Customer Reviews

The House That Jack Built

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Craig Bellman is a well-off New York lawyer. One night, Craig is mugged and leaves the scene permanently injured. His wife, Effie, decides it is best for him to get away from New York for a while to recover and get his self-asteem back. One day, while driving along a backroad in the countryside, Craig and Effie come across a house called Valhalla, once owned by an extremely rich gambler and womaniser Jack Belias. Craig is strangely drawn to the house and is determined to see it. When he does see it, it is ruined. But it does not dampen Craigs hopes and decides to buy and restore it, using all of his and his wifes money and selling his law firm to do so. Effie notices changes in Craig and realises that it is due to the house. With the help of the local spiritualist, Pepper Moriarty, she find out the houses secrets and also Jack Belias'. She then understands that if she doesn't do something soon, she will lose her husband forever. A terrifying page-turner from the true master of horror.

After a devastating mugging Craig and Effie escape to the countryside trying to restore Craig's masculinity and self esteem. While driving thru the back roads they come across a shambling ruin of a mansion once owned by a notorious gambler and womanizer. Craig is irresistibly drawn to this decrepit dwelling while every sense and intuition warns Effie away from it. With help from the village psychic and her handyman son they discover the true nature of this hellish home. Another mesmerizing tale of the occult from the TRUE master of horror.

This book does not come anywhere close to Black Angel or Walkers by the same author but it is a very good read and does have its gruesome moments. Graham Masterton, in my opinion is one of the finest horror writers in existence and this book is a fantastic addition to his works. This is a must for any Masterton fan. Why are his books so hard to find?

Loved this book from the start and couldnt put it down. Cant wait to read another one of his books. Just Brilliant!!!! Diane, Tamworth x

This is and isn't a ghost story but a very good read all the same.. enjoyed this book and its nice to read a book where the ending isn't always a happy ever after..enjoy!

I had read this previously but enjoyed it just as much the second time around. I really got drawn into the characters and brings your imagination alive......excellent read from excellent author

This is the second time I have read this book. It is probably the best book that Graham Masterton has ever written. I was hooked from the very first page and could not wait to finish it but then when I did I wanted to read it again just in case I'd missed any.

It starts well; the main charcter gets lured into a deserted building where thugs get hold of him, rob him, and then smash his left testicle with a hammer. In recovery he wrestles with his depleted manhood. While going out for a day trip he spots the house that Jack built which perks him up considerably. And the story gets quite eerie and atmospheric.

But by the halfway mark the tone changes and things start becoming like scooby-do as things get farfetched. The book then becomes a chore to read as the cliches come out, and it starts to feel like a book aimed at teens.

For a real scare go to Matheson's 'Hell House', much more frightening than the house jack built...

Couldn't put this book down the title doesn't do it justice. Although you become aware quite early where the story is going you just need to read a bit more. The tension mounts throughout and the end is not disappointing. Great book !!!

An excellently written book, so easy to read...but make sure you're not alone in the house before reading, because it'll have you scared witless!!