'THE HORROR GENRE, MORE THAN ANY OTHER IN POPULAR CINEMA, IS CONCEPTUAL.' Howard Jackson takes a break from writing his own acclaimed horror fiction to examine and discuss forty horror films - some famous, some overlooked and the merely popular. The films included in the collection range from 1945 to the present day and include selections from around the world. Although good humoured the criticisms pick at various gloomy themes such as death, the impact of time, the struggle for identity, human frailty, male narcissism, unreliable reality, faith, destiny, obsession, good and evil and much more. 'Horror Pickers', though, is not gloomy but affirmative. Horror films may have blood and gore but Jackson discovers an alternative and satisfying world full of intelligence and ideas. 'Marvellous and entertaining. Jackson is well read and thoughtful. He picks at the films until he finds surprises that will make viewers and readers think again. His review of 'Amour' makes 'Horror Pickers' an essential read.' Crime Chronicles