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Breeder
When a young couple decides to move into a dilapidated townhouse, they have no idea that they have relocated to the lair of a hideous beast
313 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published July 1, 1990
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
January 8, 2022
Clegg's second novel, first published in 1990, is perhaps the best of his I have read. Clegg has very unique prose-- punchy and visceral-- and quite an imagination. From the cover and the title, I assumed that this was going to be some knock off of Rosemary's Baby, but thankfully, no. As usual, Clegg builds a complicated plot and fleshes it out with great characters utilizing sparse prose that reminds me of King at his best.
The prologue concerns some sort of dark abortion/rite going on in D.C. during the riots of 1968 (while not mentioned, probably just after MLK's assassination) but it takes a long time for the reader to understand the purpose of it. The proper story starts with a young couple, Hugh and Rachel, checking out a house Hugh's father just gave them after their wedding. Hugh and Rachel met in law school, but while Rachel now is working as a lawyer, Hugh has yet to pass the bar. Hugh is really an unlikable character; in fact, almost all the people in the book share that quality except Rachel and an old bag lady named Maddie. The house is located on the edge of a bad neighborhood in D.C.; in fact, it was really part of a slum until recently when gentrification kicked in. Originally build in the 1800s, the house has quite a past-- nicknamed the 'screaming house' in the 1970s as some stoned hippies killed a bunch of people there ala Manson-- but the horrors of the house go back even further. This may make it sound like a haunted house story, and sure, there is a little of that, but this is really about dark voodoo gone wrong...
By the end of the 1980s, I think just about every possible horror trope had been beaten to death, but Clegg brings something new here. Yes, there is quite a bit of body horror (guys and gals watch out!), but it is the rather unique blending of various horror motifs that really make this stand out. Clegg's novels for me have been rather hit or miss, but when he hits, its pretty damn good. Rachel, the main protagonist, is wonderful, Hugh (and indeed, his entire family) horrible, but somehow this all works. 4 voodoo stars!
The prologue concerns some sort of dark abortion/rite going on in D.C. during the riots of 1968 (while not mentioned, probably just after MLK's assassination) but it takes a long time for the reader to understand the purpose of it. The proper story starts with a young couple, Hugh and Rachel, checking out a house Hugh's father just gave them after their wedding. Hugh and Rachel met in law school, but while Rachel now is working as a lawyer, Hugh has yet to pass the bar. Hugh is really an unlikable character; in fact, almost all the people in the book share that quality except Rachel and an old bag lady named Maddie. The house is located on the edge of a bad neighborhood in D.C.; in fact, it was really part of a slum until recently when gentrification kicked in. Originally build in the 1800s, the house has quite a past-- nicknamed the 'screaming house' in the 1970s as some stoned hippies killed a bunch of people there ala Manson-- but the horrors of the house go back even further. This may make it sound like a haunted house story, and sure, there is a little of that, but this is really about dark voodoo gone wrong...
By the end of the 1980s, I think just about every possible horror trope had been beaten to death, but Clegg brings something new here. Yes, there is quite a bit of body horror (guys and gals watch out!), but it is the rather unique blending of various horror motifs that really make this stand out. Clegg's novels for me have been rather hit or miss, but when he hits, its pretty damn good. Rachel, the main protagonist, is wonderful, Hugh (and indeed, his entire family) horrible, but somehow this all works. 4 voodoo stars!
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July 20, 2017This hardcover book is copy 352 of 500 copies produced and is signed by Douglas Clegg.
October 1, 2013
This novel captured my attention for the voodoo references, supernatural phenomenon, and that engaging characterization. I'll admit that it started out a little slowly for me--and after reading the synopsis, I kept thinking that it was going to be too similar to another novel I had read (which I won't name, in case the reference ruins the book for someone else.). However, Clegg managed to turn it around into something else entirely his own. Yes, there were some predictable moments, but for the most part, the scenes portrayed were all Clegg. The last third of the novel was so full of visceral scenes and revelations, that I couldn't pull myself away until the end. Douglas Clegg is an author I've come to rely on for a good scare with original spins on his topics. 4 stars; recommended.
