Reviews

Psychic Jon Childes, a teacher of computer science at a private girls' school in the Channel Islands, has unwillingly linked minds telepathically with a particularly vicious murderer, whose crimes have a strange connection with the phases of the moon. While police are suspicious of Childes, they seek his assistance as his nightmare visions grow stronger and the killer chooses his daughter as intended victim. Herbert, previously published in this country in paperback, makes his hardcover debut with a tense, chilling, and satisfying blend of human and supernatural horror. An expert stylist, he is equally adept with personal relationships and gruesome goings-on. Definitely not for the squeamish, but recommended for all horror fans and popular fiction collections. Eric W. Johnson, Univ. of Bridgeport Lib., Ct.

Herbert's lastet horror novel is a turgid affair. It concerns Jonathan Childes, a schoolteacher with a psychic talent, who can occasionally see through the eyes of a certain lunatic during the commission of quite grisly crimes. The lunatic senses Childes's psychic presence, however, and with malignant ingenuity tracks him down and menacesand in some cases murdershis family, friends and students. Childes is often the natural suspect, but this possible source of dramatic tension is undercut by the faith of a friendly police inspector. And the final confrontation scene is a good deal more silly than scary. For the rest, the lurching, mechanical style makes this book a less than riveting experience. 30,000 first printing; $50,000 ad/promo. (October 31)