Pressure

Jun 06, 2010 Chris rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

For those not familiar with Jeff Strand's previous novels, he blends dark humor with horror and suspense, and certainly turns things up a notch in his debut novel from Leisure. PRESSURE follows the story of Alex Fletcher, who ends up at a private school for troubled boys and there befriends Darren Rust (terrific name!), who mostly keeps to himself, writing in a rather mysterious journal, and ignoring the other dorm-mates. Alex soon realizes Darren takes delight in creating havoc (torturing and k...more

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Aug 08, 2010 Melissa Helwig rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: horror

When I bought Dweller by Jeff Strand, I also got his first paperback published by Leisure Books, Pressure. I'm glad I did because after reading the amazing Dweller, I wanted to read another Strand novel asap.

Pressure didn't disappoint and was just as engrossing and entertaining as Dweller. It was nominated for Best Novel in the 2006 Bram Stoker Awards, but lost to Lisey's Story by Stephen King.

Kids are often confronted with peer pressure to try "immoral" things like drugs, alcohol or sex. But wh...more When I bought Dweller by Jeff Strand, I also got his first paperback published by Leisure Books, Pressure. I'm glad I did because after reading the amazing Dweller, I wanted to read another Strand novel asap.

Pressure didn't disappoint and was just as engrossing and entertaining as Dweller. It was nominated for Best Novel in the 2006 Bram Stoker Awards, but lost to Lisey's Story by Stephen King.

Kids are often confronted with peer pressure to try "immoral" things like drugs, alcohol or sex. But what if your friend was interested in something a bit more dangerous and depraved? ...Like torturing and murdering a person together?

That's what Alex's demented friend, Darren,wants them to do together. When they first meet at boarding school as kids, Darren is a quiet roommate who doesn't say much to the other boys. But he reveals his true nature to Alex and they part on not-so-great terms. They meet again in college and Darren acts as if they're old pals. Eventually Alex forgives him for the horrors he put him through in boarding school - they were just kids after all. Unfortunately, Darren hasn't changed a bit and wants Alex to take part in his gory hobby.

Pressure is known as Strand's first serious novel, but he still manages to inject some humor into the story. Not as much as with Dweller, as the subject matter in this novel is pretty dark, but I still got a few chuckles from it.

The characters Alex and Darren are well-developed. Alex is the relatable, average guy that you end up caring immensely about and easily empathize with. Darren is a charismatic, intelligent psychopath comparable to a villain like Norman Bates or Hannibal Lecter.

The story is suspenseful and tense, keeping the reader on edge with its fast pace and brutal gore scenes.

Pressure is a disturbing read that will make you think twice about who you trust and I highly recommend it. But I still liked Dweller a little more, so I'm giving Pressure a 4 rating. Check out Dweller too, neither of them will disappoint.

Read more of my reviews at http://littlemisszombie.blogspot.com (less)

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May 15, 2011 Kasia S. rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I would classify Pressure as a psychotic thriller, something that agitates more than scares, sure there are terrifying ordeals that end in blood shed but it's not a scary book. The story revolves around Alex, who we meet when he's a shy simple kid. He's somehow on a path of misbehaving due to some peer pressure, which results in his admission to the Branford Academy. Strict rules aren't enough to keep the really bad kids from acting out and still getting away from it, in this case Alex's roommat...more I would classify Pressure as a psychotic thriller, something that agitates more than scares, sure there are terrifying ordeals that end in blood shed but it's not a scary book. The story revolves around Alex, who we meet when he's a shy simple kid. He's somehow on a path of misbehaving due to some peer pressure, which results in his admission to the Branford Academy. Strict rules aren't enough to keep the really bad kids from acting out and still getting away from it, in this case Alex's roommate Darren turns out to be a thorn that never leaves his side. First he ignores pretty much all the roommates but develops a friendship with Alex that borders on unhealthy obsession. For some reason he's infatuated with Alex and follows him from his youth into the adult years, creeping up into his personal life, endangering his relationships with his strange stalking and seemingly innocent behavior. Darren's explanation for his closeness is that Alex is so much like him, so they might as well have fun together, in this case fun means killing people. Alex isn't as thrilled as Darren, in fact he's annoyed that someone would even think of him as a killer, but his friend doesn't take no for an answer and will literally twist all his fingers to get his way.

