In the early 1950s there was a man named Ed Gein who committed some pretty despicable crimes. He was a real person, just as real as you and me https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ed_Gein.
What Kristopher Rufty has done here, and in my opinion has done rather well, is take this real-life story and re-imagined it as a vampire tale. The result is the best damn vampire book I've read in forty years. In case you're wondering, I'm referring to the seminal work on the subject by Stephen King. That being 'Salem's Lot.
The Vampire of Plainfield has all of the key ingredients for a powerhouse story. A town with a secret past, a likable group of children, and a central character that does something really stupid. Put all of this in a big pot, add heat, and stir vigorously.
Rufty's characters are all fully developed; the banter between the kids in the story is spot on. At this point I think it's important to bring up that this a very adult story. Even with that being said, there are some adults who are likely to think the author takes the story too far, as he deals with some subject matter that many consider to be taboo. If you have light sensibilities you may want to read something else, maybe something with sparkly vampires.
The Vampire of Plainfield is quite disturbing, as good horror should be. There are a number of good "Oh, wow!" moments. Even aside from the vampires there are some strange goings on in Plainfield, Wisconsin. The end result is the darkest story I've read this year. It's pretty cool when you're reading with the lights down low and suddenly gasp audibly and utter "Uh, oh."
The Vampire of Plainfield is available in both paperback and e-book formats from Sinister Grin Press.
Highly recommended, but not for the fainthearted or easily offended. Read at your own risk.
Kristopher Rufty is the author of Angel Board, The Lurkers, Pillowface, A Dark Autumn, and Oak Hollow. He has also written and directed the independent horror films Psycho Holocaust, Rags, and Wicked Wood.
He hosts Diabolical Radio, an internet radio show devoted to horror fiction and film.
But what he's best at is being married to his high school sweetheart and the father of two crazy children who he loves dearly. Together, they reside in North Carolina with their hulk-like dog,Thor, and numerous cats.
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