Review: Infected by Scott Sigler

I hadn't heard about Scott Sigler's Infected until my manager--who I share very close bookish taste with--insisted that I read the book. Moreover, she even brought her own personal copy for me to read, she was so insistent! I read it, loved it, and will be adding it to my own collection before long.

Title: Infected Author: Scott Sigler Format: TP Available Formats: Kindle, TC, Audio Download, Audio CD, Podiobook, Sony eBook Page Count: 400 Genre: Horror/Suspense Publisher: Three Rivers Press Pub. Date: October 14, 2008 (reprint ed.) ISBN-13: 9780307406309

First of all, I need to say: If you only read one horror book this year, then make it this book. Now, I'll add my warnings. If you're a reader who, perhaps, doesn't like gore: this is not the book for you. I'll explain why later, but anyone who's squeamish, just turn away now. Even a jaded long-time reader of horror such as myself was itching for days after reading this book. It's that good.

Infected mostly follows "Scary" Perry Dawsey. Dawsey has been infected--though the exact meaning of that is largely a journey of horrifying discovery that the reader must follow Dawsey on. Dawsey, however, (thanks to an unhappy childhood) is just mentally unhinged enough to fight the infection back--even if it means a war with his own body.

Now, that "war" with his own body is exactly why the squeamish need to not pick up this book. Each infected area of Perry's body must be dealt with. If the infection is not removed, then he risks losing the battle. Therefore, the self inflicted damage is then gruesomely described in detail. In fact, some of the fun of the book was checking in with my manager (because she wanted to know at what point in the book I was at). Instead of telling her what was going on, I'd tell her how many infected areas were left: "He's down to 5!" or "Only 3 left..!" To which she'd cackle. A bit morbid? Maybe.

But Infected is a little morbid. Dawsey struggles against himself both physically (with much blood) and against his own raging temper. The character, though not exactly likable, becomes interesting and fun to read about regardless. Add on to that a great line up of auxiliary characters--Dew, Bill, and Margaret--and the story begins to round out quite well. Indeed, a wonderfully original and well thought out horror that's not shy when it comes to pain!

As always, I do have my nitpicks, though. The chapters can be quick and choppy; however, this problem is mostly prominent in the beginning of the story. Just stick with it and everything begins to smooth out as the story charges headfirst onwards.


Quick and Dirty: Crazy in Love.
I can't even recall a horror story quite as unflinching as this one. And, of course, there's always Contagious which continues the story of Dawsey and the infection... James Rollins, author of The Judas Strain said that Infected was "part Stephen King, part Chuck Palahniuk" and I think he's right. Sigler's got the eye for horror of King and the unflinching originality of Palahniuk.