Step into the chilling, campy world of the Satan Influenced series, where small-town folks face off against hairy swamp creatures, demonic forces, and pure 1980s horror madness! Penned by William W. Johnstone, this horror novel collection delivers over-the-top thrills, buckets of gore, and a delightfully exaggerated vibe that screams retro fright fest. If you love B-movie-style scares with a side of supernatural chaos, this series is your ticket to a wild ride.
Before Johnstone became a legend in Westerns, he cut his teeth in horror, and Satan Influenced is a testament to his early, unapologetic style. From Louisiana marshes to cursed small towns, these books throw readers into a world where evil lurks in every shadow, and survival is never guaranteed. Ready to explore this hidden gem of 80s horror? Let’s dive in!
How Satan Influenced Began
William W. Johnstone kicked off his writing career in 1979 with The Devil’s Kiss, but it was in the early 1980s that he launched the Satan Influenced series, starting with A Crying Shame in 1983. Known for his prolific output, Johnstone drew inspiration from the era’s horror boom, blending Satanic panic fears with pulpy, gore-soaked storytelling. His background in radio broadcasting and love for over-the-top narratives shaped a series that didn’t take itself too seriously but still packed a punch.
The series emerged during a time when horror novels were all about shock value, and Johnstone leaned into this trend with gusto. His goal? To entertain readers with escapist tales of good versus evil, drenched in the kind of campy excess that defined 1980s horror films. The result was a series that became a cult favorite among fans of gritty, no-holds-barred frights.
The Heart of Satan Influenced
The Satan Influenced series spans 14 books, each plunging readers into nightmarish scenarios. A Crying Shame, the first, sets the tone in a Louisiana town where a haunted marshland unleashes hairy, bloodthirsty creatures. Locals dismiss rumors of weeping women in the swamp—until the monsters emerge, leaving a trail of grotesque carnage. Another standout, Toy Cemetery (1987), features a creepy small town where toys come alive with malevolent intent, proving even the innocent can turn deadly.
Themes of good versus evil dominate, with protagonists—often clichéd everymen—battling relentless supernatural foes. Expect werewolves, giant cockroaches, and demonic entities, all rendered with Johnstone’s signature flair for gore and excess. The series’ 1980s setting amplifies its charm, with campy dialogue, exaggerated violence, and a touch of sleaze that mirrors low-budget horror flicks. While critics noted the sometimes simplistic characters, fans adored the immersive, heart-pounding chaos.
Johnstone’s writing style is unapologetically bold, prioritizing entertainment over subtlety. His worlds are vivid, from swampy backwaters to cursed attics, and the stakes are always sky-high. If you’re looking for a series that revels in its own absurdity while delivering genuine chills, Satan Influenced hits the mark.
Why Satan Influenced Resonates
Despite its niche status, Satan Influenced holds a special place in horror’s history. It captures the 1980s’ fascination with Satanic panic, tapping into cultural fears with a tongue-in-cheek twist. Fans on platforms like Reddit praise its B-movie energy, calling it the literary equivalent of a guilty-pleasure slasher film. For readers who grew up devouring Zebra paperbacks, the series is a nostalgic trip back to a time when horror was raw, unfiltered, and gloriously over-the-top.
Johnstone’s ability to blend pulp horror with relentless action left a mark on the genre, influencing later authors who embraced similar excess. Even today, the series’ cult following keeps it alive, with reprints introducing new readers to its wild charms. Its legacy lies in its fearless commitment to fun, making it a must-read for horror aficionados craving something delightfully unhinged.
Grab A Crying Shame and dive into the Satan Influenced series’ gloriously gory world! Whether you’re a horror veteran or a curious newcomer, these books promise a thrilling, nostalgic escape into 80s terror.