I’m glad that Leisure is using a lot of newer talent with its horror line, but I’m even more grateful that they continue to bring us the living legends of the genre. And April’s releases are Bestial, by Ray Garton and The Golem, by Edward Lee.
Ray has been publishing in the genre for just about as long as I’ve been reading it. Like many of his older fans, I first discovered Ray with his landmark vampire novel, Live Girls. I went back and found darklings and Seductions, both of which are excellent.
There are some horror writers that have achieved greater fame than Ray Garton, but I’ll hold up the consistent level of quality in his work with the very best of them. Ray’s fiction can be traditional or radical or anywhere in between. Ravenous, which is the werewolf novel that preceded Bestial, was a more traditional tale from Ray. It reminded me of a good 80’s horror novel. Which is never a bad thing.
I started reading Edward Lee somewhat late in the game. The first one I bought was Creekers, but I was instantly a fan after reading it. Ray’s unique brand of high-octane sex and violence-drenched fiction is without peer. Many have tried to ape his style, but few or none have his solid storytelling chops. And it would be a mistake to simply call Lee a grossout writer. He tells a walloping story every time he writes a novel or short piece of fiction. The man is a pro at the writing game.
Two legends of the genre, both available at affordable prices. Don’t miss them.
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