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Laughers: A Dystopian Apocalyptic Horror Novel

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The End of the World does not come because of a nuclear war, and it does not come because of the walking dead.
The end of the world comes because most of the world’s population is going crazy. It begins as people start stuttering and saying incomprehensible things. They cannot help themselves. Whatever has happened to them causes madness. They destroy their neighbors’ homes, burn cities, and murder those who have not gone crazy.
Every destructive thing they do is hilarious.
Every murder is creative and hysterical.
They hide around every corner, seeking those who are not like them.
High School sweethearts, Matt and Kyra, are trying to reunite with Matt’s mother as a historic blizzard hits their town.
The three of them must answer many questions as they battle their way through a nightmarish landscape of devastation.
What is causing humanity to lose its sanity?
Why are some people unaffected by this murderous rage while others have become violent predators?
Will they also lose their minds?
And ultimately, what happened that turned these people into - LAUGHERS?

448 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 12, 2021

204 people are currently reading
364 people want to read

About the author

Charles Welch

100 books46 followers
Charles Welch has been a home designer and builder, a middle school and high school teacher, education administrator, corporate learning and development professional and writer, previously publishing the spiritual book Walking Softly. His formal education includes a Bachelor of Arts in Social Science Teaching, a Master of Education in Learning and Technology, and an Educational Doctorate in eLearning.

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5 stars
96 (32%)
4 stars
104 (34%)
3 stars
64 (21%)
2 stars
26 (8%)
1 star
9 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
Profile Image for Cheryl .
2,395 reviews80 followers
December 6, 2021
This is a 4.5 star read.

Absolutely superlative! It had me riveted from the first page until the very last sentence, with the excitingly original premise of a whole new sort of apocalypse. My only problem is that now I want to know MORE ...... will there be a Laughers 2?
Profile Image for Kate Victoria RescueandReading.
1,888 reviews110 followers
November 14, 2024
It was just so “mehhhhhhhhhhhh”.

I get that the author was trying to do something new by having the “laughers”, but it was just such a weird concept. And the potential “cure”? Nothing made sense and the characters were boring, the crazies were boring. The story didn’t work for me.
Profile Image for Megan.
369 reviews93 followers
February 16, 2023
A very quick read for the length, because the pages contain large gaps in between paragraphs so while it may take a person, say, 45 seconds to read a page out of a denser novel with smaller print, this book you could get through a page in maybe 10-15 seconds. I don’t know, I didn’t actually time it. 😆

It was a great horror tale of basically the entire world going insane at once... insanity from delirium, and the inability to stop laughing, no matter how much pain they’re in, or pain they’re causing others. Considering I’ve been so frustrated with life at times or exhausted and delirious from a lack of sleep, it is easy to imagine (as the author remarks in the end, when he talks about how he came up with the idea).

Not the entire world becoming hysterical with laughter all at once, though, like this story set in a normal world turned dystopian-post apocalyptic overnight - but easy to imagine how horrifying it would be to be stuck in a state like that and so far gone. A great and very original horror tale - I’ll definitely be looking for its sequel on Amazon!
Profile Image for emily.
73 reviews
June 4, 2025
4⭐
this book was so disturbing and eerie, and i made the wrong decision to read it before bed. no nightmares but i was a little paranoid 😅 the premise sounded very interesting and the book didn't disappoint. very suspenseful and on-the-edge-of-your-seat writing!
Profile Image for Sara.
556 reviews4 followers
February 26, 2025
Oh lordy... this was so... unlaughable.
Profile Image for Micah.
25 reviews3 followers
March 31, 2022
A Fun, Fast, Easy Read With Interesting Premise

As a lover of apocalyptic and horror fiction, I found "Laughers" to be a delightfully fun ride with good dialogue, narrative, and plot. I felt that the note to the reader by the author, which contains the premise and inspiration for the book, adds to the uniqueness and value of the story itself, but might best have been placed at the beginning of the book so that the reader to get into the headspace that inspired the author to begin the story, and their explanation of their own experience having an intense stress-induced laughing mania. I felt after reading it, I reimagined all the scenes of the book with that in mind...scary indeed!

Now, where some very familiar apocalypse-related tropes are a little less fresh and have a lot in common with movies like The Happening and Dawn of the Dead (the remake, not the original), there is also enough fresh material in this novel to make it worth reading, beyond the premise of the story. There are well-developed and descriptive unique characters with a story to tell. I think a lot of people will be able to relate to the vivid and memorable characters.

