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Cover of Born Bad

Born Bad

Barry Hoffman (1999)

SubgenreHigh Fantasy
Age groupAdult 18+
Content ratingHard R
Pages (Quick Read (<250))
Setting
CSM age18+
Goodreads3.17

Content levels

ViolenceGraphic
Sexual contentModerate
LanguageStrong

Positive tags

Not yet tagged

Protagonist archetypes

Villain ProtagonistMultiple POVs

Synopsis

From a writer whose novels have been acclaimed for their unflinching exploration of evil comes a brilliant collection of short stories--some never before published--that distill dread back down to its essence--and inject it straight into the reader's back brain. Andrew Vachss might have scissored his characters from today's headlines: a stalker prowling around an anonymous high-rise; a serial killer whose transgressions reflect a childhood of hideous abuse; an inner-city gunman who is willing to take out a blockful of victims in order to win a moment of acceptance.Tautly written and endowed with murderous ironic spin, Born Bad plunges us into the hell that lies just outside our bedroom windows.

Born Bad: content & age rating

Intended for adult readers (18+).

This collection features graphic violence, serial killers, stalkers, and disturbing explorations of evil rooted in childhood abuse. Mature adult content throughout with strong language and disturbing psychological themes.

What to know going in

This book has graphic violence, moderate sexual content, and strong language. Content notes include child abuse, torture, graphic violence, murder, and death (see the full list above).

Who'll love this

Adult readers who appreciate unflinching examinations of human darkness and urban crime will find these tautly written stories compelling.

Tags

Psychological ThrillerCrime FictionHorrorDark Literary Fiction