Hammers on Bone by Cassandra Khaw

Cassandra Khaw's Hammers on Bone is a gripping horror novella that blends the gritty world of private investigation with the supernatural. John Persons, an ancient and magical intelligence, is hired by a ten-year-old to kill the boy's abusive stepfather, McKinsey. As Persons delves deeper, he discovers that McKinsey is not just a monster but also infected with an alien presence, spreading his monstrosity far and wide. The novella is a finalist for both the British Fantasy Award and the Locus Award for Best Novella, praised for its unique blend of horror and detective fiction. /n/n The story explores the dark and eerie world of the occult, where Persons must confront his own horrifying potential while trying to take down McKinsey. The novella is sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM), making it easily accessible to readers. With its chilling atmosphere and compelling narrative, Hammers on Bone is a must-read for fans of horror and mystery.

Reviews

Grimdark Magazine · 2024-05-19

excellent 4.50

This novella is a rare gem in the Cthulhu Mythos detective genre, blending hard-boiled noir with cosmic horror. The atmosphere is thick with dread and the prose is sharp and evocative.

This novella is a standout in the Cthulhu Mythos detective genre, offering a unique blend of hard-boiled noir and cosmic horror. The story is set in the grimy underbelly of London, where the protagonist, a private investigator, takes on a case that involves more than meets the eye. The atmosphere is thick with dread, and the prose is sharp and evocative, drawing the reader in from the very first page. The novella's strength lies in its ability to balance the mundane with the extraordinary, creating a sense of unease that lingers long after the last page is turned. The characters are well-developed, and the plot is tight and engaging, making it a must-read for fans of the genre.

Quick quotes

A rare gem in what I've always felt should have been a larger genre: the Cthulhu Mythos detective novel.

The novella is seeped in the twilight atmosphere of the meaner streets of London.

The writing is sharp and evocative, drawing the reader in from the very first page.

Book Jockey Alex · Alex · 2018-04-23

great 4.00

This novella is a sharp, ominous piece of work, blending urban fantasy mystery with Lovecraftian horror. The writing is lean and effective, making it a compelling read.

This novella is a sharp, ominous piece of work that masterfully blends urban fantasy mystery with Lovecraftian horror. The writing is lean and effective, with a tight plot that keeps the reader engaged from start to finish. The protagonist, a private investigator, is drawn into a case that is far more sinister than it initially appears. The novella's strength lies in its ability to create a sense of dread and unease, using the familiar tropes of detective fiction to explore darker, more unsettling themes. The characters are well-developed, and the plot is tightly woven, making it a compelling read for fans of both genres.

Quick quotes

A sharp, ominous piece of work, a bloody mix of urban fantasy mystery and Lovecraftian horror.

The writing is lean and effective, with a tight plot that keeps the reader engaged.

The novella's strength lies in its ability to create a sense of dread and unease.

Fantasy Faction · 2016-12-13

excellent 4.50

The novella is steeped in the twilight atmosphere of London's meaner streets, yet it is also suffused with a palpable sense of cosmic dread. The writing is atmospheric and evocative, making it a standout in the genre.

This novella is steeped in the twilight atmosphere of London's meaner streets, yet it is also suffused with a palpable sense of cosmic dread. The writing is atmospheric and evocative, drawing the reader into a world where the mundane and the extraordinary collide. The protagonist, a private investigator, is drawn into a case that is far more sinister than it initially appears. The novella's strength lies in its ability to create a sense of unease and dread, using the familiar tropes of detective fiction to explore darker, more unsettling themes. The characters are well-developed, and the plot is tightly woven, making it a compelling read for fans of both genres. The novella's unique blend of hard-boiled noir and cosmic horror makes it a standout in the genre.

Quick quotes

The novella is seeped in the twilight atmosphere of the meaner streets of London.

It is also suffused with a palpable sense of cosmic dread.

The writing is atmospheric and evocative, drawing the reader into a world where the mundane and the extraordinary collide.

Appears in Lists

100 Best Horror Novels of All Time