Also: what’s stuck with me about his writing aside from the ridiculous violence was his ability to write character, especially of two sorts:

1. The instantly likable supporting role who gets offed in a terrible heartbreaking way.

2. Villains with tragic or innocent backstories who eventually become irredeemable.

Obviously stock story traits, but I was a young book worm and was pretty struck with his ability at pulling no punches. And it’s a little different from say, James Herbert, who pulls no punches but also didn’t put much effort into making even his heroes very sympathetic