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The Doorkeepers
Julia Winward, a young American woman, has been missing in England for nearly a year. When her mutilated body is discovered in the Thames, her brother Josh is determined to find out what happened to her during that lost time. But nothing Josh discovers makes any sense and he soon unearths a terrible secret.Julia had been working for a company that shut down 60 years ago, and living at an address that hadn't existed since World War II...
313 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 26, 2012
30 people are currently reading
725 people want to read
About the author
Graham Masterton
372 books2,006 followersGraham Masterton was born in Edinburgh in 1946. His grandfather was Thomas Thorne Baker, the eminent scientist who invented DayGlo and was the first man to transmit news photographs by wireless. After training as a newspaper reporter, Graham went on to edit the new British men's magazine Mayfair, where he encouraged William Burroughs to develop a series of scientific and philosophical articles which eventually became Burroughs' novel The Wild Boys.
At the age of 24, Graham was appointed executive editor of both Penthouse and Penthouse Forum magazines. At this time he started to write a bestselling series of sex 'how-to' books including How To Drive Your Man Wild In Bed which has sold over 3 million copies worldwide. His latest, Wild Sex For New Lovers is published by Penguin Putnam in January, 2001. He is a regular contributor to Cosmopolitan, Men's Health, Woman, Woman's Own and other mass-market self-improvement magazines.
Graham Masterton's debut as a horror author began with The Manitou in 1976, a chilling tale of a Native American medicine man reborn in the present day to exact his revenge on the white man. It became an instant bestseller and was filmed with Tony Curtis, Susan Strasberg, Burgess Meredith, Michael Ansara, Stella Stevens and Ann Sothern.
Altogether Graham has written more than a hundred novels ranging from thrillers (The Sweetman Curve, Ikon) to disaster novels (Plague, Famine) to historical sagas (Rich and Maiden Voyage - both appeared in the New York Times bestseller list). He has published four collections of short stories, Fortnight of Fear, Flights of Fear, Faces of Fear and Feelings of Fear.
He has also written horror novels for children (House of Bones, Hair-Raiser) and has just finished the fifth volume in a very popular series for young adults, Rook, based on the adventures of an idiosyncratic remedial English teacher in a Los Angeles community college who has the facility to see ghosts.
Since then Graham has published more than 35 horror novels, including Charnel House, which was awarded a Special Edgar by Mystery Writers of America; Mirror, which was awarded a Silver Medal by West Coast Review of Books; and Family Portrait, an update of Oscar Wilde's tale, The Picture of Dorian Gray, which was the only non-French winner of the prestigious Prix Julia Verlanger in France.
He and his wife Wiescka live in a Gothic Victorian mansion high above the River Lee in Cork, Ireland.
At the age of 24, Graham was appointed executive editor of both Penthouse and Penthouse Forum magazines. At this time he started to write a bestselling series of sex 'how-to' books including How To Drive Your Man Wild In Bed which has sold over 3 million copies worldwide. His latest, Wild Sex For New Lovers is published by Penguin Putnam in January, 2001. He is a regular contributor to Cosmopolitan, Men's Health, Woman, Woman's Own and other mass-market self-improvement magazines.
Graham Masterton's debut as a horror author began with The Manitou in 1976, a chilling tale of a Native American medicine man reborn in the present day to exact his revenge on the white man. It became an instant bestseller and was filmed with Tony Curtis, Susan Strasberg, Burgess Meredith, Michael Ansara, Stella Stevens and Ann Sothern.
Altogether Graham has written more than a hundred novels ranging from thrillers (The Sweetman Curve, Ikon) to disaster novels (Plague, Famine) to historical sagas (Rich and Maiden Voyage - both appeared in the New York Times bestseller list). He has published four collections of short stories, Fortnight of Fear, Flights of Fear, Faces of Fear and Feelings of Fear.
He has also written horror novels for children (House of Bones, Hair-Raiser) and has just finished the fifth volume in a very popular series for young adults, Rook, based on the adventures of an idiosyncratic remedial English teacher in a Los Angeles community college who has the facility to see ghosts.
Since then Graham has published more than 35 horror novels, including Charnel House, which was awarded a Special Edgar by Mystery Writers of America; Mirror, which was awarded a Silver Medal by West Coast Review of Books; and Family Portrait, an update of Oscar Wilde's tale, The Picture of Dorian Gray, which was the only non-French winner of the prestigious Prix Julia Verlanger in France.
He and his wife Wiescka live in a Gothic Victorian mansion high above the River Lee in Cork, Ireland.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
July 6, 2024
Wow! I am a big fan of Graham Masterton's horror, crime and now ALL his books. He's proven himself to be a versatile and skilled author to me. The Doorkeepers was much better than I had anticipated and one of my favourite books I've read this year.
It's hard to review this book without revealing the key secret that makes the plot as good as it is. Once you've had the secret revealed you get a sense of knowing the book is going to take you on a journey into the unknown and that it does indeed!
Julia is an American in London who, well...falls into dire difficulty to say the least. Her story is both harrowing and horrific and will appeal to this readers like me who love a touch of the dark and sinister in their books.
You think you know London? Let me tell you. You don't know this London at all. All boundaries are pushed in this fantastic novel as Julia's brother Josh heads over from the USA to find out more about his sister. He gets a lot more than he bargained for.
The plot is stunningly good, there are so many unusual elements to this book and it's hard to place it in one genre. Crime, mild horror, supernatural, thriller? All of the above really.
I loved the characters in this book. All of them absolutely shine in their own right. There are some heinously evil people in this book that Masterton masterfully portrays so well. Their methods, madness and more makes for disturbing moments at times but nothing short of sheer book escapism.
This book took me to another world and I didn't have a moment of boredom. I raced through this novel which has done fantastic moments of imagery that will stay with me forever. I really loved it and recommend it highly! 5 stars without question.
I received a copy of the book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
It's hard to review this book without revealing the key secret that makes the plot as good as it is. Once you've had the secret revealed you get a sense of knowing the book is going to take you on a journey into the unknown and that it does indeed!
