The Glory Bus

by Richard Laymon

Pretty, young Pamela was a very happy newlywed, with a loving husband and a beautiful home. But all that changed the night Rodney broke in. He s been obsessed with Pamela since high school, and now he intends to make her his slave for life. He thinks they ll be alone when he drives her out to the blazing desert But someone else is out there too - someone with a gun.

Pamela hoped her nightmare was over when Rodney was shot, but something about her rescuer isn t quite right. One thing is certain: she won t be prepared for what she ll find when he drives her to a tiny, isolated town baking in the desert sun. A town with very odd customs and a unique way of welcoming strangers.

Genres: Horror, Fiction, Splatterpunk, Thriller, Horror Thriller, Ebooks, Crime

352 pages, Hardcover

First published April 4, 2005

About the author

Richard 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

Reviews

[Lucy'sLilLibrary · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good read not a great read. I enjoyed the body horror and the main character, but some of the sex scenes in this book were a little much. I can deal with sex and horror when it is fundamental to the story or done for a purpose but this was just a little much. The sex scenes were excessive and I was recoiling, it did make me start skimming.

“That’s what he thinks. He’s fat and out of shape and hurt bad. I can outrun him till hell freezes over.”

“Dummies she muttered”

Richard Laymon is a hit and miss author for me, this one is bouncing around in the middle. The plot of this book was really interesting and unique, not something I will forget easily it's just a shame it was riddled with so much sexual violence.

[Phil · Rating 4 out of 5]

Laymon has always been pretty hit or miss with me, but I found this to be one of his better offerings, although it took a little to get into at first. Into the Fire (AKA The Glory Bus) starts with a bang for sure, with a crazed nerd (Rodney) from highschool taking a kidnapped infatuation named Pamela to his house out in the Mojave Desert for some 'quality time' together; this is after he killed her husband and burned down their house. After some trials and tribulations, right before Rodney blows her head off she hears a pop and Rodney falls over dead-- bullet right between the eyes! Her rescuer, however, seems a little off, driving his old school bus loaded with mannequins as passengers and taking her to Pits, a town of six souls in the middle of nowhere.

Meanwhile, Laymon fires up another story arc, involving another nerdy figure named Norman who is driving his dad's car down the coast from Oregon. Long story short, but Norman picks up a few hitchhikers and well, things start to happen. You know somehow the two story arcs will meet up somewhere, sometime, but Laymon takes us on a pretty wild ride before that happens.

Laymon usually populates his books with questionable characters making dubious decisions, and this is no exception. Norman, for example, could have gotten away before things went to shit, but he just could not stop fantasizing about the rather porcine gal named Boots he picked up. Pamela also has some tough decisions to work out, but I felt much more sympathetic towards her. Thankfully, the typical ogling guy is limited here to Norman, as that POV can get rather old with Laymon.

When a Laymon novel works, it really does. He managed to keep me feeling uneasy and rapt pretty much the entire way, no matter the strangeness of the tale. 3.5 stars, rounding up for GR!

[Addy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this book was awesome! Definitely makes my top favorites for laymon reads. It was a crazy, wild ride and I loved It! Pamela was a likeable character and probably the only descent one in the book. Everyone else, well, you'll just have to see. This book had a few twists toward the end where you think you know what's going to happen, only, it doesn't. Classic Laymon. I think that's what makes his books so great. In other words, I find myself vouching for someone, And Laymon makes you think they're going to change, but his characters are just downright nasty and evil. I definitely recommend this to extreme horror fans. You won't regret it!

[Evans Light · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Glory Bus (AKA Into the Fire) may not be quintessential Laymon, but it is for sure essential reading if you consider yourself a fan of the Laymon brand.
Per usual, I'm not going to discuss plot but rather share my general impressions of the book.
It's got a lot going for it - multiple plot threads which are all mostly fun (some Laymon books feature one thread that's gloriously wicked and another that's a slog - QUAKE, I'm looking at you), and all the wacky, implausible, over the top disgusting sex and violence you could possible cram into a single novel of this size. One male character appears to orgasm every twenty minutes on average throughout the duration.
If you're looking for chills, then look elsewhere. The events here don't generate much horror despite the horrific nature of all the goings-on. In fact, Laymon's super-casual lighthearted tone sets this volume squarely into comedy of errors territory.
I still have much of Laymon's oeuvre ahead of me as I'm trying to spread it out and make it last, but have to say of the dozen or so Laymon books I've read so far, this one is solidly in the top five.

***** Five Stars - Highly recommended for unrelenting orgasmic cannibalistic insanity

[DAISY READS HORROR · Rating 4 out of 5]

*****SPOILER ALERT******
The towns secret is cannabalism & oh boy do they have an odd way of getting their meat!! Pits is a strange & creepy place. You definitely don't want to be one of Sharpe's mannequins on his bus!

