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Night Show
Dani Larson, who creates special effects for horror movies, is contacted by the Chill Master, a madman determined to scare her to death
320 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1984
25 people are currently reading
1064 people want to read
About the author
Richard Laymon
216 books2,270 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 121 reviews
September 6, 2016
“Night Show” is a re-read of a book I originally read back in 1987, as I recall the book was published by “Tor” as a paperback that I had purchased at a Target along with some camping supplies. As far as I recall the book had never been released as a hardcover and now, wowwie zaowie, here is a spiffy deluxe one with additional material that includes story notes by author Richard Laymon, and introduction by Ed Lee.
Though perhaps, all in all, not one of Mr. Laymon’s best book, it was great to take on a camping trip and read out in the woods, if memory serves me, this was my introduction to the works of Richard Laymon (January 14, 1947 – February 14, 2001). When we returned from the camping trip I set about looking for more by the author as he had made an impression on me . so I tracked down a copy of “The Cellar”, this a Warner papeback and also a copy of “The Woods Are Dark” (what a crazy crappy cover) yet decided that this was an author I really enjoyed.
Back to “Night Show”, The story starts with busty high schooler Linda Allison who gets kidnapped and locked in a haunted house by three fellow high school boy’s as a prank. As things progress horror movie buff Tony Johnson, naked but for an ax, terrifies young Linda. Tony’s love of movies send him off to Hollywood to become some part of the movie magic. Tony is a bit nuts. Due to Tony’s love of scary movies he becomes awar of Dani Larson a special effects artist that Tony admires. Things go bloody south.
Especially recommended to fans of “Fangoria” magazine or those with fond memories of this book. Perhaps worth it for the extras provided with this hardcover edition.
On reflection upon reading this book almost thirty years later, it holds up pretty well. One can surely see the impact that Mr. Laymon had on other horror writers over the years and the influence he had on the genre.
Three Richard Laymon titles Dark Regions Press will be publishing are NIGHT SHOW, FUNLAND and MIDNIGHT’S LAIR. All three will be published in definitive edition hardcovers in the same formats each illustrated by Malcolm McClinton.
This is copy number 148 of 300 signed numbered copies which are signed by:
James R. Beach - Editor
Steve Gerlach - Afterword
Kelly Laymon - Editor
Edward Lee - Introduction
Malcolm McClinton
Cover and five original interior illustrations by artist Malcolm McClinton.
Though perhaps, all in all, not one of Mr. Laymon’s best book, it was great to take on a camping trip and read out in the woods, if memory serves me, this was my introduction to the works of Richard Laymon (January 14, 1947 – February 14, 2001). When we returned from the camping trip I set about looking for more by the author as he had made an impression on me . so I tracked down a copy of “The Cellar”, this a Warner papeback and also a copy of “The Woods Are Dark” (what a crazy crappy cover) yet decided that this was an author I really enjoyed.
Back to “Night Show”, The story starts with busty high schooler Linda Allison who gets kidnapped and locked in a haunted house by three fellow high school boy’s as a prank. As things progress horror movie buff Tony Johnson, naked but for an ax, terrifies young Linda. Tony’s love of movies send him off to Hollywood to become some part of the movie magic. Tony is a bit nuts. Due to Tony’s love of scary movies he becomes awar of Dani Larson a special effects artist that Tony admires. Things go bloody south.
Especially recommended to fans of “Fangoria” magazine or those with fond memories of this book. Perhaps worth it for the extras provided with this hardcover edition.
On reflection upon reading this book almost thirty years later, it holds up pretty well. One can surely see the impact that Mr. Laymon had on other horror writers over the years and the influence he had on the genre.
Three Richard Laymon titles Dark Regions Press will be publishing are NIGHT SHOW, FUNLAND and MIDNIGHT’S LAIR. All three will be published in definitive edition hardcovers in the same formats each illustrated by Malcolm McClinton.
This is copy number 148 of 300 signed numbered copies which are signed by:
James R. Beach - Editor
Steve Gerlach - Afterword
Kelly Laymon - Editor
Edward Lee - Introduction
Malcolm McClinton
Cover and five original interior illustrations by artist Malcolm McClinton.
March 21, 2016
THE NIGHT SHOW, by Richard Laymon is not one of his more "over the top" books in terms of gratuitous gore and rape scenes. That's not to say that there wasn't any--just not as much as fans of his are accustomed to seeing.
The story itself was very straightforward--two separate plot lines, but each ultimately linked by a common factor. The main part of the story concerns Dani Larson--a woman who makes gory special effects for movies, and a star-struck admirer, Tony, who decides he belongs alongside her (regardless of several glaring obstacles, such as: A.) she has a boyfriend, and B.) he is a psychotic egomaniac).
I really wanted to like this book much more than I did. Ultimately, the ridiculously STUPID decisions that Dani makes turned a creepy story into one that held no credence for me whatsoever. SPOILER ALERT: Honestly, if a creepy kid was stalking you and telling you how much you were meant to be together, would you keep inviting him into your home, or call the police? It was those moments that took me completely out of the book.
Before that began, I felt that the characterization was enough to get us acquainted with the key players, and the position Dani was in would have terrified me.
The alternate part of the story, unfortunately, just never felt authentic to me. It was a bit too "forced" to be believable from anyone who wasn't under psychiatric care. I just never could get into the extremes that particular character was treading in--especially in light of the situation that caused her desire for revenge in the first place.
Overall, some good moments, but not--in my humble opinion--one of Laymon's better works.
*I received an e-copy of this book through NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*
The story itself was very straightforward--two separate plot lines, but each ultimately linked by a common factor. The main part of the story concerns Dani Larson--a woman who makes gory special effects for movies, and a star-struck admirer, Tony, who decides he belongs alongside her (regardless of several glaring obstacles, such as: A.) she has a boyfriend, and B.) he is a psychotic egomaniac).
I really wanted to like this book much more than I did. Ultimately, the ridiculously STUPID decisions that Dani makes turned a creepy story into one that held no credence for me whatsoever. SPOILER ALERT: Honestly, if a creepy kid was stalking you and telling you how much you were meant to be together, would you keep inviting him into your home, or call the police? It was those moments that took me completely out of the book.