October 1, 2013
A fast, fun and creepy read.
When Clegg does his voodoo drum solo, you can't help but dance.
When Clegg does his voodoo drum solo, you can't help but dance.
August 24, 2019
Similarly to Goatdance, this book has some great moments, although not nearly as many, but ends up being a complete mess.
It takes its time building up, and Breeder's best moments are during said build up. The backstory, weaving subplots and character development are the strongest pieces to the pie here, with the main story being a retread that you've read a billion times before.
A little bit of a haunted house novel, a little bit of body horror novel, a little bit of "spooky kids" novel and a little bit of a voodoo novel, it's simply trying to be too much, when it's a generally straightforward tale of some young lawyers inheriting a house with a REALLY messed up past, that of course, they end up unearthing and smack dab in the middle of.
There's some really great stuff here around classism and racism, and some truly evil villains. Fantastic, nightmarish visuals seem to be Clegg's specialty and when he lays em' out, you can't put the book down.
But it takes forever to get there, with some atrocious pacing and long-winded moments. It lacks the literary beauty of Goatdance, but all of the pretentious hackneyed clunkiness that dropped that book down a few pegs.
Not nearly as captivating, extra boring at times and just an overall indifference blares through this novel.
I've heard that Neverland is one of Clegg's best, and I will give him one last try with that, as I already own a copy, but so far, I'm just really not feeling super excited about this author's works.
It takes its time building up, and Breeder's best moments are during said build up. The backstory, weaving subplots and character development are the strongest pieces to the pie here, with the main story being a retread that you've read a billion times before.
A little bit of a haunted house novel, a little bit of body horror novel, a little bit of "spooky kids" novel and a little bit of a voodoo novel, it's simply trying to be too much, when it's a generally straightforward tale of some young lawyers inheriting a house with a REALLY messed up past, that of course, they end up unearthing and smack dab in the middle of.
There's some really great stuff here around classism and racism, and some truly evil villains. Fantastic, nightmarish visuals seem to be Clegg's specialty and when he lays em' out, you can't put the book down.
But it takes forever to get there, with some atrocious pacing and long-winded moments. It lacks the literary beauty of Goatdance, but all of the pretentious hackneyed clunkiness that dropped that book down a few pegs.
Not nearly as captivating, extra boring at times and just an overall indifference blares through this novel.
I've heard that Neverland is one of Clegg's best, and I will give him one last try with that, as I already own a copy, but so far, I'm just really not feeling super excited about this author's works.
June 24, 2016
Creepy & nightmarishly descriptive detail - great!
I have loved Douglas Clegg's books ever since first finding Neverland for sale on my first kindle! I've steadily been adding to my Douglas Clegg book collection ever since! I had not heard of him at the time I found Neverland; I only knew that the cover looked haunting & the book's description piqued my interest. (Deciding factor: kindle's "author info" said Douglas Clegg has a springer spaniel...I, myself, have TWO springers....therefore, it was decided that Neverland was fated to be mine)! I started reading it the next day, happily found myself incapable of putting it down, so I pulled an all-nighter in my attempt to finish it before work the next morning! Breeder, an older book of Douglas Clegg's, went on sale last week & I happily grabbed it as a welcome addition to my growing collection. I'd had my eye on Breeders for awhile because of the great reviews & ratings it had on amazon. I won't re-describe Breeder's premise, because the book's description serves that purpose. Without spoilers, I can't truly give a good summary, either, so that leaves my impressions of this book & author...which are that both are amazing! I've enjoyed all of Doug Clegg's books that I've read thus far, and the best part is how truly unique each book is: NO recycled plots/repeat characters, etc. from any other books. He must have the world's most abundant imagination, which must also remain 100% productive 24/7! He has lots of talent for creating complex characters. Character flaws seem to bring his characters to life in 3D with a grittier, more complex vibe. Lastly, Douglas Clegg somehow figured out a perfect balance for subtly mixing this unique combination of psychological horror AND old school grotesque-ish horror!
