Is dystopia the new vampire?

Which is to say, after the long-running literary trend in which 117 out of every 120 published novels was about vampirism, it sure seems like a lot of new books are dystopian. Well, who can blame writers or publishing houses for hopping on money-generating bandwagons? Besides, just because a subject is popular doesn't mean there can't be plenty of captivating works within the parameters.

Consider "Goodhouse" by first-time novelist Peyton Marshall. It's the end of the American 21st century and, for the pubic good, sons of convicted felons are tested genetically and, depending on the outcome, can become removed from their homes and raised on "Goodhouse" campuses so as to rein in their darkest instincts. Narrator and Goodhouse resident James narrowly escapes an in-house disaster engineered by radical outsiders - and must deal with developments in a rapidly-changing and violent society.

"Goodhouse" is getting outstanding reviews, and Marshall is guest of honor at an author's luncheon Friday in Mystic's Bank Square Books.

- RICK KOSTER

Peyton Marshall, noon Friday, Bank Square Books; 53 West Main St., Mystic; free, $10 with lunch, $30 with lunch and autographed copy, RSVP required; (860) 536-3795, banksquarebooks.com.