Before that began, I felt that the characterization was enough to get us acquainted with the key players, and the position Dani was in would have terrified me.
The alternate part of the story, unfortunately, just never felt authentic to me. It was a bit too "forced" to be believable from anyone who wasn't under psychiatric care. I just never could get into the extremes that particular character was treading in--especially in light of the situation that caused her desire for revenge in the first place.
Overall, some good moments, but not--in my humble opinion--one of Laymon's better works.
*I received an e-copy of this book through NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*
February 13, 2023
Troppa pace e tranquillità a Claymore, cosa fare per ammazzare la noia?
La risposta per Tony, Arnold e Joel, è semplice: perché non rapire la bella Linda Allison e farle passare la notte legata nella vecchia casa abbandonata dei Freeman? Si dice che sia infestata dai fantasmi e che dalle mura si sentano i lamenti di tutte le vittime che Jasper il pazzo vi seppellì, quindi perché no? Dicono pure che lo stesso spettro di Jasper vi si aggiri ancora di notte in cerca di giovani donne da fare a pezzi, davvero un gran bel posto per trascorrervi la notte da sole, legate ed al buio. Un vero sballo.
«Vuoi dire che si tratta di uno scherzo?»
«Non lo escluderei. Dopo tutto, rifletti un po' sull'ironia della situazione: la regina degli effetti macabri inseguita nella notte da una specie di zombie in un carro funebre.»
Dani annuì. «Be', sì, qualcuno potrebbe effettivamente architettare uno scherzo simile.»
«Qualcuno con un senso dell'humour alquanto crudele e di pessimo gusto.»
Nell'oscurità della casa abbandonata, legata alla ringhiera della scala, Linda rimpiange di non aver accettato l’offerta di suo padre che si era offerto di andare a prenderla a scuola, quando una figura nuda ed armata di ascia compare dal nulla in cima alla scala, reggendo una testa mozzata per i capelli. Il fantasma di Jasper il pazzo? Certo che no, la barba è finta e la testa quella di un manichino. Tony, Arnold e Joel, ridono sguaiati mentre Linda fugge via terrorizzata: era solamente un sadico scherzo ed i tre spostati hanno avuto il loro divertimento.
Di notte sentivamo strani suoni, le aveva detto Sheila una volta.
Come il pianto di donne.
Nella casa dei Freeman?
E risate. Risate agghiaccianti. La polizia ha fatto diversi controlli, ma non hanno trovato mai nessuno.
Fantasmi?
Non ridere.
Io non ci credo nei fantasmi.
lo sì. Ora ci credo.
Uno scherzo che avrà atroci conseguenze per Linda, tragicamente investita da una macchina mentre fuggiva accecata dalle lacrime e dal terrore in quella tragica notte.
E cosa dire di Tony, il quale, dopo aver assaporato per la prima volta il piacere di instillare la paura nel cuore delle persone, ha deciso di non poterne più fare a meno?
Perché non andare ad Hollywood e trasformare la propria passione per i film horror in un lavoro, aggiungendo ad essa la magia del cinema e degli effetti speciali?
E magari coronare il suo sogno di conoscere Dani Larson, artista di effetti speciali di successo che Tony ammira ed adora.
Morbosamente.
«Non ti è piaciuta la mia testa?»
«Era molto bella.»
«Era magnifica!»
«Senti, devo chiudere. Mi dispiace, ma non posso aiutarti.»
«La rivoglio.»
«Okay. Dammi il tuo indirizzo e te la spedirò per posta.»
«Verrò a prenderla. Stanotte.»
«No!»
«Hai paura?» le chiese il Signore del Brivido, poi riattaccò.
Volevo davvero dare un voto più alto a questo Spettacolo di morte di Richard Laymon, un thriller al cardiopalma che si legge quasi tutto d'un fiato e decisamente meno sopra le righe ed esagerato rispetto alle robuste dosi di violenze carnali e sanguinolente marchio di fabbrica del compianto autore statunitense, anche se per quanto riguarda il sesso esplicito ne troverete pure fin troppo fra queste pagine.
«Come ha fatto ad avere il tuo numero di telefono?»
«Non lo...»
«Non è nell'elenco. E non può averlo ottenuto da qualche operatore della compagnia telefonica.»
«E allora come ha fatto?» chiese Dani, con la voce ridotta a un bisbiglio tremante.
«È scritto sulle targhette del telefono.»
«Eh?»
«Lo ha letto su uno dei tuoi telefoni. Ciò significa che è entrato qui dentro. In casa.»
La storia poi, con le sue due linee di trama e protagoniste separate, sembrava pure per una volta non procedere a tentoni senza neanche sapere bene dove si andrà a parare, ma come se l’autore avesse già in mente un inizio, uno svolgimento ed una fine ben precisi, a differenza di altri racconti di Laymon letti da me in precedenza.
Per non parlare di alcuni bei momenti che avrebbero reso questo libro, reperibilità permettendo, un buon primo passo per chi volesse cimentarsi per la prima volta con le opere del prematuramente scomparso scrittore statunitense, e tastare con mano l’impatto e l’influenza che ancora oggi, ad oltre vent’anni dalla sua dipartita, ha esercitato e continua ad esercitare su altri più o meno illustri autori di letteratura e cinematografia dell’ orrore.
Strappò con rabbia il ricevitore dalla forcella. «Pronto?»
«Cynthia,» disse la voce di prima, sempre in un sussurro.
«Ma chi diavolo parla?»
«lo... ti voglio... con me. Qui è così buio. Così freddo.»
«Chi parla?»
«Mmm... mmmm... Murray.»
La bottiglia le sfuggì dalla dita, batté sul pavimento, ma non si ruppe. Rotolò per qualche centimetro, poi si fermò.
«Sei malato.»
«No, sono morto.»
Purtroppo, le scelte sbagliate, fuori luogo ed insensate di una delle due protagoniste, un finale sottotono e forzato rispetto al resto, ed infine un antagonista a dir poco odioso e tutt'altro che memorabile, hanno inficiato non poco sulla mia lettura di questo romanzo.
