Mister Slaughter (The Matthew Corbett Series Book 3)

Ok, being a die-hard Robert McCammon fan, having devoured Swan Song (twice, and I bought the Kindle version to read again in light of the current political climate), Boys Life, Wolf's Hour, Stinger, Mine (I have a signed copy), and more recently, The Five and The Border, etc., etc., I was hesitant to read the first book in the Matthew Corbett series -- Speaks the Nightbird. But, it's a McCammon, so I bought it in paperback several years back. Then I looked at it. Thought about it. Put it in a box. Took it out of the box. Read the cover. I did this for years, with a certain amount of distaste - historical fiction? What's next? Bodice-buster gothic romance?! I just couldn't do it. Until a few months ago when I ran out of stuff to read in the house. So, I picked up the paperback, dusted it off, and entered Matthew Corbett's world. I haven't been out since. Mr. Slaughter is Matthew Corbett's third adventure. I enjoyed it immensely. The pace of the novel is breakneck and Mr. Slaughter's character (to whom we were introduced in Matthew Corbett's adventure number two, The Queen of Bedlam), is a spine tingling 1700's serial killer whose pure evilness rivals the hair-raising Hannibal Lecter. A warning, there is a lot of gruesomeness in this book. And the victims are innocent, which makes the horror all the more shocking and deplorable. I heartily recommend Mr. Slaughter, with a caveat – you really should read book numbers one and two first to understand the characters and storyline completely. For example, in Mr. Slaughter Matthew is having a crisis of conscience which evolved from something that took place in book number two. I am in the middle of The Providence Rider, book number four. Which is, by the way, also awesome... I’m not sure WHAT I’m going to do once I’ve read all of Matthew’s adventures. There should be a support group out there somewhere.

my disappointment convtinues to grow. I'd high hopes when I began the series, and was looking forward to the story's chief actor, young, sixteen years-old or so, Matthew Corbett maturing both physically and intellectually as the series progressed. Unfortunately, in the course of three novels, not only has he not grown in the in the least intellectually, he has actually regressed to the level of either a fairly bright nine year-old, or a far from bright tweny five-ish, young adult.

I really enjoyed this book! The plot wasn't quite as unpredictable as some of the plots in the preceding novels, but the wordplay and character development was much stronger. I really just had a great time reading it! It was hard to put down, that's for sure! McCammon is very talented, and this was one of his better books - though I have yet to read a book penned by him that I haven't enjoyed. The title character was a sort of tribute to the Devil-Barber of Fleet Street, and its grisly scenes were well done. It brought me to tears, actually (dog lovers, beware!). I am excited to see where the series goes next!

MISTER SLAUGHTER is the third in the series of Matthew Corbett detective novels. Corbett lives in New York at the beginning of the 18th century and works for the London- and New York-based Herrald Agency, a small problem-solving business . In the current adventure, Matthew and senior partner Hudson Greathouse, are hired to transport Slaughter, a dangerous and likely deranged highwayman to New York for extradition back to England to answer for his crimes. Naturally, things go horribly wrong, Slaughter escapes, and Matthew must track him down in the wilds of the New York countryside and environs and recapture him. This novel is by far the bloodiest and most violent of the three. Slaughter is a clever monster who will stop at nothing to get what he wants, his freedom, leaving behind a trail of mayhem, gore and extreme physical and psychological violence. Matthew is aided in his hunt by two excellent supporting characters, a young London-educated Seneca indian brave and a very tough and resourceful young teenaged boy. There are a couple of ancillary mysteries and side plots to be negotiated along the way, some amusing and some that foreshadow events that will unfold in future novels. While MISTER SLAUGHTER surely is historical fiction, and there is a lot of history here, McCammon plays the history a little faster and looser with than he did in the first novel, and some might object to non-period speech styles, but this did not bother me at all, although I did take note of it. There is an afterward in which McCammon explains that after he wrote the first novel that needed to be set to coincide with the end of the witch hunting era, he decided that a New York of the 1730s was a more interesting setting for the remainder of the series than that of turn of the century. Not wanting to age Matthew into his 50s, he decided to take certain liberties with the times and places. I understand the decision, even if it does confuse a bit of the history. If I had to work up a criticism of the novel, I guess it would be that some of the events near the end are just a bit over the top, and Matthew's physical prowess seems at times just a bit too limited to go one on one with the giant and far more experienced killer, Slaughter. MISTER SLAUGHTER is the fastest paced of all the novels so far, and contains bits of intentional humor to offset the extreme horror that is all around whenever Slaughter is in the picture. While I do miss the supernatural horror that McCammon used to write (and in fact still does occasionally), his last half-dozen books or so, while more mainstream, are just as good (or better) and just as enjoyable as anything that he has written. I'll be ordering THE PROVIDENCE RIDER, the fourth and most recently published entry in the series, as soon as I post this review. Recommended. J.M. Tepper

This book differed from the others in the series. Not as much "problem solving" but much more action. An unbelievable adventure. I just couldn't believe what our hero went through. That being said I really didn't like what happened to Lark and her family but especially to her. Why did the author have to subject her to rape? We know Slaughter is a psychopath but I felt that it was too much but more importantly it was unnecessary. Otherwise it was great

If you, like me, are a sucker for crackling, well crafted historical fiction, this is the series for you. Strongly drawn male AND female characters. A hero who uses his mind because he's no great shakes with sword, pistol or fists, but is as brave and stalwart a hero as anyone you will meet via Kindle or the printed page, Matthew Corbett embodies the best virtues of what we would like to see in ourselves; intelligence, integrity, loyalty and the ability to learn from his mistakes. My only worry is that Corbett takes such a beatings from bad guys, bears, and even officers of the law that he'll be in a wheelchair sipping his meals through straws by Book Six or Seven.

Mister Slaughter by Robert McCammon December 7 to December 23, 2014 Third book in the Matthew Corbett Series Recommended by internet friends This is the third book and story in this wonderful series set in the early 1700s here in America...of course at that time we were still part of the United Kingdom. Matthew considered himself English. From my point of view, he was quit the British snob in many way. However he is a likeable well written character. He is only growing up, but he is learning more about what he is able to do when it is necessary. The Matthew Corbett series is part of the Historical Fiction genre. We learn much about the dangerous settling of some of our best known cities, early Indian and Colonist interaction, hospitality towards strangers, early 18th century travel and much more. However, for me this story could also be considered part of the horror genre. I say this because of the many horrible killings that took place in this book. I would imagine for some these bloody horrible deaths would be more blood and guts than they are willing to read about. For me the whole story was worth the discomfort of these bloody and senseless murders carried out by Mister Slaughter. We see Matthew's character develop and mature as he sets out to save the day! I enjoyed this book very much and would recommend it to most. 5 stars.

Just finished Robert McCammon's Mister Slaughter, a murder mystery set in the early 1700s in Manhattan (and the Carolinas and some other locales). Murder mystery is not quite accurate, although there is quite a bit of murder and mystery. This is the 3rd book in a series about Matthew Corbett, one time law clerk and solver of puzzles. I found about this series from Adam-Troy Castro, who mentioned that the second book had the best swordfight he'd ever read. The sword fight and the barroom brawl and the other fights and action scenes all are very good but again the books aren't primarily action any more than they are primarily mysteries. Mostly they are excellent historical fiction. McCammon makes the time and place come alive. You can feel the mud squish under your boots reading these books. Highly recommended.

This is the third book I have read in the Matthew Corbett series and they just keep getting better and better. Interestingly enough, at the conclusion of this book, not previous books, the author discusses historical accuracy and how difficult that is to achieve. I am not sure why he chose to do this unless it is because of some negative comments he has received. Well, the author clearly states that his books are "historical fiction" not historical fact or textbooks. I have been a fan of history for many years, although I prefer 19th century American history to that of the 18th century. I think this author does a pretty good job with the history of the time. I was surprised to learn that this author has a reputation as an author of horror books. I had not heard of him until recently. Well, there is indeed some horror in this series, albeit not of the Stephen King type, but enough to make these books keep you up late at night. I will definitely read the other books in this series. Time to download another one now!

I cannot remember the last time I followed an author with as much interest as I have followed R. McCammon. I have not read his early works, and am a little afraid to do so, but my unwillingness is waning. Meeting Matthew Corbett for the first time when he was traveling as a Clerk to the town who had a supposed witch in custody, I thought he was a wimpy side character, but it wasn't long before I was rooting for him and was excited to learn he was, in fact, the main protagonist. He is presented in the three books I've read thus far with all his weaknesses and foibles, which endears him to me. The goriness of the stories is unimaginable, but it's not far-fetched considering the time we're in and the people we're dealing with. The genuineness of the place, the environs, the smells, the sounds is incredible. I hear, smell, see what McCammon describes. He totally draws me in to this time and place. I can't wait to see what Matthew does next.

Ok, being a die-hard Robert McCammon fan, having devoured Swan Song (twice, and I bought the Kindle version to read again in light of the current political climate), Boys Life, Wolf's Hour, Stinger, Mine (I have a signed copy), and more recently, The Five and The Border, etc., etc., I was hesitant to read the first book in the Matthew Corbett series -- Speaks the Nightbird. But, it's a McCammon, so I bought it in paperback several years back. Then I looked at it. Thought about it. Put it in a box. Took it out of the box. Read the cover. I did this for years, with a certain amount of distaste - historical fiction? What's next? Bodice-buster gothic romance?! I just couldn't do it. Until a few months ago when I ran out of stuff to read in the house. So, I picked up the paperback, dusted it off, and entered Matthew Corbett's world. I haven't been out since. Mr. Slaughter is Matthew Corbett's third adventure. I enjoyed it immensely. The pace of the novel is breakneck and Mr. Slaughter's character (to whom we were introduced in Matthew Corbett's adventure number two, The Queen of Bedlam), is a spine tingling 1700's serial killer whose pure evilness rivals the hair-raising Hannibal Lecter. A warning, there is a lot of gruesomeness in this book. And the victims are innocent, which makes the horror all the more shocking and deplorable. I heartily recommend Mr. Slaughter, with a caveat – you really should read book numbers one and two first to understand the characters and storyline completely. For example, in Mr. Slaughter Matthew is having a crisis of conscience which evolved from something that took place in book number two. I am in the middle of The Providence Rider, book number four. Which is, by the way, also awesome... I’m not sure WHAT I’m going to do once I’ve read all of Matthew’s adventures. There should be a support group out there somewhere.

my disappointment convtinues to grow. I'd high hopes when I began the series, and was looking forward to the story's chief actor, young, sixteen years-old or so, Matthew Corbett maturing both physically and intellectually as the series progressed. Unfortunately, in the course of three novels, not only has he not grown in the in the least intellectually, he has actually regressed to the level of either a fairly bright nine year-old, or a far from bright tweny five-ish, young adult.

I really enjoyed this book! The plot wasn't quite as unpredictable as some of the plots in the preceding novels, but the wordplay and character development was much stronger. I really just had a great time reading it! It was hard to put down, that's for sure! McCammon is very talented, and this was one of his better books - though I have yet to read a book penned by him that I haven't enjoyed. The title character was a sort of tribute to the Devil-Barber of Fleet Street, and its grisly scenes were well done. It brought me to tears, actually (dog lovers, beware!). I am excited to see where the series goes next!

MISTER SLAUGHTER is the third in the series of Matthew Corbett detective novels. Corbett lives in New York at the beginning of the 18th century and works for the London- and New York-based Herrald Agency, a small problem-solving business . In the current adventure, Matthew and senior partner Hudson Greathouse, are hired to transport Slaughter, a dangerous and likely deranged highwayman to New York for extradition back to England to answer for his crimes. Naturally, things go horribly wrong, Slaughter escapes, and Matthew must track him down in the wilds of the New York countryside and environs and recapture him. This novel is by far the bloodiest and most violent of the three. Slaughter is a clever monster who will stop at nothing to get what he wants, his freedom, leaving behind a trail of mayhem, gore and extreme physical and psychological violence. Matthew is aided in his hunt by two excellent supporting characters, a young London-educated Seneca indian brave and a very tough and resourceful young teenaged boy. There are a couple of ancillary mysteries and side plots to be negotiated along the way, some amusing and some that foreshadow events that will unfold in future novels. While MISTER SLAUGHTER surely is historical fiction, and there is a lot of history here, McCammon plays the history a little faster and looser with than he did in the first novel, and some might object to non-period speech styles, but this did not bother me at all, although I did take note of it. There is an afterward in which McCammon explains that after he wrote the first novel that needed to be set to coincide with the end of the witch hunting era, he decided that a New York of the 1730s was a more interesting setting for the remainder of the series than that of turn of the century. Not wanting to age Matthew into his 50s, he decided to take certain liberties with the times and places. I understand the decision, even if it does confuse a bit of the history. If I had to work up a criticism of the novel, I guess it would be that some of the events near the end are just a bit over the top, and Matthew's physical prowess seems at times just a bit too limited to go one on one with the giant and far more experienced killer, Slaughter. MISTER SLAUGHTER is the fastest paced of all the novels so far, and contains bits of intentional humor to offset the extreme horror that is all around whenever Slaughter is in the picture. While I do miss the supernatural horror that McCammon used to write (and in fact still does occasionally), his last half-dozen books or so, while more mainstream, are just as good (or better) and just as enjoyable as anything that he has written. I'll be ordering THE PROVIDENCE RIDER, the fourth and most recently published entry in the series, as soon as I post this review. Recommended. J.M. Tepper

This book differed from the others in the series. Not as much "problem solving" but much more action. An unbelievable adventure. I just couldn't believe what our hero went through. That being said I really didn't like what happened to Lark and her family but especially to her. Why did the author have to subject her to rape? We know Slaughter is a psychopath but I felt that it was too much but more importantly it was unnecessary. Otherwise it was great

If you, like me, are a sucker for crackling, well crafted historical fiction, this is the series for you. Strongly drawn male AND female characters. A hero who uses his mind because he's no great shakes with sword, pistol or fists, but is as brave and stalwart a hero as anyone you will meet via Kindle or the printed page, Matthew Corbett embodies the best virtues of what we would like to see in ourselves; intelligence, integrity, loyalty and the ability to learn from his mistakes. My only worry is that Corbett takes such a beatings from bad guys, bears, and even officers of the law that he'll be in a wheelchair sipping his meals through straws by Book Six or Seven.

Mister Slaughter by Robert McCammon December 7 to December 23, 2014 Third book in the Matthew Corbett Series Recommended by internet friends This is the third book and story in this wonderful series set in the early 1700s here in America...of course at that time we were still part of the United Kingdom. Matthew considered himself English. From my point of view, he was quit the British snob in many way. However he is a likeable well written character. He is only growing up, but he is learning more about what he is able to do when it is necessary. The Matthew Corbett series is part of the Historical Fiction genre. We learn much about the dangerous settling of some of our best known cities, early Indian and Colonist interaction, hospitality towards strangers, early 18th century travel and much more. However, for me this story could also be considered part of the horror genre. I say this because of the many horrible killings that took place in this book. I would imagine for some these bloody horrible deaths would be more blood and guts than they are willing to read about. For me the whole story was worth the discomfort of these bloody and senseless murders carried out by Mister Slaughter. We see Matthew's character develop and mature as he sets out to save the day! I enjoyed this book very much and would recommend it to most. 5 stars.

Just finished Robert McCammon's Mister Slaughter, a murder mystery set in the early 1700s in Manhattan (and the Carolinas and some other locales). Murder mystery is not quite accurate, although there is quite a bit of murder and mystery. This is the 3rd book in a series about Matthew Corbett, one time law clerk and solver of puzzles. I found about this series from Adam-Troy Castro, who mentioned that the second book had the best swordfight he'd ever read. The sword fight and the barroom brawl and the other fights and action scenes all are very good but again the books aren't primarily action any more than they are primarily mysteries. Mostly they are excellent historical fiction. McCammon makes the time and place come alive. You can feel the mud squish under your boots reading these books. Highly recommended.

This is the third book I have read in the Matthew Corbett series and they just keep getting better and better. Interestingly enough, at the conclusion of this book, not previous books, the author discusses historical accuracy and how difficult that is to achieve. I am not sure why he chose to do this unless it is because of some negative comments he has received. Well, the author clearly states that his books are "historical fiction" not historical fact or textbooks. I have been a fan of history for many years, although I prefer 19th century American history to that of the 18th century. I think this author does a pretty good job with the history of the time. I was surprised to learn that this author has a reputation as an author of horror books. I had not heard of him until recently. Well, there is indeed some horror in this series, albeit not of the Stephen King type, but enough to make these books keep you up late at night. I will definitely read the other books in this series. Time to download another one now!

I cannot remember the last time I followed an author with as much interest as I have followed R. McCammon. I have not read his early works, and am a little afraid to do so, but my unwillingness is waning. Meeting Matthew Corbett for the first time when he was traveling as a Clerk to the town who had a supposed witch in custody, I thought he was a wimpy side character, but it wasn't long before I was rooting for him and was excited to learn he was, in fact, the main protagonist. He is presented in the three books I've read thus far with all his weaknesses and foibles, which endears him to me. The goriness of the stories is unimaginable, but it's not far-fetched considering the time we're in and the people we're dealing with. The genuineness of the place, the environs, the smells, the sounds is incredible. I hear, smell, see what McCammon describes. He totally draws me in to this time and place. I can't wait to see what Matthew does next.

Ok, being a die-hard Robert McCammon fan, having devoured Swan Song (twice, and I bought the Kindle version to read again in light of the current political climate), Boys Life, Wolf's Hour, Stinger, Mine (I have a signed copy), and more recently, The Five and The Border, etc., etc., I was hesitant to read the first book in the Matthew Corbett series -- Speaks the Nightbird. But, it's a McCammon, so I bought it in paperback several years back. Then I looked at it. Thought about it. Put it in a box. Took it out of the box. Read the cover. I did this for years, with a certain amount of distaste - historical fiction? What's next? Bodice-buster gothic romance?! I just couldn't do it. Until a few months ago when I ran out of stuff to read in the house. So, I picked up the paperback, dusted it off, and entered Matthew Corbett's world. I haven't been out since. Mr. Slaughter is Matthew Corbett's third adventure. I enjoyed it immensely. The pace of the novel is breakneck and Mr. Slaughter's character (to whom we were introduced in Matthew Corbett's adventure number two, The Queen of Bedlam), is a spine tingling 1700's serial killer whose pure evilness rivals the hair-raising Hannibal Lecter. A warning, there is a lot of gruesomeness in this book. And the victims are innocent, which makes the horror all the more shocking and deplorable. I heartily recommend Mr. Slaughter, with a caveat – you really should read book numbers one and two first to understand the characters and storyline completely. For example, in Mr. Slaughter Matthew is having a crisis of conscience which evolved from something that took place in book number two. I am in the middle of The Providence Rider, book number four. Which is, by the way, also awesome... I’m not sure WHAT I’m going to do once I’ve read all of Matthew’s adventures. There should be a support group out there somewhere.

my disappointment convtinues to grow. I'd high hopes when I began the series, and was looking forward to the story's chief actor, young, sixteen years-old or so, Matthew Corbett maturing both physically and intellectually as the series progressed. Unfortunately, in the course of three novels, not only has he not grown in the in the least intellectually, he has actually regressed to the level of either a fairly bright nine year-old, or a far from bright tweny five-ish, young adult.

I really enjoyed this book! The plot wasn't quite as unpredictable as some of the plots in the preceding novels, but the wordplay and character development was much stronger. I really just had a great time reading it! It was hard to put down, that's for sure! McCammon is very talented, and this was one of his better books - though I have yet to read a book penned by him that I haven't enjoyed. The title character was a sort of tribute to the Devil-Barber of Fleet Street, and its grisly scenes were well done. It brought me to tears, actually (dog lovers, beware!). I am excited to see where the series goes next!

MISTER SLAUGHTER is the third in the series of Matthew Corbett detective novels. Corbett lives in New York at the beginning of the 18th century and works for the London- and New York-based Herrald Agency, a small problem-solving business . In the current adventure, Matthew and senior partner Hudson Greathouse, are hired to transport Slaughter, a dangerous and likely deranged highwayman to New York for extradition back to England to answer for his crimes. Naturally, things go horribly wrong, Slaughter escapes, and Matthew must track him down in the wilds of the New York countryside and environs and recapture him. This novel is by far the bloodiest and most violent of the three. Slaughter is a clever monster who will stop at nothing to get what he wants, his freedom, leaving behind a trail of mayhem, gore and extreme physical and psychological violence. Matthew is aided in his hunt by two excellent supporting characters, a young London-educated Seneca indian brave and a very tough and resourceful young teenaged boy. There are a couple of ancillary mysteries and side plots to be negotiated along the way, some amusing and some that foreshadow events that will unfold in future novels. While MISTER SLAUGHTER surely is historical fiction, and there is a lot of history here, McCammon plays the history a little faster and looser with than he did in the first novel, and some might object to non-period speech styles, but this did not bother me at all, although I did take note of it. There is an afterward in which McCammon explains that after he wrote the first novel that needed to be set to coincide with the end of the witch hunting era, he decided that a New York of the 1730s was a more interesting setting for the remainder of the series than that of turn of the century. Not wanting to age Matthew into his 50s, he decided to take certain liberties with the times and places. I understand the decision, even if it does confuse a bit of the history. If I had to work up a criticism of the novel, I guess it would be that some of the events near the end are just a bit over the top, and Matthew's physical prowess seems at times just a bit too limited to go one on one with the giant and far more experienced killer, Slaughter. MISTER SLAUGHTER is the fastest paced of all the novels so far, and contains bits of intentional humor to offset the extreme horror that is all around whenever Slaughter is in the picture. While I do miss the supernatural horror that McCammon used to write (and in fact still does occasionally), his last half-dozen books or so, while more mainstream, are just as good (or better) and just as enjoyable as anything that he has written. I'll be ordering THE PROVIDENCE RIDER, the fourth and most recently published entry in the series, as soon as I post this review. Recommended. J.M. Tepper

This book differed from the others in the series. Not as much "problem solving" but much more action. An unbelievable adventure. I just couldn't believe what our hero went through. That being said I really didn't like what happened to Lark and her family but especially to her. Why did the author have to subject her to rape? We know Slaughter is a psychopath but I felt that it was too much but more importantly it was unnecessary. Otherwise it was great

If you, like me, are a sucker for crackling, well crafted historical fiction, this is the series for you. Strongly drawn male AND female characters. A hero who uses his mind because he's no great shakes with sword, pistol or fists, but is as brave and stalwart a hero as anyone you will meet via Kindle or the printed page, Matthew Corbett embodies the best virtues of what we would like to see in ourselves; intelligence, integrity, loyalty and the ability to learn from his mistakes. My only worry is that Corbett takes such a beatings from bad guys, bears, and even officers of the law that he'll be in a wheelchair sipping his meals through straws by Book Six or Seven.

Mister Slaughter by Robert McCammon December 7 to December 23, 2014 Third book in the Matthew Corbett Series Recommended by internet friends This is the third book and story in this wonderful series set in the early 1700s here in America...of course at that time we were still part of the United Kingdom. Matthew considered himself English. From my point of view, he was quit the British snob in many way. However he is a likeable well written character. He is only growing up, but he is learning more about what he is able to do when it is necessary. The Matthew Corbett series is part of the Historical Fiction genre. We learn much about the dangerous settling of some of our best known cities, early Indian and Colonist interaction, hospitality towards strangers, early 18th century travel and much more. However, for me this story could also be considered part of the horror genre. I say this because of the many horrible killings that took place in this book. I would imagine for some these bloody horrible deaths would be more blood and guts than they are willing to read about. For me the whole story was worth the discomfort of these bloody and senseless murders carried out by Mister Slaughter. We see Matthew's character develop and mature as he sets out to save the day! I enjoyed this book very much and would recommend it to most. 5 stars.

Just finished Robert McCammon's Mister Slaughter, a murder mystery set in the early 1700s in Manhattan (and the Carolinas and some other locales). Murder mystery is not quite accurate, although there is quite a bit of murder and mystery. This is the 3rd book in a series about Matthew Corbett, one time law clerk and solver of puzzles. I found about this series from Adam-Troy Castro, who mentioned that the second book had the best swordfight he'd ever read. The sword fight and the barroom brawl and the other fights and action scenes all are very good but again the books aren't primarily action any more than they are primarily mysteries. Mostly they are excellent historical fiction. McCammon makes the time and place come alive. You can feel the mud squish under your boots reading these books. Highly recommended.

This is the third book I have read in the Matthew Corbett series and they just keep getting better and better. Interestingly enough, at the conclusion of this book, not previous books, the author discusses historical accuracy and how difficult that is to achieve. I am not sure why he chose to do this unless it is because of some negative comments he has received. Well, the author clearly states that his books are "historical fiction" not historical fact or textbooks. I have been a fan of history for many years, although I prefer 19th century American history to that of the 18th century. I think this author does a pretty good job with the history of the time. I was surprised to learn that this author has a reputation as an author of horror books. I had not heard of him until recently. Well, there is indeed some horror in this series, albeit not of the Stephen King type, but enough to make these books keep you up late at night. I will definitely read the other books in this series. Time to download another one now!

I cannot remember the last time I followed an author with as much interest as I have followed R. McCammon. I have not read his early works, and am a little afraid to do so, but my unwillingness is waning. Meeting Matthew Corbett for the first time when he was traveling as a Clerk to the town who had a supposed witch in custody, I thought he was a wimpy side character, but it wasn't long before I was rooting for him and was excited to learn he was, in fact, the main protagonist. He is presented in the three books I've read thus far with all his weaknesses and foibles, which endears him to me. The goriness of the stories is unimaginable, but it's not far-fetched considering the time we're in and the people we're dealing with. The genuineness of the place, the environs, the smells, the sounds is incredible. I hear, smell, see what McCammon describes. He totally draws me in to this time and place. I can't wait to see what Matthew does next.

Ok, being a die-hard Robert McCammon fan, having devoured Swan Song (twice, and I bought the Kindle version to read again in light of the current political climate), Boys Life, Wolf's Hour, Stinger, Mine (I have a signed copy), and more recently, The Five and The Border, etc., etc., I was hesitant to read the first book in the Matthew Corbett series -- Speaks the Nightbird. But, it's a McCammon, so I bought it in paperback several years back. Then I looked at it. Thought about it. Put it in a box. Took it out of the box. Read the cover. I did this for years, with a certain amount of distaste - historical fiction? What's next? Bodice-buster gothic romance?! I just couldn't do it. Until a few months ago when I ran out of stuff to read in the house. So, I picked up the paperback, dusted it off, and entered Matthew Corbett's world. I haven't been out since. Mr. Slaughter is Matthew Corbett's third adventure. I enjoyed it immensely. The pace of the novel is breakneck and Mr. Slaughter's character (to whom we were introduced in Matthew Corbett's adventure number two, The Queen of Bedlam), is a spine tingling 1700's serial killer whose pure evilness rivals the hair-raising Hannibal Lecter. A warning, there is a lot of gruesomeness in this book. And the victims are innocent, which makes the horror all the more shocking and deplorable. I heartily recommend Mr. Slaughter, with a caveat – you really should read book numbers one and two first to understand the characters and storyline completely. For example, in Mr. Slaughter Matthew is having a crisis of conscience which evolved from something that took place in book number two. I am in the middle of The Providence Rider, book number four. Which is, by the way, also awesome... I’m not sure WHAT I’m going to do once I’ve read all of Matthew’s adventures. There should be a support group out there somewhere.

my disappointment convtinues to grow. I'd high hopes when I began the series, and was looking forward to the story's chief actor, young, sixteen years-old or so, Matthew Corbett maturing both physically and intellectually as the series progressed. Unfortunately, in the course of three novels, not only has he not grown in the in the least intellectually, he has actually regressed to the level of either a fairly bright nine year-old, or a far from bright tweny five-ish, young adult.

I really enjoyed this book! The plot wasn't quite as unpredictable as some of the plots in the preceding novels, but the wordplay and character development was much stronger. I really just had a great time reading it! It was hard to put down, that's for sure! McCammon is very talented, and this was one of his better books - though I have yet to read a book penned by him that I haven't enjoyed. The title character was a sort of tribute to the Devil-Barber of Fleet Street, and its grisly scenes were well done. It brought me to tears, actually (dog lovers, beware!). I am excited to see where the series goes next!

MISTER SLAUGHTER is the third in the series of Matthew Corbett detective novels. Corbett lives in New York at the beginning of the 18th century and works for the London- and New York-based Herrald Agency, a small problem-solving business . In the current adventure, Matthew and senior partner Hudson Greathouse, are hired to transport Slaughter, a dangerous and likely deranged highwayman to New York for extradition back to England to answer for his crimes. Naturally, things go horribly wrong, Slaughter escapes, and Matthew must track him down in the wilds of the New York countryside and environs and recapture him. This novel is by far the bloodiest and most violent of the three. Slaughter is a clever monster who will stop at nothing to get what he wants, his freedom, leaving behind a trail of mayhem, gore and extreme physical and psychological violence. Matthew is aided in his hunt by two excellent supporting characters, a young London-educated Seneca indian brave and a very tough and resourceful young teenaged boy. There are a couple of ancillary mysteries and side plots to be negotiated along the way, some amusing and some that foreshadow events that will unfold in future novels. While MISTER SLAUGHTER surely is historical fiction, and there is a lot of history here, McCammon plays the history a little faster and looser with than he did in the first novel, and some might object to non-period speech styles, but this did not bother me at all, although I did take note of it. There is an afterward in which McCammon explains that after he wrote the first novel that needed to be set to coincide with the end of the witch hunting era, he decided that a New York of the 1730s was a more interesting setting for the remainder of the series than that of turn of the century. Not wanting to age Matthew into his 50s, he decided to take certain liberties with the times and places. I understand the decision, even if it does confuse a bit of the history. If I had to work up a criticism of the novel, I guess it would be that some of the events near the end are just a bit over the top, and Matthew's physical prowess seems at times just a bit too limited to go one on one with the giant and far more experienced killer, Slaughter. MISTER SLAUGHTER is the fastest paced of all the novels so far, and contains bits of intentional humor to offset the extreme horror that is all around whenever Slaughter is in the picture. While I do miss the supernatural horror that McCammon used to write (and in fact still does occasionally), his last half-dozen books or so, while more mainstream, are just as good (or better) and just as enjoyable as anything that he has written. I'll be ordering THE PROVIDENCE RIDER, the fourth and most recently published entry in the series, as soon as I post this review. Recommended. J.M. Tepper

This book differed from the others in the series. Not as much "problem solving" but much more action. An unbelievable adventure. I just couldn't believe what our hero went through. That being said I really didn't like what happened to Lark and her family but especially to her. Why did the author have to subject her to rape? We know Slaughter is a psychopath but I felt that it was too much but more importantly it was unnecessary. Otherwise it was great

If you, like me, are a sucker for crackling, well crafted historical fiction, this is the series for you. Strongly drawn male AND female characters. A hero who uses his mind because he's no great shakes with sword, pistol or fists, but is as brave and stalwart a hero as anyone you will meet via Kindle or the printed page, Matthew Corbett embodies the best virtues of what we would like to see in ourselves; intelligence, integrity, loyalty and the ability to learn from his mistakes. My only worry is that Corbett takes such a beatings from bad guys, bears, and even officers of the law that he'll be in a wheelchair sipping his meals through straws by Book Six or Seven.

Mister Slaughter by Robert McCammon December 7 to December 23, 2014 Third book in the Matthew Corbett Series Recommended by internet friends This is the third book and story in this wonderful series set in the early 1700s here in America...of course at that time we were still part of the United Kingdom. Matthew considered himself English. From my point of view, he was quit the British snob in many way. However he is a likeable well written character. He is only growing up, but he is learning more about what he is able to do when it is necessary. The Matthew Corbett series is part of the Historical Fiction genre. We learn much about the dangerous settling of some of our best known cities, early Indian and Colonist interaction, hospitality towards strangers, early 18th century travel and much more. However, for me this story could also be considered part of the horror genre. I say this because of the many horrible killings that took place in this book. I would imagine for some these bloody horrible deaths would be more blood and guts than they are willing to read about. For me the whole story was worth the discomfort of these bloody and senseless murders carried out by Mister Slaughter. We see Matthew's character develop and mature as he sets out to save the day! I enjoyed this book very much and would recommend it to most. 5 stars.