That said, I was skeptical in the beginning because of the title and calling the afflicted folk "laughers " which seemed like it might lead the way toward a less-than-intelligent read, but I was pleasantly surprised that although I still somewhat find the term somewhat silly (no pun intended), the writing was very good and I devoured the novel in a mere few hours. It was a genuinely fun read!

I would recommend this book to others who enjoy horror and apocalyptic stories and I hope that in future novels the author will decide to go back to the beginning of the outbreak and explain the science behind it. When I first went to read this book, I honestly thought that the premise behind the book was related to The Laughing death which took place during the Middle Ages and the Laughing Plague. I think that if the author decided to research that particular plague and bring that back into play as part of the reasoning for the laughers it would make a great background story.

Also, I loved the ending. The author speaks at the end of the book after the epilogue about their expectation of the readers either loving or hating the ending. For this reader, it was a total win! Happy endings can be overrated and boring, but this one made the book worth reading. And the part with the sandwich took gumption to include, but it would have been a lesser story without it, especially when the reader realizes that the character never discovers the nature of her meal. Because of all these things, I'm a new fan of this author and look forward to more!
Profile Image for Janalyn, the blind reviewer.
4,606 reviews143 followers
August 21, 2021
This book was so different and so good!

Candy is doing her best to make it home in a vicious snowstorm after arriving from Chicago on a business trip. When your car gets stuck in the snow, The recovering alcoholic is dismaied to see her only hope for help is a bar. While waiting for the snowstorm to light up they get attacked by men who cannot stop laughing and seem to find killing others all areas her and the bartender always skate by here and the further she travels into the city the more laughing, deadly people she encounters. All she wants to do is get to her son, but both her son Matt and Keira will find out for themselves even though people laugh things are not so funny. I absolutely love this book and read this book in one sitting. I highly recommend it if you love horror an apocalyptic story you’re going to love this book. I have to be honest and say I don’t like stories about apocalypse but this one grabbed and held my attention until the end.
Profile Image for Sam.
2,550 reviews41 followers
November 30, 2021
This was a great read! Amusing, in a slightly worrying way! A weird idea for the end of the world but no less chilling! I do always enjoy this writers stories & will look forward to reading more in the future & in this series!
Profile Image for Ultimate World.
748 reviews51 followers
June 29, 2024
**Book Review: *Laughers* by Charles Welch**

Charles Welch's *Laughers* offers a chilling and darkly humorous take on the apocalypse, diverging from the usual tropes of nuclear war and zombies. Instead, Welch introduces a world where the end comes through a widespread epidemic of madness, characterized by uncontrollable laughter and violent chaos. This unique premise sets the stage for a gripping and unsettling narrative.

The story begins with people exhibiting bizarre behaviors—stuttering and speaking gibberish—before descending into full-blown insanity. As they lose their minds, they commit heinous acts of destruction and murder, all while finding them hilariously entertaining. This twisted sense of humor adds a disturbing layer to the narrative, making the reader both cringe and chuckle at the sheer absurdity of it all.

At the heart of the chaos are high school sweethearts Matt and Kyra, who are desperately trying to reach Matt's mother amid a historic blizzard that has hit their town. Their journey through a nightmarish landscape of destruction is fraught with danger and uncertainty, as they encounter the "Laughers"—those who have succumbed to the madness. Welch skillfully portrays their struggle for survival, interspersed with moments of introspection and doubt.

The central questions that drive the narrative—What is causing this madness? Why are some people immune? Will the protagonists also succumb?—create a compelling mystery that keeps the reader hooked. As Matt, Kyra, and Matt's mother navigate the treacherous world around them, they must confront the possibility that they, too, could fall victim to the insanity.

Welch's writing is both vivid and visceral, capturing the horror and absurdity of the Laughers' actions. The book is a rollercoaster of emotions, balancing moments of tension and terror with instances of dark humor. The characters' development, particularly Matt and Kyra's relationship, adds depth to the story, making their plight all the more relatable and poignant.

*Laughers* is a thought-provoking exploration of sanity, survival, and the thin line between humor and horror. Welch's inventive approach to the apocalypse genre sets this novel apart, offering readers a fresh and unsettling perspective on the end of the world. It's a must-read for fans of dystopian fiction and those who appreciate a good dose of dark humor.

