Skip to content

Book Review: THE WOMAN IN BLACK – ANGEL OF DEATH

Written By:

Tony Jones
the-woman-in-black-angel-of-death-review

The Woman in Black - Angel of Death Review

Review: The Woman in Black – Angel of Death / Author: Martyn Waites / Publisher: Hammer / Release Date: Out Now

Susan Hill’s novel, The Woman in Black, has spawned stage and radio adaptations and, as you will surely know, a film starring Daniel Radcliffe that became the biggest grossing UK horror movie for many years. With a follow-up to the movie due in 2014, Hammer have now released a sequel to the book too, one that sees author Martyn Waites daring to follow in Hill’s footsteps.

The central plot is strong – it is World War 2 and children are being evacuated from the horror of the Blitz. Eel Marsh House has been renovated (though not well) and is to be used as a school. Cue the arrival of hordes of children. This is clever in that the Woman in Black focusses her attention on children, on and through whom she wreaks her evil revenge.

The story wastes no time in introducing us to new characters (two women teachers) and a love interest in the form of the inevitable young officer. We then get in quick, storyboard succession strange shadows, eerie voices, mould, rocking chairs, Victorian toys and an attempt to build to a conclusion. Sadly the effect on the reader is to be continually looking out for mentions of the Radcliffe movie and the experience becomes one of ticking off relics of that movie rather than developing a new story. We also didn’t enjoy the rapid sequence of very short scenes and never felt engaged with the development of characters.

Waites can clearly write, but the book never seems to shake off the shadow of the original or find its own way, which is a disappointment given the potential of the subject matter.

Tony Jones

You May Also Like...

chinese remake of anaconda drops trailer

ANACONDA Trailer Grants First Look At Remake Of 1997 Horror Flick

Three sequels and a spinoff-crossover film wasn’t enough for the 1997 creature feature Anaconda, which not only has a new movie in development, but is getting a Chinese remake! From
Read More
black widow star scarlett johansson in talks to lead new universal jurassic world film

Scarlett Johansson In Talks To Join JURASSIC WORLD Film

Another MCU star appears to be taking up the reins for Universal’s new Jurassic World movie: two-time Oscar nominee Scarlett Johansson is reportedly in talks to lead the franchise that
Read More

Exclusive Reveal! Titan Comics to Deliver Prehistoric Hysterics in First 2 DUMB DINOS Collection

Titan Comics have exclusively revealed to STARBURST that they’re gearing up to publish the first-ever collection of the hilarious cult digital comic strip 2 Dumb Dinos, and we’re not the
Read More

New Dates For Lovecraftian Key of Dreams

Key of Dreams has announced new spaces for its titular immersive luxury horror event. The critically acclaimed company is known for its overnight experiences that dunk you into a strange
Read More

FAB Café to Host Free Film Screening of New Indie Comedy SECRETS OF A WALLABY BOY

We’re well known for our championing of truly independent filmmakers here at STARBURST, so it’s doubly exciting to be writing about one of our own! After joining the crew in
Read More
colin farrell returns as oswald cobblepot in the penguin series trailer

Colin Farrell Returns In THE PENGUIN Trailer

Colin Farrell returns as Gotham City’s answer to Tony Soprano in the first trailer for Max series The Penguin, which spins out of the world of the 2022 DC film
Read More