I have read 'Others' at least twice, but have not reviewed it personally. The following has kindly been forwarded to me from Ian Blatherwick. If you wish to e-mail Ian, just click on the link at the bottom of this page

Others:

Published in 1999 "Others" is James Herbert's 19th novel. From finishing the previous book "48" we had to wait for what seemed an eternity for this latest chiller. Talking of eternities, our main character "Nick" was once sentenced to eternal damnation, but has now been given a second chance to redeem himself. Working as a private investigator, he has to find a missing baby aswell as himself, which within the true vein of James Herbert unveils many dark secrets.

I found "Others" a compelling read, and the first person narrative style come across excellently, as does the suspense and horror. "Others" is certainly not for weak stomachs (But what Herbert novel is?) The reader gets carried along with Nick's investigation and cannot help but feel for him as he hits one low after another, and laughs too at the highs. There is thankfully some humour in "Others" but this doesn't diminish the suspense at all.

To conclude. "Others" is a classic Herbert story; read carefully the "End Note" which I personally thought was the icing on the cake.

I hope we don't have to wait another 3 years for James's next!!

Ian Blatherwick