Just finished Robert McCammon's Mister Slaughter, a murder mystery set in the early 1700s in Manhattan (and the Carolinas and some other locales). Murder mystery is not quite accurate, although there is quite a bit of murder and mystery. This is the 3rd book in a series about Matthew Corbett, one time law clerk and solver of puzzles. I found about this series from Adam-Troy Castro, who mentioned that the second book had the best swordfight he'd ever read. The sword fight and the barroom brawl and the other fights and action scenes all are very good but again the books aren't primarily action any more than they are primarily mysteries. Mostly they are excellent historical fiction. McCammon makes the time and place come alive. You can feel the mud squish under your boots reading these books. Highly recommended.

This is the third book I have read in the Matthew Corbett series and they just keep getting better and better. Interestingly enough, at the conclusion of this book, not previous books, the author discusses historical accuracy and how difficult that is to achieve. I am not sure why he chose to do this unless it is because of some negative comments he has received. Well, the author clearly states that his books are "historical fiction" not historical fact or textbooks. I have been a fan of history for many years, although I prefer 19th century American history to that of the 18th century. I think this author does a pretty good job with the history of the time. I was surprised to learn that this author has a reputation as an author of horror books. I had not heard of him until recently. Well, there is indeed some horror in this series, albeit not of the Stephen King type, but enough to make these books keep you up late at night. I will definitely read the other books in this series. Time to download another one now!

I cannot remember the last time I followed an author with as much interest as I have followed R. McCammon. I have not read his early works, and am a little afraid to do so, but my unwillingness is waning. Meeting Matthew Corbett for the first time when he was traveling as a Clerk to the town who had a supposed witch in custody, I thought he was a wimpy side character, but it wasn't long before I was rooting for him and was excited to learn he was, in fact, the main protagonist. He is presented in the three books I've read thus far with all his weaknesses and foibles, which endears him to me. The goriness of the stories is unimaginable, but it's not far-fetched considering the time we're in and the people we're dealing with. The genuineness of the place, the environs, the smells, the sounds is incredible. I hear, smell, see what McCammon describes. He totally draws me in to this time and place. I can't wait to see what Matthew does next.

Ok, being a die-hard Robert McCammon fan, having devoured Swan Song (twice, and I bought the Kindle version to read again in light of the current political climate), Boys Life, Wolf's Hour, Stinger, Mine (I have a signed copy), and more recently, The Five and The Border, etc., etc., I was hesitant to read the first book in the Matthew Corbett series -- Speaks the Nightbird. But, it's a McCammon, so I bought it in paperback several years back. Then I looked at it. Thought about it. Put it in a box. Took it out of the box. Read the cover. I did this for years, with a certain amount of distaste - historical fiction? What's next? Bodice-buster gothic romance?! I just couldn't do it. Until a few months ago when I ran out of stuff to read in the house. So, I picked up the paperback, dusted it off, and entered Matthew Corbett's world. I haven't been out since. Mr. Slaughter is Matthew Corbett's third adventure. I enjoyed it immensely. The pace of the novel is breakneck and Mr. Slaughter's character (to whom we were introduced in Matthew Corbett's adventure number two, The Queen of Bedlam), is a spine tingling 1700's serial killer whose pure evilness rivals the hair-raising Hannibal Lecter. A warning, there is a lot of gruesomeness in this book. And the victims are innocent, which makes the horror all the more shocking and deplorable. I heartily recommend Mr. Slaughter, with a caveat – you really should read book numbers one and two first to understand the characters and storyline completely. For example, in Mr. Slaughter Matthew is having a crisis of conscience which evolved from something that took place in book number two. I am in the middle of The Providence Rider, book number four. Which is, by the way, also awesome... I’m not sure WHAT I’m going to do once I’ve read all of Matthew’s adventures. There should be a support group out there somewhere.

my disappointment convtinues to grow. I'd high hopes when I began the series, and was looking forward to the story's chief actor, young, sixteen years-old or so, Matthew Corbett maturing both physically and intellectually as the series progressed. Unfortunately, in the course of three novels, not only has he not grown in the in the least intellectually, he has actually regressed to the level of either a fairly bright nine year-old, or a far from bright tweny five-ish, young adult.

I really enjoyed this book! The plot wasn't quite as unpredictable as some of the plots in the preceding novels, but the wordplay and character development was much stronger. I really just had a great time reading it! It was hard to put down, that's for sure! McCammon is very talented, and this was one of his better books - though I have yet to read a book penned by him that I haven't enjoyed. The title character was a sort of tribute to the Devil-Barber of Fleet Street, and its grisly scenes were well done. It brought me to tears, actually (dog lovers, beware!). I am excited to see where the series goes next!

MISTER SLAUGHTER is the third in the series of Matthew Corbett detective novels. Corbett lives in New York at the beginning of the 18th century and works for the London- and New York-based Herrald Agency, a small problem-solving business . In the current adventure, Matthew and senior partner Hudson Greathouse, are hired to transport Slaughter, a dangerous and likely deranged highwayman to New York for extradition back to England to answer for his crimes. Naturally, things go horribly wrong, Slaughter escapes, and Matthew must track him down in the wilds of the New York countryside and environs and recapture him. This novel is by far the bloodiest and most violent of the three. Slaughter is a clever monster who will stop at nothing to get what he wants, his freedom, leaving behind a trail of mayhem, gore and extreme physical and psychological violence. Matthew is aided in his hunt by two excellent supporting characters, a young London-educated Seneca indian brave and a very tough and resourceful young teenaged boy. There are a couple of ancillary mysteries and side plots to be negotiated along the way, some amusing and some that foreshadow events that will unfold in future novels. While MISTER SLAUGHTER surely is historical fiction, and there is a lot of history here, McCammon plays the history a little faster and looser with than he did in the first novel, and some might object to non-period speech styles, but this did not bother me at all, although I did take note of it. There is an afterward in which McCammon explains that after he wrote the first novel that needed to be set to coincide with the end of the witch hunting era, he decided that a New York of the 1730s was a more interesting setting for the remainder of the series than that of turn of the century. Not wanting to age Matthew into his 50s, he decided to take certain liberties with the times and places. I understand the decision, even if it does confuse a bit of the history. If I had to work up a criticism of the novel, I guess it would be that some of the events near the end are just a bit over the top, and Matthew's physical prowess seems at times just a bit too limited to go one on one with the giant and far more experienced killer, Slaughter. MISTER SLAUGHTER is the fastest paced of all the novels so far, and contains bits of intentional humor to offset the extreme horror that is all around whenever Slaughter is in the picture. While I do miss the supernatural horror that McCammon used to write (and in fact still does occasionally), his last half-dozen books or so, while more mainstream, are just as good (or better) and just as enjoyable as anything that he has written. I'll be ordering THE PROVIDENCE RIDER, the fourth and most recently published entry in the series, as soon as I post this review. Recommended. J.M. Tepper

This book differed from the others in the series. Not as much "problem solving" but much more action. An unbelievable adventure. I just couldn't believe what our hero went through. That being said I really didn't like what happened to Lark and her family but especially to her. Why did the author have to subject her to rape? We know Slaughter is a psychopath but I felt that it was too much but more importantly it was unnecessary. Otherwise it was great

If you, like me, are a sucker for crackling, well crafted historical fiction, this is the series for you. Strongly drawn male AND female characters. A hero who uses his mind because he's no great shakes with sword, pistol or fists, but is as brave and stalwart a hero as anyone you will meet via Kindle or the printed page, Matthew Corbett embodies the best virtues of what we would like to see in ourselves; intelligence, integrity, loyalty and the ability to learn from his mistakes. My only worry is that Corbett takes such a beatings from bad guys, bears, and even officers of the law that he'll be in a wheelchair sipping his meals through straws by Book Six or Seven.

Mister Slaughter by Robert McCammon December 7 to December 23, 2014 Third book in the Matthew Corbett Series Recommended by internet friends This is the third book and story in this wonderful series set in the early 1700s here in America...of course at that time we were still part of the United Kingdom. Matthew considered himself English. From my point of view, he was quit the British snob in many way. However he is a likeable well written character. He is only growing up, but he is learning more about what he is able to do when it is necessary. The Matthew Corbett series is part of the Historical Fiction genre. We learn much about the dangerous settling of some of our best known cities, early Indian and Colonist interaction, hospitality towards strangers, early 18th century travel and much more. However, for me this story could also be considered part of the horror genre. I say this because of the many horrible killings that took place in this book. I would imagine for some these bloody horrible deaths would be more blood and guts than they are willing to read about. For me the whole story was worth the discomfort of these bloody and senseless murders carried out by Mister Slaughter. We see Matthew's character develop and mature as he sets out to save the day! I enjoyed this book very much and would recommend it to most. 5 stars.

Just finished Robert McCammon's Mister Slaughter, a murder mystery set in the early 1700s in Manhattan (and the Carolinas and some other locales). Murder mystery is not quite accurate, although there is quite a bit of murder and mystery. This is the 3rd book in a series about Matthew Corbett, one time law clerk and solver of puzzles. I found about this series from Adam-Troy Castro, who mentioned that the second book had the best swordfight he'd ever read. The sword fight and the barroom brawl and the other fights and action scenes all are very good but again the books aren't primarily action any more than they are primarily mysteries. Mostly they are excellent historical fiction. McCammon makes the time and place come alive. You can feel the mud squish under your boots reading these books. Highly recommended.

This is the third book I have read in the Matthew Corbett series and they just keep getting better and better. Interestingly enough, at the conclusion of this book, not previous books, the author discusses historical accuracy and how difficult that is to achieve. I am not sure why he chose to do this unless it is because of some negative comments he has received. Well, the author clearly states that his books are "historical fiction" not historical fact or textbooks. I have been a fan of history for many years, although I prefer 19th century American history to that of the 18th century. I think this author does a pretty good job with the history of the time. I was surprised to learn that this author has a reputation as an author of horror books. I had not heard of him until recently. Well, there is indeed some horror in this series, albeit not of the Stephen King type, but enough to make these books keep you up late at night. I will definitely read the other books in this series. Time to download another one now!

I cannot remember the last time I followed an author with as much interest as I have followed R. McCammon. I have not read his early works, and am a little afraid to do so, but my unwillingness is waning. Meeting Matthew Corbett for the first time when he was traveling as a Clerk to the town who had a supposed witch in custody, I thought he was a wimpy side character, but it wasn't long before I was rooting for him and was excited to learn he was, in fact, the main protagonist. He is presented in the three books I've read thus far with all his weaknesses and foibles, which endears him to me. The goriness of the stories is unimaginable, but it's not far-fetched considering the time we're in and the people we're dealing with. The genuineness of the place, the environs, the smells, the sounds is incredible. I hear, smell, see what McCammon describes. He totally draws me in to this time and place. I can't wait to see what Matthew does next.

The reason I used such a nuanced and favorable review title is because this book deserves it. It's as if McCammon took the colonial woodland setting of Cooper's classic and threw in an infamously morbid and conniving killer. There are thrills, chills, suspense and mystery to be had in this great work. I have thoroughly enjoyed McCammon's Corbett series. He has a fluid and philosophical voice that meshes well with the fast-paced thriller aspects inherent in the novel. It feels like every chapter was written to engage the reader, slipping them into New England's 18th century frontier, where true men and madmen were made. His characters are intriguing with their depth. The reader roots for Corbett, the intelligent and conscientious detector. Slaughter is grotesque, and McCammon uses his skill of the macabre to conjure up such a hideous villain. The raucous and courageous Greathouse is always fun to spend time with. And there are new faces added to the mix, one of which is a fascinating Native American warrior. If you are looking for one of the best thriller writers, look no further. Mr. McCammon will grab your attention and hold it long after the final page.

The time: the turn of the 18th century; the topic: alleged witchcraft in the English Colonies of the Carolinas; the tension: the assistant to the magistrate investigating the allegations is convinced of the innocence of the alleged witch (much to the chagrin and consternation of his boss). Intrigued yet? No? Well, what if I tell you that

Robert McCammon just flat out knows how to write and everything I have ever read by him has been compelling. Having spent the majority of his career writing in the horror genre, he took some time off and wrote some non-fiction historical novels. Those works must have sparked his historical bone because "Mister Slaughter" is the 3rd in the Matthew Corbett series that is set in the late1600's/early 1700's. Corbett is a Colonial American who is now a full-fledged member of the London-based Herrald Agency that performs various investigations. Working with his mentor, Hudson Greathouse, they are tasked with picking up a hardened criminal named Tyranthus Slaughter and must escort him from a Philadelphia asylum to the docks of NYC where he is to be shipped back to Mother England and hung for his numerous murderous offenses. However, Mr. Slaughter has other plans in mind. This evil character is like a bizarre hybrid of Sweeney Todd and Hannibal Lecter and he outsmarts his would-be escorts and nearly kills Greathouse in the prcoesss. Corbett is now on his own, escorted by an Indian guide, chasing Slaughter throughout the country and following his path of destruction along the way. This book never lets up on the suspense and the characters are highly believable. McCammon's latest series breathes this era of Colonial America to life and appeals to fans of thrillers and historical fiction. Another winner from one of our finest writers!

"Mr. Slaughter" is part three in a great series created by Robert McCammon that finds our lead character, Matthew Corbett on another amazing tale that picks up where "Queen of Bedlam" left off, prior to the first in this series "Speaks the Nightbird". I must admit that I haven't moved from my reading chair in a week, as I've read all three of these amazing stories while the dust settles on the coffee table and the laundry piles up! In this tale we find Matthew in his new position as problem solver tasked with returning Mr. Slaughter to New York and to get him aboard a ship bound for England and from there the story and chase begins with even more unforgettable characters introduced and a few of those who will tug at your heartstrings. And yet again our author has left us with another cliffhanger. I have fallen in love with this series and Matthew Corbett and can't wait for the next installment. Highly recommended!

I can’t read fast enough! These books suck me in and I don’t want to do anything but listen or read to find out what happens next. I love the descriptions of the characters, the good versus evil, and the perseverance that Matthew shows. On to book 4!

this is my second reading of this series. i read it for the first time five years ago. i must say, i read alot of books, and rmac, is the best in his field. in these adventures you are right there, in the middle of the action. i hope every reader comes away with the same joy after there adventure. by the way being an "alabama" boy myself is one of the reasons i read the works of this great southern gentleman. I'll highly recommend all of his books.

McCammon's imagination knows no bounds. The historical detail is fascinating while the characters are interesting and beautifully written. The story moves quickly; there simply aren't any slow parts. I'm going into the next in the series once I take a break to sleep and eat!!

Have to say this one took a very dark turn with Mister Slaughter. Certainly aptly named. And, may have a bit of a problem munching on my breakfast sausage. In all of the darkness there is the light of Walker. And, the good guys win in the end?

The author acknowledges the correlation between Mr. Corbett ,and Doyles Sherlock Holmes , but the similarity ends there. Corbett is young, smart and extremely likable. I have read all of books in this series. They are fun. The characters, and story telling make for a very cohesive story. Easy to remember, and you cannot put them down. The author presents a good mystery novel set in a unique time period of American history. I would have given 5 stars, but when there are guy's like Joyce, Hesse, Sartre etc. out there , 5 stars is a tough call for any novel. However for books of this genre there are none better. I only wish there were another 5 books I could read now. This is an author who tells a good story , and (unlike some of his contemporaries ) can write a good ending. Mr. slaughter does not peter out. It is , (pardon the pun) good to the last drop.

This fantastically detailed period novel takes us to the world of 1702 NYC and the adventures of a "problem-solver" named Matthew Corbett. Matthew and his co-worker are charged with transporting a serial murderer (aptly named Slaughter) from an asylum to the ship that will take him to his deadly fate in England. Hidden treasure, deft and deadly knife work, assistance from the Iroquois and a bizarre coroner are included as the story progresses. Any more detail would spoil the surprises in store for the reader. Fortunately, this book is part of a new series by McCammon and there are lots more Matthew Corbett tales to tell. Highly recommended!

Ok, being a die-hard Robert McCammon fan, having devoured Swan Song (twice, and I bought the Kindle version to read again in light of the current political climate), Boys Life, Wolf's Hour, Stinger, Mine (I have a signed copy), and more recently, The Five and The Border, etc., etc., I was hesitant to read the first book in the Matthew Corbett series -- Speaks the Nightbird. But, it's a McCammon, so I bought it in paperback several years back. Then I looked at it. Thought about it. Put it in a box. Took it out of the box. Read the cover. I did this for years, with a certain amount of distaste - historical fiction? What's next? Bodice-buster gothic romance?! I just couldn't do it. Until a few months ago when I ran out of stuff to read in the house. So, I picked up the paperback, dusted it off, and entered Matthew Corbett's world. I haven't been out since. Mr. Slaughter is Matthew Corbett's third adventure. I enjoyed it immensely. The pace of the novel is breakneck and Mr. Slaughter's character (to whom we were introduced in Matthew Corbett's adventure number two, The Queen of Bedlam), is a spine tingling 1700's serial killer whose pure evilness rivals the hair-raising Hannibal Lecter. A warning, there is a lot of gruesomeness in this book. And the victims are innocent, which makes the horror all the more shocking and deplorable. I heartily recommend Mr. Slaughter, with a caveat – you really should read book numbers one and two first to understand the characters and storyline completely. For example, in Mr. Slaughter Matthew is having a crisis of conscience which evolved from something that took place in book number two. I am in the middle of The Providence Rider, book number four. Which is, by the way, also awesome... I’m not sure WHAT I’m going to do once I’ve read all of Matthew’s adventures. There should be a support group out there somewhere.

my disappointment convtinues to grow. I'd high hopes when I began the series, and was looking forward to the story's chief actor, young, sixteen years-old or so, Matthew Corbett maturing both physically and intellectually as the series progressed. Unfortunately, in the course of three novels, not only has he not grown in the in the least intellectually, he has actually regressed to the level of either a fairly bright nine year-old, or a far from bright tweny five-ish, young adult.

I really enjoyed this book! The plot wasn't quite as unpredictable as some of the plots in the preceding novels, but the wordplay and character development was much stronger. I really just had a great time reading it! It was hard to put down, that's for sure! McCammon is very talented, and this was one of his better books - though I have yet to read a book penned by him that I haven't enjoyed. The title character was a sort of tribute to the Devil-Barber of Fleet Street, and its grisly scenes were well done. It brought me to tears, actually (dog lovers, beware!). I am excited to see where the series goes next!

MISTER SLAUGHTER is the third in the series of Matthew Corbett detective novels. Corbett lives in New York at the beginning of the 18th century and works for the London- and New York-based Herrald Agency, a small problem-solving business . In the current adventure, Matthew and senior partner Hudson Greathouse, are hired to transport Slaughter, a dangerous and likely deranged highwayman to New York for extradition back to England to answer for his crimes. Naturally, things go horribly wrong, Slaughter escapes, and Matthew must track him down in the wilds of the New York countryside and environs and recapture him. This novel is by far the bloodiest and most violent of the three. Slaughter is a clever monster who will stop at nothing to get what he wants, his freedom, leaving behind a trail of mayhem, gore and extreme physical and psychological violence. Matthew is aided in his hunt by two excellent supporting characters, a young London-educated Seneca indian brave and a very tough and resourceful young teenaged boy. There are a couple of ancillary mysteries and side plots to be negotiated along the way, some amusing and some that foreshadow events that will unfold in future novels. While MISTER SLAUGHTER surely is historical fiction, and there is a lot of history here, McCammon plays the history a little faster and looser with than he did in the first novel, and some might object to non-period speech styles, but this did not bother me at all, although I did take note of it. There is an afterward in which McCammon explains that after he wrote the first novel that needed to be set to coincide with the end of the witch hunting era, he decided that a New York of the 1730s was a more interesting setting for the remainder of the series than that of turn of the century. Not wanting to age Matthew into his 50s, he decided to take certain liberties with the times and places. I understand the decision, even if it does confuse a bit of the history. If I had to work up a criticism of the novel, I guess it would be that some of the events near the end are just a bit over the top, and Matthew's physical prowess seems at times just a bit too limited to go one on one with the giant and far more experienced killer, Slaughter. MISTER SLAUGHTER is the fastest paced of all the novels so far, and contains bits of intentional humor to offset the extreme horror that is all around whenever Slaughter is in the picture. While I do miss the supernatural horror that McCammon used to write (and in fact still does occasionally), his last half-dozen books or so, while more mainstream, are just as good (or better) and just as enjoyable as anything that he has written. I'll be ordering THE PROVIDENCE RIDER, the fourth and most recently published entry in the series, as soon as I post this review. Recommended. J.M. Tepper

This book differed from the others in the series. Not as much "problem solving" but much more action. An unbelievable adventure. I just couldn't believe what our hero went through. That being said I really didn't like what happened to Lark and her family but especially to her. Why did the author have to subject her to rape? We know Slaughter is a psychopath but I felt that it was too much but more importantly it was unnecessary. Otherwise it was great

If you, like me, are a sucker for crackling, well crafted historical fiction, this is the series for you. Strongly drawn male AND female characters. A hero who uses his mind because he's no great shakes with sword, pistol or fists, but is as brave and stalwart a hero as anyone you will meet via Kindle or the printed page, Matthew Corbett embodies the best virtues of what we would like to see in ourselves; intelligence, integrity, loyalty and the ability to learn from his mistakes. My only worry is that Corbett takes such a beatings from bad guys, bears, and even officers of the law that he'll be in a wheelchair sipping his meals through straws by Book Six or Seven.

Mister Slaughter by Robert McCammon December 7 to December 23, 2014 Third book in the Matthew Corbett Series Recommended by internet friends This is the third book and story in this wonderful series set in the early 1700s here in America...of course at that time we were still part of the United Kingdom. Matthew considered himself English. From my point of view, he was quit the British snob in many way. However he is a likeable well written character. He is only growing up, but he is learning more about what he is able to do when it is necessary. The Matthew Corbett series is part of the Historical Fiction genre. We learn much about the dangerous settling of some of our best known cities, early Indian and Colonist interaction, hospitality towards strangers, early 18th century travel and much more. However, for me this story could also be considered part of the horror genre. I say this because of the many horrible killings that took place in this book. I would imagine for some these bloody horrible deaths would be more blood and guts than they are willing to read about. For me the whole story was worth the discomfort of these bloody and senseless murders carried out by Mister Slaughter. We see Matthew's character develop and mature as he sets out to save the day! I enjoyed this book very much and would recommend it to most. 5 stars.

Just finished Robert McCammon's Mister Slaughter, a murder mystery set in the early 1700s in Manhattan (and the Carolinas and some other locales). Murder mystery is not quite accurate, although there is quite a bit of murder and mystery. This is the 3rd book in a series about Matthew Corbett, one time law clerk and solver of puzzles. I found about this series from Adam-Troy Castro, who mentioned that the second book had the best swordfight he'd ever read. The sword fight and the barroom brawl and the other fights and action scenes all are very good but again the books aren't primarily action any more than they are primarily mysteries. Mostly they are excellent historical fiction. McCammon makes the time and place come alive. You can feel the mud squish under your boots reading these books. Highly recommended.

This is the third book I have read in the Matthew Corbett series and they just keep getting better and better. Interestingly enough, at the conclusion of this book, not previous books, the author discusses historical accuracy and how difficult that is to achieve. I am not sure why he chose to do this unless it is because of some negative comments he has received. Well, the author clearly states that his books are "historical fiction" not historical fact or textbooks. I have been a fan of history for many years, although I prefer 19th century American history to that of the 18th century. I think this author does a pretty good job with the history of the time. I was surprised to learn that this author has a reputation as an author of horror books. I had not heard of him until recently. Well, there is indeed some horror in this series, albeit not of the Stephen King type, but enough to make these books keep you up late at night. I will definitely read the other books in this series. Time to download another one now!

I cannot remember the last time I followed an author with as much interest as I have followed R. McCammon. I have not read his early works, and am a little afraid to do so, but my unwillingness is waning. Meeting Matthew Corbett for the first time when he was traveling as a Clerk to the town who had a supposed witch in custody, I thought he was a wimpy side character, but it wasn't long before I was rooting for him and was excited to learn he was, in fact, the main protagonist. He is presented in the three books I've read thus far with all his weaknesses and foibles, which endears him to me. The goriness of the stories is unimaginable, but it's not far-fetched considering the time we're in and the people we're dealing with. The genuineness of the place, the environs, the smells, the sounds is incredible. I hear, smell, see what McCammon describes. He totally draws me in to this time and place. I can't wait to see what Matthew does next.

Once again, Robert McCammon has completely grabbed me and sucked me into the world of New York in the early 1700's. In his third book dealing with young protagonist Matthew Corbett, he turns Corbett into something of a bounty hunter as he attempts to retrieve master criminal/murderer Tyranthus Slaughter and bring him to justice. The pace of the novel kept me wanting more, and I'm happy to say it looks like another novel with Mr. Corbett could be in the works. While a work of fiction, this book gives a fair approximation of life back then, something which seems fairly alien here in the 21st century. After thoroughly enjoying "Speaks the Nightbird" and "The Queen of Bedlam" I can once again say McCammon has done it again. I'm very pleased to have this book in my library and eagerly await a sequel!

What can I say about this book!! Other than I thought it was wonderful, but then again, I tend to have that same reaction to everything I've read by McCammon. There's no need to discuss plot, only that McCammon has a way of writing that mesmerizes you, and he can manage a twist that leaves you wondering what in the world just happened! I love the way he gets his main characters into situations whereby you would never believe they could survive, yet when they do, you go "Yeah, that could have happened!!' And when he creates an evil character, they are the epitome of such, bad to the bone! I love the flavor of the late 1700's, and I truly look forward to more from this series, or anything else Mr. McCammon writes!! In my opinion, Robert McCammon is one of the most underated writers out there!!

Excellent character development, well told story. Keeps the pages turning. Truth be told, this series did not catch my interest at first. But a few pages into Book One, well I am now reading Book 4 and enjoying the entire set. Don't pass it up!

Mr. McCammon is a master at creating atmosphere of time and place. His writing is perfection as is his ability to foreshadow, surprise and eventually tie up all the loose ends. He can also shock, disgust and push the envelope of disturbing imagery and human weirdness to my limit. But that is the ride you sign up for when reading McCammon. You push through it because you just have to know what happens. And WHY. And because of that writing of his....it's just so dang good.

It is 5:30 AM and I just finished book 3. As soon as I finish this review I will go to Amazon.com and buy another book by Robert McCammon. I haven't read a better author in a long time.

Brutal. Savage. Held me in breathless anticipation. A masterful work. No more need be said. Jump on this series. You'll not regret it.

This series is so good, so rich in detail. Love the characters, good and evil. I am not a mystery person, but this series is historically fascinating. Can't wait to read the next 3 before number 7 comes out in April.

The Corbett series is very well written and the stories are always interesting. This book in the series was very good.

It is the elaborate plot that rescues Robert McCammon's novel, "Mister Slaughter" from becoming just another "penny dreadful." This story is of Matthew Corbett, wannabe journalist, who joins the Herald Agency's New York Office managed by Hudson Greathouse in eighteenth century America. Their assignment as "problem solvers" is to escort Tyranthus Slaughter, one of the new world's most vicious serial killers, from a Quaker Asylum in Pennsylvania to a waiting ship in New York for transport to London where he will be hanged. With that beginning, the story takes on the twists and turns of classic journeys, complete with Slaughter's massacre of innocent families, including clergy and the family dog, all along the way from rural outskirts of Philadelphia to New York City. The plot is thickened in its earliest days when Greathouse and Corbett bargain with the villain, Slaughter, for his freedom in exchange for a share of the buried treasure of highwaymen's plunder. Of course the deal is dishonest, but then so are the motives of our heroes, Hudson and Matthew--a detail that makes them difficult to care about. Author McCammon does a creditable job of describing his characters, including assignment of memorable and sometimes hilarious names (e.g., the most evil woman in the story is Mrs. Lovejoy, etc.). More problematic, however is the unbending nature of the characters; villains are always villanous, their motives never explained as more than an assumption that "the devil made me do it." One wonders, for instance, what it was that created the disgusting sickness that is Tyranthus Slaughter. A more serious problem for me, as an avid historical fiction fan, was the author's slipping into contemporary language, e.g., metaphors using terms like "tinfoil," "snoot," "on the house," and colloquial terms for "urination," etc, which did not exist until the 19th Century. The author's final caveat about such terms as "breakfast, lunch, dinner" vs. "breakfast, dinner, supper" do not relieve the interruption of believable historical fiction. If you can ignore the violation of historcal accuracy, you won't go wrong with "Mister Slaughter" as a rollicking search for a truly evil cast of characters.

If you had asked me ten years ago what Robert McCammon would write if he ever started writing again, it's unlikely I would have said, "Oh, probably writing a multi-book series about a lawyer/investigator in Colonial America. You know, a series that could gradually become a sort of Sherlock Holmes-inspired story about a young man facing a league of evil." And yet, that's exactly what he's doing. And even weirder? He's really good at it. Mister Slaughter is the third book in the Matthew Corbett series (after the witch trials of Speaks the Nightbird and the intricate mystery of The Queen of Bedlam), and for my money, it may be the best of the series. It certainly has the simplest plot of the series - Corbett and his partner have to escort a dangerous prisoner from an asylum to his boat bound for London - but that streamlined storyline only allows McCammon to focus more on moving the action along at a breakneck pace, tossing in surprises, shocks, and some spectacular action in at a rate I wasn't really prepared for, based off of the other two books. The result is a really fantastic thriller, one that uses its established characters and their personalities and pasts perfectly to accentuate the action. The overarching plot of the series is starting to come into sharper focus as it continues, but so is McCammon's writing, mostly dropping the winks about modern times ("What next? You'll say that people one day won't need horses to travel! Bah!") and instead immersing himself in the time to a fuller degree. Long story short, Mister Slaughter is a great thriller, historical or not; moreover, while I might never have expected the series from McCammon, it doesn't make it any less enjoyable, or any less gratifying to have him writing books again.

Ok, being a die-hard Robert McCammon fan, having devoured Swan Song (twice, and I bought the Kindle version to read again in light of the current political climate), Boys Life, Wolf's Hour, Stinger, Mine (I have a signed copy), and more recently, The Five and The Border, etc., etc., I was hesitant to read the first book in the Matthew Corbett series -- Speaks the Nightbird. But, it's a McCammon, so I bought it in paperback several years back. Then I looked at it. Thought about it. Put it in a box. Took it out of the box. Read the cover. I did this for years, with a certain amount of distaste - historical fiction? What's next? Bodice-buster gothic romance?! I just couldn't do it. Until a few months ago when I ran out of stuff to read in the house. So, I picked up the paperback, dusted it off, and entered Matthew Corbett's world. I haven't been out since. Mr. Slaughter is Matthew Corbett's third adventure. I enjoyed it immensely. The pace of the novel is breakneck and Mr. Slaughter's character (to whom we were introduced in Matthew Corbett's adventure number two, The Queen of Bedlam), is a spine tingling 1700's serial killer whose pure evilness rivals the hair-raising Hannibal Lecter. A warning, there is a lot of gruesomeness in this book. And the victims are innocent, which makes the horror all the more shocking and deplorable. I heartily recommend Mr. Slaughter, with a caveat – you really should read book numbers one and two first to understand the characters and storyline completely. For example, in Mr. Slaughter Matthew is having a crisis of conscience which evolved from something that took place in book number two. I am in the middle of The Providence Rider, book number four. Which is, by the way, also awesome... I’m not sure WHAT I’m going to do once I’ve read all of Matthew’s adventures. There should be a support group out there somewhere.

my disappointment convtinues to grow. I'd high hopes when I began the series, and was looking forward to the story's chief actor, young, sixteen years-old or so, Matthew Corbett maturing both physically and intellectually as the series progressed. Unfortunately, in the course of three novels, not only has he not grown in the in the least intellectually, he has actually regressed to the level of either a fairly bright nine year-old, or a far from bright tweny five-ish, young adult.

I really enjoyed this book! The plot wasn't quite as unpredictable as some of the plots in the preceding novels, but the wordplay and character development was much stronger. I really just had a great time reading it! It was hard to put down, that's for sure! McCammon is very talented, and this was one of his better books - though I have yet to read a book penned by him that I haven't enjoyed. The title character was a sort of tribute to the Devil-Barber of Fleet Street, and its grisly scenes were well done. It brought me to tears, actually (dog lovers, beware!). I am excited to see where the series goes next!

