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Darkness, Tell Us
It started as a game. Six college kids at a party. Then someone suggested they try the Ouija board. The board that Corie had hidden in the back of her closet and swore never to touch again. Not after what happened last time. Not after Jake’s death…
They were only playing around, but the Ouija board worked, all right. Maybe too well. A spirit who called himself Butler began to send them messages—and make demands. Butler promised them a hidden treasure if only they would follow his directions and head off to a secluded spot in the mountains…A wild, isolated spot where anything could be waiting for them. Treasure or death. Or Butler himself.
They were only playing around, but the Ouija board worked, all right. Maybe too well. A spirit who called himself Butler began to send them messages—and make demands. Butler promised them a hidden treasure if only they would follow his directions and head off to a secluded spot in the mountains…A wild, isolated spot where anything could be waiting for them. Treasure or death. Or Butler himself.
430 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 7, 1991
150 people are currently reading
2095 people want to read
About the author
Richard Laymon
216 books2,284 followersRichard Laymon was born in Chicago and grew up in California. He earned a BA in English Literature from Willamette University, Oregon and an MA from Loyola University, Los Angeles. He worked as a schoolteacher, a librarian, and a report writer for a law firm, and was the author of more than thirty acclaimed novels.
He also published more than sixty short stories in magazines such as Ellery Queen, Alfred Hitchcock, and Cavalier, and in anthologies including Modern Masters of Horror.
He died from a massive heart attack on February 14, 2001 (Valentine's Day).
Also published under the name Richard Kelly
He also published more than sixty short stories in magazines such as Ellery Queen, Alfred Hitchcock, and Cavalier, and in anthologies including Modern Masters of Horror.
He died from a massive heart attack on February 14, 2001 (Valentine's Day).
Also published under the name Richard Kelly
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 247 reviews
December 24, 2021
Nothing good ever happens when an Ouija board appears in a situation. Someone forgot to inform the six friends at a party about this. They make contact with spirit who says his name is Butler and he wants to play a game. Next thing you know the spirit is making demands. For some reason these geniuses keep contact with whatever is beckoning from the great beyond. Butler claims to have hidden treasure and sends the kids directions to an isolated area in the mountains. Why they would trust a spirit with the name of Butler is beyond me, but off they go. Laymon did an outstanding job with this one. Recommend!
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January 21, 2014
This book was amazing. It is everything I love about Laymon. Yes, the dialogue can get clunky. Yes, you have seen scenes like this before. But no one tells a story like this like Laymon does. He is an absolute master at controlling the pace of the story. He increases the speed mercilessly as the novel nears the end.
Predictable is irrelevant in Laymon's hands, and I didn't find the novel entirely predictable by any means. He knows when to reveal details of the plot and when to keep the reader guessing. Character revelations add shock value to the plot development and keep the plot tangled like a web.
The twists and turns are typical of Laymon. If you like him you have probably seen some of them before but if you are like me, they don’t diminish; rather, they become more valuable each time I read them. Maybe it is because he is gone now and each Laymon novel I read is one novel closer to the last time I will experience one of his stories for the first time.
Predictable is irrelevant in Laymon's hands, and I didn't find the novel entirely predictable by any means. He knows when to reveal details of the plot and when to keep the reader guessing. Character revelations add shock value to the plot development and keep the plot tangled like a web.
The twists and turns are typical of Laymon. If you like him you have probably seen some of them before but if you are like me, they don’t diminish; rather, they become more valuable each time I read them. Maybe it is because he is gone now and each Laymon novel I read is one novel closer to the last time I will experience one of his stories for the first time.
December 8, 2017
It is never a good thing when a Ouija board is used for just wanting to find out things so it is even worse when it is used to hunt for something. Which is what happens in this book. Some college friends get together over at one of their professor's house and end up playing with a Ouija board. They ask the board the normal questions, but then things take a twisting turn as the board tells them that there is "treasure" to be found and they are going to have to travel to the mountains to find it.
They steal the board and off they go on a camping trip to find their "treasure". What happens next is the most twisted edge of your seat thriller that you can find in a Laymon book. Of course, you have the normal stuff that you will find in a Laymon book too with sex, gore, more sex, and more gore.
This is a very tension gripping tale of college kids trying to have some fun and they end up with something beyond their wildest nightmares. The book takes off from the first chapter and spirals through a terror ride to the end of the book. Four stars on this twisted tale!
They steal the board and off they go on a camping trip to find their "treasure". What happens next is the most twisted edge of your seat thriller that you can find in a Laymon book. Of course, you have the normal stuff that you will find in a Laymon book too with sex, gore, more sex, and more gore.
This is a very tension gripping tale of college kids trying to have some fun and they end up with something beyond their wildest nightmares. The book takes off from the first chapter and spirals through a terror ride to the end of the book. Four stars on this twisted tale!
February 6, 2020
Three stars. Really strange, but undoubtedly entertaining.