Julia is an American in London who, well...falls into dire difficulty to say the least. Her story is both harrowing and horrific and will appeal to this readers like me who love a touch of the dark and sinister in their books.
You think you know London? Let me tell you. You don't know this London at all. All boundaries are pushed in this fantastic novel as Julia's brother Josh heads over from the USA to find out more about his sister. He gets a lot more than he bargained for.
The plot is stunningly good, there are so many unusual elements to this book and it's hard to place it in one genre. Crime, mild horror, supernatural, thriller? All of the above really.
I loved the characters in this book. All of them absolutely shine in their own right. There are some heinously evil people in this book that Masterton masterfully portrays so well. Their methods, madness and more makes for disturbing moments at times but nothing short of sheer book escapism.
This book took me to another world and I didn't have a moment of boredom. I raced through this novel which has done fantastic moments of imagery that will stay with me forever. I really loved it and recommend it highly! 5 stars without question.
I received a copy of the book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
October 2, 2022
No one can say Masterton does not have a great imagination; that, coupled with his deft prose usually means you will be for a good ride with his novels. The Doorkeepers is a rather 'typical' Masterton novel, full of fun ideas and moves at a good pace. Our main protagonist, Josh, works as an 'alternative' veterinarian in SoCal as he can 'commute' with most animals and solve their problems. His sister left for London about a year ago and one day he gets a call from the London PD to tell him they found her body in the river, murdered, so Josh, and his girlfriend head off to London to help sort it out.
The police investigation is going nowhere, and hence Josh starts one of his own, finally turning up a friend of his sister, who also happens to be a medium. Long story short, Josh stumbles upon the secret of portals (e.g., Doorways) into parallel Londons, and they are very different to say the least. Masterton must of had fun writing this-- steampunk Londons, Londons occupied by the victorious Indians, Londons being bombed by the colonies in their war for independence, etc. I do not want to give the plot away, but Josh and his girlfriend are after the man who killed his sister and lets just say they have lots of trials and tribulations along the way. Pretty hard to take this very seriously, but it is a lot of fun and definitely entertaining, and it does have some shocking scenes of gore and what have you. Recommended for Masterton fans and those who like portal fantasies. 3.5 stars!
The police investigation is going nowhere, and hence Josh starts one of his own, finally turning up a friend of his sister, who also happens to be a medium. Long story short, Josh stumbles upon the secret of portals (e.g., Doorways) into parallel Londons, and they are very different to say the least. Masterton must of had fun writing this-- steampunk Londons, Londons occupied by the victorious Indians, Londons being bombed by the colonies in their war for independence, etc. I do not want to give the plot away, but Josh and his girlfriend are after the man who killed his sister and lets just say they have lots of trials and tribulations along the way. Pretty hard to take this very seriously, but it is a lot of fun and definitely entertaining, and it does have some shocking scenes of gore and what have you. Recommended for Masterton fans and those who like portal fantasies. 3.5 stars!
November 4, 2024
An adventurous romp through cleverly disguised and accessed portals leading to countless alternate realities most often filled with death, horrors, and horrible deaths for those that find them. A four star tale reduced to three due to a few too many inconsistencies and silly happenings crammed into the book's final quarter. Still, the tale was enough fun overall that I will be reaching for another title from this author on the sooner side of later.
3 Almost Above Average Stars
3 Almost Above Average Stars
August 7, 2016
Thanks to netgalley for this one.
The Doorkeepers was a book with an interesting premise. A man arrives in London to investigate his sister's murder, which has met a dead end...in this world. Soon he and his girlfriend have discovered some interesting, possibly nonsensical clues to questions regarding the disappearance and death of his sister. A nursery rhyme leads to the unthinkable: that there are 6 doors in London that lead to alternate realities, and that they are controlled by some very scary Doorkeepers. The book was well-written, but the one thing I disliked was the decision making of the main characters, who would literally walk into very dangerous situations with absolutely no plan. With determination but no sense of what to do once they willing walked into the middle of a crisis.
Three stars.
The Doorkeepers was a book with an interesting premise. A man arrives in London to investigate his sister's murder, which has met a dead end...in this world. Soon he and his girlfriend have discovered some interesting, possibly nonsensical clues to questions regarding the disappearance and death of his sister. A nursery rhyme leads to the unthinkable: that there are 6 doors in London that lead to alternate realities, and that they are controlled by some very scary Doorkeepers. The book was well-written, but the one thing I disliked was the decision making of the main characters, who would literally walk into very dangerous situations with absolutely no plan. With determination but no sense of what to do once they willing walked into the middle of a crisis.
Three stars.
January 27, 2016
If you've read a few of my horror reviews covering this author, you should know that I revere him highly in the world of the written macabre. A powerful force to reckon with behind the pen, his imagination seemingly has no endless depth as he plunges the reader into bizarre, desperate worlds. Having the knack to paint truly horrendous scenarios that are almost too much, Masterton does nothing less here, particularly with the villains, the Hoodsmen, eerily crazed, creepy beings that are as merciless as you can get. Icky. Somehow he makes too strange situations seem plausible and - almost effortlessly, it sometimes seems - thrusts convincing characters into the mix.
The book almost rates suspense rather than horror, but that genre label is quickly tossed once you read a few of the more potent scenes. Some situations are grippingly edgy, keeping the suspense level high and fierce, especially (again) with the Hoodsmen. *shivers* This one isn't as supernatural as some of his other stuff screams to be, touched more with fantastical other world imaginings, and while I didn't dig it as much as I have some of his other stuff, it's still a more than worthy book to read for the horror fan.
Character wise, I really felt for poor Julia in the beginning, for it's hard to imagine something so horrifying happening to you. I really grew close to the hero, Josh, who was sweet and had a unique way with animals, although Masterton did not touch enough upon his grief over his sister realistically enough for my tastes at times. It almost felt like the poor girl really didn't have enough love to return to with his parents and other life outside in the common world. The idea of alternating realistic was intriguing but after awhile I almost lost patience. Still I barreled through and was a happy camper in the end.