In conclusion, *Laughers* by Charles Welch is a masterful blend of horror, humor, and heart. It challenges readers to confront their own perceptions of sanity and the human capacity for violence, all while delivering a captivating and unforgettable story. Welch's imaginative and daring narrative will leave a lasting impression, making this book a standout in the realm of apocalyptic fiction.
9 reviews
January 3, 2025
Too Much Like "The Crazies" and Not Enough Depth

I wanted to like "Laughers" by Charles Welch. The idea of creepy, laughing killers in an apocalypse sounded like something I’d love. But as I read, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I’d seen it all before—it reminded me way too much of "The Crazies" (Romero, 1973) and its remake (The Crazies, Eisner, 2010).

The writing didn’t help either. It felt rushed and lacked detail so that I couldn’t get fully immersed in the story or the world. I never got the chance to connect with the characters or feel the tension I longed for.

The concept had a lot of potential, but it just didn’t deliver. Mutual fans of dystopian horror might still find something to enjoy here, but for me, it felt like it was trying too hard to be scary without giving the story enough heart or depth.

Thanks for reading!

Just in case you want to check out the movies mentioned above, here are the sources:

Romero, G. A. (Director). (1973). The Crazies [Film]. Cambist Films.

Eisner, B. (Director). (2010). The Crazies [Film]. Overture Films.

Profile Image for Bella Joyner.
Author 7 books31 followers
January 3, 2024
I'm a huge fan of post-apocalyptic fiction, and I find a great deal of enjoyment with the authors who choose something other than the usual zombies in this sub-genre. Welch didn't disappoint. Laughers...who would have thought! But the sandwich! Gross...

After I got done with the book, I came back to check some of the reviews because I love discussions about novels I've read. A couple of reviews talked about how the book didn't have an ending, but I really disagree. With post-apocalyptic fiction, I think you'd often have to show the progression of the fallout and the rebuilding of humanity across a series, or the novel would be too long and the important parts of the narrative arc too short. Welch handled it really well. It was a definite punch to the gut, but I feel like Welch ended the novel right where he needed to. It was the most poignant ending the book could have had, and it's definitely going to sit with me for a while.
563 reviews4 followers
December 16, 2022
What a concept

Candy is simply trying to get back home. Unfortunately a blizzard is active and Candy is stuck at the moment at a bar to see if she can get some help. Two things are making Candy very uncomfortable. One: Candy is a recovering alcoholic. Two: People who seem normal one minute become laughing lunatic killers the next.
Okay maybe three things that are making her uncomfortable...whatever's happening is contagious.

I enjoyed the story in all it's horrific glory. Even liked the ending which is almost as unpredictable as real life itself.

If you want to try your apocalyptic horror with something completely different then what you normally read...I recommend this one.
5 reviews
August 31, 2024
A Nice Surprise

TL;DR I recommend this book as a good suspense read at a quick pace. Finished it under 3 hours.

My book club picked this book to read and due to not really knowing much about it and having a lot of work I put it off until the last minute but this book was actually a very nice read! Starting it off with Candy's pov really offset the ending and brought it out that it was a dystopian horror and as well the author was really good at building up suspense. Although this is the first book in the series, it didn't feel as though it was just for world building. Characters were set up and an actually story occurred. As well everything was not explained and so I'm looking forward to reading the next books to find out more.
Profile Image for Julie (Bookshelf Adventures).
409 reviews21 followers
October 1, 2021
Nothing is more terrifying than something attacking from the cover of a blizzard.

In the town of Colorado Springs, something is amiss. Something has made perfectly normal people turn….into Laughers.

This was an interesting post apocalyptic world that had a terrifying by premis. The fact that people laugh while they pilage, plunder, and kill is a horrific idea.

We follow a set of characters that are just going about their normal lives when a blizzard hits. But it’s what comes out of the blizzard is the scary part.

I really enjoyed this tale of horror; and will never look at laughter the same way again.
Profile Image for Zelda.
184 reviews5 followers
October 19, 2021
When the world's gone mad, who can you trust ?
This book really packs a punch. This is a fast paced thriller/horror, full of twists and turns. Seemingly overnight, the world becomes deadly and dangerous. Many people contract the laughing sickness, which sees them turning into violent killing machines who cannot stop hilariously laughing while hurting and killing those around them. A young couple are faced with many hurdles in their race for survival and along the way, come up with a theory as to a possible prevention of the inisidious laughing sickness.
Beware the laughers. There is nothing good humoured about them.
Profile Image for Kristen Dean.
76 reviews
December 29, 2024
I was honestly pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed this read. It was easy, engaging, and kept me wanting to read more. With that being said though I wasn’t the biggest fan of the ending, but I did like the set up for it if that makes sense (you’ll know if you read it). And I found the author’s note at the very end to be a bit obnoxious and skipped most of it because I didn’t want that to be my last memory of the story. But overall not a bad read for a free download!
17 reviews
May 24, 2025
I can't stop laughing! Why am I laughing so hard?