MISTER SLAUGHTER is the third in the series of Matthew Corbett detective novels. Corbett lives in New York at the beginning of the 18th century and works for the London- and New York-based Herrald Agency, a small problem-solving business . In the current adventure, Matthew and senior partner Hudson Greathouse, are hired to transport Slaughter, a dangerous and likely deranged highwayman to New York for extradition back to England to answer for his crimes. Naturally, things go horribly wrong, Slaughter escapes, and Matthew must track him down in the wilds of the New York countryside and environs and recapture him. This novel is by far the bloodiest and most violent of the three. Slaughter is a clever monster who will stop at nothing to get what he wants, his freedom, leaving behind a trail of mayhem, gore and extreme physical and psychological violence. Matthew is aided in his hunt by two excellent supporting characters, a young London-educated Seneca indian brave and a very tough and resourceful young teenaged boy. There are a couple of ancillary mysteries and side plots to be negotiated along the way, some amusing and some that foreshadow events that will unfold in future novels. While MISTER SLAUGHTER surely is historical fiction, and there is a lot of history here, McCammon plays the history a little faster and looser with than he did in the first novel, and some might object to non-period speech styles, but this did not bother me at all, although I did take note of it. There is an afterward in which McCammon explains that after he wrote the first novel that needed to be set to coincide with the end of the witch hunting era, he decided that a New York of the 1730s was a more interesting setting for the remainder of the series than that of turn of the century. Not wanting to age Matthew into his 50s, he decided to take certain liberties with the times and places. I understand the decision, even if it does confuse a bit of the history. If I had to work up a criticism of the novel, I guess it would be that some of the events near the end are just a bit over the top, and Matthew's physical prowess seems at times just a bit too limited to go one on one with the giant and far more experienced killer, Slaughter. MISTER SLAUGHTER is the fastest paced of all the novels so far, and contains bits of intentional humor to offset the extreme horror that is all around whenever Slaughter is in the picture. While I do miss the supernatural horror that McCammon used to write (and in fact still does occasionally), his last half-dozen books or so, while more mainstream, are just as good (or better) and just as enjoyable as anything that he has written. I'll be ordering THE PROVIDENCE RIDER, the fourth and most recently published entry in the series, as soon as I post this review. Recommended. J.M. Tepper

This book differed from the others in the series. Not as much "problem solving" but much more action. An unbelievable adventure. I just couldn't believe what our hero went through. That being said I really didn't like what happened to Lark and her family but especially to her. Why did the author have to subject her to rape? We know Slaughter is a psychopath but I felt that it was too much but more importantly it was unnecessary. Otherwise it was great

If you, like me, are a sucker for crackling, well crafted historical fiction, this is the series for you. Strongly drawn male AND female characters. A hero who uses his mind because he's no great shakes with sword, pistol or fists, but is as brave and stalwart a hero as anyone you will meet via Kindle or the printed page, Matthew Corbett embodies the best virtues of what we would like to see in ourselves; intelligence, integrity, loyalty and the ability to learn from his mistakes. My only worry is that Corbett takes such a beatings from bad guys, bears, and even officers of the law that he'll be in a wheelchair sipping his meals through straws by Book Six or Seven.

Mister Slaughter by Robert McCammon December 7 to December 23, 2014 Third book in the Matthew Corbett Series Recommended by internet friends This is the third book and story in this wonderful series set in the early 1700s here in America...of course at that time we were still part of the United Kingdom. Matthew considered himself English. From my point of view, he was quit the British snob in many way. However he is a likeable well written character. He is only growing up, but he is learning more about what he is able to do when it is necessary. The Matthew Corbett series is part of the Historical Fiction genre. We learn much about the dangerous settling of some of our best known cities, early Indian and Colonist interaction, hospitality towards strangers, early 18th century travel and much more. However, for me this story could also be considered part of the horror genre. I say this because of the many horrible killings that took place in this book. I would imagine for some these bloody horrible deaths would be more blood and guts than they are willing to read about. For me the whole story was worth the discomfort of these bloody and senseless murders carried out by Mister Slaughter. We see Matthew's character develop and mature as he sets out to save the day! I enjoyed this book very much and would recommend it to most. 5 stars.

Just finished Robert McCammon's Mister Slaughter, a murder mystery set in the early 1700s in Manhattan (and the Carolinas and some other locales). Murder mystery is not quite accurate, although there is quite a bit of murder and mystery. This is the 3rd book in a series about Matthew Corbett, one time law clerk and solver of puzzles. I found about this series from Adam-Troy Castro, who mentioned that the second book had the best swordfight he'd ever read. The sword fight and the barroom brawl and the other fights and action scenes all are very good but again the books aren't primarily action any more than they are primarily mysteries. Mostly they are excellent historical fiction. McCammon makes the time and place come alive. You can feel the mud squish under your boots reading these books. Highly recommended.

This is the third book I have read in the Matthew Corbett series and they just keep getting better and better. Interestingly enough, at the conclusion of this book, not previous books, the author discusses historical accuracy and how difficult that is to achieve. I am not sure why he chose to do this unless it is because of some negative comments he has received. Well, the author clearly states that his books are "historical fiction" not historical fact or textbooks. I have been a fan of history for many years, although I prefer 19th century American history to that of the 18th century. I think this author does a pretty good job with the history of the time. I was surprised to learn that this author has a reputation as an author of horror books. I had not heard of him until recently. Well, there is indeed some horror in this series, albeit not of the Stephen King type, but enough to make these books keep you up late at night. I will definitely read the other books in this series. Time to download another one now!

I cannot remember the last time I followed an author with as much interest as I have followed R. McCammon. I have not read his early works, and am a little afraid to do so, but my unwillingness is waning. Meeting Matthew Corbett for the first time when he was traveling as a Clerk to the town who had a supposed witch in custody, I thought he was a wimpy side character, but it wasn't long before I was rooting for him and was excited to learn he was, in fact, the main protagonist. He is presented in the three books I've read thus far with all his weaknesses and foibles, which endears him to me. The goriness of the stories is unimaginable, but it's not far-fetched considering the time we're in and the people we're dealing with. The genuineness of the place, the environs, the smells, the sounds is incredible. I hear, smell, see what McCammon describes. He totally draws me in to this time and place. I can't wait to see what Matthew does next.

Robert McCammon is a true story teller. I love his historical fiction series placed in the late 17th century/ early 18th century. I loved Boy's Life and the first 3 Matthew Corbett series novels. All of them have been "do not put down" books.

Even better than the previous books. Hard to believe but it's true. This has become my second favorite book series behind Kings the dark tower. Please do yourself a favor and start at Speaks the nightbird.

This is my third McCammon "Matthew Corbett" novel, they have all been excellent. McCammon has a gift for description of historical realism.

I've been a fan of McCammon from his first novel. He wrote a few very good horror novels, then switched genre's with A Boy's Life, Gone South and Mine. Then he dropped off the face of the earth for a while. I thought he had retired, so I was delighted when I found Speaks the Nightbird and then The Queen of Bedlam. The third novel since his long silence is again a winner, and even though it is again set in early 18th century America, there are parts of this book that show the author's expertise in horror fiction. Mrs Sutch's sausages, anyone?

To be brief, this is my favorite Matthew Corbett story so far. Several new and interesting characters appear, the plot is quite elaborate, Mister Slaughter is an intriguing protagonist and the ending is both well crafted and open ended. No doubt much more is in store for Matthew.

I liked "Speaks the Nightbird" quite a bit. I liked "The Queen of Bedlam" even more. And now we get this third book from McCammon featuring Matthew Corbett, and I have to say its my favorite yet. Part detective story, part adventure, and still some elements of horror, all in a unique historical setting. Its a page turner and like the fast paced story, the book is a very quick read. I hope Mr. McCammon's publishers realize what a great series this is and get the rest of the books out as quickly as possible!

I'm not typically one of those readers that will drop everything and read a book straight through. However, didn't have much a choice with this book, or with the two earlier books in the series, SPEAKS THE NIGHTBIRD and QUEEN OF BEDLAM. With this book in particular, Mister Slaughter himself is a fascinating character and, as the author mentions in the afterword, he is also based on a real person that lived in the New York area during the era portrayed in the book (as is Lord Cornbury, apparently). Great stuff and a very fun read!

I don't think that I've ever read a Robert McCammon book and been disappointed, and this one is no different. I have to commend Mr. McCammon on his brave foray into (or back to) colonial times; it's a reflection of his talent and ability that he can successfully manage to pull this off.... Who would have ever thought that a mystery novel staged in the early 1700's would be so gripping and entertaining? Another point that I'd like to discuss is his ability at resolutions. Nearly every question that he formulates throughout the course of the book is answered before the end. Yes, he may leave certain questions unanswered, but not so many that the reader is left wanting; there's nothing more frustrating than investing so much of one's time reading a novel, only to be left hanging on numerous mysteries. The few, unanswered questions that remain at the end of this book serve to let us know that Matthew's adventures will continue. The only negative thing that I can think to write here is that I'll have to wait (goodness knows how long) for the next installment!

I first started reading McCammon when I was a wee teenager who happened to work at a used book store. I happenstanced upon 'They Thirst' first and the rest was history. This Corbett series has been incredible despite the authors statements of his lack of education in the way of history. If you have read the first two books then you know what I mean. these books are simply addicting...I can't wait to read the next book!! Robert R. McCammon is ingenious and one of my favorite authors ever. read any of his works and you won't be disappointed. ever.

Another win for Robert McCammon and his creation Matthew Corbett. This series is a favorite. The era, the characters and McCammon's talent make them a pure joy to read!

Ok, being a die-hard Robert McCammon fan, having devoured Swan Song (twice, and I bought the Kindle version to read again in light of the current political climate), Boys Life, Wolf's Hour, Stinger, Mine (I have a signed copy), and more recently, The Five and The Border, etc., etc., I was hesitant to read the first book in the Matthew Corbett series -- Speaks the Nightbird. But, it's a McCammon, so I bought it in paperback several years back. Then I looked at it. Thought about it. Put it in a box. Took it out of the box. Read the cover. I did this for years, with a certain amount of distaste - historical fiction? What's next? Bodice-buster gothic romance?! I just couldn't do it. Until a few months ago when I ran out of stuff to read in the house. So, I picked up the paperback, dusted it off, and entered Matthew Corbett's world. I haven't been out since. Mr. Slaughter is Matthew Corbett's third adventure. I enjoyed it immensely. The pace of the novel is breakneck and Mr. Slaughter's character (to whom we were introduced in Matthew Corbett's adventure number two, The Queen of Bedlam), is a spine tingling 1700's serial killer whose pure evilness rivals the hair-raising Hannibal Lecter. A warning, there is a lot of gruesomeness in this book. And the victims are innocent, which makes the horror all the more shocking and deplorable. I heartily recommend Mr. Slaughter, with a caveat – you really should read book numbers one and two first to understand the characters and storyline completely. For example, in Mr. Slaughter Matthew is having a crisis of conscience which evolved from something that took place in book number two. I am in the middle of The Providence Rider, book number four. Which is, by the way, also awesome... I’m not sure WHAT I’m going to do once I’ve read all of Matthew’s adventures. There should be a support group out there somewhere.

my disappointment convtinues to grow. I'd high hopes when I began the series, and was looking forward to the story's chief actor, young, sixteen years-old or so, Matthew Corbett maturing both physically and intellectually as the series progressed. Unfortunately, in the course of three novels, not only has he not grown in the in the least intellectually, he has actually regressed to the level of either a fairly bright nine year-old, or a far from bright tweny five-ish, young adult.

I really enjoyed this book! The plot wasn't quite as unpredictable as some of the plots in the preceding novels, but the wordplay and character development was much stronger. I really just had a great time reading it! It was hard to put down, that's for sure! McCammon is very talented, and this was one of his better books - though I have yet to read a book penned by him that I haven't enjoyed. The title character was a sort of tribute to the Devil-Barber of Fleet Street, and its grisly scenes were well done. It brought me to tears, actually (dog lovers, beware!). I am excited to see where the series goes next!

MISTER SLAUGHTER is the third in the series of Matthew Corbett detective novels. Corbett lives in New York at the beginning of the 18th century and works for the London- and New York-based Herrald Agency, a small problem-solving business . In the current adventure, Matthew and senior partner Hudson Greathouse, are hired to transport Slaughter, a dangerous and likely deranged highwayman to New York for extradition back to England to answer for his crimes. Naturally, things go horribly wrong, Slaughter escapes, and Matthew must track him down in the wilds of the New York countryside and environs and recapture him. This novel is by far the bloodiest and most violent of the three. Slaughter is a clever monster who will stop at nothing to get what he wants, his freedom, leaving behind a trail of mayhem, gore and extreme physical and psychological violence. Matthew is aided in his hunt by two excellent supporting characters, a young London-educated Seneca indian brave and a very tough and resourceful young teenaged boy. There are a couple of ancillary mysteries and side plots to be negotiated along the way, some amusing and some that foreshadow events that will unfold in future novels. While MISTER SLAUGHTER surely is historical fiction, and there is a lot of history here, McCammon plays the history a little faster and looser with than he did in the first novel, and some might object to non-period speech styles, but this did not bother me at all, although I did take note of it. There is an afterward in which McCammon explains that after he wrote the first novel that needed to be set to coincide with the end of the witch hunting era, he decided that a New York of the 1730s was a more interesting setting for the remainder of the series than that of turn of the century. Not wanting to age Matthew into his 50s, he decided to take certain liberties with the times and places. I understand the decision, even if it does confuse a bit of the history. If I had to work up a criticism of the novel, I guess it would be that some of the events near the end are just a bit over the top, and Matthew's physical prowess seems at times just a bit too limited to go one on one with the giant and far more experienced killer, Slaughter. MISTER SLAUGHTER is the fastest paced of all the novels so far, and contains bits of intentional humor to offset the extreme horror that is all around whenever Slaughter is in the picture. While I do miss the supernatural horror that McCammon used to write (and in fact still does occasionally), his last half-dozen books or so, while more mainstream, are just as good (or better) and just as enjoyable as anything that he has written. I'll be ordering THE PROVIDENCE RIDER, the fourth and most recently published entry in the series, as soon as I post this review. Recommended. J.M. Tepper

This book differed from the others in the series. Not as much "problem solving" but much more action. An unbelievable adventure. I just couldn't believe what our hero went through. That being said I really didn't like what happened to Lark and her family but especially to her. Why did the author have to subject her to rape? We know Slaughter is a psychopath but I felt that it was too much but more importantly it was unnecessary. Otherwise it was great

If you, like me, are a sucker for crackling, well crafted historical fiction, this is the series for you. Strongly drawn male AND female characters. A hero who uses his mind because he's no great shakes with sword, pistol or fists, but is as brave and stalwart a hero as anyone you will meet via Kindle or the printed page, Matthew Corbett embodies the best virtues of what we would like to see in ourselves; intelligence, integrity, loyalty and the ability to learn from his mistakes. My only worry is that Corbett takes such a beatings from bad guys, bears, and even officers of the law that he'll be in a wheelchair sipping his meals through straws by Book Six or Seven.

Mister Slaughter by Robert McCammon December 7 to December 23, 2014 Third book in the Matthew Corbett Series Recommended by internet friends This is the third book and story in this wonderful series set in the early 1700s here in America...of course at that time we were still part of the United Kingdom. Matthew considered himself English. From my point of view, he was quit the British snob in many way. However he is a likeable well written character. He is only growing up, but he is learning more about what he is able to do when it is necessary. The Matthew Corbett series is part of the Historical Fiction genre. We learn much about the dangerous settling of some of our best known cities, early Indian and Colonist interaction, hospitality towards strangers, early 18th century travel and much more. However, for me this story could also be considered part of the horror genre. I say this because of the many horrible killings that took place in this book. I would imagine for some these bloody horrible deaths would be more blood and guts than they are willing to read about. For me the whole story was worth the discomfort of these bloody and senseless murders carried out by Mister Slaughter. We see Matthew's character develop and mature as he sets out to save the day! I enjoyed this book very much and would recommend it to most. 5 stars.

Just finished Robert McCammon's Mister Slaughter, a murder mystery set in the early 1700s in Manhattan (and the Carolinas and some other locales). Murder mystery is not quite accurate, although there is quite a bit of murder and mystery. This is the 3rd book in a series about Matthew Corbett, one time law clerk and solver of puzzles. I found about this series from Adam-Troy Castro, who mentioned that the second book had the best swordfight he'd ever read. The sword fight and the barroom brawl and the other fights and action scenes all are very good but again the books aren't primarily action any more than they are primarily mysteries. Mostly they are excellent historical fiction. McCammon makes the time and place come alive. You can feel the mud squish under your boots reading these books. Highly recommended.

This is the third book I have read in the Matthew Corbett series and they just keep getting better and better. Interestingly enough, at the conclusion of this book, not previous books, the author discusses historical accuracy and how difficult that is to achieve. I am not sure why he chose to do this unless it is because of some negative comments he has received. Well, the author clearly states that his books are "historical fiction" not historical fact or textbooks. I have been a fan of history for many years, although I prefer 19th century American history to that of the 18th century. I think this author does a pretty good job with the history of the time. I was surprised to learn that this author has a reputation as an author of horror books. I had not heard of him until recently. Well, there is indeed some horror in this series, albeit not of the Stephen King type, but enough to make these books keep you up late at night. I will definitely read the other books in this series. Time to download another one now!

I cannot remember the last time I followed an author with as much interest as I have followed R. McCammon. I have not read his early works, and am a little afraid to do so, but my unwillingness is waning. Meeting Matthew Corbett for the first time when he was traveling as a Clerk to the town who had a supposed witch in custody, I thought he was a wimpy side character, but it wasn't long before I was rooting for him and was excited to learn he was, in fact, the main protagonist. He is presented in the three books I've read thus far with all his weaknesses and foibles, which endears him to me. The goriness of the stories is unimaginable, but it's not far-fetched considering the time we're in and the people we're dealing with. The genuineness of the place, the environs, the smells, the sounds is incredible. I hear, smell, see what McCammon describes. He totally draws me in to this time and place. I can't wait to see what Matthew does next.

I was so so very happy to see Mr. McCammon had a new book out. I've been reading his stories since, oh, around 1986. Some more than once, one even several times. While his genre has changed, his wonderful writing has not. While I adored Swan Song, Stinger and all his other horror novels, these Matthew Corbett stories are just as enjoyable. I'd love to see these shopped around and turned into movies...

Wow, just wow. Terribly dark story that had me on the seat of my chair. I stayed up in the wee hours reading and during the day running the scenes that I just read through my head. I can’t wait for the next book. -LY

I have loved Robert Mc Cammon ever since I was introduced to him through "Boys Life" my favorite book of all time. This new series is fabulous. McCammon writes so beautifully that I find myself reading into the wee hours and still not getting enough. Matthew Corbett is developing more with each story as are his friends and enemies. I have told everyone I know about Mr McCammons new works. I can not wait for the next one.

Fast paced and thrilling are two words to describe Mister Slaughter. Robert McCammon at his best.

Waiting on what's going to happen in the next adventure. I was not interested on stories of colonial era, but now have to read them all. Love this writer, he makes it an intriguing adventure you take with the characters.

Robert McCammon has a gift with suspenseful storytelling. He creates such memorable characters and leaves you wanting to read more. Mister Slaughter follows Matthew Corbett on yet another adventure, this one with some twists and turns that leave the reader with a grin over the cleverness. Be sure to read his other Matthew Corbett books - Speaks the Nightbird and Queen of Bedlam prior to reading Mr. Slaughter so you get a better sense of the characters involved.

Mr Slaughter is a force of nature. Matthew must use all his skill and determination to bring the escaped Slaughter back to justice...

I wont go into the details, just want to say that even though Mr. Slaughter is a bit leaner that the previous two books, it just might be the best one so far. McCammon's writing is fluid, the characters are well drawn, and the story progresses nicely. McCammon has found a nice little niche in Matthew Corbet. I already can't wait for the next one.

I love these books, I find them so interesting and it's fun reading murder mysteries set in the 1700's. I love Matthew Corbett and am already half way through the last book. I hope he writes more of these because I will miss Matthew like you would miss a friend you no longer have.

Robert McCammon spins an incredible adventure in this mystery set in the early 18th century. His character, Matthew Corbett, is gradually turning into a Master Detective as he races to bring an end to a manic serial killer, Mister Slaughter. McCammon blends history with mystery artfully and adds a great deal of suspense. This is a truely great read!

Ok, being a die-hard Robert McCammon fan, having devoured Swan Song (twice, and I bought the Kindle version to read again in light of the current political climate), Boys Life, Wolf's Hour, Stinger, Mine (I have a signed copy), and more recently, The Five and The Border, etc., etc., I was hesitant to read the first book in the Matthew Corbett series -- Speaks the Nightbird. But, it's a McCammon, so I bought it in paperback several years back. Then I looked at it. Thought about it. Put it in a box. Took it out of the box. Read the cover. I did this for years, with a certain amount of distaste - historical fiction? What's next? Bodice-buster gothic romance?! I just couldn't do it. Until a few months ago when I ran out of stuff to read in the house. So, I picked up the paperback, dusted it off, and entered Matthew Corbett's world. I haven't been out since. Mr. Slaughter is Matthew Corbett's third adventure. I enjoyed it immensely. The pace of the novel is breakneck and Mr. Slaughter's character (to whom we were introduced in Matthew Corbett's adventure number two, The Queen of Bedlam), is a spine tingling 1700's serial killer whose pure evilness rivals the hair-raising Hannibal Lecter. A warning, there is a lot of gruesomeness in this book. And the victims are innocent, which makes the horror all the more shocking and deplorable. I heartily recommend Mr. Slaughter, with a caveat – you really should read book numbers one and two first to understand the characters and storyline completely. For example, in Mr. Slaughter Matthew is having a crisis of conscience which evolved from something that took place in book number two. I am in the middle of The Providence Rider, book number four. Which is, by the way, also awesome... I’m not sure WHAT I’m going to do once I’ve read all of Matthew’s adventures. There should be a support group out there somewhere.

my disappointment convtinues to grow. I'd high hopes when I began the series, and was looking forward to the story's chief actor, young, sixteen years-old or so, Matthew Corbett maturing both physically and intellectually as the series progressed. Unfortunately, in the course of three novels, not only has he not grown in the in the least intellectually, he has actually regressed to the level of either a fairly bright nine year-old, or a far from bright tweny five-ish, young adult.

I really enjoyed this book! The plot wasn't quite as unpredictable as some of the plots in the preceding novels, but the wordplay and character development was much stronger. I really just had a great time reading it! It was hard to put down, that's for sure! McCammon is very talented, and this was one of his better books - though I have yet to read a book penned by him that I haven't enjoyed. The title character was a sort of tribute to the Devil-Barber of Fleet Street, and its grisly scenes were well done. It brought me to tears, actually (dog lovers, beware!). I am excited to see where the series goes next!

MISTER SLAUGHTER is the third in the series of Matthew Corbett detective novels. Corbett lives in New York at the beginning of the 18th century and works for the London- and New York-based Herrald Agency, a small problem-solving business . In the current adventure, Matthew and senior partner Hudson Greathouse, are hired to transport Slaughter, a dangerous and likely deranged highwayman to New York for extradition back to England to answer for his crimes. Naturally, things go horribly wrong, Slaughter escapes, and Matthew must track him down in the wilds of the New York countryside and environs and recapture him. This novel is by far the bloodiest and most violent of the three. Slaughter is a clever monster who will stop at nothing to get what he wants, his freedom, leaving behind a trail of mayhem, gore and extreme physical and psychological violence. Matthew is aided in his hunt by two excellent supporting characters, a young London-educated Seneca indian brave and a very tough and resourceful young teenaged boy. There are a couple of ancillary mysteries and side plots to be negotiated along the way, some amusing and some that foreshadow events that will unfold in future novels. While MISTER SLAUGHTER surely is historical fiction, and there is a lot of history here, McCammon plays the history a little faster and looser with than he did in the first novel, and some might object to non-period speech styles, but this did not bother me at all, although I did take note of it. There is an afterward in which McCammon explains that after he wrote the first novel that needed to be set to coincide with the end of the witch hunting era, he decided that a New York of the 1730s was a more interesting setting for the remainder of the series than that of turn of the century. Not wanting to age Matthew into his 50s, he decided to take certain liberties with the times and places. I understand the decision, even if it does confuse a bit of the history. If I had to work up a criticism of the novel, I guess it would be that some of the events near the end are just a bit over the top, and Matthew's physical prowess seems at times just a bit too limited to go one on one with the giant and far more experienced killer, Slaughter. MISTER SLAUGHTER is the fastest paced of all the novels so far, and contains bits of intentional humor to offset the extreme horror that is all around whenever Slaughter is in the picture. While I do miss the supernatural horror that McCammon used to write (and in fact still does occasionally), his last half-dozen books or so, while more mainstream, are just as good (or better) and just as enjoyable as anything that he has written. I'll be ordering THE PROVIDENCE RIDER, the fourth and most recently published entry in the series, as soon as I post this review. Recommended. J.M. Tepper

This book differed from the others in the series. Not as much "problem solving" but much more action. An unbelievable adventure. I just couldn't believe what our hero went through. That being said I really didn't like what happened to Lark and her family but especially to her. Why did the author have to subject her to rape? We know Slaughter is a psychopath but I felt that it was too much but more importantly it was unnecessary. Otherwise it was great

If you, like me, are a sucker for crackling, well crafted historical fiction, this is the series for you. Strongly drawn male AND female characters. A hero who uses his mind because he's no great shakes with sword, pistol or fists, but is as brave and stalwart a hero as anyone you will meet via Kindle or the printed page, Matthew Corbett embodies the best virtues of what we would like to see in ourselves; intelligence, integrity, loyalty and the ability to learn from his mistakes. My only worry is that Corbett takes such a beatings from bad guys, bears, and even officers of the law that he'll be in a wheelchair sipping his meals through straws by Book Six or Seven.

Mister Slaughter by Robert McCammon December 7 to December 23, 2014 Third book in the Matthew Corbett Series Recommended by internet friends This is the third book and story in this wonderful series set in the early 1700s here in America...of course at that time we were still part of the United Kingdom. Matthew considered himself English. From my point of view, he was quit the British snob in many way. However he is a likeable well written character. He is only growing up, but he is learning more about what he is able to do when it is necessary. The Matthew Corbett series is part of the Historical Fiction genre. We learn much about the dangerous settling of some of our best known cities, early Indian and Colonist interaction, hospitality towards strangers, early 18th century travel and much more. However, for me this story could also be considered part of the horror genre. I say this because of the many horrible killings that took place in this book. I would imagine for some these bloody horrible deaths would be more blood and guts than they are willing to read about. For me the whole story was worth the discomfort of these bloody and senseless murders carried out by Mister Slaughter. We see Matthew's character develop and mature as he sets out to save the day! I enjoyed this book very much and would recommend it to most. 5 stars.

Just finished Robert McCammon's Mister Slaughter, a murder mystery set in the early 1700s in Manhattan (and the Carolinas and some other locales). Murder mystery is not quite accurate, although there is quite a bit of murder and mystery. This is the 3rd book in a series about Matthew Corbett, one time law clerk and solver of puzzles. I found about this series from Adam-Troy Castro, who mentioned that the second book had the best swordfight he'd ever read. The sword fight and the barroom brawl and the other fights and action scenes all are very good but again the books aren't primarily action any more than they are primarily mysteries. Mostly they are excellent historical fiction. McCammon makes the time and place come alive. You can feel the mud squish under your boots reading these books. Highly recommended.

This is the third book I have read in the Matthew Corbett series and they just keep getting better and better. Interestingly enough, at the conclusion of this book, not previous books, the author discusses historical accuracy and how difficult that is to achieve. I am not sure why he chose to do this unless it is because of some negative comments he has received. Well, the author clearly states that his books are "historical fiction" not historical fact or textbooks. I have been a fan of history for many years, although I prefer 19th century American history to that of the 18th century. I think this author does a pretty good job with the history of the time. I was surprised to learn that this author has a reputation as an author of horror books. I had not heard of him until recently. Well, there is indeed some horror in this series, albeit not of the Stephen King type, but enough to make these books keep you up late at night. I will definitely read the other books in this series. Time to download another one now!

I cannot remember the last time I followed an author with as much interest as I have followed R. McCammon. I have not read his early works, and am a little afraid to do so, but my unwillingness is waning. Meeting Matthew Corbett for the first time when he was traveling as a Clerk to the town who had a supposed witch in custody, I thought he was a wimpy side character, but it wasn't long before I was rooting for him and was excited to learn he was, in fact, the main protagonist. He is presented in the three books I've read thus far with all his weaknesses and foibles, which endears him to me. The goriness of the stories is unimaginable, but it's not far-fetched considering the time we're in and the people we're dealing with. The genuineness of the place, the environs, the smells, the sounds is incredible. I hear, smell, see what McCammon describes. He totally draws me in to this time and place. I can't wait to see what Matthew does next.

Excellent. The first Nightbird books felt like beautifully written literature and an exciting adventure. Mr. Slaughter feels like just wonderful adventure (Like Cussler?). Still, I can not get enough Corbett and have purchased the entire series. Confession - I have been a fan of McCammon since Wolfs Hour. I may have a bias.

I can't tell you how much I appreciate Robert McCammon and his beautifully ugly characters. Mr. McCammon has the rare ability to describe his characters in such a manner that the readers can taste and smell them. Some of the characters are so awful that we don't want to taste or smell them. Dangit!! Beautifully ugly.

When I read McCommon it's more like watching a movie than reading. The characters and setting come to life like no other author since Dickens in my opinion.

The Good: As usual, McCammon has a writing style that flows easily. So easily, in fact, that before you know it you've whisped past 50 pages or more. That is one think I have always enjoyed about his books. He writes with such a style that you never feel bogged down by detail or cumbersome dialogue. McCammon tells you what you need to know in order to get the flavor of his story and move on. I truly appreciate his style. As stated above, that style is evident in this book. Matthew moves along with the other characters seemlessly as they navigate the good ol' 1700's. The story moves along at an enjoyable pace, carrying with it likeable and realistic people who never seem out of place. There are twists and turns, each of which are very McCammon-esque, if you are familiar with his writing style. The Bad: A point of frustration for me came during certain decisions our protagonist makes. At times he seems inches away from resolution when suddenly he decides - then justifies - doing something other than getting the bad guy. I know this is vague but I don't want any spoilers and if you do or have read the book, you probably know what I am talking about... The Ugly: There is only one part of the story I wish was not there...and yes, I'll tell you just a bit...Slaughter happens upon a farmhouse with a very Christian family and he does some pretty horrific things to them. I could have without the details that were included. I like to read but I don't need to read such things that make my stomach knot up simply because they mirror every day life. I truly wish the scene was removed or not written at all but what are you gonna do? In a sense, it happens rather quickly so be warned...That is the ugly. The Verdict: Overall this is a great addition to Matthew's story. Per an author's note in the back, McCammon seems to be ready to knock out a few more before retiring this character. While I was pretty displeased with the issue I covered in "The Ugly," I think overall the book is well worth the read whether you are a McCammon fan or not.

I am looking forward to the next book in the series. Keeps me wanting more pages to turn.

I'm a life long reader. When I stumbled upon the first book in this series I was ecstatic. The writing is delicious, and the story is clever and engrossing. I'm a fan of historical fiction, especially suspense. I compare this to my other favorites by Caleb Carr including the Alienist. Mr. McCammon sets the scene in a way that makes you feel you are living in the time. After finishing this series I purchased 3 more of his books. I cannot wait for the next Matthew Corbett book. I highly recommend this book.

He simply does no wrong. The Matthew Corbett series is one of those yarns so fun, so funny, so intriguing, and so well done that you are actually placed in the main characters shoes and experience all of his happenings and emotions with each adventurous page. Read them all.

I'm not a big reader of historical fiction but I have read this writer since way back when he was thought of as a "horror" writer. This series is excellent. You really get pulled in. Mr. Slaughter makes you want to keep reading just to see the bad guy get his due. When a writer can actually make you despise or love a character he is really in a class of his own. I absolutely wanted to see "Slaughter" get slaughtered. You are in the hands of a master here. I never would have thought I would get pulled in to a "historical" fiction novel but this series is great. I look forward to his future work. I'm really glad to have Robert Mccammon back writing again.

what you would expect from, McCammon.

