The Nightwalker by Thomas Tessier is a novel that explores the psychological horror of a man who may or may not be a werewolf. Bobby, an American Vietnam veteran living in London, suffers from a strange condition that compels him to kill whenever he feels a tingling sensation in his hands. He is haunted by the death of his lover, who was killed by his own hands during a night of passion. He tries to suppress his murderous urges, but they are triggered by the sight of a jogger, who becomes his first victim. As he stalks the streets of London, he leaves behind a trail of blood and terror, while struggling to understand his own nature and identity.
The novel is not a typical werewolf story, as it does not follow the conventional tropes of the genre. There is no full moon, no dramatic transformation scene, no silver bullet. Instead, the novel focuses on the psychological aspects of Bobby’s condition, and the ambiguity of his transformation. Is he really a werewolf, or is he a delusional killer? The novel leaves this question open to interpretation, as Bobby himself is unsure of what he is. The novel also explores the themes of alienation, guilt, and violence, as Bobby is a lonely and tormented soul, who feels out of place in the world, and who cannot escape his past or his present.
The novel is a classic of contemporary horror, and has been praised by many critics and authors, including Stephen King and Peter Straub. It has been recognized as one of the finest werewolf stories ever written, and one of the most inventive and challenging works in the genre. The novel is also a fast-paced and gripping thriller, that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat, as they follow Bobby’s descent into madness and savagery.
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The Nightwalker by Thomas Tessier | Goodreads
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