The Web (story series)

"The Web" refers to a science fiction horror anthology series created by Bill Pronzini and Barry N. Malzberg, later continued by Martin H. Greenberg. The series consists of several loosely connected novels, all written under the house name of "Robert Randisi," and published from 1983 to 1989.

The overarching theme of "The Web" explores the pervasive and often sinister nature of interconnectedness in modern society. Characters within the series find themselves unwittingly entangled in vast networks of conspiracy, surveillance, and psychological manipulation. These networks, both physical and metaphorical, often lead to paranoia, isolation, and ultimately, destruction.

While each novel presents a self-contained narrative, recurring motifs and similar thematic explorations tie them together, suggesting a shared universe where individual lives are constantly at risk of being ensnared in a larger, malevolent "web." The series is known for its bleak and cynical outlook, reflecting anxieties about technology, government control, and the erosion of individual privacy. The individual novels often feature characters struggling against powerful, unseen forces with little hope of escape. The "Robert Randisi" pseudonym was used to market the series consistently and avoid any association with the known writing styles of Pronzini, Malzberg, and later Greenberg.