If Stephen King and William Shakespeare had a child and the child became an author, he might be Robert McCammon. In some of McCammon's earlier supernatural works, this might be possible. McCammon just might be the very best "unknown" author in America. Every book is a page turner and every book reads like great prose. Count me as Mr. McCammon's #1 fan. P.S. If the King/Shakespeare legacy might actually be true in some bizarre parallel universe, I regret that Mr. McCammon's conception didn't involve a menage a trois between King, Shakespeare and Issac Asimov just so we could enjoy Asimov's proficiency in pumping out books. Work faster, Robert!

Ok, being a die-hard Robert McCammon fan, having devoured Swan Song (twice, and I bought the Kindle version to read again in light of the current political climate), Boys Life, Wolf's Hour, Stinger, Mine (I have a signed copy), and more recently, The Five and The Border, etc., etc., I was hesitant to read the first book in the Matthew Corbett series -- Speaks the Nightbird. But, it's a McCammon, so I bought it in paperback several years back. Then I looked at it. Thought about it. Put it in a box. Took it out of the box. Read the cover. I did this for years, with a certain amount of distaste - historical fiction? What's next? Bodice-buster gothic romance?! I just couldn't do it. Until a few months ago when I ran out of stuff to read in the house. So, I picked up the paperback, dusted it off, and entered Matthew Corbett's world. I haven't been out since. Mr. Slaughter is Matthew Corbett's third adventure. I enjoyed it immensely. The pace of the novel is breakneck and Mr. Slaughter's character (to whom we were introduced in Matthew Corbett's adventure number two, The Queen of Bedlam), is a spine tingling 1700's serial killer whose pure evilness rivals the hair-raising Hannibal Lecter. A warning, there is a lot of gruesomeness in this book. And the victims are innocent, which makes the horror all the more shocking and deplorable. I heartily recommend Mr. Slaughter, with a caveat – you really should read book numbers one and two first to understand the characters and storyline completely. For example, in Mr. Slaughter Matthew is having a crisis of conscience which evolved from something that took place in book number two. I am in the middle of The Providence Rider, book number four. Which is, by the way, also awesome... I’m not sure WHAT I’m going to do once I’ve read all of Matthew’s adventures. There should be a support group out there somewhere.

my disappointment convtinues to grow. I'd high hopes when I began the series, and was looking forward to the story's chief actor, young, sixteen years-old or so, Matthew Corbett maturing both physically and intellectually as the series progressed. Unfortunately, in the course of three novels, not only has he not grown in the in the least intellectually, he has actually regressed to the level of either a fairly bright nine year-old, or a far from bright tweny five-ish, young adult.

I really enjoyed this book! The plot wasn't quite as unpredictable as some of the plots in the preceding novels, but the wordplay and character development was much stronger. I really just had a great time reading it! It was hard to put down, that's for sure! McCammon is very talented, and this was one of his better books - though I have yet to read a book penned by him that I haven't enjoyed. The title character was a sort of tribute to the Devil-Barber of Fleet Street, and its grisly scenes were well done. It brought me to tears, actually (dog lovers, beware!). I am excited to see where the series goes next!

MISTER SLAUGHTER is the third in the series of Matthew Corbett detective novels. Corbett lives in New York at the beginning of the 18th century and works for the London- and New York-based Herrald Agency, a small problem-solving business . In the current adventure, Matthew and senior partner Hudson Greathouse, are hired to transport Slaughter, a dangerous and likely deranged highwayman to New York for extradition back to England to answer for his crimes. Naturally, things go horribly wrong, Slaughter escapes, and Matthew must track him down in the wilds of the New York countryside and environs and recapture him. This novel is by far the bloodiest and most violent of the three. Slaughter is a clever monster who will stop at nothing to get what he wants, his freedom, leaving behind a trail of mayhem, gore and extreme physical and psychological violence. Matthew is aided in his hunt by two excellent supporting characters, a young London-educated Seneca indian brave and a very tough and resourceful young teenaged boy. There are a couple of ancillary mysteries and side plots to be negotiated along the way, some amusing and some that foreshadow events that will unfold in future novels. While MISTER SLAUGHTER surely is historical fiction, and there is a lot of history here, McCammon plays the history a little faster and looser with than he did in the first novel, and some might object to non-period speech styles, but this did not bother me at all, although I did take note of it. There is an afterward in which McCammon explains that after he wrote the first novel that needed to be set to coincide with the end of the witch hunting era, he decided that a New York of the 1730s was a more interesting setting for the remainder of the series than that of turn of the century. Not wanting to age Matthew into his 50s, he decided to take certain liberties with the times and places. I understand the decision, even if it does confuse a bit of the history. If I had to work up a criticism of the novel, I guess it would be that some of the events near the end are just a bit over the top, and Matthew's physical prowess seems at times just a bit too limited to go one on one with the giant and far more experienced killer, Slaughter. MISTER SLAUGHTER is the fastest paced of all the novels so far, and contains bits of intentional humor to offset the extreme horror that is all around whenever Slaughter is in the picture. While I do miss the supernatural horror that McCammon used to write (and in fact still does occasionally), his last half-dozen books or so, while more mainstream, are just as good (or better) and just as enjoyable as anything that he has written. I'll be ordering THE PROVIDENCE RIDER, the fourth and most recently published entry in the series, as soon as I post this review. Recommended. J.M. Tepper

This book differed from the others in the series. Not as much "problem solving" but much more action. An unbelievable adventure. I just couldn't believe what our hero went through. That being said I really didn't like what happened to Lark and her family but especially to her. Why did the author have to subject her to rape? We know Slaughter is a psychopath but I felt that it was too much but more importantly it was unnecessary. Otherwise it was great

If you, like me, are a sucker for crackling, well crafted historical fiction, this is the series for you. Strongly drawn male AND female characters. A hero who uses his mind because he's no great shakes with sword, pistol or fists, but is as brave and stalwart a hero as anyone you will meet via Kindle or the printed page, Matthew Corbett embodies the best virtues of what we would like to see in ourselves; intelligence, integrity, loyalty and the ability to learn from his mistakes. My only worry is that Corbett takes such a beatings from bad guys, bears, and even officers of the law that he'll be in a wheelchair sipping his meals through straws by Book Six or Seven.

Mister Slaughter by Robert McCammon December 7 to December 23, 2014 Third book in the Matthew Corbett Series Recommended by internet friends This is the third book and story in this wonderful series set in the early 1700s here in America...of course at that time we were still part of the United Kingdom. Matthew considered himself English. From my point of view, he was quit the British snob in many way. However he is a likeable well written character. He is only growing up, but he is learning more about what he is able to do when it is necessary. The Matthew Corbett series is part of the Historical Fiction genre. We learn much about the dangerous settling of some of our best known cities, early Indian and Colonist interaction, hospitality towards strangers, early 18th century travel and much more. However, for me this story could also be considered part of the horror genre. I say this because of the many horrible killings that took place in this book. I would imagine for some these bloody horrible deaths would be more blood and guts than they are willing to read about. For me the whole story was worth the discomfort of these bloody and senseless murders carried out by Mister Slaughter. We see Matthew's character develop and mature as he sets out to save the day! I enjoyed this book very much and would recommend it to most. 5 stars.

Just finished Robert McCammon's Mister Slaughter, a murder mystery set in the early 1700s in Manhattan (and the Carolinas and some other locales). Murder mystery is not quite accurate, although there is quite a bit of murder and mystery. This is the 3rd book in a series about Matthew Corbett, one time law clerk and solver of puzzles. I found about this series from Adam-Troy Castro, who mentioned that the second book had the best swordfight he'd ever read. The sword fight and the barroom brawl and the other fights and action scenes all are very good but again the books aren't primarily action any more than they are primarily mysteries. Mostly they are excellent historical fiction. McCammon makes the time and place come alive. You can feel the mud squish under your boots reading these books. Highly recommended.

This is the third book I have read in the Matthew Corbett series and they just keep getting better and better. Interestingly enough, at the conclusion of this book, not previous books, the author discusses historical accuracy and how difficult that is to achieve. I am not sure why he chose to do this unless it is because of some negative comments he has received. Well, the author clearly states that his books are "historical fiction" not historical fact or textbooks. I have been a fan of history for many years, although I prefer 19th century American history to that of the 18th century. I think this author does a pretty good job with the history of the time. I was surprised to learn that this author has a reputation as an author of horror books. I had not heard of him until recently. Well, there is indeed some horror in this series, albeit not of the Stephen King type, but enough to make these books keep you up late at night. I will definitely read the other books in this series. Time to download another one now!

I cannot remember the last time I followed an author with as much interest as I have followed R. McCammon. I have not read his early works, and am a little afraid to do so, but my unwillingness is waning. Meeting Matthew Corbett for the first time when he was traveling as a Clerk to the town who had a supposed witch in custody, I thought he was a wimpy side character, but it wasn't long before I was rooting for him and was excited to learn he was, in fact, the main protagonist. He is presented in the three books I've read thus far with all his weaknesses and foibles, which endears him to me. The goriness of the stories is unimaginable, but it's not far-fetched considering the time we're in and the people we're dealing with. The genuineness of the place, the environs, the smells, the sounds is incredible. I hear, smell, see what McCammon describes. He totally draws me in to this time and place. I can't wait to see what Matthew does next.

I just finished reading Mr. Slaughter and as usual Mr. McCammon did not disappoint. I won't go into the details of the book here--I never understand why people feel the need to tell you the entire story before giving their opinions. This completely spoils it! Anyway, I loved the book so much and cannot wait for the next installment. I could not put it down and was dreading coming to the last page. Full of adventure, action and suspense.

I have been hooked on Robert McCammon after reading A Boy's Life. Possibly the best book I have ever read. So of course after that I wanted more of this authors' creations! The third of four books in the Matthew Corbitt series has me hoping The Providence Rider won't be the end of the series. Great stories! Thank you Robert McCammon for the many enjoyable hours you've given me reading your books! Sandra

Like the rest of the books I have read in this series....fantastic!! Mr. McCammon is a wonderful writer.

A gripping read, and fast paced adventure. This 3rd book in a series reads like a movie. You won’t be disappointed!

I love this series, and after Speaks The Nightbird this is by far the best book. Mr. Slaughter is creepy as hell and unforgettable.

Love this series and this writer!!

This third book in the early America series is just as exciting as the first two books. McCallam is a master at keeping up the suspense, while teaching one a bit of the early history of New York. I can't wait for the next book in this Matthew Corbett series.

How often can you use those three words to describe one story? It's also heart wrenching and elevates Matthew Corbett from young man, to man.

Mr McCammon has done it again! There wasn't one moment of boredom in this whole book. I had not read Queen of bedlam prior to reading this, and would recommend you do so. Beyond that it was a very good complex but easy-to-follow story that kept me in Enraptured the whole time. I highly recommend it to Mccammon fans or people who have never heard of him. Very very good read!

The new book in the Matthew Corbett series was a wonderful read. It moved faster then the prior books (in the series). Mr. Slaughter is a very dark character (the most so in the series so far),reminds me of the Mary in "Mine" (another great book by McCammon). I am looking forward to the next Corbett installment or book by Robert McCammon (one of my favorite authors). I would write more but two toddlers are calling for my attention.

Ok, being a die-hard Robert McCammon fan, having devoured Swan Song (twice, and I bought the Kindle version to read again in light of the current political climate), Boys Life, Wolf's Hour, Stinger, Mine (I have a signed copy), and more recently, The Five and The Border, etc., etc., I was hesitant to read the first book in the Matthew Corbett series -- Speaks the Nightbird. But, it's a McCammon, so I bought it in paperback several years back. Then I looked at it. Thought about it. Put it in a box. Took it out of the box. Read the cover. I did this for years, with a certain amount of distaste - historical fiction? What's next? Bodice-buster gothic romance?! I just couldn't do it. Until a few months ago when I ran out of stuff to read in the house. So, I picked up the paperback, dusted it off, and entered Matthew Corbett's world. I haven't been out since. Mr. Slaughter is Matthew Corbett's third adventure. I enjoyed it immensely. The pace of the novel is breakneck and Mr. Slaughter's character (to whom we were introduced in Matthew Corbett's adventure number two, The Queen of Bedlam), is a spine tingling 1700's serial killer whose pure evilness rivals the hair-raising Hannibal Lecter. A warning, there is a lot of gruesomeness in this book. And the victims are innocent, which makes the horror all the more shocking and deplorable. I heartily recommend Mr. Slaughter, with a caveat – you really should read book numbers one and two first to understand the characters and storyline completely. For example, in Mr. Slaughter Matthew is having a crisis of conscience which evolved from something that took place in book number two. I am in the middle of The Providence Rider, book number four. Which is, by the way, also awesome... I’m not sure WHAT I’m going to do once I’ve read all of Matthew’s adventures. There should be a support group out there somewhere.

my disappointment convtinues to grow. I'd high hopes when I began the series, and was looking forward to the story's chief actor, young, sixteen years-old or so, Matthew Corbett maturing both physically and intellectually as the series progressed. Unfortunately, in the course of three novels, not only has he not grown in the in the least intellectually, he has actually regressed to the level of either a fairly bright nine year-old, or a far from bright tweny five-ish, young adult.

I really enjoyed this book! The plot wasn't quite as unpredictable as some of the plots in the preceding novels, but the wordplay and character development was much stronger. I really just had a great time reading it! It was hard to put down, that's for sure! McCammon is very talented, and this was one of his better books - though I have yet to read a book penned by him that I haven't enjoyed. The title character was a sort of tribute to the Devil-Barber of Fleet Street, and its grisly scenes were well done. It brought me to tears, actually (dog lovers, beware!). I am excited to see where the series goes next!

MISTER SLAUGHTER is the third in the series of Matthew Corbett detective novels. Corbett lives in New York at the beginning of the 18th century and works for the London- and New York-based Herrald Agency, a small problem-solving business . In the current adventure, Matthew and senior partner Hudson Greathouse, are hired to transport Slaughter, a dangerous and likely deranged highwayman to New York for extradition back to England to answer for his crimes. Naturally, things go horribly wrong, Slaughter escapes, and Matthew must track him down in the wilds of the New York countryside and environs and recapture him. This novel is by far the bloodiest and most violent of the three. Slaughter is a clever monster who will stop at nothing to get what he wants, his freedom, leaving behind a trail of mayhem, gore and extreme physical and psychological violence. Matthew is aided in his hunt by two excellent supporting characters, a young London-educated Seneca indian brave and a very tough and resourceful young teenaged boy. There are a couple of ancillary mysteries and side plots to be negotiated along the way, some amusing and some that foreshadow events that will unfold in future novels. While MISTER SLAUGHTER surely is historical fiction, and there is a lot of history here, McCammon plays the history a little faster and looser with than he did in the first novel, and some might object to non-period speech styles, but this did not bother me at all, although I did take note of it. There is an afterward in which McCammon explains that after he wrote the first novel that needed to be set to coincide with the end of the witch hunting era, he decided that a New York of the 1730s was a more interesting setting for the remainder of the series than that of turn of the century. Not wanting to age Matthew into his 50s, he decided to take certain liberties with the times and places. I understand the decision, even if it does confuse a bit of the history. If I had to work up a criticism of the novel, I guess it would be that some of the events near the end are just a bit over the top, and Matthew's physical prowess seems at times just a bit too limited to go one on one with the giant and far more experienced killer, Slaughter. MISTER SLAUGHTER is the fastest paced of all the novels so far, and contains bits of intentional humor to offset the extreme horror that is all around whenever Slaughter is in the picture. While I do miss the supernatural horror that McCammon used to write (and in fact still does occasionally), his last half-dozen books or so, while more mainstream, are just as good (or better) and just as enjoyable as anything that he has written. I'll be ordering THE PROVIDENCE RIDER, the fourth and most recently published entry in the series, as soon as I post this review. Recommended. J.M. Tepper

This book differed from the others in the series. Not as much "problem solving" but much more action. An unbelievable adventure. I just couldn't believe what our hero went through. That being said I really didn't like what happened to Lark and her family but especially to her. Why did the author have to subject her to rape? We know Slaughter is a psychopath but I felt that it was too much but more importantly it was unnecessary. Otherwise it was great

If you, like me, are a sucker for crackling, well crafted historical fiction, this is the series for you. Strongly drawn male AND female characters. A hero who uses his mind because he's no great shakes with sword, pistol or fists, but is as brave and stalwart a hero as anyone you will meet via Kindle or the printed page, Matthew Corbett embodies the best virtues of what we would like to see in ourselves; intelligence, integrity, loyalty and the ability to learn from his mistakes. My only worry is that Corbett takes such a beatings from bad guys, bears, and even officers of the law that he'll be in a wheelchair sipping his meals through straws by Book Six or Seven.

Mister Slaughter by Robert McCammon December 7 to December 23, 2014 Third book in the Matthew Corbett Series Recommended by internet friends This is the third book and story in this wonderful series set in the early 1700s here in America...of course at that time we were still part of the United Kingdom. Matthew considered himself English. From my point of view, he was quit the British snob in many way. However he is a likeable well written character. He is only growing up, but he is learning more about what he is able to do when it is necessary. The Matthew Corbett series is part of the Historical Fiction genre. We learn much about the dangerous settling of some of our best known cities, early Indian and Colonist interaction, hospitality towards strangers, early 18th century travel and much more. However, for me this story could also be considered part of the horror genre. I say this because of the many horrible killings that took place in this book. I would imagine for some these bloody horrible deaths would be more blood and guts than they are willing to read about. For me the whole story was worth the discomfort of these bloody and senseless murders carried out by Mister Slaughter. We see Matthew's character develop and mature as he sets out to save the day! I enjoyed this book very much and would recommend it to most. 5 stars.

Just finished Robert McCammon's Mister Slaughter, a murder mystery set in the early 1700s in Manhattan (and the Carolinas and some other locales). Murder mystery is not quite accurate, although there is quite a bit of murder and mystery. This is the 3rd book in a series about Matthew Corbett, one time law clerk and solver of puzzles. I found about this series from Adam-Troy Castro, who mentioned that the second book had the best swordfight he'd ever read. The sword fight and the barroom brawl and the other fights and action scenes all are very good but again the books aren't primarily action any more than they are primarily mysteries. Mostly they are excellent historical fiction. McCammon makes the time and place come alive. You can feel the mud squish under your boots reading these books. Highly recommended.

This is the third book I have read in the Matthew Corbett series and they just keep getting better and better. Interestingly enough, at the conclusion of this book, not previous books, the author discusses historical accuracy and how difficult that is to achieve. I am not sure why he chose to do this unless it is because of some negative comments he has received. Well, the author clearly states that his books are "historical fiction" not historical fact or textbooks. I have been a fan of history for many years, although I prefer 19th century American history to that of the 18th century. I think this author does a pretty good job with the history of the time. I was surprised to learn that this author has a reputation as an author of horror books. I had not heard of him until recently. Well, there is indeed some horror in this series, albeit not of the Stephen King type, but enough to make these books keep you up late at night. I will definitely read the other books in this series. Time to download another one now!

I cannot remember the last time I followed an author with as much interest as I have followed R. McCammon. I have not read his early works, and am a little afraid to do so, but my unwillingness is waning. Meeting Matthew Corbett for the first time when he was traveling as a Clerk to the town who had a supposed witch in custody, I thought he was a wimpy side character, but it wasn't long before I was rooting for him and was excited to learn he was, in fact, the main protagonist. He is presented in the three books I've read thus far with all his weaknesses and foibles, which endears him to me. The goriness of the stories is unimaginable, but it's not far-fetched considering the time we're in and the people we're dealing with. The genuineness of the place, the environs, the smells, the sounds is incredible. I hear, smell, see what McCammon describes. He totally draws me in to this time and place. I can't wait to see what Matthew does next.

Good follow-up to The Queen of Bedlam. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.

I absolutely love the Matthew Corbett series especially the time period. The detective angle for such a period is a pleasant release from what was becoming a somewhat mundane time frame of the 19th and 20th centuries. It was a time for frontiers to be built and these books take a good look at what kinds of people were doing the exploring.

Excellent books from my favorite writer!!!

Mr. Slaughter was a very good read, so good in fact that I started book 4 because I had to follow Mathew on his adventures. Mr. McCammon is a master writer. I love all of his books.

I love this series. You never know what is around the next corner. The books just keep getting better. I can't wait to start the next one.

Continuing saga of Matthew Corbett. Engrossing and thrilling, complex character development and story telling. Once started, it's hard to put down. McCammon is one of the best.

The best read yet of the series and this is an awesome series . Just love the writing of Robert mccammon

Great read.

Very nice book

I absolutely LOVED this book! Couldn't put it down! Lots of action and adventure with twists and turns you don't see coming. Hated it when I finished reading it. May have to go back and read it again!

Ok, being a die-hard Robert McCammon fan, having devoured Swan Song (twice, and I bought the Kindle version to read again in light of the current political climate), Boys Life, Wolf's Hour, Stinger, Mine (I have a signed copy), and more recently, The Five and The Border, etc., etc., I was hesitant to read the first book in the Matthew Corbett series -- Speaks the Nightbird. But, it's a McCammon, so I bought it in paperback several years back. Then I looked at it. Thought about it. Put it in a box. Took it out of the box. Read the cover. I did this for years, with a certain amount of distaste - historical fiction? What's next? Bodice-buster gothic romance?! I just couldn't do it. Until a few months ago when I ran out of stuff to read in the house. So, I picked up the paperback, dusted it off, and entered Matthew Corbett's world. I haven't been out since. Mr. Slaughter is Matthew Corbett's third adventure. I enjoyed it immensely. The pace of the novel is breakneck and Mr. Slaughter's character (to whom we were introduced in Matthew Corbett's adventure number two, The Queen of Bedlam), is a spine tingling 1700's serial killer whose pure evilness rivals the hair-raising Hannibal Lecter. A warning, there is a lot of gruesomeness in this book. And the victims are innocent, which makes the horror all the more shocking and deplorable. I heartily recommend Mr. Slaughter, with a caveat – you really should read book numbers one and two first to understand the characters and storyline completely. For example, in Mr. Slaughter Matthew is having a crisis of conscience which evolved from something that took place in book number two. I am in the middle of The Providence Rider, book number four. Which is, by the way, also awesome... I’m not sure WHAT I’m going to do once I’ve read all of Matthew’s adventures. There should be a support group out there somewhere.

my disappointment convtinues to grow. I'd high hopes when I began the series, and was looking forward to the story's chief actor, young, sixteen years-old or so, Matthew Corbett maturing both physically and intellectually as the series progressed. Unfortunately, in the course of three novels, not only has he not grown in the in the least intellectually, he has actually regressed to the level of either a fairly bright nine year-old, or a far from bright tweny five-ish, young adult.

I really enjoyed this book! The plot wasn't quite as unpredictable as some of the plots in the preceding novels, but the wordplay and character development was much stronger. I really just had a great time reading it! It was hard to put down, that's for sure! McCammon is very talented, and this was one of his better books - though I have yet to read a book penned by him that I haven't enjoyed. The title character was a sort of tribute to the Devil-Barber of Fleet Street, and its grisly scenes were well done. It brought me to tears, actually (dog lovers, beware!). I am excited to see where the series goes next!

MISTER SLAUGHTER is the third in the series of Matthew Corbett detective novels. Corbett lives in New York at the beginning of the 18th century and works for the London- and New York-based Herrald Agency, a small problem-solving business . In the current adventure, Matthew and senior partner Hudson Greathouse, are hired to transport Slaughter, a dangerous and likely deranged highwayman to New York for extradition back to England to answer for his crimes. Naturally, things go horribly wrong, Slaughter escapes, and Matthew must track him down in the wilds of the New York countryside and environs and recapture him. This novel is by far the bloodiest and most violent of the three. Slaughter is a clever monster who will stop at nothing to get what he wants, his freedom, leaving behind a trail of mayhem, gore and extreme physical and psychological violence. Matthew is aided in his hunt by two excellent supporting characters, a young London-educated Seneca indian brave and a very tough and resourceful young teenaged boy. There are a couple of ancillary mysteries and side plots to be negotiated along the way, some amusing and some that foreshadow events that will unfold in future novels. While MISTER SLAUGHTER surely is historical fiction, and there is a lot of history here, McCammon plays the history a little faster and looser with than he did in the first novel, and some might object to non-period speech styles, but this did not bother me at all, although I did take note of it. There is an afterward in which McCammon explains that after he wrote the first novel that needed to be set to coincide with the end of the witch hunting era, he decided that a New York of the 1730s was a more interesting setting for the remainder of the series than that of turn of the century. Not wanting to age Matthew into his 50s, he decided to take certain liberties with the times and places. I understand the decision, even if it does confuse a bit of the history. If I had to work up a criticism of the novel, I guess it would be that some of the events near the end are just a bit over the top, and Matthew's physical prowess seems at times just a bit too limited to go one on one with the giant and far more experienced killer, Slaughter. MISTER SLAUGHTER is the fastest paced of all the novels so far, and contains bits of intentional humor to offset the extreme horror that is all around whenever Slaughter is in the picture. While I do miss the supernatural horror that McCammon used to write (and in fact still does occasionally), his last half-dozen books or so, while more mainstream, are just as good (or better) and just as enjoyable as anything that he has written. I'll be ordering THE PROVIDENCE RIDER, the fourth and most recently published entry in the series, as soon as I post this review. Recommended. J.M. Tepper

This book differed from the others in the series. Not as much "problem solving" but much more action. An unbelievable adventure. I just couldn't believe what our hero went through. That being said I really didn't like what happened to Lark and her family but especially to her. Why did the author have to subject her to rape? We know Slaughter is a psychopath but I felt that it was too much but more importantly it was unnecessary. Otherwise it was great

If you, like me, are a sucker for crackling, well crafted historical fiction, this is the series for you. Strongly drawn male AND female characters. A hero who uses his mind because he's no great shakes with sword, pistol or fists, but is as brave and stalwart a hero as anyone you will meet via Kindle or the printed page, Matthew Corbett embodies the best virtues of what we would like to see in ourselves; intelligence, integrity, loyalty and the ability to learn from his mistakes. My only worry is that Corbett takes such a beatings from bad guys, bears, and even officers of the law that he'll be in a wheelchair sipping his meals through straws by Book Six or Seven.

Mister Slaughter by Robert McCammon December 7 to December 23, 2014 Third book in the Matthew Corbett Series Recommended by internet friends This is the third book and story in this wonderful series set in the early 1700s here in America...of course at that time we were still part of the United Kingdom. Matthew considered himself English. From my point of view, he was quit the British snob in many way. However he is a likeable well written character. He is only growing up, but he is learning more about what he is able to do when it is necessary. The Matthew Corbett series is part of the Historical Fiction genre. We learn much about the dangerous settling of some of our best known cities, early Indian and Colonist interaction, hospitality towards strangers, early 18th century travel and much more. However, for me this story could also be considered part of the horror genre. I say this because of the many horrible killings that took place in this book. I would imagine for some these bloody horrible deaths would be more blood and guts than they are willing to read about. For me the whole story was worth the discomfort of these bloody and senseless murders carried out by Mister Slaughter. We see Matthew's character develop and mature as he sets out to save the day! I enjoyed this book very much and would recommend it to most. 5 stars.

Just finished Robert McCammon's Mister Slaughter, a murder mystery set in the early 1700s in Manhattan (and the Carolinas and some other locales). Murder mystery is not quite accurate, although there is quite a bit of murder and mystery. This is the 3rd book in a series about Matthew Corbett, one time law clerk and solver of puzzles. I found about this series from Adam-Troy Castro, who mentioned that the second book had the best swordfight he'd ever read. The sword fight and the barroom brawl and the other fights and action scenes all are very good but again the books aren't primarily action any more than they are primarily mysteries. Mostly they are excellent historical fiction. McCammon makes the time and place come alive. You can feel the mud squish under your boots reading these books. Highly recommended.

This is the third book I have read in the Matthew Corbett series and they just keep getting better and better. Interestingly enough, at the conclusion of this book, not previous books, the author discusses historical accuracy and how difficult that is to achieve. I am not sure why he chose to do this unless it is because of some negative comments he has received. Well, the author clearly states that his books are "historical fiction" not historical fact or textbooks. I have been a fan of history for many years, although I prefer 19th century American history to that of the 18th century. I think this author does a pretty good job with the history of the time. I was surprised to learn that this author has a reputation as an author of horror books. I had not heard of him until recently. Well, there is indeed some horror in this series, albeit not of the Stephen King type, but enough to make these books keep you up late at night. I will definitely read the other books in this series. Time to download another one now!

I cannot remember the last time I followed an author with as much interest as I have followed R. McCammon. I have not read his early works, and am a little afraid to do so, but my unwillingness is waning. Meeting Matthew Corbett for the first time when he was traveling as a Clerk to the town who had a supposed witch in custody, I thought he was a wimpy side character, but it wasn't long before I was rooting for him and was excited to learn he was, in fact, the main protagonist. He is presented in the three books I've read thus far with all his weaknesses and foibles, which endears him to me. The goriness of the stories is unimaginable, but it's not far-fetched considering the time we're in and the people we're dealing with. The genuineness of the place, the environs, the smells, the sounds is incredible. I hear, smell, see what McCammon describes. He totally draws me in to this time and place. I can't wait to see what Matthew does next.

If you are a Robert McCammon fan then you will love this 3rd entry in the Matthew Corbett series. It is packed with lots of adventure and suspense, as are the other two books in the series. I can't wait for the next one.

Been a McCammon fan for years. Have read all but 2 of his books. Since his return he has written now his third Matthew Corbett book. I hope he can keep these coming forever. My favorite was The Queen of Bedlam!!.. That was a heck of a book. Now Mr. Slaugther measures up just as nicely. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Read it in three days. I love the colonial era he set it in.. no worries about televisions, cell phones nor cars. Just GREAT storytelling! Thanks for EVERYTHING Mr. McCammon... especially these Matthew Corbett books.. WELL DONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

McCammon does it again...creating a riveting story around fascinating characters. Corbett has developed into a likeable,but more importantly, believable protagonist that actually makes me care about the decisions he makes. Also, Tyranthus Slaughter is now at the top of the list of my favorite literary villains. I'm eager to get started on The Providence Rider now!

Like many reviewers here, I discovered Robert McCammon in the 1980s, when he carved his own niche in the horror market with masterpieces such as Stinger, The Night Boat, They Thirst and The Wolf's Hour. While the premises of these books were often not entirely original, they stood apart due to McCammon's deft writing style, flowing plots, detailed description, and memorable characters. McCammon took his unique talents to the next level with the superlative Boy's Life, which remains one of the best fantasy novels I've ever read. With his next book, Gone South, McCammon seemed poised to take his place as a niche horror-fantasy author who attained mainstream success. Then, nothing. For YEARS. At long last, Speaks the Nightbird appeared, and fans everywhere, including myself, were overjoyed. It was as if the years between vanished in the blink of an eye, as the inspired and moving Speaks the Nightbird ranks among McCammon's best. Then a sequel, The Queen of Bedlam, arrived, and now we have Mister Slaughter, the third book in what has become an official series starring colonial-era investigator Matthew Corbett. I realize I'm in the minority here, but it's my opinion that this series has declined in quality since Nightbird. McCammon has stated himself that he never intended this to become a series, and I think it shows in the inconsistent writing and seemingly forced plots, especially in this third installment. There are certainly glimpses of the McCammon of old; the writer who effortlessly balanced the horrific with the beautiful, but I wonder if the extended break has taken something out of him. Characters do questionable things in Mister Slaughter, and make choices that are wildly out of character, serving only to move the fractured plot toward its somewhat unfulfilling and abrupt ending. Mister Slaughter himself is an odd creation, a seemingly unstoppable insane genius, but he, like Matthew, engages in inexplicable behavior that seems contrary to his intriguing nature. There are also graphic sequences in the novel that feel quite out of place, almost as if McCammon forced himself to write them. I reread The Wolf's Hour recently, and it almost seems the product of a different author, full of deep imagination, naturally flowing scenarios, and richly portrayed characters. I have nothing but the deepest respect for Robert McCammon, both for standing up for what he believed in, and for returning to give his fans what they'd craved for so long. However, I think that his writing has lost much of its former magic. While Half-McCammon is still better than most contemporary fantasy authors, knowing that he's capable of producing superior work made Mister Slaughter a disappointment for me.

