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Seep
Inexplicable psychosis consumes a small town of isolationists, carving out a body-littered, blood-splattered journey into madness. Seep, a gruesome reminder of the fatal nature of life. ... Spring, 1927. Without warning, without reason, insanity descends like a cloud of locusts on a small town in the American Southwest. Neighbor turns upon neighbor and family members on one another. The few who are not afflicted battle for their lives as the stain of madness spreads unchecked. Soon, bodies litter the dusty streets and the small town burns. Salvation, it would seem, is only for the dead. Inspired by the true events that struck the village of Pont-Saint-Esprit, France, over the summer of 1951, when a bizarre and fast-spreading madness suddenly affected hundreds, concluding in seven deaths and leaving fifty more interned to asylums.
- GenresHorror
304 pages, Paperback
First published March 8, 2012
11 people are currently reading
191 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
November 13, 2012
I have to say that when I took this trip I was hoping for a twisted, macabre, and gruesome story... and I was not disappointed. Madness, especially quick-striking unexplained madness, is an intriguing premise. The fact that Laing took a true historical aberration and moved it to another country in a different place and time made this story even more fascinating. I am a huge fan of historical fiction as it is, but this mixed two of my favorite genres by blending an environment and characters from another period with a bloody horror story that relies on a terrible reality rather than the supernatural to deliver it--unusual in the horror realm. Honestly, after thinking this one over for a few days, I would put SEEP in line with an entertaining and unnerving M. Knight Shyamalan movie (The Happening) where no real answers are provided and there is no nice tidy bow on the ending. You are left with that unsettling feeling that what you just experienced is utterly insane and yet possible--if it happened before it could happen again. True horror never dies.
July 30, 2014
I've been dying to get my grubby little hands on 'Seep' for a good while now.
Two nights ago, I sat down with my Kindle and started reading. I was immediately dragged into a 1920's America that was so realistic, I felt I was right there.
Thing is, I really did not want to be in the small town where 'Seep' was set!
One reviewer has said 'Seep' is relentless. I agree. The pace of this novel is something else. There is never a respite to catch your breath. For sure, this would make when hell of a movie.
The characters are all top notch creations and are so well written.The story flicks from person to person effortlessly, each character in their own predicament. There are those you genuinely care for and want to make it to the last page. Others are just plain evil or crazy, sometimes both.
'Seep' is not a tale for the faint of heart. There were many points in the story were I was scared of what may come next! The tension in parts is palpable, especially the scenes in the upstairs room in the saloon. Some of the things that happened in there will haunt me for a good while yet!
Yep. 'Seep' is a gruesome read at times. Damn scary too.
But, it is also a beautiful read. J. Eric Laing can sure write.
'Seep' is a truly amazing read.
Go buy it.
Two nights ago, I sat down with my Kindle and started reading. I was immediately dragged into a 1920's America that was so realistic, I felt I was right there.
Thing is, I really did not want to be in the small town where 'Seep' was set!
One reviewer has said 'Seep' is relentless. I agree. The pace of this novel is something else. There is never a respite to catch your breath. For sure, this would make when hell of a movie.
The characters are all top notch creations and are so well written.The story flicks from person to person effortlessly, each character in their own predicament. There are those you genuinely care for and want to make it to the last page. Others are just plain evil or crazy, sometimes both.
'Seep' is not a tale for the faint of heart. There were many points in the story were I was scared of what may come next! The tension in parts is palpable, especially the scenes in the upstairs room in the saloon. Some of the things that happened in there will haunt me for a good while yet!
Yep. 'Seep' is a gruesome read at times. Damn scary too.
But, it is also a beautiful read. J. Eric Laing can sure write.
'Seep' is a truly amazing read.
Go buy it.
