The Skin Show

by Kristopher Rufty

The Skin Show has existed all over the south for generations–hidden clubs offering their patrons a location to be whoever they desire, in a playground with free reign to do whatever they want without judgment or castigation. There is no cover charge, the drinks are free, and rules do not exist within the walls of The Skin Show. However, once you’ve entered, you’ll never leave, for what exists underneath each club is something of fairytales. Danny Raab was drawn into The Skin Show's inescapable clutch, and he never returned. Now, Andy Raab is in the midst of a desperate search for his brother. Accompanied by Karen, Danny’s probation officer, they will infiltrate The Skin Show’s living nightmares of debauchery, only to learn they have been on the guest list all along.

Genres: Horror

290 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2014

About the author

Kristopher Rufty lives in North Carolina with his three children and pets. He’s written over twenty novels, including ALL WILL DIE, THE DEVOURED AND THE DEAD, DESOLATION, THE LURKERS and PILLOWFACE. When he’s not spending time with his family or writing, he’s obsessing over gardening and growing food.

His short story DARLA'S PROBLEM was included in the Splatterpunk Publications anthology FIGHTING BACK, which won the Splatterpunk award for best anthology. THE DEVOURED AND THE DEAD was nominated for a Splatterpunk award.

He can be found on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. For more about Kristopher Rufty, please visit: www.kristopherrufty.com

Reviews

[Karl]

This is copy number 53 of 85 signed and numbered copies, signed by Kristopher Rufty.

This book is number 36 in the Black Voltage Series,

[Sea Caummisar · Rating 4 out of 5]

If the Skin Show were to truly exist, I fear I would be a victim. Free drinks, sexy people, and the kind of entertainment that you can't find anywhere else? Sign me up..I'm in. ... Oh wait, people are disappearing there? Never returning after their visit? Families did? Hmmm..I just might have to second guess myself then. Lol.
I 'll be the first to admit that creature features aren't my fave kinds of reads, but with this kind of take on it, it was totally enjoyable.

[Diana Bresee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh man, how do I begin? Kristopher Rufty is a rising star in horror. I look forward to each new book of his. Although I see some inspiration of other writers in his books, he has a style all his own and one thing I love about all the works of his I've read is that he finds new creatures to write about, things that haven't been done before because let's face it, same ole, same ole gets boring. The Skin Show stayed true to this formula and the description of the seedy underground south came to life. Another plus I saw in this is a shout out to my favorite horror movie franchise, Phantasm (The Lurkers has this also). Mr Rufty has earned a place on my favorite authors list alongside Richard Laymon, Brian Keene, Bryan Smith and Ray Garton and I can't wait to see what he comes up with next.

[Dave Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kristopher Rufty has written a gem of an old-school horror novel that contains everything a fervent fan of the genre craves: compelling characters, violence, sex, monsters, and a traveling show of carnal desires that destroys everything in its path. At times Richard Laymon-esque and at others reminiscent of '80s B-movie horror, THE SKIN SHOW delivers its grotesquery in an entertaining and chilling horror romp.

[DA · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really love how this author builds characters you can believe in. You can't go wrong with anything he's written.

This book will bring you into a world where anything can happen, where things are not what they seem.

[Andrew Neilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anyone missing Richard Laymon would do well in checking out Mr Ruftys work

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to the author for a gifted copy of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

The premise of this story was interesting - it kind of made me think about the Beast House series by Richard Laymon, in regards to the creatures at the Skin Show, and the erotic nature of them. I liked the overall plot, but the execution was a bit lacking for me personally.

In the end, I found this one okay. I wasn't particularly fond of the characters, I wanted a little more depth to some of the main ones, but it just wasn't there. And the gratuitous sex and violence felt a bit repetitive. I feel if this was more of a novella or short story, it could have packed more of a punch.

If you enjoyed Beast House by Richard Laymon, this might be worth checking out.

[ChanaReadsHorror · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was not only a great read, the story and the characters all felt so real and grounded. I listened to the audiobook and was hooked from the start. This is one of those books that you think is going to go one way and when things go another, you are not caught off guard you highly enjoy it. AIf you are looking for a book that will take you on a wild ride and back, this one is it.

[Jeanann Leary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my absolute favorite of all of Rufty's books! Absolutely amazingly! A must read!

[Lucas · Rating 5 out of 5]

First book I have read by Kristopher Rufty and it wont be my last. I really enjoyed the story and the monsters in it. I do hope there will be a sequel someday.

[Vaelin · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded up to 4 stars as it reminded me a lot like a Richard Laymon novel (the story itself, not just the over use of the word "rump).

[MamaKate4 · Rating 5 out of 5]

A twist on a mystery, horror, a train wreck you can't look away from, heroes you cheer for and being with, and a very unique storyline that I was not expecting!

[Becki 🤎 · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Skin Show

I am so so grateful to be on Rufty’s Audible code list because it means I get to read his books & be taken on a different journey which each one! I never know what to expect with him & this one was an unexpected surprise!

The skin show is a club that many of heard of but not many has seen. It attracts men, feeds into their deepest & darkest desires & once it’s got you in it’s grasp it’s hard to get free…

Danny was one of these men that were excited to find the skin show, but after not returning home his brother Andy & his probation officer, Karen, are on a mission to find him.

Theirs only one problem, the skin show is run by sex addict nympho’s that need to feed from men to stay alive, those that enter won’t make it out alive!

It’s not going to be an easy mission to find Danny & set him free but Karen & Andy are not going to stop until they have him home!!

Owhhh I didn’t know what to expect with this but my god was it good!! I was really rooting for Andy, he’d had such a rubbish life & was a kind hearted soul he deserved more!

This was twisty, turny, a little naughty & kept me on my toes! Brill listen!

Thanks again Kristopher for the code 🫶🏻 Do check the triggers before going into this, it has got the gore & naughty’ness as expected from Rufty! 🤎

⭐️⭐️⭐️ 💫

[Bobby_G · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rufty puts together a tour de force of horror in this fast paced novel. The characters are well developed and likable and the plot unpredictable. Just when you think the story is settling into a overused rhythm the likable antagonist gets killed in Game of Thrones fashion. Narration skips to the next character and the story continues.

The plot does get racy at times, but manages to stay on the right side of the fine line between pornographic and disgusting. None of the over-the-top splatter punk sexual depravity that is currently en vogue amongst some horror writers.

Well worth the time and a fun read.

[Bob · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good read. Fast paced interesting story of strip shows and demons. Highly recommended.

[Chad Radford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great, Fun Read

This is a fun book for fans of monsters and erotic horror. It has lot of action that never stops! Highly recommended!

[Vince · Rating 3 out of 5]

My first Kristopher Rufty novel. It was ok but I thought it got bogged down about 60% in. That said I liked the writing and character development enough to try more of his novels.

[Nick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Non-stop, action packed, sex filled and gore soaked horror extravaganza. Pure fun.

[Charlie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, that was unexpected...

I showed up for demons, ended up with Cinemax.