Something Dangerous

Set in 1950s England at a boys' school, this story of a quiet boy coming under the influence of a bullying older boy is as riveting as anything by Stephen King. Jonathan finds himself more and more under the control of Richard, who destroys anyone who comes between them. Richard is a creature of seething anger, and somehow taps into some paranormal force, which he uses for his own ends. Jonathan must find a way to stop Richard before he can continue his wicked ways. I couldn't put this book down after I started it. The whole mysterious element of who was telling the story kept me going, page after page. Quite masterful!

Having read Patrick Redmond's "Something Dangerous", I think I can say that the future of British horror writing is in more than capable hands. Where this book scores is in way the horror arises from the interplay between characters, rather than - as is the case with King, Koontz, and Herbert - from the plot itself. There is something almost Orwellian about the sense of entrapment, of there being no escape for the the lead characters, that Redmond manages to evoke. I felt real empathy for Palmer and Scott.In my experience as a dedicated fan of horror novels, this has got to be the scariest I've ever read. And having attended an English all-boys school myself, I know that Redmond has certainly done his research. This was a stunning read, and I would reccommend it to anyone.Well done Patrick Redmond! I look forward to finishing his latest novel "The Puppet Show."

I have just finished reading Something Dangerous and am proud to say bravo to the author Patrick Redmond. This was an excellent debut novel, and one that left me totally exhausted! The suspense in this book cover everything from demonic possession, to adultery, to betrayal, and just about every other hedonistic subject u can think of! I could not put this book down and cannot wait to read more of Mr. Redmonds' work. If Something Dangerous is any inclination of what to expect from him in the future, we are all in for a real treat!

I received this book as a gift & was not sure what to expect. I was surprised to find I really enjoyed it. I like the way the supernatural element was downplayed, making it more than just another horror novel. Unraveling the mysteries kept me highly involved in this novel; I didn't want to put it down. Read it in a night. I look forward to reading more of Mr. Redmond's work.

Can there be anything as monstrous or evil as someone using the face of an innocent child to cover up their true nature? Fourteen-year old Jonathan Palmer attends the exalted Kirsten Abbey prep school. In his first year at the school, Jonathan hates the place because he knows how socially inferior he and his family are compared to the other pupils. He befriends Nicholas Scoot and the Perimen twins, but the trio is unable to protect Jonathan from his dorm's bullies led by James Wheatly and his gang of goons. Quite by accident, Jonathan happens to sit next to Richard Rokeby, an individual who personally isolates himself from the entire student body. Richard rejects all attempts at friendship, but feels Jonathan needs protection. Soon terrible things occur to those who cross Jonathan, who clings to his savior. However, Jonathan soon realizes that Richard's spell of evil not only traps him but that no one else who goes near him is safe. Anyone who reads SOMETHING DANGEROUS will realize that the so-called death of the Gothic sub-genre is clearly exaggerated. The one-sitting story line includes all the classic elements of an old fashion gothic, but set in the present world. From the first page, the plot oozes with a sense of a supernatural foreboding that will shake the belief foundation of the audience due to the behavior of the lead characters. Jonathan and Richard are an interesting pair as one is born evil while the other is nurtured into accepting evil. Patrick Redmond will gain much acclaim and fans for his exciting modern gothic tale.Harriet Klausner