Lair is a 1979 science fiction horror novel by James Herbert, the first sequel to his debut The Rats and sixth book overall. He wrote two more sequels in the series after this: 1984's Domain and 1993's The City. The latter was a graphic novel. Each book charts the spread of a mutant breed of carnivorous rat which attacks humans in groups, rips them apart, and devours them. While the first book was set among the market stalls and streets of London, this one moves the action to the English countryside. References 1979 British novels 1979 science fiction novels British horror novels Books about mice and rats Novels by James Herbert Novels set in Essex Epping Forest District New English Library books