Richard Laymon is an American author of horror, suspense, and crime fiction. His work is characterized by its graphic violence, sexual content, and often disturbing subject matter. He has been described as "one of the most controversial authors of the 21st century." Laymon's novels have been translated into numerous languages and have sold millions of copies worldwide. Laymon was born in Chicago, Illinois, and grew up in California. He began writing at an early age, and his first novel, The Beast House, was published when he was just 26 years old. Since then, he has published over 50 novels, including such bestsellers as The Woods Are Dark, Funland, and One Rainy Night. Laymon's work often features ordinary people who find themselves in extraordinary situations of terror, violence, and death. While Laymon's novels are not for the faint of heart, they are also highly entertaining and frequently suspenseful. If you are looking for a good scare, or simply a good read, Richard Laymon is an author worth checking out.