The beginning was interesting, I was sucked into the story right away and I liked the character development when it came to Alex, he felt pretty real. Unfortunately Alex had a bit of what I call the Hamlet complex, unable to act in a way that would resolve the horrid situations that he was in. If it was me dealing with a psycho I would not go home and relax and wait a few years to the nut to show up again and again. Also the reader gets to know very little about Darren, I felt that I never got to see inside his head and why he was acting in such a weird way, everyone's childhood was covered at least in some minute detail except for the main bad guy, too much ambiguous mystery going on with that character for my liking. The bad guy is most often the most interesting part, and there was some info missing that kept this book from getting a higher rating from me. Overall I enjoyed the story even though it had some bumps in the road but the writing was good and engaging and I will definitely read more of Strand in the future. (less)

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Apr 13, 2012 Ruthless rated it 1 of 5 stars

Unbelievable characters and a clunky plot drag this book down into a pit of meh. First of all we are expected to believe that a seemingly normal family sends their only child to boarding school for shoplifting condoms WHICH HE TRIED TO PAY FOR. When he's never done anything bad before. There just isn't enough insight into Alex's family life before we are supposed to swallow this. A christmas at school is supposed to make us realize Alex has uncaring parents but it isn't enough. I couldn't get ov...more

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Jan 15, 2012 Mike Kazmierczak rated it 5 of 5 stars

This book is a departure from Strand's normal horror / comedy novels. And I loved it! As he points out in his afterword, the story is pretty straight forward. Not very complex. But it is well worth his straight line approach.

The story is about a relationship between two guys: Alex, a good natured boy dealing with a hard life, and Darren, an introverted boy with psychotic tendencies. As they both age, mature and grow older, their two lives intersect at key points. From a mutilated dog through kid...more

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Jun 29, 2011 William M. rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: horror

Not since Jack Ketchum's "The Girl Next Door" and J.F. Gonzalez's "Survivor" was I this tense reading a book. Jeff Strand sure knows how to punish his readers - in a good way, of course. Each portion of the main character's life increases the tension until I was scared to turn the page, fearing what was next. Like the other two books I mentioned, I kept telling myself that it could not get any worse for the characters. But sure enough, that sick, twisted, and brilliant mind of Jeff Strand manage...more

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May 15, 2009 Elizabeth A. rated it 5 of 5 stars

If you've not previously read anything by Jeff Strand there couldn't possibly be a better place for you to start than with his new release, Pressure. Though Strand is the author of over a dozen books, including the outstanding Andrew Mayhem series, with the publication of Pressure Strand has taken his already incredible talent to another level entirely.

What would you do if your best friend turned out to be a sociopathic killer? One who was obsessed with you and everything about your life? That's...more

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Jul 17, 2012 Todd Russell rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: horror, first-person-pov, serial-killer, suspense

Strand plays this dark character study about two boys who become men with a disturbing bond about as close to straight as he can muster. Told from first person point of view by the protagonist, Alex, who begins with numbering bullets (the cover art image) with shaky hands and mind: "For a while, the bullets were the only thing keeping me alive." It's the best opening of the Strand books I've read so far because it makes the reader immediately wonder what terrible things have happened? What are t...more Strand plays this dark character study about two boys who become men with a disturbing bond about as close to straight as he can muster. Told from first person point of view by the protagonist, Alex, who begins with numbering bullets (the cover art image) with shaky hands and mind: "For a while, the bullets were the only thing keeping me alive." It's the best opening of the Strand books I've read so far because it makes the reader immediately wonder what terrible things have happened? What are those dates on the bullets? And then we realize that we must go back before we can go forward in the story, and Alex takes our hand into the chilly night.

