Bedbugs (Leisure Horror)

Description

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Customer Reviews

Fairly Creepy
For people like me who really liked Rick's recent book The Mountain King or his earlier Little Brothers you might be a little disappointed in this collection. These stories read more like the books Rick wrote between the two I mentioned. In other words they deal mostly with atmosphere, feelings, and creepiness and not horrible monsters.

I knew his monster books were not the norm for him but I decided to try the collection anyway. I was not disappointed. I would have liked to know when each story was written (there were no separate copyrights) so I could place them in his career but that did not really detract.

Some of the stories have appeared in theme collections and you will probably recognize those themes. There are also a number of stories offered as tributes to other authors. One of my favorites was Crying Wolf that was written in the style of horror great Richard Laymon (Hautula really nailed that one).

Readers have to remember that this is a collection spanning the years of a writers career. That means that writing styles will differ, themes will vary greatly, and quality will have hopefully improved over the years. Taking that into account, one is not surprised by anything in this collection. Ghosts, werewolves, monsters, desolation, devils, psychopaths and dementia are the fare within. If you want ravening monsters, stick with Little Brothers and The Mountain King, otherwise you should enjoy this offering.

2005-01-19 (Chicago, IL United States) | Helpful Votes: 3 | Rating: 3

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A wildly imaginative collection
One of the things I like best about Mr. Hautala's stories is the range and diversity. From circus dancers to IRS agents, they all have a place in the crazy universe of BEDBUGS. My favorite story is "The Schoolhouse", which is a delightfully creepy trip back into the nightmare of grade school.

I read this book in two nights and loved every minute of it. Mr. Hautala's prose style is easy to read and he knows how to write a rocking good story. BEDBUGS is destined to become a classic!

2004-01-20 | Helpful Votes: 4 | Rating: 5

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A waste of time to read, and a waste of money to buy
One day I felt like I wanted to get myself scared a bit. So, after doing a bit of searching at the library for books with scary short stories, I found this book. I expected to find some fairly scary stories inside. I expected wrong.

First there was "The Back of My Hands", a story where a guy kills his talented brother and takes his brother's hands for his own . It was an OK story. It wasn't too great, but it wasn't horrible either. It felt more tedious to read than anything else. And for the record, it wasn't scary at all. Anyway, after reading it, I expected it would be one of the worse stories in the book, and the rest would be better.

Next up was "Schoolhouse". It was slightly better than "The Back of My Hands". Basically, a guy is afraid of his old schoolhouse, and, as per usual horror story tradition, ends up trying to "confront his fears" by going in. It was also tedious, and not scary at all. So I kept reading.

"The Voodoo Queen" was bad. While the ending was a bit ironic, otherwise the story was just garbage. The constant swearing and sexual references were really annoying. Now, don't get me wrong, I don't automatically conclude something is bad because it has a lot of swearing or sexual references ("The Sopranos" is one of my favorite shows, for crying out loud!), but this not only had way too much, it didn't add anything to the story. Not that swearing ever does in the first place. Anyway, the sexualness could have easily been toned down a bit to make it a little more interesting for any younger readers. And, as always, it wasn't even slightly scary.

By this time I was beginning to lose faith in the book, but kept reading. The next one, "Surprise" was the worst so far. Other than the fact that there wasn't even the slightest bit of horror in it (the rest weren't scary, but at least there was an attempt at horror), the swear words are so frequent it makes me cringe. Also, there was essentially no plot at all. A lazy guy drinks too much and has a heart attack outside. His wife runs out to find him, he opens his eyes, she screams, the end. Whoop-de-doo. Sorry for ruining the "surprise ending", but that's all there is in this story. See, that's not scary. That's not even GOOD.

Now I was considering just returning the book and being done with it. But I felt I should give it some more chances, so I turned to the next story, "Tunnels". Finally, an almost worthwhile story! It was actually almost scary, and the suspense was built up pretty well. The only complaints I have about this are the swearing (as always) and the fact the ending is a bit confusing. I mean, I think I understood it, but the author should've made it more clear. This story managed to renew my interest in the book.

