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A review by bookishwelshie
The Burning by Graham Masterton
slow-paced
3.5
Over the past couple of years, I have been building up a collection of vintage horror paperbacks; as I absolutely love the cover art for many of them, and am curious to read as much horror as possible from over the decades as it is my favourite genre. Finally jumped into reading one with Graham Masterton’s The Hymn; as a buddy read with my “Master of Horror” friend, Peter.
My only issue with this book is the middle felt so slow to me, I’m not sure exactly why that was, but that’s why it took me much longer than expected to finish. However, when the horror action was happening, it was very good. There are some shades of folk horror/paganism, mixed in with the occult and paranormal, and World War II/Nazi-related horror themes. This is explored more towards the end, as most of the story reads like a detective-thriller novel. It’s an interesting and unique blend of genres, it even has some moments of humour thrown in.
My only issue with this book is the middle felt so slow to me, I’m not sure exactly why that was, but that’s why it took me much longer than expected to finish. However, when the horror action was happening, it was very good. There are some shades of folk horror/paganism, mixed in with the occult and paranormal, and World War II/Nazi-related horror themes. This is explored more towards the end, as most of the story reads like a detective-thriller novel. It’s an interesting and unique blend of genres, it even has some moments of humour thrown in.