February 2015 Group Read: In The Dark by Richard Laymon

[John]

It had to be said, Justin, and you put it better than I could. Jeremy, I couldn't agree more. I too will stick my neck out and say that most horror - especially these days - is not very well written. My standards are pretty high. No, I'm not being snobbish; I just find it frustrating that I have to sift through tons of the crap before finding the odd gold nugget. Horror, for me anyway, is light relief from reading some of the more demanding books on my shelf. Having said all that, I think these threads are the place to hang out occasionally in order to stumble upon that odd gold nugget.

[Dave]

The thing about horror literature is that different things frighten different people just as different writing styles and genres appeal more to some than to others. I have tried reading Straub's "Ghost Story" on more than a few occasions and each time I try Straub loses me early on and I just don't like his slow burn, classic style - he bores me to death - perhaps that's also partly because ghosts don't frighten me in the least.
Laymon on the other hand is an author who I regard as a horror icon because his stories are adrenaline charged rides (he has a massive following because of that and many authors try to emulate him today). He doesn't attempt to write "classical" literature or to put art into words but what he does do is tell a story in a cinematic "slasher" way.
I don't want to be challenged by a book, I want to enjoy a story and I want to feel the adrenaline of the story - that's personal preference though.

[Pixelina]

Well, my one gripe with it really is that the opening premiss was so cool but that Jane fell into the same usual trap of turning into some Lara Croft sleek killing machine in the end. I would have liked to see her stay a chubby librarian but with a switchblade and a kick-ass attitude.

[Justin]

Jeanette (jema) wrote: "Well, my one gripe with it really is that the opening premiss was so cool but that Jane fell into the same usual trap of turning into some Lara Croft sleek killing machine in the end. I would have ..."

Yea I agree, I understand that the purpose of the long boring first half of the book was to show her becoming tougher because of the things that she was put through but I also liked her at the beginning better. If her decisions would have been a little more consistent and rationally with believable motivation so she didn't seem so dumb she would have been a truly awesome character from the start.

[Kasia]

No spoilers about Jane being Lara Croft pls..

I love Laymon but I tend to judge each work separately, some are better than others but all have this undeniable campy vibe.

[Robert]

I finished yesterday. I am a big Laymon fan, and I actually do put this one in the top half of the list of his works. Yes, it has its issues, but all of his works do, and this one really caught my interest. It is definitely more body-obsessed than much of his other work :-).

(view spoiler)[So Shaun, if I'm understanding you right, you're saying he should have handled the gun issue the way you stated, but the thing is, he DID. It never states that she bought the guns from the sporting goods store, just the knife, and it explicitly states that she goes to see Babe, it just doesn't say why, but IMO, it's pretty obvious. Why did you think she went to see Babe, since it clearly wasn't to ask him to go along with her to the church?

Most of the other stuff I agree with, like how she slimmed down that fast just by running and lifting hand weights. Sorry, but it just doesn't happen that fast, and I speak from personal experience. :-)

I agree with others that it's great to see lively conversation here. It's been a great discussion, and it says something about a book when it can evoke such widely ranging opinions. (hide spoiler)]

[Anne]

Joel wrote: "I read this last year so I haven't been participating in the group read thus far. However, since the topic has shifted to Laymon in general, I figured I'd proffer my two cents: Laymon is not a goo..."

Definitely agree Joel. My husband laughs that I'll watch any B (or C, or D...) horror movie just cause I don't care how cheesy or lame it is, it's horror and it's fun! Well said about Laymon, he's definitely a B writer but that doesn't make it any less fun to read his stuff.

[11811 (Eleven)]

Andy wrote: "I like books."

I'm cool with books.

[Dani]

Jeremy wrote: "I agree, Joel. Actually, I think most horror novel writing is pretty crappy, but since I find the cheap thrills they provide entertaining, I have lower standards than I would for a novel of anothe..."


Great insight!

[Dani]

11811 (Eleven) wrote: "Andy wrote: "I like books."

I'm cool with books."

I like books too because it allows me to forget about any crap in my life even if it's only for a few hours....

[Dani]

Anne wrote: "Anne wrote: "Ok, about 100 pages to go, and it definitely took an interesting turn. I was getting pretty tired of hearing about Jane's clothes and her nipples, they seemed to almost be characters! ..."

For real, totally with ya on that one!

[Ulio]

The book has an interesting premise not really horror even though the author tries to make it out like a big deal. Oh my god I got a letter, its so freaky like what? The protoganist reacts unrealistically after that, she can't even do her job just because of some random letter upsets her so much.

Also the constant sexuality in inapporiate moments is annoying. So why is there paragraphs about Jane's panties during a super intense moment. Yes it ruins the tension and cheapens the story.

I'm halfway through don't know if I will keep going on the story is alright for what it is but it isn't really scary at any point.

[Justin]

Ulio wrote: "The book has an interesting premise not really horror even though the author tries to make it out like a big deal. Oh my god I got a letter, its so freaky like what? The protoganist reacts unrealis..."

If you are halfway through and thinking about giving it up because it is lacking in horror, stick with it. He cranks up the horror around 60% or so.

[Mixofsunandcloud]

I'm at about 85% and I keep going back and forth between enjoying the story and getting annoyed at Jane.