One scene in particular will be hard for some of the queasy to bear, especially if you've experienced dental problems like I have. Not his best work, but holds the imagination you would expect from this great author. It always seems that lesser works by this man rival the better books from others. Fans of the fantasy/horror combo should be exceedingly pleased.
The book almost rates suspense rather than horror, but that genre label is quickly tossed once you read a few of the more potent scenes. Some situations are grippingly edgy, keeping the suspense level high and fierce, especially (again) with the Hoodsmen. *shivers* This one isn't as supernatural as some of his other stuff screams to be, touched more with fantastical other world imaginings, and while I didn't dig it as much as I have some of his other stuff, it's still a more than worthy book to read for the horror fan.
Character wise, I really felt for poor Julia in the beginning, for it's hard to imagine something so horrifying happening to you. I really grew close to the hero, Josh, who was sweet and had a unique way with animals, although Masterton did not touch enough upon his grief over his sister realistically enough for my tastes at times. It almost felt like the poor girl really didn't have enough love to return to with his parents and other life outside in the common world. The idea of alternating realistic was intriguing but after awhile I almost lost patience. Still I barreled through and was a happy camper in the end.
One scene in particular will be hard for some of the queasy to bear, especially if you've experienced dental problems like I have. Not his best work, but holds the imagination you would expect from this great author. It always seems that lesser works by this man rival the better books from others. Fans of the fantasy/horror combo should be exceedingly pleased.
February 6, 2016
Review: THE DOORKEEPERS by Graham Masterton
I always expect super stories from this accomplished author, and I am always satisfied. But THE DOORKEEPERS is especially exceptional. In that wonderfully arcane London urban fantasy category that so capably encapsulates Paul Cornell's LONDON FALLING and THE SEVERED STREETS; Christopher Fowler' s RUNE and ROOFWORLD; Neil Gaiman' s NEVERWHERE; and Michael Moorcock' s MOTHER LONDON, Mr. Masterton, a most excellent tour guide of the outre, shows us London in parallel, where history is different and although without world wars, evil readily abides, both individual and communal. A 17th century Mother Goose rhyme points the way. Some venture in accidentally; others are summoned, often for nefarious reasons. Many don't survive. Some prosper. Only the reader consistently benefits.
I always expect super stories from this accomplished author, and I am always satisfied. But THE DOORKEEPERS is especially exceptional. In that wonderfully arcane London urban fantasy category that so capably encapsulates Paul Cornell's LONDON FALLING and THE SEVERED STREETS; Christopher Fowler' s RUNE and ROOFWORLD; Neil Gaiman' s NEVERWHERE; and Michael Moorcock' s MOTHER LONDON, Mr. Masterton, a most excellent tour guide of the outre, shows us London in parallel, where history is different and although without world wars, evil readily abides, both individual and communal. A 17th century Mother Goose rhyme points the way. Some venture in accidentally; others are summoned, often for nefarious reasons. Many don't survive. Some prosper. Only the reader consistently benefits.
August 2, 2015
Josh's sister, Julia, moves to London and isn't heard from for 8 months. One morning, her body is found cut to pieces and dumped into the Thames River. Josh and his girlfriend, Nancy, fly to England and attempt to find out what happened to Julia. The police are stumped and have no leads. They end up running into Ella, a psychic medium, while combing the neighborhood looking for anyone that might know Julia. Ella not only knew her, but she offers to conjure up her dead spirit so that they can communicate with her. After exhausting every other means to find her, to no avail, they reluctantly take up Ella on her offer. What they find is that there are doors to other dimensions and that an old Mother Goose nursery rhyme is the key that allows them to pass through the present London that they know and into other Londons that have different realities. Some are stuck in 1930's technology and the American Revolution never happened. Another dimension finds London at war with America during World War II time, except this is the American Revolution with Germany as England's ally. In each dimension, there are Doorkeepers called the Hooded Men that hunt down anyone that comes through the doors into the different worlds. As Josh and Nancy follow Julia's trail through a door into another dimension, what they find is pure terrror.
The Doorkeepers is a great story and my first from Graham Masterton. He has a wonderful way of telling a tale that is vibrant and the characters are fully fleshed out. I found myself buzzing along through the story and not wanting to put it down. There are scenes in the Doorkeepers that are truly horrific and one that made me cringe in discomfort simply from reading it. That's the kind of unsettling that I love to discover when I'm reading horror. You'd think from that description that Graham pours buckets of blood drenching the story. This isn't the case. There is blood, but it takes you by surprise and kicks you in the gut when it springs out from the story instead of numbing you by reading page after page of it. Story and characterization is Masterton's trademark and it shows in the Doorkeepers. My only complaint is that ending felt rushed like he had a double-decker bus to catch and needed to wrap the story up before he missed it. Other than that, I really enjoyed my first dabble into experiencing Masterton and I look forward to my next.
4 1/2 bloody doors out of 5
You can also follow my reviews at the following links:
https://kenmckinley.wordpress.com
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/5...
http://www.amazon.com/gp/profile/A2J1...
The Doorkeepers is a great story and my first from Graham Masterton. He has a wonderful way of telling a tale that is vibrant and the characters are fully fleshed out. I found myself buzzing along through the story and not wanting to put it down. There are scenes in the Doorkeepers that are truly horrific and one that made me cringe in discomfort simply from reading it. That's the kind of unsettling that I love to discover when I'm reading horror. You'd think from that description that Graham pours buckets of blood drenching the story. This isn't the case. There is blood, but it takes you by surprise and kicks you in the gut when it springs out from the story instead of numbing you by reading page after page of it. Story and characterization is Masterton's trademark and it shows in the Doorkeepers. My only complaint is that ending felt rushed like he had a double-decker bus to catch and needed to wrap the story up before he missed it. Other than that, I really enjoyed my first dabble into experiencing Masterton and I look forward to my next.