March 23, 2021
When you pick up a Laymon novel, you know you are in for some cheese, the question is what type of cheese are you going to get. Unlike Resurrection Dreams which is like some nice, aged and smoked Gouda, DTU is more 'processed, pasteurized cheese food'. DTU contains many of Laymon's 'popular' tropes, like a juvenile lead male with a pervy view toward women, a hike in the woods with madmen running around doing vile things, people making very questionable judgement calls with questionable motivations, and of course, sex. Sometimes this works well for an enjoyable, light read if you can get by all the triggers. The juvenile pervy lead gets old pretty fast, however, and unfortunately, Howard, our lead character, is just such a lead. DTU adds the established horror trope of a Ouija board and with this spins a slightly different type of story with his usual plot twists at the end.
Howard and five other college students are celebrating the end of the summer term at a prof's house when they decide to play with the Ouija board. After the spirit 'Butler' instructs them to look in the couch for treasure (were one of the kids finds a 100 bill), they get excited when Butler tells them of a hidden treasure in an old mine up in the mountains. After stealing the Ouija board from the prof, the college kids decide there is no time like the present and they set out. Meanwhile, the same night, The prof 'Corie' has a visit from her dead husband's brother who she has not seen in 5 years. Inexplicably, they give in to their carnal desires almost on the spot; turns out they loved each other even before his brother (and her husband) died in the line of duty (a cop). They also realize that the kids made off with the Ouija board and decide they have to stop any crazy adventure they may undertake to find Butler's 'treasure'. So here we have the set up-- people making bad decisions based on problematic motives/morals and we know they are going to get into trouble, but we do not know exactly how. The prof Corie and Chad going after them (why?) will add something to mix, but we do not know what.
If you are familiar with Laymon, DTU will feel a bit too familiar as he employs here so many of his standard tropes (some for better, some for worse). Laymon can tell a story, but why he felt the need to almost always include a super horny, young male lead who cannot help but leer and stare at every piece of womenflesh is beyond me. The endless description of boobs, thighs and bums gets old quick. Nonetheless, the ending (although a bit predictable) was pretty clever and the story had its moments. Not a stand out novel of Laymon's by any means, but probably not his worst. 2.5 stars rounding up.
Howard and five other college students are celebrating the end of the summer term at a prof's house when they decide to play with the Ouija board. After the spirit 'Butler' instructs them to look in the couch for treasure (were one of the kids finds a 100 bill), they get excited when Butler tells them of a hidden treasure in an old mine up in the mountains. After stealing the Ouija board from the prof, the college kids decide there is no time like the present and they set out. Meanwhile, the same night, The prof 'Corie' has a visit from her dead husband's brother who she has not seen in 5 years. Inexplicably, they give in to their carnal desires almost on the spot; turns out they loved each other even before his brother (and her husband) died in the line of duty (a cop). They also realize that the kids made off with the Ouija board and decide they have to stop any crazy adventure they may undertake to find Butler's 'treasure'. So here we have the set up-- people making bad decisions based on problematic motives/morals and we know they are going to get into trouble, but we do not know exactly how. The prof Corie and Chad going after them (why?) will add something to mix, but we do not know what.
If you are familiar with Laymon, DTU will feel a bit too familiar as he employs here so many of his standard tropes (some for better, some for worse). Laymon can tell a story, but why he felt the need to almost always include a super horny, young male lead who cannot help but leer and stare at every piece of womenflesh is beyond me. The endless description of boobs, thighs and bums gets old quick. Nonetheless, the ending (although a bit predictable) was pretty clever and the story had its moments. Not a stand out novel of Laymon's by any means, but probably not his worst. 2.5 stars rounding up.
August 23, 2018
I only finished this book because I thought it would turn itself around. Richard Laymon loved brutal twists, unexpected forays into shock horror. None of that occurs in this, a novel I am not totally convinced Laymon even wrote. I would almost put money on a ghostwriter being involved.
One would think a horror novel about six college kids traveling deep into the woods on the advice of a spirit contacted via ouija board would be . . . ya know, scary. Especially one written by this author, who knew no boundary. This is not scary at all. I was bored speechless. The “spookiest” moment is the spirit — named “Butler” — making one of the kids take her top off at a party. And the other characters act like this is the worst, most brutal thing they’ve ever seen . . . Ooo-Kay.
And don’t even get me started on the identity of Butler. Laymon (or whoever wrote this steaming pile) must have pulled that revelation straight out of his ass, and I almost couldn’t stop laughing at the absurdity. Shameless. This novel is shameless.
This is, without a doubt, one of the worst books I’ve read this year. Stay far away.
One would think a horror novel about six college kids traveling deep into the woods on the advice of a spirit contacted via ouija board would be . . . ya know, scary. Especially one written by this author, who knew no boundary. This is not scary at all. I was bored speechless. The “spookiest” moment is the spirit — named “Butler” — making one of the kids take her top off at a party. And the other characters act like this is the worst, most brutal thing they’ve ever seen . . . Ooo-Kay.
