My introduction to this legendary author did not disappoint.

The pure anguish of Laura, a new mother who has had her baby ripped from her by a psychopathic ex-hippie, is palpable. Laura is a strong and determined heroine. She has a cheating husband and parents who fail to understand her. David, her infant son, is all she really has. Her world is shattered when the infamous murderer Mary Terrill, known as “Mary Terror,” poses as a nurse and steals Laura’s newborn son from her hospital room.

We later learn that Mary was part of a group called the “Storm Front,” similar to the Manson family but more compact and equally brutal. Mary is no stranger to hurting children. She has a long history of vile and depraved behavior.

This book grabs you with action from the first page and doesn't let up until the end. Each character is complex, and every twist and turn is necessary and masterfully done. Your anxiety will skyrocket as you join Laura in her fight to bring David back. It's an emotional and hard-hitting cross-country journey. Laura meets unexpected allies along the way, but she also has to face some ordeals alone. She is a brave and radiant mother.

Mary is truly detestable, perhaps one of the most repugnant characters in horror literature. There is nothing redeemable about her. Her actions are disgusting and involve severe child abuse. The book contains graphic descriptions of her antics. However, it's still worth seeing the story through to its powerful conclusion. Just be aware that it can be difficult to read.

This is an intense and heart-pounding story of a mother's love and the lengths she will go to. If you're a parent, Mary Terror will be the embodiment of your worst nightmares. Rooting for Laura is both overwhelming and simple. She is a wonderful human being, and I wish she existed in reality.

I give this book my highest recommendation!

4.8 stars
Another McCammon masterpiece.

The opening scene of this work is truly the most shocking and horrific one I've ever had the privilege of reading. It grabs you by the throat from the very first sentence and doesn't let go.

"Tell me you're not going there! McCammon!" This exclamation perfectly captures the sense of anticipation and dread that builds as you turn the page, wondering just what terrifying new territory the author is about to explore.

McCammon's ability to create such a vivid and disturbing image in the reader's mind is a testament to his skill as a storyteller. He has a unique talent for taking the ordinary and twisting it into something truly extraordinary and terrifying.

If you're a fan of horror or just looking for a great read that will keep you on the edge of your seat, then this book is definitely for you. It's a must-read for anyone who appreciates masterful storytelling and a good scare.

I have no words for this book other than this is easily the best book I have read this year.

McCammon's writing is simply outstanding. He manages to create a psychopath like no other, a character so terrifying and complex that it leaves the reader in awe.

The way he portrays her is masterful, making the reader feel as if they are right there in her twisted mind.

Even the devils in Hell will fear her, and this statement couldn't be more accurate. The book is filled with intense and heart-pounding moments that keep the reader on the edge of their seat from start to finish.

My heart is still racing a day after finishing the book, a testament to the power of McCammon's storytelling.

This is a must-read for any fan of psychological thrillers or horror. It will leave you with a sense of unease and a newfound appreciation for the darker side of human nature.

Wow! McCammon's first foray into non-supernatural thrillers is truly a remarkable success!

Despite spanning nearly five hundred pages, the pacing is relentless, and the pages seem to turn themselves. The suspense is palpable and never lets up for a moment. Mary Terrell, or Mary Terror, is a truly terrifying villain, and her psychotic state of mind makes her all the more chillingly believable. McCammon does an outstanding job of capturing this unbalanced woman as we follow her cross-country rampage, filled with bloodshed and heart-stopping moments for the fate of the stolen newborn baby. Mary Terror, in all her mad glory, is a far more terrifying villain than any of his supernatural creations.

Mary's psychotic state is expertly counterbalanced by Laura, the baby's mother. Her character undergoes a significant transformation throughout the novel, coming to life in vivid detail. The supporting cast of minor characters also adds depth and authenticity to the story. McCammon is at the top of his game with this gripping tale.

Although the novel covers a relatively short period of time, there is an almost epic quality to it, with its various settings and the backstories of Mary and the other characters. The ending, while a bit abrupt, is highly satisfying. It now firmly ranks among my favorite novels by McCammon.

The only drawback that slightly slows the pacing is the frequent shifts in perspective. With a predominantly female cast, the use of "she" can become a bit confusing, especially as Mary and Laura's stories converge. However, this minor flaw does little to detract from the overall tension and excitement of the book, which is nearly impossible to put down.

4.5/5.

This is truly one of the best thrillers I have read in recent memory!

The book is essentially a cross country car chase that is filled with crazy 60s acid cults, disfigured ex cops who have turned into hitmen, and a cast of wild characters that we meet along the way.

It is fast paced and violent, and it is a real page turner that flies by even with its near 500 page count.

There are times when the language is very dated and offensive, but this is something that I have come to expect with these 70s-90s paperbacks.

Despite the flaws in the language, the overall story is so engaging that I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves a good thriller.

It is a wild ride from start to finish that will keep you on the edge of your seat and leave you wanting more.

If you are looking for a thrilling and entertaining read, then this book is definitely worth checking out.

You won't be disappointed!

Wowwwww. What a journey!

Trigger warning: This novel is based upon infant abduction. Proceed with caution.

Each chapter is a masterclass of tension and terror. The portrayal of mental illness and cult affiliation is dynamically dysfunctional. The author skillfully weaves these two elements together, creating a captivating and disturbing narrative.

The absolute blind devotion of the mentally disturbed followers, who can be seen as modern “patriots,” is truly chilling. They torture, murder, and terrorize those who do not share their belief system, which is unfortunately all too timely in relation to today’s MAGA movement. The idolized leader, the vigilante soldiers, and the depravity of the disturbed loyalists seeking to please their master via violent acts upon society are all too familiar. The level of sociopathology on display is evident in today’s sycophancy within the GOP. It is shockingly prophetic and makes for a thought-provoking read.

