Andie P

My challenge today is to finish The Haunted and write my review in preparation for my delivery of The people next door by Christopher Ransom. I have decided to give him another go, I read The Birthing House and loved it, then quickly read The Haunting of James Hastings and thought it was boring, but I'm going to give his next novel a go and hope I enjoy it so I can start being a fan again! Watch this space. Andie x

Just wondering if anyone has read this and whether they would class it as a 'horror'...I'm undecided whether I should just watch the film or to make the effort and read the book? If anyone has read it and or seen the film, which is best? Thanks Andie x

Hi Addicted! Yes I love to write but have not had anything ever published so I am still learning. I like to read many different genres and like you say popular authors but I always seem to come back to my favourite; horror!! I am hoping I come across a James Herbert I like, time will tell! Andie x

Thank you Bookworm for liking my review! That is exactly what I would describe it, an 'escapsit novel'. I want to be a fan as I love horror but I have failed to come across one of his novels so far that I really enjoyed. Andie x So here is my next review. So, OK OK, this isn't exactly in keeping with my hopeful reputation as a horror reader/writer but it just goes to show just how eclectic my taste can be! Seriously though I was told that Catherine Cookson is the 'best storyteller of all time' so I gave the first book I came across in the charity shop a go. The story begins by introducing Riley at an early age and being influenced greatly by his teacher (and future long term friend) to become an aspiring actor. Riley leaves school with a poor education and jumps into theatre work straight away, here he is tutored by an older women and a relationship quickly develops. The book follows Riley's relationship and his journey of getting older and the trials and tribulations of life. The story is mainly built around the characters relationships, I found these all believable and true to life. Most of the dialogue was in a Newcastle accent which initially I found difficult to read but as I got used to it the more it helped the personality of the characters build and I got to know them better. This was a long story which I found never really 'got going' and the events that happen were quite predictable, however it is a well told melodramatic story. I'm not sure I am convinced I shall read another Catherine Cookson novel, as it lacked the excitement I look for in a book but she is certainly a good writer and I hope I can tell a story as good as she one of these days! Andie x

Ok, so here is my review for The Magic Cottage: James Herbert is described as Britain's best chiller fiction writer, having seen this written on the book and also being a hardcore horror fan, I just had to give it a go. The Magic Cottage follows a loving couple, Midge and Mike Gudgeon buying a secluded cottage within a peaceful forest and leave their busy life in London behind. It doesn't take long before strange things start to happen and a more sinister side of the cottage and the local community develops including visits by the dark mysterious figure in the woods. The story is narrated by Mike Gudgeon which I found easy to read and I built a quick empathy and relationship with him. Herbert's descriptive skills provided me with insightful imaginary. However, I thought the story was too far fetched, plot was stretched out far too long and I was really disappointed with the ending. I wouldn't put this under the genre of horror, perhaps more a fantasy thriller as I wasn't scared in the least. Don't read if you are inpatient as it's drawn out far too long without much excitement. Brilliant descriptive writer nevertheless and a story I will remember despite my disappointment.

So everyone else seems to be doing it so I will start my reading list for this year (as I am very new to this will just start with what I have read this year so far..which isn't much I must admit): The Magic Cottage by James Herbert Riley by Catherine Cookson and currently reading The Haunted by Niki Valentine... reviews to follow! Andie x

I have read The Birthing House by Christopher Ransom. I found this to be psychologically scary/eery and played on my mind a little, wouldn't recommend his following book 'The Haunting of James Hastings', I found that quite boring. Going to read 'The People Next Door' next just to give him benefit of doubt!