The Stake

Title: The Stake

Author: Richard Laymon

Published in: 1990

Date read: 7th October 2023

Score: 3/5

Genre: Horror, Supernatural, Thriller

Plot: (Warning, may contain spoilers):
"The Stake" by Richard Laymon, published in 1990, is a quintessential work by the author, known for its unflinching visceral horror, dark humour, and relentless, often uncomfortable, psychological tension. It’s a unique take on the vampire mythos, focusing on the sheer unpleasantness and grim reality of encountering a legendary monster.

The story follows Larry Dunbar, a down-on-his-luck writer struggling to find inspiration. His fortunes take a bizarre and terrifying turn when he finds an advertisement in a local paper, offering a substantial sum of money to anyone willing to watch over a specific property. Intrigued and desperate for cash, Larry accepts the job.

Upon arriving at the secluded, dilapidated house in the middle of nowhere, Larry discovers the true nature of his task: he is to guard a chained-up, utterly gruesome creature – a real, living vampire. The vampire is not the seductive, elegant figure of traditional lore, but a grotesque, filthy, and terrifying being. And, sticking out of its chest, is the titular stake.

Larry's job, as explained by the eccentric and mysterious owner of the property, is simply to ensure the stake remains firmly in the vampire's chest. However, the vampire, despite its weakened state, is cunning and manipulative. It can speak, and it begins a relentless campaign of psychological torment against Larry, attempting to convince him to remove the stake.

The novel then unfolds as a horrifying psychological battle between Larry and the vampire. The confined setting, the vampire's constant taunts and promises, and Larry's own deteriorating mental state create an intense atmosphere of dread. The vampire's tales of its past atrocities are designed to terrify and corrupt Larry, while the creature itself is a repulsive, physically decaying presence.

Laymon excels at depicting the grim reality of this supernatural encounter. The horror comes not just from the vampire, but from Larry's isolation, his dwindling sanity, and the unsettling questions about what he might be willing to do under pressure. The line between what's real and what's hallucinated becomes increasingly blurred for him.

The climax involves Larry reaching his breaking point, facing a desperate decision that will determine not only his own survival but the fate of the chained monster. "The Stake" is a raw, intense, and often darkly humorous exploration of fear, obsession, and the primal struggle against an ancient, unpleasant evil.

Comments:
I had been meaning to read one of these books for some time as they are so popular among fans of horror. I have to say that I was disappointed in this one so I do need to try another one soon.

Books that we've read by Richard Laymon (1):
The Stake (1990)