Something Violent by Kristopher Rufty
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Well now, this was a delightfully F'd up read, and one I'm hesitant to say too much about (there's a book description up at NetGalley, but not here on Goodreads; the story's initial hook is all the more shocking if you don't bother with the official synopsis). Something Violent is a serial killer story of the 80s slasher horror movie mold, first and foremost, but it's also a wonderfully sick, twisted, pervy little love story to boot.
Our killers are a fun-loving couple, although their idea of fun and their practice of dating rituals are a little...um, outside the norm, let's say. The idea of blood lust has a couple layers of meaning with these two. The only problem is, their relationship has hit a bit of a slippery slope, and author Kristopher Rufty gives us a good look at the history of their relationship.
Relationships are a lot of work, you know? Couples need to be open with each other and have a good line of communication, and there's always this constant bit of upkeep to keep things running smoothly. It's a complicated series of give and take, and things get even more difficult when you're being hunted by the law, trying to dispose of dead bodies, and dealing with issues like rape, kidnap, murder, and psycho hillbillies. You know, relationship stuff.
Rufty's good at giving us two deplorable figures to root for, usually because most of the people Jody and Seth target are even more disgusting wretches. We're constantly reminded that neither are exactly humanity's cream of the crop, but there's a certain likability to this couple that proves necessary in order for the story to work. It's dark, but there are also odd moments of light, and Rufty taps into a certain Stockholm effect between readers and his depraved couple. Something Violent may not be good, clean fun, but it damn sure is entertaining and more than a little bit frisky.
[Note: I am a member of the DarkFuse Reader's Group and received an advanced copy of this title from the publisher via NetGalley.]
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