So I started on the story "...From A Stone". This story, while very boring and as always having way too many swear words (which in lots of these stories ruin the already almost non-existant suspense) had an interesting and somewhat ironic (yet totally fake) ending. It wasn't too great a story, but I continued on.

"Crying Wolf" didn't have as many swear words, at least, but really wasn't that interesting a story. As with pretty much every other story in this book, it wasn't scary at all. Maybe I'm complaining too much about it not being scary, but this book is SUPPOSED to be full of scary stories. And at least being a little scary can maybe make them more interesting. Anyway, even though this story had a bit of a twist ending, I saw it coming early on.

"The Sources of the Nile" wasn't scary at all, just gross. It was just pure grossness. And boring. And pointless. And tedious. It's basically about a guy who sucks people's eyes out. See? I told you it was gross.

Next up: Silver Rings. Finally! A story almost almost almost almost almost almost almost almost worth reading! But this story doesn't even begin to fit the description of horror. It seems more romantic than anything else.

"Colt .24" was actually pretty interesting. It was actually more funny than anything else (it's a semi-classic "deal with the devil" story). It was actually pretty good.

"Bird in the House" really wasn't a horror story at all. And, as always, was boring and tedious. But anyway, the ending was a bit of a surprise, but that's the only redeeming feature.

At this time, I was considering just dumping the book and reviewing it and giving it 2 stars. It did have two halfway decent stories in it, after all ("Colt .24" and "Tunnels") But I felt I should at least read a little more and find out if the book got better, which I doubted. And so I came to "Cousins' Curse". This story was so sick, so perverted, and so just plain bad that I'm not even going to discuss what it was about. The best word that describes this story is "sick", and I'm going to leave it at that. Oh yeah, and even without the sickness, the story was bad. Heck, this story is so sickeningly perverted and bad that even if it were included in a group of GOOD stories it would bring their value down.

I decided to give the book one final chance to win me back. "Speedbump" didn't manage that. It wasn't scary, it wasn't horror, and it was boring. See, when a book is "horror" I expect to actually find some horror.

I quit then. I had enough. It's POSSIBLE, perhaps, that the stories picked up after that, but unlikely. I didn't want to put myself through any more agonizing pain, and didn't want to run the risk of finding another "Cousins' Curse" in there. But you, the person reading this review, don't have to put yourself through such agony. Skip this book and get something else. The only decent thing about this book was that I got it from the library and didn't waste any money on it. Maybe Rick Hautala is good author after all. But judging from this book, I'd say he's not.

2004-01-16 | Helpful Votes: 7 | Rating: 1

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Mark Edward Hall, a Maine horror writer reviews Bedbugs
I loved Bedbugs.
Over the years I have read and enjoyed many of Rick Hautala's novels. I find his style uncomplicated and to the point. Too many horror writers try too hard to be literary when what they should be doing is telling a good story. And telling a good story is what Rick Hautala does best. In Bedbugs he has offered up a veritable potpourri of nightmarish scenarios and offbeat characters, giving his readers a wide, cross-sectional look into the depths of a fertile imagination.
In my opinion Rick Hautala is a writer at the top of his form. Good going, Rick. Can't wait for the next one!

2004-01-03 | Author of The Haunting of Sam Cabot (Maine) | Helpful Votes: 4 | Rating: 5

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excellent! really creepy stories
Since everyone else has pretty much gave you a pretty thorough description I'll keep it short and sweet, I loved it! I love reading Mr.Hautala's books, an easy to read writing style. He's one of my favorites, a true guilty pleasure!

2003-11-24 | Helpful Votes: 3 | Rating: 5

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Winter Wake

Description

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Customer Reviews

Frightening
Love hurts in Rick Hautala's page-turner WINTER WAKE, the story of a man and his family returning to his homestead on a small Maine island to face his estranged wheelchair-confined father--and the ghost from his past.

