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Something Violent
Ron McClure, a cherished marriage counselor, has helped many couples through matrimonial turmoil. His latest accomplishment was the complete restoration of a popular Hollywood couple, once notorious for the public slandering of their spouses. The garnered notoriety has attracted the attention of publishers, magazines, and countless talk shows. It has also attracted the attention of a couple who’ve not only lost the thrill in their marriage…but also the thrill to kill together. Fearing they’re at the tragic end of their relationship, the couple kidnap Ron in a bizarre attempt at the restoration of a shattered, twisted love now on the brink of a terrifying metamorphosis.
- GenresHorrorSerial Killer
356 pages, Paperback
Published March 28, 2017
8 people are currently reading
103 people want to read
About the author
Kristopher Rufty
69 books242 followersKristopher 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
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
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
May 4, 2017
This is the second book by Kristopher Rufty I have enjoyed reading. The story starts out with Ron McClure buying a bottle of wine on his way to a conference in which he was going to be the Key Speaker. In the parking lot a woman in a white sun dress was crying. Her name was Jody Covington. He mentions that he is the marriage counselor to the stars. Then asks her what she was crying about. She won't talk about it without her husband Seth being there. He tells her to make a appointment. She says it has to be done another way. She lifts her skirt, opens her legs and grabs something. She then says it's time to take a ride Ronnie. He felt coldness on his neck then nothing. He starts waking up as he is put into the trunk of a car. He wakes up later in a basement sees both Jody and Seth. Seth says he doesn't want any part of this. But Jody talks him into staying. Ronnie is tied to a chair. Jody gives him a pad and pen to take notes. He finds out that the two of them kill people, says they call us the Sweetheart Killers on TV. Then goes on to tell him how they met. Also the stories about the people they killed. Will stop here, don't want to say too much. I have to say the more I read this book the more I loved it. While reading this book the story content and the style of writing reminded me of reading a Richard Laymon book. The book had a nice pace and was well written. After reading this I have become a big fan of KR. Can't wait to read another one of his books. I gave Something Violent 4 1/2 stars.
I received an e-arc of this book from DarkFuse/NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received an e-arc of this book from DarkFuse/NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Want to read
February 4, 2018This hardcover copy is 88 of 100 signed and numbered copies signed by Kristopher Rufty.
May 20, 2017
**SPOLIER WARNINGS AHEAD**
NOTE: Once the synopsis is up here on GR, this really won’t be a spoiler at all, but since I didn’t hide it, use caution and read further at your own risk.
Ron McClure, marriage counselor to the stars, just got roped in to do a little pro bono therapy work. It is an offer he can’t refuse, if he wants to live thru the session. He better be damn good at his job too. His life just may depend on it.
Jody and Seth were madly in love. Bathing in the glow of one another, drenched in blood. Some of the ole spark is gone, however, and the sex and murder just isn’t enough anymore. Time for some counseling. They know just the guy.
This was a well written, quick and enjoyable serial killer romp with a True Romance / Natural Born Killers vibe to it. I don’t know why, but I am a little surprised that I liked it as much as I did. It could have been a hot cheesy mess, but it wasn't. Kudos to Rufty for pulling it off.
*As a member of the DarkFuse Readers Group, I received an advanced copy of this title thru NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
NOTE: Once the synopsis is up here on GR, this really won’t be a spoiler at all, but since I didn’t hide it, use caution and read further at your own risk.
Ron McClure, marriage counselor to the stars, just got roped in to do a little pro bono therapy work. It is an offer he can’t refuse, if he wants to live thru the session. He better be damn good at his job too. His life just may depend on it.
Jody and Seth were madly in love. Bathing in the glow of one another, drenched in blood. Some of the ole spark is gone, however, and the sex and murder just isn’t enough anymore. Time for some counseling. They know just the guy.
This was a well written, quick and enjoyable serial killer romp with a True Romance / Natural Born Killers vibe to it. I don’t know why, but I am a little surprised that I liked it as much as I did. It could have been a hot cheesy mess, but it wasn't. Kudos to Rufty for pulling it off.
*As a member of the DarkFuse Readers Group, I received an advanced copy of this title thru NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 7, 2017
3.5 stars.
SOMETHING VIOLENT, by Kristopher Rufty was a book with a unique premise: a married couple who happen to be serial killers, "get" a marriage counselor to listen and hopefully help them with their problems. The beginning was great, lending an unexpected rush and creative setting to the novel. The characterization of Jody and Seth (with how they came to meet) was done well, and I really began to get a feel for their personalities, and honestly "like" them--despite what they did.
