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A Terrible Beauty [Mass Market Paperback]

Graham Masterton (Author)
3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)

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Book Description

Publication Date: Feb 25 2003

There are things I need to know...

On a farm in southern Ireland, the dismembered bones of eleven women are found in a common grave, buried eight decades ago. Detective Superintendent Katie Maguire is used to bloodshed, but this ivory litter of human remains is unimaginable butchery.

Of other worlds apart from this...

In isolated darkness not far away, an American tourist is at the mercy of a serial killer. His tools are a boning knife, twine, and a doll fashioned from nails and fishhooks. The murder of his victims is second only to the pleasure of their pain.

Darker places inhabited by evil monstrosities...

As an eighty-year-old mystery unfolds, so does a modern-day ritual that's marked Katie Maguire as its next victim. For what happened once in this small picturesque village is happening again. It's more than a series of horrifying crimes. It's tradition.

Take me there.

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Product Details

Customer Reviews

3.8 out of 5 stars
8 reviews
3.8 out of 5 stars
Most helpful customer reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars GRAHAM CRACKERS Jan 24 2004
By Michael Butts TOP 1000 REVIEWER
Format:Mass Market Paperback
Although Masterton's been writing for years, this is my first look at this well-received master of horror. In this offering, Masterton demonstrates a commendable mastery of his words and of his characterizations.
The novel starts out a little slowly, but builds into a disturbing and horrifying look at a very unusual serial killer.
Katie Maguire, the highest ranked woman in law enforcement in Ireland, is called in when the bones of eleven women are discovered in a farm. Meanwhile, someone is killing young women in the same way. These killings are EXTREMELY GRAPHIC and disturbing. In a religious vein, Masterton obviously questions "why bad things happen to good people."
At any rate, what goes from here is a vortex of interesting scenarios, and if you're astute, you won't have trouble figuring out who the person is trying to resurrect the demon Morgana. I don't know whether I understand Masterton's lesbian subplot; it does seem out of place, but it's not overdone, but seems rather unnecessary.
However, who am I to criticize one of horror's masters? It's definitely a page-turner, and recommended.
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5.0 out of 5 stars Quality Masterton Nov 21 2003
By Santeria
Format:Mass Market Paperback
I think that the key to appreciating Masterton in this style is that he has Changed tone to suit the Characters and the Story.
It's a page turner, and it's a real thriller, with twists that only Masterton can Deliver.
As a Master of many genres, and a brilliant creator of a style that Lives in the Moment, Masterton Plays on every edge, quality and key Hubris in his players.

About the Only Caveat for this Book is that People should know that this is the Paperback version of the HardBack BONNIE WINTER.

I suspect that the title Change is for a Movie Option, and I certainly hope so. Since Masterton has very many Books that SHOULD be delivered into the Film World.

Another Master-piece by the Master of First Person Narrative Horror, Supernatural Horror, the only True Fictional Horror there is in this realm.

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5.0 out of 5 stars Crime, myth, and human complexity Nov 15 2003
By Book Brain
Format:Mass Market Paperback
The first few chapters of this book seemed to move rather slowly but soon I could not turn the pages fast enough! Masterton is able to mix together crime, mythology, and human frailty in a uniquely intriguing way. Deputy Superintendent Katie Maguire is a believable, sympathetic protagonist caught up in a variety of challenges both at work and at home. The shady criminals and loyal male coworkers who have begrudgingly come to accept and respect her populate her days. Add to that the politicians with their own agendas and the academics who try to help and you have an interesting cast. There are enough twists and turns to keep the reader interested although the sinister culprit begins to become apparent about 3/4 of the way through the story. Still, Masterton weaves enough additional details and twists to keep you guessing.

I wasn't sure if I would like this book but I thoroughly enjoyed it and finished it in two days!

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