I have loved Douglas Clegg's books ever since first finding Neverland for sale on my first kindle! I've steadily been adding to my Douglas Clegg book collection ever since! I had not heard of him at the time I found Neverland; I only knew that the cover looked haunting & the book's description piqued my interest. (Deciding factor: kindle's "author info" said Douglas Clegg has a springer spaniel...I, myself, have TWO springers....therefore, it was decided that Neverland was fated to be mine)! I started reading it the next day, happily found myself incapable of putting it down, so I pulled an all-nighter in my attempt to finish it before work the next morning! Breeder, an older book of Douglas Clegg's, went on sale last week & I happily grabbed it as a welcome addition to my growing collection. I'd had my eye on Breeders for awhile because of the great reviews & ratings it had on amazon. I won't re-describe Breeder's premise, because the book's description serves that purpose. Without spoilers, I can't truly give a good summary, either, so that leaves my impressions of this book & author...which are that both are amazing! I've enjoyed all of Doug Clegg's books that I've read thus far, and the best part is how truly unique each book is: NO recycled plots/repeat characters, etc. from any other books. He must have the world's most abundant imagination, which must also remain 100% productive 24/7! He has lots of talent for creating complex characters. Character flaws seem to bring his characters to life in 3D with a grittier, more complex vibe. Lastly, Douglas Clegg somehow figured out a perfect balance for subtly mixing this unique combination of psychological horror AND old school grotesque-ish horror!
October 29, 2023
Breeder is an entertaining read and my first by Clegg. It is a slow build with the majority of the action occurring in the final 20 pages but the characters are fully developed. The story is full of ghosts, voodoo and a haunted house. There are some crazy scenes and funny dialogue; especially from “The Old Man”. Overall a well written and fun tale.
August 22, 2012
Great read! Grose at some points, but that's what made it such a amazing read. The characters were easy to relate to, and even though it has a slow start, the story has a way of sucking you in.
March 20, 2025
Creepy baby monster book
May 1, 2012
Breeder is the first book by Douglas Clegg that I have read and Clegg certainly lived up to his status as one of the best horror authors out there. The story reminds you a bit of Rosemary's Baby meets It's Alive but the character development is strong and the work stands on it's own merit. It took a while for this story to get really scary but once it does, it doesn't slow down until the end. There are some descriptions of violence in this book that are really disturbing and graphic but that's all part of the "horror" in my book. Just be prepared when the hammer comes into play. Overall, a good, quick, read. I'll continue to check out other works by Mr. Clegg (originally posted on Amazon.com)
July 14, 2016
Oh man, this was good.
I read and enjoyed "Goat Dance" but it didn't hold together as a narrative. The pieces didn't connect as well as they could have this. This one...oh do they ever. The story goes right for the parts of the subconscious that feel fear the most and doesn't let go. I also liked the couple who are central to the story. Their struggle to keep their marriage going felt very real, and I was rooting for them from beginning to end.
I read and enjoyed "Goat Dance" but it didn't hold together as a narrative. The pieces didn't connect as well as they could have this. This one...oh do they ever. The story goes right for the parts of the subconscious that feel fear the most and doesn't let go. I also liked the couple who are central to the story. Their struggle to keep their marriage going felt very real, and I was rooting for them from beginning to end.
November 12, 2018
2.7 stars. I didn't care for this one at all. Hard time getting through it and only finished it because I don't like to leave books unfinished. It seemed almost like a bad version of Rosemary's Baby. Trying too hard to be gross and scary without really conveying that at all. This was a miss for me.
May 11, 2013
A younger couple inherits a house from the husband's father which has, as we later find out, a checkered past. Included in the deal is an old pensioner who lives in an attached apartment that was grandfathered into the house. There's also this odd homeless woman covered in trash bags that keeps appearing outside the property. As the couple slowly renovates the house, psychological problems start appearing along with odd discoveries in the house....
Upfront, I should mention that it took me about two months to get through this book. Not because it was hard to read or anything, just a matter of read a chapter or two, forget about it for a week, read another chapter, forget, etc. The book itself starts off with decent character fleshing and Clegg setting up the background information about the characters and the area (Washington D.C.). While the first half of the book or so isn't boring, it does take about that long for any real plot progression towards the meat of the story. The ending comes very close to the line between paranormal and WTF and because it switches constantly between characters/current plots, it can be a bit confusing if you're not following closely.