The only real problems that I had with the novel was that the "backstories" were very prolonged, and took me out of the current situation so much that I had I difficult time transitioning back into it. When they finally took breaks from those tangents and went back to Ron, the counselor, the story just didn't feel streamlined--it was almost as though I were starting the book all over again. Another issue was that we had glimpses of Ron's past and present, but no real "feeling" for him as a person until the very end. During the course of the tale, I found him to be a bit inconsistent--although I'll avoid specifics so as not to go into spoiler territory.
Overall, a creative take and imaginative story, but I feel it could have been improved by taking out the jarring, overly long flashbacks, and somehow fitting them into the novel more gradually, and spending less time on them in general. (I don't really need to know how it felt to walk in the heat, or each sound that came to one of them before the actual action began, every time they told of a past event).
*I chose to read an ARC of this novel from NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are uniquely my own.*
SOMETHING VIOLENT, by Kristopher Rufty was a book with a unique premise: a married couple who happen to be serial killers, "get" a marriage counselor to listen and hopefully help them with their problems. The beginning was great, lending an unexpected rush and creative setting to the novel. The characterization of Jody and Seth (with how they came to meet) was done well, and I really began to get a feel for their personalities, and honestly "like" them--despite what they did.
The only real problems that I had with the novel was that the "backstories" were very prolonged, and took me out of the current situation so much that I had I difficult time transitioning back into it. When they finally took breaks from those tangents and went back to Ron, the counselor, the story just didn't feel streamlined--it was almost as though I were starting the book all over again. Another issue was that we had glimpses of Ron's past and present, but no real "feeling" for him as a person until the very end. During the course of the tale, I found him to be a bit inconsistent--although I'll avoid specifics so as not to go into spoiler territory.
Overall, a creative take and imaginative story, but I feel it could have been improved by taking out the jarring, overly long flashbacks, and somehow fitting them into the novel more gradually, and spending less time on them in general. (I don't really need to know how it felt to walk in the heat, or each sound that came to one of them before the actual action began, every time they told of a past event).
*I chose to read an ARC of this novel from NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are uniquely my own.*
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 2, 2017
Dr Phil meets Natural Born Killers. Sound like an odd combination? It totally works in Rufty's Something Violent. When Jody and Seth are out on their killing sprees, they are all business. But their marriage has hit the rocks. Where do the serial killers turn to when they can't fix their marriage on their own? They kidnap the famous marriage counselor to the stars, Ron McClure. Ron isn't the first man to fall victim to Jody flaunting her lucious body in public. Too bad he didn't see the taser she had hidden under her skirt. No he finds himself knocked unconscious, shoved in a trunk, and wakes up ducttaped to a chair in some unknown basement. When you counsel Hollywood's elite, you come across some crazy clientele. But nothing could have prepared him for Seth and Jody.
Something Violent worked for me. The premise is just crazy enough to make you shake your head, but Rufty plays the whole thing straight and makes the streaks of black comedy work. As the demented couple unfurl their story to the counselor, the human element comes through. Sure they're warped as it gets, but in a very odd way, you start to feel for them, care about them. That's what makes the whole thing work. If all they are is monsters kidnapping a doctor, all you would have is the shock value without any substance. Rufty shows how nutcase like Seth and Jody can be three dimensional. Brilliant. Kudos to Rufty for making this a fun, page-turner.
4.5 Purple Wigs out of 5
You can also follow my reviews at the following links:
https://kenmckinley.wordpress.com
http://intothemacabre.booklikes.com
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/5...
Something Violent worked for me. The premise is just crazy enough to make you shake your head, but Rufty plays the whole thing straight and makes the streaks of black comedy work. As the demented couple unfurl their story to the counselor, the human element comes through. Sure they're warped as it gets, but in a very odd way, you start to feel for them, care about them. That's what makes the whole thing work. If all they are is monsters kidnapping a doctor, all you would have is the shock value without any substance. Rufty shows how nutcase like Seth and Jody can be three dimensional. Brilliant. Kudos to Rufty for making this a fun, page-turner.
4.5 Purple Wigs out of 5
You can also follow my reviews at the following links:
https://kenmckinley.wordpress.com
http://intothemacabre.booklikes.com
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/5...
