'The Cellar' in the series 'Beast House Chronicles' by Richard Laymon follows the intertwined stories of Donna and her daughter on the run from her husband, who has just been released from prison, and characters Jud and Larry who are determined to kill the beast residing in the town's beast house. The narrative is described as graphic, with elements of rape, violence, and a mix of action and horror scenes. The plot involves a blend of disturbing themes like child molestation, sadistic sex, and murderous beasts set against the backdrop of Bay Area settings.

is noted for its quick and engrossing read that hooks readers from the start and keeps them entertained until the end. Despite being labeled as not thought-provoking, the story is engaging and features a unique writing style by Richard Laymon. The ending is highlighted as strange and somewhat creepy, leaving readers intrigued about the next installment in the series.

Characters:

Characters tend to be one-dimensional, primarily serving to advance the plot, with a focus on female vulnerability and a clear villain.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is direct and visceral, characterized by graphic depictions of violence and sexual content, often blending absurdity with horror.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot centers around a mother and daughter fleeing from a dangerous man, intertwining themes of sexual abuse and horror as they encounter supernatural elements and numerous threats.

Setting:

The setting is a fictional Northern California town dominated by the ominous Beast House, steeped in a history of violence and horror.

Pacing:

Pacing is swift overall, punctuated by slower moments that develop the story yet build tension for a rapid conclusion.

She had known it would happen. She had expected it, planned for it, dreaded it. Now it was upon her. “I’m sorry to disturb you at this hour,” he’d said, “but I knew you’d want to be informed immediate...

Notes:

The Cellar is part of Richard Laymon's Beast House series, which is known for its graphic and controversial content.

Readers often find the graphic scenes of violence and sexual abuse to be very disturbing.

The story follows a mother, Donna, and her daughter, Sandy, who are fleeing from Donna's recently released husband, Roy, who has a history of rape.

The book blends horror elements with a mix of societal issues like incest and child abuse.

The setting includes a notorious house that has become a tourist attraction despite its dark history of murder.

Readers have mixed feelings about Laymon's portrayal of women, often describing them as shallow or underdeveloped.

Despite its graphic depictions, some readers appreciate the fast-paced nature of Laymon's writing, calling it a 'quick read'.

Many reviews caution potential readers about the explicit content, especially scenes involving child abuse.

The novel features multiple storylines intertwining characters like an elderly man seeking revenge on a beast and the family's race to escape Roy.

Overall, the Beast House series is described as campy and reminiscent of 70s B-movies, appealing to fans of splatterpunk horror.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Triggers include graphic depictions of child abuse, incest, violent sexual encounters, and gore.

Has Romance?

There is a medium level of romance in The Cellar, primarily through the interactions between Donna and other male characters, including moments of attraction and desire.

From The Publisher:

Arguably Laymon's most celebrated-and most infamous-novel, The Cellar is the first book in his Beast House Chronicles.

Only the bravest tourists dare to venture inside the sealed-up Beast House, long rumored to be haunted. But the creature that lives in the cellar is no ghost, and it's hungry

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The Cellar

Richard Laymon

Book 1 in the series:Beast House Chronicles