ART: A Novel of Extreme Horror and Gore

I received a free copy of Art through Goodreads when invited to a group read by one of the authors.Having read a few of Matts books before I knew to expect the extreme, I have to say the level of extremity in Art exceeds the levels of previous ones read so far. Art is a collaboration which brings together the work of Matt Shaw and Michael Bray, it's impressive how well the two different authors have come together to create a seamless tale.The story itself jumps back and forth between the two main characters, The killer and the detective in charge of solving his horrific crimes. It's disturbing, it's brutal and has plenty of blood, gore and cringe worthy moments. It hooks you from the first page and takes you on a journey that both fascinates and horrifies you at the same time, a tale definitely not for the easily offended.You'll find yourself turning page after page, being drawn into the story in all it's grisly detail and intensity as it progresses. Just when you think you know where the story is taking you, it throws a huge twist at you that you're in no way expecting, one you'll both love and hate at the same time. An ending that is so disturbing and twisted that you're sure to have it in your mind for some time afterwards.Art is a must read for all horror lovers out there.

Art is the collaboration between horror authors Matt Shaw & Michael Bray, both take on the first person viewpoint roles of two very different characters, a seriously twisted killer and the detective trying to catch him.Both roles are superbly written but I think Matt Shaw must have had the most fun as his killer, who likes to present his kills in artistic poses and craves the fame that he believes his work should guarantee. He finds both sexual fulfilment from his macabre work and also at the same time discovers a target that will give him the ultimate end and a place in history.Both characters are fleshed out nicely the detective who struggles to express his feelings for his wife and worries about the world they’ll be bringing their child up in and the sick mind of a killer who seems to have all the angles covered. A man who puts on a happy face, a mask for when it’s needed and his only hope, that the world is ready for him whilst his biggest fear is that of being ignored. People will remember both the art and the person who created it, it will make him immortal, yep a proper nutcase that only Matt Shaw could create.Art is an enjoyably sick and twisted ride that can only possibly end in one way and it’s gripping to see how we get there.

Art is one of those things that is subjective, but if you like your horror books with a good helping of gore then you will enjoy Matt Shaw and Michael Bray’s collaboration novel – Art.The book follows two people, the tired detective Martin Andrews, with the heavily pregnant wife and the inability to express his feelings and the sick bastard who wants fame for his art and needs to be remembered.The detective is trying to come to terms with bringing a child into a world that he sees as ugly and broken. His job is boring and he is treading water when the worst case of his life finds him and he becomes the focus of the killer.The killer is a masterpiece. He is sick, twisted and such a good bad guy that he keeps you turning the pages, amazed at what he is doing. Your mouth is open your eyes wide as you hide behind your hands while turning the pages faster and faster hoping that he will get caught and that Andrews will save the damsel.The characters are well fleshed out and the writing is excellent. But be warned the book is shocking and full of gore and things that you may find upsetting. It is horror at its basest and if you are easily shocked give this one a miss. However, if you think horror should be horrifying then read on and you may keep asking yourself why am I enjoying this so much?The tension builds throughout the book and the ending is brilliant. It was partly expected and dreaded and partly genius and gives a whole new meaning to an old saying.Caroline Gebbie Author of Daddy Won't Kill You

I like books that are a collaboration between authors and this was a delight to read. The book tells the story of a psychotic loner who is a security guard at a gallery, but longs to be famous for his own works of art. His 'artwork' is the murder and mutilation of women, left on display for the police to find. Shaw is brilliant at writing the POV of the lunatic & Bray is equally good at bringing the troubled Detective Andrews to life.This is not the usual blood-spattered story you'd expect from Shaw but the gore is still there and the ending may be too much for those with a weak stomach. I loved it and read it in 2 sittings and will most definitely be reading more by these authors.

I have only just recently discovered Matt Shaw and after reading 'The Cabin' was eager to read more....... These Kindle things are brilliant, I am an avid reader of 'Horror' and within a few weeks had purchased, downloaded and read everything that was available that Matt has written. His style of writing is so distinctly 'different' to the norm, it is almost like watching a movie in your mind as you read his work!!! - Sorry I am not a writer so can't really express it any better!..... I thought I had squirmed,felt disgusted and horrified by 'The Peter Chronicles' but ART................ IS CHILLING BEYOND BELIEF! ............. There were times when I was reaching the conclusion in the early hours.....(I tend to do all my reading in the early hours.... which is why the Kindle is so brilliant) that I felt so ashamed at reading what seemed to be the absolute mind of a perverted psychopath.... (sorry Matt)....... I think the ending twisted like a knife...... We all knew where the awful ending was heading........ but NOT what transpired...... and ever the optimist,..... I kept hoping right until the end that I was wrong......!!!!!!! BRILLIANT, BRILLIANT, BRILLIANT..... I just hope I never meet Matt Shaw in a Supermarket and he asks for my number!