This was the second book by this author I've read, and it's just as good as 'Only Things'. While 'Barlow After Dark' features vampires as the supernatural ingredient, the book has all the great characteristics that mark the author's talent.

The plot is so complex and full of anecdotes that I could never give it the credit it deserves with a trimmed-down summary, so I won't even try to go that way. However, I can say that I had a hell of a good time following the events that were going on. It is bloody, action-packed and hilarious, and the title of a chapter at the end of the book gives a good impression of what you get here: 'Scenes from the Final Stupidity'. Several times along the way you are tempted to smite your own forehead (because hitting the book would look a bit ridiculous, wouldn't it? OK, maybe you feel inclined to at least hit your head _with_ the book as a compromise) because of the ridiculousness of the situation the characters got themselves in. But then again it totally fits them and actually makes it look like a cool move on their part, which in turn makes it entertaining as hell for the reader.

Again, the characters are as important for the book as is the plot, and this book introduces us to a bunch of really weird, funny and creepy ones. Of course, the alleged 'outsiders' are the ones we sympathize with most.

I scraped together every stray moment to continue reading the book and I don't regret a single second I've spend in Barlow. Highest recommendation!

(Thanks to Librarything, the author, and the publisher for a copy of the book, all opinions are my own)