The Unholy

This first novel is a lurid supernatural thriller. Set in England, it concerns a locked box containing a mysterious object that seems to incite murders, hallucinations and ghosts. Journalist Jon Hammond, his lover Tanya and his psychic friend Stevenson face grisly horrors and almost certain death in their attempt to track down the box before the town of Batforth is engulfed in tragedy. The basic premise is interesting, but the story isn't told particularly well. Stylistic problems are numerous, though minor; the sketchy characterizations and promising situations left undeveloped are more serious faults. Nevertheless, readers will probably keep turning the pages just to find out what's in the box. Anderson is a competent writer who may yet become a good storyteller. (May 18)