The Travelling Vampire show - Richard Laymon

Richard Laymon passed away on the 14th of February this year. My main reason for picking up 'The Travelling Vampire Show' was an act of commemoration - he was among the most prolific writers working in my genre. I really wanted to like this book, his last published on these shores while he was alive. I didn't, unfortunately. It's the sixties, and all over the sleepy town of Grandville, flyers have been posted advertising The Travelling Vampire Show. Valeria, billed as the only vampire in captivity, is an especially exciting prospect for Dwight, Rusty, and the tomboy Slim, given how tedious ... more

Dwight, Rusty and Slim. Three typical teenagers - bored out of their minds during the summer holidays. Bored that is until the mysterious posters start appearing all over their sleepy American town. Over night the town is flooded with eerie posters advertising “The Travelling Vampire Show” with Valeria - the only known vampire in captivity as the star attraction. Suddenly ‘boredom’ is not a word in the teenage trio’s vocabulary as they try to work out how they can not only pass as the stipulated minimum age of eighteen to gain entry but also get permission to go to an event that doesn’t start ... more

The Travelling Vampire Show By Richard Laymon is more or less what all his other books are, only not as good as the rest. But it isn’t half bad either. Dwight is a like a goody two shoes but he can’t resist going along with his friends plans, especially slims who’s actual name is Frances and yes she is a girl. Slim is a very tomboyish type of person who likes to change her name often. Or maybe it is her personality or her past she is trying to change… anyway the other main character is Rusty short for Russell. He is rather an annoying type with some very bad habits. He’s a bit on the ... more

I have always been a fan of Richard Laymon and have managed to collect all of his books. However, after my delight in the anticiaption of a new offering, I was completely disappointed. A complete anticlimax I'm afraid. Some of the scenes in this book were more disturbing than is usual in his writings and the style was completely different, taking place over a short, continuous time span. I can't recommend this book, however if you are a Laymon fan then I suggest you form your own opinion. I lent this book to two of my friends to review for a magazine that I co publish and received two very ... more