[Kasia]

46% in.. I's fun, but I'm curious about the 60% mark being mentioned :) cant wait to dig in deeper. I was actually bummed out when I realized I left my Kindle at home when I was on the train to work.

[Addy]

I totally agree with you dani. Books are my escape from my sometimes, things are going all wrong crappy days. Hey, it's better than drinking right? Well, I like drinking too:)

[11811 (Eleven)]

Addy wrote: "I totally agree with you dani. Books are my escape from my sometimes, things are going all wrong crappy days. Hey, it's better than drinking right? Well, I like drinking too:)"

Alcohol + Campy Literature = Pure Bliss.

[Ulio]

Justin wrote: "Ulio wrote: "The book has an interesting premise not really horror even though the author tries to make it out like a big deal. Oh my god I got a letter, its so freaky like what? The protoganist re..."

Ya i decided to keep going this is good to hear.

[Kasia]

11811 (Eleven) wrote: "Alcohol + Campy Literature = Pure Bliss. "

:D heck yes

[11811 (Eleven)]

Kasia wrote: "11811 (Eleven) wrote: "Alcohol + Campy Literature = Pure Bliss. "

:D heck yes"

:P

I don't want to inspire anyone to violate their probation but yeah...

[Kasia]

I'm never breaking up with my Asahi lol.

[11811 (Eleven)]

Kasia wrote: "I'm never breaking up with my Asahi lol."

I Googled it. There's beer in there. I'm in.

[Kasia]

11811 (Eleven) wrote: "Kasia wrote: "I'm never breaking up with my Asahi lol."

I Googled it. There's beer in there. I'm in."

There sure is, the can is almost bigger than my head. I had to send my friend a picture, he didn't believe it.

[Justin]

11811 (Eleven) wrote: "Addy wrote: "I totally agree with you dani. Books are my escape from my sometimes, things are going all wrong crappy days. Hey, it's better than drinking right? Well, I like drinking too:)"

Alcoho..."

I have spent to many nights drinking and reading then forgot everything I read and had to try to find my spot again. DON'T DRINK AND READ!

[Justin]

Kasia wrote: "I'm never breaking up with my Asahi lol."

I'm going to look for that.

[11811 (Eleven)]

Justin wrote: "I have spent to many nights drinking and reading then forgot everything I read and had to try to find my spot again. DON'T DRINK AND READ! ..."

hallelujah!

[Addy]

Amen to that brother!! But I do need to try Asahi or whatever that is...lol.

[Joel]

Addy wrote: "Amen to that brother!! But I do need to try Asahi or whatever that is...lol."
Think of it as the Japanese equivalent to Budweiser.

[Andy]

http://www.asahibeer.com/index.psp.html.

It's not bad as far as Asian beers go.

[Justin]

Not a Budweiser fan but if Andy says it's not bad I will check it out if I can find it.

[Joel]

It's definitely not bad, just a bit bland. Popular as heck in Japan though!

[Andy]

There aren't too many Asian beers that aren't bland.

[Kasia]

Asahi is not bland to me, it's actually quite strong too. I get the Super Dry ( silver can) no comparisons to Bud with that one, not even close.

Tiger beer is also very nice but it's quite light and crisp.

[Kasia]

Justin wrote: "I have spent to many nights drinking and reading then forgot everything I read and had to try to find my spot again. DON'T DRINK AND READ! "

Once in a while it will happen to me too, then I have to re-read the whole ending as it's foggy lol.

[Kasia]

49% in... at the moment Jane is drinking a beer, damn she drinks more than I do lol. Guess I was on topic after all.

[Jeremy]

Kasia wrote: "49% in... at the moment Jane is drinking a beer, damn she drinks more than I do lol. Guess I was on topic after all."

All that showering is thirsty work...

[Addy]

@jeremy: Lol...too funny!

[Andy]

LOL, the shower scenes have been making me thirsty, too!

[Addy]

I bet they have!

[11811 (Eleven)]

I'm not reading the book this month but this is still one of my favorite discussions so far in the history of HA group reads. And it's Laymon. Who woulda thunk it?

[Gary]

I agree. It is a most entertaining discussion.

[Dani]

Justin wrote: "11811 (Eleven) wrote: "Addy wrote: "I totally agree with you dani. Books are my escape from my sometimes, things are going all wrong crappy days. Hey, it's better than drinking right? Well, I like ..."


LOL, THAT WAS HILARIOUS

[Dani]

It's my birthday, so Justin I'm gonna drink and read. :)

[Joel]

Dani wrote: "It's my birthday, so Justin I'm gonna drink and read. :)"

Beware of paper cuts!

[Maxine Marsh]

"He was all up inside her."

I just can't.

:-p

[Kasia]

Dani wrote: "It's my birthday, so Justin I'm gonna drink and read. :)"

Happy Birthday Dani, may the champagne/beer whatever you love flow as you glide through those pages!

[Kasia]

90% done.. man this story kicked my brain around 68% or so, entertaining read that's for sure.

[Nate]

Kasia wrote: "90% done.. man this story kicked my brain around 68% or so, entertaining read that's for sure."

I had the same experience. That last 30-40% was urgent.

[Kasia]

I must be a weirdo because half way trough that I got up to make a quick cake in the kitchen (simple lemon yoghurt loaf) then ran back to read lol.

[Nate]

Nice, lol. I was caught at work and had to manufacture as much down time as possible to finish.