February 6, 2017
Well now, this was a delightfully F'd up read, and one I'm hesitant to say too much about (there's a book description up at NetGalley, but not here on Goodreads; the story's initial hook is all the more shocking if you don't bother with the official synopsis). Something Violent is a serial killer story of the 80s slasher horror movie mold, first and foremost, but it's also a wonderfully sick, twisted, pervy little love story to boot.
Our killers are a fun-loving couple, although their idea of fun and their practice of dating rituals are a little...um, outside the norm, let's say. The idea of blood lust has a couple layers of meaning with these two. The only problem is, their relationship has hit a bit of a slippery slope, and author Kristopher Rufty gives us a good look at the history of their relationship.
Relationships are a lot of work, you know? Couples need to be open with each other and have a good line of communication, and there's always this constant bit of upkeep to keep things running smoothly. It's a complicated series of give and take, and things get even more difficult when you're being hunted by the law, trying to dispose of dead bodies, and dealing with issues like rape, kidnap, murder, and psycho hillbillies. You know, relationship stuff.
Rufty's good at giving us two deplorable figures to root for, usually because most of the people Jody and Seth target are even more disgusting wretches. We're constantly reminded that neither are exactly humanity's cream of the crop, but there's a certain likability to this couple that proves necessary in order for the story to work. It's dark, but there are also odd moments of light, and Rufty taps into a certain Stockholm effect between readers and his depraved couple. Something Violent may not be good, clean fun, but it damn sure is entertaining and more than a little bit frisky.
[Note: I am a member of the DarkFuse Reader's Group and received an advanced copy of this title from the publisher via NetGalley.]
Our killers are a fun-loving couple, although their idea of fun and their practice of dating rituals are a little...um, outside the norm, let's say. The idea of blood lust has a couple layers of meaning with these two. The only problem is, their relationship has hit a bit of a slippery slope, and author Kristopher Rufty gives us a good look at the history of their relationship.
Relationships are a lot of work, you know? Couples need to be open with each other and have a good line of communication, and there's always this constant bit of upkeep to keep things running smoothly. It's a complicated series of give and take, and things get even more difficult when you're being hunted by the law, trying to dispose of dead bodies, and dealing with issues like rape, kidnap, murder, and psycho hillbillies. You know, relationship stuff.
Rufty's good at giving us two deplorable figures to root for, usually because most of the people Jody and Seth target are even more disgusting wretches. We're constantly reminded that neither are exactly humanity's cream of the crop, but there's a certain likability to this couple that proves necessary in order for the story to work. It's dark, but there are also odd moments of light, and Rufty taps into a certain Stockholm effect between readers and his depraved couple. Something Violent may not be good, clean fun, but it damn sure is entertaining and more than a little bit frisky.
[Note: I am a member of the DarkFuse Reader's Group and received an advanced copy of this title from the publisher via NetGalley.]
April 9, 2017
3 and 1/2 stars
I recently read PILLOWFACE and BIGFOOT BEACH by Kristopher Rufty and enjoyed them so much so that...
http://sleaze-factor.blogspot.ca/2017...
I recently read PILLOWFACE and BIGFOOT BEACH by Kristopher Rufty and enjoyed them so much so that...
http://sleaze-factor.blogspot.ca/2017...
February 25, 2017
Three and a half stars.
Dr. Phil meets Natural Born Killers.
Actually it is Dr. Ron. Ron McClure is the marriage counselor to the stars. He is bit of a celebrity himself through his books and TV appearances. When he is leaving a convenience store he is a bit torn about approaching a crying women through fear of getting involved but also tempted because she is quite beautiful. The woman finally approached him and the temptation of her beauty wins out...until she chloroforms and abducts him. When he awakes, he is tied to a chair. He discovers that his abductors are Seth and Jody, a serial killer team called The Sweetheart Killers. Lately Seth and Jody are having troubles. Seth doesn't want to kill with Jody anymore. Now they want Ron to fix them, to put the zing back into their killing spree, and save their relationship. Despite the obvious conflict of interest in helping two killers be successful in their chosen occupation, Ron agrees to try. After all, they are probably going to kill him either way.
What entails in Something Violent is a series of alternating flashbacks told by each other chronicling how they met and the events leading up to the crisis prompting the decision to kidnap the famous marriage counselor. In between, the hapless Ron gives his sage observations. This is a combination of horror tale and psychological crime thriller. But for me, it is also a satire of the bad couple romance thrillers we see occasionally popping up mainly in movies like Bonnie and Clyde, Badlands, and, as already mentioned, eNatural Born Killers. Seth and Jody are seriously unhinged but not so much that they don't want a special life with each other. So when the relationship falter , they act in the only way they know. They need to keep that homicidal spark that brought them together alive any way they can. The entire idea of a counselor struggling to save the joy of a behavior that will kill people, and probably himself, is deliciously perverse. Probably more so for myself since I am a retired therapist. Yet that is where the dark comedy comes in; A pair of killers struggling to find the humanity that keeps them together through their sociopathic thrills .
The other nice touch is hinted in the title. There appears to be a serial killer web site called Something Violent. Everyone needs a little support, I guess. This idea merges into the theme of the story and drives much of the narrative. How it does that will be left for the reader to discover. The author, Kristopher Rufty, does a nice job in moving the ideas along. There is lots of action and as should be expected in this type of dark thriller, lots of violence. The chain of events does call for a good amount of suspension of belief and if there is one main weakness, it is that the events often seems a bit to convoluted to come together comfortably. Yet I was able to exercise that suspension of belief mainly due to the fact that I saw it as a satire of serial killer tales, a kind of very dark comedy. The feel was enough to make me chuckle over the dilemma of Dr. Ron and his clients even in the goriest of passages.
In the last assessment, Something Violent gets my recommendation. It a clever take on the serial killer genre and remains entertaining throughout. It also makes me glad this couple never showed up during my counseling career.
Dr. Phil meets Natural Born Killers.
Actually it is Dr. Ron. Ron McClure is the marriage counselor to the stars. He is bit of a celebrity himself through his books and TV appearances. When he is leaving a convenience store he is a bit torn about approaching a crying women through fear of getting involved but also tempted because she is quite beautiful. The woman finally approached him and the temptation of her beauty wins out...until she chloroforms and abducts him. When he awakes, he is tied to a chair. He discovers that his abductors are Seth and Jody, a serial killer team called The Sweetheart Killers. Lately Seth and Jody are having troubles. Seth doesn't want to kill with Jody anymore. Now they want Ron to fix them, to put the zing back into their killing spree, and save their relationship. Despite the obvious conflict of interest in helping two killers be successful in their chosen occupation, Ron agrees to try. After all, they are probably going to kill him either way.
What entails in Something Violent is a series of alternating flashbacks told by each other chronicling how they met and the events leading up to the crisis prompting the decision to kidnap the famous marriage counselor. In between, the hapless Ron gives his sage observations. This is a combination of horror tale and psychological crime thriller. But for me, it is also a satire of the bad couple romance thrillers we see occasionally popping up mainly in movies like Bonnie and Clyde, Badlands, and, as already mentioned, eNatural Born Killers. Seth and Jody are seriously unhinged but not so much that they don't want a special life with each other. So when the relationship falter , they act in the only way they know. They need to keep that homicidal spark that brought them together alive any way they can. The entire idea of a counselor struggling to save the joy of a behavior that will kill people, and probably himself, is deliciously perverse. Probably more so for myself since I am a retired therapist. Yet that is where the dark comedy comes in; A pair of killers struggling to find the humanity that keeps them together through their sociopathic thrills .
The other nice touch is hinted in the title. There appears to be a serial killer web site called Something Violent. Everyone needs a little support, I guess. This idea merges into the theme of the story and drives much of the narrative. How it does that will be left for the reader to discover. The author, Kristopher Rufty, does a nice job in moving the ideas along. There is lots of action and as should be expected in this type of dark thriller, lots of violence. The chain of events does call for a good amount of suspension of belief and if there is one main weakness, it is that the events often seems a bit to convoluted to come together comfortably. Yet I was able to exercise that suspension of belief mainly due to the fact that I saw it as a satire of serial killer tales, a kind of very dark comedy. The feel was enough to make me chuckle over the dilemma of Dr. Ron and his clients even in the goriest of passages.
In the last assessment, Something Violent gets my recommendation. It a clever take on the serial killer genre and remains entertaining throughout. It also makes me glad this couple never showed up during my counseling career.
February 11, 2022
“Something Violent”, Kristopher Rufty is a fast paced story about serial killing.
Seth and Jody, a serial killing couple kidnap a marriage counselor, Ronnie, to save their marriage. This blood soaked romance puts a unique spin on a serial killer story.
“Something Violent” is told in Ronnie’s point of view. He finds out how this couple met and stories related to their killings. Jodi and Seth gain the readers compassion. As the reader, becomes aware of the couples good and bas qualities, these killers do not seem like bad people.
