The Jonah

Some Men Carry Bad Luck. Others Bring Something Far Worse.

The Jonah by master of horror James Herbert, published by New English Library in 1984, is a gripping and unsettling thriller that blends gritty crime fiction with supernatural terror. With his signature intensity and razor-sharp prose, Herbert crafts a story where the real horror may lie just beneath the surface of the everyday world.

Detective Jim Kelso is used to working the rough end of London's criminal underworld. But something follows him—something dark and dangerous. Nicknamed "The Jonah" by his colleagues, Kelso has a reputation for bringing misfortune wherever he goes. When he's transferred to a new precinct after a failed operation, he thinks he’s getting a fresh start. Instead, he walks straight into a nightmare.

A series of grisly murders. A trail of inexplicable events. And a chilling presence that seems to shadow Kelso’s every move. As he digs deeper, he uncovers a secret so disturbing it threatens not only his sanity but also the lives of those closest to him.

The Jonah is a haunting, relentless novel that fuses psychological dread with raw police procedural. Perfect for fans of dark, character-driven horror and suspense, it’s a testament to James Herbert’s power to disturb and enthrall in equal measure.