Bernard Taylor (1) (1937–)

I love that Valancourt Books have reprinted so many of the old classic horror novels, making what was once difficult to find in used condition brand new again for a new generation of horror readers.

Previously, the only book I had read by this author was Godsend, so many years ago that I can only remember that I enjoyed it, I will need to reread someday. I had no idea he was such a prolific horror and true crime writer. After reading this one I have made it a point to get hold of several of his other titles and a collection of his short stories.

Sweetheart Sweetheart begins innocently enough, with an underlying tension and a slowly building feeling of unease. David has not heard back from his twin brother recently and begins to feel uncomfortable with the silence. True that David is busy with his new life, and new wife but odd that he has not written in some time. David feels compelled to fly off to England to check on him. His girlfriend thinks he is overreacting but he can not ignore the feeling of dread that compels him to go.

Upon his arrival he is told very coldly and bluntly that his brother is dead and that his father could not be bothered to call him in time for the funeral. Between his father and the locals he is given bits and pieces of the story, laden with rumor and innuendo but little in the way of facts and details. As David settles in to the cottage that has been left to him, he considers making it his permanent home, but the more he learns, the more he wants to know, and the more he finds out the clearer it becomes that there is a danger to staying in the lovely cottage where so much death has occurred. The gradual build up of creeping fear makes the ending that much more shocking. This story was brilliant. It is expertly crafted and perfectly executed.… (mais)

(I won't rate this book. I skipped to the end because I had to return it to the library in 2 hrs or else get fined $1/day.)

It starts out very slow with a lot of description of the physical surroundings and the MC meets a lot of people in the new village. It is well-done, but there's not a lot of impetus to the meetings nor is a sense of foreboding developed.

The ending sent shivers up and down my spine and it was truly horrific. After dropping the book off at the library tonight, I couldn't help but constantly turn my head around to check behind me.… (mais)

Bernard Taylor's THE REAPING is an unsettling Gothic tale of seduction, and the myriad ways that seduction can be used against a person. Tom Rigby, former artist-turned-shop owner, is commissioned to paint a portrait in a secluded country mansion. At first reticent, the money offered is too lucrative for Rigby to turn down.

Rigby soon finds himself romantically involved with the subject of the portrait, a young relative of the owner of Woolvercombe House. However, during his stay at the mansion, Rigby observes more and more distressing goings-on, and is more than happy to have his leave of the mansion at the completion of the portrait.

Soon, to his horror, Rigby discovers that the commission for the portrait and all that he observed at the manor were all part of a diabolical plot, and that his was a small but integral part in a much larger, more sinister scheme.

Whether of wealth, the flesh, or youth, seduction is at the core of this book. Some plot points seem too contrived for necessity, but the twists and turns will keep the reader guessing. The horror is a very slow build, but once all the pieces of the puzzle start falling into place, the story takes a rapid chase to its chilling and unexpected end. Another excellent addition to Valancourt Books' Paperbacks From Hell series.

Hannibal Hills narration is excellent and easy to understand. An all-around great book to listen to.

I would like to thank Valancourt Books for providing a free audio download of THE REAPING in exchange for a fair and honest review.… (mais)