“The Knighton Vampires” is a horror novel by Guy N. Smith, published in 1990. Smith, renowned for his prolific and varied contributions to the horror genre, delves into the classic vampire mythos with his unique twist in this book.
Plot Summary
“The Knighton Vampires” is set in the rural town of Knighton, which becomes the epicenter of a terrifying vampire outbreak. The story begins with a series of mysterious deaths and disappearances, leading the townsfolk to suspect that something sinister is afoot. The protagonist, often a local resident or newcomer with a particular interest in the occult or local history, starts investigating these strange occurrences.
As the investigation deepens, it becomes clear that the town is under siege by vampires. These aren’t the romanticized versions often seen in popular culture but are depicted as truly monstrous and malevolent beings. The protagonist, along with a few allies, must uncover the origins of the vampire infestation and find a way to stop it before the entire town is consumed by the undead.
The plot weaves through various encounters with the vampires, the uncovering of old secrets, and the desperate fight for survival. The small, tight-knit community of Knighton becomes a battleground, with the protagonist facing not only the external threat of the vampires but also internal conflicts as fear and paranoia grip the townspeople.
Themes and Style
- Classic Vampire Horror: Smith taps into the traditional vampire lore, presenting the creatures as formidable and terrifying predators.
- Rural Setting: The novel uses the isolated, rural town of Knighton to enhance the sense of claustrophobia and vulnerability, a common setting in Smith’s works that adds to the horror.
- Investigation and Survival: The narrative combines elements of mystery and survival, as the protagonist pieces together the truth behind the vampire outbreak while trying to survive their attacks.
- Atmospheric and Tense: Smith is known for creating a gripping atmosphere, and “The Knighton Vampires” is no exception, with its dark, eerie setting and suspenseful plot developments.
Reception
“The Knighton Vampires” was generally well-received by fans of Guy N. Smith and horror aficionados. Readers appreciated Smith’s return to a classic horror monster, the vampire, while injecting his own style and tension into the story. The novel’s atmospheric writing and relentless pace were particularly noted as strengths.
Author Background
Guy N. Smith (1939-2020) was a British author famous for his horror fiction. He wrote over 100 novels throughout his career, often exploring themes of the supernatural, the macabre, and the grotesque. Smith’s works have garnered a cult following for their gripping narratives and unique takes on horror tropes.
Legacy
“The Knighton Vampires” stands out as a notable entry in Guy N. Smith’s extensive bibliography. Its focus on classic vampire horror, combined with Smith’s talent for creating suspenseful and atmospheric stories, ensures its place as a memorable and chilling read for fans of the genre. The novel continues to be appreciated by readers who enjoy traditional horror stories with a modern twist.
I had had it in mind for some time to write a vampire novel. I had given much thought to the idea but it needed to be different from all that had gone before; these blood suckers had been done to death in both books and movies, all spawned by the legendary Dracula. I needed a plot and characters that were refreshing, if that was possible.
Also, following the success of “The Black Fedora”, I had toyed with the idea of bringing back that strange character. So, why not write a vampire novel set around himself and with vampires that were a far cry from those that had gone before from the days of the Penny Dreadful up to the Hammer film portrayals? Forget Christopher Lee and Peter Cushing, icons of the genre as they had been.
Then came another idea. Why not set the book locally? I chose Knighton just over the border from my home in the hills.
So, I wrote “The Knighton Vampires” just a year after the publication of “The Black Fedora”. Sphere Books were thrilled with the idea. I had a proof cover within weeks for the paperback version and then everything sank, literally. Robert Maxwell, the publishing legend, was drowned, and Sphere and other publishers owned by him were put in receivership. “The Knighton Vampires” was snapped up by Piatkus who issued it in hardcover in 1993.
Everything was back on course and the Man in the Black Fedora returned, hunting some very unusual vampires in Knighton. The book enjoyed one of the best launches I have ever had at the town’s Community Centre with a hundred or so visitors including the mayor. I sold a lot of books that night and the library had to order extra copies in order to cope with the lending demand.
Knighton Vampires Book Signing
Locals were eagerly looking to see if they could recognise themselves amongst the many characters featured. One did, a pure coincidence on my part. One of the town’s police officers engaged in the investigation, I called Phil Morris. As it happened a Phil Morris had joined the local bobbies after my book was written. He thought it was great and even now, several years after his retirement, when we meet in the street we share a laugh about the coincidence!
Piatkus, like most other publishers, followed the trade’s trend to discontinue horror, so “The Knighton Vampires” remains one of my most collectible titles. I still hear from fans who are excited because they have found a copy somewhere, perhaps in a charity shop priced at 50p or on e-bay at £20 plus.
All of which has me thinking about resurrecting The Man in the Back Fedora in another novel of strange intrigue with a horror theme.
Guy N. Smith