(Curious aside: my #2 to date favorite Strand book Dweller also mentions ammo in the opening sentence: "We should have brought more ammo.")

On a dare Alex steals some condoms and ends up in a boarding school where he meets Darren and three other boys. Soon, Alex learns that Darren who spends much of his time writing in a journal (what is he writing in there?) is stranger than the other boys. Darren is all about temptation and applying pressure (hence the title) to Alex in a wide variety of mental and, later, physical ways. The boys catch Darren in the act of doing something hideous and decide to punish him with a mock hanging. This starts an uglier chain of events. And uglier.

This is Strand's best character study, showing Alex and Darren over four different time periods in their lives, each more pressure-filled than the former. Strand hung up his humor gloves to punch this badboy out. If you don't care much for his humor, but do enjoy his horror, you'll love Pressure. I am entertained by both, but since I love to be scared more in reading horror than laugh, this has become my #1 favorite book by him so far. Easy to see why it was nominated for a Stoker.

This would be an excellent first read for a newcomer to Strand, because it shows a little bit of his humor (to ease tension in spots) and a lot of his dialogue, characterization and pacing skill. Jeff Strand is a lean, no frills writer. His paragraphs are often short and punchy and his books often read very, very fast. With that said, Pressure is still a bit of a slow cooker, horror-wise, like readers are being dropped lobster-style into his boiling pot and there's no way out until you get to the final page.

If you haven't read this book yet, and you love character-driven macabre tales, push this to the top of your TBR list, ASAP.(less)

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Apr 26, 2012 Grey Liliy rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: horror, serial-killer, thriller, bromance, loved

You know when you find that one book, and go "This was written for me" because you love everything about it? That would be this one. For me at least.

Amazingly smooth writing that had me turning each page? Check. Witty, dark humor? Check. Charismatic, and fleshed out Serial Killer? Check. Adorable protagonist in way over his head? Check. Twisted Bromance? Check. Just the right amount of action and horrific details? Check.

Stupid grin on my face for the entire read through? Check.

I think total, min...more You know when you find that one book, and go "This was written for me" because you love everything about it? That would be this one. For me at least.

Amazingly smooth writing that had me turning each page? Check. Witty, dark humor? Check. Charismatic, and fleshed out Serial Killer? Check. Adorable protagonist in way over his head? Check. Twisted Bromance? Check. Just the right amount of action and horrific details? Check.

Stupid grin on my face for the entire read through? Check.

I think total, minus a few couldn't be helped breaks, I devoured this book in maybe two or three hours. Didn't want to put it down and drained the battery on my phone reading it.

Darren is a delightfully deranged psychopath, and his obsession with Alex is downright fascinating. You can just feel how much he wants his "friend" to like him, and his childish nature when he doesn't get what he wants. Alex, for all the horrible things that happen, seems to keep a somewhat humorous and sarcastic outlook on it all with a quip here or there--and just to break it up, Alex has some amazing freak outs over all of it. The relationship between Darren and Alex is surprisingly natural, and if not for the circumstances, you could see them being best friends. It's a great combination and the interactions between the two of them really make the book.

The storyline itself is over the top when you really think about it--probably my only complaint if I had to list one--but I didn't feel that way when reading it, so it was easy to overlook it when Alex was holding the required Horror Idiot Ball for a scene or two. But, I do like how it was divided into the different ages of his and Darren's life as they kept running into each other (or as Alex was stalked as it were). The ending was particularly effective bringing everything around full circle. Loved the setting for that final scene.