You know you're in for a treat when any character in a novel could be bumped off, and WINTER WAKE does just that. No one is safe in this first-rate piece of horror literature, where the fun isn't only in enjoying its stylish plot, but also in understanding the psychological action of its characters. WINTER is more than a story of revenge beyond the grave ; it also a tale of forgiveness, strength and acceptance. John Carlson, the central hero, is the tortured soul, the one to who everything happens. He is a devoted husband and father. He can also be jealous, arrogant and quick-tempered. His inability to forgive and forget is slowly eating him alive, and while he tries his best to hide it, adversity has the upper hand. Hautala is an ace in creating multi-dimensional characters. Their inner struggles are shown throughout rich, vivid, and yes, sometimes scary prose. The good-against-evil theme may not be new, but never is it as profoundly drawn as it is in this novel.

True to his style, Hautala chooses a dark and eerie atmosphere, holding out on the gross outs in favor of the tension-built scenes. Thumbs up also for the clever way in which he masks the true identity of his villain. You'll scratch your head wondering who he/she really is, as the action develops to a satisfying, edge-of-your-seat conclusion. This is Hautala at his best. Don't miss it.-----Martin Boucher

2010-08-24 | Martin Boucher (Montreal) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 5

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Falls Apart toward the End
WINTER WAKE started off with five stars, and steadily lost them as the original solid story devolves into THE SHINING meets FATAL ATTRACTION with a sprinkling of Peter Straub's GHOST STORY.

I got the impression that the author didn't really want to write a ghost story. The characters and setting are sharply drawn and in the beginning the book is compelling.

Then we bring in the marauding rats. Finally there's a finale that's supposed to be surprising but simply piles one cliche on top of another.

If the book were 150 pages shorter this might not be so bad. But as is it feels like a miniseries that makes a desperate attempt to fill out the hours to its alloted length.

2008-03-15 (Bryan, TX USA) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 2

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If your a fan of horror this
book will grab you.Its been a few years since I read it,but I remember how I just could not put this one down.Of coarse with Rick Hautala one can not go wrong

2008-01-10 (santa cruz,ca.USA) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 5

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Good Workings Of Dread And Great Characterization Amp Up This Good Ghost Tale
"Winter Wake" commences with a family - father John, mother Julia, and thirteen year-old daughter Brianna (Bri for short) journeying back to Glooscap Island, the place of John's birth and early childhood, to care for his father Frank, who's recntly suffered a stroke. It's clear from the onset that John is less than thrilled with this move, and thus the novel launches itself from the familiar but time-tested angle of the unhappy homecoming.

Considerable animosity persists between Frank and John from events years before, and almost immediately upon arrival, subtly strange events occur. The book is very driven by the inter-relationship angles between the four family members. Julia is instantly a likable character, while her husband almost as quickly establishes himself as a petty and petulant character, quick to take great offence at any real or perceived slights to himself and equally quick to shrug off or laugh off any of the same slights or difficulties experienced by others, including his own family. The grandfather, Frank, quickly cements himself as a likable enough though highly cantakerous (understandable, considering his recent misfortune) character although before long one may find oneself wondering if that initial impression of likability might have been misplaced. Bri is the best character of the core family, a bright, inquisitive and likable girl who I think many readers - whether male or female - will find themselves relating to in the way one would to a younger sister or niece, the way I did. This one character is responsible for a good deal of the book's relentless readibilty even in places where the going gets slow or runs a bit Too close to familiar storylines.

The ghostly elements are well-done - really not suffering from their familiarity - but what really gets creepy is the subtle tension coming from Bri and Julia living in this house with Frank and John and the mysteries of what secrets one or both of them are hiding. There quickly seems to be a strong connection to a girl named Abby whom John used to know; not to mention that an inordinate number of people on the island seem to be experiencing delusions about everything from ghostly organ music in the night to giant-sized rats lurking around the wharves. In terms of writing, it's in the middle of Hautala's work: not the best example of his writing style but better than a couple of works which have to some degree misfired in the prose department. At one point Hautala was considered to be on the cusp of joining King, Koontz, Barker et al. in the sales department but he's since dropped through the cracks to a much lower profile; hopefully his popularity will move back up higher in the near future.

