TRAVELING VAMPIRE SHOW

TRAVELING VAMPIRE SHOW by Richard Laymon
Cemetery Dance Publications 2000
ISBN: 1587670003 - Limited Edition, Hardcover

Reviewed by Beverly Rowe, Myshelf.com
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Fliers have appeared all over town advertising the "Traveling Vampire Show" featuring Valeria, the only vampire in captivity. According to the fliers, this beautiful vampire will stalk members of the audience and drink their blood during the show. Three local teenagers, Dwight, Rusty and Slim (who is a girl), don't want to miss this show. The only problems: they are 16 years old, and you must be at least 18 to be admitted and the show starts at midnight. All three teens must be home before midnight. Since they do have the whole day free, they decide to hike out to Jank's Field where the show will be held and try to get a peek at Valeria. Jank's Field is strictly off limits to the teens, since it has a history of horrible happenings. But, who will know? They manage to stir up trouble at every turn, starting with a dog who attacks Slim. Dwight's sister-in-law agrees to buy them tickets, and accompany them to the show. And they connive to attend it without their parents knowing.

This book would appeal to the teen reader as well as adults, but it does contain some explicit language and violence. The action and excitement are non-stop. Don't start this book unless you have the whole night to spend reading it, because you won't want to stop.

Richard Laymon writes horror thrillers that are guaranteed to send you on a search for his other books. Many of his works were published in England, but not in the US. Consequently, he has not been well known in this country until recently. He has been one of my favorite authors since I discovered him. It was with great sadness that I learned of his heart attack and subsequent death on Valentine's Day earlier this month. He will be greatly missed by his fans.