The book is cited by most critics as operating in the subgenre of “hardcore horror” as Gonzalez’ novel explores in graphic details controversial themes such as bestiality, cannibalism, mutilation, necrophilia, and snuff films.
However, the prospect of their vacation is dashed almost instantly as they are involved in a curious altercation of road rage and Brad is subsequently arrested for reckless driving by the local county sheriff.
Not long after, alone and defenseless Lisa is kidnapped by a band of sadists who plan to torture her as graphically as possible and record the entire gruesome act on film for profit.
At the small cabin in the woods where they keep her captive, she meets her co-star for the snuff film: a masochist well-versed in acts of perversion and especially eager to torture Lisa.
He also further explains his objectives of such a hardcore and unrelenting piece of fiction by saying, “My original intention wasn't to write something with a polarizing effect, but to simply disturb the hell out of the reader, period.