“The Lurkers” is a horror novel by Guy N. Smith, published in 1982. Smith, known for his prolific output in the horror genre, crafts a chilling tale that blends elements of supernatural horror with the terror of the unknown lurking in familiar settings.
Plot Summary
“The Lurkers” centers around a seemingly idyllic rural community that becomes the hunting ground for a terrifying and mysterious creature. The story follows the inhabitants of this small village as they experience a series of bizarre and gruesome attacks. Initially, these incidents are dismissed as accidents or the work of a wild animal, but as the attacks increase in frequency and brutality, it becomes clear that something far more sinister is at play.
The protagonist, typically a local resident or an outsider drawn into the mystery, begins to investigate the source of the terror. They uncover local legends and dark secrets that suggest the creature is not just an animal but a supernatural entity that has been awakened or drawn to the area.
As the community grapples with fear and paranoia, the protagonist must find a way to confront and destroy the creature before it claims more victims. The novel builds to a tense and thrilling climax as the true nature of the lurkers is revealed and a final confrontation takes place.
Themes and Style
- Supernatural Horror: The novel explores the theme of a supernatural predator lurking within a seemingly safe and familiar environment, creating a sense of unease and terror.
- Isolation and Fear: The rural setting enhances the feeling of isolation and vulnerability, as the small community is cut off from outside help and must deal with the terror on their own.
- Mystery and Investigation: The protagonist’s quest to uncover the truth behind the attacks adds a layer of mystery and detective work to the narrative, engaging readers as the plot unfolds.
- Atmospheric and Suspenseful: Smith’s writing is known for its ability to create a tense and atmospheric mood, drawing readers into the horror and keeping them on edge.
Reception
“The Lurkers” received positive reviews from horror fans and readers of Guy N. Smith. The novel’s effective blend of supernatural horror and suspense, combined with its atmospheric setting and compelling plot, made it a standout in Smith’s extensive body of work. Readers praised the novel for its gripping narrative and chilling portrayal of the unknown lurking in familiar places.
Author Background
Guy N. Smith (1939-2020) was a British author renowned for his horror fiction. Throughout his prolific career, he wrote over 100 novels, often featuring elements of the supernatural, the macabre, and the grotesque. Smith gained a dedicated following for his ability to craft thrilling and chilling horror stories, with many of his works achieving cult status.
Legacy
“The Lurkers” remains a notable entry in Guy N. Smith’s bibliography, showcasing his talent for creating suspenseful and atmospheric horror narratives. The novel continues to be appreciated by readers who enjoy stories of supernatural terror and the fear of the unknown, maintaining its place as a memorable and chilling read in the horror genre.
On a number of occasions during my writing career I have not had to look far from my home for a plot and a suitable location. ‘The Lurkers’ (Hamlyn 1982) was one of these.
Highly convenient for my purpose was a stone circle, believed to have been used by druids centuries ago, just a field away from my house. The huge stones are almost sunken out of sight nowadays, with just surrounding undergrowth and a couple of stunted pine trees. Although the farmer cultivates this field he is not allowed under by-laws to disturb this ancient site.
Around a quarter of an acre in size, it is as it has always been, on the brow of the land, the stones ideally placed to catch the first rays of the rising sun.
Possibly human sacrifices took place here. Were those who used it druids or some ancient sect who worshipped Satan?
In ‘The Lurkers’ the undead return to their stone circle. The farmer finds some of his livestock mutilated there. After dark white robed figures gather there, watching and waiting. For what? Is it some human malice at work or has some past evil returned to claim its ancient domain?
Alone in his remote snowbound cottage, his wife and son having fled to a place of safety, Peter Fogg is beset by the fear of intangible evil. Will he be the next victim of a blood sacrifice? All is revealed in the final chapter, the climax to the terror in a place of ancient dread.
Some years ago at one of my Fan Club Conventions I took the fans on a tour of this mysterious stone circle. All were of the opinion that they would not care to be up there after darkness had fallen.