4 1/2 bloody doors out of 5
You can also follow my reviews at the following links:
https://kenmckinley.wordpress.com
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/5...
http://www.amazon.com/gp/profile/A2J1...
January 15, 2015
Another great book by Graham Masterton. This is a very fast paced, action packed, vividly enticing thrill ride. Masterton never ceases to amaze me with his talent of writing a masterpiece. I have not yet been disappointed by any of his works. In this story we have parallel dimension traveling at its finest, on location, London, England. What would do? What if you found a parallel dimension?
The characters in this story are very well built, and vivid in detail. Some will touch your heart, and some will make you scream and yell while others will make you see red, but I can guarantee they will all be easily remembered. My favorite character though is definitely Josh. He is the 'good guy' trying to find out what happened to his kid sister, and he won't stop till he finds out what is going on. I love his strength and determination even though sometimes it would get him into some kind of trouble. There were times while traveling with Josh that I actually had to stop and take a breath. Something new around every corner as he traveled dimensions with whoever was there at the time. It was a crazy ride.
Masterton's use of history makes his stories so unique and so rich with excitement. Reading his books makes you think that he actually creates new history, which I love. This one is no different. Although there may be parts that are not for those who are faint of heart or weak stomached. The story can get a bit graphic at times.
I recommend this book to any Masterton fans or to anyone who loves a good paranormal thriller! This is a book for you and it is so deserving of 5 stars!
Jack be nimble...Jack be quick....
The characters in this story are very well built, and vivid in detail. Some will touch your heart, and some will make you scream and yell while others will make you see red, but I can guarantee they will all be easily remembered. My favorite character though is definitely Josh. He is the 'good guy' trying to find out what happened to his kid sister, and he won't stop till he finds out what is going on. I love his strength and determination even though sometimes it would get him into some kind of trouble. There were times while traveling with Josh that I actually had to stop and take a breath. Something new around every corner as he traveled dimensions with whoever was there at the time. It was a crazy ride.
Masterton's use of history makes his stories so unique and so rich with excitement. Reading his books makes you think that he actually creates new history, which I love. This one is no different. Although there may be parts that are not for those who are faint of heart or weak stomached. The story can get a bit graphic at times.
I recommend this book to any Masterton fans or to anyone who loves a good paranormal thriller! This is a book for you and it is so deserving of 5 stars!
Jack be nimble...Jack be quick....
March 31, 2019
Много е трудно да се оцени една книга веднага след като си я завършил, но “The Doorkeepers” e вероятно най-мащабното произведение на Мастертън, което съм чел някога. То започва увлекателно като поредното заглавие в жанровете хорър и мистерия, но после поема неочакван завой към научната фантастика и то най-дръзката й форма, включваща хипотезата за безброй паралелни вселени, които съществуват едновременно с нашата...
Цялото ми ревю прочетете на линка:
http://citadelata.com/the-doorkeepers/
Цялото ми ревю прочетете на линка:
http://citadelata.com/the-doorkeepers/
May 16, 2020
Graham Masterton blends several genres in The Doorkeepers; thriller, science fiction, horror and dystopian. When an American travels to London to investigate the murder of his sister, every clue turns out to be another mystery. The truth turns out to be more fantastic than he could imagine. The answers lay behind the doors alluded to in the title. Masterton has come up with a fascinating plot, one which could probably been developed into a longer novel. The Doorkeepers is as well-written as all of his novels, and moves along at a brisk pace. It was an enjoyable read, but it didn't grab me as much as some of his others.
December 20, 2016
Alternate worlds, it's a fascinating topic isn't it? One that has been done in so many different ways over the years. Some representations are macabre, some show a world a little like ours and some...well...some show something completely different.
I won't spoil too much, but here in The Doorkeepers the world(s) is very much like ours, but then in some ways it really isn't.
This book opens quickly, I often like a bit more of a slow-burner but Masterton did enough to get me involved and invested in the events, as they unfolded.
Josh Winward is a vet who has a real gift for communicating with animals (not quite Dr. Doolittle mind) - he finds out that his estranged sister has been killed and, along with his girlfriend, Nancy, heads over to London (where her body was found) to find some answers.
Things aren't quite what they seem - and after an unusual seance Josh learns that, quite incredibly, there maybe more truth to an age-old 'nursery rhyme' than he'd ever expected. And, randomly enough, it might just connect in with the death of his sister.
When I read about this online, before ordering it, I loved the sound of it and I was so intrigued as to who or what 'the Doorkeepers' were. Now I've read it, I think it did live up to the hype - there was a lot going on here and I don't think I was ever bored.
Sure, Masterton isn't the most literary of authors but then I don't think he's ever set out to be. His ability to turn old legends and urban myths (such as the nursery rhyme here) is one of his most fascinating talents as a writer, and has led to his prolific output over the years.
The downsides? Hmm, well I liked the characters (the good ones) but their decision making is really dubious at times. I appreciate that not every character is going to be sharp and suave, but it was almost a little frustrating at times. For example at one point Josh is being so, so obviously drawn and tricked into being ambushed - he even acknowledges himself, but then still stupidly walks into it.
Some good characters, some nice themes and a lot of 'thriller' elements make this a good, easy read. Would make a decent film too, you know.
I don't think there's perhaps enough substance there to make this a genre classic, and I don't know if I'd ever read it again. Although the description of 'the holy harp' will stay with me...
I won't spoil too much, but here in The Doorkeepers the world(s) is very much like ours, but then in some ways it really isn't.
This book opens quickly, I often like a bit more of a slow-burner but Masterton did enough to get me involved and invested in the events, as they unfolded.
Josh Winward is a vet who has a real gift for communicating with animals (not quite Dr. Doolittle mind) - he finds out that his estranged sister has been killed and, along with his girlfriend, Nancy, heads over to London (where her body was found) to find some answers.
Things aren't quite what they seem - and after an unusual seance Josh learns that, quite incredibly, there maybe more truth to an age-old 'nursery rhyme' than he'd ever expected. And, randomly enough, it might just connect in with the death of his sister.
When I read about this online, before ordering it, I loved the sound of it and I was so intrigued as to who or what 'the Doorkeepers' were. Now I've read it, I think it did live up to the hype - there was a lot going on here and I don't think I was ever bored.
Sure, Masterton isn't the most literary of authors but then I don't think he's ever set out to be. His ability to turn old legends and urban myths (such as the nursery rhyme here) is one of his most fascinating talents as a writer, and has led to his prolific output over the years.
The downsides? Hmm, well I liked the characters (the good ones) but their decision making is really dubious at times. I appreciate that not every character is going to be sharp and suave, but it was almost a little frustrating at times. For example at one point Josh is being so, so obviously drawn and tricked into being ambushed - he even acknowledges himself, but then still stupidly walks into it.
Some good characters, some nice themes and a lot of 'thriller' elements make this a good, easy read. Would make a decent film too, you know.
I don't think there's perhaps enough substance there to make this a genre classic, and I don't know if I'd ever read it again. Although the description of 'the holy harp' will stay with me...
July 2, 2012
This was the first novel that I read from Graham Masterton, and I was damn glad I chose to read it. Graham Masterton is a brilliant horror writer, perhaps the very best out there today in my humble opinion. The Doorkeepers is a spellbinding tale of alternative history and parallel universes, chocked full of the horrific elements that makes Masterton so good. The story starts off with a dead body floating in the Thames. The dead woman's brother, Josh, and his girlfriend Nancy travel to London to investigate the murder. Through some good sleuthing involving an old address, a psychic, and clues from a nursery rhyme, Josh and Nancy find a doorway that leads to a whole different kind of London which is frighteningly Puritanical in nature, and find themselves being hunted down by the Hooded Men.
This leads to other doorways and other versions of London in what was a fascinating narrative that I could not stop reading. Masterton does a great job of weaving mystery and suspense, building intrigue as the story progresses. As a writer, I am continually wowed by Masterton's craftsmanship. His pace, his voice, his narrative structure are all so flawless. He is also a master of spine tingling terror and although this is more than just a horror novel, the scares never let up. All in all a fantastic piece of literature that I would unequivocally recommend.
Carl Alves - author of Two For Eternity
This leads to other doorways and other versions of London in what was a fascinating narrative that I could not stop reading. Masterton does a great job of weaving mystery and suspense, building intrigue as the story progresses. As a writer, I am continually wowed by Masterton's craftsmanship. His pace, his voice, his narrative structure are all so flawless. He is also a master of spine tingling terror and although this is more than just a horror novel, the scares never let up. All in all a fantastic piece of literature that I would unequivocally recommend.
Carl Alves - author of Two For Eternity
January 22, 2016
I did not love this book. I am a pretty virulent Graham Masterton fan--he's my second favorite horror author after Stephen King and I'd say I tend to love his books on the same level as I do King's books. He's very different for me--I love his use of mythology and history from other cultures in his books and he's as adept at writing mystery as he is horror. This happened to just be a fail for me. I think some of it is my own mindset--I am not in the best place right now and this book is very dark. His books usually are--he's a goremaster but it never overwhelms the storytelling. I liked the main baddies--based on Cromwell's psycho religious fanatics--very scary. I liked the main characters--another of his strengths--writing well fleshed out characters that you sympathize with and like. I just did not like the overall story. I found it very depressing. It's a rarity for me not to love one of his books so it's like water off a duck's back. It will not keep me from loving his other books and reading everything I can get my hands on.
February 16, 2016
This book started with a bang and didn't let up until the very last page. Graham Masterton has a way of writing that keeps you hooked.
Josh receives the worst possible news that anyone can receive. His sister, Julia has been missing for almost a year and then her mutilated body is found in the Thames. She is far from the first victim of a suspected serial killer but the police are no closer to finding the perpetrator. Josh decides to fly to England to investigate on his own and what he discovers will shake the foundation of everything he has ever known about the world.
I was literally fascinated by the ideas that Graham Masterton put forward in this book and I found it a very interesting and entertaining read. It delves into not only sheer horror but there is a hint of science fiction speculation as well.
I received a copy of this book from the publishers via Netgalley for free in exchange for an honest review.
Josh receives the worst possible news that anyone can receive. His sister, Julia has been missing for almost a year and then her mutilated body is found in the Thames. She is far from the first victim of a suspected serial killer but the police are no closer to finding the perpetrator. Josh decides to fly to England to investigate on his own and what he discovers will shake the foundation of everything he has ever known about the world.
I was literally fascinated by the ideas that Graham Masterton put forward in this book and I found it a very interesting and entertaining read. It delves into not only sheer horror but there is a hint of science fiction speculation as well.
I received a copy of this book from the publishers via Netgalley for free in exchange for an honest review.
July 6, 2024
4.5 stars rounded up to 5. This was addictive! I found it so hard to put down and was even accused of being anti-social while reading this!
Josh receives a phone call from London, advising him that his sister was found deceased. He makes the decision to travel to London with his partner. In London, Josh decides to help the detective and is on the street looking for anyone who may have known his sister.
This is when Josh meets Ella, a medium whose reading sends Josh and Nancy on a wild goose chase, with twists and turns!
I enjoyed this story, I felt like I had closure at the end, there were no loose ends, the ending wasn't rushed, and the story remained consistent the entire way through.
Would highly recommend, and would definitely read again!
Josh receives a phone call from London, advising him that his sister was found deceased. He makes the decision to travel to London with his partner. In London, Josh decides to help the detective and is on the street looking for anyone who may have known his sister.
This is when Josh meets Ella, a medium whose reading sends Josh and Nancy on a wild goose chase, with twists and turns!
I enjoyed this story, I felt like I had closure at the end, there were no loose ends, the ending wasn't rushed, and the story remained consistent the entire way through.
