"The Memory Carriers" written by Mike Nelson has many, many layers to this supernatural story, therefore there's so much to read about - a serial killer murdering babies in the 1970's (you don't personally know the babies killed so it's not quite as disturbing as it sounds) with a possible copycat in the present day (1998) story - a character driven police procedural focusing on the horrific killings - psychological troubles due to major childhood abuse of the main protagonists wife and the main plot - a paranormal ghost story vividly set in the present day and Victorian London involving time travel. I read this book in the Scottish Highlands whilst on holiday and there were many a building that could have been related to the run down house in the story, which made me feel quite spooked at times - often checking the windows for faces - so well done to the author for making me feel like that whilst reading it!! It's evident a lot of emotional research has been carried out for the story, especially the medical/psychological assessments and also the appalling history into Victorian England's workhouses and mental asylums which made very interesting but saddening reading. I was very intrigued all the way through the book as to where the compelling story was leading - culminating in a quite an unexpected and shocking conclusion. I love the Victorian age especially London, it's truly fascinating how the poor and the paupers survived the squalor of the disgusting city streets and terrifying workhouses. The infamous and chilling Bedlam asylum was an extreme eye opener and quite distressing to read about the female abuse carried out. I particularly liked the appropriate little quotes from authors etc in between the chapters - a very clever idea. "The Memory Carriers" is a gripping, eerie and at times grizzly book, covering many genres that you can't help but enjoy. Its a highly imaginative story and I would certainly recommend it without hesitation. Mike Nelson is a talented and very descriptive writer that has put so much into this book - I just know lovers of paranormal ghost stories will really enjoy "The Memory Carriers".