Review: Excellent atmospheric read!
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 03 13, 2013
This is a review ofMask of the Macabrea book containing 4 related short stories by David Haynes.This is the first book I have read by Mr Haynes, and I must say that I was impressed.There are four related stories, giving the reader an insight into the life (and death) of Jonathan Lovitt, who revels in the grotesque belief that peoples' faces are masks designed to hide more than they reveal. Each story is set at a different point in the main protagonists career.Written in a Dickensian, penny-dreadful style, each story is loaded with horror, and takes the reader into a 19th century world, where gruesomeness, violence, blood, gore and fog lurk. The writing is very atmospheric, and it is easy to become engrossed. The characters are well-drawn, and it is easy to identify with the more sympathetic personalities, and to be revolted by those whose view of others is so skewed that violence is the only answer.Like other reviewers, I suggest reading all four stories close together, to get the full flavour of the horrors therein.I'm looking forward to reading more books by Mr Haynes, especiallyThe Boy Who Kissed The Sky.I received a free copy of this book in return for an honest review.5 stars