There are a lot of books whose subject revolves around an odd house. This is one of them. You know that the characters eventually figure out why the house 'behaves' the way it does, although in this example, Clegg takes it in a graphic, unexpected direction. My rating is that I found the book neither good, nor bad, just a quick read for those who don't forget about it for weeks at a time.
Upfront, I should mention that it took me about two months to get through this book. Not because it was hard to read or anything, just a matter of read a chapter or two, forget about it for a week, read another chapter, forget, etc. The book itself starts off with decent character fleshing and Clegg setting up the background information about the characters and the area (Washington D.C.). While the first half of the book or so isn't boring, it does take about that long for any real plot progression towards the meat of the story. The ending comes very close to the line between paranormal and WTF and because it switches constantly between characters/current plots, it can be a bit confusing if you're not following closely.
There are a lot of books whose subject revolves around an odd house. This is one of them. You know that the characters eventually figure out why the house 'behaves' the way it does, although in this example, Clegg takes it in a graphic, unexpected direction. My rating is that I found the book neither good, nor bad, just a quick read for those who don't forget about it for weeks at a time.
July 8, 2017
Shame! Shame on me--I had never read Douglas Clegg until last year when I saw Goat Dance at a used bookstore and thought, "Hey! We're Facebook friends." That novel blew me away. How I'd gone so long without Clegg, I had no idea but knew that was remedied.
My next Clegg was this one, Breeder. I had no doubt that I'd like it--Goat Dance had a clarity and might that couldn't have been a fluke. But Breeder was better than I could have imagined. Bold and daring like Barker's Books of Blood: Volume One, Breeder presents amazing imagery, gore, dread, flashes of humor, and a true human story. The characters of Breeder lived and breathed, building the framework on which the horror hangs. There's a 70s vibe to Breeder, but unlike Burnt Offerings (for example) Clegg weaves his character development into the quickly appearing horror. We don't need to wade through a third of the book to get to know these people.
A comparison to Rosemary's Baby is inevitable, and the nods to Levin's classic are clever and reverent. But times have changed, and Clegg wields a hammer (reference intended) as well as a scalpel, and Breeder is just downright brutal! Where lesser horror novels dance around what may happen, Breeder fulfills every promise. It's a thoroughly satisfying read with no lulls, only ever-increasing horror. Phenomenal novel!
My next Clegg was this one, Breeder. I had no doubt that I'd like it--Goat Dance had a clarity and might that couldn't have been a fluke. But Breeder was better than I could have imagined. Bold and daring like Barker's Books of Blood: Volume One, Breeder presents amazing imagery, gore, dread, flashes of humor, and a true human story. The characters of Breeder lived and breathed, building the framework on which the horror hangs. There's a 70s vibe to Breeder, but unlike Burnt Offerings (for example) Clegg weaves his character development into the quickly appearing horror. We don't need to wade through a third of the book to get to know these people.
A comparison to Rosemary's Baby is inevitable, and the nods to Levin's classic are clever and reverent. But times have changed, and Clegg wields a hammer (reference intended) as well as a scalpel, and Breeder is just downright brutal! Where lesser horror novels dance around what may happen, Breeder fulfills every promise. It's a thoroughly satisfying read with no lulls, only ever-increasing horror. Phenomenal novel!
August 8, 2017
To give Douglas Clegg only 2 stars pains me to no end. I've been reading his books off and on since high school. I love his descriptions and his ability to make me so completely uncomfortable with what I was reading and visualizing. But going by Goodreads' scoring, 2 stars means "it was okay" and that's how I feel about this novel. I had a really hard time getting through it because I was bored. It starts out slow, and in the middle it picked up a bit, but I just couldn't get excited about it. If I tried reading this before this year, I would have given up on it, but I made a promise to myself to finish every book I start. I just didn't like any of the characters and the even the ending was disappointing.
