unmarked-graves

by Shaun Hutson

When investigative telejournalist Nick Pearson is sent to Darworth in Hertfordshire, he finds a community divided. A steady influx of foreign immigrants has led to racial tension and open hostility and violence. The African newcomers are particularly targeted, regular victims of vandalism and even fire-bombing. The Africans seem unwilling to fight back, until the arrival of a mysterious, powerful man who many of them know - and fear. Nick begins to wonder if there might be some kind of connection between this newcomer and the desecration of a local cemetery - an event followed by the disappearance of a number of corpses and a series of bizarre, ritualistic murders. In each case, the victims bear the same marks on their bodies. Scars that Nick has seen before, five years earlier in Africa. Ancient religion and modern prejudice are about to collide, and when they do, there may be no survivors. At least not human ones ...

Genres: Horror, Fiction

274 pages, Hardcover

First published October 2, 2008

About the author

British horror novelist, including horror and urban thriller novels.

His novella Slugs was made into a movie, although Hutson didn't like the movie. He also appeared in two horror movies himself.

Hutson is a Liverpool F.C. fan.

Reviews

[TheNeverendingTBR · Rating 2 out of 5]

A pretty weak story involving voodoo zombies, it's pretty short too and doesn't pack a punch.

There was a couple of creepy moments but overall I wasn't too keen on this one, it was all too predictable and the characters were flat.

Could have been better, it all felt rushed.

[Cherryonion · Rating 2 out of 5]

I haven't read anything by Shaun Hutson for a while so I was looking forward to this book. Maybe my tastes have changed a little now that I'm older, or maybe this one wasn't one of his best, but I found it decidedly average. It touches on the theme of racism, but doesn't really take it anywhere to be honest. A block of flats, housing mainly African immigrants, are constantly bombarded by the racist white men of the tiny village the story takes place in. So to retaliate, with the help of some Voodoo High Priest, African evil politician immigrant, they start raising the dead. The zombies go around killing random people apparently and it's up to the main character, a black journalist, and the white lead detective in the town, to try and find out what's going on. The story has moments, like the first time it becomes clear zombies are real, but overall it was just ok. It was very obvious when one character betrayed them and the ending was anti-climatic. Hutson likes his gore and sex and relishs both subjects in great detail, but I felt there was something lacking in this story. I didn't really care about any of the characters and I doubt you will either.

[Oliver Clarke · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hutson's books are always nasty fun and this is no exception. Violent, unpleasant but never less than very readable

[Patrick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent read. Bit of a slow start, but the 2nd half blisters along at a very fast pace and ends with the usual Hutson pessimistic twist!

More of a horror than his more recent "thrillers" so much more akin to his earlier books with voodoo and zombies thrown into the mix of a racial war plot.

Worth a read if you want a quick satisfying tale of horror, as long as you don't expect more you'll be OK!

[Geoff Battle · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nothing new here, however as Hutson readers will know, his novels are pure escapism. Short and full of dialogue, Hutson never shies away from taboo subjects or language. Unmarked Graves offers no originality, no complexity and no waffle. Straight to the point horror. Nothing less.

[Jason McCracken]

DNF. 21%. So dull I didn't even make it to the voodoo zombies.

[Adam Wilson · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I still can't give it more than three stars, Unmarked Graves is my favorite Shaun Hutson novel so far. It is a much deeper novel than either Compulsion or Body

Count which are the only other books of his I have read as of August 2011. The book manages to combine creeping horror with racial tention and morality into something

that is sometimes dull and others incredibly exciting and entertaining. It is also a book that contains a scene (the one in wich the two main characters along with some

back-up go to the graveyard and exume two coffins) that I will always remember because of the flawless way Hutson builds the suspense. Unmarked Graves is one of the

better zombie novels I have read as well because, like I said, of its depth and good characterization. I found the constant repetition of the word "chapter" followed by

ever-increasing numbers rather trying at times but that is just a small complaint. In short, it isn't anything special in the field of horror in my opinion but it uses

its unoriginality quite well and, although predictable in parts (what do you think happens to the young couple having sex in the graveyard?), it is a fun ride with a

fantastic ending and a few truly scary parts even for a seasoned horror fan.

[Sanity Assasin · Rating 1 out of 5]

this isnt shaun hutsons best. however i've only read two of his books. as far as tense moments go there was the odd one... but only moments... which isn't really good enough for a horror. the book was way too short (it kept me busy for a few hours at the most) and the ending much too quickly wrapped up. i hate when writers act like they're in a hurry towards the end and suddenly it's all done!

[Iain · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't think anyone writes "pulp" horror the way Hutson does any more. Short chapters gruesome levels of violence. His stories are routinely simple, easy to read (barring the stomach churning) and fast to get through.

He'll never win plaudits from the Times readers, but his books make for a great holiday read when you have an hour or two spare.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good quick read with short chapters. Plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader engaged. I've got had much Huston experience so am can't really compare it to other work but it was enjoyable and thought provoking.

[Norah · Rating 1 out of 5]

Had a dip into this, but it's not my sort of book, so released through Bookcrossing, and now in Dublin I think!

[Jennie Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've got all of Shauns books and I'm first in the queue when a new one comes out, but this was disappointing. Very short and the story felt too rushed.

[Fee (Ebook Addicts) · Rating 5 out of 5]

read this on a journey home from Newcastle and couldn't out it down. first of his books I have ever read and loved it combines horror, crime and racial themes. 5 stars

[Oodlum]

another quality hutson read :)

[Irene · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my favourite Shaun Hutson book so far, I enjoyed the themes of this book and found it hard to put down.

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

A return to form by Mr Hutson an easy simple read I enjoyed it loads read it in a day.

[Kristina Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not sure what's more frightening here. The reanimated corpses or the simple minded and violent prejudice. Hard to put down and keeps you hooked right to the end.

[Jim Contoris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not for the faint of heart.