and formulaic to gain excellent grades. Slade's writing, if you will, has failed to develop, despite the continuous rotation of authors. Besides that, if Zinc Chandler gets ground up once more there wont be enough of him for another story.
Rating:
Summary: RCMP Au Gratin
Review: If nothing else, Bed of Nails is a milestone, the tenth volume in a series authored under the pseudonym of Michael Slade. Without exception, they belong in the hack and splash section of the bookstore. These are serial killer horror stories with a thin veneer of detective mystery story. One can honestly say that, regardless of which of the many authors is part of the current writing team, the stories are all almost identical in nature. Although the earlier books were a bit more varied in the details. Nowadays, a new Slade novel means someone is having Inspector Zinc Chandler for lunch again. Regular readers will remember The Ripper, the homicidal maniac who structured his killings in a ritual that would enable him to warp time and place so that he can kill at will. Even look up in an insane asylum, Ripper manages to convince The Goth that killing Chandler will reap amazing benefits. And so, without any further adieu, a series of murders leads Zinc to a horror convention and then to the South Pacific, where the only item on the menu is Mountie sushi. Slade stories always border on the zany, and Bed of Nails is no exception. In many cases, the only people who seem to be running on all cylinders are the victims. Another feature is unending details about everything from cannibalism and tarot cards to child abuse in the Canadian Bible Belt. I have mixed feelings about this because some of it advances the plot and some is just idle chit chat to fill space. If you like gruesome, Slade & Co. are just the writers for you. Unfortunately the overall atmospherics (whacked-out killers, semi-competent Mounties, and sarcastic bystanders) lowers the impact of the gruesomeness. It brings you up short when you realize that you are reading a description of the discovery of the victims parts (and what the killers did with those parts) as if it were a comedy or errors. As I've already said, nothing really has changed from the first book in the series. If you have liked them so far, you will like Bed of Nails. But they are getting a bit too cookie cutter and formulaic to gain excellent grades. Slade's writing, if you will, has failed to develop, despite the continuous rotation of authors. Besides that, if Zinc Chandler gets ground up once more there wont be enough of him for another story.
Rating:
Summary: For your re-reading pleasure...
Review: If you've never read a Slade novel, look for HEADHUNTER, Slade's first. The novels are serial, so it's best to start at the beginning. If you've read (and liked) some Slade, you might want to read HANGMAN before this one. If you want to jump in anyway, go ahead...the water's fine, but watch out for sharks beyond the reef. If you've read some Slade and been disappointed, go ahead and try this one: it's worthwhile, especially if you liked RIPPER or GHOUL. If you're a Sladist, you've probably already read BED OF NAILS. As with all Slades, there's a lot here that warrants multiple read-throughs to catch details and nuances. This novel improves with age. At first, I pegged it at 3 stars (I'm a tough sell). Following my third read-through, I like it more than I initially did. Slade's idiosyncratic writing style is smooth and practiced in this tenth novel. The father/daughter writing team provides a sumptuous feast of perversion and mayhem. But they offer it a bite at a time, like dim sum. Pull up a chair and enjoy...and if you can't identify that mystery meat, keep chewing. It might not taste like chicken, but it goes down good!
Rating:
Summary: PRAISE FOR A GENIUS CANADIAN AUTHOR
Review: It has to be stated clearly from the beginning. For someone to accuse an author that they don't particularly care for, or find unimaginative to their likings, that they ought not be so harsh. If you wish to be negative, do so, but respect that there are always TRUE fans regardless of your pointless opinion(s). Michael Slade is a forefather of horror! He is a leader of the industry, and hasn't received the attention as some very overrated and poorly suspenseful horror fiction novelist have been given! His writings (regardless of who was under the pseudonym)created fictional stories that were able to transport the reader to such locations that they may/may not have ever visited. Each of his novels take aspects of actual history, and evolve them seamlessly into his work's of art! It is true that authors will have moments in their career's where by they may not live up to previous work. But the fact remains, they continue to push-on to new levels/heights to strive and achieve for their respective "FANS" stories that will be cherished and adored. ie. Michael Slade! The other point to note is; if you are going to BASH someone, take the time to do all the research. Bed of Nails is Michael Slade's 10th book. It is a masterpiece unto its own. The characters from one book to the next have all endured much pain and agony. Unto themselves, the characters have survived trechorous circumstances, and so for the "FANS"; we are all excited to discover what will happen next to Slade's characters. Michael Slade has his followers. And more will surely discover him in time. WE WILL NOT ALLOW SUCH PUNKS TO COME BETWEEN HIM AND HIS WONDEROUS contributions to the horror fiction novels. To those who are wanting a fun thrill and none stop excitement with twists/turns, strong characters, evil plots/villains, and history Michael Slade is the author to be proud of and give respects! Stand aside S. King, D. Kootnz, R. Walker, S. Sandford because a true Canadian in Red Surge is here knocking at your door!
Rating:
Summary: RCMP Au Gratin
Review: John Banks If nothing else, Bed of Nails is a milestone, the tenth volume in a series authored under the pseudonym of Michael Slade. Without exception, they belong in the hack and splash section of the bookstore. These are serial killer horror stories with a thin veneer of detective mystery story. One can honestly say that, regardless of which of the many authors is part of the current writing team, the stories are all almost identical in nature. Although the earlier books were a bit more varied in the details. Nowadays, a new Slade novel means someone is having Inspector Zinc Chandler for lunch again. Regular readers will remember The Ripper, the homicidal maniac who structured his killings in a ritual that would enable him to warp time and place so that he can kill at will. Even look up in an insane asylum, Ripper manages to convince The Goth that killing Chandler will reap amazing benefits. And so, without any further adieu, a series of murders leads Zinc to a horror convention and then to the South Pacific, where the only item on the menu is Mountie sushi. Slade stories always border on the zany, and Bed of Nails is no exception. In many cases, the only people who seem to be running on all cylinders are the victims. Another feature is unending details about everything from cannibalism and tarot cards to child abuse in the Canadian Bible Belt. I have mixed feelings about this because some of it advances the plot and some is just idle chit chat to fill space. If you like gruesome, Slade & Co. are just the writers for you. Unfortunately the overall atmospherics (whacked-out killers, semi-competent Mounties, and sarcastic bystanders) lowers the impact of the gruesomeness. It brings you up short when you realize that you are reading a description of the discovery of the victims parts (and what the killers did with those parts) as if it were a comedy or errors. As I've already said, nothing really has changed from the first book in the series. If you have liked them so far, you will like Bed of Nails. But they are getting a bit too cookie cutter and formulaic to gain excellent grades. Slade's writing, if you will, has failed to develop, despite the continuous rotation of authors. Besides that, if Zinc Chandler gets ground up once more there wont be enough of him for another story.
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