“Something Violent” is a a fun blood drenched story. It might even be the perfect Valentine’s read.
Seth and Jody, a serial killing couple kidnap a marriage counselor, Ronnie, to save their marriage. This blood soaked romance puts a unique spin on a serial killer story.
“Something Violent” is told in Ronnie’s point of view. He finds out how this couple met and stories related to their killings. Jodi and Seth gain the readers compassion. As the reader, becomes aware of the couples good and bas qualities, these killers do not seem like bad people.
“Something Violent” is a a fun blood drenched story. It might even be the perfect Valentine’s read.
March 15, 2017
I have been a fan of other Kristopher Rufty works, but Something Violent never coalesced in to a fully formed novel for me. For one thing, I didn't care about or sympathize with any of the characters. You can say this would be a given when the main couple are serial killers, but it has been done before (Bryan Smith is great at making reprehensible people compelling). The titular website rarely comes in to play, making it feel thrown in. The structure of telling the bulk of the story (from the past) to a therapist (in the present) made it hard to get involved in the plot.
I don't want to trash this book. There is a lot to like: some great humor along with creative and horrific death scenes. I am a fan of Mr. Rufty's modern day Laymon-esque style (in fact, this plot feels like a Richard Laymon story that he never got the chance to write). With a few tweaks I think I would really like Something Violent, but as it is I could never fully get in to it. 3 stars.
I don't want to trash this book. There is a lot to like: some great humor along with creative and horrific death scenes. I am a fan of Mr. Rufty's modern day Laymon-esque style (in fact, this plot feels like a Richard Laymon story that he never got the chance to write). With a few tweaks I think I would really like Something Violent, but as it is I could never fully get in to it. 3 stars.
February 7, 2017
Review: SOMETHING VIOLENT by Kristopher Rufty
In his acknowledgements, Mr. Rufty credits the crime fiction of Bryan D. Smith as inspiring his own foray into the genre. In no way is Mr. Rufty' s work derivative, but in common with Mr. Smith, both authors create characters in whom the veneer of civilization is so incredibly thin as to be next to nonexistent. I wonder why these individuals aren't obvious to their prey, or at least why they aren't obvious to others of their ilk. Although this may be a function of hindsight, fact is that these characters are human in name only, and just as it seems the lion exists to hunt the antelope, these predators exist only to thin the human herd. But there's just so many of them!
Kristopher Rufty yanks readers along on a ride about as wild as it can be, in a milieu populated by characters of a type we pray never to encounter. Yet never does suspension of disbelief fail. All along we accept his creation (no matter how horrifying) and marvel at his accomplishment.
In his acknowledgements, Mr. Rufty credits the crime fiction of Bryan D. Smith as inspiring his own foray into the genre. In no way is Mr. Rufty' s work derivative, but in common with Mr. Smith, both authors create characters in whom the veneer of civilization is so incredibly thin as to be next to nonexistent. I wonder why these individuals aren't obvious to their prey, or at least why they aren't obvious to others of their ilk. Although this may be a function of hindsight, fact is that these characters are human in name only, and just as it seems the lion exists to hunt the antelope, these predators exist only to thin the human herd. But there's just so many of them!
Kristopher Rufty yanks readers along on a ride about as wild as it can be, in a milieu populated by characters of a type we pray never to encounter. Yet never does suspension of disbelief fail. All along we accept his creation (no matter how horrifying) and marvel at his accomplishment.
February 7, 2017
A husband and wife serial killer team kidnap a famous marriage counsellor in a last-ditch effort to save their relationship in this wonderfully twisted read by Kristopher Rufty.
A fast-paced story drenched in blood, sex and violence, it’s a wild trip driven by a punchy National Born Killers style narrative that arks back to the old Leisure Horror paperback titles of the 1980s and 1990s.
Rufty has often been likened to Richard Laymon and it’s easy to see the comparisons here with a strong splatterpunk styling built around gore and titillation.
Yet unlike many of Laymon’s books – which were immense fun but often one-track in tone – Rufty manages to weave in an underlying sweetness to the couple, creating an emotional bond that finds you rooting for them to pull through despite all their crimes.
It’s certainly not for the faint of heart but is a hell of a lot of fun for those that are game.
A fast-paced story drenched in blood, sex and violence, it’s a wild trip driven by a punchy National Born Killers style narrative that arks back to the old Leisure Horror paperback titles of the 1980s and 1990s.
Rufty has often been likened to Richard Laymon and it’s easy to see the comparisons here with a strong splatterpunk styling built around gore and titillation.
Yet unlike many of Laymon’s books – which were immense fun but often one-track in tone – Rufty manages to weave in an underlying sweetness to the couple, creating an emotional bond that finds you rooting for them to pull through despite all their crimes.
It’s certainly not for the faint of heart but is a hell of a lot of fun for those that are game.
July 14, 2017
3.5*
Rufty is one of my go to horror authors along with Bryan Smith to help me fill my Laymon fix. (RiP Dick). Both authors do an excellent job portraying hardcore horror and thrillers but are more accessible then say Wrath James White or Ed Lee whom I like to read for more extreme horror and goreporn.
My 3rd novel by Rufty. I continue to enjoy his style and unique idea's. The only real qualm I had with this novel were that there were so many plot elements going on. There's the whole kidnapped marriage counselor, the back story of blooming romance between 2 serial killers, and then the back drop of a Serial Killer community sharing their kills online via a message board called Something Violent. It all just kind of pulled away from each other.
However all the elements were entertaining and horror fans and Laymon fans are bound to find something they like here. It isn't super grotesque though there are some hardcore elements just so you know what to expect going in.
Rufty is one of my go to horror authors along with Bryan Smith to help me fill my Laymon fix. (RiP Dick). Both authors do an excellent job portraying hardcore horror and thrillers but are more accessible then say Wrath James White or Ed Lee whom I like to read for more extreme horror and goreporn.
My 3rd novel by Rufty. I continue to enjoy his style and unique idea's. The only real qualm I had with this novel were that there were so many plot elements going on. There's the whole kidnapped marriage counselor, the back story of blooming romance between 2 serial killers, and then the back drop of a Serial Killer community sharing their kills online via a message board called Something Violent. It all just kind of pulled away from each other.
However all the elements were entertaining and horror fans and Laymon fans are bound to find something they like here. It isn't super grotesque though there are some hardcore elements just so you know what to expect going in.
February 28, 2021
Rufty always delivers a great plot. This novel was a little different than what he usually writes. Gory and violent as hell. Seth and Jody were great characters. How the story was told was interesting.
February 15, 2024
Awesome Novel!
I had a blast with this one. My first read by Rufty, but certainly not my last. I'm looking forward to reading more of his fiction. Highly recommended!
I had a blast with this one. My first read by Rufty, but certainly not my last. I'm looking forward to reading more of his fiction. Highly recommended!
May 3, 2022
Wow this was brutal. Reads like Richard Laymon’s nonsupernatural crime horror novels and that is certainly not a bad thing. I can always depend on Rufty for a few entertaining hours and this is no exception.
April 6, 2017
If you thought the the cover to SOMETHING VIOLENT was old fashioned looking (like I did), well, it seems there just may be a reason for it. SV is good old fashioned serial killer violence. It was a throwback to the good ol' days of Kilborn, Crouch and others who wrote those down and dirty killer stories that so many of us loved.
SOMETHING VIOLENT was something slightly different. And since I refuse to get into anything even close to spoiler-ish here, I'll just say that that it was as fast moving as anything that Krist has ever written and a lot of fun (for those freaks like me).
I received my copy from the publisher.
SOMETHING VIOLENT was something slightly different. And since I refuse to get into anything even close to spoiler-ish here, I'll just say that that it was as fast moving as anything that Krist has ever written and a lot of fun (for those freaks like me).
I received my copy from the publisher.
September 3, 2022
Although it suffers from some softness in the middle, Something Violent is a crazy-ass thriller with a killer shock of an opening, a brilliantly twisted climax, and a darkly satisfying conclusion. Kristopher Rufty weaves a tale that takes its inspiration from a number of sources, but which outdoes them all in terms of sheer audacity.
Ron McClure is a marriage counselor to the stars, a celebrity in his own right, complete with talk show appearances and a book deal. When he spots a beautiful woman sobbing in a liquor store parking lot, he has no idea where a well-intentioned conversation will end - but he certainly doesn't expect to be tasered, kidnapped, and tied up in a serial killer's basement. Despite what seems like his own impending death, he can't help but be drawn into the story of a serial killer couple who've lost their lust for killing together. In between thoughts of escape, he actually starts listening to their respective stories, compelled to solve them as he has so many others.