Can you give a book 6 stars! I literally could not put this book down. Luckily, I was home with tons of snow on the ground... Can't wait til the next chapter of the Mathew Corbett saga! Highly recommended!

This is a great series, it has held up for 3 books. I'm looking forward to book 4.

These books are awesome! From private investigators to organized crime Mr. McCammon has set the bar once again. Who knew historical fiction could be so fun.

This series started strong and continues to get even better. I love the character development, the rich sense of history, and the global intrigue is fascinating

A good book , I like the historical setting. The story was interesting with action you wanted to know what was going to happen to the characters in the story.

Loved It!!! My favorite is still Speaks the Night Bird - that was the book that started it all for me. I've read all three and just received Providence Rider can't wait to read it. I love the way he writes he makes you feel like your right there, the story is gripping I can't say enough about it! The characters are so well defined even Mr. Slaughter with his wit and his vile acts, very well written!

Ok, being a die-hard Robert McCammon fan, having devoured Swan Song (twice, and I bought the Kindle version to read again in light of the current political climate), Boys Life, Wolf's Hour, Stinger, Mine (I have a signed copy), and more recently, The Five and The Border, etc., etc., I was hesitant to read the first book in the Matthew Corbett series -- Speaks the Nightbird. But, it's a McCammon, so I bought it in paperback several years back. Then I looked at it. Thought about it. Put it in a box. Took it out of the box. Read the cover. I did this for years, with a certain amount of distaste - historical fiction? What's next? Bodice-buster gothic romance?! I just couldn't do it. Until a few months ago when I ran out of stuff to read in the house. So, I picked up the paperback, dusted it off, and entered Matthew Corbett's world. I haven't been out since. Mr. Slaughter is Matthew Corbett's third adventure. I enjoyed it immensely. The pace of the novel is breakneck and Mr. Slaughter's character (to whom we were introduced in Matthew Corbett's adventure number two, The Queen of Bedlam), is a spine tingling 1700's serial killer whose pure evilness rivals the hair-raising Hannibal Lecter. A warning, there is a lot of gruesomeness in this book. And the victims are innocent, which makes the horror all the more shocking and deplorable. I heartily recommend Mr. Slaughter, with a caveat – you really should read book numbers one and two first to understand the characters and storyline completely. For example, in Mr. Slaughter Matthew is having a crisis of conscience which evolved from something that took place in book number two. I am in the middle of The Providence Rider, book number four. Which is, by the way, also awesome... I’m not sure WHAT I’m going to do once I’ve read all of Matthew’s adventures. There should be a support group out there somewhere.

my disappointment convtinues to grow. I'd high hopes when I began the series, and was looking forward to the story's chief actor, young, sixteen years-old or so, Matthew Corbett maturing both physically and intellectually as the series progressed. Unfortunately, in the course of three novels, not only has he not grown in the in the least intellectually, he has actually regressed to the level of either a fairly bright nine year-old, or a far from bright tweny five-ish, young adult.

I really enjoyed this book! The plot wasn't quite as unpredictable as some of the plots in the preceding novels, but the wordplay and character development was much stronger. I really just had a great time reading it! It was hard to put down, that's for sure! McCammon is very talented, and this was one of his better books - though I have yet to read a book penned by him that I haven't enjoyed. The title character was a sort of tribute to the Devil-Barber of Fleet Street, and its grisly scenes were well done. It brought me to tears, actually (dog lovers, beware!). I am excited to see where the series goes next!

MISTER SLAUGHTER is the third in the series of Matthew Corbett detective novels. Corbett lives in New York at the beginning of the 18th century and works for the London- and New York-based Herrald Agency, a small problem-solving business . In the current adventure, Matthew and senior partner Hudson Greathouse, are hired to transport Slaughter, a dangerous and likely deranged highwayman to New York for extradition back to England to answer for his crimes. Naturally, things go horribly wrong, Slaughter escapes, and Matthew must track him down in the wilds of the New York countryside and environs and recapture him. This novel is by far the bloodiest and most violent of the three. Slaughter is a clever monster who will stop at nothing to get what he wants, his freedom, leaving behind a trail of mayhem, gore and extreme physical and psychological violence. Matthew is aided in his hunt by two excellent supporting characters, a young London-educated Seneca indian brave and a very tough and resourceful young teenaged boy. There are a couple of ancillary mysteries and side plots to be negotiated along the way, some amusing and some that foreshadow events that will unfold in future novels. While MISTER SLAUGHTER surely is historical fiction, and there is a lot of history here, McCammon plays the history a little faster and looser with than he did in the first novel, and some might object to non-period speech styles, but this did not bother me at all, although I did take note of it. There is an afterward in which McCammon explains that after he wrote the first novel that needed to be set to coincide with the end of the witch hunting era, he decided that a New York of the 1730s was a more interesting setting for the remainder of the series than that of turn of the century. Not wanting to age Matthew into his 50s, he decided to take certain liberties with the times and places. I understand the decision, even if it does confuse a bit of the history. If I had to work up a criticism of the novel, I guess it would be that some of the events near the end are just a bit over the top, and Matthew's physical prowess seems at times just a bit too limited to go one on one with the giant and far more experienced killer, Slaughter. MISTER SLAUGHTER is the fastest paced of all the novels so far, and contains bits of intentional humor to offset the extreme horror that is all around whenever Slaughter is in the picture. While I do miss the supernatural horror that McCammon used to write (and in fact still does occasionally), his last half-dozen books or so, while more mainstream, are just as good (or better) and just as enjoyable as anything that he has written. I'll be ordering THE PROVIDENCE RIDER, the fourth and most recently published entry in the series, as soon as I post this review. Recommended. J.M. Tepper

This book differed from the others in the series. Not as much "problem solving" but much more action. An unbelievable adventure. I just couldn't believe what our hero went through. That being said I really didn't like what happened to Lark and her family but especially to her. Why did the author have to subject her to rape? We know Slaughter is a psychopath but I felt that it was too much but more importantly it was unnecessary. Otherwise it was great

If you, like me, are a sucker for crackling, well crafted historical fiction, this is the series for you. Strongly drawn male AND female characters. A hero who uses his mind because he's no great shakes with sword, pistol or fists, but is as brave and stalwart a hero as anyone you will meet via Kindle or the printed page, Matthew Corbett embodies the best virtues of what we would like to see in ourselves; intelligence, integrity, loyalty and the ability to learn from his mistakes. My only worry is that Corbett takes such a beatings from bad guys, bears, and even officers of the law that he'll be in a wheelchair sipping his meals through straws by Book Six or Seven.

Mister Slaughter by Robert McCammon December 7 to December 23, 2014 Third book in the Matthew Corbett Series Recommended by internet friends This is the third book and story in this wonderful series set in the early 1700s here in America...of course at that time we were still part of the United Kingdom. Matthew considered himself English. From my point of view, he was quit the British snob in many way. However he is a likeable well written character. He is only growing up, but he is learning more about what he is able to do when it is necessary. The Matthew Corbett series is part of the Historical Fiction genre. We learn much about the dangerous settling of some of our best known cities, early Indian and Colonist interaction, hospitality towards strangers, early 18th century travel and much more. However, for me this story could also be considered part of the horror genre. I say this because of the many horrible killings that took place in this book. I would imagine for some these bloody horrible deaths would be more blood and guts than they are willing to read about. For me the whole story was worth the discomfort of these bloody and senseless murders carried out by Mister Slaughter. We see Matthew's character develop and mature as he sets out to save the day! I enjoyed this book very much and would recommend it to most. 5 stars.

Just finished Robert McCammon's Mister Slaughter, a murder mystery set in the early 1700s in Manhattan (and the Carolinas and some other locales). Murder mystery is not quite accurate, although there is quite a bit of murder and mystery. This is the 3rd book in a series about Matthew Corbett, one time law clerk and solver of puzzles. I found about this series from Adam-Troy Castro, who mentioned that the second book had the best swordfight he'd ever read. The sword fight and the barroom brawl and the other fights and action scenes all are very good but again the books aren't primarily action any more than they are primarily mysteries. Mostly they are excellent historical fiction. McCammon makes the time and place come alive. You can feel the mud squish under your boots reading these books. Highly recommended.

This is the third book I have read in the Matthew Corbett series and they just keep getting better and better. Interestingly enough, at the conclusion of this book, not previous books, the author discusses historical accuracy and how difficult that is to achieve. I am not sure why he chose to do this unless it is because of some negative comments he has received. Well, the author clearly states that his books are "historical fiction" not historical fact or textbooks. I have been a fan of history for many years, although I prefer 19th century American history to that of the 18th century. I think this author does a pretty good job with the history of the time. I was surprised to learn that this author has a reputation as an author of horror books. I had not heard of him until recently. Well, there is indeed some horror in this series, albeit not of the Stephen King type, but enough to make these books keep you up late at night. I will definitely read the other books in this series. Time to download another one now!

I cannot remember the last time I followed an author with as much interest as I have followed R. McCammon. I have not read his early works, and am a little afraid to do so, but my unwillingness is waning. Meeting Matthew Corbett for the first time when he was traveling as a Clerk to the town who had a supposed witch in custody, I thought he was a wimpy side character, but it wasn't long before I was rooting for him and was excited to learn he was, in fact, the main protagonist. He is presented in the three books I've read thus far with all his weaknesses and foibles, which endears him to me. The goriness of the stories is unimaginable, but it's not far-fetched considering the time we're in and the people we're dealing with. The genuineness of the place, the environs, the smells, the sounds is incredible. I hear, smell, see what McCammon describes. He totally draws me in to this time and place. I can't wait to see what Matthew does next.

I can't get my hands on Speaks the Nightbird, so I can't say for sure how strong a trend this is in the Corbett novels, but I noticed that Corbett has a tendency to have his problems resolved for him by a third party at the critical moment. This is the one fly in the ointment that bugged me in Mister Slaughter chiefly because the same thing happened in Queen of Bedlam. That aside, this is one of the most entertaining books I've read in quite a while.

I love everything written by Robert McCammon, but this one is nothing but great. I can't wait for the next book in this series to be published. Wish that Amazon would add all of his books for the Kindle. I bought and read all four book that are available for the Kindle.

As usally Robert McCammon has a book full of suprises

I love this author and loved this book - Very happy with the delivery too

My favorite author, he can do no wrong!

Love the service and the Matthew Corbett series. I definitely have recommended this series of books to many who have also enjoyed them.

great author as expected!

good reading

Great series!!! Mathew Corbett is such an amazing character!!!

Awesomely twisted story

Ok, being a die-hard Robert McCammon fan, having devoured Swan Song (twice, and I bought the Kindle version to read again in light of the current political climate), Boys Life, Wolf's Hour, Stinger, Mine (I have a signed copy), and more recently, The Five and The Border, etc., etc., I was hesitant to read the first book in the Matthew Corbett series -- Speaks the Nightbird. But, it's a McCammon, so I bought it in paperback several years back. Then I looked at it. Thought about it. Put it in a box. Took it out of the box. Read the cover. I did this for years, with a certain amount of distaste - historical fiction? What's next? Bodice-buster gothic romance?! I just couldn't do it. Until a few months ago when I ran out of stuff to read in the house. So, I picked up the paperback, dusted it off, and entered Matthew Corbett's world. I haven't been out since. Mr. Slaughter is Matthew Corbett's third adventure. I enjoyed it immensely. The pace of the novel is breakneck and Mr. Slaughter's character (to whom we were introduced in Matthew Corbett's adventure number two, The Queen of Bedlam), is a spine tingling 1700's serial killer whose pure evilness rivals the hair-raising Hannibal Lecter. A warning, there is a lot of gruesomeness in this book. And the victims are innocent, which makes the horror all the more shocking and deplorable. I heartily recommend Mr. Slaughter, with a caveat – you really should read book numbers one and two first to understand the characters and storyline completely. For example, in Mr. Slaughter Matthew is having a crisis of conscience which evolved from something that took place in book number two. I am in the middle of The Providence Rider, book number four. Which is, by the way, also awesome... I’m not sure WHAT I’m going to do once I’ve read all of Matthew’s adventures. There should be a support group out there somewhere.

my disappointment convtinues to grow. I'd high hopes when I began the series, and was looking forward to the story's chief actor, young, sixteen years-old or so, Matthew Corbett maturing both physically and intellectually as the series progressed. Unfortunately, in the course of three novels, not only has he not grown in the in the least intellectually, he has actually regressed to the level of either a fairly bright nine year-old, or a far from bright tweny five-ish, young adult.

I really enjoyed this book! The plot wasn't quite as unpredictable as some of the plots in the preceding novels, but the wordplay and character development was much stronger. I really just had a great time reading it! It was hard to put down, that's for sure! McCammon is very talented, and this was one of his better books - though I have yet to read a book penned by him that I haven't enjoyed. The title character was a sort of tribute to the Devil-Barber of Fleet Street, and its grisly scenes were well done. It brought me to tears, actually (dog lovers, beware!). I am excited to see where the series goes next!

MISTER SLAUGHTER is the third in the series of Matthew Corbett detective novels. Corbett lives in New York at the beginning of the 18th century and works for the London- and New York-based Herrald Agency, a small problem-solving business . In the current adventure, Matthew and senior partner Hudson Greathouse, are hired to transport Slaughter, a dangerous and likely deranged highwayman to New York for extradition back to England to answer for his crimes. Naturally, things go horribly wrong, Slaughter escapes, and Matthew must track him down in the wilds of the New York countryside and environs and recapture him. This novel is by far the bloodiest and most violent of the three. Slaughter is a clever monster who will stop at nothing to get what he wants, his freedom, leaving behind a trail of mayhem, gore and extreme physical and psychological violence. Matthew is aided in his hunt by two excellent supporting characters, a young London-educated Seneca indian brave and a very tough and resourceful young teenaged boy. There are a couple of ancillary mysteries and side plots to be negotiated along the way, some amusing and some that foreshadow events that will unfold in future novels. While MISTER SLAUGHTER surely is historical fiction, and there is a lot of history here, McCammon plays the history a little faster and looser with than he did in the first novel, and some might object to non-period speech styles, but this did not bother me at all, although I did take note of it. There is an afterward in which McCammon explains that after he wrote the first novel that needed to be set to coincide with the end of the witch hunting era, he decided that a New York of the 1730s was a more interesting setting for the remainder of the series than that of turn of the century. Not wanting to age Matthew into his 50s, he decided to take certain liberties with the times and places. I understand the decision, even if it does confuse a bit of the history. If I had to work up a criticism of the novel, I guess it would be that some of the events near the end are just a bit over the top, and Matthew's physical prowess seems at times just a bit too limited to go one on one with the giant and far more experienced killer, Slaughter. MISTER SLAUGHTER is the fastest paced of all the novels so far, and contains bits of intentional humor to offset the extreme horror that is all around whenever Slaughter is in the picture. While I do miss the supernatural horror that McCammon used to write (and in fact still does occasionally), his last half-dozen books or so, while more mainstream, are just as good (or better) and just as enjoyable as anything that he has written. I'll be ordering THE PROVIDENCE RIDER, the fourth and most recently published entry in the series, as soon as I post this review. Recommended. J.M. Tepper

This book differed from the others in the series. Not as much "problem solving" but much more action. An unbelievable adventure. I just couldn't believe what our hero went through. That being said I really didn't like what happened to Lark and her family but especially to her. Why did the author have to subject her to rape? We know Slaughter is a psychopath but I felt that it was too much but more importantly it was unnecessary. Otherwise it was great

If you, like me, are a sucker for crackling, well crafted historical fiction, this is the series for you. Strongly drawn male AND female characters. A hero who uses his mind because he's no great shakes with sword, pistol or fists, but is as brave and stalwart a hero as anyone you will meet via Kindle or the printed page, Matthew Corbett embodies the best virtues of what we would like to see in ourselves; intelligence, integrity, loyalty and the ability to learn from his mistakes. My only worry is that Corbett takes such a beatings from bad guys, bears, and even officers of the law that he'll be in a wheelchair sipping his meals through straws by Book Six or Seven.

Mister Slaughter by Robert McCammon December 7 to December 23, 2014 Third book in the Matthew Corbett Series Recommended by internet friends This is the third book and story in this wonderful series set in the early 1700s here in America...of course at that time we were still part of the United Kingdom. Matthew considered himself English. From my point of view, he was quit the British snob in many way. However he is a likeable well written character. He is only growing up, but he is learning more about what he is able to do when it is necessary. The Matthew Corbett series is part of the Historical Fiction genre. We learn much about the dangerous settling of some of our best known cities, early Indian and Colonist interaction, hospitality towards strangers, early 18th century travel and much more. However, for me this story could also be considered part of the horror genre. I say this because of the many horrible killings that took place in this book. I would imagine for some these bloody horrible deaths would be more blood and guts than they are willing to read about. For me the whole story was worth the discomfort of these bloody and senseless murders carried out by Mister Slaughter. We see Matthew's character develop and mature as he sets out to save the day! I enjoyed this book very much and would recommend it to most. 5 stars.

Just finished Robert McCammon's Mister Slaughter, a murder mystery set in the early 1700s in Manhattan (and the Carolinas and some other locales). Murder mystery is not quite accurate, although there is quite a bit of murder and mystery. This is the 3rd book in a series about Matthew Corbett, one time law clerk and solver of puzzles. I found about this series from Adam-Troy Castro, who mentioned that the second book had the best swordfight he'd ever read. The sword fight and the barroom brawl and the other fights and action scenes all are very good but again the books aren't primarily action any more than they are primarily mysteries. Mostly they are excellent historical fiction. McCammon makes the time and place come alive. You can feel the mud squish under your boots reading these books. Highly recommended.

This is the third book I have read in the Matthew Corbett series and they just keep getting better and better. Interestingly enough, at the conclusion of this book, not previous books, the author discusses historical accuracy and how difficult that is to achieve. I am not sure why he chose to do this unless it is because of some negative comments he has received. Well, the author clearly states that his books are "historical fiction" not historical fact or textbooks. I have been a fan of history for many years, although I prefer 19th century American history to that of the 18th century. I think this author does a pretty good job with the history of the time. I was surprised to learn that this author has a reputation as an author of horror books. I had not heard of him until recently. Well, there is indeed some horror in this series, albeit not of the Stephen King type, but enough to make these books keep you up late at night. I will definitely read the other books in this series. Time to download another one now!

I cannot remember the last time I followed an author with as much interest as I have followed R. McCammon. I have not read his early works, and am a little afraid to do so, but my unwillingness is waning. Meeting Matthew Corbett for the first time when he was traveling as a Clerk to the town who had a supposed witch in custody, I thought he was a wimpy side character, but it wasn't long before I was rooting for him and was excited to learn he was, in fact, the main protagonist. He is presented in the three books I've read thus far with all his weaknesses and foibles, which endears him to me. The goriness of the stories is unimaginable, but it's not far-fetched considering the time we're in and the people we're dealing with. The genuineness of the place, the environs, the smells, the sounds is incredible. I hear, smell, see what McCammon describes. He totally draws me in to this time and place. I can't wait to see what Matthew does next.

If the violence in this book does not make your hair stand on end nothing will. And I mean brutal, evil violence. In this the third book in Robert McCammon's "Matthew Corbet" series that young man, now an detective for "The Hearald Agency" must track down the most evil villain ever to appear in historical fiction. All this after he and his mentor allow the animal to escape. I know that authors craft stories that sometimes ask the reader to turn a blind eye incongruities in the story that allow the players to get to where he wants them to go. But, honestly this is the first time I have run into where I have to conclude that the hero is stupid. The setting is the wilderness of New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania in the early Eighteenth Century. There are wild beasts, Indians and outlaws in the woods. Why then would two men be escorting a known murderer to his fate through such country have only one pistol between them? The book is a great read. The characters are engaging and the story pulls you along a break neck pace. It's just the stupidity that is galling. Why aren't the good guys better armed? Why doesn't the hero call on the yeomanry to aid him in his quest? There are so many such questions that come to mind it isn't funny.

ok

very good

This is the 3rd book in the Matthew Corbett series, concerning the exploits of a young detective during the Colonial period spanning from New York to North Carolina. This one reads like the other two: wonderful, descriptive writing at a break neck pace. If you haven't yet pick up Speaks the Nightbird, followed by the Queen of Bedlam, before you read this.

Fast-paced, vivid, interesting characters, fun time period, and and excellent adventure! Mr. Slaughter is a wonderful book and a wonderfully awful character. Corbett is an awesome hero, and sharp as a razor!

Love all Mr.McCammon's books..this was the 10th one I have read.Great EVERY time.The Mathew Corbett series...already pre ordered the next one River of Souls.

Outstsnding

Robert McCammon is brilliant at setting a scene. The reader feels like they are immersed in early 18th Century colonial America. An America where the frontier is very close. Of course McCammon is giving a representation of how it might have been but it is very, very believable. I am reading all the Matthew Corbett books in sequence and this is perhaps not as good as the first two but that is little criticism. The first two were perfect. My criticisms are minor - I suspect the illustrations are included to add to the 'ye olde world book' vibe but even though they are well rendered, I do not think they add anything and are a little distracting. The depictions of native Americans runs the risk of seeing them as 'noble savages' but it does pull back from that and we get a more nuanced view of them. (And I suspect I would rather use their medical expertise than that offered by European medicine in 1702!) It was also a little annoying that such a recent book seemed to be out of print and I was obliged to buy a rather expensive hardback. In any case I recommend this (and all the books in the series) to those who like historical detective and mystery fiction

Yeah, I read this book months ago and it's still in my head. I loved so much about this book. Lot's of creepy parts in it. So great!

I'm ready for the next one. Bring on Matthew's next adventure with The great one and professor fell and wife.

Ok, being a die-hard Robert McCammon fan, having devoured Swan Song (twice, and I bought the Kindle version to read again in light of the current political climate), Boys Life, Wolf's Hour, Stinger, Mine (I have a signed copy), and more recently, The Five and The Border, etc., etc., I was hesitant to read the first book in the Matthew Corbett series -- Speaks the Nightbird. But, it's a McCammon, so I bought it in paperback several years back. Then I looked at it. Thought about it. Put it in a box. Took it out of the box. Read the cover. I did this for years, with a certain amount of distaste - historical fiction? What's next? Bodice-buster gothic romance?! I just couldn't do it. Until a few months ago when I ran out of stuff to read in the house. So, I picked up the paperback, dusted it off, and entered Matthew Corbett's world. I haven't been out since. Mr. Slaughter is Matthew Corbett's third adventure. I enjoyed it immensely. The pace of the novel is breakneck and Mr. Slaughter's character (to whom we were introduced in Matthew Corbett's adventure number two, The Queen of Bedlam), is a spine tingling 1700's serial killer whose pure evilness rivals the hair-raising Hannibal Lecter. A warning, there is a lot of gruesomeness in this book. And the victims are innocent, which makes the horror all the more shocking and deplorable. I heartily recommend Mr. Slaughter, with a caveat – you really should read book numbers one and two first to understand the characters and storyline completely. For example, in Mr. Slaughter Matthew is having a crisis of conscience which evolved from something that took place in book number two. I am in the middle of The Providence Rider, book number four. Which is, by the way, also awesome... I’m not sure WHAT I’m going to do once I’ve read all of Matthew’s adventures. There should be a support group out there somewhere.

my disappointment convtinues to grow. I'd high hopes when I began the series, and was looking forward to the story's chief actor, young, sixteen years-old or so, Matthew Corbett maturing both physically and intellectually as the series progressed. Unfortunately, in the course of three novels, not only has he not grown in the in the least intellectually, he has actually regressed to the level of either a fairly bright nine year-old, or a far from bright tweny five-ish, young adult.

I really enjoyed this book! The plot wasn't quite as unpredictable as some of the plots in the preceding novels, but the wordplay and character development was much stronger. I really just had a great time reading it! It was hard to put down, that's for sure! McCammon is very talented, and this was one of his better books - though I have yet to read a book penned by him that I haven't enjoyed. The title character was a sort of tribute to the Devil-Barber of Fleet Street, and its grisly scenes were well done. It brought me to tears, actually (dog lovers, beware!). I am excited to see where the series goes next!

MISTER SLAUGHTER is the third in the series of Matthew Corbett detective novels. Corbett lives in New York at the beginning of the 18th century and works for the London- and New York-based Herrald Agency, a small problem-solving business . In the current adventure, Matthew and senior partner Hudson Greathouse, are hired to transport Slaughter, a dangerous and likely deranged highwayman to New York for extradition back to England to answer for his crimes. Naturally, things go horribly wrong, Slaughter escapes, and Matthew must track him down in the wilds of the New York countryside and environs and recapture him. This novel is by far the bloodiest and most violent of the three. Slaughter is a clever monster who will stop at nothing to get what he wants, his freedom, leaving behind a trail of mayhem, gore and extreme physical and psychological violence. Matthew is aided in his hunt by two excellent supporting characters, a young London-educated Seneca indian brave and a very tough and resourceful young teenaged boy. There are a couple of ancillary mysteries and side plots to be negotiated along the way, some amusing and some that foreshadow events that will unfold in future novels. While MISTER SLAUGHTER surely is historical fiction, and there is a lot of history here, McCammon plays the history a little faster and looser with than he did in the first novel, and some might object to non-period speech styles, but this did not bother me at all, although I did take note of it. There is an afterward in which McCammon explains that after he wrote the first novel that needed to be set to coincide with the end of the witch hunting era, he decided that a New York of the 1730s was a more interesting setting for the remainder of the series than that of turn of the century. Not wanting to age Matthew into his 50s, he decided to take certain liberties with the times and places. I understand the decision, even if it does confuse a bit of the history. If I had to work up a criticism of the novel, I guess it would be that some of the events near the end are just a bit over the top, and Matthew's physical prowess seems at times just a bit too limited to go one on one with the giant and far more experienced killer, Slaughter. MISTER SLAUGHTER is the fastest paced of all the novels so far, and contains bits of intentional humor to offset the extreme horror that is all around whenever Slaughter is in the picture. While I do miss the supernatural horror that McCammon used to write (and in fact still does occasionally), his last half-dozen books or so, while more mainstream, are just as good (or better) and just as enjoyable as anything that he has written. I'll be ordering THE PROVIDENCE RIDER, the fourth and most recently published entry in the series, as soon as I post this review. Recommended. J.M. Tepper

This book differed from the others in the series. Not as much "problem solving" but much more action. An unbelievable adventure. I just couldn't believe what our hero went through. That being said I really didn't like what happened to Lark and her family but especially to her. Why did the author have to subject her to rape? We know Slaughter is a psychopath but I felt that it was too much but more importantly it was unnecessary. Otherwise it was great

If you, like me, are a sucker for crackling, well crafted historical fiction, this is the series for you. Strongly drawn male AND female characters. A hero who uses his mind because he's no great shakes with sword, pistol or fists, but is as brave and stalwart a hero as anyone you will meet via Kindle or the printed page, Matthew Corbett embodies the best virtues of what we would like to see in ourselves; intelligence, integrity, loyalty and the ability to learn from his mistakes. My only worry is that Corbett takes such a beatings from bad guys, bears, and even officers of the law that he'll be in a wheelchair sipping his meals through straws by Book Six or Seven.

Mister Slaughter by Robert McCammon December 7 to December 23, 2014 Third book in the Matthew Corbett Series Recommended by internet friends This is the third book and story in this wonderful series set in the early 1700s here in America...of course at that time we were still part of the United Kingdom. Matthew considered himself English. From my point of view, he was quit the British snob in many way. However he is a likeable well written character. He is only growing up, but he is learning more about what he is able to do when it is necessary. The Matthew Corbett series is part of the Historical Fiction genre. We learn much about the dangerous settling of some of our best known cities, early Indian and Colonist interaction, hospitality towards strangers, early 18th century travel and much more. However, for me this story could also be considered part of the horror genre. I say this because of the many horrible killings that took place in this book. I would imagine for some these bloody horrible deaths would be more blood and guts than they are willing to read about. For me the whole story was worth the discomfort of these bloody and senseless murders carried out by Mister Slaughter. We see Matthew's character develop and mature as he sets out to save the day! I enjoyed this book very much and would recommend it to most. 5 stars.

Just finished Robert McCammon's Mister Slaughter, a murder mystery set in the early 1700s in Manhattan (and the Carolinas and some other locales). Murder mystery is not quite accurate, although there is quite a bit of murder and mystery. This is the 3rd book in a series about Matthew Corbett, one time law clerk and solver of puzzles. I found about this series from Adam-Troy Castro, who mentioned that the second book had the best swordfight he'd ever read. The sword fight and the barroom brawl and the other fights and action scenes all are very good but again the books aren't primarily action any more than they are primarily mysteries. Mostly they are excellent historical fiction. McCammon makes the time and place come alive. You can feel the mud squish under your boots reading these books. Highly recommended.

This is the third book I have read in the Matthew Corbett series and they just keep getting better and better. Interestingly enough, at the conclusion of this book, not previous books, the author discusses historical accuracy and how difficult that is to achieve. I am not sure why he chose to do this unless it is because of some negative comments he has received. Well, the author clearly states that his books are "historical fiction" not historical fact or textbooks. I have been a fan of history for many years, although I prefer 19th century American history to that of the 18th century. I think this author does a pretty good job with the history of the time. I was surprised to learn that this author has a reputation as an author of horror books. I had not heard of him until recently. Well, there is indeed some horror in this series, albeit not of the Stephen King type, but enough to make these books keep you up late at night. I will definitely read the other books in this series. Time to download another one now!

I cannot remember the last time I followed an author with as much interest as I have followed R. McCammon. I have not read his early works, and am a little afraid to do so, but my unwillingness is waning. Meeting Matthew Corbett for the first time when he was traveling as a Clerk to the town who had a supposed witch in custody, I thought he was a wimpy side character, but it wasn't long before I was rooting for him and was excited to learn he was, in fact, the main protagonist. He is presented in the three books I've read thus far with all his weaknesses and foibles, which endears him to me. The goriness of the stories is unimaginable, but it's not far-fetched considering the time we're in and the people we're dealing with. The genuineness of the place, the environs, the smells, the sounds is incredible. I hear, smell, see what McCammon describes. He totally draws me in to this time and place. I can't wait to see what Matthew does next.

Robert does an amazing job once again of placing you on the scene, at the time right as everything is happening.

One complaint...Too damn short! Waiting for a new Matthew Corbett story is like waiting for Christmas or a trip to Disney World, it's always a painful wait and over to fast. This novel is a worthy follow up to the first two and Mr. McCammons writing is as sharp and brilliant as ever. I finished it yesterday and have settled into the long wait for the next.

Best one I've read so far. So glad I have 3 more books to read and hope they are just as good if not better

Robert McCammon is an excellent writer. The Matthew Corbett series is witty and entertaining.

Third in the Matthew Corbett colonial mysteries. As he becomes part of the Herrald agency Matthew meets some amazing allies and ruthless enemies. He and Greathouse make a mistake that almost is their last, but they live into the fourth installment The Providence Rider. Reminscence of Sherlock Holmes these are greatly written stories versus good and evil.

McCammon has a real winner with this incredible series

Robert McCammon knocks it out of the park, excellent book, great characters. A wee bit see through at times but an enjoyable romp!

The book was slow starting. The behavior of our heroes was so unexpected, that the reader was disbelieving of their actions. But the author redeems himself and shows this to be a fine series. You will get hooked.

Still loved Speaks the Nightbird best, but this was an enjoyable continuation of Matthew Corbett's journey. I look forward to reading the next.

I'm delighted with this take on historical fiction; it's not military and has no boring battle scenes. The intelligence shown by the characters and the state of the art forensics (for the time period) make it exciting to read.