And don’t even get me started on the identity of Butler. Laymon (or whoever wrote this steaming pile) must have pulled that revelation straight out of his ass, and I almost couldn’t stop laughing at the absurdity. Shameless. This novel is shameless.
This is, without a doubt, one of the worst books I’ve read this year. Stay far away.
February 16, 2015
very weak one, really the worst I've read from him, the story is not convincing, many pages boring, typical sexistic descriptions of the female characters described by a weak male character... could be a teen horror slasher, even the twist with Butler's treasure is very shallow... you don't have to read this one, not even if you're a commited Laymon lover, really... took me a long time to read, read another book and a short story in between, today, after work I hammered the last 20% out...
December 10, 2014
Great Laymon! Technically proficient and well told. I love it when a Laymon story works this well.
August 21, 2023
Wtf is wrong with this man and his obsession with breasts and nipples? I doubt there were two pages in a row where these words weren't mentioned. All the characters were idiots, the writing style was crappy a.f. and the whole book was a sexistic problematic piece of sh*t!
October 3, 2010
I'm shocked I even finished ths book. Almost as much that it was pubilshed in the first place. Unconvincing to say the least. Not a believable character(much less likable) in the whole novel. Filled with gaping plot holes. Seems like it was written by a horny virgin obsessed with the word "rump". I literally exclaimed "What the fuck" aloud after he used it for perhaps the 70th time.
January 15, 2015
Classic Laymon. (yes) Memorable and quirky characters on a (yes yes yes) zany adventure. I was somewhat (yes yes) dissatisfied with the ending. One too many coincidences for my liking. (yes yes yes)
April 26, 2024
Ooooh nooooo lol
This…this!
First, I don’t think I got the very end of the book. I think a few pages were cut off. Fine. Doesn’t matter!
Second, there are horrible people all up in this book which is par for the course with Laymon, but he doubled down with this one!
Third, Howard is the most awful. He just is. It’s worse when you try to make him seem like the good guy.
Fourth, there are stupid decisions and there are stupid decisions. This book had both!
Lastly, the “rump” count is officially 29!
This…this!
First, I don’t think I got the very end of the book. I think a few pages were cut off. Fine. Doesn’t matter!
Second, there are horrible people all up in this book which is par for the course with Laymon, but he doubled down with this one!
Third, Howard is the most awful. He just is. It’s worse when you try to make him seem like the good guy.
Fourth, there are stupid decisions and there are stupid decisions. This book had both!
Lastly, the “rump” count is officially 29!
March 12, 2015
I always like to compare Richard Laymon novels with watching a train wreck. It's not necessarily something you want to see but it's hard to look away.
This one was fairly typical of his books: lots of teenage-style titillating sexual innuendos and teasing among a group of young people; bad guys that are just about as clichéd as you can find; and lots of delaying tactics so that the narrative leads you down a path that could have been reached in about half the number of pages. The plot this time concerns a group of six college students who visit their attractive female English professor at her home where an end-of-summer-semester party is happening. The students find a Ouija board and use it to contact a spirit who directs them to a treasure horde in the mountains. There are no thoughts by any of the characters, including the professor, about the Ouija board process or the spirit being nonsense…it’s all real to them and they all expect treasure at the end of the adventure. But that’s not what is important about a Laymon novel. It’s all about the character interaction and how many adolescent sexual thoughts he can get on a single page.
His books are definitely not for everyone but I would rank this one among his top quarter percentile. His pacing drives me crazy and I always want him to get on with the story but his climactic scenes always pay off. Laymon is a good specimen of the “splatterpunk” style of horror author and this novel is a fair representation of his body of work.
This one was fairly typical of his books: lots of teenage-style titillating sexual innuendos and teasing among a group of young people; bad guys that are just about as clichéd as you can find; and lots of delaying tactics so that the narrative leads you down a path that could have been reached in about half the number of pages. The plot this time concerns a group of six college students who visit their attractive female English professor at her home where an end-of-summer-semester party is happening. The students find a Ouija board and use it to contact a spirit who directs them to a treasure horde in the mountains. There are no thoughts by any of the characters, including the professor, about the Ouija board process or the spirit being nonsense…it’s all real to them and they all expect treasure at the end of the adventure. But that’s not what is important about a Laymon novel. It’s all about the character interaction and how many adolescent sexual thoughts he can get on a single page.
His books are definitely not for everyone but I would rank this one among his top quarter percentile. His pacing drives me crazy and I always want him to get on with the story but his climactic scenes always pay off. Laymon is a good specimen of the “splatterpunk” style of horror author and this novel is a fair representation of his body of work.
December 3, 2015
What a great read. This book had me gripped from the very beginning. Who doesn't like a creepy story with a ouija board? But this was more than just a ghost story, it had a pretty epic game of cat and mouse and the brutal back story really made you feel for the characters.
Great story, definitely check it out.
Great story, definitely check it out.
September 21, 2024
3.5 stars down to 3. Review to be added tomorrow.
