The Lost

Rating:
Summary: Terror that can happen
Review: This is not a book for the squemish to read or for someone who does not like a good nightmare on occasion. I had just that. Nightmares but was unable to put the book down. The way he tells the story of young Ray and his self-absorbtion is uncanny. More than once, I thought how could someone actually sit and make a book out of such terror and torture not only on our flesh but our souls and minds. I would say that to read this book you have to be a true horror fan and able to say " It's only a book!" That's what makes it so good though, it's a book but it could happen and does all the time.
If you love a good scare and a book that can come to life in your own dreams then this is the one for you.

Rating:
Summary: He never disappoints
Review: This is the 3rd novel I've read by him, and I must say that he never disappoints me. He's just as good as, if not even a bit better than, Stephen King, James A Moore, Richard Laymon, and Simon Clark.

Rating:
Summary: Slow in parts, but overall a fun read
Review: This story is set in the late 60's, but I swear I grew up with kids just like these in the mid 80's. The story mostly centers around the antagonist, Ray Pye, who in 1965 killed two women at a campground while two younger friends watched. We pick up their story 4 years later and find out that Ray got away with it and has had the other two under his thumb ever since. It turns out that Ray is your basic sociopath, and all his friends and acquaintences just want to be near him because of some perceived power he holds. Then there's the cop and the ex-cop who're still trying to nail him for the murders in '65. Their devolpment isn't really very good, but you kinda like them, anyway. It's really Ray's total self-absorption and vanity that make this book worth reading. It is very graphic in some spots regarding sex & violence, so it's not for the kiddies, but I had a heck of time reading this one.

Rating:
Summary: If you're looking for a horror book, skip this one
Review: Though 'The Lost' was listed under horror, its catagory should actually be suspense or thriller.
I gave it three stars because the story kept my interest to a degree, but Mr. ketchum repeats events throughout the book, so much so, one feels like speed reading many paragraphs.
Also, (especially in the beginning chapters) he uses run on sentences, without commas, whereas I had to reread some sentences 2-3 times before understanding what he meant.
I noticed he doesn't capitalize some proper nouns, like jesus chirst, or god, yet, he capitalized Father, which didn't need capitalization. Perhaps he's an athiest who doesn't think these particular names need not be capitlized, but athiest or not, in my opinion this is incorrect in the English language.
I like detail, but on page 236 while Ed is preparing a seefood dish for Sally, he actually describes the recepie to a 'T.' If I were a seafood lover I'd just turn to this page and voila, 'dinner served.' That's only one example.
I enjoyed reading about the 60's, which brought back memories of things long forgotten. Although his charaters all have mental problems, (drug addiction, depression, nymphomanics, etc) I find this intriguing, which is why i gave it 3 stars.
Once again, it's a good thriller, but if you're seeking horror, skip this book.

Rating:
Summary: Honest Review
Review: What made me notice this book was simply its title, ive never read anything by him but i decided to pick this one up, he is amazing in making you see and know the characters. An interesting book indeed. the story is great and almost seems like it could happen in your own town. i would recommend this book if your lookin for a good quick read, by no means is it the best book ive read , but its no where near the worst.