November 13, 2012
I have to say that when I took this trip I was hoping for a twisted, macabre, and gruesome story... and I was not disappointed. Madness, especially quick-striking unexplained madness, is an intriguing premise. The fact that Laing took a true historical aberration and moved it to another country in a different place and time, made this story even more fascinating. I am a huge fan of historical fiction as it is, but this mixed two of my favorite genres by blending an environment and characters from another period with a bloody horror story that relies on a terrible reality rather than the supernatural to deliver it--unusual in the horror realm. Honestly, after thinking this one over for a few days, I would put SEEP in line with an entertaining and unnerving M. Knight Shyamalan movie (The Happening) where no real answers are provided and there is no nice tidy bow on the ending. You are left with that unsettling feeling that what you just experienced is utterly insane and yet possible--if it happened before it could happen again. True horror never dies.
August 22, 2013
What are we reading?: Seep, by J Eric Laing
Give me the short version: Isolated pioneer town goes inexplicably off the deep end
Something I liked right away about Seep were the number of aged protagonists. Recent literature often supposes that excitement only strikes within a magic age bracket (usually the most hormonal one), and given the age distribution of humanity this clearly can't be the case.
Especial kudos goes to how various characters are introduced. Disaster-scenario stories often try to crank up the pathos with a smorgasboard of perspectives; but if your subsequent character isn't every bit as engaging as the one you opened with it can be a great way to lose your audience. This is an age of digital samples which can be scanned and discarded rapidly without purchase, so those like Laing who know what they're doing clearly stand out from the pack.
Recommended to those who like something a little different.
Give me the short version: Isolated pioneer town goes inexplicably off the deep end
Something I liked right away about Seep were the number of aged protagonists. Recent literature often supposes that excitement only strikes within a magic age bracket (usually the most hormonal one), and given the age distribution of humanity this clearly can't be the case.
Especial kudos goes to how various characters are introduced. Disaster-scenario stories often try to crank up the pathos with a smorgasboard of perspectives; but if your subsequent character isn't every bit as engaging as the one you opened with it can be a great way to lose your audience. This is an age of digital samples which can be scanned and discarded rapidly without purchase, so those like Laing who know what they're doing clearly stand out from the pack.
Recommended to those who like something a little different.
August 28, 2012
A great voice of horror.
Laing's Western horror novel reads like a Sam Elliot narration. It's a long story that brings a small town of dirt roads and plank walks and one saloon into insanity. He slowly introduces the town's characters and their descent into vague, bizarre behavior, frequently giving the reader a first-person look through confused intentions and unexplained actions that they're not always aware of. Furthermore, he pins the cause of madness on something quite possible. His scenes are rich with cringe-worthy detail.
While I'm not a fan of horror, I thoroughly enjoyed Laing's writing style, reading it simply for the pleasure of reading. And hearing Sam Elliot's voice in my head while I did so. I'll read more of Laing's work just for the ride.
Laing's Western horror novel reads like a Sam Elliot narration. It's a long story that brings a small town of dirt roads and plank walks and one saloon into insanity. He slowly introduces the town's characters and their descent into vague, bizarre behavior, frequently giving the reader a first-person look through confused intentions and unexplained actions that they're not always aware of. Furthermore, he pins the cause of madness on something quite possible. His scenes are rich with cringe-worthy detail.
While I'm not a fan of horror, I thoroughly enjoyed Laing's writing style, reading it simply for the pleasure of reading. And hearing Sam Elliot's voice in my head while I did so. I'll read more of Laing's work just for the ride.
June 12, 2012
I kept reading this book, and to be honest, I didn't know why. It wasn't the most engrossing story ever, or even the most original, but I couldn't put it down.
Probably won't read it again, but it was entertaining.
Probably won't read it again, but it was entertaining.
June 19, 2014
This is a well-written Western/horror blend. I've followed the author for a number of years, so I know how talented he is. As far as I understand it, this was his first novel, and if it is already this good, it makes me look forward to the rest of his books that much more.
June 2, 2012
This is a very macabre Western. The bizarreness of it really appealed to me! It is a bit gruesome, however.
June 5, 2012
Couldn't decide between 3 or 4 stars on this one. Good thriller with a mystery thrown in.
April 19, 2013
The rapid-fire back and forth style between this characters made this book a little difficult to follow, so I had to mark it down. Still, it was a nice horror read, twisted and unpredictable.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews