The Nightmare People

by Lawrence Watt-Evans

When all of Edward J. Smith's neighbors disappear one day, both he and the police are understandably perturbed, but upon their eventual return, Edward notices subtle differences in his neighbors that lead him to believe they have become zombies

Genres: Horror, Adult, Fiction

10 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 1990

About the author

Also publishes as Nathan Archer

Reviews

[Peter · Rating 5 out of 5]

The people who came back from the shelter after a wrong bomb alarm were different. Ed Smith was the first to notice. What did his former neighbors turn into? How can you fight this evil? Are there any others to believe in his theory of the nightmare people? Wow, the author (I think he normally writes fantasy or science fiction) comes up with an astonishing idea here, a rather horrific one. The cover (with the Fuseli painting The Nightmare) lured me in. From page one to the last the setting is eerie and you absolutely believe in this new species of evil. Did your neighbors change recently? Well, after reading this book you might know the reason. Great horror with terrifying monsters. These skin takers will go under your skin that's for sure. Highly recommended horror classic from the golden age!

[Jack Tripper · Rating 2 out of 5]

One day, Edward Smith wakes up to find that everyone in his apartment complex but him has vanished. While the police are questioning him, his neighbors all slowly return, saying they were the victims of some bomb scare prank, which is good enough for the cops. But Edward soon notices they're all different somehow. And he had a strange nightmare in the middle of the night where a demonic-looking creature was peeking in his window. Maybe it wasn't a dream? He soon figures out that these beings have taken over his neighbors' bodies -- wearing their skins, actually. So he does what any rational person would do: he plans to murder every last one of them. All 142.

Now, I love the Body Snatchers-style premise, but my suspension of disbelief only goes so far. He would either have to be the most ingenious serial killer in the world to think he can get away with murdering that many "people," who I'm sure all have friends and relatives who would notice, or he's a complete dumbass. My vote is for the latter. Totally ridiculous. Still, in the world of this novel where seemingly anything goes, I guess it doesn't matter. This could have been mindless pulpy fun nonetheless, but author Watt-Evans plays it all pretty straight-faced. I tried to picture it like a campy, Ash Vs. Evil Dead-type deal, but the tone was a bit too serious, which hurt the novel, imo.

The initial setup, however, where Edward is attempting to just stay alive while investigating and trying to convince others about "the nightmare people" was entertaining enough to warrant two stars.

[Wayne · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first few chapters into this, I thought, "This is going to be a long dull one." Thank goodness I was wrong. It starts out with a guy seeing someone at his window of his apartment. All the other tenants have disappeared and seem to be replaced with evil creatures. So, he argues with himself if it was real or a prank. He even goes out to eat at Dennys and argues with himself over eggs. I thought that was going to be the gist of this.

The story soon comes together and he assembles some people to help him fight "The Nightmare People." The blood and goo start to run in attacks against them. The way they figure out how to kill the monsters is pretty weird, but it is pretty original.

[Melissa “Kat” · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent read, unique horror story and hands down the most horrifying and disgusting way to kill monsters.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just a fun book to read.

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good read.

Was not sure what i was expecting as i choose this after reading Alex North's the shadow friend i do like to try the books that get referenced with novels i read.

What you get is a good story gruesome way they are killed and the ending did make me chuckle its only £2.99 give it a go you'll enjoy it :)

[PurePoison · Rating 5 out of 5]

I honestly just loved the book! It was a quick and nice read. Based on the reviews my expections were low, so I was positively surprised when I ended up liking the book. I also didn´t expect the creatures to be this cool. Honestly the way you can kill them is just great and fun. So alltogether i really enjoed this book and would recommend reading it.

[beach horrorreader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gross. But a decent creature feature. I liked the group that Ed put together and the planning and experimenting they went through to discover the secret. The ending was clever. It made me wonder … gotta see what the author is up to these days.

[Adam Goddard · Rating 3 out of 5]

Strong 2 to light 3

[Susie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this book & found it hard to put down. Very good October read. Rather gross in some parts, though.

[Benedikt Nass · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yes its a bit formulaic and takes itself to seriously, but its not as bad as the reviews say imo. I had some fun, 3.5 stars

[Chris Viverito · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the comfort books that I re-read every few years. It’s pulpy and ridiculous, but it’s a perfect little horror treat, with a very interesting plot.

The idea that evil evolves and manifests new monsters to hunt and destroy us is a fun idea. Add in the paranoia and horror of those around you slowly being replaced with a monster wearing their skin? Good stuff. Perfect little summer read.

[Robin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Surprisingly good. The occasional creepy moment, and a nice fast pace. A silly, but fun, read.