October 11, 2019
Not an great start to my Halloween reading month.
September 10, 2014
Ich möchte der gütigen Vorsehung danken, dass ich "nur" die gekürzte Hörbuchfassung gekauft habe, aber dann fällt mir ein, dass der Dank recht eigentlich Audible geschuldet ist, da keine ungekürzte Fassung angeboten wird. Schließlich verschiebt sich die Perspektive ein letztes Mal und angedenk der sieben Stunden Laufzeit überlege ich, Audible zu verklagen oder alternativ zumindest mein Abo zu kündigen.
DER GEIST ist mein erstes Buch von Laymon und das zweite Desaster nach McFadyens BLUTLINIE. Wieder wollte ich ganz arglos etwas Unterhaltsames, das ich beim Walken hören kann, und wieder habe ich mich von vielen positiven Bewertungen verleiten lassen.
Die Handlung? Also, da ist eine 30-jährige verwitwete Doktorin, die was auch immer an der Uni unterrichtet; offenbar früh dran mit allem, die Gute, ansonsten aber nicht reifer als ihre Studenten; eben jene Studenten, die ich eher als Schüler einer 7. oder 8. Klassenstufe verortet hätte, unreif, infantil und notgeil. Wer EIS AM STIL (egal welchen Teil) für einen unterhaltsamen Film hielt, möge sich am GEIST versuchen.
Unter den Schülern gibt es neben einem übelkeitserregenden Maulhelden den jungfräulichen Nerd, der etwas pseudosensibler als seine Mitschüler, Verzeihung, Mitstudenten ist. Er ist wohl die Identifikationsfigur für all die 14- bis 15-jährige Leser des Buches, an die Laymon sich eigentlich richtet, die aber Mami und Papi nicht zeigen dürfen, was sie da lesen. Und es gibt das Mädchen, dass alle Spielarten des sexuellen Mißbrauchs über Jahre erduldet hat, aber immer noch guter Dinge und einem one-night-stand nicht abgeneigt ist.
Besagte studentische Gruppe bekommt nun vom Geist Butler via ouija board einen Schatz in Aussicht gestellt und macht sich prompt auf die Suche danach, wenig später gefolgt von der besorgten Dozentin und ihrem Schwager, welchen sie nach erstmaligem Sex sofort zu heiraten beschließt.
Ach Leute, es reicht, keine weiteren Details.
Dauernd streicht hier ein Wind durch die Shorts der Mädels und Jungs (lachen sie nicht, so will es der Autor), und eine Passage ohne Sex oder Anzüglichkeiten ist Mangelware. Hier bleibt nur Fremdscham und tiefstes Bedauern.
DER GEIST ist ideal für Leser, die es lieben, wenn das gesamte Personal des Romans unmotiviert und sinnfrei agiert und gefühlsmäßig und intellektuell auf dem Stand von 15-Jährigen ist; außerdem sollte man auf unglaublich schlechte Dialoge stehen und gerne Strichlisten führen. Solch eine Liste könnte wie folgt aussehen:
Erwähnung von
- Busen / Schenkel: XXXXX, III
- Erigierter Penis: XX, IIII
- allgemeine sexuelle Erregung: XXXXXXXX, IIII
- Sex: XXX, II
- Geist: II
(irgendwann habe ich keine Striche mehr gemacht).
Kein Wort mehr, der ganze unsägliche Text ist eine sie-wissen-schon-Vorlage für dauererregte Teenager und stellt den Rezensenten nur vor ein einziges Problem: warum kann ich nicht 0 Sterne vergeben?
DER GEIST ist mein erstes Buch von Laymon und das zweite Desaster nach McFadyens BLUTLINIE. Wieder wollte ich ganz arglos etwas Unterhaltsames, das ich beim Walken hören kann, und wieder habe ich mich von vielen positiven Bewertungen verleiten lassen.
Die Handlung? Also, da ist eine 30-jährige verwitwete Doktorin, die was auch immer an der Uni unterrichtet; offenbar früh dran mit allem, die Gute, ansonsten aber nicht reifer als ihre Studenten; eben jene Studenten, die ich eher als Schüler einer 7. oder 8. Klassenstufe verortet hätte, unreif, infantil und notgeil. Wer EIS AM STIL (egal welchen Teil) für einen unterhaltsamen Film hielt, möge sich am GEIST versuchen.
Unter den Schülern gibt es neben einem übelkeitserregenden Maulhelden den jungfräulichen Nerd, der etwas pseudosensibler als seine Mitschüler, Verzeihung, Mitstudenten ist. Er ist wohl die Identifikationsfigur für all die 14- bis 15-jährige Leser des Buches, an die Laymon sich eigentlich richtet, die aber Mami und Papi nicht zeigen dürfen, was sie da lesen. Und es gibt das Mädchen, dass alle Spielarten des sexuellen Mißbrauchs über Jahre erduldet hat, aber immer noch guter Dinge und einem one-night-stand nicht abgeneigt ist.