December 23, 2018
Starts out great. Ends with confusion. Felt like Douglass Clegg tried too hard to be scary in this one. The gore wasn't over the top, but it was all over the place, planted into every conceivable spot. Not enough character development. I lost interest in the story toward the end but read it to its final word anyway.
March 11, 2010
This was one of the few books that truly frightened me! Not the easiest thing to do since I consider myself a hard-core horror fan. Most horror novels give me a mild adrenaline rush to say the least but this one kept me up for a few nights.
Would recommend to anyone wanting a good scare.
Would recommend to anyone wanting a good scare.
March 17, 2023
Вторият роман, който Дъглас Клег е написал и все още си личи търсенето на баланс в прозата му. Като оставим това настрана, макар историите за обитавани къщи да не са точно моето нещо, тук това е преплетено с едно от най-добрите включвания на вуду, на които съм попадал в жанра. Гадостите са в повече от необходимото, като има и 2-3 самоцелни сцени, но като цяло създават атмосфера - успяват да поразкрасят напрежението и страха с малка доза погнуса, та читателите да си починат на места. Нямаше как да не забележа някой прилики с първия сезон на "Американска история на ужасите", до толкова, че све чудя сценаристите чели ли са Клег или просто се облягат на едни и същи класически източници (Бебето на Розмари, Адската къща, Амтвилтски хорър и прочие, сори, ама ме мързи да проверявам българските преводи на въпросните).
Както и да е.
Хю и Рейъл иамт нова къща - подарък от бащата на Хю, с който си имат камара проблеми. Всичко изглежда чудесно, въпреки че като всяко младо семейство, двамата все още нагаждат характери. Скоро се оказва, че бащата на Хю, освен че е задник, има история с къщата, а самата къща е била сцена на зловещи вуду ритуали. Това ще доведе до редица събития, които ще изправят младата двойка на ръба на психическото и физическо оцеляване. За техен късмет ще получат помощ от съвсем невероятен източник.
Книгата изобилства от сцени, които не са за читатели със слаби нерви - изнасилвания, канибализъм, осакатявания, самоубийства и убийства, всичките графично избухващи. Не бих я препоръчал за запознаване с творчеството на Клег, ако не сте фенове на жанра и не сте се сблъсквали с по-визулално агресивни автори от Кинг, Кунц и Райс.
Както и да е.
Хю и Рейъл иамт нова къща - подарък от бащата на Хю, с който си имат камара проблеми. Всичко изглежда чудесно, въпреки че като всяко младо семейство, двамата все още нагаждат характери. Скоро се оказва, че бащата на Хю, освен че е задник, има история с къщата, а самата къща е била сцена на зловещи вуду ритуали. Това ще доведе до редица събития, които ще изправят младата двойка на ръба на психическото и физическо оцеляване. За техен късмет ще получат помощ от съвсем невероятен източник.
Книгата изобилства от сцени, които не са за читатели със слаби нерви - изнасилвания, канибализъм, осакатявания, самоубийства и убийства, всичките графично избухващи. Не бих я препоръчал за запознаване с творчеството на Клег, ако не сте фенове на жанра и не сте се сблъсквали с по-визулално агресивни автори от Кинг, Кунц и Райс.
October 3, 2020
Thematically, Breeder is about abortion, but what it has to say about the subject is as murky as the cursed house that serves as the novel’s setting. Still, I had fun reading the book. The story centers on a young couple, Rachel and Hugh, both lawyers. Rachel is Hugh’s second wife- the first one having suddenly died. At the beginning of the novel, we learn that Rachel has just suffered a miscarriage. It’s her grief over this event that draws you into the book. Or at least me, anyway. Hugh’s family is rich, and his father gifts them an ancient house in Washington D.C. The place is derelict, full of rats and mice and roaches, a real fixer-upper. The place also has a sordid past. .
Anyway, the book’s not deep. It is enjoyable, however: a mash-up of Rosemary’s Baby and Candyman, with a touch of The Haunting of Hill House.
Anyway, the book’s not deep. It is enjoyable, however: a mash-up of Rosemary’s Baby and Candyman, with a touch of The Haunting of Hill House.