Would highly recommend, and would definitely read again!
June 9, 2019
so graphic, gory and disturbing I had to quit after a few chapters. Yuck
September 11, 2022
What a great storyteller.
March 27, 2016
I don't normally fall for the time travel or parallel universe type of stories for some reason—but after reading my first book by Graham Masterton, The Doorkeepers, I realized how stupid I've been for skipping out on some great literature.
How action-packed this was and how quickly everything passed surprised me. Except, of course, for those truly horrific moments that made you want to close your eyes. But more than anything, you wanted to press on and keep reading to find out what in the world was going to happen!
The past few books' authors I read before The Doorkeepers didn't spend enough time with the characters; Masterton expanded on the characters in this book so much that you feel for each of them in several different (and I mean different) ways. Some truly grotesque ways at that.
While there is a LOT going on in this book—so much that you may need a breather here and there—Masterton never fails to weave everything together. That is miraculous to me considering there are some heavy, touchy elements in this book, and some writers could easily fail at the task and leave some giant plot holes in their wake.
A couple parts were pretty gruesome and made me wince. I almost felt a character's pain at one point and started squeezing my jaw so tight it became sore. I felt a character's deep sorrow, I felt curiosity and anger. I wanted to be swept up and away in these different Londons! I already want to read this book again...
*I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
How action-packed this was and how quickly everything passed surprised me. Except, of course, for those truly horrific moments that made you want to close your eyes. But more than anything, you wanted to press on and keep reading to find out what in the world was going to happen!
The past few books' authors I read before The Doorkeepers didn't spend enough time with the characters; Masterton expanded on the characters in this book so much that you feel for each of them in several different (and I mean different) ways. Some truly grotesque ways at that.
While there is a LOT going on in this book—so much that you may need a breather here and there—Masterton never fails to weave everything together. That is miraculous to me considering there are some heavy, touchy elements in this book, and some writers could easily fail at the task and leave some giant plot holes in their wake.
A couple parts were pretty gruesome and made me wince. I almost felt a character's pain at one point and started squeezing my jaw so tight it became sore. I felt a character's deep sorrow, I felt curiosity and anger. I wanted to be swept up and away in these different Londons! I already want to read this book again...
*I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 12, 2008
I absolutely LOVED this book!!! It's a murder mystery/time travel/alternate universes all wrapped up into one. I like Graham Masterson as a rule; now I have to buy my own copy of this to have on my home bookshelf.
brief plot summary
As the story opens, Julia Winward has been killed and her brother, Josh, gets on a plane to London to claim her body & try to find out what happened. After her death, she was dumped into the Thames and when the police went to do an autopsy, they found that her internal organs were missing. However, there is absolutely no evidence connecting anyone at all to this crime. To complicate matters, the place where Julia was supposed to have been working does not exist, nor is there any trace of her in London except for a strange woman who claims Julia as an acquaintance. Since the police can't seem to do anything, Josh decides he has to get to the bottom of this himself. With a bit of help from the other side (speaking in occult terms), he is able to get pointed in the right direction, and gets himself caught up in a series of events that no one could have predicted. I wish I could say more, but it would really wreck it for a future reader if I did.
So, suspend your belief & what you know of the logical universe, kick back & have a lot of fun with this book. I sure did
brief plot summary
As the story opens, Julia Winward has been killed and her brother, Josh, gets on a plane to London to claim her body & try to find out what happened. After her death, she was dumped into the Thames and when the police went to do an autopsy, they found that her internal organs were missing. However, there is absolutely no evidence connecting anyone at all to this crime. To complicate matters, the place where Julia was supposed to have been working does not exist, nor is there any trace of her in London except for a strange woman who claims Julia as an acquaintance. Since the police can't seem to do anything, Josh decides he has to get to the bottom of this himself. With a bit of help from the other side (speaking in occult terms), he is able to get pointed in the right direction, and gets himself caught up in a series of events that no one could have predicted. I wish I could say more, but it would really wreck it for a future reader if I did.
So, suspend your belief & what you know of the logical universe, kick back & have a lot of fun with this book. I sure did
June 24, 2022
The writing is great, the imagery is easy. But half way through it just got boring. This book could have easily been half the amount of pages.
October 20, 2019
Reading Stuff 'n' Things
I am a fan of Mr Masterton's books and have been for many, many years and I have always found his books gripping but, alas, this book just didn't do it for me at all and I am quite upset about that!
The premise of the book is interesting and the action starts almost immediately and there are plenty of moments that make you hold your breath or make you feel squeamish but, for some reason, I quickly lost interest. This may have been because I found it hard to get attached to the characters and I wasn't really that bothered what happened to them or maybe it's because the mystery element of what was behind the door was revealed early on ... I don't know but it just didn't grab me like his other books have done and this makes me feel quite sad.
This book has however received a lot of 4 and 5 star reviews so my suggestion is you don't take my word for it and give it a go ... let's face it, if we all liked the same thing, the world would be a very boring place indeed.
Thank you to Bloomsbury Publishing via NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest review.
I am a fan of Mr Masterton's books and have been for many, many years and I have always found his books gripping but, alas, this book just didn't do it for me at all and I am quite upset about that!
The premise of the book is interesting and the action starts almost immediately and there are plenty of moments that make you hold your breath or make you feel squeamish but, for some reason, I quickly lost interest. This may have been because I found it hard to get attached to the characters and I wasn't really that bothered what happened to them or maybe it's because the mystery element of what was behind the door was revealed early on ... I don't know but it just didn't grab me like his other books have done and this makes me feel quite sad.
This book has however received a lot of 4 and 5 star reviews so my suggestion is you don't take my word for it and give it a go ... let's face it, if we all liked the same thing, the world would be a very boring place indeed.
Thank you to Bloomsbury Publishing via NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest review.