Besagte studentische Gruppe bekommt nun vom Geist Butler via ouija board einen Schatz in Aussicht gestellt und macht sich prompt auf die Suche danach, wenig später gefolgt von der besorgten Dozentin und ihrem Schwager, welchen sie nach erstmaligem Sex sofort zu heiraten beschließt.
Ach Leute, es reicht, keine weiteren Details.
Dauernd streicht hier ein Wind durch die Shorts der Mädels und Jungs (lachen sie nicht, so will es der Autor), und eine Passage ohne Sex oder Anzüglichkeiten ist Mangelware. Hier bleibt nur Fremdscham und tiefstes Bedauern.
DER GEIST ist ideal für Leser, die es lieben, wenn das gesamte Personal des Romans unmotiviert und sinnfrei agiert und gefühlsmäßig und intellektuell auf dem Stand von 15-Jährigen ist; außerdem sollte man auf unglaublich schlechte Dialoge stehen und gerne Strichlisten führen. Solch eine Liste könnte wie folgt aussehen:
Erwähnung von
- Busen / Schenkel: XXXXX, III
- Erigierter Penis: XX, IIII
- allgemeine sexuelle Erregung: XXXXXXXX, IIII
- Sex: XXX, II
- Geist: II
(irgendwann habe ich keine Striche mehr gemacht).
Kein Wort mehr, der ganze unsägliche Text ist eine sie-wissen-schon-Vorlage für dauererregte Teenager und stellt den Rezensenten nur vor ein einziges Problem: warum kann ich nicht 0 Sterne vergeben?
September 18, 2024
It all started with an Ouija board
This book was selected for my monthly reading book club. This is my first time reading this book from Laymon. I sometimes feel like his writing style is “Whatever is the least logical thing let’s do that”. This book about college kids who plays with an Ouija board there is no harm in that right? Wrong very wrong they are then lead on a wild goose chase to find the loot that was promised to them by their benevolent spirit guide. This search takes them to mountains where evil is waits for them. This is definitely a quick read due the action scenes and dialogues.
One thing I’ll say without giving too much away is your past will always find you. When it does be ready to face it.
This book was selected for my monthly reading book club. This is my first time reading this book from Laymon. I sometimes feel like his writing style is “Whatever is the least logical thing let’s do that”. This book about college kids who plays with an Ouija board there is no harm in that right? Wrong very wrong they are then lead on a wild goose chase to find the loot that was promised to them by their benevolent spirit guide. This search takes them to mountains where evil is waits for them. This is definitely a quick read due the action scenes and dialogues.
One thing I’ll say without giving too much away is your past will always find you. When it does be ready to face it.
January 22, 2014
This book was well put together. You could tell by the ending, that laymon knew how it would end. It was clever, surprising at times, and entertaining. This book had alot of dialogue, but I didn't mind. It allowed me to know the characters and like them. There was also alot of build-up that didn't explode until the very end. That would be my only complaint. The mystery of it all was exciting and the Ouija board parts were definitely my favorite. Not one of his better books IMO, but well worth the read if u are a laymon fan.
March 15, 2016
Was this an incrediable ouija board story? Not really. Was this an awesome Laymon novel that featured an ouija board? Absolutely! The ouija parts were creepy and cool, but were pretty minor in the story overall. Still a cool Laymon novel, and I really liked the ending.
November 17, 2020
Ok so a big fat DNF after wasting too much time trying to read this steaming pile! Don’t waste your time or money
May 26, 2019
Една от слабите книги на чичо Дик. Въпреки добре разположените сюжетни обрати на места си личеше умишленото разтягане на разказа с цел повече страници, от което книгата ми доскучаваше. Въпреки това е леко и доволно зарибяващо четиво. Леймън е смъкнал бруталията тук с няколко нива, е почти до финалния обрат, което не мога да преценя плюс ли е или минус. Имаме си говорещ със загадки призрак, разгонени тийнейджъри, психопат, опасни ситуации, цици, задници, убийства, някое друго изнасилване, както си му е реда в една книга от Леймън.
Шестима студенти, събрали се на парти на гости на своята професорка, решават да се заиграят с дъската на Оиджа . Получават странни съобщения и обещание за богатство, което ще ги изпрати на най-кошмарното им къмпингуване в планината. А там нищо не е според очакванията им, както и тези на читателя.
Една звезда вдигнаха цитатите от Шекспир пръснати из цялата книга, като започнем от заглавието. Леймън не един път е твърдял, че чичо Бил е хорър автор и беше голям кеф да видя как пуска препратки към негови произведения и герои, за да рамкира своя типичен разгонен, кървав стил на писане.
И накрая, ако очаквате призрачна история с дъската на Оиджа, вътре е, но не е основата на повествованието. Бих определил романа като такъв за планината (ама Леймън не е Джак Кетчъм, няма да ви замае с пейзажи) и дори за любовта (колкото и счупена да беше ми прозвуча болезнено истински). Е и за психопати и разгонени тийнейджъри, но това се очаква.