Ok, being a die-hard Robert McCammon fan, having devoured Swan Song (twice, and I bought the Kindle version to read again in light of the current political climate), Boys Life, Wolf's Hour, Stinger, Mine (I have a signed copy), and more recently, The Five and The Border, etc., etc., I was hesitant to read the first book in the Matthew Corbett series -- Speaks the Nightbird. But, it's a McCammon, so I bought it in paperback several years back. Then I looked at it. Thought about it. Put it in a box. Took it out of the box. Read the cover. I did this for years, with a certain amount of distaste - historical fiction? What's next? Bodice-buster gothic romance?! I just couldn't do it. Until a few months ago when I ran out of stuff to read in the house. So, I picked up the paperback, dusted it off, and entered Matthew Corbett's world. I haven't been out since. Mr. Slaughter is Matthew Corbett's third adventure. I enjoyed it immensely. The pace of the novel is breakneck and Mr. Slaughter's character (to whom we were introduced in Matthew Corbett's adventure number two, The Queen of Bedlam), is a spine tingling 1700's serial killer whose pure evilness rivals the hair-raising Hannibal Lecter. A warning, there is a lot of gruesomeness in this book. And the victims are innocent, which makes the horror all the more shocking and deplorable. I heartily recommend Mr. Slaughter, with a caveat – you really should read book numbers one and two first to understand the characters and storyline completely. For example, in Mr. Slaughter Matthew is having a crisis of conscience which evolved from something that took place in book number two. I am in the middle of The Providence Rider, book number four. Which is, by the way, also awesome... I’m not sure WHAT I’m going to do once I’ve read all of Matthew’s adventures. There should be a support group out there somewhere.

my disappointment convtinues to grow. I'd high hopes when I began the series, and was looking forward to the story's chief actor, young, sixteen years-old or so, Matthew Corbett maturing both physically and intellectually as the series progressed. Unfortunately, in the course of three novels, not only has he not grown in the in the least intellectually, he has actually regressed to the level of either a fairly bright nine year-old, or a far from bright tweny five-ish, young adult.

I really enjoyed this book! The plot wasn't quite as unpredictable as some of the plots in the preceding novels, but the wordplay and character development was much stronger. I really just had a great time reading it! It was hard to put down, that's for sure! McCammon is very talented, and this was one of his better books - though I have yet to read a book penned by him that I haven't enjoyed. The title character was a sort of tribute to the Devil-Barber of Fleet Street, and its grisly scenes were well done. It brought me to tears, actually (dog lovers, beware!). I am excited to see where the series goes next!

MISTER SLAUGHTER is the third in the series of Matthew Corbett detective novels. Corbett lives in New York at the beginning of the 18th century and works for the London- and New York-based Herrald Agency, a small problem-solving business . In the current adventure, Matthew and senior partner Hudson Greathouse, are hired to transport Slaughter, a dangerous and likely deranged highwayman to New York for extradition back to England to answer for his crimes. Naturally, things go horribly wrong, Slaughter escapes, and Matthew must track him down in the wilds of the New York countryside and environs and recapture him. This novel is by far the bloodiest and most violent of the three. Slaughter is a clever monster who will stop at nothing to get what he wants, his freedom, leaving behind a trail of mayhem, gore and extreme physical and psychological violence. Matthew is aided in his hunt by two excellent supporting characters, a young London-educated Seneca indian brave and a very tough and resourceful young teenaged boy. There are a couple of ancillary mysteries and side plots to be negotiated along the way, some amusing and some that foreshadow events that will unfold in future novels. While MISTER SLAUGHTER surely is historical fiction, and there is a lot of history here, McCammon plays the history a little faster and looser with than he did in the first novel, and some might object to non-period speech styles, but this did not bother me at all, although I did take note of it. There is an afterward in which McCammon explains that after he wrote the first novel that needed to be set to coincide with the end of the witch hunting era, he decided that a New York of the 1730s was a more interesting setting for the remainder of the series than that of turn of the century. Not wanting to age Matthew into his 50s, he decided to take certain liberties with the times and places. I understand the decision, even if it does confuse a bit of the history. If I had to work up a criticism of the novel, I guess it would be that some of the events near the end are just a bit over the top, and Matthew's physical prowess seems at times just a bit too limited to go one on one with the giant and far more experienced killer, Slaughter. MISTER SLAUGHTER is the fastest paced of all the novels so far, and contains bits of intentional humor to offset the extreme horror that is all around whenever Slaughter is in the picture. While I do miss the supernatural horror that McCammon used to write (and in fact still does occasionally), his last half-dozen books or so, while more mainstream, are just as good (or better) and just as enjoyable as anything that he has written. I'll be ordering THE PROVIDENCE RIDER, the fourth and most recently published entry in the series, as soon as I post this review. Recommended. J.M. Tepper

This book differed from the others in the series. Not as much "problem solving" but much more action. An unbelievable adventure. I just couldn't believe what our hero went through. That being said I really didn't like what happened to Lark and her family but especially to her. Why did the author have to subject her to rape? We know Slaughter is a psychopath but I felt that it was too much but more importantly it was unnecessary. Otherwise it was great

If you, like me, are a sucker for crackling, well crafted historical fiction, this is the series for you. Strongly drawn male AND female characters. A hero who uses his mind because he's no great shakes with sword, pistol or fists, but is as brave and stalwart a hero as anyone you will meet via Kindle or the printed page, Matthew Corbett embodies the best virtues of what we would like to see in ourselves; intelligence, integrity, loyalty and the ability to learn from his mistakes. My only worry is that Corbett takes such a beatings from bad guys, bears, and even officers of the law that he'll be in a wheelchair sipping his meals through straws by Book Six or Seven.

Mister Slaughter by Robert McCammon December 7 to December 23, 2014 Third book in the Matthew Corbett Series Recommended by internet friends This is the third book and story in this wonderful series set in the early 1700s here in America...of course at that time we were still part of the United Kingdom. Matthew considered himself English. From my point of view, he was quit the British snob in many way. However he is a likeable well written character. He is only growing up, but he is learning more about what he is able to do when it is necessary. The Matthew Corbett series is part of the Historical Fiction genre. We learn much about the dangerous settling of some of our best known cities, early Indian and Colonist interaction, hospitality towards strangers, early 18th century travel and much more. However, for me this story could also be considered part of the horror genre. I say this because of the many horrible killings that took place in this book. I would imagine for some these bloody horrible deaths would be more blood and guts than they are willing to read about. For me the whole story was worth the discomfort of these bloody and senseless murders carried out by Mister Slaughter. We see Matthew's character develop and mature as he sets out to save the day! I enjoyed this book very much and would recommend it to most. 5 stars.

Just finished Robert McCammon's Mister Slaughter, a murder mystery set in the early 1700s in Manhattan (and the Carolinas and some other locales). Murder mystery is not quite accurate, although there is quite a bit of murder and mystery. This is the 3rd book in a series about Matthew Corbett, one time law clerk and solver of puzzles. I found about this series from Adam-Troy Castro, who mentioned that the second book had the best swordfight he'd ever read. The sword fight and the barroom brawl and the other fights and action scenes all are very good but again the books aren't primarily action any more than they are primarily mysteries. Mostly they are excellent historical fiction. McCammon makes the time and place come alive. You can feel the mud squish under your boots reading these books. Highly recommended.

This is the third book I have read in the Matthew Corbett series and they just keep getting better and better. Interestingly enough, at the conclusion of this book, not previous books, the author discusses historical accuracy and how difficult that is to achieve. I am not sure why he chose to do this unless it is because of some negative comments he has received. Well, the author clearly states that his books are "historical fiction" not historical fact or textbooks. I have been a fan of history for many years, although I prefer 19th century American history to that of the 18th century. I think this author does a pretty good job with the history of the time. I was surprised to learn that this author has a reputation as an author of horror books. I had not heard of him until recently. Well, there is indeed some horror in this series, albeit not of the Stephen King type, but enough to make these books keep you up late at night. I will definitely read the other books in this series. Time to download another one now!

I cannot remember the last time I followed an author with as much interest as I have followed R. McCammon. I have not read his early works, and am a little afraid to do so, but my unwillingness is waning. Meeting Matthew Corbett for the first time when he was traveling as a Clerk to the town who had a supposed witch in custody, I thought he was a wimpy side character, but it wasn't long before I was rooting for him and was excited to learn he was, in fact, the main protagonist. He is presented in the three books I've read thus far with all his weaknesses and foibles, which endears him to me. The goriness of the stories is unimaginable, but it's not far-fetched considering the time we're in and the people we're dealing with. The genuineness of the place, the environs, the smells, the sounds is incredible. I hear, smell, see what McCammon describes. He totally draws me in to this time and place. I can't wait to see what Matthew does next.

Perhaps McCammon's finest all time effort.

A great continuing of the Matthew Corbet series. While starting slowly, it continuously picks up the pace throughout the story to the climax. It is more like "Nightbird", yet not quite as quick paced but much better than I remember Queen of Bedlam being. Definitely a good bridge to continue the story line to future novels. Robert McCammon has done it again!!

This was actually a gift purchase, but I have read this book and it is definitely a 5 star. He is one of my favorite authors. He keeps the suspense going and it is a page turner for sure. I would recommend this book to anyone who favors historical fiction.

All of Robert McCammons books are spellbinding, this one was no different. It's a riveting read and I recommend it to anyone who appreciates historical thrillers.

Enjoying this series and highly recommend it to all 'detective' lovers!

I would recommend this book to anyone who likes Robert McCammon, definitely the best in the series so far, I have "providence rider" on order and expect nothing less.

McCammon is a GREAT writer. And this is McCammon at his best. I hope he writes more of this series. (SOON!) I try to make his books last, but I read them too fast. If you like historical adventure mystery fiction (and/or McCammon), you should love these books.

Great books I love the era it's set in keeps you on the edge of your seat

Third in a series of four. So good I want to read it all over again. Best yet! Very suspenseful.

I love Robert McCammon. He is an excellent writer. Character development great. He brings people and places to life. I especially love his Matthew Corbett books. This one is really good. I loved the first one. The second not as much, but still good. This third one is again exciting and the action never stops coming.

Ok, being a die-hard Robert McCammon fan, having devoured Swan Song (twice, and I bought the Kindle version to read again in light of the current political climate), Boys Life, Wolf's Hour, Stinger, Mine (I have a signed copy), and more recently, The Five and The Border, etc., etc., I was hesitant to read the first book in the Matthew Corbett series -- Speaks the Nightbird. But, it's a McCammon, so I bought it in paperback several years back. Then I looked at it. Thought about it. Put it in a box. Took it out of the box. Read the cover. I did this for years, with a certain amount of distaste - historical fiction? What's next? Bodice-buster gothic romance?! I just couldn't do it. Until a few months ago when I ran out of stuff to read in the house. So, I picked up the paperback, dusted it off, and entered Matthew Corbett's world. I haven't been out since. Mr. Slaughter is Matthew Corbett's third adventure. I enjoyed it immensely. The pace of the novel is breakneck and Mr. Slaughter's character (to whom we were introduced in Matthew Corbett's adventure number two, The Queen of Bedlam), is a spine tingling 1700's serial killer whose pure evilness rivals the hair-raising Hannibal Lecter. A warning, there is a lot of gruesomeness in this book. And the victims are innocent, which makes the horror all the more shocking and deplorable. I heartily recommend Mr. Slaughter, with a caveat – you really should read book numbers one and two first to understand the characters and storyline completely. For example, in Mr. Slaughter Matthew is having a crisis of conscience which evolved from something that took place in book number two. I am in the middle of The Providence Rider, book number four. Which is, by the way, also awesome... I’m not sure WHAT I’m going to do once I’ve read all of Matthew’s adventures. There should be a support group out there somewhere.

my disappointment convtinues to grow. I'd high hopes when I began the series, and was looking forward to the story's chief actor, young, sixteen years-old or so, Matthew Corbett maturing both physically and intellectually as the series progressed. Unfortunately, in the course of three novels, not only has he not grown in the in the least intellectually, he has actually regressed to the level of either a fairly bright nine year-old, or a far from bright tweny five-ish, young adult.

I really enjoyed this book! The plot wasn't quite as unpredictable as some of the plots in the preceding novels, but the wordplay and character development was much stronger. I really just had a great time reading it! It was hard to put down, that's for sure! McCammon is very talented, and this was one of his better books - though I have yet to read a book penned by him that I haven't enjoyed. The title character was a sort of tribute to the Devil-Barber of Fleet Street, and its grisly scenes were well done. It brought me to tears, actually (dog lovers, beware!). I am excited to see where the series goes next!

MISTER SLAUGHTER is the third in the series of Matthew Corbett detective novels. Corbett lives in New York at the beginning of the 18th century and works for the London- and New York-based Herrald Agency, a small problem-solving business . In the current adventure, Matthew and senior partner Hudson Greathouse, are hired to transport Slaughter, a dangerous and likely deranged highwayman to New York for extradition back to England to answer for his crimes. Naturally, things go horribly wrong, Slaughter escapes, and Matthew must track him down in the wilds of the New York countryside and environs and recapture him. This novel is by far the bloodiest and most violent of the three. Slaughter is a clever monster who will stop at nothing to get what he wants, his freedom, leaving behind a trail of mayhem, gore and extreme physical and psychological violence. Matthew is aided in his hunt by two excellent supporting characters, a young London-educated Seneca indian brave and a very tough and resourceful young teenaged boy. There are a couple of ancillary mysteries and side plots to be negotiated along the way, some amusing and some that foreshadow events that will unfold in future novels. While MISTER SLAUGHTER surely is historical fiction, and there is a lot of history here, McCammon plays the history a little faster and looser with than he did in the first novel, and some might object to non-period speech styles, but this did not bother me at all, although I did take note of it. There is an afterward in which McCammon explains that after he wrote the first novel that needed to be set to coincide with the end of the witch hunting era, he decided that a New York of the 1730s was a more interesting setting for the remainder of the series than that of turn of the century. Not wanting to age Matthew into his 50s, he decided to take certain liberties with the times and places. I understand the decision, even if it does confuse a bit of the history. If I had to work up a criticism of the novel, I guess it would be that some of the events near the end are just a bit over the top, and Matthew's physical prowess seems at times just a bit too limited to go one on one with the giant and far more experienced killer, Slaughter. MISTER SLAUGHTER is the fastest paced of all the novels so far, and contains bits of intentional humor to offset the extreme horror that is all around whenever Slaughter is in the picture. While I do miss the supernatural horror that McCammon used to write (and in fact still does occasionally), his last half-dozen books or so, while more mainstream, are just as good (or better) and just as enjoyable as anything that he has written. I'll be ordering THE PROVIDENCE RIDER, the fourth and most recently published entry in the series, as soon as I post this review. Recommended. J.M. Tepper

This book differed from the others in the series. Not as much "problem solving" but much more action. An unbelievable adventure. I just couldn't believe what our hero went through. That being said I really didn't like what happened to Lark and her family but especially to her. Why did the author have to subject her to rape? We know Slaughter is a psychopath but I felt that it was too much but more importantly it was unnecessary. Otherwise it was great

If you, like me, are a sucker for crackling, well crafted historical fiction, this is the series for you. Strongly drawn male AND female characters. A hero who uses his mind because he's no great shakes with sword, pistol or fists, but is as brave and stalwart a hero as anyone you will meet via Kindle or the printed page, Matthew Corbett embodies the best virtues of what we would like to see in ourselves; intelligence, integrity, loyalty and the ability to learn from his mistakes. My only worry is that Corbett takes such a beatings from bad guys, bears, and even officers of the law that he'll be in a wheelchair sipping his meals through straws by Book Six or Seven.

Mister Slaughter by Robert McCammon December 7 to December 23, 2014 Third book in the Matthew Corbett Series Recommended by internet friends This is the third book and story in this wonderful series set in the early 1700s here in America...of course at that time we were still part of the United Kingdom. Matthew considered himself English. From my point of view, he was quit the British snob in many way. However he is a likeable well written character. He is only growing up, but he is learning more about what he is able to do when it is necessary. The Matthew Corbett series is part of the Historical Fiction genre. We learn much about the dangerous settling of some of our best known cities, early Indian and Colonist interaction, hospitality towards strangers, early 18th century travel and much more. However, for me this story could also be considered part of the horror genre. I say this because of the many horrible killings that took place in this book. I would imagine for some these bloody horrible deaths would be more blood and guts than they are willing to read about. For me the whole story was worth the discomfort of these bloody and senseless murders carried out by Mister Slaughter. We see Matthew's character develop and mature as he sets out to save the day! I enjoyed this book very much and would recommend it to most. 5 stars.

Just finished Robert McCammon's Mister Slaughter, a murder mystery set in the early 1700s in Manhattan (and the Carolinas and some other locales). Murder mystery is not quite accurate, although there is quite a bit of murder and mystery. This is the 3rd book in a series about Matthew Corbett, one time law clerk and solver of puzzles. I found about this series from Adam-Troy Castro, who mentioned that the second book had the best swordfight he'd ever read. The sword fight and the barroom brawl and the other fights and action scenes all are very good but again the books aren't primarily action any more than they are primarily mysteries. Mostly they are excellent historical fiction. McCammon makes the time and place come alive. You can feel the mud squish under your boots reading these books. Highly recommended.

This is the third book I have read in the Matthew Corbett series and they just keep getting better and better. Interestingly enough, at the conclusion of this book, not previous books, the author discusses historical accuracy and how difficult that is to achieve. I am not sure why he chose to do this unless it is because of some negative comments he has received. Well, the author clearly states that his books are "historical fiction" not historical fact or textbooks. I have been a fan of history for many years, although I prefer 19th century American history to that of the 18th century. I think this author does a pretty good job with the history of the time. I was surprised to learn that this author has a reputation as an author of horror books. I had not heard of him until recently. Well, there is indeed some horror in this series, albeit not of the Stephen King type, but enough to make these books keep you up late at night. I will definitely read the other books in this series. Time to download another one now!

I cannot remember the last time I followed an author with as much interest as I have followed R. McCammon. I have not read his early works, and am a little afraid to do so, but my unwillingness is waning. Meeting Matthew Corbett for the first time when he was traveling as a Clerk to the town who had a supposed witch in custody, I thought he was a wimpy side character, but it wasn't long before I was rooting for him and was excited to learn he was, in fact, the main protagonist. He is presented in the three books I've read thus far with all his weaknesses and foibles, which endears him to me. The goriness of the stories is unimaginable, but it's not far-fetched considering the time we're in and the people we're dealing with. The genuineness of the place, the environs, the smells, the sounds is incredible. I hear, smell, see what McCammon describes. He totally draws me in to this time and place. I can't wait to see what Matthew does next.

Excellent and unrelenting. I'm looking forward to the next adventure of Mr. Corbitt!

More character development than mystery but, still, very enjoyable.

Great

Just a great book!!! Robert Mccammons books are amazing and I would recommend them to anyone who loves to read!!

Amazing, thank you

I have been a McCammon fan for many years, and I've been looking forward to this next installment in the Matthew Corbett series for a long time. The books started out fine for me and I was really getting into the suspense of it all, right up until the time Slaughter makes his proposition. ***SPOILERS FOLLOW*** Please only read if you've finished the book! I have a huge problem with the book at the turn of events where Matthew and Greathouse decide to take Slaughter up on his proposition. These guys are no dummies, and would know Slaughter is not as he appears, and to risk everything for the mere promise of what Slaughter tells them just does not sit well with me. What transpires from there all hinges around this decision, and I just don't see the motivation for these two to risk everything just for the chance at a little cash. I also have a huge problem with McCammon's brutal description of Slaughter's violence. OK, we get it, Slaughter is a bad dude. Tell me about the aftermath of his killings but I really don't need a play-by-play of Slaughter bashing in a little girl's head with a frying pan and her head falling into the coals in a fireplace. Too much information, and frankly, just out of place in my opinion with the rest of the series so far. Also over the top near the end....no need for the human sausages and the old head-stuck-in-the-axe bit. Come on, McCammon.....this is historical fiction, not schlocky B-grade horror. The final pursuit of Slaughter at the end also seemed rushed....with the suspenseful pacing of the pursuit throughout the whole book, all of a sudden a change in venue and a rushed ending, just didn't fit into the pacing of the rest of the book. Almost as if McCammon was getting tired of Slaughter and just wanted to "polish him off" quickly. This one had potential, but missed the mark in my opinion.

I gave this book a 4 star for the ending. He wraps up a so so story, that lacks his signature characters from his previous books, with a good ending that left me wanting to get book 3 in the series.

Incredible writing and such a twisted plot. Have read through book 4. The first book is still my favourite.

Trigger warning: this book contains a rape scene.

If you read the first two you are somewhat let down by Mister Slaughter, I hope the next one is better.

Ok, being a die-hard Robert McCammon fan, having devoured Swan Song (twice, and I bought the Kindle version to read again in light of the current political climate), Boys Life, Wolf's Hour, Stinger, Mine (I have a signed copy), and more recently, The Five and The Border, etc., etc., I was hesitant to read the first book in the Matthew Corbett series -- Speaks the Nightbird. But, it's a McCammon, so I bought it in paperback several years back. Then I looked at it. Thought about it. Put it in a box. Took it out of the box. Read the cover. I did this for years, with a certain amount of distaste - historical fiction? What's next? Bodice-buster gothic romance?! I just couldn't do it. Until a few months ago when I ran out of stuff to read in the house. So, I picked up the paperback, dusted it off, and entered Matthew Corbett's world. I haven't been out since. Mr. Slaughter is Matthew Corbett's third adventure. I enjoyed it immensely. The pace of the novel is breakneck and Mr. Slaughter's character (to whom we were introduced in Matthew Corbett's adventure number two, The Queen of Bedlam), is a spine tingling 1700's serial killer whose pure evilness rivals the hair-raising Hannibal Lecter. A warning, there is a lot of gruesomeness in this book. And the victims are innocent, which makes the horror all the more shocking and deplorable. I heartily recommend Mr. Slaughter, with a caveat – you really should read book numbers one and two first to understand the characters and storyline completely. For example, in Mr. Slaughter Matthew is having a crisis of conscience which evolved from something that took place in book number two. I am in the middle of The Providence Rider, book number four. Which is, by the way, also awesome... I’m not sure WHAT I’m going to do once I’ve read all of Matthew’s adventures. There should be a support group out there somewhere.

my disappointment convtinues to grow. I'd high hopes when I began the series, and was looking forward to the story's chief actor, young, sixteen years-old or so, Matthew Corbett maturing both physically and intellectually as the series progressed. Unfortunately, in the course of three novels, not only has he not grown in the in the least intellectually, he has actually regressed to the level of either a fairly bright nine year-old, or a far from bright tweny five-ish, young adult.

I really enjoyed this book! The plot wasn't quite as unpredictable as some of the plots in the preceding novels, but the wordplay and character development was much stronger. I really just had a great time reading it! It was hard to put down, that's for sure! McCammon is very talented, and this was one of his better books - though I have yet to read a book penned by him that I haven't enjoyed. The title character was a sort of tribute to the Devil-Barber of Fleet Street, and its grisly scenes were well done. It brought me to tears, actually (dog lovers, beware!). I am excited to see where the series goes next!

MISTER SLAUGHTER is the third in the series of Matthew Corbett detective novels. Corbett lives in New York at the beginning of the 18th century and works for the London- and New York-based Herrald Agency, a small problem-solving business . In the current adventure, Matthew and senior partner Hudson Greathouse, are hired to transport Slaughter, a dangerous and likely deranged highwayman to New York for extradition back to England to answer for his crimes. Naturally, things go horribly wrong, Slaughter escapes, and Matthew must track him down in the wilds of the New York countryside and environs and recapture him. This novel is by far the bloodiest and most violent of the three. Slaughter is a clever monster who will stop at nothing to get what he wants, his freedom, leaving behind a trail of mayhem, gore and extreme physical and psychological violence. Matthew is aided in his hunt by two excellent supporting characters, a young London-educated Seneca indian brave and a very tough and resourceful young teenaged boy. There are a couple of ancillary mysteries and side plots to be negotiated along the way, some amusing and some that foreshadow events that will unfold in future novels. While MISTER SLAUGHTER surely is historical fiction, and there is a lot of history here, McCammon plays the history a little faster and looser with than he did in the first novel, and some might object to non-period speech styles, but this did not bother me at all, although I did take note of it. There is an afterward in which McCammon explains that after he wrote the first novel that needed to be set to coincide with the end of the witch hunting era, he decided that a New York of the 1730s was a more interesting setting for the remainder of the series than that of turn of the century. Not wanting to age Matthew into his 50s, he decided to take certain liberties with the times and places. I understand the decision, even if it does confuse a bit of the history. If I had to work up a criticism of the novel, I guess it would be that some of the events near the end are just a bit over the top, and Matthew's physical prowess seems at times just a bit too limited to go one on one with the giant and far more experienced killer, Slaughter. MISTER SLAUGHTER is the fastest paced of all the novels so far, and contains bits of intentional humor to offset the extreme horror that is all around whenever Slaughter is in the picture. While I do miss the supernatural horror that McCammon used to write (and in fact still does occasionally), his last half-dozen books or so, while more mainstream, are just as good (or better) and just as enjoyable as anything that he has written. I'll be ordering THE PROVIDENCE RIDER, the fourth and most recently published entry in the series, as soon as I post this review. Recommended. J.M. Tepper

This book differed from the others in the series. Not as much "problem solving" but much more action. An unbelievable adventure. I just couldn't believe what our hero went through. That being said I really didn't like what happened to Lark and her family but especially to her. Why did the author have to subject her to rape? We know Slaughter is a psychopath but I felt that it was too much but more importantly it was unnecessary. Otherwise it was great

If you, like me, are a sucker for crackling, well crafted historical fiction, this is the series for you. Strongly drawn male AND female characters. A hero who uses his mind because he's no great shakes with sword, pistol or fists, but is as brave and stalwart a hero as anyone you will meet via Kindle or the printed page, Matthew Corbett embodies the best virtues of what we would like to see in ourselves; intelligence, integrity, loyalty and the ability to learn from his mistakes. My only worry is that Corbett takes such a beatings from bad guys, bears, and even officers of the law that he'll be in a wheelchair sipping his meals through straws by Book Six or Seven.

Mister Slaughter by Robert McCammon December 7 to December 23, 2014 Third book in the Matthew Corbett Series Recommended by internet friends This is the third book and story in this wonderful series set in the early 1700s here in America...of course at that time we were still part of the United Kingdom. Matthew considered himself English. From my point of view, he was quit the British snob in many way. However he is a likeable well written character. He is only growing up, but he is learning more about what he is able to do when it is necessary. The Matthew Corbett series is part of the Historical Fiction genre. We learn much about the dangerous settling of some of our best known cities, early Indian and Colonist interaction, hospitality towards strangers, early 18th century travel and much more. However, for me this story could also be considered part of the horror genre. I say this because of the many horrible killings that took place in this book. I would imagine for some these bloody horrible deaths would be more blood and guts than they are willing to read about. For me the whole story was worth the discomfort of these bloody and senseless murders carried out by Mister Slaughter. We see Matthew's character develop and mature as he sets out to save the day! I enjoyed this book very much and would recommend it to most. 5 stars.

Just finished Robert McCammon's Mister Slaughter, a murder mystery set in the early 1700s in Manhattan (and the Carolinas and some other locales). Murder mystery is not quite accurate, although there is quite a bit of murder and mystery. This is the 3rd book in a series about Matthew Corbett, one time law clerk and solver of puzzles. I found about this series from Adam-Troy Castro, who mentioned that the second book had the best swordfight he'd ever read. The sword fight and the barroom brawl and the other fights and action scenes all are very good but again the books aren't primarily action any more than they are primarily mysteries. Mostly they are excellent historical fiction. McCammon makes the time and place come alive. You can feel the mud squish under your boots reading these books. Highly recommended.

This is the third book I have read in the Matthew Corbett series and they just keep getting better and better. Interestingly enough, at the conclusion of this book, not previous books, the author discusses historical accuracy and how difficult that is to achieve. I am not sure why he chose to do this unless it is because of some negative comments he has received. Well, the author clearly states that his books are "historical fiction" not historical fact or textbooks. I have been a fan of history for many years, although I prefer 19th century American history to that of the 18th century. I think this author does a pretty good job with the history of the time. I was surprised to learn that this author has a reputation as an author of horror books. I had not heard of him until recently. Well, there is indeed some horror in this series, albeit not of the Stephen King type, but enough to make these books keep you up late at night. I will definitely read the other books in this series. Time to download another one now!

I cannot remember the last time I followed an author with as much interest as I have followed R. McCammon. I have not read his early works, and am a little afraid to do so, but my unwillingness is waning. Meeting Matthew Corbett for the first time when he was traveling as a Clerk to the town who had a supposed witch in custody, I thought he was a wimpy side character, but it wasn't long before I was rooting for him and was excited to learn he was, in fact, the main protagonist. He is presented in the three books I've read thus far with all his weaknesses and foibles, which endears him to me. The goriness of the stories is unimaginable, but it's not far-fetched considering the time we're in and the people we're dealing with. The genuineness of the place, the environs, the smells, the sounds is incredible. I hear, smell, see what McCammon describes. He totally draws me in to this time and place. I can't wait to see what Matthew does next.

I'm guessing most young readers today don't know who Robert R. McCammon is, but I remember buying his first horror novel, Baal, when it was published in 1978 as a paperback original. So, I've been reading Mr. McCammon's fiction for half of my life. Boy, that's a long time! During the 1980s and early 90s, Robert McCammon was at the top of his career having written such horror novels as Bethany's Sin, They Thirst, Mystery Walk, Usher's Passing, Swan Song, The Wolf's Hour and then a number of suspenseful mainstream books like Boy's Life, Mine, and Gone South. The author then wrote a historical novel, Speaks the Nightbird, which was the first in the "Matthew Corbett" series and dealt with a young law clerk who travels with his employer and mentor to North Carolina in the late 1600s to try a woman accused of witchcraft. What Corbett encounters is an innocent woman in jail and a town filled with evil secrets, not to mention the dangers lurking around every dark corner. Strange as it may seem, no publisher was interested in this novel. They didn't think Mr. McCammon's fans would buy a historical novel. They were wrong. But, because of his frustration in finding a publisher for his book, Mr. McCammon stopped writing altogether for nearly ten years. Fortunately for his fans, River City Publishing decided to give Speaks the Nightbird a shot in 2002 and published an extremely nice hardcover of it. The response from the readers for the novel was so enthusiastic that the author decided to write a sequel, The Queen of Bedlam, which was published five years later and continued the adventures of Matthew Corbett after his experiences in North Carolina. This time around, the young clerk is asked to join the Herald Agency, which was the first detective agency in the Colonies, and to become a problem solver with its other member, Hudson Greathouse. In this book, Corbett encounters an international crime cartel, which is led by the infamous Professor Fell and is nearly killed at the end by the good professor's accomplices. It definitely sets the stage for future things in the upcoming novels. The third book in the series is Mister Slaughter, which picks up a few months after The Queen of Bedlam. Matthew Corbett is now a celebrity after his harrowing experiences in the second novel. He has also been marked for death by the notorious Professor Fell. To add to the mix, both Corbett and Greathouse are hired by the city to escort a prisoner, Tyranthus Slaughter, from an asylum outside of Philadelphia back to New York so he can be shipped to London for hanging. It seems Slaughter murdered several people in England before making his way to the colonies in order to hide. Now, what should be an easy task for Corbett and Greathouse proves to be more difficult than either of them expects. For you see, Slaughter is quick to figure out the weaknesses of each man and to put them to use as he entices them with the prospects of a hidden cache of money. Against their better judgment, they decide to have Slaughter lead them to the buried coins and then to keep him as a prisoner, rather than granting his wish and allowing him to escape. But, escape, he does. Hudson Greathouse is seriously wounded during the prisoner's run for freedom and then Corbett blames himself for the fiasco, knowing if he had only made a decision based on wisdom, Slaughter would still be in chains and on his way to face the hangman's noose. But, if that had happened, there would be no story for us to read. With the help of a nearby tribe of Indians, Greathouse is given basic medical attention, while Corbett chases after Slaughter, determined to catch the man who almost killed them. To do this, he will have the assistance of Walks in Two Worlds, a warrior who has his own demons to battle, but decides to help Corbett in his quest. For me, this is when the adventure actually begins as Slaughter leaves a trail of blood and guts for Corbett to follow. You see, Slaughter isn't your ordinary, everyday killer. No, he's a special breed of psychopath who thoroughly enjoys the destruction of everything he encounters. Nothing makes him happier than butchering an entire family with his large knife or straight razor. In fact, Slaughter makes Hannibal Lector look like a Boy Scout by the sheer amount of carnage he leaves behind in his wake. At first, Matthew is determined to capture Slaughter alive, but as time passes and more people are murdered, he changes his mind, realizing this person is a monster in disguise, and that the only way to stop a monster is to kill it. The journey of chaos and mayhem that Matthew takes will slowly aid him in becoming a man as he witnesses the death of friends and eventually has to kill another human being in self-defense. Even more, his whole outlook on life changes as he comes into contact with an evil so corrupting and vile that it leaves him shocked and disgusted by man's inhumanity to his brethren. Robert R. McCammon, brings all of his creative talent to play in this grand adventure. His characters and scenes are vividly drawn and come to life in ways that profoundly touch the reader. I'll never forget the scenes in which the character of Tom is holding his wounded dog up to keep the animal from feeling the pain of its broken back, or when Walks in Two Worlds realizes the time has come for him to go with the spirits, and the moment when Lark and her mother attempt to save Matthew from being shot by Slaughter by surrendering their lives to the inevitable. This is writing at its absolute best, and few can do it as well as Robert R. McCammon. I'm not ashamed to admit that I am utterly addicted to the "Matthew Corbett" books and find it difficult to wait for each new novel to be published. I therefore have nothing but praise for this series of thick novels and their main character. If you want some well-written and entertaining fiction to help get you through the winter, you won't go wrong with Mister Slaughter, or the two books before it. Buy them, and then take a journey back into Colonial American for the adventure of a lifetime.

