Richard Laymon (1947–2001)

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)

Nothing really happened in this book. It was an entire book of filler and tension builder but no climax or resolution, rather disappointing. Hopefully with the next book having to be all climax and resolution it will have a made this book worth the read.

You could say relationships were strengthened characters were developed but I feel all of that was implied with the last book and would have been understood without using a whole book to spell it out. But maybe this series is geared towards a younger reader.

I really enjoy the world she has created which is why I keep reading the books, however the way it is written leaves something to be desired.

and on a final note it should not take 3 books to decide if meg and Simon like each other or not in a more than friends way. It was obvious in book 1 that is where the story wanted to go, dragging it out is painful. spoiler alert we still don't know if they like each other or not. Either make them family or romantic, stop bouncing back and forth.… (more)