The House That Jack Built by Graham Masterton

Masterton's evocation of Hudson Valley history and his re-creation of the era of the pre-Depression robber barons is outstanding. The spooky events climax spectacularly during a thunderstorm atop the Hudson Highlands, but not before the author has numbed the reader with countless scenes of sexual humiliation and offended sensibilities with the suggestion that physical abuse is titillating to its victims. But when he becomes sexually insatiable and a suspect in the deaths of several colleagues and acquaintances, she probes the house's history for an explanation and discovers that Belias-an occultist who excelled in ruining his gambling companions and who 'used his virility to dominate people too'-is engineering his return from a dimension beyond time through her vulnerable husband. At first, Effie is happy that Craig's obsessive interest in rebuilding Valhalla has restored his confidence and potence.

A monument to the towering ego of textile mogul Jack Belias, who vanished mysteriously in 1937, the edifice has understandable psychological appeal for Craig, who is recuperating from his near emasculation during a recent mugging. High-powered Manhattan lawyer Craig Bellman and his eager-to-please wife, Effie, are touring the Hudson River Valley when they chance upon Valhalla, a decrepit mansion that broods on the bluffs north of Cold Spring. It would appear that the spirit of Jack Belias is still with them.Lacing an atmospheric tale of haunting and possession with heavy doses of gore and sex, Masterton (Burial) screams out a story better told in a whisper.

But death and destruction return to Valhalla, and Craig, obsessed by the house, becomes more of a stranger to Effie every day. Out of loyalty to her husband Effie tries to overcome her fears, but recruits a local spiritualist in an attempt to rid the house of its threatening vibrations. Even today, Valhalla echoes with its terrible past.

He ignores Effie's misgivings and starts to make inquiries about buying it, undeterred by the expense and its history: it was built by legendary gambler and womanizer Jack Belias - and every owner since Belias has come to a tragic end. When they discover a derelict old mansion, Valhalla, Craig becomes fascinated by it. HOUSE THAT JACK BUILT, THE by Graham Masterton - SIGNED FIRST EDITION BOOKĪfter Craig Bellman, a successful young New York lawyer, is horribly injured in a street mugging, he and his wife, Effie, retreat to the Hudson Valley to restore his health and save their relationship.

The House That Jack Built by Graham Masterton