Overall, I can highly recommend this novel for those who are looking for a thrilling and disturbing exploration of these themes.

Mine is a pulse-pounding ride through a madwoman's head. The drive of the story is relentless. This book will stay with me for a while.

Laura Clayborne's life seems to be a picture of success. She is happily married and eagerly awaiting the arrival of her first child. However, her dream life is brutally shattered when she discovers that her husband has been cheating on her for months. As if that weren't enough, she gives birth to a baby boy named David, but she barely has time to bond with him before the unthinkable happens - her baby is stolen.

Mary Terrell, on the other hand, is an aging hippie with a dark past. She was once a member of the radical Storm Front Brigade, known for their acts of violence and destruction across the country in the late 60s and early 70s. The brigade was thought to have been wiped out in a fiery battle in 1972, but a few members managed to escape. Mary has been living in hiding for over ten years, constantly reliving her "glory" days in her drug-addled mind. When she sees a coded personal ad in Rolling Stone magazine, she believes it is from her former leader, Jack Gardiner, asking the remaining Storm Front members to meet at the "Weeping Lady" in NYC. In her deluded state, she decides that she must steal a baby to fulfill a promise she made to Jack long ago.

And so, Mary manages to infiltrate the hospital and steal Laura's baby. From that moment on, it's a wild and unrestrained chase across the country. Robert McCammon's writing is intense and graphic, filled with scenes of gore that will leave you breathless. Just when you think the story can't get any more intense, he takes it to another level. I was on the edge of my seat until the very last page.

The first chapter is impressive, one of the most impactful ones I've read in a long time. I was on the verge of putting the book down when I finished it because it seemed so intense to me, and perhaps that's where the flaw lies. Maintaining that level of tension throughout 500 pages is practically impossible. It's not that the author doesn't try, but there comes a point when it just gets heavy. All that craziness, stretching the gum so much, I don't know. I was expecting something else, although I feared something like this.

The book itself, for me, is two and a half stars, and I round it up to three because of the soundtrack. It's one of those books that have music, and I love that. When those songs by The Doors, Guns'n'Roses, or The 5th Dimension (which in the book they translate as Pistolas y rosas and la Quinta dimensión, literally like that

This book, although it claims to be a horror one, is more of a thriller than horror as the story is about two women and a persecution.

The story itself revolves around trying to retrieve a baby from the much-feared Mary Terror.

A mother, Laura, will try to do the impossible to recover it without the help of the police. This character has a very good evolution as from leading a quiet and worry-free life, she turns into a mother who will do whatever it takes to get her son back.

I really liked how the author constructed the psyche of Mary and made her a very good villain.

However, there were parts of the book that I didn't like at all. Although the book itself is an easy-read story.

Overall, it has its strengths and weaknesses. The thrilling plot keeps the reader engaged, but the less appealing parts prevent it from being a perfect read. It's an interesting book that offers a unique take on the themes of motherhood and persecution.

Despite its flaws, it's still worth a read for those who enjoy a good thriller with a touch of mystery.

¿Previsible? Totalmente. This statement implies that the events or plot twists in the story are not very surprising or unexpected. It seems that the author has followed a rather predictable pattern.

¿Estereotipada? Sin duda. This indicates that the characters or situations in the story are clichéd or conform to common stereotypes. There may not be much originality or depth in their portrayal.

¿Entretenida? Una vez que la coges no puedes soltarla. Despite its predictability and stereotypical nature, the story is still engaging. Once you start reading, you can't put it down. It has a certain charm or吸引力 that keeps you hooked.

Acción a raudales y una de las malas más malas que he leído. There is a lot of action in the story, which can be exciting. However, the author also describes it as one of the worst he has read. This might suggest that the quality of the writing or the overall execution of the story is not up to par.

Un thriller para dejar la mente en blanco y dejarse llevar. Overall, this seems to be a thriller that is meant to be enjoyed mindlessly. It doesn't require much deep thinking or analysis. You can just relax, let go, and be carried away by the action and excitement.

This book is truly and absolutely amazing.

It is so intense and exciting that once you start reading, you simply cannot put it down.

The suspense within its pages never seems to come to a halt.

With each turn of the page, you are drawn deeper and deeper into the story, eager to find out what will happen next.

I have to say that I loved this book with all my heart.

It has become one of my all-time favorites, and I would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a thrilling and captivating read.

Whether you are a fan of mystery, adventure, or just a good story in general, this book is sure to satisfy your literary cravings.

So, what are you waiting for? Pick up this amazing book today and get ready to be taken on an unforgettable journey.

Someone needs to explain to me why none of McCammon's books have been made into a major motion picture. I've read approximately half of his works, and each one seems to have the potential to be an excellent movie. His writing style is so vivid that I can clearly envision the entire scene in my mind. It's astonishing that nobody in Hollywood has pushed for his works to be adapted into films.

I'm aware that he has some books optioned, but even Spider-Man took 20 years to make it to the big screen (thankfully, though). He does have a Twilight Zone episode to his credit, but that's really all. Fan films are not the same, although there are a few out there.

Take "Mine" for example. It has an amazing action and revenge plot set in the modern day 90s. Laura Claybourne has her 2-day-old baby kidnapped by a 60's radical, Mary Terral, also known as Mary Terror. Mary believes she has received a sign to reform her old activist group and bring the leader, Lord Jack, his baby.

Through messages and old friends, Laura discovers that Jack is living in California and embarks on a journey there. With no assistance from the police, she takes it upon herself to find her baby. Come what may, she follows Mary in her destructive path across the country on a road trip like no other I've ever read.

"Mine" never slows down or pauses for reflection or flashbacks. The in-your-face violence and action make it an incredibly exciting read. Both women are characters I would never want to cross - they're tough as nails until the very end.