Creed (novel)

"Creed" is a horror novel by London-born writer James Herbert. It was first published by Hodder and Stoughton in 1990.

Plot introduction

The tale sees Joe Creed, a cynical, self centred 'scumbag' member of the London paparazzi (and reluctant protagonist), as he delves inadvertently into a world of monsters and 'ghouls' after taking a particularly unappreciated photograph of a man who supposedly died decades ago. This man, one of the main antagoists, Mallik, resembles a figure like Aleister Crowley, and the story retains the same sort of air of underground ritualism, demonic worship and magical immortality.

The manner in which the story is written is presumably intended to reiterate that it is a tale, and the plot may be considered a surreal - and at times almost comical - chain of events.