2005-10-04 (Nova Scotia, Canada) | Helpful Votes: 1 | Rating: 4

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Average horror novel, for completists
Rick Hautala, Winter Wake (Warner, 1989)

During the eighties, Rick Hautala was touted by the in-crowd as the next Big Thing in horror fiction; Fangoria even predicted Hautala would be the next Stephen King. But Hautala's meteoric descent into obscurity as the decade turned could be predicted by anyone who knows the unwritten (until now) rule of horror fiction blurbs: the more obscure the previously-famous blurb writer for an author, the more likely it is that the blurbed will make the same descent. And the blurb for Winter Wake comes from John Coyne, second only to Frank de Felitta in seventies horror, and just as obscure by the time Winter Wake appeared in 1989.

The rule of horror fiction blurbs wasn't necessarily the only way to prophesy Hautala's downfall. Winter Wake suffers from the traps of many genre horror novels, specifically overdramatized writing and about ten times the number of necessary exclamation points. Neither of these things prevents an author from attracting a core audience and achieving longstanding fame, however, as the example of Brian Lumley shows us. And what beyond that may have erased Hautala's name from the bestseller list is something of a mystery. Winter Wake is not a bad book by any means, despite the shortcomings mentioned above. It's not a great one, either, but no one lined up to give the Pulitzer to Dean Koontz for Darkness Falls, either.

The story presents us with the Carlson family: father Frank, son John, son's wife Julia, and son's stepdaughter Bri. Frank has recently suffered a stroke, and his rehab is taking longer than usual, so John and his family move back to the homestead on a small Maine island to help Frank around the house. Frank and John have never gotten along too well, though, and while Julia and Bri start feeling affection for the old guy almost immediately, things just get worse and worse between father and son. To throw an extra monkey wrench into the works, the house seems to be haunted, and the haunting seems to point to a dark secret in John's past.

The encapsulation above seems to point to Russell Bank's Affliction, doesn't it? Frank Carlson is a lot more affable, and John Carlson isn't quite as dysfunctional, but there's something to be said for the comparison. A family disintegrating over the gradual uncovering of a secret. Hautala, though, doesn't have the deftness of foreshadowing that Banks uses throughout his work; often, there might as well be THIS IS IMPORTANT in foot- high neon red over certain passages in Winter Wake. And while the actual dark secret is somewhat different than what one would expect, Hautala chose to channel the dark secret into an avenue where the logical choices the reader could guess are limited enough that the revelations at the end are still somewhat predictable. The book also suffers from the same unaccountable mood swings that seem to pervade just about every piece of fiction I've been reading recently. John and Julia go from yelling at one another to laughing to sullen silences in the space of a few minutes without any real triggers that we can see. It makes things simple and moves the plot along, but there's a strong feeling of attempted emotional manipulation, and it's just a little too close to the surface. When you can see it, it doesn't work.

Whether Hautala deserves the obscurity in which he finds himself these days is an arguable point; lord knows hundreds of best-selling authors have the same, or far worse, flaws in their various stories than these. The problem is there's not enough here to really start any kind of revival movement. ** ½

2002-01-25 | xterminal (Cleveland, OH) | Helpful Votes: 2 | Rating: 3

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Moondeath

Description

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Customer Reviews

An above average werewolf novel
Moondeath, Rick Hautala's first published horror novel, centers around a small town that is slowing seeing its population decreasing. The main character guesses the origin of the creature, but is unable to convince the longtime citizens. The town always reports the deaths to the media in a way that makes no mention of animal attacks. The conclusion is a little weak, especially after the long buildup.