Jody and Seth are an interesting couple, creepy as hell and twice as frightening. The story of how they met is worthy of a book all its own, and theirs is a story that just gets darker and more complicated as their confessions go on. The tricky thing is, they're an almost likable couple, making it all too easy to get drawn into their tale of terror, torture, murder, and mayhem. There's almost something of a Natural Born Killers vibe to it, but without the silly, surreal, satiric element. This reads more like an uncensored early season episode of Criminal Minds. The real hook here, though, is Something Violent itself - a darknet, subscription-based website for serial killers and their most twisted fans. I won't get into too much detail, but it ties into both how Seth and Jody met and how they drifted apart, with another serial killer couple involved in it all.
Like I said, there were a few soft spots in the middle that I think could have been tightened up, but it's so well-told, with such fantastic characters, and just the right amount of violence, that its flaws are easy to excuse. There are some definite shocks along the way, and a key tipping point where our fascination turns to horror, but the pay-off is one of the best I've come across in the genre in ages.
Originally reviewed at Beauty in Ruins
Ron McClure is a marriage counselor to the stars, a celebrity in his own right, complete with talk show appearances and a book deal. When he spots a beautiful woman sobbing in a liquor store parking lot, he has no idea where a well-intentioned conversation will end - but he certainly doesn't expect to be tasered, kidnapped, and tied up in a serial killer's basement. Despite what seems like his own impending death, he can't help but be drawn into the story of a serial killer couple who've lost their lust for killing together. In between thoughts of escape, he actually starts listening to their respective stories, compelled to solve them as he has so many others.
Jody and Seth are an interesting couple, creepy as hell and twice as frightening. The story of how they met is worthy of a book all its own, and theirs is a story that just gets darker and more complicated as their confessions go on. The tricky thing is, they're an almost likable couple, making it all too easy to get drawn into their tale of terror, torture, murder, and mayhem. There's almost something of a Natural Born Killers vibe to it, but without the silly, surreal, satiric element. This reads more like an uncensored early season episode of Criminal Minds. The real hook here, though, is Something Violent itself - a darknet, subscription-based website for serial killers and their most twisted fans. I won't get into too much detail, but it ties into both how Seth and Jody met and how they drifted apart, with another serial killer couple involved in it all.
Like I said, there were a few soft spots in the middle that I think could have been tightened up, but it's so well-told, with such fantastic characters, and just the right amount of violence, that its flaws are easy to excuse. There are some definite shocks along the way, and a key tipping point where our fascination turns to horror, but the pay-off is one of the best I've come across in the genre in ages.
Originally reviewed at Beauty in Ruins
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary ARC of this title from the publisher in exchange for review consideration. This does not in any way affect the honesty or sincerity of my review.
March 16, 2017
If you're looking for something with a unique take on classic 80's slasher horror, Kristopher Rufty's Something Violent is a must read. Imagine a social media site like Facebook, but with a targeted demographic of murderers and you have Something Violent, a site dedicated to the worst of the darkest, most disturbed minds roaming the world. Here, people come together to share the grisly details and even video footage of their feats - even going so far as to trade off partners in a grotesque version of swinging.
In Something Violent, the main characters aren't victims struggling to save their own hides, but rather a couple that is aptly named Satan's Sweethearts. Together they wreak havoc, slaughtering those that cross them. When their marriage seems at risk of falling apart, they kidnap a famous marriage counselor and recount the events that brought them together in grisly detail.
I think what I liked most about this book was its perspective - I couldn't help but feel disgusted with myself for feeling any amount of sympathy for a pair of murderers, but I suppose in this case, the saying that "anything is possible" rings true. While the book wasn't quite as gory as I would have liked, it certainly kept my interest.
On the other hand, it felt a little too sexualized. Of course, being a fan of the horror genre, this is an aspect of my taste in fiction that I have become accustomed to. Any true horror buff knows that the couple having sex will be one of the first to die after all. While it makes sense for one character to be sexually attracted to another, and go into detail about how and why, there are a few areas where I felt the sexual notes to be a bit too extreme and out of place. For instance, there's a moment where Jody Covington, one of the main characters, thinks to herself about how slick her thighs are with sweat.
Aside from that, Something Violent offers an entertaining insight into the lives of killers and is definitely worth the read. I have to give Rufty kudos for pulling off the normalization of serial killers.
Thanks to NetGalley, DarkFuse, and the author for providing me with an advanced copy for the purpose of review.
