Pretty Little Dead Things by Gary McMahon
Synopsis: Years ago, a car accident killed Thomas Usher's wife and daughter and left him with an unwanted gift: the ability to see the silent shades of the restless dead. Now a psychic detective, Usher takes a mundane job for night club owner Baz Singh, keeping an eye on Baz's daughter, Kareena, an assignment that ends when Usher finds Kareena's corpse. Usher soon learns that Kareena's death is just the latest in a series and that the murders, the kidnapping of a little girl, and even Usher's own past are all elements in the cheerfully malevolent Mr. Shiloh's vast occult plot.
I believe this is my first book to be considered "British horror" and I must say I was quite impressed. The characters are all very real and flawed, both living and dead, but especially the lead character who is a big mix of emotions from experiencing something between a gift and a curse while mourning his loss and the sense of guilt he feels because of it. The overall feel of the book is very dark and gloomy, which gives it a real sense of foreboding and suspense as it builds toward the finish. The finish itself is very dark and gruesome with a final explosion of creepy imagery.
It's all very inventive and intelligent as well. But the best thing about this book is the way in which McMahon writes. The story never seems to drag, he gives great descriptive imagery and the way he writes his prose is very enjoyable. Watch this guy horror fans.
8/10