May 31, 2011
I don't read Graham Masterton because his books are life changing or great writing, they are pure entertainment. This book felt like it was cranked out because of a deadline or something of that ilk. First the editing was atrocious. There were missing words; There were sentences that were divided by a period, not even where a comma could go, just randomly inserted. Second, the premise of the book was that some protestants in a parallel universe were torturing and killing non protestants their big target was Catholics. Whenever anyone appeared in their reality they told people that they were rejects form purgatory and should be put to death. Problem is purgatory is a Catholic belief not protestant so anyone who believes the people appearing from the parallel world are from purgatory would be Catholic. Pergatory should not exist for the non-Catholics. This was a bit distracting.
This won't keep me from reading more by this author, but I hope the next few on my bookshelf make a little more sense.
This won't keep me from reading more by this author, but I hope the next few on my bookshelf make a little more sense.
April 7, 2014
This is a wonderful book. What at first seems like a revenge story turns out to be so much more. Julia, an American, is murdered under mysterious circumstances in London, and her brother Josh (along with his wife Nancy) follow in her footsteps, hoping to find out what really happened to her. Along the way, they meet a medium named Ella who holds a seance for them. Shortly after, they discover a secret passageway to a parallel London, where the American Revolution never happened, and there are creepy hooded guys running around, enforcing God's law and harming as many "Purgatorials" (people from alternate universes) as possible. Things get absolutely crazy in this book, especially when the Holy Harp is brought into it. I have never read something more depraved than the scene with the Holy Harp, and I'm familiar with the work of Laymon, Ketchum and Lee. The ending is absolutely horrifying. This will satisfy your need for horror. Definitely.
February 13, 2016
This is the first book which I have read by this author and it is superb. It is a gripping and atmospheric story which is a thrilling read. It gives of visions of alternate parallel London universes, entered through doors accessed through an old Mother Goose rhyme. Julia has been found dead in the Thames and her brother Josh and his partner, Nancy, endeavour to discover what happened to her. Their journey is by turns infused with nail biting suspense and horror. There are twists and turns aplenty to keep you gripped by the different historical times. The story telling is fabulous and the author bewitches the reader with a vibrant and colourful cast of characters. A book to read and savour as it keeps you off balance with its unexpected happenings. Thanks to Bloomsbury for a copy of the book via netgalley.
February 13, 2016
I have read several books by Graham Masterton, who happens to be one of my favourite authors. The first book that I read by this author was 'White Bones' and since then I am always on the lookout for his books.
This was a great horror story, based in London. Where I was born and raised! The next time I am walking around some of the roads mentioned, I shall be thinking of the story and the 'doors'. The nursery rhymes had me thinking and I ended up researching some of the meanings behind the rhymes. I would recommend this book.
I received a copy of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This was a great horror story, based in London. Where I was born and raised! The next time I am walking around some of the roads mentioned, I shall be thinking of the story and the 'doors'. The nursery rhymes had me thinking and I ended up researching some of the meanings behind the rhymes. I would recommend this book.
I received a copy of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 10, 2016
I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I am a fan of Graham Masterton's Katie Mcguire series, so I thought I would give another one of his books a try. I love the Irish mythology found in his books. I also love how well written his characters are. I love how disturbing some of his scenes are. He's fast becoming one of my favorite horror authors.
I just wasn't as much a fan of this book as I have been of the Katie Mcguire series. I wasn't as emotionally attached to the characters. I had no problem putting this book down and picking up another. It just did not hold my attention the way his other ones have.
I liked it, but I didn't love it.
I am a fan of Graham Masterton's Katie Mcguire series, so I thought I would give another one of his books a try. I love the Irish mythology found in his books. I also love how well written his characters are. I love how disturbing some of his scenes are. He's fast becoming one of my favorite horror authors.
I just wasn't as much a fan of this book as I have been of the Katie Mcguire series. I wasn't as emotionally attached to the characters. I had no problem putting this book down and picking up another. It just did not hold my attention the way his other ones have.
I liked it, but I didn't love it.
November 18, 2010
It was an excellent read. I completely enjoyed it. It the story of the discovery of a 'doorway' to parallel worlds. It mixes a bit of time-travel, alternate reality and horror all into one nice little package. There are a couple of horrific scenes--what happens to San, Josh's encounter with the 'Holy Harp', but overall it is a wonderful read and a must for all GM fans!
November 12, 2010
Fantastic book. The man is a genius.
June 30, 2015
A very enjoyable read - a few flashes of nonsense but it flowed well.
April 3, 2022
I've never heard of this author before and discovered him quite by accident. I'm glad I did, because he's now my Stephen King replacement since King went all woke and forgot he's a writer. I borrowed this online and had a hard time stepping away from it. This one was terrifyingly pleasant, if not gory, and I rarely read horror as I value my sanity. Be warned, this story is not for the faint-hearted. You will be repulsed, shocked, and if you're an animal lover, there is a scene that's painful to sit through. At least for me.
Remember the show "Sliders?" Where there are an infinite number of Earths? Well, in this story, there are an infinite number of Londons. Each has been warped by slight changes in our current timeline. In one dimension, the American Revolution didn't happen in 1776. It's happening in the 1940s where the Yanks are blowing London to bits and the Germans are the good guys. In another, India walloped England and London is a tidy version of New Delhi. And where our story begins, London is stuck in a dystopian pre-WWII world of flying cars and Zeppelins. Women wear hats and gloves. Automobiles are started with hand cranks. And people are terrified of drum-beating men in leather hoods.
So begins the story where a young American woman is found floating in the Thames. She has been brutally murdered, divested of various organs, and no one knows where she's been for the last 10 months. When her brother is notified of her death, he's confused because he hadn't been in touch with her for a while. He knew she needed to get away, but what happened to Julia Winward is absolutely horrific. It's one of the first scenes in a book full of gut punches that will make you hurl your book to the floor. When Josh and his girlfriend fly to London to claim Julia's body, the ex-Marine and veterinarian isn't prepared for the horror that awaits him.