Per intenderci, tu Dani Larson, popolare artista di effetti speciali truculenti, hai un fan ossessionato da te e chiaramente senza tutte le rotelle a posto, che inizia a tormentarti neanche fosse il Ghostface di Scream, e cosa fai? Invece di chiamare la polizia lo fai entrare dentro casa? Non contenta, ti lasci impietosire e ci vai pure al cinema, lo vedi aggredire un paio di persone al buio per spaventarle a morte, e poi lo fai entrare di nuovo a casa?
Va bene che da parte del lettore la sospensione dell'incredulità sia necessaria per poter apprezzare pienamente questo genere di storie, ma questa volta si è davvero esagerato.
Rimase in attesa. Le luci di posizione posteriori del carro funebre si accesero. Poi il veicolo si mise in moto e sparì. La strada finiva in un vicolo cieco. Dani non si scostò dalla finestra fino a quando il lungo veicolo nero non superò la casa.
Poi si avvicinò al bancone della cucina, sollevò un lembo della camicetta e tolse il coltello da cucina dalla tasca posteriore dei jeans.
E quando alla fine la povera Dani si ritrova a fuggire dall’ormai privo di ogni freno Tony, dopo averlo fatto entrare dentro casa per l’ennesima volta, non ho potuto fare a meno di ridacchiare tra me e me, immaginandola con le fattezze di Edwige Fenech alla prese con un allupatissimo Mauro Di Francesco nella memorabile scena di Sballato, gasato, completamente fuso, commedia becera e sexy anni ‘80 che non dovrebbe mancare nella cineteca di ogni amante del trash cinematografico che si rispetti. Nella mia occupa un posto d'onore, ma questo probabilmente si era capito già.
Decisamente non il miglior libro di Laymon, ma resta comunque una lettura più che passabile secondo il mio modesto parere.
March 6, 2016
4.5*
*Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.*
Dani makes her living doing horror movie special effects, she's an expert in scaring an audience but ends up on the receiving end of unwanted attention from someone who calls himself the Chill Master. Is he a misguided young man or something more sinister?
I've apparently already read this book in a much earlier edition but I couldn't remember anything about the story so it was great to read something 'new' from Laymon. The storyline is classic Laymon with perhaps slightly less deviant sex and it's not that heavy on the gore or depravity.
Dani is a fairly likeable character but at times she was extremely frustrating, especially with choices she made about her unwanted companion. At times she knowingly put herself in danger even though her gut told her not to take the actions she did. Normally i love the strong female characters in Laymons stories but Dani felt a little weaker and far too dependent on her new love interest.
The story was split into two story arcs that came together at the end. The other story arc was just as engaging and didn't feel tacked on just for the sake of it. I also love tales of revenge so this part for me was really enjoyable.
I'm not sure how the new Samhain edition differs to the old editions as the page count seems to be less but I found it a fast, tight read that I felt compelled to finish in a day.
Great fun and makes me miss Laymon even more.
*Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.*
Dani makes her living doing horror movie special effects, she's an expert in scaring an audience but ends up on the receiving end of unwanted attention from someone who calls himself the Chill Master. Is he a misguided young man or something more sinister?
I've apparently already read this book in a much earlier edition but I couldn't remember anything about the story so it was great to read something 'new' from Laymon. The storyline is classic Laymon with perhaps slightly less deviant sex and it's not that heavy on the gore or depravity.
Dani is a fairly likeable character but at times she was extremely frustrating, especially with choices she made about her unwanted companion. At times she knowingly put herself in danger even though her gut told her not to take the actions she did. Normally i love the strong female characters in Laymons stories but Dani felt a little weaker and far too dependent on her new love interest.
The story was split into two story arcs that came together at the end. The other story arc was just as engaging and didn't feel tacked on just for the sake of it. I also love tales of revenge so this part for me was really enjoyable.
I'm not sure how the new Samhain edition differs to the old editions as the page count seems to be less but I found it a fast, tight read that I felt compelled to finish in a day.
Great fun and makes me miss Laymon even more.
August 24, 2025
3.5 stars.
Night Show follows Tony Johnson, who just loves to prank and scare people. He refers to himself as the Chill Master. However, after a prank goes wrong and leaves a young girl in a coma, he disappears to Hollywood.
Dani, a make-up artist on horror movies, runs into Tony, and as his infatuation grows and events turn violent, she realizes there is no way to escape the stalker known as The Chill Master.
This had a lot of sex and a few bloody deaths, but overall, it was pretty middle of the road for Laymon. I find that his longer books are always better than his shorter ones as this is. It didn't have his usual bonkers out there feel to it. It just read like a normal slasher/thriller novel. So overall, it's fun but not one of the best Laymon has written.
Night Show follows Tony Johnson, who just loves to prank and scare people. He refers to himself as the Chill Master. However, after a prank goes wrong and leaves a young girl in a coma, he disappears to Hollywood.
Dani, a make-up artist on horror movies, runs into Tony, and as his infatuation grows and events turn violent, she realizes there is no way to escape the stalker known as The Chill Master.
This had a lot of sex and a few bloody deaths, but overall, it was pretty middle of the road for Laymon. I find that his longer books are always better than his shorter ones as this is. It didn't have his usual bonkers out there feel to it. It just read like a normal slasher/thriller novel. So overall, it's fun but not one of the best Laymon has written.
August 8, 2018
Прозата на Леймън трудно може да се обърка с литература. Скоро четох в едно възпоменание за автора, как му казали, че книгите му приличат на второразрядни хорър филми и той отговорил: "Чудесно, точно към това чувство се стремя" И успява, ама яко успява, до толкова, че даже аз съм го писал в едно от ревютата си, години преди да прочета въпросната статия.
"Нощно шоу" се състои от две много слабо свързани сюжетни линии, което е нормално за Леймън.
1. Линда е тийнейджърка, която в следствие на доста солена шега изпада в кома. След като се съвзема, решава кърваво и ефикасно да се пребори с новопридобитите си страхове, като изколи шегаджиите.
2. Дани е актриса във второразрядни хорър филми и специалист по ефекти, която таман се е загаджила с новия си асистент. На вратата ѝ се появява Тони - 18 годишно хлапе, лудо на тема хорър и май-май не съвсем таман. От съжаление и малко страх, Дани го взима под крилото си, но не е очаквала последиците.