Loved it. I'd read it again in a heartbeat and I'd read a sequel even faster if (view spoiler). Loved it.(less)

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Apr 08, 2013 Mercedes rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I’ve read a couple of Jeff Strand’s other novels and was impressed with them, enough so that I look for more from him. One thing I can say about Jeff Strand, is his novels are never slow and this was no exception. From the first page it reads so fast and easy you don’t even realize how quickly you are getting through the book. I started this book one night. The next evening I finished it and it’s not a short story, it’s 300+ pages.
This is about Alex whose parents ship him off to a correctional s...more

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Jun 09, 2010 DJMikeG rated it 5 of 5 stars

Wow. Just finished this king hell, rip snorting beast of a novel, and I'm still kind of reeling from it. Have you ever not been able to put a book down? There are other things that you should be doing, but an author has you so masterfully in the grip of his story that you cannot physically tear your eyes from the page, even for a minute? This book was like that for me. I read the entire thing in 24 hours. This is by far the best book I have read yet this year. Jeff Strand is amazing. I don't wan...more

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Apr 25, 2013 Dawna rated it 5 of 5 stars

If there was a way to give this book 10 stars, I would. It's that good. The story grabs you from the start and is a non stop thrill ride to the very end! The character main character is one you see yourself being friends with, rooting for, and feeling every single ounce of his fear. With today's headlines, the protagonist of the story is so much more believable than you could ever imagine. Mr. Strand really hits the mark with this one. This book has sat in my wish list for a while (along with a...more

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May 31, 2009 Kristen rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: dorchester-book-club, horror

Pressure grabs you right from the beginning and squeezes your insides with a churning feeling of sickness - you know, in the bottom of your heart where this will lead, but you can't stop it, and you can't look away.

Told from the viewpoint of Alex, we follow him through his life with his disturbing relationship with Darren. We know right away what Darren is, what he will become... and Darren quickly fills the shoes of the role we mentally put him in. Darren is a serial killer, and a sociopath of...more

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Feb 10, 2010 Bill rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: horror

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. I've spent the last several months listening to the Pod of Horror podcasts. This is a great show, featuring reviews and news in the field, as well as writer interviews.
There have been several books added to my to-read pile only because of the raves I've heard on this podcast, and from reading reviews at the horrorworld website (maintained and submitted by most of the personalities from said podcast).
Mark Justice (who I really like) is the host of the podcast and frequent reviewer at the site. Ju...more

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Jul 16, 2009 Eric rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: horror, fiction, books-i-gave-away

First the positives. The writing was good. Pacing was pretty good. The characters were memorable and not paper cutouts.

But the negatives overshadowed all that, at least for me. I couldn't get over my disbelief that Alex would choose to become close friends with Darren in college (even before that, I couldn't believe the coincidence of both of them ending up at the same college). I've known some guys in grade school and high school that I would never associate with again. They could try to convi...more

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Oct 07, 2011 Felts rated it 3 of 5 stars

Pressure starts out great, and is the type of story that I highly enjoy wherein the main character finds himself in a totally screwed up situation where there can be no good resolution. The only things that led me to rating it only 3 stars was the ending was a bit of of let down, and sometimes Strand's sarcasm during tense moments kinda ruined the moment. This is the second book of Jeff Strand's that I have read (well, third counting his involvement in Draculas) and I will definitely pick up mor...more

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Jan 08, 2013 Joe Stamber rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: kindle, read-2013

After struggling through the dreary For Whom the Bell Tolls I desperately needed something I could actually enjoy in order to restore my faith in reading. A good horror might do the trick and I thought I'd see if this fitted the bill. Pressure is a brutal horror/thriller that hammers the senses of the reader. Strand's writing style is straightforward and fluid, making me wonder if I might have read Pressure straight through if life didn't have other demands on my time.

The story is told in first...more

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Jun 17, 2011 Adam Wilson rated it 5 of 5 stars

Pressure is my first Jeff Strand read and I have looked forward to giving this one a try for nearly a year. So many people on Goodreads seemed to love it and he seems to be a rising star in the horror field so I had to read it. I can call Pressure brilliant without having to even hesitate. I wish I would have listened to everyone’s recommendations sooner because this is a horror reader’s gem. It reminded me of a lot of other novels but in the good way, not the “this book ripped off this other bo...more

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Feb 20, 2010 Daniel Russell rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: reads-since-the-big-move

One must not allow preconceptions to sneak in when about to read a novel, and never, ever judge a book by its cover...or author.