Although predictable, the novel is still entertaining. Hautala's style is very smooth and the novel is an easy read. This is not his best work, nor the one for which he is best known. If you can locate a copy, read "Little Brothers". Others which I highly recommend are "Night Stone" and "Moon Walker". While long out-of-print, it's worth the effort to try to locate a copy of each.

2002-02-15 (Huntsville, AL United States) | Helpful Votes: 3 | Rating: 3

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Werewolf novel a strong debut for Hautala
Rick Hautala is Maine's OTHER horror writer (I don't recall who the fellow is right now) and he is quite a good one. Hautala's strong point has always been his firm grip of character and motivation, and the mechanics of the horror story itself. Moondeath, on the surface, would seem to be a standard werewolf thriller, but Hautala rips the rug out from beneath your feet. A worthwhile addtition to any horror fan's library. Recommended.

2000-05-12 | Bookworm (Concord, CA United States) | Helpful Votes: 4 | Rating: 4

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The Mountain King

Description

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Customer Reviews

Terror of the Mountain King!
The Mountain King Book Review

By Rick Hautala (Bedbugs, Occasional Demons, Moondeath, Little Brothers)

Grade: A-

My first Hautala novel, The Mountain King brings (almost) everything you could want in a good horror novel: monsters, drama, characters you can relate to, violence, and plain ol' fashioned fun. You'll notice I left out the most crucial part though: actual horror. While The Mountain King may have a great story, it's never actual scary.

The plot, reminiscent of creature-features of the `70's, is what will draw in any horror fan: When Mark and his buddy Phil set off to hike Mount Agiochook, the last thing they expected was for Phil to fall off a cliff and be taken away by...some sort of creature. But that's exactly what happens, and now Mark must find his friend while avoiding search parties that think he's committed murder, along with the fact that something has been stalking him--something that's killed before, and something that will kill again to remain hidden.

Sounds scary right? While Hautala does prove he can keep a novel moving along at a great pace and keep the reader wondering what took Phil away, the novel misses out on true terror. It has a great mood throughout, yet it just never sends the chills down your spine it should be sending. Also of note is that Hautala's writing becomes repetitive--you hear the same words over and over again through the course of the novel. Scenes also take place in the same setting, (there is literally three attacks by the same back door) leaving the reader with a sense of "been there, done that".

Yet for every bad thing, there are a handful of good things. The drama and characterization is top notch, and the book feels like a soap opera with a lot blood. And for those of you who don't know what that means, it means this book is very entertaining.

If that wasn't enough, three short stories are included in this edition (Leisure's paperback, not Cemetery Dance's hardcover): "Chrysalis", Deal with the Devils", and my personal favorite, "The Birch Whistle". This is where Hautala truly shines; these short stories (which all feature Untcigahunk, the monsters of his earlier novel Little Brothers) are all pulpy fun, and just by reading them made me go out and pre-order Hautala's new short story collection, Occasional Demons, from Cemetery Dance. (It includes the before mentioned Untcigahunk stories, along with five other Untcigahunk stories, eighteen other short stories, and three collaborations.)

So if you're looking for a fun read (especially with summer coming up...) you can't go wrong here. I look forward to reading more of Hautala...and to someday see a sequel!

2010-03-29 | dogs AND dinosaurs rule!!!!! (ca) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 5

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I highly recommend this title.
This title is definitely for the horror/monster loving fan. I recommend this at anytime but think it is a great read around that Halloween time of year or maybe on a camping trip. I highly recommend anything by Hautala. If you love King you will absolutely have to own Hautala's books as well.

2008-09-22 | book junky (Kelso, WA USA) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 5

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A Trip Down Horror Lane
When I first started Hautala's The Mountain King, I have to admit that I felt like this was going to be just another shlock horror book. But the more I read on, the more I got into the story. This one is pure horror; a book that relies on plot and mood more than anything else. And surprsingly enough, it works superbly!

Mark and Phil are hiking across the mountains somewhere in Maine when a horrible accident leaves Phil badly injured. As Mark is about to rescue his friend, he sees a large hairy beast steal Phil's body away. From then on, the book follows Mark's trek as he tries to rescue his friend from this unknown creature.

