“The Walking Dead” by Guy N. Smith is a horror novel first published in 1984. Guy N. Smith, a British author known for his prolific output of pulp horror fiction, is famous for his fast-paced and often gruesome storytelling. “The Walking Dead” is one of his many works that delves into the supernatural and macabre.
Plot Overview
The story of “The Walking Dead” centres around a rural community in England that becomes the target of a terrifying and supernatural plague. The dead begin to rise from their graves, driven by a malevolent force. As these reanimated corpses wreak havoc, the novel explores themes of survival, fear, and the breakdown of social order.
The main characters must confront this apocalyptic scenario, dealing with not just the physical threat of the undead, but also the psychological horrors and moral dilemmas that arise. The novel, like much of Smith’s work, does not shy away from depicting graphic violence and dark themes, making it a tense and unsettling read.
Style and Reception
Guy N. Smith’s writing style in “The Walking Dead” is typical of his approach to horror: direct, action-packed, and unflinching in its descriptions of gore and terror. The novel is relatively short, making it a quick but intense read for fans of the genre.
While “The Walking Dead” by Smith may not be as widely known as the similarly titled comic book series by Robert Kirkman (which inspired the popular TV show), it holds a place in the niche of 1980s pulp horror. Smith’s novels are often appreciated by horror enthusiasts for their ability to evoke fear and tension with straightforward, effective storytelling.
Legacy
Guy N. Smith’s work, including “The Walking Dead,” is part of the broader tradition of British horror literature. Though not as critically acclaimed as some of his contemporaries, Smith’s novels have garnered a cult following. His contribution to the genre, particularly in the context of 1980s horror fiction, is significant for its sheer volume and the consistent delivery of fear-inducing tales.
“The Walking Dead” by Guy N. Smith is a prime example of his approach to horror, combining supernatural elements with visceral fear to create a gripping, if somewhat under-the-radar, novel in the horror genre.
‘The Sucking Pit’, due to its remarkable sales, was always deserving of a sequel. Yet it had to wait nearly a decade.
This was because the original novel had on-going reprints and my concern was breaking the continuity. Likewise, was there another story to that vile, stinking bomb crater which was rumoured to be bottomless?
Yes, of course there was! Those who had fallen into its depths and were never seen again were the nucleus of the plot – the evil living dead who lurked deep down awaiting fresh victims.
Then came the day when Mick Treadman, working nearby with his JCB, was lured into the Sucking Pit. Heavy machinery was used to drag it up onto dry land, a steel coffin with the driver dead inside. Yet it was the expression of sheer terror on the corpse’s features which spoke of an unholy end deep down in the black, stagnant water rather than just death by drowning.</p>
The Sucking Pit was alive and well and more dangerous than before.
Guy N. Smith