Не е от най-добрите книги на Леймън, но е доста добра психотична история, без наистина симпатични герои, без поуки и с доволно количество ненормалници. Малък бонус е надникването към света на евтините специални ефекти, преди дигитализацията.
"Нощно шоу" се състои от две много слабо свързани сюжетни линии, което е нормално за Леймън.
1. Линда е тийнейджърка, която в следствие на доста солена шега изпада в кома. След като се съвзема, решава кърваво и ефикасно да се пребори с новопридобитите си страхове, като изколи шегаджиите.
2. Дани е актриса във второразрядни хорър филми и специалист по ефекти, която таман се е загаджила с новия си асистент. На вратата ѝ се появява Тони - 18 годишно хлапе, лудо на тема хорър и май-май не съвсем таман. От съжаление и малко страх, Дани го взима под крилото си, но не е очаквала последиците.
Не е от най-добрите книги на Леймън, но е доста добра психотична история, без наистина симпатични герои, без поуки и с доволно количество ненормалници. Малък бонус е надникването към света на евтините специални ефекти, преди дигитализацията.
May 18, 2015
3 1/2 stars rounded up because, though the subject matter & plot were not as intriguing as other books I've read of his, Richard Laymon is a Master storyteller of Horror, and I couldn't put this down until I finished.
August 31, 2020
Από τα πιο χαλαρά βιβλία του Λέυμον.
Ανώμαλος μαθητής λυκείου με λόξα για τα ειδικά εφέ κλειδώνει συμμαθήτριά του σε στοιχειωμένο σπίτι για να της κάνει φάρσα και της επιτίθεται ως φάντασμα. Αυτή το βάζει στα πόδια, τη βαράει αμάξι και πέφτει σε κώμα.
Ο ανώμαλος την έχει καταβρεί και πάει στο Λος Άντζελες για να γίνει τεχνικός ειδικών εφέ - και αρχίζει να στολκάρει τη Dani, που είναι μία από τις καλύτερες στη δημιουργία ειδικών εφέ. Αυτή, μαζί με το νέο της αμόρε, φρικάρουν, αλλά δεν ξέρουν πώς να αντιμετωπίσουν τον φρίκουλα.
Παράλληλα, η κοπέλα που έπεσε σε κώμα ξυπνάει και ετοιμάζει την εκδίκησή της.
Το βιβλίο είναι καλό για να περάσει η ώρα, έχει μπόλικο σεξ (συναινετικό κιόλας) λίγο μακελειό (τα πιο άγρια σκηνικά είναι σε ταινίες που γυρίζουν ή βλέπουν οι χαρακτήρες), τελειώνει λίγο απότομα αλλά, πραγματικά, οι χαρακτήρες αντιδρούν και μιλάνε σα πραγματικοί άνθρωποι, ακόμα και τα δύο φρικαρισμένα αιμοβόρα πιτσιρίκια.
Από εμένα είναι ναι.
Ανώμαλος μαθητής λυκείου με λόξα για τα ειδικά εφέ κλειδώνει συμμαθήτριά του σε στοιχειωμένο σπίτι για να της κάνει φάρσα και της επιτίθεται ως φάντασμα. Αυτή το βάζει στα πόδια, τη βαράει αμάξι και πέφτει σε κώμα.
Ο ανώμαλος την έχει καταβρεί και πάει στο Λος Άντζελες για να γίνει τεχνικός ειδικών εφέ - και αρχίζει να στολκάρει τη Dani, που είναι μία από τις καλύτερες στη δημιουργία ειδικών εφέ. Αυτή, μαζί με το νέο της αμόρε, φρικάρουν, αλλά δεν ξέρουν πώς να αντιμετωπίσουν τον φρίκουλα.
Παράλληλα, η κοπέλα που έπεσε σε κώμα ξυπνάει και ετοιμάζει την εκδίκησή της.
Το βιβλίο είναι καλό για να περάσει η ώρα, έχει μπόλικο σεξ (συναινετικό κιόλας) λίγο μακελειό (τα πιο άγρια σκηνικά είναι σε ταινίες που γυρίζουν ή βλέπουν οι χαρακτήρες), τελειώνει λίγο απότομα αλλά, πραγματικά, οι χαρακτήρες αντιδρούν και μιλάνε σα πραγματικοί άνθρωποι, ακόμα και τα δύο φρικαρισμένα αιμοβόρα πιτσιρίκια.
Από εμένα είναι ναι.
January 11, 2019
Every time I finish a Richard Laymon book I get a little sadder. It'll only take me one more before I have read all of the late, great Laymon's books. I started reading/devouring them in '02 and knew as I read this day would come. I've loved most of his books and even his not-so-great ones are better than the average penny dreadful.
Night Show is not one of his best, but with lowered expectations it's a passable horror novel. It takes about 200 pages before anything really gets going, but when it does it's exactly what you'd expect if you've ever read Laymon.
Tony is a decent enough villain, but he isn't developed well enough early in the novel to be anything truly menacing.
You could say that about the novel itself. Night Show belongs on the bottom 3rd of Laymon's legacy, but I'm still happy I read it
Night Show is not one of his best, but with lowered expectations it's a passable horror novel. It takes about 200 pages before anything really gets going, but when it does it's exactly what you'd expect if you've ever read Laymon.
Tony is a decent enough villain, but he isn't developed well enough early in the novel to be anything truly menacing.
You could say that about the novel itself. Night Show belongs on the bottom 3rd of Laymon's legacy, but I'm still happy I read it
February 23, 2012
Classic Laymon, albeit considerably less sexually deviant as some of his work. No rape for one thing. No bestiality. Both leads are fairly capable females. I loved the fact that it has to do with horror movies. Still plenty of T & A and horny teenagers and scares, but relatively tame comparing to some of Laymon's work. Entertaining and very quick read and glorious Steve Crisp's cover, which makes UK published Laymon books such a treat. Definitely recommended.
November 6, 2024
3,5*
This was one of the shortest Richard Laymon books I have read and also interestingly enough, also one of my least favorites.
Probably part of the reason why is that this book was told by merging the stories of two different women.
