Nyctophobia

Thought it was a good book, not great perhaps, but it was very atmospheric and the twists at the end I didn't see coming -- reminded me of some of the older horror mystery like the Woman in white and henry james' short story, gothic and slowly building, it will scare you at the end. I love this writer and I'd read anything by him.

This was my first experience with Christopher Fowler and it will certainly not be the last. Nyctophobia was a highly enjoyable read that turned out to be a page-turner till the very end. The plot devices might be a little clichéd but Fowler manages to keep you guessing as the storyline slowly plays out. This is one of those books where new pieces of the overall puzzle will emerge on each subsequent read...

I enjoy Fowler"s Bryant and May books. Like those it's very readable, moves along, and is punctuated with Fowler's characteristic, sometimes dark, sometimes just witty, sense of humor. However, a promising premise, and a truly unique and interesting setting (both the house and the tiny Spanish village) sustain 3/4 of the book, before it falls into the "Why the hell doesn't she run away from there as fast as she can?" kind of story, almost a throwback to the HIBK Victorian and pre-Victorian gothics, but not the better ones. Good build-up, disappointing ending.

A surprising metaphysical horror/mystery. You're kept guessing until the end. The story kept leading you on, making you want more information, but making you afraid to find out as well. as with all stories of this kind, some suspension of disbelief is required. The story does not have any happy ending, but makes some definite statements about human despair and the lengths that some might go to avoid unhappiness.

As the cliche goes, I still always pre-judge a book by its cover. I saw Nyctophobia in the sci-fi section of Barnes and Noble, intrigued by the cover art; I've always been a sucker for that darker sci-fi edge. Little did I know that I would be foiled in the end. That's the backstory of why I even purchased this book via Kindle.First off, this book isn't sci-fi as I thought it would be. It's more fantasy (I guess) and definitely more mystery. Secondly, I was not impressed at all by the writing style; it's not descriptive, it's quite one-note, and most importantly, it relies on filling a lot of major scenery holes by the reader (now I'm all for exercising my imagination but I'm also not five years old). Thirdly, I hated the female protagonist. Maybe it's because it's a first-person narrative written by a male author?? I could not relate to her in any regard, whatsoever, and therefore, could not emphathize. She was bland, boring, frustrating, and frankly, idiotic. I don't know what the author was thinking when he created her; it's like he WANTED to create that stereotypical, awfully entitled, first-world problems-abound Caucasian woman in her finest hollow essence. Honestly, it felt chauvinistic on his part. There was no depth to her character or the other ones for that matter.And at the end of it, you would expect a mystery or thriller to have at least some kind of great twist right? For some reason, that 'twist' was developed in such a convoluted manner and presented in such a way as well, it left no effect on me whatsoever.Bottom line, I would not recommend this book. I'm never trusting the way B&N organize their books by section anymore.

Nyctophobia tells the Truth about the Ultimate Emotional Conflict each Individual Human confronts - or ignores. It is what makes us Lovers, and Serial Killing Psychopaths, Friendly, and Cold and Distant. An amazing Book! But it hurts, too . . . but that Something could care so very much . . . in that, one can take comfort, if in nothing else. I suspect Nyctophobia in this case really means: "Afraid NOT to Know the Truth." Reverey

My first Fowler novel. His writing style was very detailed, with great imagery and grabbed and held my attention quickly. Some have mentioned a slow start, yes, the creepy factor begins in the middle, but personally I loved the build up, learning the history of the house and the meaning of the light. I didn't find the story scary, very subjective here, others will. Enjoy!

I liked this book, almost loved it but not quite. I wouldn't say it was predictable but I want blown away by the ending. Some things were left unexplained which is always annoying., but it worth a read I guess. I'm not running out suggesting it to my friends.

This was my first example of Christopher Fowler's work. I will definitely be looking for more (suggestions as to what I should read next??)It's an interesting concept that I don't remember coming across before - difficult these days when there are few original ideas. The characters are well developed, and the horror aspect really creeps up on you without you even noticing it at first. (I say horror, but I think it's really more suspense that I mean - there are very few, if any, "horrific" moments in the book. Though I can imagine a few places where a film audience may get a jump scare, this book is more about building atmosphere).Shall I give a plot review? Very briefly... our protagonist marries a Spaniard, moves to the middle of nowhere in Spain to escape her stressful London existence, starts writing a book about the unique house they have bought. Odd stuff happens, people talk, she investigates things probably better left alone, and finally the truth is revealed and she has one last decision to make. That'll do - I don't want to give too much away.Oh, and I think it says in the book description, but Nyctophobia is fear of the dark (the phobia, not the Maiden track :) )

This was sold to me as a creepy horror about a mysterious house where 1 half is bathed in light and the other is locked up, abandoned and in darkness. Yet over 100 pages in and the protagonist hasnt set foot in the dark half of the house, oh but I know all about her dreamy Mediterranean husband and what a considerate lover he is!Reminds me of when I watched Outlander. I was 6 episodes in to that tosh before realising I was watching a romantic drama!

I love Chris Fowler's books but had to stop reading this one towards the end as it was so scary, so beware if you are of a sensitive or imaginative disposition, like wot i am....

A surprising novel from Fowler, lacking the acerbic edge of much of his other work. It rather reminded me of Richard Adams's 'The Girl in the Swing'. The plot is engaging and the (female) first person narrator is consistent in tone and sympathetic. Fowler maintains tension throughout and there are several beautiful descriptive passages evoking brilliant Spanish sunlight. A very enjoyable and pleasingly creepy novel.

I so enjoyed this book, it is reminiscent of 'The Others'. Tragically romantic, about love and loss, pain and happiness. I was actually upset when I finished it, the characters had pulled me in; I felt it ended too soon... An old style Gothic novel, beautifully written, and a definite must read.