Release: June 22nd 2021
Format: Paperback
Publisher: Flame Tree Press
Source: Flame Tree Press
Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, B&N
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“An absolute master of modern horror. And a damn fine writer at that” – Guillermo del Toro
Alex Grand is a successful crime novelist until his latest book is condemned for appropriating the experience of victims of abuse. In a bid to rescue his reputation he ghostwrites a memoir of abuse on behalf of a survivor, Carl Batchelor. Carl’s account proves to be less than entirely reliable; someone is alive who shouldn’t be.
As Alex investigates the background of Carl’s accusations his grasp of the truth of the book and of his own involvement begins to crumble. When he has to testify in a court case brought about by Carl’s memoir, this may be one step too far for his insecure mind…
About the Author:
Ramsey Campbell is a British writer considered by a number of critics to be one of the great masters of horror fiction. T. E. D. Klein has written that “Campbell reigns supreme in the field today,” while S. T. Joshi has said that “future generations will regard him as the leading horror writer of our generation, every bit the equal of Lovecraft or Blackwood.”.
Somebody’s Voice Review:
“Somebody’s voice” is so twisted that it left me speechless. I feel it’s one of the best psychologically creepy novels I have read this year.
I have read quite a few of the author’s previous famous works, where he dabbles into the paranormal and supernatural. This book is not that, so you will be disappointed if you expect a gory horror novel. This book, however, is psychologically creepy and frightening and relates more to the horrors of what the human mind can perceive. However, this book is not for everyone. It has themes of child abuse, and I don’t think it would be everyone’s cup of tea.
The author does relate his classic style of writing, where he sets the pace in a slow-burn fashion. We get two storylines, one of Alex, who is ghostwriting a memoir for Carl, and Carla (Carl’s childhood), who talks about the horrors of her childhood. As the story progresses, you slowly start to see both the storyline merge and blur the entire cast of characters. I honestly loved the second half of the book because you don’t know what is happening or who to trust. Some highlights of the book were the catechism incident at the restaurant and when the police make an arrest. This book is probably one of the few where the plot completely engrossed me more than the characters (although there were characters like Randal who creeped me out).
Overall, I have to say that this book surpassed my expectations and made me appreciate the author on a grander level. “Somebody’s Voice” is one of those stories people will love or despise, and I loved reading it.