On the one hand we have Linda. When she was in high school a couple of boys terrorized her and she has had a trauma ever since and a mission, revenge.
The other woman we follow is Dani, who works as a special effects artist in the horror movie industry. Dani has a fan and his passion for her job might push her patience to the limit. Some fans can take their obsession way too far.
Since part of the book follows Dani and she works in the horror movie industry, I really enjoyed that part and hearing about all the classic movies, how they do the effects and the biggest hurdles as well as achievements for this industry.
You will also find here the classic disturbing gore, nudity and violence that you can expect from the author as well as some unsettling moments filled with tension.
Overall this was a quick and enjoyable read but not one of my favorites by Laymon.
This was one of the shortest Richard Laymon books I have read and also interestingly enough, also one of my least favorites.
Probably part of the reason why is that this book was told by merging the stories of two different women.
On the one hand we have Linda. When she was in high school a couple of boys terrorized her and she has had a trauma ever since and a mission, revenge.
The other woman we follow is Dani, who works as a special effects artist in the horror movie industry. Dani has a fan and his passion for her job might push her patience to the limit. Some fans can take their obsession way too far.
Since part of the book follows Dani and she works in the horror movie industry, I really enjoyed that part and hearing about all the classic movies, how they do the effects and the biggest hurdles as well as achievements for this industry.
You will also find here the classic disturbing gore, nudity and violence that you can expect from the author as well as some unsettling moments filled with tension.
Overall this was a quick and enjoyable read but not one of my favorites by Laymon.
August 24, 2025
This one was just ok. I loved the idea of the main characters being horror movie effects people, and there’s lots of fun references and name drops, but overall this one never got as crazy as the best Laymon’s do. I think part of that is the fact that it’s another one of his shorter novels, and Laymon usually seems to need 4-500 pages to truly hit his stride. You’d think with his style the shorter ones would be perfect, but for the most part I’ve found that to be false. This wasn’t bad at all, and the villain is certainly a bit different here, but overall it was just decent and not great.
November 29, 2020
Този път Леймън представя малко предвидим сюжет, особено в последните глави. Можеше историята да е завъртяна повече, но като за обема, предполагам - толкова. Все пак, динамична история в класическия дух на автора - малко като да гледаш слашър, в който знаеш кога какво ще стане с всеки, но все пак го гледаш за удоволствието.
November 14, 2013
Hmmm not sure why I keep bothering with Laymon other than the fact I want to keep up with reading a different book every few days and I enjoy a fast read sometimes that doesn't require much thought. This one was pretty lame to be honest. But nonetheless I definitely know what I am in for when reading Laymon so my own fault! Says a lot about myself actually that I keep reading his novels!!!
February 22, 2025
BOOBS! MURDER! MORE BOOBS! MORE MURDER!
This was genuinely great, the characters were either all ass hats or they actually felt real, some great twists and I loved how the plot all came together in the end.
BOOBS!
This was genuinely great, the characters were either all ass hats or they actually felt real, some great twists and I loved how the plot all came together in the end.
BOOBS!
March 21, 2016
Note: I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I have only read a few of Mr. Laymon’s novels, in fact this is the third. I found this one to be lacking compared to The Vampire Show and Amara. What The Vampire Show had, interesting and intriguing subplots, and Amara which had several twisted and convoluting plots intertwined, Late Show just lacks. Without these, there is only sex in Mr. Laymon’s books, which would be ok, but even these were not good in this book.
The main characters made terrible choices, that just made no sense. There were two plots, both with female leads, the main plot was about Dani Larson, a special effects artist who make some truly asinine choices when it comes to a stalker, and Linda a high school girl who is seeking revenge on three boys who play a malicious prank on her which inadvertently leads to her being hit by a car.
Neither of the plots make much sense, but of the two, I actually enjoyed Linda’s plot better. Revenge is always a good splatterpunk plot devise and one in which Mr. Laymon excelled in. Although not one of his best works, I’m still giving this novel...
2 of 5 stars
I have only read a few of Mr. Laymon’s novels, in fact this is the third. I found this one to be lacking compared to The Vampire Show and Amara. What The Vampire Show had, interesting and intriguing subplots, and Amara which had several twisted and convoluting plots intertwined, Late Show just lacks. Without these, there is only sex in Mr. Laymon’s books, which would be ok, but even these were not good in this book.
The main characters made terrible choices, that just made no sense. There were two plots, both with female leads, the main plot was about Dani Larson, a special effects artist who make some truly asinine choices when it comes to a stalker, and Linda a high school girl who is seeking revenge on three boys who play a malicious prank on her which inadvertently leads to her being hit by a car.
Neither of the plots make much sense, but of the two, I actually enjoyed Linda’s plot better. Revenge is always a good splatterpunk plot devise and one in which Mr. Laymon excelled in. Although not one of his best works, I’m still giving this novel...
2 of 5 stars
April 3, 2017
Review of NIGHT SHOW by Richard Laymon
The more I read of this exceptional author, the more I find to love. NIGHT SHOW is a bifurcated story line, one taking place in New York State, the other in Hollywood, then eventually merging (horrifically, of course). In New York State, a high school girl is abducted and terrorized, escaping only to be hit by a vehicle and collapse into a coma. When she recovers, she has only one purpose, only one mission.
In Hollywood, an up-and-coming special effects designer is badgered by an eighteen-year-old man who claims he is “the Chill Master.” She and her new assistant/lover are the target of this boy's attentions, her because he wants to be her apprentice and lover, her boyfriend because he wants him out of the way. While these two plot threads are inextricably playing out, Laymon turns up the heat and keeps it boiling, with horror and fright non-stop, while he continues to deeply characterize the inhabitants of his novel.
The more I read of this exceptional author, the more I find to love. NIGHT SHOW is a bifurcated story line, one taking place in New York State, the other in Hollywood, then eventually merging (horrifically, of course). In New York State, a high school girl is abducted and terrorized, escaping only to be hit by a vehicle and collapse into a coma. When she recovers, she has only one purpose, only one mission.
