Clown by Matt Shaw

This is the story of a damaged individual. Trying to hide the madness he knows is breaking to break through - he performs as a clown at children's parties. Slowly but surely though, the madness is taking over - can he keep it buried or will it burst through, and what will be the consequences?

This was a very clever story. Seen entirely through the eyes of a man suffering from a degenerative madness. We watch helpless as the madness takes over and can't help but feel for him as he fights to regain control. Matt has once again ensured that we get inside the characters head and feel what he feels. This was not as graphic as some of Matt's books but no less chilling for that. I wasn't especially happy with clowns before I sat down to read this (in one go I might add) and my view has only been strengthened!