Book Review: Hell to Pay

Reviewed By: Luke Croll - RAM

Hell to Pay     Amazon UK PB Amazon UK HC
Shaun Hutson
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Serial Killer   Supernatural   Horror
2003, Time Warner, 369 pages

Three worlds are seemingly on a separate course. The world of a serial child killer, the world of couple deeply in debt, and the world of a young girl with a mysterious illness. On the surface, there is nothing to link these people, but soon, their worlds are going to collide, and when they do, there will be disastrous consequences for all involved.

Shaun Hutson, a British novelist, has written numerous books that cross between the crime, thriller and horror genres, and 'Hell To Pay' is no exception, although on the surface, it appears to be a basic police procedural with some diversions. However, as the novel reaches its climax, supernatural and horrific elements play a significant role in the denouement.

There is not an enormous amount to say about this novel, as it is neither poor nor outstanding brilliant, only mediocre. The characters are nothing special, and the plot is original only its introduction of the fantastic. Whilst the supernatural elements provide one resolution to the story, it may well have been better to keep it as a police procedural, without the supernatural influence.

'Hell To Pay' is very easy to read and average reader will finish it one or two sittings. However, like 'Warhol's Prophecy', one of his previous novels, there is nothing here to set it apart from the crowd. Once read, there is no chance that it will stick in your memory. Yet another in the current crop of holiday reads.

Luke Croll - RAM

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Luke Croll - RAM

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