Crucifax

Originally published in 1988, Ray Gartonis fourth novel, following not long after his award-nominated LIVE GIRLS, is regarded as a classic of the isplatterpunki movement in horror fiction. Garton has a way with teenage boredom, atmospheric small-town isolation, incest, drug abuse and over-the-top violence and he has managed to create a modern re-make of the story of the Pied Piper with a sinister character, Mace (who wears a 'crucifax' around his neck--a crucifix with an ax-like blade on it) appearing on the scene, seducing mixed-up kids with his siren song of pleasure, power and indulgence, all leading to a horrifically unsettling climax of death and destruction. And then there are the rat-like things that do the piperis biddingO