In Hollywood, an up-and-coming special effects designer is badgered by an eighteen-year-old man who claims he is “the Chill Master.” She and her new assistant/lover are the target of this boy's attentions, her because he wants to be her apprentice and lover, her boyfriend because he wants him out of the way. While these two plot threads are inextricably playing out, Laymon turns up the heat and keeps it boiling, with horror and fright non-stop, while he continues to deeply characterize the inhabitants of his novel.
November 22, 2020
Добре, че не започнах Леймън с тази книга. Нямаше да чета следващите, а на нея щях да поставя само една звезда. Втората сега е само от симпатия към автора.
Ревюто ми на линка:
https://citadelata.com/%d0%bd%d0%be%d...
Ревюто ми на линка:
https://citadelata.com/%d0%bd%d0%be%d...
March 23, 2016
A Story told in two parts. This is a second reprint of the 1994 horror novel by Richard Laymon. First published by Headline Features and described as thus:
High-school prankster Tony Johnson kidnapped school beauty Linda Allison and locked her in a haunted house for the night. Linda didn't see the funny side. Now Tony is in Hollywood and has forgotten all about Linda. But she certainly hasn't forgotten him.
Now it has been made available by Samhain Publishing for a release date of 17 May 2016. They describe the book as follows:
When the horror becomes real, Dani Larson is the queen of horror movie special effects. Grisly murders and mutilated corpses are all in a day’s work for her. Nothing frightens her—not even watching herself torn to pieces on the screen. But now the gore is real, and Dani is terrified. She’s being stalked by the Chill Master, a psychopath who wants to be Dani’s apprentice, her lover, and eventually…her replacement. Can Dani find a way to survive? Or will this real-life horror movie scare Dani to death?
Richard Laymon is probably the grand daddy of Extreme violence and the splatter punk movement and probably single handedly help create the extreme horror writers that we have today such as Matt Shaw and Tim Miller, to name just a couple.
Starting his writing career in 1980 until his untimely death in 2001, Laymon has written 44 novels plus one that was restored and reissued, 20 Fastbacks, 5 collections and over sixty short stories. Laymon has quite an extensive turn around of material for twenty-one year writing span. When writing at this speed, this at times creates causalities with overused plots, tired characterisations and very often tired and true plot devices that seems to be more paint by numbers than intuitive and well developed.
Laymon writes to a similar themes such as surprising (and often outlandish) plot twists, a sexually depraved villain, portrayal of the heroines as beautiful, strong, and almost Amazonian in stature (despite also being depicted as vulnerable and scantily clad throughout much of the proceedings), pendulous breast and revenge. These are all present in this book and unfortunately, not a lot of thought was brought to the fore when using these trusty themes.
The Night Show starts out promising enough with a girl being abducted by three men and taken to a quote unquote haunted house in the small upstate town in New York State. After being tied up and slapped about, Linda escapes only to be hit by a car and go into the coma.
The action then shifts to Dani, top of her game, special effects artist whose passion is working on stalk and slash horror films and her new relationship with her special effects assistant. All is going well as their relationship is so new so the sex is great and their love is explosive until Tony starts stalking and throwing himself after Dani in a sleazy manner making Dani uncomfortable. So uncomfortable, that she still tries to stay friendly with him.
The story then jumps back and forth from Linda getting revenge and Dani noticing things are not quite right with Tony. This is where the story starts to come apart at the seams unfortunately.
The book suffers from wafer thin characters and logic is apparently missing from any of the main characters. The secondary characters are pretty much non existence and plot devices are very forced.
This is basically pulp fiction at its worse but there are some glimmers of hop as this is a real page turner and if you are able to sustain belief in logics and plot devices, you should be able to finish this in one sitting.
Night Show is a fun rollercoaster ride that takes you from point A to point B but you will need to ensure you are on autopilot as it is basically an extremely bad B movie without a good editor.
This is not one of Laymon’s best. To experience Laymon at his best, try The Beast House trilogy or The Travelling Vampire Show. Laymon had some exciting books out there but unfortunately, this one is probably not the best place to start. Tired and ridiculous formula that is not very well thought out. He wrote this in his sleep.
High-school prankster Tony Johnson kidnapped school beauty Linda Allison and locked her in a haunted house for the night. Linda didn't see the funny side. Now Tony is in Hollywood and has forgotten all about Linda. But she certainly hasn't forgotten him.
Now it has been made available by Samhain Publishing for a release date of 17 May 2016. They describe the book as follows:
When the horror becomes real, Dani Larson is the queen of horror movie special effects. Grisly murders and mutilated corpses are all in a day’s work for her. Nothing frightens her—not even watching herself torn to pieces on the screen. But now the gore is real, and Dani is terrified. She’s being stalked by the Chill Master, a psychopath who wants to be Dani’s apprentice, her lover, and eventually…her replacement. Can Dani find a way to survive? Or will this real-life horror movie scare Dani to death?
Richard Laymon is probably the grand daddy of Extreme violence and the splatter punk movement and probably single handedly help create the extreme horror writers that we have today such as Matt Shaw and Tim Miller, to name just a couple.
Starting his writing career in 1980 until his untimely death in 2001, Laymon has written 44 novels plus one that was restored and reissued, 20 Fastbacks, 5 collections and over sixty short stories. Laymon has quite an extensive turn around of material for twenty-one year writing span. When writing at this speed, this at times creates causalities with overused plots, tired characterisations and very often tired and true plot devices that seems to be more paint by numbers than intuitive and well developed.
Laymon writes to a similar themes such as surprising (and often outlandish) plot twists, a sexually depraved villain, portrayal of the heroines as beautiful, strong, and almost Amazonian in stature (despite also being depicted as vulnerable and scantily clad throughout much of the proceedings), pendulous breast and revenge. These are all present in this book and unfortunately, not a lot of thought was brought to the fore when using these trusty themes.
The Night Show starts out promising enough with a girl being abducted by three men and taken to a quote unquote haunted house in the small upstate town in New York State. After being tied up and slapped about, Linda escapes only to be hit by a car and go into the coma.
The action then shifts to Dani, top of her game, special effects artist whose passion is working on stalk and slash horror films and her new relationship with her special effects assistant. All is going well as their relationship is so new so the sex is great and their love is explosive until Tony starts stalking and throwing himself after Dani in a sleazy manner making Dani uncomfortable. So uncomfortable, that she still tries to stay friendly with him.
