The Shrine

Night Hunter #4

by Robert Faulcon

Daniel Brady, still following the evil forces that have kidnapped his wife and children, encounters the terrifying guardian of a shrine inside a deserted mine

Genres: Horror, Occult Detective, Pulp

Paperback

First published January 1, 1984

About the author

A pseudonym used by Robert Holdstock.

Reviews

[Nik Morton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Published in 1984, the fourth book in the Night Hunter series of six by Robert Faulcon (Robert Holdstock) begins with a candle-lit dinner evening changing into something ‘other’. Archaeologist Colin Saville is alarmed to find his daughter’s bedroom is unexpectedly cold for the season. There’s an interloper – a psychic force, disclosed as Daniel Brady. A fiery death follows.

In the first book, Brady’s wife, son and daughter were abducted and he was left for dead by individuals of a Black Magical bent. Since recovering he has devoted his life to tracking down his family and wreaking vengeance on the followers of an entity called Arachne. This is his latest foray, but Brady gleans little to help in his quest.

In the west country, ghost-hunter Geoff Cochrane has been called in by a few farmers to exorcise a ghost that has appeared on their land near Pitthurst wood. Cochrane’s daughter Nancy is aware of her father’s ‘talent’ and has a latent ability herself. Cochrane discovers an underground shrine, and one of the farmers inadvertently unleashes a powerful and deadly influence.

Dan is called out by police superintendent Sutherland, who investigated the original abduction. Apparently, another family was attacked and by chance the invaders abruptly stopped and were summoned away to Pitthurst. Dan sets off to investigate and eventually meets up with Cochrane and they join forces.

The shrine serves a purpose. It is one of many, however. Each one requires the living essence of people to be drained and absorbed by an evil embryo from the ancient past.

Dan and Geoff find themselves besieged in the farmhouse while Geoff’s daughter is somewhere out there, at risk. More deaths are inevitable, with plenty of blood and gore; the suspense elements are ratcheted up and the showdown is epic. In the end, Dan saves one innocent life and obtains a few snippets of information to give him hope, to continue the search for his family.

A few quest series can be sustained over many books – the Dumarest saga being one – but most should be limited, and I feel that restricting Daniel Brady’s quest to six novels was probably the right decision.

[Ian Banks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brady begins the second half of his quest to find his family by begin get to be more than just an irritant to his enemies. By the end of this book he has another weapon: information. Which gives him hope.

I'm loving these books. I wish I could find the rest of the series somewhere because, while it's a lesser work of Mr Holdstock, it is still an impressive feat of the imagination. The characters and settings feel real and grounded which gives the story an extra frisson when things start to get otherworldly.

[Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

I spun the reading of this one out a little slower, enjoying the ever building tension and release of the plot that still maintains pace and interest. A little more of the machinations and power of Arachne are revealed with some tragic consequences and some happier moments. I didn't feel that Cochrane's hidden secret was too believable, and felt just a little too convenient, though maybe it plays into things later so we shall see. Brady is still a strong solid character though and his mission still progressing with some success.
I'm looking forward to starting the penultimate book!