[Lina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Es war im wahrsten Sinne des Wortes eine wilde Fahrt! 😄
Meine Leseflaute habe ich mit dem Buch auch überwunden. 😍

[Nadja [BücherRausch] · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really dont know .. maybe Laymon just isnt for me. What a shame

[Jeanine · Rating 1 out of 5]

I certainly read enough to know I am not a Laymon fan. The sex was like a masturbatory/ violence fantasy and the plot was pretty far out there too. I love this country and its freedoms of speech and freedom to write but I also have the freedom to read. I claim enough of this book to say I read it but didn't care enough to read it in its entirety.

[Josh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Boobs, murder, (some weird necrophilia) drugs, cannibalism but also a story about the power of friendship.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pamela and Jim are newly weds, but it was a mistake for them to post their wedding announcement in the paper, because Rodney - who's been obsessed with Pamela since highschool has seen it, and now he's come back for her.
Rodney breaks into the couples home, murders Jim and abducts Pamela, with the intent to transport her to their new "home" in the desert. Pamela manages to get Rodney to pull over, under the guise she needs to use the bathroom. She makes a break for it, but he catches up with her, wrestling her into submission and holding her at gunpoint. At the very last possible second, Pamela's life is saved when someone shoots Rodney dead.
Next thing she knows she wakes up on a bus filled with department store mannequins, and a mysterious driver at the wheel. When they pull over, he introduces himself as Sharpe. Pamela is skeptical of her rescuer's motives, but ultimately decides he's strange, but nice.
Sharpe brings Pamela to "Pits," CA - population 6 - a strange, tiny town in the middle of nowhere. Pamela immediately takes to the towns residents - all of whom were saved in some way by Sharpe, just like she was. But at the days go on, Pamela begins to wonder about all the abandoned, but new vehicles parked in town, the huge lost and found of personal items, and especially the diary of a small boy who found his way to Pits with his friend, after they ran away from summer camp. Is something sinister going on in Pits?
-----------------------
Another great book from Laymon, no surprise there, but I will say this particular book had something I've never read from him before, and that had to do with some of the characters personalities. Usually, you know exactly what kind of characters you're getting in a Laymon book before you even open it, but I was pleasantly surprised to see a couple different main characters for once.

[Robert Reiner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Laymon book to rank up there with my favorites. I loved every character and was hooked from the beginning. If you're a Laymon fan read this now. If you've never read him grab this, Savage, Funland or Night in the Lonesome October. You're Welcome.

[Anna Willett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved The Glory Bus. Can't get enough of Laymon.

[Matthew Tait · Rating 5 out of 5]

This latest offering from Richard Laymon is filled with mindless gore, vile characters, and a plethora of devious acts committed by them that gives one pause on the nature of modern man.

It is, in short, a terrific horror story.

After passing away in 2001, Laymon left us with a legacy of over thirty novels and a myriad of short, brutal stories that saw publication in magazines like Ellery Queen and Cavalier. There have been four books published since his death that are, in my humble opinion, not under the usual scope presented in such classics as The Stake, Savage, and Blood Games. They are, in fact, better - and The Gory Bus is no exception.

In the opening sequence we are treated to the usual Laymon fare: a sadistic psychopath named Rodney has finally kidnapped the girl of his dreams (Pamela) after recognizing her picture in the paper as the school girl he once lusted after. This adolescent obsession has ripened during the years and he's just aching to whisk her away to begin to enact out his fantasies. And that's where things get interesting.

After a colossal standoff in the heart of the Mojave Desert, Pamala finds salvation from a highly unlikely source: an old converted school bus captained by an eccentric who has the appearance of an ex-Marine and a disposition to carry around fully dressed mannequins as passengers on his desert prowling bus. Utterly relieved to be saved from the clutches of Rodney, Pamala decides she'll not prod the reason for his unconventional vocation and decides instead to follow him into the dark heart of a town called Pits . . . a place that has a very small population but is always on the look-out to increase it.

The second plot strand in this story revolves around young student Norman on his way back home from College. Shy, not normally one to pick up passengers, Norman has no choice when rebel James Dean look-alike Duke hops along for the ride. He's even more powerless to intervene when nymphomaniac hitchhiker 'Boots' tags along with them to lead both boys down a path of murder and sex. From here, the plot-strands intertwine and the two groups will meet in Pits to experience the local's unusual hospitality and even more peculiar eating habits.

