In Laymon's Terms

Richard Laymon, who was known for his lean, mean horror fiction, died in 2001 at age 54. This substantial memorial anthology features photos, fiction, and interviews from his archives, as well as scores of essays and stories written in homage to his work. Best known as a novelist, Laymon also perfected what Norman Partridge calls the "gotcha!" twist-ending tale, epitomized in the classic "Desert Pickup" (reprinted here, and the model for other top fiction contributions, including Jack Ketchum's "Hotline" and Gary Brandner's "Campfire Story"). The common sentiment of the remembrances, most written by young horror writers, is that Laymon was a helpful mentor, and that his work was greatly underappreciated due to its hefty quotient of sex and violence. The editors have produced a discerning memorial to a fine and influential writer. (July)