In Something Violent, the main characters aren't victims struggling to save their own hides, but rather a couple that is aptly named Satan's Sweethearts. Together they wreak havoc, slaughtering those that cross them. When their marriage seems at risk of falling apart, they kidnap a famous marriage counselor and recount the events that brought them together in grisly detail.
I think what I liked most about this book was its perspective - I couldn't help but feel disgusted with myself for feeling any amount of sympathy for a pair of murderers, but I suppose in this case, the saying that "anything is possible" rings true. While the book wasn't quite as gory as I would have liked, it certainly kept my interest.
On the other hand, it felt a little too sexualized. Of course, being a fan of the horror genre, this is an aspect of my taste in fiction that I have become accustomed to. Any true horror buff knows that the couple having sex will be one of the first to die after all. While it makes sense for one character to be sexually attracted to another, and go into detail about how and why, there are a few areas where I felt the sexual notes to be a bit too extreme and out of place. For instance, there's a moment where Jody Covington, one of the main characters, thinks to herself about how slick her thighs are with sweat.
Aside from that, Something Violent offers an entertaining insight into the lives of killers and is definitely worth the read. I have to give Rufty kudos for pulling off the normalization of serial killers.
Thanks to NetGalley, DarkFuse, and the author for providing me with an advanced copy for the purpose of review.
February 15, 2022
“Ron felt coldness on his neck. He heard a crackling zap, then felt a sting like a million needles pounding his skin. His muscles went rigid. Then he felt nothing at all.”
February is upon us and what better way to showcase the month of LOVE than with a twisted, horror love story with a hint of Something Violent!
Ron McClure is a marriage counselor, having had the success of helping many a couple especially in Hollywood, becomes embroiled with a less than a traditional married couple; the couple that kills together, Jody and Seth. Just because they are a serial killer couple, doesn’t mean things don’t get bumpy in married life, right? And this is where the story unravels and takes us down this derailing, sadistic and thrilling ride. And even though the plot was morbid, to say the least, I was seriously rooting for Jody and Seth’s marriage to work out! It's a thrilling, dark, twisted, and comedic storyline to say the least; frequents gasps, shaking of the head, and pages turning faster than I can blink!
Kristopher Rufty is certainly climbing up the charts for new horror authors and certainly looking forward to many more of his stories!
February is upon us and what better way to showcase the month of LOVE than with a twisted, horror love story with a hint of Something Violent!
Ron McClure is a marriage counselor, having had the success of helping many a couple especially in Hollywood, becomes embroiled with a less than a traditional married couple; the couple that kills together, Jody and Seth. Just because they are a serial killer couple, doesn’t mean things don’t get bumpy in married life, right? And this is where the story unravels and takes us down this derailing, sadistic and thrilling ride. And even though the plot was morbid, to say the least, I was seriously rooting for Jody and Seth’s marriage to work out! It's a thrilling, dark, twisted, and comedic storyline to say the least; frequents gasps, shaking of the head, and pages turning faster than I can blink!
Kristopher Rufty is certainly climbing up the charts for new horror authors and certainly looking forward to many more of his stories!
August 14, 2017
Love, marriage, and massacre come together for blood-soaked entertainment!
For a full review, please go to https://areviewerdarkly.blogspot.com/... and follow me on Twitter @josenher
For a full review, please go to https://areviewerdarkly.blogspot.com/... and follow me on Twitter @josenher
December 6, 2017
This is one messed up page turner. 4.5 stars, just because it’s a little sex obsessed and lovey dovey in parts. This book is an adventure in serial killing, with social media for murderers and a trip to the therapist thrown in. Somehow, it works. I enjoyed it and was repulsed at the same time
January 29, 2025
Fun book. The premise — Bonnie and Clyde go to couples therapy — is great. Nothing that’ll knock your socks off, but it’s definitely worth checking out if you like extreme horror, psychological horror or slashers.
March 4, 2017
A wholely unique story of a novel. Just when I thought knew where the story was headed, Rufty made a sharp turn in the plot. Very entertaining with lots of action, gore and actual Oprahlike advice.
June 10, 2017
Awesome crime story of a serial killing couple told by the marriage counselor they kidnap in order to save their failing marriage. Refreshing approach to the serial killer theme. Highly recommended.
July 28, 2017
if you love the Natural Born Killers and True Romance movies then you need to read this book! Fast paced brutal tale of Love and Death.
November 22, 2022
This is Rufty in top form.
May 30, 2017
great story. had some dark humor with the couple's counselor. also had a similar feeling to Richard laymons writing style at times.
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