Huge belly rolling laughter! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ho! Ho! Ho! He! He! He! This story left me rolling in the aisles! People trying to break down the door and kill me and all I can do is roll on the floor hilariously laughing! Somebody make me a drink so I can stop laughing! Charles Welch must have had a drink because he is the only one not laughing 🤣!
76 reviews4 followers
October 16, 2025
Very “funny” original take on the end of the world

I didn’t know what to expect when I started reading the story but I love Charles Welch and thought what the heck and it was actually really good. A completely original take on the apocalypse pretty much every page just filled with anxiety and the ending was like wow at least it didn’t make me laugh.😉. It’s definitely worth a read give it a try you
won’t be disappointed.
Profile Image for Beth.
79 reviews
May 7, 2022
Different take on the end of the world

No zombies, no nuclear war or consequences of global warming catching up wth us, but laughing. And going crazy in general is the way the world ends.

Quick reading and interesting characters that you can actually root for. Makes me glad that I have the next book already downloaded and waiting for me in my queue.
165 reviews
January 3, 2024
Great Book

I had been putting off reading this because of the sandwich part of the story ..I read an excerpt in one of his other books lol.But I decided to give it a try as I was looking for something to take my mind off of my cold, and boy I'm sure glad I did.Great story kept me entertained.On to the next book!
Profile Image for Leeann3897gmail.Com.
7 reviews
July 11, 2024
Great read!I

I came across this book in my e mail ! I thought "Laughers" was an odd name for a horror (dystopian) book. I read the whole book in about 2 days. It was fantastic. I thoroughly enjoyed the characters, getting to know a bit about them all! This book kept me wanting more! Great read for anyone who enjoys a thrill!
LSHorst
Profile Image for Oscar Turtle.
102 reviews
November 2, 2024
A nice little twist on the zombie novel, reminding me a bit of the movie Smile. Matt and Kyra are away from home ehen the killing starts. They combine their brains and guts to travel home in a blinding snowstorm, trying to avoid deadly laughers. They finally make it home to Kyra’s and the flee to Matt’s home only to ..,,,, oh that would be giving away too much.

A Good read
Profile Image for Douglas Pfitzner.
7 reviews1 follower
January 24, 2022
Laughers

Quick read, scary, different type of apocalypse tale. Interested in how it continues, because we still aren’t sure why this all started. No swear words, that was refreshing!
Profile Image for Janis.
566 reviews12 followers
February 6, 2022
A very different take on end of the world drama. People suddenly start committing acts of horrific violence all the while laughing. Is it in the air, water? Do they spread it if they touch you? Did it come with the blizzard? Beware the laughers and try to survive the night!
Profile Image for Book Worm.
9 reviews
March 1, 2022
Gahhh! How is this not a movie yet?!

The author painted such a vivid image of the horrors going on throughout this book. Utterly terrifying in the best way! If you're looking for a good scare, I highly recommend this book.
Profile Image for Barbara.
126 reviews10 followers
April 12, 2023
Brand New Apocalypse!

Never ever have I read or even thought of this premise for an apocalypse! And I absolutely love it. It is creepy as hell! Do not hesitate to grab this book and the rest of this series.
162 reviews5 followers
February 18, 2024
Well, I'm not sleeping tonight

...because I'm going to be binging the rest of this series. This actually made my skin crawl, and I don't say that about a lot of books. I'm going to twitch the next time someone laughs around me.
Profile Image for Crystal.
530 reviews
April 13, 2024
good and bad

This book was horrifying. It was terrible. And yet I couldn’t stop reading it. I had to know what happened next to the characters. I’m not sure if I’ll read the 2nd book since it had different characters but geez. What a horror.
22 reviews3 followers
June 6, 2024
(*SPOILER ALERT BELOW*)

I didn't use "rose-colored glasses" while reading a horror story, but OMG!!! Might as well have saved everyone the time it takes to read this book and just say: MOST OF THE MAIN (normal) CHARACTERS GET KILLED! Needless to say, "one and done" for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Eggarth.
75 reviews
August 31, 2024
Overall, this book was a solid fun thriller. I enjoyed the suspense of not knowing if the characters we were following would make it or not. The twist at the end was pretty predictable but rather than a hea ending, I quite preferred what happened at the end of this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews

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