Review: Violent & Depraved Yet A Captivating Story.  You'll Never Be The Same.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 05 14, 2014
This is my first literary experience with either Matt Shaw or Michael Bray and it has been a enthralling one.  "Art" is a literary collaboration between these two British authors.  However, "ART" the novel is very much Matt's creation.  According to the authors' notes, Shaw was "15 years olds when the 1st vision of this story crept into his sometimes dark mind." [Yikes! It makes me wonder just how dark is Shaw's "sometimes dark mind."  Scary or Sexy! LOL]The story is presented in first person narrative using the perspective of both the main characters throughout the novel.  It was my first time experiencing this as well and it was done perfectly, seamlessly and for me resulted in a refreshing, in-depth and captivating literary experience. [come to think of it these two very talented men have given me a multitude of delight "first" experience. Ok, get your mind out of the gutter or is it only me, anyway, I'm speaking of strictly literary experiences. LOL  But, hey, what's life, and even sometimes a review, w/o a little humor!]Sorry, I digress! In "ART" Shaw flexes his literary muscles using a (apparently this is trademark writing style) "visceral pull no punches style" as the violent and depraved serial killer.  While Michael Bray uses what is apparently his trademark writing style to paint Detective Andrews as a complex and "multi-layered" character.  Consequently, Andrews is by no means perfect but you can't help but root for him.  Yes, there are numerous stories out there pitting the determined detective against the crazed serial killer, and I've read my share, but when I finished this novel I was so overwhelmed by such a multiplicity of emotions and thoughts that I just sat here staring at my PC for several beats stunned into complete stillness.  Seriously!  There are several things, too many to list here, that I think that make this novel in many respects heads above similar stories but for now 5 things immediately come to mind: (1) the two person perspective gave me unparalleled insight into the  cognitive workings of the killer and the detective rather than just those implied by their actions but the demented thoughts of killer were paramount; (2)this is a fast pace story that doesn't let you come up for air; (3) the manner in which the indescribable horror, violence and depravity became a living breathing entity rather than just superfluous; (4) the ending  which, by the way, every so 'slightly' reminded me of this movie.  Unfortunately, I can't tell you which movie because it would give too much away regarding especially the ending.  After u finish the novel, send me a comment if you think you can guess.  Finally, last but by no means least, (5) the collaboration between Shaw and Bray.  They complement each other superbly well.  Even the authors' notes were interesting.  Big publishing outlets were nuts not to grab up this gem. Oh well, as they say, there loss but definitely our gain.WARNING: When I say "indescribable" horror, gore, violence and depravity please don't take this lightly.  This story is NOT for every one.  I thought that I was immune to all things fictional "horror" but it is going to take a while for some of the scenes in this novel, especially the last scene, to dispel out of my psyche.  This is some intense stuff! You've been warned so please, please don't read this novel then give these imaginative men a poor rating b/c it was  too distasteful for you b/c that just wouldn't be right.  Now I'm off to read "SEED" by  Mat Shaw.  I also plan to check some of Bray's work. Sure hope they collaborate on another book soon.  Enjoy!!