The story then jumps back and forth from Linda getting revenge and Dani noticing things are not quite right with Tony. This is where the story starts to come apart at the seams unfortunately.
The book suffers from wafer thin characters and logic is apparently missing from any of the main characters. The secondary characters are pretty much non existence and plot devices are very forced.
This is basically pulp fiction at its worse but there are some glimmers of hop as this is a real page turner and if you are able to sustain belief in logics and plot devices, you should be able to finish this in one sitting.
Night Show is a fun rollercoaster ride that takes you from point A to point B but you will need to ensure you are on autopilot as it is basically an extremely bad B movie without a good editor.
This is not one of Laymon’s best. To experience Laymon at his best, try The Beast House trilogy or The Travelling Vampire Show. Laymon had some exciting books out there but unfortunately, this one is probably not the best place to start. Tired and ridiculous formula that is not very well thought out. He wrote this in his sleep.
December 28, 2024
Il romanzo si apre con il rapimento di una ragazza, Linda, da parte di alcuni ragazzi suoi compagni di scuola, guidati da Tony, che per divertimento o per bravata si inventano di rinchiuderla in una casa creduta infestata. Qui Linda vivrà una brutta esperienza, si troverà di fronte infatti uno strano personaggio che la spaventerà a m0rte. L'oggetto della sua paura sarà però un manichino progettato ad arte per spaventare. Come finti saranno tutti gli accorgimenti studiati da Dani, costumista di film h0rr0r ad Hollywood. E se qualcuno usasse i trucchi del set cinematografico nella vita vera per spaventare le persone? In un intreccio tra finzione, paura, realtà e vend3tta, la tensione crescerà sempre più.
Inizio subito dicendo che ho percepito questo romanzo più come un thriller che come un h0rr0r nonostante la maggior parte di voi magari conosca la fama dell'autore. Circa 250 pagine di tensione continua, durante i quali siamo pronti a saltare dalla sedia come alla visione di un film che ci tiene tesi come la corda di un violino.
La trama non ha momenti di pausa, ogni avvenimento viene descritto a ruota rispetto al precedente e ad ogni pagina la situazione "peggiora" e la tensione cresce. Come in ogni libro di Laymon che si rispetti è presente la componente "amorosa" (vabbè diciamo così) in questo caso resa in maniera decisamente meno banale che in altri casi, pur restando abbastanza semplice e basica.
La nota negativa, e che ho riscontrato spesso in Laymon, è di rendere idiot1 i propri personaggi per fare sì che la trama possa proseguire come lui ha deciso. Più di una volta ho imprecato nei confronti di certo personaggio perché si comporta in maniera illogica e fanciullesca, come se il normale sapere di una persona adulta venga di colpo totalmente cancellato.
Passando oltre a questo aspetto negativo, ciò che mi rimane è comunque un romanzo molto coinvolgente e che merita di essere letto dagli amanti del genere e delle letture vintage.
Voto: 8,5/10
Inizio subito dicendo che ho percepito questo romanzo più come un thriller che come un h0rr0r nonostante la maggior parte di voi magari conosca la fama dell'autore. Circa 250 pagine di tensione continua, durante i quali siamo pronti a saltare dalla sedia come alla visione di un film che ci tiene tesi come la corda di un violino.
La trama non ha momenti di pausa, ogni avvenimento viene descritto a ruota rispetto al precedente e ad ogni pagina la situazione "peggiora" e la tensione cresce. Come in ogni libro di Laymon che si rispetti è presente la componente "amorosa" (vabbè diciamo così) in questo caso resa in maniera decisamente meno banale che in altri casi, pur restando abbastanza semplice e basica.
La nota negativa, e che ho riscontrato spesso in Laymon, è di rendere idiot1 i propri personaggi per fare sì che la trama possa proseguire come lui ha deciso. Più di una volta ho imprecato nei confronti di certo personaggio perché si comporta in maniera illogica e fanciullesca, come se il normale sapere di una persona adulta venga di colpo totalmente cancellato.
Passando oltre a questo aspetto negativo, ciò che mi rimane è comunque un romanzo molto coinvolgente e che merita di essere letto dagli amanti del genere e delle letture vintage.
Voto: 8,5/10
May 3, 2016
I miss Richard Laymon...
NIGHT SHOW was first published in 1984. I read it back then (and thought I was so cool to be reading this cutting-edge fiction) and just read it again. Layton was known for his outrageous, bloody, gutty, balls to the wall stories. This one is actually kind of mild compared to some of his others - QUAKE comes to mind.
There's a couple of storylines in this tale, one about Linda, a teenage girl that gets locked in a haunted house and gets the piss scared out of her, then rushing headlong into an accident.
Then there's Dani, a movie special FX artist, who is being followed around by a strange teenage boy who calls himself the Chill Master.
There's plenty of horror in this short book, especially when you consider the time period it was written in. The story holds up pretty well for having been written over 30 years ago. I found myself jumping a couple of times during the story - and that doesn't happen often.
NOTE: I received this book from Samhain Publishing through Net Galley in exchange for my honest review.
NIGHT SHOW was first published in 1984. I read it back then (and thought I was so cool to be reading this cutting-edge fiction) and just read it again. Layton was known for his outrageous, bloody, gutty, balls to the wall stories. This one is actually kind of mild compared to some of his others - QUAKE comes to mind.
There's a couple of storylines in this tale, one about Linda, a teenage girl that gets locked in a haunted house and gets the piss scared out of her, then rushing headlong into an accident.
Then there's Dani, a movie special FX artist, who is being followed around by a strange teenage boy who calls himself the Chill Master.
There's plenty of horror in this short book, especially when you consider the time period it was written in. The story holds up pretty well for having been written over 30 years ago. I found myself jumping a couple of times during the story - and that doesn't happen often.
NOTE: I received this book from Samhain Publishing through Net Galley in exchange for my honest review.
June 6, 2011
Night Show is, in typical Laymon fashion, a non-stop thrill ride from start to finish. The tale follows Dani, known in the movie biz as the Queen of Horror Movie Special Effects, as she is relentlessly stalked by a disturbed superfan who calls himself the Chill Master. His enthusiasm for scaring movie audiences seems creepy yet innocent enough at first until the Chill Master keeps showing up to Dani's house at the most opportune times. Will Dani be the Chill Master's next victim? Not as brutally violent and gory as other Laymon reads, but just as much fun.
