Portent was published in 1992, and is a novel about impending ecological disasters. Before each disaster there is a 'portent' .

(Oxford English Dictionary definition 'an omen, significant sign'). But why?

We travel to the ends of the earth and back to find out. In these days of ecological awareness this is a compelling read with our old favourites good and evil thrown in for good measure.

Following 'Portent' we are treated to 'The Ghosts of Sleath published in 1994.

We have our intrepid psychic investigator from 'Haunted' to take us through this truly scary tale. Along the same lines as 'Haunted' in that it is a supernatural tale, but in a class of its own.

A quiet little village deep in the English countryside suddenly starts to have ghosts visiting. It is up to our man to find out why . The story centres around a family called the Lockwoods and the evil that they did in the past that is having an effect on the present.

A must read book and one that is dam near impossible to put down until it is finished.

'48' follows, being published in 1996. It is the story of a man who for some reason is immune to a deadly disease that has claimed much of the population . As a final act of suppression a disease was infiltrated into Britain by Hitler in 1945. In 1948 we pick up the story. Our hero is on the run for his life being chased by a rather nasty group of fascists who believe that if they have blood transfusions from the 'immune' they will survive to rule .

The story is set in and around London and anyone familiar with the capital will recognise many places apart from the obvious landmarks.

This is written in a very different style. I enjoyed the story but am more of a traditionalist in that I prefer ghost stories. This is more of a thriller.

This concludes the review of novels written by James Herbert at present.

I will be reviewing 'Others' asap, and will post it on here soon.

By Horror Haunted

This, I believe, is a semi autobiographical book though again it is not a book I have read so am not really qualified to comment. Another for my list of things to read!!

James Herberts Dark Places was published in 1993. Text is by James Herbert and photography is by Paul Berkshire.

Sub-titled 'Locations and Legends', James Herbert guides us through some actual places he has used as a backdrop for his stories for example Copped Hall in Epping Forest which had once been a mansion until fire gutted it. All that is left now is a shell and this was used in 'Lair'.

There are pictures ranging from cemeteries to stretches of water to forests and to old buildings. Each one has a tale and James Herbert explains what it is about the particular place/forest/stretch of water/cemetary that causes his imagination to work overtime and come up with such brilliant stories.

A must have for the bookshelf.

Portent, the Ghosts of SleathOthers, (awaiting review)

The Man Himself