Title: Flesh
Author: Richard Laymon
First published January 1, 1987
368 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780747235323 (ISBN10: 0747235325)
Rating: 3.71
Overview
Winner of the Best Horror Novel of 1988, Flesh by Richard Laymon is a spine-chilling thriller that will leave you terrified. Witness the emergence of a grotesque and slimy tube of putrefying flesh with a disgusting probing mouth.
However, the true horror lies not in its appearance or the way it invades your body, but in the unspeakable acts it forces you to commit against others. Stephen King raves, “If you haven’t read Laymon, you’re missing out on a real treat.” Get ready to be shocked and thrilled by this horrifying tale.
About the Author
Born in Chicago and raised in California, Richard Laymon was a talented writer who earned a BA in English Literature from Willamette University and an MA from Loyola University. He worked a variety of jobs, including teaching, library work, and report writing for a law firm.
Laymon was a prolific author, writing over thirty novels and publishing more than sixty short stories in various magazines and anthologies. Sadly, he passed away on Valentine’s Day in 2001 from a sudden heart attack.
Laymon also published some of his work under the name Richard Kelly.
Editoral Review
Richard Laymon’s Flesh is a 1987 horror novel that will leave readers shaking in horror and turning pages with bated breath. Laymon, who is known for his graphic depictions of violence and gore, takes readers on a suspenseful journey through a small California town where danger lurks around every corner.
The novel centers on Laura, a young woman who finds herself stranded in the town of Malcasa Point after her car breaks down. Laura soon discovers that Malcasa Point is no ordinary town.
It’s a place where people disappear without a trace, and where a band of violent bikers known as the Brotherhood rule the streets. Laura is determined to find a way out of this town and back to safety, but first she must survive the twisted horrors that await her.
Laymon’s writing style is visceral and intense, immersing readers in an atmosphere of terror and suspense. He captures the small-town feel and the creeping sense of danger perfectly, making readers feel like they are right there in Malcasa Point.
The characters are vividly drawn and unforgettable, with Laura being a relatable and sympathetic protagonist. Flesh delves into themes of survival, the human will to live, and the terror of the unknown.
Laymon is a master of suspense, building tension and anticipation throughout the novel. Every chapter is packed with adrenaline-fueled action, unexpected twists, and horrifying revelations that will leave readers reeling.
However, the novel is not without its flaws. Some readers may find the graphic depictions of violence and sexual assault unsettling or disturbing.
There are also moments where the pacing lags, slowing down the action and interrupting the suspense. Overall, Flesh is a gripping horror novel that is not for the faint of heart.
Laymon’s writing is skilled and powerful, and his depiction of small-town terror is both realistic and terrifying. Fans of horror and suspense will enjoy this book, but those who are easily disturbed should be cautious.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.