Шестима студенти, събрали се на парти на гости на своята професорка, решават да се заиграят с дъската на Оиджа . Получават странни съобщения и обещание за богатство, което ще ги изпрати на най-кошмарното им къмпингуване в планината. А там нищо не е според очакванията им, както и тези на читателя.
Една звезда вдигнаха цитатите от Шекспир пръснати из цялата книга, като започнем от заглавието. Леймън не един път е твърдял, че чичо Бил е хорър автор и беше голям кеф да видя как пуска препратки към негови произведения и герои, за да рамкира своя типичен разгонен, кървав стил на писане.
И накрая, ако очаквате призрачна история с дъската на Оиджа, вътре е, но не е основата на повествованието. Бих определил романа като такъв за планината (ама Леймън не е Джак Кетчъм, няма да ви замае с пейзажи) и дори за любовта (колкото и счупена да беше ми прозвуча болезнено истински). Е и за психопати и разгонени тийнейджъри, но това се очаква.
September 26, 2024
It’s the end of term and a few of Dr Corie Dalton’s students are celebrating with her at her home. They spot the ouija board on the top of her bookshelf and despite Dr Dalton’s protests they use it. A spirit named Butler hints at a fortune hidden away in the mountains. Corie warns them to forget about it but hey, a fortune? Who could resist that?
So the students head into the wilderness filled with anticipation and excitement . But when they spot a man charging after them with a machete their anticipation quickly turns to fear and horror…
Ahh another fun filled Laymon romp. Yes everyone is sex mad, yes you have to suspend disbelief at the situations and coincidences, but if you fling that all to one side you’ll have a ball with this one. It took a while to get going but then it ramped up and I thought it was great. Loads of tension, creepy men everywhere, romances sizzling and a thrilling finale all made for a great read.
So the students head into the wilderness filled with anticipation and excitement . But when they spot a man charging after them with a machete their anticipation quickly turns to fear and horror…
Ahh another fun filled Laymon romp. Yes everyone is sex mad, yes you have to suspend disbelief at the situations and coincidences, but if you fling that all to one side you’ll have a ball with this one. It took a while to get going but then it ramped up and I thought it was great. Loads of tension, creepy men everywhere, romances sizzling and a thrilling finale all made for a great read.
August 3, 2025
I finished this book yesterday and I’ve been thinking about it. My overall impression was how far into darkness it takes you, real darkness, before the good wind up winning (surviving) in the end.
Of course you know the good guys are going to win because can you imagine otherwise? And THAT’S what this book does: it takes you so far down the path of darkness that you start thinking maybe truly the bad really are going to win in the end, cause in Darkness, Tell Us, murderous lunatics do have several dark instances of victories and it rattles you to the bone.
I’m not sure if I’ve ever read a book where it ends with the bad having their way with the good and ending just like that. I mean I’m wondering if one even exists. I thought this one was going to be it, but it wasn’t. What I mean is, take The Shining for instance, what if Jack simply killed Wendy and Danny and got away with it, and simply lived happily ever after at the Overlook Hotel? That would actually resemble real life anyways.
But most books are from the viewpoint of the good characters, and to have them simply lose in the end would devalue everything you just read. Of course this is tragedy at its core so Thomas Hardy novels all check this box but what I’m talking about here is something to do with murderous rampaging lunatics, which Hardy didn’t delve into.
Another way to look at it, do all the main characters HAVE to survive in the end?
Of course you know the good guys are going to win because can you imagine otherwise? And THAT’S what this book does: it takes you so far down the path of darkness that you start thinking maybe truly the bad really are going to win in the end, cause in Darkness, Tell Us, murderous lunatics do have several dark instances of victories and it rattles you to the bone.
I’m not sure if I’ve ever read a book where it ends with the bad having their way with the good and ending just like that. I mean I’m wondering if one even exists. I thought this one was going to be it, but it wasn’t. What I mean is, take The Shining for instance, what if Jack simply killed Wendy and Danny and got away with it, and simply lived happily ever after at the Overlook Hotel? That would actually resemble real life anyways.
But most books are from the viewpoint of the good characters, and to have them simply lose in the end would devalue everything you just read. Of course this is tragedy at its core so Thomas Hardy novels all check this box but what I’m talking about here is something to do with murderous rampaging lunatics, which Hardy didn’t delve into.
Another way to look at it, do all the main characters HAVE to survive in the end?
October 7, 2017
Höre ich als Hörbücher.
absolut krank. 😉 Sowas muss man schon 'mögen'.
absolut krank. 😉 Sowas muss man schon 'mögen'.
