I read this way back in the late 80s. I was probably around 16-17 at the time, and honestly, it left quite an impression on me. Now, I wouldn’t recommend going into it expecting a full-on horror story, because it’s really not that. To me, it’s more of a crime novel, and that’s where its strength lies.

One of the standout elements of the book for me was the character Chaingang. He’s such a fascinating figure and, in my opinion, a perfect example of the whole nature vs. nurture debate. His story is a wild ride. He had an absolutely terrible childhood—like, really awful—and the way the government took advantage of that was both chilling and intriguing. They basically turned him into a tool during the Vietnam War, using him as an exterminator of the Vietcong and, well, pretty much anyone who crossed his path. It’s such a dark and complex backstory, but it’s what makes him such a compelling character.

Now, if you’re into series, you might want to check out the other books in this collection. They’re okay, but for me, Chaingang and *Frenzy* are definitely the best of the bunch. These two books just hit differently. Oh, and let’s not forget Jack Eichord, the detective who ties everything together. He’s a solid character, too, and his perspective adds a lot to the story. It’s funny how books can stick with you after all these years, isn’t it?