If you crave in-your-face horror, unforgettable creepy settings, and a plot that blends haunted house vibes with ancient curses, "Walkers" will absolutely grip you. Graham Masterton serves up chilling suspense and more than a few grotesque, memorable scares. Fans of 80s and 90s paperback horror, anyone who loves haunted asylum stories, or readers just seeking full-on supernatural mayhem are in for a real treat. Not-so-subtle nods to folk horror and dark magic add extra intrigue, making it perfect for those who like their terror spiked with a bit of the occult.

Who May Not Like This Book:

This book isn’t for everyone. If you like deeply nuanced characters or impeccable realism, you might find "Walkers" lacking - many readers felt some characters were hard to root for or their actions seemed a bit off. The gruesome, graphic horror can feel gratuitous, and occasionally, the story leans so heavily into the supernatural that it asks for a massive suspension of disbelief. Some readers also picked up on dated or problematic elements related to the portrayal of mental illness and gender.

A wild, scary haunted asylum ride - big on terror, supernatural shenanigans, and atmosphere. Flawed but unforgettable, it's a cult horror gem for those who like their horror bold, brutal, and a bit bonkers.

About:

'Walkers' by Graham Masterton is a chilling horror novel set in The Oaks, an abandoned mansion that was once an asylum for the criminally insane. The story follows Jack Reed, who discovers the sinister secrets of the building as he tries to save his son from the evil forces that lurk within the walls. With elements of ancient magic, murder, and mayhem, the book delivers a gripping plot filled with suspense and terror. Masterton's writing style creates a haunting atmosphere, drawing readers into a world of supernatural horror and dark mysteries.

Characters:

The characters vary from relatable protagonists to less developed antagonists, creating a mix of engagement and frustration.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is characterized by its visceral horror, effective atmosphere, and engaging approach that pulls readers into the narrative.

Plot/Storyline:

The story features Jack Reed, who finds an abandoned asylum and subsequently faces the terrifying aftermath of inmates escaping into the walls, leading to a rescue mission involving ancient magic.

Setting:

The setting is a haunted and crumbling asylum, rich in atmosphere and integral to the horror of the story.

Pacing:

The book features a strong pacing that starts slowly to build atmosphere but quickly leads to gripping horror sequences.

He took his eyes off the road for no more than an instant, reaching across to the glove compartment to find his Santana tape, when something blurred and grayish white like a huddled child in a raincoa...

Notes:

The book revolves around Jack Reed, who discovers an abandoned Gothic mansion that was once a mental asylum.

Inmates from the asylum mysteriously disappeared one night, fueling the horror of the story.

The entity that Jack must confront can emerge from any wall or surface, creating a terrifying atmosphere.

The book was released in 1989 as part of Graham Masterton's extensive horror writing career.

Jack attempts to turn the haunted mansion into a resort, showcasing his ambition despite a lack of experience.

The story features a Druid curse that allows mental patients to escape from the confines of the mansion's walls.

One of the main antagonists is named Quintus, who leads a group known as the earth walkers in a kidnapping plot.

Characters experience unexplainable actions and unlikable traits, adding complexity to the horror narrative.

The book is noted for its graphic and visceral horror, sometimes more intense than works by Stephen King.

It is described as having a slow build-up but becomes a page-turner filled with suspense and horror later on.

Walkers features elements of folk horror, blending supernatural occurrences with ancient magic.

Readers have praised the book for its creepy haunted house vibe and likable characters despite the overall gruesome themes.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

High content warnings are applicable due to themes of violence, murder, and depictions of mental illness.

From The Publisher:

A dark and horrifying tale of Druidism, madness and murder.

The Oaks is an idyllic, up-market country club - but its ornately carved walls hides a horrific past. Sixty years ago the house was an asylum, home to crazed psychopaths. One night all of them disappeared, never to be seen again. Jack Reed, the owner of The Oaks, has no idea about the building's terrible history. It is only when Jack's son is dragged into the walls of the mansion that he realizes what happened sixty years ago - and just where the inmates have been living all this time . . .

1989

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345 pages

Reader Stats (4):

Want To Read (3)
Not Interested (1)

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Walkers?

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About the Author:

Graham Masterton trained as a newspaper reporter before beginning his career as an author. Graham's credits as a writer include the bestselling horror novel The Manitou, which was adapted into a film starring Tony Curtis. He is also the author of the Katie Maguire crime series. Visit grahammasterton.com

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Walkers

Graham Masterton

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