April 5, 2012
Laymon isn’t known for being able to write believable stories. However, even as one accustomed to his style, this is probably one of the most ridiculous books I’ve read in a while. ridiculous events/conversations keep occurring again and again. Does a woman REALLY lose her husband, have a thing for his brother, lose contact with her brother for several years, and then when they finally see each other again, they proclaim their love for each other, have sex, and feel no remorse about it? Hell, not even have a remnant of a thought about your dead husband? There are plenty more of these “what the hell is happening here” moments, but I’d hate to ruin the fun of finding them yourself! First you’ll wonder, what are these people doing? Then you’ll realize that the whole book has been that way and read along. Its ridiculousness was magnified by the fact that it was trying to take itself seriously.
The part where they were using the ouija board and trying to decipher it was the most hilarious, unintentionally of course. “H-E-L-L-O” “he… L.L.O? What does L.L.O stand for? Hmm.. If you reverse the order, and change the O to an A, those are my grandfather's best friend's initials! We gotta go visit him!” These strokes of genius are all coming from a group of supposed English majors too. The ouija board wasn't used very often, sadly, so you didn't get to see these geniuses at work as often as would be desired. You'd think that if these people drove all the way up a mountain and hiked for 10 miles just at the whim of this board, that they'd consult it more. Laymon apparently had something else in mind.
There's the typical sex and violence theme that Laymon lived and died by. None of his characters hesitate to get it on at any point in the story. While I've heard many people refer to him as misogynistic, I think that's mincing the truth quite a bit. It's not just that his female characters needlessly whore themselves around. It's prevalent among males in the books too. So to call him misogynistic is a bit of a warped, one-sided perspective. The violence, taking place predominantly towards the end of the book, is about typical for Laymon standards, although it does come in a very quick burst and doesn't last long. The end seemed really rushed. Almost as if he was told his deadline was the next day and he had to crank out the last fifty pages in an hour.
I haven't really said anything nice about this book. Well, that's because there really isn't much that's nice about it. It's predictable, ridiculous, choppy and there were elements that should have been wrapped up, but never were. One of things he did semi-well were on the characters themselves. They had individual personalities and kept things somewhat interesting. The book kinda played out like watching a movie with great actors given a horrid script. You liked the characters variation of traits but felt like their dialogue hindered most everything. The storyline wasn't a bad one. If you had put the storyline into the hands of a different author, that would be able to make a cohesive book, it could have been great.
So why does this get three stars if it sucked so bad? Well, I review based on the quality of the book. I rate based off of enjoyment. And Laymon's novels have always been a source of enjoyment for me, no matter how absurd. It's just relatively brain free, campy fun. If you're into that, you're gonna get it from practically any book by Laymon. But lierary excellence is something Laymon never quite achieved (although some books, like A Night in Lonesome October, were very well-written.)But even with the three stars it gets, it's pretty low in comparison to my typical ratings.
This has to be Laymon's worst book next to "The Lake." Nothing could ever surpass that ridiculousness.
The part where they were using the ouija board and trying to decipher it was the most hilarious, unintentionally of course. “H-E-L-L-O” “he… L.L.O? What does L.L.O stand for? Hmm.. If you reverse the order, and change the O to an A, those are my grandfather's best friend's initials! We gotta go visit him!” These strokes of genius are all coming from a group of supposed English majors too. The ouija board wasn't used very often, sadly, so you didn't get to see these geniuses at work as often as would be desired. You'd think that if these people drove all the way up a mountain and hiked for 10 miles just at the whim of this board, that they'd consult it more. Laymon apparently had something else in mind.
There's the typical sex and violence theme that Laymon lived and died by. None of his characters hesitate to get it on at any point in the story. While I've heard many people refer to him as misogynistic, I think that's mincing the truth quite a bit. It's not just that his female characters needlessly whore themselves around. It's prevalent among males in the books too. So to call him misogynistic is a bit of a warped, one-sided perspective. The violence, taking place predominantly towards the end of the book, is about typical for Laymon standards, although it does come in a very quick burst and doesn't last long. The end seemed really rushed. Almost as if he was told his deadline was the next day and he had to crank out the last fifty pages in an hour.
I haven't really said anything nice about this book. Well, that's because there really isn't much that's nice about it. It's predictable, ridiculous, choppy and there were elements that should have been wrapped up, but never were. One of things he did semi-well were on the characters themselves. They had individual personalities and kept things somewhat interesting. The book kinda played out like watching a movie with great actors given a horrid script. You liked the characters variation of traits but felt like their dialogue hindered most everything. The storyline wasn't a bad one. If you had put the storyline into the hands of a different author, that would be able to make a cohesive book, it could have been great.
So why does this get three stars if it sucked so bad? Well, I review based on the quality of the book. I rate based off of enjoyment. And Laymon's novels have always been a source of enjoyment for me, no matter how absurd. It's just relatively brain free, campy fun. If you're into that, you're gonna get it from practically any book by Laymon. But lierary excellence is something Laymon never quite achieved (although some books, like A Night in Lonesome October, were very well-written.)But even with the three stars it gets, it's pretty low in comparison to my typical ratings.
This has to be Laymon's worst book next to "The Lake." Nothing could ever surpass that ridiculousness.