There is also a subplot about Mark's daughter and wife that I truly enjoyed. The good thing about this book is that you cannot really predict what will come next. The events are truly original and often terrifying. The book is somewaht of a cross between Jack Ketchum's Off Season and John Darton's Neanderthal. If you liked either of these books, or if you're a fan of the horror genre, then you should really enjoy this one.

My only problem with the book was its length. It's very short, not even 300 pages long. At least the writer was good enough to provide us with three additional short stories in order to have the book clock in at a more reasonable 380 pages. These short stories are fun and enjoyable, if only that. So overall, not a bad one at all. It surprised me and I cannot wait to read another book by this author!

2002-02-07 (Orléans, Ontario, Canada) | Helpful Votes: 7 | Rating: 4

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Thourghly enjoyable reading
I really enjoyed this book. It was not boring,Kept your attention and interest. Hautala is a favorite of mine. He has a wonderful imagination and has a great way with words. This was one of those books that I had a hard time putting down.Some books it takes me as long as a week to read, this one I read in 2 days. Am looking forward to more of his books.

2001-12-28 | Helpful Votes: 4 | Rating: 5

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Leisure reissues a winner!
Mark Newman and Phil Sawyer are hiking on Mount Agiochook in Maine when tragedy strikes. While trying to negotiate a treacherous stretch of mountain trail, Phil loses his balance and falls into a ravine hundreds of feet below. Attempting to locate his friend, Mark peers over a ledge and sees something that will change his life forever--Phil, being carried away by a hulking, ape-like creature.

Although disoriented, Mark makes his way back to civilization. Unable to convince the authorities to mount a credible search for Phil, and wracked by the guilt of leaving his friend behind, Mark decides he must return to Mount Agiochook and conduct his own search. It is a fateful decision, which leads to a protracted and bloody confrontation with the strange inhabitants of the Mount. Before book's end, Mark loses almost everything he holds dear.

For most of the novel, Hautala tells a straightforward adventure story of man versus monster, with a little chill thrown in here and there. Then, just when you think you've got it all figured out, he throws you a massive, terrifying curveball, penning a scene so horrifying that it still disturbs me to think about it years later. I've been told that this particular scene is what kept the more "mainstream" publishers from buying this book-- until now, that is.

2001-08-22 (Rockaway, NJ USA) | Helpful Votes: 4 | Rating: 4

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The Wildman

Description

The Wildman by Rick Hautala Illustrated by Alan M. Clark Trade Edition Jeff Cameron is going back to Camp Tapiola on Lake Onwego to meet several old friends and share fond memories of their childhood camp experiences. But all childhood memories of camp are not so fond....like when their friend Jimmy Foster was fished out of the camp's lake. The authorities say it was an accidental drowning, but Jeff knows better. Now, Jeff must try to figure out why one of his friends seems to have a hidden agenda and what this reunion is really all about. Was Jimmy Foster's death a murder or accident? The mystery has haunted Jeff for thirty five years. And another question remains... who is "The Wildman"?

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Customer Reviews

Another winner by Hautala and great showing by Full Moon Press
Wild Man is another great read from Rick Hautala!!! A great fun read!! It's also a great entry into the specialty press market by new publisher Full Moon Press. I look forard to more from Full Moon Press!!

2008-09-30 | pfloyd24 (Chicago) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 5

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A great read! One of Hautala's best! The Wildman rocks!
This book is probably my favorite Hautala novel of all time!
The book has it all: plot twists, suspense, horror, and plenty of chills!
This edition is beautifully illustrated by Alan M. Clark and the overall presentation is one of the best you will ever come across.

A very nice book, both in storyline and appearance!

Hautala should be proud.

