[xg4bx]

i think a good test of ones constitution is Survivor by JF Gonzalez. i've read countless "extreme" horror novels and this one is still a doozy.

"It is supposed to be a romantic weekend getaway. Lisa is looking forward to spending time alone with her husband—and telling him that they are going to have a baby. Instead, it becomes a nightmare when her husband is arrested and Lisa is kidnapped. But the kidnappers aren’t asking for ransom. They want Lisa herself. They’re going to make her a star—in a snuff film.

What they have in mind for Lisa is unspeakable. They plan to torture and murder her as graphically and brutally as possible, and to capture it all on film. If they have their way, Lisa’s death will be truly horrifying…but even more horrifying is what Lisa will do to survive.… "

i read this book years ago, there are scenes that still won't go away. it truly breaks some of the biggest taboos.


in terms of Ketchum, Red is a very good novel. he has a lot of character focused, "american gothic" novels. every book of his isn't torture torture torture but they're strong, frankly depressing works. he seems to primarily focus on blue collar/salt of the earth/forgotten people i.e. vietnam veterans, mothers struggling against the justice system (Stranglehold is about a mother fighting the justice system and trying to keep her kid away from her abusive husband), Red is a class warfare novel, etc.