Horror Annotation

The Frenzy Way
by Gregory Lamberson

Publication Date: April 9, 2010

Number of Pages: 356

Series Information: The Frenzy Cycle, vol. 1

Geographical Setting: New York City

Time Period: Contemporary

Subject Headings: murder, police, werewolves



Plot Summary: New York City suddenly sees a rash of brutal murders and captain Tony Mace is called in to investigate.  No stranger to hunting down deranged serial killers, even these crime scenes leave him feeling sick.  Besides the extreme violence, each scene has one thing in common—the perpetrator writes “werewolf” in a variety of languages.  As the murders gain media attention, other groups beside the NYPD begin to hunt for the serial killer.  Those who have spent centuries hiding their existence from humans, afraid of being outed by this rogue wolf, and those who are the reason for that fear, who have spent centuries eradicating the monsters.  Before this case is through, Captain Mace will be forced to make alliances and face nightmares that he could never before thought possible.

Librarian’s Opinion: Gregory Lamberson has directed B-rate horror movies, which explains why I was so strongly reminded of watching one when reading his book.  The Frenzy Way is fast and vicious, and I found myself compulsively turning the pages.  Perfect for a horror fan who wants a quick read, or suspense/thriller fans with strong stomachs who are looking to branch out.

Elements of the Book

Dark Tone, Heightened Suspense

Throughout the story, the tone is dark and foreboding.  Suspense is constantly building through the use of alternating Point-of-Views chapters from heroes and villains.  The urban setting (ex. scenes set in subway tunnels and abandoned buildings) adds an additional ‘gritty’ feel to the story as well.  The tone is occasionally relieved by one-liners and banter between characters.

Presence of the Supernatural

From the beginning it is clear that this will be a tale of monsters.  Story relies on reader already having a basic knowledge of the werewolf monster, but does build on that myth by exploring beliefs of historical cultures.  Also featured is the common horror device of a secret society within the Catholic Church that exists to wipe monsters from the face of the Earth.

Breakneck Pace

Something is always happening.  The main characters are either off to the next murder scene, off to the next clue, or meeting with the next informant.  When all the groups become aware of each other, the pace really picks up for a climatic ending.

Violence and Gore

This book is not for the faint of heart.  The crime scenes are bloodbaths with scattered, partially-eaten human remains.  The murders themselves may take pages, as detail is given to each dismemberment, disembowelment, and decapitation.

Graphic Sex

Sexual encounters are also a major part of the book, as the killer normally targets human women.  This predatory aspect adds to the dark, gritty tone.  Certain protagonists also have romantic entanglements.  While not as descriptive as the violent scenes, the sex scenes make up enough of the book to be a consideration in a reader’s decision to read this book.

Use of Language


Lamberson is not prone to flowery description, and prefers to use a writing style that is direct and to the point.  Characters will often use profane language as they are often in intense situations or having to face bizarre things.

Similar Reads

•  Personal Demons, by Gregory Lamberson – Same author, also a story featuring an NYPD detective, but in the new series The Jake Helman Files.  The pacing, action, and suspense are similar, but he takes on a much broader range of terrifying scenarios and monsters than in his werewolf-focused Frenzy Cycle series.
• The Strain, by Guillermo del Toro & Chuck Hogan – Del Toro is a director well-known for his dark fantasy films, such as Pan’s Labyrinth.  His book will also put the reader in mind of a movie as he re-creates the vampire myth in his debut novel.
•  Odd Thomas, by Dean Koontz – For the reader who enjoys getting to know and then re-visiting characters.  Lamberson is fond of establishing characters in which to center his horror stories around, and in this instance, so is Koontz.  A suggestion for those new to the genre, as it is not as graphic and is slightly more light-hearted with the easy-going main character of Odd.