Title: The Manitou
Author: Graham Masterton
First published January 1, 1975
216 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9781587541032 (ISBN10: 1587541033)
Rating: 3.71
Overview
A mysterious force is taking over the city. John Parker was a skeptic until he witnessed the strange occurrences happening around him.
People are changing, and not for the better. A dark force seems to be possessing the bodies of those around him, and it’s spreading.
John is determined to find the source of the possession and put a stop to it before it’s too late. But as he delves deeper into the mystery, he discovers a centuries-old evil that’s been lying dormant, waiting for its chance to strike.
It’s the Manitou, and it won’t rest until it has taken over everything and everyone. Will John be able to stop it before it’s too late?
Or will he too fall victim to the Manitou’s wrath?
About the Author
Graham Masterton, a well-known horror author, was born in Edinburgh in 1946. His grandfather was Thomas Thorne Baker, a renowned scientist who invented DayGlo and was the first to transmit news photographs via wireless communication.
Before becoming a writer, Graham worked as a reporter and later became the executive editor of Penthouse and Penthouse Forum magazines. In addition to this, he wrote a series of successful sex ‘how-to’ books, including How To Drive Your Man Wild In Bed, which has sold over 3 million copies worldwide.
Graham’s debut as a horror author was in 1976 with The Manitou, a story about a Native American medicine man who seeks revenge on the white man. This book became an instant bestseller and was later adapted into a film.
Graham has written over a hundred novels in various genres, including thrillers, disaster novels, and historical sagas. He has also published horror novels for children and young adults.
Graham has received several awards for his work, including a Special Edgar from Mystery Writers of America for Charnel House and a Silver Medal from West Coast Review of Books for Mirror. Family Portrait, an update of Oscar Wilde’s The Picture of Dorian Gray, was the only non-French winner of the prestigious Prix Julia Verlanger in France.
Graham and his wife Wiescka reside in a Gothic Victorian mansion overlooking the River Lee in Cork, Ireland. He is a regular contributor to popular magazines such as Cosmopolitan, Men’s Health, and Woman’s Own.
Editoral Review
Graham Masterton’s The Manitou is a horror novel that was first published on January 1, 1975. It is considered a classic in the horror genre, and it has been adapted into a movie, TV series, and comic book.
Masterton is a prolific writer, having authored over thirty horror novels, and he has won numerous awards for his work. The Manitou takes place in New York City and follows the story of Karen Tandy, a young woman who discovers that she has a tumor on her neck.
However, the tumor is not a typical one, for it starts to grow and to move, and eventually, it develops into an entity with telekinetic powers. Meanwhile, an ancient Native American shaman named Misquamacus is resurrected, and he seeks revenge on the white men who destroyed his tribe.
Karen seeks the help of a psychic named Harry Erskine to fight this supernatural threat. Together, they must find a way to stop Misquamacus from unleashing an army of demons upon New York City.
Masterton’s narrative style is made up of brief, fast-paced chapters that alternate between different characters’ perspectives. The plot is intense and atmospheric, containing scenes of gore and violence that may shock sensitive readers.
Despite this, the novel deals with themes of cultural appropriation, power dynamics, and the supernatural’s role in modern society. Masterton expertly blends Native American mythology with contemporary horror tropes, creating a story that is both engaging and thought-provoking.
One of the book’s strengths is its well-developed characters. Karen Tandy is depicted as a relatable and sympathetic protagonist who must navigate a world that is often hostile towards women.
Harry Erskine is a complex character who uses his psychic abilities to help people but also struggles with his own past and beliefs. The villain Misquamacus is a terrifying presence on the page, and he is made all the more frightening by his connection to a dark, forgotten history.
Masterton’s world-building is detailed and immersive, exploring New York City’s grittier side and the hidden lore of Native American spirituality. However, The Manitou is not without its flaws.
Some readers may find the pacing to be uneven, as the novel starts relatively slow and then ramps up towards an explosive finale. The supporting characters, while well-defined, are not given as much depth as the main cast.
Additionally, some may take issue with the novel’s handling of cultural appropriation and stereotypes, though Masterton’s intentions seem to be more reflective than overtly exploitative. Overall, The Manitou is a must-read for fans of horror fiction.
Masterton’s writing is skillful, and his characters and plot are engaging. The novel is a classic example of contemporary horror, blending the supernatural with real-world issues.
While it may not be suitable for all readers, those who enjoy a good scare and appreciate a nuanced approach to horror will find much to enjoy here. I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars.
