Review: Haunted by James Herbert

Hey everyone!
Today, I am excited to be sharing my review of Haunted by James Herbert with you all.

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GoodReads Synopsis:

Three nights of terror in a house called Edbrook. Three nights in which David Ash, there to investigate a haunting, will be the victim of horrifying and maleficent games. Three nights in which he will face the enigma of his own past. Three nights before Edbrook’s dreadful secret will be revealed – and the true nightmare will begin.

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My Review:

Before Haunted, the only books I had read by James Herbert were his Rats series, which I absolutely loved. My dad had been telling me for YEARS to read his books, and I just didn’t do it, but I’m glad I finally listened, and I am aiming to read all of the books he ever wrote. I was so excited to read Haunted, and it didn’t disappoint.

The book starts with an extremely creepy opening chapter, but I didn’t expect anything different from Herbert. He had a real talent for really making you feel the horror of his books, and chapter 1 of Haunted is no exception to that. But after chapter 1, it jumps to a completely different time, and leaves you in suspense.

There are some great characters in this story, but David Ash is the star of the show. He’s a very likeable character, and I truly became invested, praying for his safety. Edith is another character that I really enjoyed, and her psychic abilities definitely heightened the feel of the book.

Edbrook was the perfect setting for the horror that was to come for Ash. It was gothic, and creepy, and your typical old horror mansion. It made it feel all the more real and atmospheric, and I certainly would never want to visit Edbrook.

The book was steady and well paced throughout, but the build up to the climax was so intense, and will have you on the edge of your seat. What a fantastic way to end the story too, from page 1 to the very last sentence, the horror never ends.

The story is extremely dark and spooky, but there was also a big element of psychological fear too, which I really enjoyed. I love books about the paranormal, and ones that really mess with your mind, and Haunted ticks both of those boxes.

Although I didn’t enjoy this as much as the Rats series, this was still a fantastic read, and the 2 are so different that they simply can’t be compared. I would even go as far as to say that this is one of the best ghost stories I have ever read. I can’t wait to read more of Herbert’s books, especially the next 2 books in the David Ash series!

I give Haunted a 4 star rating!

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