July 5, 2012
Darkness, Tell Us is one of those books that have more false endings than a Bergman film and yet when it finally finishes, there is nothing that really makes it memorable or makes you care about none of the characters.
The action sequences are bland and it seems all the energy was put into the sex sequences which flow quite well. When the horror of the situation does come to fruitition, you find yourself wanting to hurry up and finish as you just want to move to the next book on your list.
The story starts out with a group of six kids and a teacher at a party when a Ouija board is brought out. This starts the tale as the story simmers to its conclusion. The plot points are lazily put together and I have to say, I was kind of hoping that all the characters would be killed off in horrible graphic details due to thier unlikability.
The most unlikable character gets to prove her net worth but by the time this happens you kind of wish someone had skinned the fat off her a long time ago.
There are various subplots that trail the story along and slow down the pace considerably and with the big reveal at the end is probably the most pathetic that I have read in a long time.
Laymon has even tacked on a strange epilogue chapter that brings a happy ending to the miserable cast of characters that probably should have died within the first three chapters.
Richard Laymon was always strong on violence and fast paced action but unfortuantely this one pretty much shows the faults in his writing capabilities. He has written alot of fun horror books that shock and thrill but unfortuantely this is a dud.
I do recommend reading Laymon as a light action read, but I would personally keep away from this one. It made a Dan Brown book almost likable. YUCK!
The action sequences are bland and it seems all the energy was put into the sex sequences which flow quite well. When the horror of the situation does come to fruitition, you find yourself wanting to hurry up and finish as you just want to move to the next book on your list.
The story starts out with a group of six kids and a teacher at a party when a Ouija board is brought out. This starts the tale as the story simmers to its conclusion. The plot points are lazily put together and I have to say, I was kind of hoping that all the characters would be killed off in horrible graphic details due to thier unlikability.
The most unlikable character gets to prove her net worth but by the time this happens you kind of wish someone had skinned the fat off her a long time ago.
There are various subplots that trail the story along and slow down the pace considerably and with the big reveal at the end is probably the most pathetic that I have read in a long time.
Laymon has even tacked on a strange epilogue chapter that brings a happy ending to the miserable cast of characters that probably should have died within the first three chapters.
Richard Laymon was always strong on violence and fast paced action but unfortuantely this one pretty much shows the faults in his writing capabilities. He has written alot of fun horror books that shock and thrill but unfortuantely this is a dud.
I do recommend reading Laymon as a light action read, but I would personally keep away from this one. It made a Dan Brown book almost likable. YUCK!
February 21, 2017
A fun Laymony Laymon tale!
August 17, 2023
I read DARKNESS, TELL US for the first time on my plane to Killercon this last weekend. I think everyone here knows just how much I love Laymon ... so there's no need to run through every reason why he's my favorite author again. That said, I'm glad there's a few of his books I've chosen not to read yet ... so I'm not just rereading him all the time.
.
.
I'd heard so many good things about DARKNESS, TELL US ... so waiting for the right moment to read it was a challenge. Now that I have, yeah ... this puppy didn't disappoint. It's basically a collage of everything that makes Laymon fun. Over the top sleaze, vicious violence, cruel villains, and a good mix of likable and detestable leads!
.
.
The story follows a group of students who go into the woods in search of treasure, after they've played with a Ouija board which gave them directions! It kind of reads like a "hang out" novel,with lots of focus on camping, hiking, and shenanigans! And then, once the horror kicks in ... it's nonstop craziness and bloodshed!
.
.
If you've read any of my own books, then you're aware that I'm partial to backwoods terror. Welp, this one has plenty of that! If you've ever gotten spooked thinking that someone was watching you from the shadows while you and your buddies sat around a campfire ... then this book is for you!
.
.
I don't want to say too much for fear of spoiling the fun that is in store for you. That said, if you like creeping dread, suspense, and flares of visceral nastiness, then DARKNESS, TELL US is for you. Bit of course I recommend it! It is Laymon, after all!
.
.
I'd heard so many good things about DARKNESS, TELL US ... so waiting for the right moment to read it was a challenge. Now that I have, yeah ... this puppy didn't disappoint. It's basically a collage of everything that makes Laymon fun. Over the top sleaze, vicious violence, cruel villains, and a good mix of likable and detestable leads!
.
.
The story follows a group of students who go into the woods in search of treasure, after they've played with a Ouija board which gave them directions! It kind of reads like a "hang out" novel,with lots of focus on camping, hiking, and shenanigans! And then, once the horror kicks in ... it's nonstop craziness and bloodshed!
.
.
If you've read any of my own books, then you're aware that I'm partial to backwoods terror. Welp, this one has plenty of that! If you've ever gotten spooked thinking that someone was watching you from the shadows while you and your buddies sat around a campfire ... then this book is for you!
.
.
I don't want to say too much for fear of spoiling the fun that is in store for you. That said, if you like creeping dread, suspense, and flares of visceral nastiness, then DARKNESS, TELL US is for you. Bit of course I recommend it! It is Laymon, after all!
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