“Mister Slaughter” is a third book in the Matthew Corbett series and the first 20 % of it is essentially a continuation of the story from book #2 (“The Queen of Bedlam”). So make sure you remember book #2. Then the plot changes and new adventure begins. But you will need to read next book (#4; “The Providence Rider”) in order to know how the main mystery was wrapped up. So, in contrast to the first two books in this series, “Mister Slaughter” is not a standalone story. It also leans more toward horror than toward history. For these two reasons I enjoyed it less. But story kept my attention and irked my curiosity and I got attached to Matthew and other characters so I bought next book to find out what will happen to them.

During the 1980s and early 90s, Robert McCammon was at the top of his career having written such horror novels as Bethany's Sin, They Thirst, Mystery Walk, Usher's Passing, Swan Song, The Wolf's Hour and then a number of suspenseful mainstream books like Boy's Life, Mine, and Gone South. The author then wrote a historical novel, Speaks the Nightbird, which was the first in the "Matthew Corbett" series and dealt with a young law clerk who travels with his employer and mentor to North Carolina in the late 1600s to try a woman accused of witchcraft. What Corbett encounters is an innocent woman in jail and a town filled with evil secrets, not to mention the dangers lurking around every dark corner. Strange as it may seem, no publisher was interested in this novel. They didn't think Mr. McCammon's fans would buy a historical novel. They were wrong. But, because of his frustration in finding a publisher for his book, Mr. McCammon stopped writing altogether for nearly ten years. Fortunately for his fans, River City Publishing decided to give Speaks the Nightbird a shot in 2002 and published an extremely nice hardcover of it. The response from the readers for the novel was so enthusiastic that the author decided to write a sequel, The Queen of Bedlam, which was published five years later and continued the adventures of Matthew Corbett after his experiences in North Carolina. This time around, the young clerk is asked to join the Herald Agency, which was the first detective agency in the Colonies. He was to become a problem solver with its other member, Hudson Greathouse. In this book, Corbett encounters an international crime cartel, which is led by the infamous Professor Fell and is nearly killed at the end by the good professor's accomplices. It definitely sets the stage for future things in the upcoming novels. The third book in the series is Mister Slaughter, which picks up a few months after The Queen of Bedlam. Matthew Corbett is now a celebrity after his harrowing experiences in the second novel. He has also been marked for death by the notorious Professor Fell. To add to the mix, both Corbett and Greathouse are hired by the city to escort a prisoner, Tyranthus Slaughter, from an asylum outside of Philadelphia back to New York so he can be shipped to London for hanging. It seems Slaughter murdered several people in England before making his way to the colonies in order to hide. Now, what should be an easy task for Corbett and Greathouse proves to be more difficult than either of them expects. For you see, Slaughter is quick to figure out the weaknesses of each man and to put them to use as he entices them with the prospects of a hidden cache of money. Against their better judgment, they decide to have Slaughter lead them to the buried coins and then to keep him as a prisoner, rather than granting his wish and allowing him to escape. But, escape, he does. Hudson Greathouse is seriously wounded during the prisoner's run for freedom and then Corbett blames himself for the fiasco, knowing if he had only made a decision based on wisdom, Slaughter would still be in chains and on his way to face the hangman's noose. But, if that had happened, there wouldn't be a story for us to read. With the help of a nearby tribe of Indians, Greathouse is given basic medical attention, while Corbett chases after Slaughter, determined to catch the man who almost killed them. To do this, he will have the assistance of Walks in Two Worlds, a warrior who has his own demons to battle, but decides to help Corbett in his quest. For me, this is when the adventure actually begins as Slaughter leaves a trail of blood and guts for Corbett to follow. You see, Slaughter isn't your ordinary, everyday killer. No, he's a special breed of psychopath who thoroughly enjoys the destruction of everything he encounters. Nothing makes him happier than butchering an entire family with his large knife or straight razor. In fact, Slaughter makes Hannibal Lector look like a Boy Scout by the sheer amount of carnage he leaves behind in his wake. At first, Matthew is determined to capture Slaughter alive, but as time passes and more people are murdered, he changes his mind, realizing this person is a monster in disguise, and that the only way to stop a monster is to kill it. The journey of chaos and mayhem that Matthew takes will slowly aid him in becoming a man as he witnesses the death of friends and eventually has to kill another human being in self-defense. Even more, his whole outlook on life changes as he comes into contact with an evil so corrupting and vile that it leaves him shocked and disgusted by man's inhumanity to his brethren. Robert R. McCammon, brings all of his creative talent to play in this grand adventure. His characters and scenes are vividly drawn and come to life in ways that profoundly touch the reader. I'll never forget the scenes in which the character of Tom is holding his wounded dog up to keep the animal from feeling the pain of its broken back, or when Walks in Two Worlds realizes the time has come for him to go with the spirits, and the moment when Lark and her mother attempt to save Matthew from being shot by Slaughter in their act of surrendering to the inevitable. This is writing at its absolute best and few can do it as well as Robert R. McCammon. I'm not ashamed to admit that I am utterly addicted to the "Matthew Corbett" books and find it difficult to wait for each new novel to be published. I therefore have nothing but praise for this series of thick novels and their main character. If you want some well-written and entertaining fiction to help get you through the suumer, you won't go wrong with Mister Slaughter, or the two books before it. Buy them, and then take a journey back into Colonial American for the adventure of a lifetime. One last note, it seems this novel hasn't been picked up by a paperback publisher though I was certain a Trade Paperback had actually been done. The only available formats at the present are the Hardcover edition and the E-book. Written by Wayne C. Rogers from Horror Novel Reviews. Horror Novel Reviews does not receive payment for reviews. All books are promotional copies.

Matthew Corbett is back, this time taking a job transporting a notorious serial killer from an asylum in Philly back to New York for trial and a proper hanging. Easy peezy. Tyranthus Slaughter has other plans however, and all hell breaks loose. The proverbial doo-doo hits the fan - just like the morning after eating a dozen Mrs. Sutch’s Spicy Sausages. Blam! What a mess. Matthew has some serious cleaning up to do. Another solid entry in the Matthew Corbett series. A little actiony in spots, but still has the signature McCammon depth of character and appropriate amounts of wit throughout. Looking forward to the next installment.

This third installment of the Matthew Corbett series continues immediately after the second book. It's 1702 in the colony of New York and Matthew and his partner at the Herrald Agency are on their way to the mental ward in New Jersey where Matthew first met Slaughter while investigating the Queen of Bedlam. They are going to escort Mr. Slaughter to New York for his passage to England where he stands charged with several murders. Mr. Slaughter is intelligent, very cunning, and extremely dangerous. To make matters short, Slaughter escapes and a series of devastating events happen. The chase is on as Matthew and his partner Mr. Greathouse, along with a Native American and a young boy try to track and hunt down Slaughter before he causes any more death and destruction. The hunt also leads to a deadly Madame who works for the mysterious Prof. Fell. She runs what is probably the first retirement community and its story is so gruesome that it has to be covered up. If the truth were known perhaps there would be no retirement communities in the future. This novel is different from the other two in that it's more of a personal struggle and good vs. evil. Whereas the other two novels have many different pieces of the puzzle and mysteries to solve. This novel is also by far the most brutal with violent murder, rape, gore, suicide and definitely has more horror elements. The only reason I give this and the second book 4 stars is because I believe the first book is the best but a 4 for McCammon is still a five in comparison to many authors. I look forward to the following book which should be out in May.

Once again Robert McCammon delivers a masterpiece. Matthew Corbett has really grown on as a character and the colonial era although never before a genre that I enjoyed is now one of my favorite epics. I had previously enjoyed Wilbur Smith's ancient Egyptian saga, and then onto his swashbuckling adventures, but they didn't contain the raw substance that McCammon is able to infuse into his writings. I was very glad to hear that there will be a fourth follow up to this series, as I had previously only thought that these novels were part of a trilogy. The characters in this series are put together very well, and for the first time in this saga we get to witness a truly evil individual. Mister Slaughter, this guy is just plain wicked and the viciousness by which he dispatches is victims can be quick and other times drawn out. The sad truth is that the character in this book is extremely horrific but he is just that "fiction", however at the same fact there are people who live beyond this world of fiction and preform actions like this in reality. So although grisly and you want to tell yourself it's only a story the true fact is that these things happen in the news everyday. Moving on, another thing that I really like the blending of elements from one novel to the next are seamless. Now it's on to a Agent Pendergast novel and then I will be taking a jump back to McCammon's "They Thirst" or "Usher's Passing". Once again, a special thanks goes out to the author for entertaining with his story-telling!

I was lucky enough to receive an advance copy of this novel before its release. For those who are interested in reading McCammon let it be known that this is the 3rd book in the series.

Wonderful read from a good author. It begins with Matthew Corbett living beyond his means and accumulating debits. When he finds some money, he keeps it a secret from his partner, Hudson Greathouse, which, in turn, creates a situation later on when transporting Ty Slaugher to New York that causes great havic, evil and remorse. But Matthew redemns himself. This is shorter than the first two stories but it is still a good read and holds the readers interest, beginning to end. McCammon introduces some interesting characters into this story, both good and bad. This story has moments of sheer horror in it for those readers who would rather not embark on that kind of reading. I look forward to the next book, but I'll have to wait for Mr. McCammon to write it. I'm so glad that he decided not to give up writing altogether.

I don't know the exact words to explain how great this book is. This is the third book to the Matthew Corbett series and it just keeps getting better. Robert McCammon throws you into this story and takes you for a ride that will lead you to have so many emotions along the way which include shocking, disturbed, excitement, and then puzzled. I have read many McCammon books but it just amazes me how he can go from writing books such as the Swan Song and They Thirst to these great detective books that have so much story to them. The character Mister Slaughter was completely one of a kind and practically takes the book to a whole new level, whenever he spoke I was so interested in what he had to say and he was so creepy it gave me the chills, especially with the violent acts he did to people in the book. Robert McCammon keeps finding ways to keep the reader on their toes when reading the Corbett series and you will find that out at the end of this book. He keeps you wanting more and I can't wait for the next book to be released.

This is the third book in the Matthew Corbett series, a series that I'm very excited about since in my opinion, each book has been better than its predecessor. The series takes place in colonial America, seventy years before it declares independence from England. Corbett, who is still in training as an employee for the London-based Herald Agency, finds himself tasked with the job of transporting Tyranthus Slaughter, a murderer being housed at an asylum near Philadelphia, to the docks in New York. Slaughter, who brings to mind Hannibal Lecter, makes Corbett and his colleague an offer they can't refuse. McCammon is an excellent storyteller. His characters in this series are multi-dimensional and intriguing and the plot is engrossing, suspenseful, and full of unexpected twists. He does a great job of creating the look and feel of the early 18th century in America while incorporating real and unique individuals from our country's history.

Ok, being a die-hard Robert McCammon fan, having devoured Swan Song (twice, and I bought the Kindle version to read again in light of the current political climate), Boys Life, Wolf's Hour, Stinger, Mine (I have a signed copy), and more recently, The Five and The Border, etc., etc., I was hesitant to read the first book in the Matthew Corbett series -- Speaks the Nightbird. But, it's a McCammon, so I bought it in paperback several years back. Then I looked at it. Thought about it. Put it in a box. Took it out of the box. Read the cover. I did this for years, with a certain amount of distaste - historical fiction? What's next? Bodice-buster gothic romance?! I just couldn't do it. Until a few months ago when I ran out of stuff to read in the house. So, I picked up the paperback, dusted it off, and entered Matthew Corbett's world. I haven't been out since. Mr. Slaughter is Matthew Corbett's third adventure. I enjoyed it immensely. The pace of the novel is breakneck and Mr. Slaughter's character (to whom we were introduced in Matthew Corbett's adventure number two, The Queen of Bedlam), is a spine tingling 1700's serial killer whose pure evilness rivals the hair-raising Hannibal Lecter. A warning, there is a lot of gruesomeness in this book. And the victims are innocent, which makes the horror all the more shocking and deplorable. I heartily recommend Mr. Slaughter, with a caveat – you really should read book numbers one and two first to understand the characters and storyline completely. For example, in Mr. Slaughter Matthew is having a crisis of conscience which evolved from something that took place in book number two. I am in the middle of The Providence Rider, book number four. Which is, by the way, also awesome... I’m not sure WHAT I’m going to do once I’ve read all of Matthew’s adventures. There should be a support group out there somewhere.

my disappointment convtinues to grow. I'd high hopes when I began the series, and was looking forward to the story's chief actor, young, sixteen years-old or so, Matthew Corbett maturing both physically and intellectually as the series progressed. Unfortunately, in the course of three novels, not only has he not grown in the in the least intellectually, he has actually regressed to the level of either a fairly bright nine year-old, or a far from bright tweny five-ish, young adult.

I really enjoyed this book! The plot wasn't quite as unpredictable as some of the plots in the preceding novels, but the wordplay and character development was much stronger. I really just had a great time reading it! It was hard to put down, that's for sure! McCammon is very talented, and this was one of his better books - though I have yet to read a book penned by him that I haven't enjoyed. The title character was a sort of tribute to the Devil-Barber of Fleet Street, and its grisly scenes were well done. It brought me to tears, actually (dog lovers, beware!). I am excited to see where the series goes next!

MISTER SLAUGHTER is the third in the series of Matthew Corbett detective novels. Corbett lives in New York at the beginning of the 18th century and works for the London- and New York-based Herrald Agency, a small problem-solving business . In the current adventure, Matthew and senior partner Hudson Greathouse, are hired to transport Slaughter, a dangerous and likely deranged highwayman to New York for extradition back to England to answer for his crimes. Naturally, things go horribly wrong, Slaughter escapes, and Matthew must track him down in the wilds of the New York countryside and environs and recapture him. This novel is by far the bloodiest and most violent of the three. Slaughter is a clever monster who will stop at nothing to get what he wants, his freedom, leaving behind a trail of mayhem, gore and extreme physical and psychological violence. Matthew is aided in his hunt by two excellent supporting characters, a young London-educated Seneca indian brave and a very tough and resourceful young teenaged boy. There are a couple of ancillary mysteries and side plots to be negotiated along the way, some amusing and some that foreshadow events that will unfold in future novels. While MISTER SLAUGHTER surely is historical fiction, and there is a lot of history here, McCammon plays the history a little faster and looser with than he did in the first novel, and some might object to non-period speech styles, but this did not bother me at all, although I did take note of it. There is an afterward in which McCammon explains that after he wrote the first novel that needed to be set to coincide with the end of the witch hunting era, he decided that a New York of the 1730s was a more interesting setting for the remainder of the series than that of turn of the century. Not wanting to age Matthew into his 50s, he decided to take certain liberties with the times and places. I understand the decision, even if it does confuse a bit of the history. If I had to work up a criticism of the novel, I guess it would be that some of the events near the end are just a bit over the top, and Matthew's physical prowess seems at times just a bit too limited to go one on one with the giant and far more experienced killer, Slaughter. MISTER SLAUGHTER is the fastest paced of all the novels so far, and contains bits of intentional humor to offset the extreme horror that is all around whenever Slaughter is in the picture. While I do miss the supernatural horror that McCammon used to write (and in fact still does occasionally), his last half-dozen books or so, while more mainstream, are just as good (or better) and just as enjoyable as anything that he has written. I'll be ordering THE PROVIDENCE RIDER, the fourth and most recently published entry in the series, as soon as I post this review. Recommended. J.M. Tepper

This book differed from the others in the series. Not as much "problem solving" but much more action. An unbelievable adventure. I just couldn't believe what our hero went through. That being said I really didn't like what happened to Lark and her family but especially to her. Why did the author have to subject her to rape? We know Slaughter is a psychopath but I felt that it was too much but more importantly it was unnecessary. Otherwise it was great

If you, like me, are a sucker for crackling, well crafted historical fiction, this is the series for you. Strongly drawn male AND female characters. A hero who uses his mind because he's no great shakes with sword, pistol or fists, but is as brave and stalwart a hero as anyone you will meet via Kindle or the printed page, Matthew Corbett embodies the best virtues of what we would like to see in ourselves; intelligence, integrity, loyalty and the ability to learn from his mistakes. My only worry is that Corbett takes such a beatings from bad guys, bears, and even officers of the law that he'll be in a wheelchair sipping his meals through straws by Book Six or Seven.

Mister Slaughter by Robert McCammon December 7 to December 23, 2014 Third book in the Matthew Corbett Series Recommended by internet friends This is the third book and story in this wonderful series set in the early 1700s here in America...of course at that time we were still part of the United Kingdom. Matthew considered himself English. From my point of view, he was quit the British snob in many way. However he is a likeable well written character. He is only growing up, but he is learning more about what he is able to do when it is necessary. The Matthew Corbett series is part of the Historical Fiction genre. We learn much about the dangerous settling of some of our best known cities, early Indian and Colonist interaction, hospitality towards strangers, early 18th century travel and much more. However, for me this story could also be considered part of the horror genre. I say this because of the many horrible killings that took place in this book. I would imagine for some these bloody horrible deaths would be more blood and guts than they are willing to read about. For me the whole story was worth the discomfort of these bloody and senseless murders carried out by Mister Slaughter. We see Matthew's character develop and mature as he sets out to save the day! I enjoyed this book very much and would recommend it to most. 5 stars.

Just finished Robert McCammon's Mister Slaughter, a murder mystery set in the early 1700s in Manhattan (and the Carolinas and some other locales). Murder mystery is not quite accurate, although there is quite a bit of murder and mystery. This is the 3rd book in a series about Matthew Corbett, one time law clerk and solver of puzzles. I found about this series from Adam-Troy Castro, who mentioned that the second book had the best swordfight he'd ever read. The sword fight and the barroom brawl and the other fights and action scenes all are very good but again the books aren't primarily action any more than they are primarily mysteries. Mostly they are excellent historical fiction. McCammon makes the time and place come alive. You can feel the mud squish under your boots reading these books. Highly recommended.

This is the third book I have read in the Matthew Corbett series and they just keep getting better and better. Interestingly enough, at the conclusion of this book, not previous books, the author discusses historical accuracy and how difficult that is to achieve. I am not sure why he chose to do this unless it is because of some negative comments he has received. Well, the author clearly states that his books are "historical fiction" not historical fact or textbooks. I have been a fan of history for many years, although I prefer 19th century American history to that of the 18th century. I think this author does a pretty good job with the history of the time. I was surprised to learn that this author has a reputation as an author of horror books. I had not heard of him until recently. Well, there is indeed some horror in this series, albeit not of the Stephen King type, but enough to make these books keep you up late at night. I will definitely read the other books in this series. Time to download another one now!

I cannot remember the last time I followed an author with as much interest as I have followed R. McCammon. I have not read his early works, and am a little afraid to do so, but my unwillingness is waning. Meeting Matthew Corbett for the first time when he was traveling as a Clerk to the town who had a supposed witch in custody, I thought he was a wimpy side character, but it wasn't long before I was rooting for him and was excited to learn he was, in fact, the main protagonist. He is presented in the three books I've read thus far with all his weaknesses and foibles, which endears him to me. The goriness of the stories is unimaginable, but it's not far-fetched considering the time we're in and the people we're dealing with. The genuineness of the place, the environs, the smells, the sounds is incredible. I hear, smell, see what McCammon describes. He totally draws me in to this time and place. I can't wait to see what Matthew does next.

Robert McCammon is a great story teller. I've read most of his books and they are all good. Over the years he has moved from horror into mainstream suspense and is now writing historical. Actually, I think Mr. Slaughter is a thriller that just happens to be set in the 1700's. This is McCammon's third Matthew Corbett thriller. It is a pretty good book. But it starts off very slow. The first 80 pages or so take forever to get through. I actually put the book down and read another book. But when I atarted in again the main plot kicked into gear, and it got interesting. By the end of the story I understood why McCammom wrote the first 80 pages. But they were still hard to wade through. I ended up liking the book alot. But I think it would have been better if it was nearly 100 pages shorter. If you are a Robert McCammon fan or enjoy historical fiction you'll like Mr. Slaughter a lot.

Violent and very satisfying continuation of the series. I really liked the character development of the youngest, and Walker. McCammon has that special skill to place the reader right in the middle of the era.

It s been a while since I read the other two books in this series, but I remembered liking them, so I gave Mr . Slaughter a whirl...This is, first of all, not a subtle book, as the title would indicate. That the villain's name is Tyranthus Slaughter, should pretty much sum up that this is a comic-book type of over-the-top adventure ( the author himself compared his villains to those of Dick Tracy and it is an apt comparison) Some of McCammon's turns of phrase are, I have to be honest, groan-inducingly wretched, but notwithstanding those this is a well written, enjoyable read. McCammon also owes a greater debt to the character of Sweeney Todd than he acknowledges in his afterword...his antagonist has not only the same vocation (as he admits) but he also has a similar taste in accomplices and culinary enterprises as well, and anyone who knows about the demon barber of fleet street and Mrs. Lovett will see the crux of this story coming a mile away. But no matter. Fun read. Can't wait for the next installment.

Ever since McCammon's Swan Song, I have been a fan. His detour from the horror genre into this historical mystery series covering the adventures of Matthew Corbett in colonial America has been very entertaining. This third outing started with a well depicted tavern brawl. The description of characters and action was first-rate and promised a rousing novel. Unfortunately that was not the case despite a Jack the Ripper-type protagonist, an unceasingly fascinating backdrop, and the well-established, earnest character of Corbett. What results is a repetitive chase with unnecessary gore and some lazy stereotypes. The latter most example is a Native American who can only be related to because he had been Shanghai'd into a theater show in Britain at a young age - therefore he knew English and its customs. I still intend to read the fourth in the outing and hope that Corbett is placed in a plot requiring more nuanced detection.

I have to hand it to Robert McCammon. He has done a masterful job, switching from the horror genre, to a genre that really can't be described. This series is part historical fiction, part mystery, and a little of everything else tossed in. What is truly remarkable is, his ability to describe the era the plot takes place, and submerge the reader into the world he has created within that time frame. Simply put, McCammon is truly a word craftsman. I am in awe of his writing talents and ability. This novel further places the reader in the adventures of Matthew Corbett. The title character (Mister Slaughter), is an epic creation of pure evil. Without giving any spoilers, there are two particular scenes, where Slaughter's work is definitely not for the faint of heart. Let's just say, this guy makes other famous fictional 'bad guys' seem like a walk in the park. The book allows us to further understand how Corbett's mind works, and his ability as a 'problem solver'. This review may be a bit biased, as McCammon has been my favorite author for almost 20 years. I greatly admire his integrity (refusing to stick to a horror format during his semi-retirement), and his determination not to be placed into a creative box. He took a giant risk, abandoning a successful career as a horror writer, to write what his heart compels him to write. He has done a wonderful job creating the Corbett series, and with each novel, his skillset in this format, has improved. If you enjoyed Speaks the Nightbird and Queen of Bedlam, you will definitely enjoy Mister Slaughter. My only complaint would be, please tell me, we don't have to wait another two years, for the next in the series. Keep 'em coming Robert!!!!!!!! I personally want to thank McCammon, for not retiring back in the early 2000s, and continuing to publish his novels. Although the wait between novels is a bit excessive, they are well worth the wait, and he has done a tremendous job, creating an epic series for his avid readers to enjoy.

There is a huge difference between this book and the previous two. The gore and macabre in Mr Slaughter far, far exceeds not just the previous books but any tolerable threshold for story-telling. The reader is likely to be repeatedly revulsed with either what the supposedly good characters of the book stop down to or by what happens to them. The book has no mystery unlike in the previous two books that made them wonderful-reads. There are just a couple of powerful sickos in the name of characters. Gone are the descriptions of the 17th century NY. The chase and catch story could have come from any 20th century jungle around a group of villages and tribes. Rarely, I have seen such a divide between two consecutive books of same series.

5 Stars for Mr McCammon!!!!!! I loved this book! It sounds like he is planning to do a series of Matthew Corbett stories. I enjoyed this one as much as his first story with Mr Corbett, and I am looking forward to future books with this character! I have just picked up The Five by Mr McCammon, and am truly looking forward to reading that novel as well! If you are a McCammon fan, please put this one on your "to read" list!

I read the first two installments of Matthew Corbett's adventures and as remarkable as those books were, Mister Slaughter is simply better. I would recommend that you read the first two books simply because they are an excellent read but also because they will give you needed background material. No need to rehash the plot, you can read other reviews for that. Simply stated, a well researched, well written and thrilling ride with a remarkable protagonist.

Every time I finish a McCammon novel - be it the first or the fifth reading of a given work - I am amazed that this author is not a household name on the order of a Stephen King, Dean Koontz, etc. Granted, he's nowhere near as prolific in his output, especially given the nearly 10-yr hiatus, but the quality and readability of his books are without equal among his contemporaries . . . and I'm big fan of both King and Koontz. That said, Mister Slaughter is certainly among his best books, and is as good - if not better - than the two preceding Corbett novels. I just finished it, and I already can't wait for the next installment.

Excellent! This is the 3rd book in the trilogy set in Colonial America. I wish I had read the others first, but I will go find them now. The first several pages slowly set the stage, but once the main plot gets going it is a page-turner! I was reading with my book-light in the middle of the night. There are some graphic scenes but most of the novel is more suspenseful than gory. The tone and the writing is very lyrical and sensory and made reading this a pleasure. Highly-recommended!

Ok, being a die-hard Robert McCammon fan, having devoured Swan Song (twice, and I bought the Kindle version to read again in light of the current political climate), Boys Life, Wolf's Hour, Stinger, Mine (I have a signed copy), and more recently, The Five and The Border, etc., etc., I was hesitant to read the first book in the Matthew Corbett series -- Speaks the Nightbird. But, it's a McCammon, so I bought it in paperback several years back. Then I looked at it. Thought about it. Put it in a box. Took it out of the box. Read the cover. I did this for years, with a certain amount of distaste - historical fiction? What's next? Bodice-buster gothic romance?! I just couldn't do it. Until a few months ago when I ran out of stuff to read in the house. So, I picked up the paperback, dusted it off, and entered Matthew Corbett's world. I haven't been out since. Mr. Slaughter is Matthew Corbett's third adventure. I enjoyed it immensely. The pace of the novel is breakneck and Mr. Slaughter's character (to whom we were introduced in Matthew Corbett's adventure number two, The Queen of Bedlam), is a spine tingling 1700's serial killer whose pure evilness rivals the hair-raising Hannibal Lecter. A warning, there is a lot of gruesomeness in this book. And the victims are innocent, which makes the horror all the more shocking and deplorable. I heartily recommend Mr. Slaughter, with a caveat – you really should read book numbers one and two first to understand the characters and storyline completely. For example, in Mr. Slaughter Matthew is having a crisis of conscience which evolved from something that took place in book number two. I am in the middle of The Providence Rider, book number four. Which is, by the way, also awesome... I’m not sure WHAT I’m going to do once I’ve read all of Matthew’s adventures. There should be a support group out there somewhere.

my disappointment convtinues to grow. I'd high hopes when I began the series, and was looking forward to the story's chief actor, young, sixteen years-old or so, Matthew Corbett maturing both physically and intellectually as the series progressed. Unfortunately, in the course of three novels, not only has he not grown in the in the least intellectually, he has actually regressed to the level of either a fairly bright nine year-old, or a far from bright tweny five-ish, young adult.

I really enjoyed this book! The plot wasn't quite as unpredictable as some of the plots in the preceding novels, but the wordplay and character development was much stronger. I really just had a great time reading it! It was hard to put down, that's for sure! McCammon is very talented, and this was one of his better books - though I have yet to read a book penned by him that I haven't enjoyed. The title character was a sort of tribute to the Devil-Barber of Fleet Street, and its grisly scenes were well done. It brought me to tears, actually (dog lovers, beware!). I am excited to see where the series goes next!

MISTER SLAUGHTER is the third in the series of Matthew Corbett detective novels. Corbett lives in New York at the beginning of the 18th century and works for the London- and New York-based Herrald Agency, a small problem-solving business . In the current adventure, Matthew and senior partner Hudson Greathouse, are hired to transport Slaughter, a dangerous and likely deranged highwayman to New York for extradition back to England to answer for his crimes. Naturally, things go horribly wrong, Slaughter escapes, and Matthew must track him down in the wilds of the New York countryside and environs and recapture him. This novel is by far the bloodiest and most violent of the three. Slaughter is a clever monster who will stop at nothing to get what he wants, his freedom, leaving behind a trail of mayhem, gore and extreme physical and psychological violence. Matthew is aided in his hunt by two excellent supporting characters, a young London-educated Seneca indian brave and a very tough and resourceful young teenaged boy. There are a couple of ancillary mysteries and side plots to be negotiated along the way, some amusing and some that foreshadow events that will unfold in future novels. While MISTER SLAUGHTER surely is historical fiction, and there is a lot of history here, McCammon plays the history a little faster and looser with than he did in the first novel, and some might object to non-period speech styles, but this did not bother me at all, although I did take note of it. There is an afterward in which McCammon explains that after he wrote the first novel that needed to be set to coincide with the end of the witch hunting era, he decided that a New York of the 1730s was a more interesting setting for the remainder of the series than that of turn of the century. Not wanting to age Matthew into his 50s, he decided to take certain liberties with the times and places. I understand the decision, even if it does confuse a bit of the history. If I had to work up a criticism of the novel, I guess it would be that some of the events near the end are just a bit over the top, and Matthew's physical prowess seems at times just a bit too limited to go one on one with the giant and far more experienced killer, Slaughter. MISTER SLAUGHTER is the fastest paced of all the novels so far, and contains bits of intentional humor to offset the extreme horror that is all around whenever Slaughter is in the picture. While I do miss the supernatural horror that McCammon used to write (and in fact still does occasionally), his last half-dozen books or so, while more mainstream, are just as good (or better) and just as enjoyable as anything that he has written. I'll be ordering THE PROVIDENCE RIDER, the fourth and most recently published entry in the series, as soon as I post this review. Recommended. J.M. Tepper

This book differed from the others in the series. Not as much "problem solving" but much more action. An unbelievable adventure. I just couldn't believe what our hero went through. That being said I really didn't like what happened to Lark and her family but especially to her. Why did the author have to subject her to rape? We know Slaughter is a psychopath but I felt that it was too much but more importantly it was unnecessary. Otherwise it was great

If you, like me, are a sucker for crackling, well crafted historical fiction, this is the series for you. Strongly drawn male AND female characters. A hero who uses his mind because he's no great shakes with sword, pistol or fists, but is as brave and stalwart a hero as anyone you will meet via Kindle or the printed page, Matthew Corbett embodies the best virtues of what we would like to see in ourselves; intelligence, integrity, loyalty and the ability to learn from his mistakes. My only worry is that Corbett takes such a beatings from bad guys, bears, and even officers of the law that he'll be in a wheelchair sipping his meals through straws by Book Six or Seven.