I've spoke to Jeff a few times online, and he also has this reputation as being a funny guy who writes horror-humour better than most. Therefore, on opening up Pressure, I was expecting some high level hootage.

I was quite...well...hummmm...read on.

I don't need to bang on about the plot of the book much, as it's quite a simple concept. There's many types of bullying, and...more

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Jul 11, 2009 Tressa rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: crime-fiction, psychological-fiction, thriller-suspense, serial-killers

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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May 01, 2010 Elizabeth A. rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

If you've not previously read anything by Jeff Strand there couldn't possibly be a better place for you to start than with his new release, Pressure. Though Strand is the author of over a dozen books, including the outstanding Andrew Mayhem series, with the publication of Pressure Strand has taken his already incredible talent to another level entirely.

What would you do if your best friend turned out to be a sociopathic killer? One who was obsessed with you and everything about your life? That's...more

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May 04, 2013 Tony rated it 4 of 5 stars

Pressure is my first time to read Jeff Strand's work. He scattered a fair amount of dry humor throughout the story to good effect.

Once I picked it up, I read it straight through without stopping. I thought parts of the story could have been fleshed out more, but Strand built a sense of dread that had me afraid to turn the pages in the last 1/3 of the book.

I will definitely read another of Jeff's books in the future, even though Pressure was a bit heavy on violence and shock for my tastes.

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Jul 21, 2009 Kara rated it 4 of 5 stars

Also one of my favorites this year. Engagine, captivating story. Jeff Strand has a series of novels starring Andrew Mayhem that are comedy/horror. They are great and over the top gross. But, the comedy mixed in makes them work. This one isn't funny at all and I wondered at first how how the horror would work in something series but Jeff toned that aspect, at least the slasher bit, down a lot which made this book really fantastic. It worked really well.

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Apr 19, 2012 Amber Case rated it 5 of 5 stars

I love how Strand begins his characters as children and we have the opportunity to see them grow, make mistakes, and encounter some major drama. I also love how Darren, the antagonist in this book, is charming in his own sociopathic way. This book grabs you from the beginning and doesn't let go. Highly recommended....

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Aug 26, 2009 Jennie rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: horror

Really well paced. Interesting characters and a convincing villain.

Strand is also able to mix in a lot of humor with genuinely cringe-inducing violence.

Darren is a pretty well developed psychopath that manages to keep his object of torment (Alex) stuck in a paranoid 12 year old's mindset for much of the book and it works.

A good, quick read.

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Jun 09, 2011 Josh rated it 5 of 5 stars

this is the first of strand's straight horror novels i've read, and man is it one mean mother fucker. this is completely different from the gory yet mostly good natured humorous novels strand usually writes. this is pure balls out horror that starts off strong and never slows down.

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Apr 28, 2010 Amanda Lyons rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I actually got into this right up until the point when the narrator became a family man and the thread of the story slowed dramatically and lost the great pacing the first part had. This in turn lost me even though I did finish it.

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Jul 29, 2012 Lisa rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I've had this on my bookshelf for two years, I didn't think Jeff Strand and "serious" would blend well. They did. I couldn't put this book down, it is engaging from the beginning to the end. Highly reccomended.

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Jun 29, 2012 Charlene rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: loanable-but-loaned-already

This is yet another hit by Jeff Strand!
This story focuses on pressure. The opening scene involves some peer pressure between teen boys. From there this story is full steam ahead and don't even think about putting on the brakes.

Alex is sent to a school for troubled kids, even though he's not really troubled. He meets his new roommates Darren (the quiet scribbler), Pete and Jeremy. Little does he know that one of these people is going to change his life forever.

Mr. Strand's trademark sense of humo...more

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Dec 01, 2012 Michele J rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: horror, 2012-books-read

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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