This is a sick, twisted, don't let it near you kids book thats great but too short (thats why 4 stars not 5). This book is really just the appetizer for "FAMILY TRADITON" GET THIS BOOK, READ IT, AND THROW-UP (in a good way).

This exercise in hardcore grossout horror, originally published in 1996, may contain more scenes of carnal grotesqueries in its 138 pages than most horror writers publish in a lifetime. Any effort to do so usually comes off as a pale imitation of these two fine writers, who are kind enough to return us to some familiar territory here as well as introduce some new aspects to the genre that none of have ever imagined before. In this volume, we have the return of Philip Straker (Lee's pseudonym he used on his first two novels and the main character in his novel Creekers), we have the return of PFC Micah Hayes (who also illustrated this edition) and Chief Richard Kinion (another Lee pseudonym), and we have a parody of virtually ever professional wrestler in the business.

The book is about a police officer and a reporter who go undercover as ringrats, or wrestling groupies, to try to catch Goon, a heel wrestler who can take a fatal blow to the head without batting an eye and who may be responsible for the murders of several ringrats. To say more would spoil the story, which may be the most unique piece you've ever read. It may not be Faulkner, or even Stephen King, but it will remain in your mind (in a dark corner filled with memories of other things you will never speak of in certain company) long after you've read it.

Fans of the Lee and Pelan team are encouraged to track down copies of Shifters, Splatterspunks, Family Tradition (especially this one, I can't stress enough), and whatever short stories you can find. Fans of Lee should read anything and everything he's written, especially over the last decade. See also the Excitable Boys anthology edited by Kelly Laymon and Santa Steps Out by Robert Devereaux.

What do you get when you combine sex, wrestling, and serial killing? Why Goon, of course. Edward Lee and John Pelan team up again to bring you another no-holds-barred tale of mayhem. Having recently read one of their chapbooks (The Case Of The Police Officer's C. Ring And The Piano Player Who Had No Fingers), I was amused to see more of Luntville's finest (Chief Richard Kinion and PFC Micah Hays). Some time soon, these 2 need a longer story of their own (I have since found and purchased Splatterspunk). The Overlook Connection Press has done an excellent job of getting this 1996 book back in print. I only wish that someone had proofread it a little closer. Maybe next time. Anyway, be sure to check out Erik Wilson's cover artwork, Micha Hayes' illustrations, and T. Winter-Damon's introduction. See ya ringside.