Ghoul

Slowly but surely Slade introduces us to the bits and pieces of his Special X squad. HEADHUNTER gave us Rovert DeClerq (not sure about the spelling), and GHOUL gives us Zinc Chandler. This guy is about as gutsy as 20 real-life detectives, and every bit as suave as James Bond. To paraphrase a review I read elsewhere, he more or less becoems catnip for women in this book. Here we encounter 3 killers...and you know what, it's been so long since I read this book that I honestly can't remember all 3...but I DO remember that Slade grips you by the throat once aghain and leads you leeringly through his mad house of horrors. AS in all his books, Slade's story depends on the rotation of several plotlines that skip back and forth between time, location, and characters. Slade is one of those authors who you either love or hate; his "numerous plotlines" trick either annoys or intices the reader, as well as his tendency to never pull a single punch when it comes to descrbing murder scenes (either during the act or the aftermath). But one thing is for sure: there is no inbetweens with Slade, and that is the sign of a damn good author.

This densely plotted, feverish novel is almost perfect, in any sense in which a written work is judged, i.e., plot, characterization, etc. I like to think that I can figure out what is going to happen by the end of a book, but this one completely surprised me - not one shock at the end, but two! Besides the revelation of the villain, there was also the totally unexpected development concerning Chandler's girlfriend, Deborah. Wow! Slade is famous for writing complex novels that demand your total attention, but this book was exceptionally well done. Everything fit together perfectly and in an absolutely logical way. Additionally, for those of you who believe he goes a little heavy on the history sometimes, there is little of that in this book. It is all plot - and what a plot. The characters are memorable, especially Inspector Rand (whose desperation you could feel); her assistant, Scotty (there's a man you'd like to have on your side); and, of course, the villain(s). This was not the first Slade book I read (that was Cutthroat), but it is far and away the best. The only other novel that is on a par with it is Ray Garton's Shackled. I invite fellow Slade (and horror in general) fans to correspond with me. I would enjoy hearing from you.

If you are, then read no further. The Scream will make your parents throw out your Judas Priest records again! Although I'm an avid Michael Slade fan, this one is my favorite! Slade's talent for providing understandable information about forensics, psychology & serial crime put the reader in the RCMP. His multiple storylines weave effortlessley toward the climax & outcome of the case while making you relieved it's De Clerq out there & not you! If you like fiction that's almost non-fiction (because he studies up BEFORE he writes the book) please read this. And while you're at it, read Headhunter, Cutthroat & Ripper to treat your sick mind to a little candy! Slade can't write 'em fast enough.

I read this book several years ago. I had never read this author previously, but what a suprise! I was really scared as I was reading it, but could not put it down. I made sure that my doors were locked, looked in my closets, under the bed, anywhere that I thought that someone could hide. this book is great for anyone that loves the horror genre. I have been searching for this book because I lost my copy. I am thrilled that I was not Imagining that it existed!

I had never heard of Michael Slade. While looking through the book rack at a grocery store I picked up this book, read the back cover, and decided to give it a try. I was amazed. This little known (sadley) author(s) metodically takes you trough great mahem, murder, and suspence. I quickly found what I think was the first novel, Headhunter, and found the the writing is consistant. If dark suspense, violence, and frankly being scared to death is up your alley, then Slade and Goul is a must for you to read!