Relics

By: Shaun Hutson

Narrated by: Kobna Holdbrook-Smith

Length: 8 hrs and 37 mins

Publisher's summary

During an archaeological dig, a hidden chamber filled with the skulls of children is discovered. At first glance they seem to have been there for thousands of years but closer examination reveals a more shocking secret.

The opening of the chamber triggers a series of horrific murders, each victim mutilated and their entrails used to form a different letter of the alphabet. Who is behind this outrage? And how is it linked to a subterranean chamber thousands of years old?

Inspector Stephen Wallace must unmask this crazed killer. Is it the sadistic thug responsible for organising a series of barbaric dog fights? The mysterious recluse who holds Black Mass orgies for drug addicted teenagers? Or is it, in fact, something much worse?

An evil so old, so vile and so powerful that it threatens to engulf everyone who comes near it. For Wallace, and possibly for the whole human race, time is running out fast. Something evil is waiting. Something monstrous is loose...

Shaun Hutson is one of the UK's best known horror writers and author of over 50 books. He made his name with best-sellers such as Spawn and Relics - acquiring the nicknames 'The Godfather of Gore' and 'The Shakespeare of Gore' in the process – and has since written a number of dark urban thrillers as well. He has also written for radio, magazines, television and novelized a couple of Hammer Horror films.

©1986 Shaun Hutson (P)2013 Audible Ltd

Critic reviews

"Britain's greatest living horror author" ( Dark Side)
"An expert in the art of keeping the reader turning the pages" ( Time Out)
"Hutson writes grippingly" ( SFX Magazine)

Disappointing gore-fest.

What could Shaun Hutson have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you?

I have no problem with using graphic descriptions to enhance fear and horror in a story, but this book was one gore-fest after another. Fine for the first couple of murder/sacrifice depictions, but it just became boring. I believe more attention to the main characters and story line would have brought the book up a few notches from low budget, B-movie, horror show.

What about Kobna Holdbrook-Smith’s performance did you like?

Mr. Holdbrook-Smith's performance was superb as usual. Transition from character to character to narration was smooth, in particular, the female and child voices are not jarring or overdone as I often find is the case with other actors.

You didn’t love this book... but did it have any redeeming qualities?

The beginning of the book was promising. I could see the skeleton of a truly frightening story, but it seemed to me that the author didn't take the time to flesh it out. I did listen to the complete book because I kept thinking it would get better.

Any additional comments?

I can easily imagine this book as a graphic novel/comic. I would have enjoyed that more that listening to it.

Absolute crap

This book wasn’t for you, but who do you think might enjoy it more?

Can't imagine who. I bought it mainly because the narrator is top drawer.

What was most disappointing about Shaun Hutson’s story?

It lacks just about everything one looks for in the genre ..or any genre.

Have you listened to any of Kobna Holdbrook-Smith’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Yes. Mr Holbrook-Smith's performance was very good but the material was awful

You didn’t love this book... but did it have any redeeming qualities?

No

Any additional comments?

Just awful.