Josh has a way with animals, and this ability will serve him well later as the story progresses. If you've never been to London, never fear. Just read this book. Instant holiday. The author chooses his words well. You'll feel just as discombobulated as Josh as you navigate cobbled streets and alleyways filled with rubbish. You can practically smell the curry from takeaways. And British humor is duly noted. A full English breakfast? Maybe. Without the blood sausage.
In London, Josh deals with a Scotland Yard that can't figure out who murdered his sister. There's plenty of evidence, though. Through amateur detective work, he and his girlfriend find out Julia was working at a place that doesn't exist. Questions add up. An old nursery rhyme about doors is the key to finding out what happened to his sister. When they meet a young woman who knew Julia, she sets off an otherworldly chain of events that reveals how and why Julia found her way through a doorway that would eventually lead to her brutal and senseless murder.
Josh slowly discovers there are doors leading to alternate dimensions of London. When he and his girlfriend, Nancy, find a way through one door, they immediately attract the attention of the interdimensional gatekeepers. These doorkeepers call themselves The Hooded Men and they are terrifying. They are like grand inquisitors bent on stamping out trespassers, heretics, and those they see as subversive. Roaming streets banging drums, they hunt those who dare come through the doors with vicious dogs. They're the "Kill now, ask questions later" kind of fellows. Josh quickly finds out there is a punishment worse than death for daring to enter their world.
And it's called "The Holy Harp." But there's nothing holy about it. The scene where Josh makes his acquaintance with this torture method is graphic. Most of the death scenes are as well. This author pulls no punches. If you were thinking of growing attached to a certain character, save yourself the trouble. Don't. Just squeeze your eyes shut and turn the page. That's all I can say. Though I was shocked when a particular character met an untimely end. Didn't see that coming. But then, The Hooded Men are ruthless zealots who are only concerned with preserving their perfect world.
They set their sights on Josh and Nancy. A host of horrible things befall them, those trying to help them evade capture, and even the dog. The book has a nice pace, but once the reason for the doors is revealed, it wasn't that hard to figure out why the bad guys were slicing and dicing their victims. I'll just leave it at that. But I thought the ending could have been handled better. It was sort of like waiting for a new firecracker to go off and you ended up with a dud.
All in all, this story was frightening. I was on the edge of my seat most of the time. I did not appreciate the scenes of animal cruelty, but they aren't the villains for nothing. I wouldn't read this on a full stomach, before bed, and certainly not when planning a trip to London.
Five stars for scaring me half to death… but in a good way.
Lol.
Remember the show "Sliders?" Where there are an infinite number of Earths? Well, in this story, there are an infinite number of Londons. Each has been warped by slight changes in our current timeline. In one dimension, the American Revolution didn't happen in 1776. It's happening in the 1940s where the Yanks are blowing London to bits and the Germans are the good guys. In another, India walloped England and London is a tidy version of New Delhi. And where our story begins, London is stuck in a dystopian pre-WWII world of flying cars and Zeppelins. Women wear hats and gloves. Automobiles are started with hand cranks. And people are terrified of drum-beating men in leather hoods.
So begins the story where a young American woman is found floating in the Thames. She has been brutally murdered, divested of various organs, and no one knows where she's been for the last 10 months. When her brother is notified of her death, he's confused because he hadn't been in touch with her for a while. He knew she needed to get away, but what happened to Julia Winward is absolutely horrific. It's one of the first scenes in a book full of gut punches that will make you hurl your book to the floor. When Josh and his girlfriend fly to London to claim Julia's body, the ex-Marine and veterinarian isn't prepared for the horror that awaits him.
Josh has a way with animals, and this ability will serve him well later as the story progresses. If you've never been to London, never fear. Just read this book. Instant holiday. The author chooses his words well. You'll feel just as discombobulated as Josh as you navigate cobbled streets and alleyways filled with rubbish. You can practically smell the curry from takeaways. And British humor is duly noted. A full English breakfast? Maybe. Without the blood sausage.
In London, Josh deals with a Scotland Yard that can't figure out who murdered his sister. There's plenty of evidence, though. Through amateur detective work, he and his girlfriend find out Julia was working at a place that doesn't exist. Questions add up. An old nursery rhyme about doors is the key to finding out what happened to his sister. When they meet a young woman who knew Julia, she sets off an otherworldly chain of events that reveals how and why Julia found her way through a doorway that would eventually lead to her brutal and senseless murder.
Josh slowly discovers there are doors leading to alternate dimensions of London. When he and his girlfriend, Nancy, find a way through one door, they immediately attract the attention of the interdimensional gatekeepers. These doorkeepers call themselves The Hooded Men and they are terrifying. They are like grand inquisitors bent on stamping out trespassers, heretics, and those they see as subversive. Roaming streets banging drums, they hunt those who dare come through the doors with vicious dogs. They're the "Kill now, ask questions later" kind of fellows. Josh quickly finds out there is a punishment worse than death for daring to enter their world.
And it's called "The Holy Harp." But there's nothing holy about it. The scene where Josh makes his acquaintance with this torture method is graphic. Most of the death scenes are as well. This author pulls no punches. If you were thinking of growing attached to a certain character, save yourself the trouble. Don't. Just squeeze your eyes shut and turn the page. That's all I can say. Though I was shocked when a particular character met an untimely end. Didn't see that coming. But then, The Hooded Men are ruthless zealots who are only concerned with preserving their perfect world.
They set their sights on Josh and Nancy. A host of horrible things befall them, those trying to help them evade capture, and even the dog. The book has a nice pace, but once the reason for the doors is revealed, it wasn't that hard to figure out why the bad guys were slicing and dicing their victims. I'll just leave it at that. But I thought the ending could have been handled better. It was sort of like waiting for a new firecracker to go off and you ended up with a dud.
All in all, this story was frightening. I was on the edge of my seat most of the time. I did not appreciate the scenes of animal cruelty, but they aren't the villains for nothing. I wouldn't read this on a full stomach, before bed, and certainly not when planning a trip to London.
Five stars for scaring me half to death… but in a good way.
Lol.
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