October 7, 2024
Was not sure where Clegg was going with this at first, and his surprisingly lyrical prose was the only thing keeping me from DNF-ing it after the first 150 pages, but GLAD I STUCK WITH IT!
A Rosemary’s Baby rip on the surface, but a lot else going on here — haunted house with ghost old ladies who keep fetuses in jars, weird voodoo shit, etc. The climax goes bonkers, with an old man exploding his genitals with a hammer, bag ladies rousing bad husbands with flashbacks of their dad drinking blood, and a talking fetus trying to climb its way into an unoccupied womb. Gonna see if I can’t track down a copy of Clegg’s Goat Dance, ‘cause this left me impressed (even if it is too long).
Found at Recycled Books and Records, Denton, TX. Autumn of Horror 2024: #6.
A Rosemary’s Baby rip on the surface, but a lot else going on here — haunted house with ghost old ladies who keep fetuses in jars, weird voodoo shit, etc. The climax goes bonkers, with an old man exploding his genitals with a hammer, bag ladies rousing bad husbands with flashbacks of their dad drinking blood, and a talking fetus trying to climb its way into an unoccupied womb. Gonna see if I can’t track down a copy of Clegg’s Goat Dance, ‘cause this left me impressed (even if it is too long).
Found at Recycled Books and Records, Denton, TX. Autumn of Horror 2024: #6.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 7, 2017
Breeder: A Novel of Supernatural Horror
Things that go bump in the night. Sounds, just little sounds that grow and you can't place where they come from or from whom! The things you see ,ALMOST, but just from the corner of your eye. SUPERNATURAL HORRORS you can't get away from. EVIL NEVER TRULY DIES ! A woman who want nothing more than to be a mother and to hold her own baby, willing to give up everything, anything to get this. But can she DO ANYTHING IT TAKES ? BRINGING DEATH BACK FROM THE GRAVE MIGHT BE WHAT IT TAKES AND ALONG WITH DEATH, EVIL THAT CAN NOT BE IMAGINED. I RECOMMEND THIS BOOK...ENJOY !
Things that go bump in the night. Sounds, just little sounds that grow and you can't place where they come from or from whom! The things you see ,ALMOST, but just from the corner of your eye. SUPERNATURAL HORRORS you can't get away from. EVIL NEVER TRULY DIES ! A woman who want nothing more than to be a mother and to hold her own baby, willing to give up everything, anything to get this. But can she DO ANYTHING IT TAKES ? BRINGING DEATH BACK FROM THE GRAVE MIGHT BE WHAT IT TAKES AND ALONG WITH DEATH, EVIL THAT CAN NOT BE IMAGINED. I RECOMMEND THIS BOOK...ENJOY !
June 3, 2017
Twisted horror
Nothing is free and without strings attached.A free home as a wedding gift, turns out it is a daycare of unborn horror! Beware your wishes, not all are happily ever after fairytales.
Nothing is free and without strings attached.A free home as a wedding gift, turns out it is a daycare of unborn horror! Beware your wishes, not all are happily ever after fairytales.
May 9, 2017
Book had a good start but for me the voodoo/wasp stuff just didn't fit.
May 17, 2017
Boring
Hard to concentrate on storyline. Do not care for "living dead" books. Have read other of his books. Find them ok.
Hard to concentrate on storyline. Do not care for "living dead" books. Have read other of his books. Find them ok.
August 21, 2017
Hey this was pretty okay! I think Clegg functions best when he is telling smaller stories about a few people, not trying to write a sweeping epic.
October 5, 2017
Great story!
I really enjoyed this book. It is a good scary story that made me nervous. I will refer this one to my friends.
I really enjoyed this book. It is a good scary story that made me nervous. I will refer this one to my friends.
November 6, 2017
A great old fashioned horror story! Loved it!
June 8, 2018
Beginning and middle were ok... the end got a little too far out into ridiculous gore for the sake of gore. Not bad writing, all things considered... a little redundant on verb and adjective usage/
Want to read
July 19, 2020elibrary
November 29, 2021
Ok but rather slow reading. Did not really understand it until about the middle. Tough to follow.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews