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Family Portrait

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'Family Portrait' by Graham Masterton is a horror novel that follows the Gray family and the Pearson family, who are tied together by a central conundrum and a temporal anomaly. The narrative structure is described as insinuating scare and chill, with a thread of the supernatural running through the story. The book is praised for its intricate plot twists and surprise elements, making it a nearly 500-page masterwork that keeps readers on their toes until the end.

Characters:

Characters are well-developed and intricate, contributing to the emotional impact of the story.

Writing/Prose:

The prose is vividly imaginative and immersive, blending intricate plots with sophisticated horror elements.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative intertwines two families through a supernatural connection, invoking graphic horror and themes of vengeance.

Setting:

The setting contributes to a creepy atmosphere, blending modern elements with supernatural horror.

Pacing:

The pacing is initially slow but builds effectively towards impactful revelations and tension.
AS SOON AS he saw her standing under the lime trees, her thumb lifted, her red nylon rucksack propped up against the railings beside her, he knew that she was a suitable victim. He drove thirty or for...

Notes:

Graham Masterton is known for his graphic and imaginative horror writing.
The book 'Family Portrait' is compared to Oscar Wilde's 'The Picture of Dorian Gray'.
Masterton's writing often includes elements of sex, violence, and supernatural themes.
Many fans highlight the depth of character development in Masterton's works.
Readers often comment on the unsettling nature of the horror in 'Family Portrait', particularly scenes involving torture.
Masterton has a strong fan following since he began publishing in the 1970s, with 'The Manitou' being a notable early work.
The book contains a temporal anomaly linking two families, adding a unique twist to the story.
Some readers found certain plot developments too fantastical, yet they still enjoyed Masterton's writing style.
Critics and fans believe Masterton deserves more recognition compared to other horror writers like Stephen King.
The book has been reprinted by Random House UK and Hammer Productions, showing its continued relevance.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

The book contains graphic violence, including depictions of skinning alive.

From The Publisher:

One of the few true masters of the horror genre.' €”James Herbert, author of Others The first body was found in Europe. She had once been a beautiful young girl, but with exquisite skill someone had carefully teased the skin entirely away from her body, leaving nothing but a flayed and bloody carcass. A full examination of her ruined body reveals an horrific truth: She had been skinned alive. The second blood-raw corpse turned up in New England. Followed soon after by another, this time a victim of extreme decomposition, a mess of flesh convulsing with maggots. When a mysterious, crumbling painting is implicated in the deaths it seems that the investigating team has resorted to madness. But this rotten painting hides a terrifying family secret.

 
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