Mister Slaughter by Robert McCammon December 7 to December 23, 2014 Third book in the Matthew Corbett Series Recommended by internet friends This is the third book and story in this wonderful series set in the early 1700s here in America...of course at that time we were still part of the United Kingdom. Matthew considered himself English. From my point of view, he was quit the British snob in many way. However he is a likeable well written character. He is only growing up, but he is learning more about what he is able to do when it is necessary. The Matthew Corbett series is part of the Historical Fiction genre. We learn much about the dangerous settling of some of our best known cities, early Indian and Colonist interaction, hospitality towards strangers, early 18th century travel and much more. However, for me this story could also be considered part of the horror genre. I say this because of the many horrible killings that took place in this book. I would imagine for some these bloody horrible deaths would be more blood and guts than they are willing to read about. For me the whole story was worth the discomfort of these bloody and senseless murders carried out by Mister Slaughter. We see Matthew's character develop and mature as he sets out to save the day! I enjoyed this book very much and would recommend it to most. 5 stars.

Just finished Robert McCammon's Mister Slaughter, a murder mystery set in the early 1700s in Manhattan (and the Carolinas and some other locales). Murder mystery is not quite accurate, although there is quite a bit of murder and mystery. This is the 3rd book in a series about Matthew Corbett, one time law clerk and solver of puzzles. I found about this series from Adam-Troy Castro, who mentioned that the second book had the best swordfight he'd ever read. The sword fight and the barroom brawl and the other fights and action scenes all are very good but again the books aren't primarily action any more than they are primarily mysteries. Mostly they are excellent historical fiction. McCammon makes the time and place come alive. You can feel the mud squish under your boots reading these books. Highly recommended.

This is the third book I have read in the Matthew Corbett series and they just keep getting better and better. Interestingly enough, at the conclusion of this book, not previous books, the author discusses historical accuracy and how difficult that is to achieve. I am not sure why he chose to do this unless it is because of some negative comments he has received. Well, the author clearly states that his books are "historical fiction" not historical fact or textbooks. I have been a fan of history for many years, although I prefer 19th century American history to that of the 18th century. I think this author does a pretty good job with the history of the time. I was surprised to learn that this author has a reputation as an author of horror books. I had not heard of him until recently. Well, there is indeed some horror in this series, albeit not of the Stephen King type, but enough to make these books keep you up late at night. I will definitely read the other books in this series. Time to download another one now!

I cannot remember the last time I followed an author with as much interest as I have followed R. McCammon. I have not read his early works, and am a little afraid to do so, but my unwillingness is waning. Meeting Matthew Corbett for the first time when he was traveling as a Clerk to the town who had a supposed witch in custody, I thought he was a wimpy side character, but it wasn't long before I was rooting for him and was excited to learn he was, in fact, the main protagonist. He is presented in the three books I've read thus far with all his weaknesses and foibles, which endears him to me. The goriness of the stories is unimaginable, but it's not far-fetched considering the time we're in and the people we're dealing with. The genuineness of the place, the environs, the smells, the sounds is incredible. I hear, smell, see what McCammon describes. He totally draws me in to this time and place. I can't wait to see what Matthew does next.

I love Mccammons style. I really enjoy the low tech environment. One of my favorite writers. This book was published in 2010, Why is this not available in paperback?

I really enjoyed the first two books of this series, however this installment was very disappointing. The plot device that starts the chase is really unbelievable. Then there are multiple gruesome chase scenes interspersed with description. There is no mystery for Matthew to solve. The reader knows that Matthew will not be vanquished so it is no surprise when he gets out of out of an impossible situation. There just is no substance to this book. This is really unfortunate since I have read other books by this author and have been delighted with the intricate plot and character development. The author has a great idea...a cross between Sherlock Holmes and James Bond in pre-revolutionary America. This book has only James Bond poorly done. The author promises a sequel to this, perhaps there will be more substance to the next book.

Great reading but some events even difficult for me to imagine. The ending let me down some. There was not enough to lead me toward the next book. It flowed well and most times kept me on the edge. Great imagination like most of McCammon's books,

love R McC

Good

Great writing style.

This is the third installment in the Matthew Corbett series and although I enjoyed it I didn't think it was quite as good as it's predecessors. That's not to say it wasn't good, it was, but I thought the first two were exceptional. In this one we see Matthew and Greathouse tasked with transporting Tyranthus Slaughter from Asylum to port for transport to England. We realise fairly quickly that Slaughter is a nasty piece of work! He's a thoroughly despicable man who leads them on a merry dance. For me the story really took off in the second half linking nicely to the bigger picture and the nefarious Professor Fell!

Mr Slaughter marks the third entry into the historical fiction series featuring Matthew Corbett and the fourth book Robert McCammon has written since his return from retirement. Matthew Corbett is a problem solver and in the last book "Queen of Bedlam" established an agency with Hudson Greathouse, a sort of enforced mentor to young Matthew at least in the art of combat. As the title suggests the books focuses on Mr Slaughter - A notorious killer who Matthew and Hudson are hired to escort from the asylum back to London where he is due to be hanged. As you can probably imagine, the job goes far from smoothly. The character of Tyrannus Slaughter is everything I hoped he would be from the moment we first meet him. A man who on the outside appears to be quite the gentleman but oozes danger with every calculated breath he takes. Despite their experience and reluctance to talk to the criminal, Tyrannus Slaughter soon gets into the minds of both Matthew and Hudson, expertly playing them off each other. Mr Slaughter, is an expert portrayal in the game of Cat and Mouse. Robert McCammon weaves so many facets into the story and takes Matthew on about a hundred different tangents whilst still keeping the plot fresh and interesting. Personally, I couldn't get enough of the Tyrannus Slaughter, he consumed me every time he appeared on the page. Robert managed to make him both latently lethal whilst also being quite humorous in places. The "women" line is quite exquisite. The Colonial era is once again superbly portrayed whilst still being accessible. The supporting cast is fantastic, whether the characters are in the story for seconds or throughout. If there is a criticism it is minor and that is Hudson Greathouse depicted as so cynical and cautious in the "Queen of Bedlam" makes some odd decisions in this book. However, with a great invention like Ty Slaughter manipulating your mind, this can be excused. As with all Robert McCammon books the end is satisfying and even leaves on a bit of a cliff-hanger. All in all a fantastic entry into the series by an author that has not let me down yet. Overall rating: 9.4

I almost docked this third volume in the Matthew Corbett proto-detective in colonial New York series a star because his potential love interest, the charming Berry, barely appears but the rest makes up for it. It also doesn't take place in New York either, well not much of it. Corbett and Greathouse, his partner in the problem-solving agency are hired to pick up a killer from an asylum (see previous volume) and take him back to New York to put him on a boat for England where he'll be hanged. Needless to say, it all goes wrong and young Matthew is left to track down an insane but brilliant and utterly monstrous serial killer who not only butchers and rapes but who also casually murders dogs and small children. Um, that's it really. Well, apart from the terrific prose which drags you into the story, the charismatic monster that is Tyranthus Slaughter, the various in-jokes/references to British actor Todd Slaughter and his career which inspired the character, the several interesting supporting characters who Matthew meets in his travels to tracks down the monster, plus more revelations about his mysterious nemesis Professor Fell. This is really great stuff and I hope we see another Mattew Corbett adventure before too long.

Robert McCammon,s third Matthew Corbert novel is another outstanding novel from a master storyteller.set in colonial America.It is a follow on to the Queen of bedlam,but can be read as a stand alone novel.Corbert now working for the Herrald detective agency,along with Hudson Greathouse,have to escort the murderer Mr Slaughter from pensylvania to New York where he will be put on a ship to England.An offer from Slaughter,for separate reasons,invites greed in both men and sets in motion a series of events,both murderous and tragic that make for a compelling read,with characters to care about,action,plot,and a tip of the hat towards Sherlock holmes,Robert McCammon is sure to deliver a superb series,I for one am looking to the next one.As with everything I have ordered from Amazon it was delivered on time and in perfect condition.

Ok, being a die-hard Robert McCammon fan, having devoured Swan Song (twice, and I bought the Kindle version to read again in light of the current political climate), Boys Life, Wolf's Hour, Stinger, Mine (I have a signed copy), and more recently, The Five and The Border, etc., etc., I was hesitant to read the first book in the Matthew Corbett series -- Speaks the Nightbird. But, it's a McCammon, so I bought it in paperback several years back. Then I looked at it. Thought about it. Put it in a box. Took it out of the box. Read the cover. I did this for years, with a certain amount of distaste - historical fiction? What's next? Bodice-buster gothic romance?! I just couldn't do it. Until a few months ago when I ran out of stuff to read in the house. So, I picked up the paperback, dusted it off, and entered Matthew Corbett's world. I haven't been out since. Mr. Slaughter is Matthew Corbett's third adventure. I enjoyed it immensely. The pace of the novel is breakneck and Mr. Slaughter's character (to whom we were introduced in Matthew Corbett's adventure number two, The Queen of Bedlam), is a spine tingling 1700's serial killer whose pure evilness rivals the hair-raising Hannibal Lecter. A warning, there is a lot of gruesomeness in this book. And the victims are innocent, which makes the horror all the more shocking and deplorable. I heartily recommend Mr. Slaughter, with a caveat – you really should read book numbers one and two first to understand the characters and storyline completely. For example, in Mr. Slaughter Matthew is having a crisis of conscience which evolved from something that took place in book number two. I am in the middle of The Providence Rider, book number four. Which is, by the way, also awesome... I’m not sure WHAT I’m going to do once I’ve read all of Matthew’s adventures. There should be a support group out there somewhere.

my disappointment convtinues to grow. I'd high hopes when I began the series, and was looking forward to the story's chief actor, young, sixteen years-old or so, Matthew Corbett maturing both physically and intellectually as the series progressed. Unfortunately, in the course of three novels, not only has he not grown in the in the least intellectually, he has actually regressed to the level of either a fairly bright nine year-old, or a far from bright tweny five-ish, young adult.

I really enjoyed this book! The plot wasn't quite as unpredictable as some of the plots in the preceding novels, but the wordplay and character development was much stronger. I really just had a great time reading it! It was hard to put down, that's for sure! McCammon is very talented, and this was one of his better books - though I have yet to read a book penned by him that I haven't enjoyed. The title character was a sort of tribute to the Devil-Barber of Fleet Street, and its grisly scenes were well done. It brought me to tears, actually (dog lovers, beware!). I am excited to see where the series goes next!

MISTER SLAUGHTER is the third in the series of Matthew Corbett detective novels. Corbett lives in New York at the beginning of the 18th century and works for the London- and New York-based Herrald Agency, a small problem-solving business . In the current adventure, Matthew and senior partner Hudson Greathouse, are hired to transport Slaughter, a dangerous and likely deranged highwayman to New York for extradition back to England to answer for his crimes. Naturally, things go horribly wrong, Slaughter escapes, and Matthew must track him down in the wilds of the New York countryside and environs and recapture him. This novel is by far the bloodiest and most violent of the three. Slaughter is a clever monster who will stop at nothing to get what he wants, his freedom, leaving behind a trail of mayhem, gore and extreme physical and psychological violence. Matthew is aided in his hunt by two excellent supporting characters, a young London-educated Seneca indian brave and a very tough and resourceful young teenaged boy. There are a couple of ancillary mysteries and side plots to be negotiated along the way, some amusing and some that foreshadow events that will unfold in future novels. While MISTER SLAUGHTER surely is historical fiction, and there is a lot of history here, McCammon plays the history a little faster and looser with than he did in the first novel, and some might object to non-period speech styles, but this did not bother me at all, although I did take note of it. There is an afterward in which McCammon explains that after he wrote the first novel that needed to be set to coincide with the end of the witch hunting era, he decided that a New York of the 1730s was a more interesting setting for the remainder of the series than that of turn of the century. Not wanting to age Matthew into his 50s, he decided to take certain liberties with the times and places. I understand the decision, even if it does confuse a bit of the history. If I had to work up a criticism of the novel, I guess it would be that some of the events near the end are just a bit over the top, and Matthew's physical prowess seems at times just a bit too limited to go one on one with the giant and far more experienced killer, Slaughter. MISTER SLAUGHTER is the fastest paced of all the novels so far, and contains bits of intentional humor to offset the extreme horror that is all around whenever Slaughter is in the picture. While I do miss the supernatural horror that McCammon used to write (and in fact still does occasionally), his last half-dozen books or so, while more mainstream, are just as good (or better) and just as enjoyable as anything that he has written. I'll be ordering THE PROVIDENCE RIDER, the fourth and most recently published entry in the series, as soon as I post this review. Recommended. J.M. Tepper

This book differed from the others in the series. Not as much "problem solving" but much more action. An unbelievable adventure. I just couldn't believe what our hero went through. That being said I really didn't like what happened to Lark and her family but especially to her. Why did the author have to subject her to rape? We know Slaughter is a psychopath but I felt that it was too much but more importantly it was unnecessary. Otherwise it was great

If you, like me, are a sucker for crackling, well crafted historical fiction, this is the series for you. Strongly drawn male AND female characters. A hero who uses his mind because he's no great shakes with sword, pistol or fists, but is as brave and stalwart a hero as anyone you will meet via Kindle or the printed page, Matthew Corbett embodies the best virtues of what we would like to see in ourselves; intelligence, integrity, loyalty and the ability to learn from his mistakes. My only worry is that Corbett takes such a beatings from bad guys, bears, and even officers of the law that he'll be in a wheelchair sipping his meals through straws by Book Six or Seven.

Mister Slaughter by Robert McCammon December 7 to December 23, 2014 Third book in the Matthew Corbett Series Recommended by internet friends This is the third book and story in this wonderful series set in the early 1700s here in America...of course at that time we were still part of the United Kingdom. Matthew considered himself English. From my point of view, he was quit the British snob in many way. However he is a likeable well written character. He is only growing up, but he is learning more about what he is able to do when it is necessary. The Matthew Corbett series is part of the Historical Fiction genre. We learn much about the dangerous settling of some of our best known cities, early Indian and Colonist interaction, hospitality towards strangers, early 18th century travel and much more. However, for me this story could also be considered part of the horror genre. I say this because of the many horrible killings that took place in this book. I would imagine for some these bloody horrible deaths would be more blood and guts than they are willing to read about. For me the whole story was worth the discomfort of these bloody and senseless murders carried out by Mister Slaughter. We see Matthew's character develop and mature as he sets out to save the day! I enjoyed this book very much and would recommend it to most. 5 stars.

Just finished Robert McCammon's Mister Slaughter, a murder mystery set in the early 1700s in Manhattan (and the Carolinas and some other locales). Murder mystery is not quite accurate, although there is quite a bit of murder and mystery. This is the 3rd book in a series about Matthew Corbett, one time law clerk and solver of puzzles. I found about this series from Adam-Troy Castro, who mentioned that the second book had the best swordfight he'd ever read. The sword fight and the barroom brawl and the other fights and action scenes all are very good but again the books aren't primarily action any more than they are primarily mysteries. Mostly they are excellent historical fiction. McCammon makes the time and place come alive. You can feel the mud squish under your boots reading these books. Highly recommended.

This is the third book I have read in the Matthew Corbett series and they just keep getting better and better. Interestingly enough, at the conclusion of this book, not previous books, the author discusses historical accuracy and how difficult that is to achieve. I am not sure why he chose to do this unless it is because of some negative comments he has received. Well, the author clearly states that his books are "historical fiction" not historical fact or textbooks. I have been a fan of history for many years, although I prefer 19th century American history to that of the 18th century. I think this author does a pretty good job with the history of the time. I was surprised to learn that this author has a reputation as an author of horror books. I had not heard of him until recently. Well, there is indeed some horror in this series, albeit not of the Stephen King type, but enough to make these books keep you up late at night. I will definitely read the other books in this series. Time to download another one now!

I cannot remember the last time I followed an author with as much interest as I have followed R. McCammon. I have not read his early works, and am a little afraid to do so, but my unwillingness is waning. Meeting Matthew Corbett for the first time when he was traveling as a Clerk to the town who had a supposed witch in custody, I thought he was a wimpy side character, but it wasn't long before I was rooting for him and was excited to learn he was, in fact, the main protagonist. He is presented in the three books I've read thus far with all his weaknesses and foibles, which endears him to me. The goriness of the stories is unimaginable, but it's not far-fetched considering the time we're in and the people we're dealing with. The genuineness of the place, the environs, the smells, the sounds is incredible. I hear, smell, see what McCammon describes. He totally draws me in to this time and place. I can't wait to see what Matthew does next.

Excellent story can't wait to read the next in the saga Brilliantly written and very atmospheric depiction of a bygone age I loved this book easy full five stars.

Excellent story. Never a dull moment, and even though this is a continuation of an ongoing story, that started with Speaks The Nightbird, none if them tread familiar ground. Recommended.

Here we are, Matthew Corbett really up against an embodiment of pure evil in the person of Tyranthus Slaughter, a Jack the Ripper type with absolutely no scruples or morals. A first class villain and a first class tale!

At long last a book I just couldn't put down. Third in the series featuring Mr Corbett and what a roller coaster of a read. Loved all the characters, both new and old, and now eagerly await the next book which can't come soon enough. After wading my way through so much literary dross over the last few months this has restored my faith in the written word. Brilliant!

Really enjoyed this one, Mister Slaughter is a memorable nutter! great story again from Robert. Doesn't quite reach the loft heights of Speaks the Nightbird, but highly enjoyable never the less.

Brilliant book couldn’t put it down

Wer die ersten Bücher um Matthew Corbett gelesen hat, wird um dieses nicht herumkommen. Ich habe es noch nicht fertig gelesen, ärgere mich aber schon so, dass ich vorzeitig eine Rezension schreibe. Die Geschichte ist spannend, wie immer etwas verworren und nicht unbedingt leicht zu lesen. Matthew wird leider immer unsympathischer, aber das muss der Leser wohl hinnehmen. Allerdings scheint niemand jemals dieses Buch redigiert zu haben- es strotzt nur so vor Fehlern! Ganz häufig steht z.B. mitten im Satz "Mr Slaughter", obwohl es überhaupt keinen Sinn ergibt. Mehrmals hören Sätze mittendrin einfach auf. Das stört beim Lesen enorm und nimmt den Spaß an der Geschichte.

Die ersten zwei Bände um Matthew Corbett haben mir sehr gefallen, so dass ich gespannt war wie ein Flitzebogen, wie es jetzt mit ihm weitergeht. Doch "Mister Slaughter" hat meine Erwartungen nicht erfüllen können. Schon der Anfang war schwierig; durch die ersten Kapitel in New York hab ich mich regelrecht durchkämpfen müssen. Das Buch hat mich nur schwer motivieren können weiterzulesen, was auch daran lag, dass mir Matthew zunehmend unsympathisch wurde. Aus dem einst idealistischen Gehilfen von Magistrat Woodward wird im dritten Buch ein eitler Geck, der schließlich aus Gier und Geiz heraus seinen Chef zu einer Fehlentscheidung mit bitterbösen Folgen verleitet. Diese Folgen läutern Matthew schnell, aber trotzdem ist er jetzt nicht mehr eine liebgewonnene Identifikationsfigur für mich, sondern ich stehe ihm nun leider reserviert gegenüber. Sobald die Fehlentscheidung des Chefs mal getroffen ist, kommt auch wieder Zug in die Handlung, weil sich die Bösartigkeit von Tyranthus Slaughter über die heile Welt ergießt. Tyranthus Slaughter ist die charismatischste Person im ganzen Buch im Stile eines Hannibal Lecter. Slaughters Schlächtereien im Hinterland von Philadelphia und New York folgte ich gespannt, ebenso fand ich Walker in Two Worlds eine wirklich gelungene Figur, die leider die erste Hälfte des Buchs nicht überlebt - sehr sehr schade, welch ein Potenzial hätte diese Figur gehabt! Da hätte sich Matthew sehr anstrengen müssen mitzuhalten, und vielleicht hat der Autor genau aus diesem Grund Walker in Two Worlds in die ewigen Jagdgründe geschickt. Fazit: Licht und Schatten. Zu Matthew habe ich jetzt leider ein distanziertes Verhältnis, aber Slaughter und Walker haben einiges wettgemacht, deshalb noch 3 Sterne. P.S. Wer einen mitreißenden historischen Krimi in den USA sucht, dem empfehle ich Barbara Hamblys "A Free Man of Color" (1830er in New Orleans).

Nach den Ereignissen in THE QUEEN OF BEDLAM ist Matthew beinahe so etwas wie eine Berühmtheit in New York. Sein Erfolg droht ihm langsam aber sicher zu Kopf zu steigen, aber ein neuer Auftrag für die Herrald Agency holt ihn auf den Boden der Tatsachen zurück. Zusammen mit Hudson Greathouse wird er beauftragt, den vermeintlich verrückten Serienmörder Tyranthus Slaughter nach New York zu eskortieren, um von dort aus nach London verschifft zu werden. Ihm soll in der Alten Welt der Prozess gemacht werden und es droht ihm die Hinrichtung. Mister Slaughter übt eine schreckliche Faszination auf Matthew und Hudson aus und als er den beiden Männern ein verführerisches Geschäft vorschlägt, willigen sie schließlich ein. Sie können dabei jedoch nicht ahnen, welch schreckliche Ereigniskette sie mit diesem Pakt mit dem Teufel lostreten. In MISTER SLAUGHTER muss Matthew seinen Verstand an dem eines hinterhältigen und intelligenten Serienmörders messen. Mister Slaughter - dessen Name Programm ist - ist ein würdiger Gegner für unseren jungen Detektiv und das Katz-und-Maus-Spiel zwischen den beiden Kontrahenten ist wirklich spannend. Matthew muss im Verlauf von MISTER SLAUGHTER feststellen, dass seine Ausbildung zum "problem-solver" noch nicht abgeschlossen ist und er noch einiges zu lernen hat. Im Verlauf der Handlung stellt er sich aber seinen Problemen und Schwächen und entwickelt sich als Charakter konsequent weiter. Insgesamt ist Matthew ein sympathischer Hauptcharakter und auch die Nebenfiguren konnten mich wieder überzeugen. Insbesondere Mister Slaughter als gewissenloses Monster hat große Präsenz. Schade fand ich nur, dass Hudson Greathouse relativ wenig Raum in der Erzählung eingeräumt wird. Seine Interaktionen mit Matthew und die damit verbundenen Sticheleien finde ich immer wieder amüsant. Der Handlungsstrang rund um den geheimnisvollen und tödlichen Professor Fell wird in MISTER SLAUGHTER ebenfalls wieder aufgenommen. Matthew folgt einem neuen Hinweis und macht eine grausige Entdeckung, die ihn der Spur des Professors ein Stück näher bringt. Nach SPEAKS THE NIGHTBIRD und THE QUEEN OF BEDLAM ist MISTER SLAUGHTER mittlerweile der dritte Band rund um Matthew Corbett und seine Abenteuer als Detektiv. Man muss die Vorgängerbände grundsätzlich nicht gelesen haben, um seine Freude am Roman zu haben, aber vor allem die Vorgänge rund um Professor Fell und sein Verbrechersyndikat sind mit Vorwissen um einiges leichter zu verstehen. MISTER SLAUGHTER ist insgesamt wieder ein packender und bunter historischer Roman. Wir bekommen erneut interessante Einblicke in das Leben der Siedler, lernen neue, dreidimensionale Figuren kennen und die Spannung im Roman wird konstant hochgehalten. Ich bin schon sehr gespannt, wie sich Matthews Geschichte weiterentwickeln wird und wie sein Kampf gegen Professor Fell ausgeht. Sehr empfehlenswert!

If you liked “Speaks the Nightbird” And “The Queen of Bedlam” you will certainly enjoy the continuation of the story. Again I have to praise the creativity of the writer, I have never come across a similar book. The book at 440 pages is much too short, because you cannot put it down. I ordered the hardcover edition immediately after it was available and got a big surprise as I got a book that was originally signed by Robert McCammon. To my surprise the book is now not available anymore at Amazon in USA or Germany, neither is the latest “ Providence Rider”. No re-prints?

Ok, being a die-hard Robert McCammon fan, having devoured Swan Song (twice, and I bought the Kindle version to read again in light of the current political climate), Boys Life, Wolf's Hour, Stinger, Mine (I have a signed copy), and more recently, The Five and The Border, etc., etc., I was hesitant to read the first book in the Matthew Corbett series -- Speaks the Nightbird. But, it's a McCammon, so I bought it in paperback several years back. Then I looked at it. Thought about it. Put it in a box. Took it out of the box. Read the cover. I did this for years, with a certain amount of distaste - historical fiction? What's next? Bodice-buster gothic romance?! I just couldn't do it. Until a few months ago when I ran out of stuff to read in the house. So, I picked up the paperback, dusted it off, and entered Matthew Corbett's world. I haven't been out since. Mr. Slaughter is Matthew Corbett's third adventure. I enjoyed it immensely. The pace of the novel is breakneck and Mr. Slaughter's character (to whom we were introduced in Matthew Corbett's adventure number two, The Queen of Bedlam), is a spine tingling 1700's serial killer whose pure evilness rivals the hair-raising Hannibal Lecter. A warning, there is a lot of gruesomeness in this book. And the victims are innocent, which makes the horror all the more shocking and deplorable. I heartily recommend Mr. Slaughter, with a caveat – you really should read book numbers one and two first to understand the characters and storyline completely. For example, in Mr. Slaughter Matthew is having a crisis of conscience which evolved from something that took place in book number two. I am in the middle of The Providence Rider, book number four. Which is, by the way, also awesome... I’m not sure WHAT I’m going to do once I’ve read all of Matthew’s adventures. There should be a support group out there somewhere.

my disappointment convtinues to grow. I'd high hopes when I began the series, and was looking forward to the story's chief actor, young, sixteen years-old or so, Matthew Corbett maturing both physically and intellectually as the series progressed. Unfortunately, in the course of three novels, not only has he not grown in the in the least intellectually, he has actually regressed to the level of either a fairly bright nine year-old, or a far from bright tweny five-ish, young adult.

I really enjoyed this book! The plot wasn't quite as unpredictable as some of the plots in the preceding novels, but the wordplay and character development was much stronger. I really just had a great time reading it! It was hard to put down, that's for sure! McCammon is very talented, and this was one of his better books - though I have yet to read a book penned by him that I haven't enjoyed. The title character was a sort of tribute to the Devil-Barber of Fleet Street, and its grisly scenes were well done. It brought me to tears, actually (dog lovers, beware!). I am excited to see where the series goes next!

MISTER SLAUGHTER is the third in the series of Matthew Corbett detective novels. Corbett lives in New York at the beginning of the 18th century and works for the London- and New York-based Herrald Agency, a small problem-solving business . In the current adventure, Matthew and senior partner Hudson Greathouse, are hired to transport Slaughter, a dangerous and likely deranged highwayman to New York for extradition back to England to answer for his crimes. Naturally, things go horribly wrong, Slaughter escapes, and Matthew must track him down in the wilds of the New York countryside and environs and recapture him. This novel is by far the bloodiest and most violent of the three. Slaughter is a clever monster who will stop at nothing to get what he wants, his freedom, leaving behind a trail of mayhem, gore and extreme physical and psychological violence. Matthew is aided in his hunt by two excellent supporting characters, a young London-educated Seneca indian brave and a very tough and resourceful young teenaged boy. There are a couple of ancillary mysteries and side plots to be negotiated along the way, some amusing and some that foreshadow events that will unfold in future novels. While MISTER SLAUGHTER surely is historical fiction, and there is a lot of history here, McCammon plays the history a little faster and looser with than he did in the first novel, and some might object to non-period speech styles, but this did not bother me at all, although I did take note of it. There is an afterward in which McCammon explains that after he wrote the first novel that needed to be set to coincide with the end of the witch hunting era, he decided that a New York of the 1730s was a more interesting setting for the remainder of the series than that of turn of the century. Not wanting to age Matthew into his 50s, he decided to take certain liberties with the times and places. I understand the decision, even if it does confuse a bit of the history. If I had to work up a criticism of the novel, I guess it would be that some of the events near the end are just a bit over the top, and Matthew's physical prowess seems at times just a bit too limited to go one on one with the giant and far more experienced killer, Slaughter. MISTER SLAUGHTER is the fastest paced of all the novels so far, and contains bits of intentional humor to offset the extreme horror that is all around whenever Slaughter is in the picture. While I do miss the supernatural horror that McCammon used to write (and in fact still does occasionally), his last half-dozen books or so, while more mainstream, are just as good (or better) and just as enjoyable as anything that he has written. I'll be ordering THE PROVIDENCE RIDER, the fourth and most recently published entry in the series, as soon as I post this review. Recommended. J.M. Tepper

This book differed from the others in the series. Not as much "problem solving" but much more action. An unbelievable adventure. I just couldn't believe what our hero went through. That being said I really didn't like what happened to Lark and her family but especially to her. Why did the author have to subject her to rape? We know Slaughter is a psychopath but I felt that it was too much but more importantly it was unnecessary. Otherwise it was great

If you, like me, are a sucker for crackling, well crafted historical fiction, this is the series for you. Strongly drawn male AND female characters. A hero who uses his mind because he's no great shakes with sword, pistol or fists, but is as brave and stalwart a hero as anyone you will meet via Kindle or the printed page, Matthew Corbett embodies the best virtues of what we would like to see in ourselves; intelligence, integrity, loyalty and the ability to learn from his mistakes. My only worry is that Corbett takes such a beatings from bad guys, bears, and even officers of the law that he'll be in a wheelchair sipping his meals through straws by Book Six or Seven.

Mister Slaughter by Robert McCammon December 7 to December 23, 2014 Third book in the Matthew Corbett Series Recommended by internet friends This is the third book and story in this wonderful series set in the early 1700s here in America...of course at that time we were still part of the United Kingdom. Matthew considered himself English. From my point of view, he was quit the British snob in many way. However he is a likeable well written character. He is only growing up, but he is learning more about what he is able to do when it is necessary. The Matthew Corbett series is part of the Historical Fiction genre. We learn much about the dangerous settling of some of our best known cities, early Indian and Colonist interaction, hospitality towards strangers, early 18th century travel and much more. However, for me this story could also be considered part of the horror genre. I say this because of the many horrible killings that took place in this book. I would imagine for some these bloody horrible deaths would be more blood and guts than they are willing to read about. For me the whole story was worth the discomfort of these bloody and senseless murders carried out by Mister Slaughter. We see Matthew's character develop and mature as he sets out to save the day! I enjoyed this book very much and would recommend it to most. 5 stars.

Just finished Robert McCammon's Mister Slaughter, a murder mystery set in the early 1700s in Manhattan (and the Carolinas and some other locales). Murder mystery is not quite accurate, although there is quite a bit of murder and mystery. This is the 3rd book in a series about Matthew Corbett, one time law clerk and solver of puzzles. I found about this series from Adam-Troy Castro, who mentioned that the second book had the best swordfight he'd ever read. The sword fight and the barroom brawl and the other fights and action scenes all are very good but again the books aren't primarily action any more than they are primarily mysteries. Mostly they are excellent historical fiction. McCammon makes the time and place come alive. You can feel the mud squish under your boots reading these books. Highly recommended.

This is the third book I have read in the Matthew Corbett series and they just keep getting better and better. Interestingly enough, at the conclusion of this book, not previous books, the author discusses historical accuracy and how difficult that is to achieve. I am not sure why he chose to do this unless it is because of some negative comments he has received. Well, the author clearly states that his books are "historical fiction" not historical fact or textbooks. I have been a fan of history for many years, although I prefer 19th century American history to that of the 18th century. I think this author does a pretty good job with the history of the time. I was surprised to learn that this author has a reputation as an author of horror books. I had not heard of him until recently. Well, there is indeed some horror in this series, albeit not of the Stephen King type, but enough to make these books keep you up late at night. I will definitely read the other books in this series. Time to download another one now!

I cannot remember the last time I followed an author with as much interest as I have followed R. McCammon. I have not read his early works, and am a little afraid to do so, but my unwillingness is waning. Meeting Matthew Corbett for the first time when he was traveling as a Clerk to the town who had a supposed witch in custody, I thought he was a wimpy side character, but it wasn't long before I was rooting for him and was excited to learn he was, in fact, the main protagonist. He is presented in the three books I've read thus far with all his weaknesses and foibles, which endears him to me. The goriness of the stories is unimaginable, but it's not far-fetched considering the time we're in and the people we're dealing with. The genuineness of the place, the environs, the smells, the sounds is incredible. I hear, smell, see what McCammon describes. He totally draws me in to this time and place. I can't wait to see what Matthew does next.

No Idea. Not mine.