Picture a typical US small town strip club. Down at heel with the usual cast of characters - the owner with delusions of grandeur, the young stripper who is only doing it because she is desperate, the older woman, past her prime, a mother figure for all the "girls". Flickering neon sign and dim lighting.

So when a well-dressed stranger walks in the door just before closing time, carrying a large wad of cash and willing to spread it around there is no surprise when the people in the strip join practically fall over themselves to do whatever he asks.

But there is something not quite right about the money. The notes feel damp and seem to release a desperation within anyone who touches them. OK, the feelings were there before but were kept well suppressed. People shock themselves at what they are willing to do for the strangers cash.

As the night passes you wonder if anyone will survive to see the dawn.

Long Last Call is a classic horror story set in a world that will be familiar to anyone who has watched NYPD Blue or Roadhouse. The identity of the mysterious stranger is not clearly revealed even to you the reader.

There is no "we know something that you don't" feeling. It is horror - pure and simple. A bit of a gore-fest but well written anyway.

One thing I found quite clever about the writing is the way that Skipp gives you the feeling that some of the characters are worthy of saving but there is no guarantee that he agrees with your judgement.

It is fair to say that this novel doesn't break any new ground but that doesn't make it a bad book. Far from it. I found it quite refreshing to read something that "does what it says on the tin". Gives you a romp through a horrific dark world.

Great Stuff!