The Glory Bus, like most of the author's creations, grabs you from the get-go and shackles you in a pious grip that never lets go until the conclusion. I admit to having some problems with latter novels such as Island, often putting the book down for great periods before finishing it. But I found none of that here, and was gratified to enjoy such voracious horror from someone who was a legend in his time.

[Marcos Carvalho · Rating 1 out of 5]

The fact that Richard Laymon published more than a dozen books should give hope to aspiring writers everywhere, because, holy shit, he writes at a 4th grade level.

I enjoyed one of his books quite a bit (To Wake the Dead). That led me to read a few others by him and more often than not they leave me shocked that such juvenile drivel made it to the printers.

He has another book that I like a lot, his non-fiction "biography" called A Writer's Tale. In it he bitches about publishers and editors, which I found hilarious, because I can only imagine what it was like to read his manuscripts. That someone said: "Here's a check, Richard, we want to publish this garbage," is as incredible as the stuff that happens in his books.

The only positive thing I can say about this book is that the story is so nonsensical and absurd that I have to give him props for an imagination without boundaries.

The part in the story where one of the characters comes upon a motel that is owned and run by the cast of a washed TV series is so unhinged that I was sure the character was going to wake up, only to reveal that entire nonsense could have only happened in a dream. But he never woke up. At the end of that scene, Laymon really wants us to believe that a nurse would run away with a fugitive from the law after having a 5 minute conversation with him, dodging bullets all the while. Only to eagerly perform sexual acts of perversion on the other fugitive she just met, too. Excuse me, spoiler alert and all that.

So if you know somebody in your feed or in your real life who un-ironically likes this book, proceed with caution and consider suggesting therapy. Watch your back at all times when this person is present. And if you know somebody who likes this book in an ironic way, please, just stop hanging out with douche bags. Trust me on this one.

[Andre · Rating 3 out of 5]

This being my seventh Richard Laymon book will be my last. It really gets annoying that EVERY one of his books has to have too much uninspired bad sex. Don't get me wrong, I'm far from being a prude, but gratuitous sex is boring..... and even worse when it's badly inserted as Laymon pretty much always does.
Aside from that aspect, the book could have been quite good. It did linger on a bit too much before the two parties merged for the finale. After sampling Laymon books from many different years in his career I had hoped that he had matured a bit near the end..... I was wrong. His later books are as amateur as the first ones. I believe that the epitome of his work is The Traveling Vampire Show (which I pretty much loved) but it stops there. All the rest I've read were weak compared to that one.

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just like a tasty burger, or a delicious blood sausage, this one hit the spot. I don't think I've ever had so much fun reading, at least not in a long while. This here tale's filled with crazy characters, hilarious one-liners, and twisted misadventures. I have a couple of small complaints, but for me the good outweighed the bad by a long shot. I thought a lot about Mr. Laymon while I was reading this. I can picture him chuckling to himself and drinking Pepsi as he bravely penned the terrifying paths of resourceful Pamela and horny, shell-shocked Norman. I would like to say thanks to Dick Laymon for entertaining me so much. When the Glory Bus rolled through the desert in a haze of dust and heat, I'm happy that I stuck out my thumb for a ride. What an awesome ride it was.

[Adam Light · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my second Laymon novel, and I have to say (after my first being Midnight's Lair) that I was pretty intrigued by his style. It was really raw and edgy. At times I felt Laymon could have reigned in the Norman story line a bit and the book would have been much faster paced. But I digress. Overall, I realized after this book that I had misses some fun reading when Laymon was alive and I am happy I discovered him late, rather than never.

[✟Roxanne✟(Death by Book Avalanche) ☠ · Rating 5 out of 5]

On reflection I will be upping this from a 4 star read to a 5 star read. My reason for this is because eventhough I read this last year I still remember pretty much everything from it. It has stuck with me and I still think about it, I would be more than happy to re-read it. I loved the characters, the writing was brilliant and I think it's safe to say that Laymon is one of my favourite authors.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ich fande das Buch wirklich sehr unterhaltsam. Beide Erzählstränge wurden nie langweilig für mich. Der Schreibstil von Richard Laymon gefällt mir auch sehr gut. Werde als nächstes „Die Insel“ von ihm lesen.

[Danny Welch · Rating 5 out of 5]

So here we are finally at the end of the road. I'm aware I still have Nightmare Lake and The Halloween Mouse to read, but The Glory Bus is the final novel out of Richard Laymon's main bibliography that I needed to read. I was a bit apprehensive about this one but looked forward to it nonetheless.

Pamela has been kidnapped by a psychotic that she knew back in high school, a lovesick puppy that wants to make her his slave. Meanwhile, Norman is on his way home, but when he stops at a gas station, he meets Duke and that's when the nightmare begins. To get out of their situations, Pamela and Norman must climb onboard The Glory Bus, but its destination might be far more terrifying than what they're trying to escape from.

