Richard Laymon (1947–2001)

Really should have been two books following the two facets of the story - the vagrant killings and the evil carnival- having them run side by side kind off made both feel a bit rushed and half finished. outside of this Laymonds world building was spectacular as ever and his ideas brilliant, I hate that even his strong female characters can't seem to exist without a male counterpart to live and breath for, I find it incredibly disappointing that even when he does give them real character they just seem to be there to help the male protagonists because they're idiots, sex crazed or both… (more)

Awful, awful book -- nasty, terribly written, horribly misogynistic, with inane dialogue, poor pacing -- and yet weirdly, compulsively readable. I tore through 500 pages in almost one sitting. Laymon's real skill here is in the narrator's voice; it's a marvel to see how well he inhabits the thoughts of a sad sack horndog of an adolescent and slowly -- well, I won't spoil it. (I haven't read any other Laymon, and I sure hope the bad writing is deliberate.)

It'll make you feel icky though. Me, I'm reading some poetry and some Edith Wharton just to get the bad taste out of my mouth.… (more)

This book was first published in 1986 and there are aspects of the novel that hold up pretty nicely. Then there are parts that are incredibly simple or cringe worthy or just laughable. The series of events that bring our main characters to the town of Malcasa Point range from searching for love to searching for money. Once they arrive, it doesn't take long before the action starts and people are dying.

Things I liked: the mystery and fate of the beast; it was explained nicely and worked well, covering for events in this book and the prequel beast house book. Also setting up the sequels. The pacing and action was pure Laymon, engrossing and a quick fun read. Things that didn't hold up well: Tyler's love story; too sappy and too innocent when compared to today. The reactions to the bloody mannequins; it's not turn of the 20th century. The involvement of the marines during the entire police procedures; I know they needed to be involved in the action but no way would that fly today. Overall, not one of Laymon's better works but take it for what it is, something written back in the early 80s and you'll enjoy it.… (more)