March 7, 2016
This was a quick and creepy read.
One night a disturbed youth who gets off on scaring people decides it would be great fun to lock a girl in the local "haunted" house as a prank. Something goes wrong and now this girl is out for revenge.
Meanwhile this disturbed young man has moved on to stalking Dani, a horror movie special effects expert. He insinuates himself into her life with dire consequences.
A fun and suspenseful read.
I received an advance copy for review.
One night a disturbed youth who gets off on scaring people decides it would be great fun to lock a girl in the local "haunted" house as a prank. Something goes wrong and now this girl is out for revenge.
Meanwhile this disturbed young man has moved on to stalking Dani, a horror movie special effects expert. He insinuates himself into her life with dire consequences.
A fun and suspenseful read.
I received an advance copy for review.
August 29, 2016
The most exciting about this really is that a new publisher as finally picked up this horror master. I loved Richard Laymon and miss him. So it is great that the books of his are getting another go. This one is everything you enjoy from this author and a novel of his that has been out of print for longer than most. Thank you Samhein for picking him back up.
July 6, 2021
Great story but knocking off two star's for the gaping holes in the plot, I won't go into details as it will give away major parts of the story.
February 16, 2022
Overall, a very fun, good paced book. Full of violence and perversion, so a normal Laymon novel LOL.
Spoilers below
A couple of guys decide to pull a prank on a girl, at an old, abandoned house, who they think acts like she is above them (when odds are she is lol). It goes well and they scare her, but when she runs from them, she gets hit by a car and really is hurt. To get revenge she sets fire to the house the prank was pulled in and kills two people. She then kills two of the 3 guys who pulled the prank. The 3rd has gone to Hollywood to stalk his way into the horror film business it seems. He is following a makeup expert in the horror film industry. He seems to fall for her, despite the fact she is in a relationship and tells him to back off. He scares people a lot along the way, but never really does any harm (until the end where it seems he may finally cross that bridge). However, he does not get the chance to finally get the girl as the orignal girl he scared catches up and finally kills him.
Spoilers below
A couple of guys decide to pull a prank on a girl, at an old, abandoned house, who they think acts like she is above them (when odds are she is lol). It goes well and they scare her, but when she runs from them, she gets hit by a car and really is hurt. To get revenge she sets fire to the house the prank was pulled in and kills two people. She then kills two of the 3 guys who pulled the prank. The 3rd has gone to Hollywood to stalk his way into the horror film business it seems. He is following a makeup expert in the horror film industry. He seems to fall for her, despite the fact she is in a relationship and tells him to back off. He scares people a lot along the way, but never really does any harm (until the end where it seems he may finally cross that bridge). However, he does not get the chance to finally get the girl as the orignal girl he scared catches up and finally kills him.
October 5, 2021
4/5 Another great Laymon novel. Though I'm biased. It's cringy pulp with gore, graphic violence, and raunchy sex. Luckily for me that's exactly what I'm here for. If you're familiar with Laymon's work you know that's how he rolls anyway.
Night Show isn't nearly as graphic sexually or violently as many of his other novels but trigger warning for rape and violence.
This one is a little bit of an odd duck. Tony is a creep. He get's off on scaring people. He doesn't necessarily want to hurt anyone one but the more traumatic the scare the better. At the beginning of the novel he traumatizes poor Linda and she's not quick forgive and forget and she's looking for a little payback. However now Tony is off to Hollywood where he stalks celebrity horror film makers trying to find his into the industry.
Night Show provided a quick thriller with some deranged and interesting individuals. It's juvenile thrills and cheap scares but that's my forte. Tony is fun to hate but it's easy to feel for him in a pitying sort of way as he's obviously not all with it.
Night Show isn't nearly as graphic sexually or violently as many of his other novels but trigger warning for rape and violence.
This one is a little bit of an odd duck. Tony is a creep. He get's off on scaring people. He doesn't necessarily want to hurt anyone one but the more traumatic the scare the better. At the beginning of the novel he traumatizes poor Linda and she's not quick forgive and forget and she's looking for a little payback. However now Tony is off to Hollywood where he stalks celebrity horror film makers trying to find his into the industry.
Night Show provided a quick thriller with some deranged and interesting individuals. It's juvenile thrills and cheap scares but that's my forte. Tony is fun to hate but it's easy to feel for him in a pitying sort of way as he's obviously not all with it.
June 26, 2024
Ive now read quite a few Laymon books so I'm preety up to speed with what tio expect from his stories now. I understand that this is one of his earlier works, and it shows.
Unfortunately, this is not a great book. It has all the Laymonism's in there, but lacks any real depth or character work.
Also, the main downside to this story is the main female Dani. She is just stuip in all she does. Every time she has to make any decision, she makes the wrong one. You can allow that a couple of times, but when she is letting the pysco killer off every single time, it just makes the story feel lame.
There were a few fun bits in there, and its worth a read if you like Laymon stories. Also, its a very short book, so its a quick read.
However, he written many better ones so I would skip this one and leave it for when you're running low on stuff to read. - 2 stars!
Unfortunately, this is not a great book. It has all the Laymonism's in there, but lacks any real depth or character work.
Also, the main downside to this story is the main female Dani. She is just stuip in all she does. Every time she has to make any decision, she makes the wrong one. You can allow that a couple of times, but when she is letting the pysco killer off every single time, it just makes the story feel lame.
There were a few fun bits in there, and its worth a read if you like Laymon stories. Also, its a very short book, so its a quick read.
However, he written many better ones so I would skip this one and leave it for when you're running low on stuff to read. - 2 stars!
August 3, 2020
It's my first Richard Laymon book I read so far. I had fun with it however the cover of the book tricked me because I have the one with the bloody movie theater booth that had a demon head on it. So you could understand my curiosity on wanting to read this novel. It's mainly a I spit on your grave type of plot but way, way lighter on its approach to that film.
Read
August 15, 2021Why do I read these. Why do I hate myself.
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