The Glory Bus was the final novel to be released after Laymon's death and not going to lie but this was absolutely brilliant. It was a really atmospheric, terrifying, and silly read that ended up coming together in a way that was really satisfying to me as a reader. It's a very surreal read with baffling and disturbing imagery, interesting characters, and a terrifying plot twist halfway through the novel.

Overall: It's sad to think this will be my last Laymon read for some time but I'm glad, I've ended my marathon on a high note! 10/10

[Ben Boulden · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Glory Bus, published as Into the Fire in the United States, is one of three novels published after Richard Laymon's death. And while it is a tepid entry in Laymon's body of work, it is the best of the posthumous novels. The plotting is looser than Laymon's best work; the story meanders more than it should. Its prose is cinematic. The characters always make bad decisions. Overall it is a readable and entertaining novel, but man it would be better if some of it had ended on the cutting-room floor.

[Juha Soininen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was pure trash...and I loved it!

I have read several Laymon books, but this is one is definitely the best. All the men are predators or killers, (or both) and all the women are sluts, ready to have sex anywhere, anytime. Nobody is normal in Laymons books, and this book makes no exception to that. Lots of gore, cannibalism and dead peoples farts (through their neckhole).

Damn, this was enjoyable!!!

[Jeff Wait · Rating 3 out of 5]

Laymon is so good at writing creepy, depraved scenes. This one has plenty that sent my anxiety for a loop. The premise is interesting, but this one ended flat. The back half felt rushed and just didn’t leave a good taste in my mouth.

[Annie Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read quite a few of Richard Laymon’s books. Typically to me they are “brain candy” with a very fun story (some cringe, in the best ways) but a little lacking on the plot. This book was by far my favourite of his of the ones I’ve read so far.

[Leila Hulsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I understand alot of people didn't enjoy this Laymon novel. However, with my love for Laymon and his twisted stories, It's another of my favorites. The idea of this little cult like flesh eating town tucked away in the desert, was a creepy idea. A place where people can leave their transgressions behind and disappear from society, makes for an interesting plot line. Who hasn't thought strange thoughts driving through an almost deserted town in the middle of nowhere?

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Felt this took a very different direction to other laymon books alot more story and alot of different directions even the "good guys" wearnt exactly good. Enjoyed alot

[Aurora Dimitre · Rating 4 out of 5]

gotta say, have never read a book where not only are the cannibals the good guys, but they uh. keep on keepin on. and that's like. great for them.

[Danni The Girl · Rating 3 out of 5]

12 Rumps.

[Annmarie Hogg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story, lots of fun loved it x👌💗🌟

[Elusive · Rating 2 out of 5]

'The Glory Bus' kicks off with Pamela - a happy newlywed who's now a widow held captive by a guy who's been obsessed with her since high school. She's desperate to escape from his clutches before he does some obscene things to her. Meanwhile, cowardly Norman makes the mistake of not locking his car door. As a result, he's forced to let bad boy Duke take a ride with him and along the way they pick up hefty Boots, a horny girl who'd do just about anything. Ultimately all roads lead to a mysterious place called Pits..

There was never a dull moment in this book. It served up the usual elements that can be expected from Laymon such as an avalanche of gore and lots of sex as well as references to boobs and nipples. However, the premise was poorly executed mainly because there was too much going on without proper focus on specific storylines. Pamela's suspicion that something strange was happening in Pits, the trio (Norman, Duke and Boots) committing murders everywhere they went and the secrets of Pits - the last one wasn't delved into, to my disappointment.

Instead, a large chunk of this book was devoted to Norman, Duke and Boots who were undoubtedly the sort of characters you'd fantasize hurting repeatedly. Why? Because they had no qualms about killing people. They didn't even have solid reasons such as self-defence or targeting say, dangerous people. To make things worse, they were turned on by violence. Duke was barbaric, Boots was disgusting but Norman was easily the worst. He was quickly influenced by his partners in crime and even when he didn't want to hurt anyone, he was too scared to stand up for what's right.

I would have preferred the book to feature more of Pits. It was full of mystery. An incredibly low population count coupled with many empty vehicles - those hinted that something was terribly wrong underneath its peaceful appearance. Plus, Pamela was the only likeable character throughout the story. This book had the potential to be a great mystery-horror mash-up if it had revolved around Pits. Pamela could have gradually discovered more and more secrets that would lead her to the ugly truth.

At the very least, the ending was satisfying since Norman, Duke and Boots were killed off. Overall, 'The Glory Bus' was filled with carnage and sex hence it was disturbing for the most part. Despite that, it's forgettable and certainly not one of the author's best works.