When it comes to reading people like different kinds of books, and I’m not just talking about different genres. Even single genres can have different kinds of books. When you read Stephen King or Clive Barker you can sometimes get a heavy read with plot and backstory. Sometimes however, you want to be able to pick up a book and have a great read with plenty of action without having to think too much about it.
This is where Richard Laymon steps in. His books are straight out horror and suspense. The story starts right from page one and doesn’t stop until you’ve turned the last page. I know Laymon’s books won’t be to everyone’s taste and I’ll admit I’m not a fan of all the books he’s written but most are treasures.
Books such as The Stake or Blood Games to me are among the best horror books I’ve read. They’re simple and effective and brilliant entertainment.
Unfortuately Richard Laymon died some years back but we’re lucky enough he’s left behind a fantastic horror library.
The annoying part is, although Laymon received high praise from the likes of Stephen King and Dean Koontz, he was never very popular in his native North America. A lot of his success came from Europe and the UK in particular. I personally think a lot of his books are under-rated and I wish the publisher would re-print them. The last run was a load of omnibus editions and I have to say, I’m not a big fan of omnibus edition books.
Among his many books Laymon also wrote countless short stories and novellas, a lot of which you can’t get anymore. You’d have to do some digging to find them.
Some of his more popular books include; Midnight’s Lair, Dark Mountain, Endless Night, In the Dark, Body Rides, After Midnight, Come Out Tonight, Night in the Lonesome October, Amara, The Lake, and The Glory Bus.
In The Dark is one of my personal favourites involving an innocent librarian invited by MOG (Master of Games) to follow clues to take her on a journey. But when she tries to stop the games MOG has other ideas. The theme is simple and there really isn’t much to it but Laymon manages to keep you hooked to the page and reel you in, eventually dumping you at the end with a great ending to a great story.
I’m not saying Laymon is one of the best writers out there but he certainly knew how to write a cracking good story.
Related Game Books
Richard Laymon - Great Horror Fiction
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