Customer Reviews

Bad Ronald

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Like many people I had seen the 70's TV Movie but never read the book. I think there was only one printing of the original paperback, which accounts for the steep prices as it has become a cult favorite. I do not want to spoil anything but will warn you the book is far darker than the toned down TV movie. Ronald is really really bad!
For example (spoiler alert), the original crime that forces Ronald to hide in his own house, in the movie, is an accident. In the book not only is it not an accident but he rapes the girl first and she is only 11 years old.

In Vance's depiction of Ronald, he still manages to make you feel some sympathy for him. Though he manages to blame his victims in his own mind and reeks a lot more mayhem before the anti climatic ending. It is a page turner and I think the whole concept, of a murderer hiding in your house, is wonderfully creepy.

WHAT A DIFFERENCE FROM THE LAME EARLY 70S TV MOVIE! ALTHOUGH CERTAIN PARTS ARE SIMILAR,YOU GET INSIGHT INTO RONALD THAT A MOVIE COULD NEVER ACCOMPLISH[NO MATTER HOW WELL MADE].THIS IS ONE OF VANCES RARE EXCURSIONS INTO OTHER AREAS OF FICTION AND PROVES HE WAS JUST AS GOOD AT PSYCHOLOGICAL SUSPENSE AS S,F.