Susan Hill’s latest novel, The Man in the Picture, tells the tale of a Venetian painting with a disturbing secret that threatens to entrap all who encounter it. When Oliver returns to the Cambridge dorm to visit with an old professor he finds himself ensnared by a painting and the story behind. Sitting in the study of Cambridge tutor Theo Parmitter is a painting of a Venetian carnival filled with masked revelers. When Theo’s old pupil, Oliver, pays a visit, Theo recounts the story of the picture, one filled with mystery, dread, and the insatiable quest for vengeance. As Theo’s story progresses, what appears to be a simple tale transforms into something far more sinister than anyone involved could have suspected. Weaving several narrative accounts into one horrifying story, Hill’s mastery of the classic horror novel has never been so apparent. There’s nary a word out of place or a scene not fraught with tension and a growing sense of unease. Brisk and utterly engrossing, The Man in the Picture is guaranteed to keep the reader up late until-and well past-its chilling conclusion.

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1. » The Man in the Picture by Susan Hill | says:

   November 12th, 2008

   [...] Weaving several narrative accounts into one horrifying story, Hill’s mastery of the classic horror novel has never been so apparent. There’s nary a word out of place or a scene not fraught with tension and a growing sense of unease More [...]

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