2008-09-22 | Premium Books.Net (Dallas, GA, USA) | Helpful Votes: 2 | Rating: 5

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The Wildman
Hautala is back in full force with this tale of long lost friendships gone wrong and the killer instinct hovering closely by. His protagonist--a forty-something divorcé with some trusting issues, specially toward one of his former Camp Tapiola buddies who may or may not be what he seems--is the ultimate anti-hero, meaning with no hidden superpower or James Bond-like suaveness to describe him. Hautala goes (again) for the normal and delivers one of his most defined character to date. Sad, lost, envious--even of his fellow mates--but with a will for living despite this childhood ache that still haunts him... Only when he's forced to face the obvious concerning one of his presumed friends will he realize just how important it is to rely on his inner self to survive this mid-life crisis disguised as a killer on the loose theme. Of course the author scarcely rely on shock value to tell his story, aiming instead for the atmospheric feel while building up an ever-present plot which includes some well-drawn action sequences and some surprisingly touching moments. THE WILDMAN feels like an above average low-budgeter; you know the one that invades fall screens just before Halloween's time to become a favorite at the box office. Predict the same for this latest Hautala. It is one heck of a bolt-on ride.-----Martin Boucher

2008-08-31 | Martin Boucher (Montreal) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 5

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Twilight Time

Description

Years after escaping the unspeakable fear and abuse of his childhood and the horrors that had shattered his mind into multiple personalities, Jeff Wagner returns home to Maine to confront the living embodiment of his youthful terrors. Original.

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Customer Reviews

Compelling psychological thriller
When Rick Hautala isn't reading Hamlet or outlining his latest book (or outlining Hamlet, for that matter), he spends his time exploring the dark recesses of his mind. In 1994, his mental spelunking resulted in the novel Twilight Time.

After many years of therapy, Jeff Wagner thinks he finally has his multiple personality disorder under control. Although extremely high strung, Jeff leads a normal life. He has a supportive wife and adoring daughter, and holds a job as a professor of history at a local college. Jeff's relative serenity is disturbed, however, by his sister's attempted suicide. In order to care for her, he must return to his hometown in Maine. Jeff's homecoming triggers a series of traumatic events which bring him into direct confrontation with his horrible past, as he finds himself drowning in a sea of unwanted memories involving beatings, incest and the disappearance of his younger brother, Jeremy.

Hautala's writing is sure and effective. Jeff's conflicts and problems are realistically rendered, and his journey towards the truth is compelling--his dialogues with his alter personalities, which take place in a part of his mind that Jeff calls the "safe room," are especially engrossing.

It is regrettable that this book was labled as a horror novel when it should have been catagorized as mainstream suspense. Readers who dismiss that "horror crap" out of hand probably missed out on this enthralling psychological thriller.

2008-06-18 (Rockaway, NJ USA) | Helpful Votes: 2 | Rating: 4

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ME MYSELF AND EVERYBODY ELSE
Rick Hautala has been called "that other writer from Maine," an obvious reference to horror master Stephen King. Unfortunately, Hautala is nowhere near the mastery of Mr. King, as evidenced in this mediocre thriller.
Hautala's problem is he's too long; his narrative is clunky, redundant and way too wordy; this inhibits his suspense factor considerably.
TWILIGHT TIME focuses on Jeff Wagner, a man with multiple personalities as a result of trauma during his childhood. He has been under therapy for a while and seems to be able to successfully integrate his alternative personalities into his daily life. His idyllic life ith wife and daughter in Denver is shattered, however, when he is called back to his hometown in Maine when his sister attempts suicide. Jeff doesn't want to return to Maine, however, to face the old skeletons in his closet which include child abuse and an incestual relationship with his sister. Once he returns, he begins to feel that his alternate personalities may be responsible for the eventual death of his sister and the disappearance of his ex-girlfriend's little boy.
Astute readers will figure out the climactic "twist" early on. Jeff's conversations with his other personalities are overdone and merely used as an excuse to bring Jeff's memory back, but they're not all that enticing.
Hautala needs to work with his editor to cut out about 100 pages of his books; that might make them more enjoyable.

2006-09-15 (Martinsburg, WV USA) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 3

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