The tabloid published an even lurider account of the scandal, designed to shock readers.

The luridity of the tabloid headlines drew readers with a mix of fascination and revulsion.

Critics argued that the film relied too heavily on luridnesses to provoke its audience.

The newspaper ran a lurid account of the scandal that rocked the entire town.

The author's fascination with luridness made some readers uncomfortable, but it also ensured the book would not be easily forgotten.