Art in Michael Bray - Horror author

Jul 31, 2014 Angela Crawford rated it it was amazing

From the Description:

WARNING: The following book has some scenes which some readers may find distressing. This novel is intended for a mature audience only.

Martin Andrews is in a rut. Tired of the daily grind of life as a police officer and with a heavily pregnant wife, he is disillusioned, desperate to give his unborn child a chance in a world in which he has lost all faith.

Little does Andrews know that amid the petty crimes and muggings, robbery and prostitution, a new threat is looming, one ...more

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Jun 13, 2014 Stuart Keane rated it it was amazing

Shelves: modern-horror, must-read-horror, extreme-horror, psychological, instant-classic, will-offend-your-granny, matt-shaw

Teamwork is underestimated in the literary world. True, collections and anthologies are common, with the authors involved working to a set theme. This sets the pace for the book. However, working in collaboration - as a tight unit - is a different beast altogether. You can't just select two authors and put them together. You have to share goals, opinions and taste in horror for this to work. It requires chemistry. Art is such a book, a double act from the cream of British horror, Matt Shaw and M Teamwork is underestimated in the literary world. True, collections and anthologies are common, with the authors involved working to a set theme. This sets the pace for the book. However, working in collaboration - as a tight unit - is a different beast altogether. You can't just select two authors and put them together. You have to share goals, opinions and taste in horror for this to work. It requires chemistry. Art is such a book, a double act from the cream of British horror, Matt Shaw and Michael Bray. As a fan of both authors, and a Brit myself, this book was a must read. And I wasn't disappointed.

Art details two characters, one per author, and weaves two tales of confrontation together: Police officer Martin Andrews (Bray) is disillusioned and in a rut, fearing for his pregnant wife and his unborn child in a world descending into darkness. Surrounded by crime and the depraved, he wants better for his family. Meanwhile, Benton (Shaw), a psychopath who craves attention for his 'art', ramps up his crusade to become notorious. When the two cross paths, it ignites a feud that soon becomes obsessive and personal.

First of all, this book is unique. Effortlessly flitting between two very different perspectives, Shaw and Bray create a dark, murky, very sinister portrayal of everyday Britain. Anyone based in good ol' Blighty - or any nameless city for that matter - will automatically identify with this book. The crime takes place in a world that's beyond the control of the law. Rainy streets and dingy alleyways are the backdrop for an intelligent psychopath with a plan, a plan that will lead to his downfall. Benton doesn't care, which lends him credibility and the fear factor. If he doesn't care, what is he capable of? The lack of the moral compass keeps you guessing. Every act he performs escalates his agenda and his behaviour and you really realise he has no boundaries. Meanwhile, Andrews is in a constant struggle with his personal life which affects his work. The last thing he needs is a care-free Benton pulling his strings.

Each author has a unique voice, it's always clear who is who and there's no confusion. The great thing about this book was the process. Shaw explained that he would write his chapter, email it to Michael and await its return, which resulted in story arcs, character development and twists galore. If the results are this good, more people should do it. Art is a sick, depraved and very grotesque thriller which reminded me of murder mystery books in the vein of Lee Child, Agatha Christie and the like. Add a splash - no, a gallon - of blood and you have a intricate, flawlessly executed horror book that should appease all levels of horror fans.

5* - Absolutely. Horror fans and thriller fans unite. This is one of those books that pays attention to both sub-genres. It's clear the authors respect their chosen genre. At times, I felt I'd sat down next to the characters and watched them chatting away. The detail is vivid and dark, at times you feel grimy just being involved. However, you can't tear your eyes away. Brutal, gory and very addictive, you'll be hard pressed to find a better thriller with the rare trait of co-authors. It really is a work of 'art'. Sorry, I couldn't resist. This is a must for horror fans. Essential. ...more

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Jun 10, 2014 Lisa Sandberg rated it it was amazing

I have read several of Matt Shaw's books and thoroughly enjoyed them all, I have to say though, that this is my favorite so far.

As for Michael Bray, this is my first time reading any of his work, and I have to say I was impressed. Several of his books are on my TBR and I will be reading them soon.

Matt does an excellent job of portraying Art, and his sick, twisted mind. He makes him feel like such a genuine person, but then the morbid thoughts and details come into play and make you realize tha ...more

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Jul 02, 2014 Jennifer Pelfrey rated it it was amazing

Shelves: favorites

Matt Shaw and Michael Bray talents for horror and psychological thrillers come together to form a page turner!
Written from the perspective of the killer and the detective trying to solve the case, both authors can be heard through out the book.
Shaw and Bray are not afraid to dive deep into the mind of a psychotic and expose the reader to all the dirty, horrifying, and inhuman thoughts and actions of the serial killer.

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Apr 13, 2014 Natalie rated it it was amazing

Review of ART, Matt Shaw & Michael Bray.
Having being an avid follower of Michael Bray I was excited to read this collaboration of his with the talented Matt Shaw (Sick B*stards, Consumed and many more.)
The cover alone is awesome and gives the reader a sneak peek to what may lie inside, the warning makes horror lovers like myself want to explore the book as soon as!
The story begins immediately and grips the reader鈥檚 throat from the very first chapter. Continuing throughout the book with added pa ...more

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