Although I have always loved horror books and films, James Herbert was never a favourite, but my brother liked him so from time to time I would read a one or two of his books. One of the first I chose - and must admit have re read recently - was "The Rats". I did not hold out much hope for it, because I am not afraid of rats - I don't actually want one in the house but if I saw one in the street I would not be too concerned.

The book is quite detailed and did make me cringe a bit in parts as this is clearly a lot more intense than the odd rat on a country road. The story started out quite well, detailing the first few attacks and explaining who all the main characters were, but after that I found it to be harder to believe.

It is in fact very far-fetched and while that does deter from the story for me it is also well written and well thought out. You do have to take into account that this is meant as a horror book and unlike many I have read, I was not left considering what would I do if this actually happened. More recently I have heard that it was also partly written as a social commentary on the way the public are treated by the authorities but if so, I see it as even more far-fetched.

For me the thing that did not really get me too involved was the fact that it was so gruesome - I prefer a good emotional/psychological story to a slasher one - and this is very much blood and guts. I actually found the ending more than a bit silly and as a result it put me off reading any more of James Herbert's books for quite a while.

If you do like the slasher type books then this is certainly one for you, but having read it again I must admit to having skipped through some of the worst parts.

Amazon are currently selling this in paperback for £6.99 and £6.82 for Kindle.

*Slight Spoiler Alert *

There are a couple of follow up books - "Lair" and "Domain" but I have not felt inclined to read them