It seems I read this every Halloween - well for the last few years at least.

Even after all this time, I still have a deep affection for it.

If you are a fan of Poe's story or Robert McCammon, then you are certain to love this story as well.

This story has a certain charm that draws me in year after year.

It has elements that are both spooky and captivating, just like the works of Poe and McCammon.

The characters are well-developed and the plot keeps you on the edge of your seat.

Whether you read it on Halloween or any other time of the year, it is sure to provide an enjoyable and thrilling experience.

I highly recommend this story to anyone who enjoys a good mystery or horror tale.

Give it a try and see for yourself why I keep coming back to it every Halloween.

This was initially going to be a 3-star review.

However, the denouement of the story was truly remarkable and completely unanticipated. It was so good that it bumped the rating up to 4 stars.

I had my doubts at first as to whether I could take a horror story seriously when the evil characters had names like the Pumpkin Man and Greediguts.

But as I delved deeper into the story, I found myself really liking the way the historical elements were seamlessly incorporated.

The plotting was excellent, and the gothic elements were executed with great finesse.

From the very beginning, there was a pervasive sense of insanity and paranormal horror that kept me on the edge of my seat.

In fact, if I were to continue listing all the aspects that I liked about this book, I might very well have to raise the rating again!

It's clear that the author has a talent for creating a captivating and spine-chilling tale that will leave readers both entertained and slightly spooked.

I'm looking forward to seeing what else this author has in store for us in the future.

'Usher's Passing' was an exciting drive-in movie. If you, gentle reader, are familiar with what a drive-in movie is, perhaps you are as old as I am, and maybe both of us fall outside the age group that would relish this book. I felt the book had a shortcoming in one aspect - the writing. For me, it was rather ordinary. Nevertheless, the gothic plot was filled with mystery and scares! It's a great read for October, ideal for setting the mood before visiting a Halloween Haunted House! There's an ancient and unappealing family, skeletons in the closet, a decaying mansion, horrific deaths and disappearances, dark woods, and maybe even monsters!

The Usher family has endured after the downfall of Roderick's branch of the family, as vividly described in Edgar Allen Poe's 1839 story. Roderick's brother Hudson relocated to Usherland, North Carolina, where he established a highly successful munitions business, making the Usher family extremely wealthy. The Ushers are still courted by USA military generals and Defense Department officials today. However, despite their wealth, no cure has been found for the mysterious malady of sensitivity to their environment. All Ushers must construct dark cubbyholes or soundproofed rooms wherever they live to rest until the agonizing attacks of sensitivity to light, sound, and touch subside.

Rix Usher embarked on a promising career as a horror novelist and moved to Atlanta, Georgia, determined to break free from his family. But his latest book was a flop, and worse, his wife committed a terrible act. Devastated and suffering from the attacks that plague his family, he accepts the invitation from his cruel brother Boone to return to Usherland. Walen Usher, his father, is on his deathbed and wants to talk to him. Apparently, there are secrets to be disclosed before he passes away. Rix really doesn't want to go back. Rix has only fond memories of the butler Edwin and his wife, the cook Cass. They were the only ones who ever showed Rix warmth, affection, and perhaps even love. And then there's that terrifying old mansion built by his great-grandfather, which haunts Rix's nightmares - the Lodge, abandoned on the island in the middle of the lake several miles from the more modest mansion where the family now resides, the Gatehouse. Something happened to Rix when he was a child in the Lodge. He has no memory of exactly what it was, but it involved getting lost in the huge place and maybe a monster was chasing him....

Could it have been the Pumpkin Man or his pet familiar, rumored to be a large cat? Nah. The Pumpkin Man is just a local legend to frighten little kids. There have been kids disappearing after playing in the woods around Usherland for decades, so of course a legend would be created! More likely, it was one of the wild animals that escaped from the private zoo the Ushers used to have until that mysterious fire set many of the animals free from their cages. Then again, maybe the Pumpkin Man is real?!? Everyone who dares to go near Usherland or the mountain Briartop speaks of dark magic and evil monsters.

Rix is going home, but it's not going to be okay. It will never be okay as long as an Usher still lives to carry the evil forward....

Absolutely do not open the spoiler below until you've finished reading the book, but I couldn't resist typing the Big Reveal! If you're a mystery fan, gentle reader, you'll understand! I was compelled! Awesome!

OMG! The butler did it!

And you thought your family had drama? Well, think again. Against his better judgment, horror author Rix, the self-proclaimed black sheep of the Usher armament dynasty, makes the fateful decision to return home to Usherland. He is not only going to attend the deathbed of his father but also to face a reckoning with his estranged family and come to terms with his long and sordid family history.

This is my first encounter with a Robert McCammon novel, and for the most part, it was a Gothic good time. McCammon takes the most sensational multi-generational soap opera that one can imagine and throws every horror trope in the book at it. Here, there are monsters lurking in the shadows, mountain madmen roaming the hills, hillbilly folklore adding an air of mystery, haunted houses filled with terrors, child murders that send shivers down your spine, and horrifying maladies that make you cringe. It's a dark coming of age story intertwined with an insidious, ancient evil.

At some points, I felt like there was just a bit too much going on. Some of the historical flashbacks of the Ushers' past seemed to bog the story down and ultimately proved to be irrelevant. However, I really appreciated the way McCammon tied all the threads together in the final act. Even though I did see one of the big reveals coming from a mile away, it didn't take away from the overall enjoyment. And I have to say, I found the epilogue a bit...too much (but I'll leave it at that to avoid spoilers).

Oh, and did I mention the autumnal vibes? Seriously, if you are on the hunt for a horror novel with vivid fall imagery, you will definitely find it here. "Usher's Passing" is set in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina in October. While his character development may be lacking in some areas, McCammon truly delivers when it comes to evoking the beautiful and spooky imagery of the season.

Gdzie najlepiej czytać mroczną powieść, której akcję osadzono w Karolinie Północnej? Wiadomo, że w Karolinie Północnej! I tam właśnie miałam okazję ją czytać. Od mojego powrotu minęło sporo czasu, więc najwyższy czas podzielić się z Wami wrażeniami.

Nazwisko rodu Usherów z pewnością nie jest obce żadnemu miłośnikowi grozy za sprawą słynnego opowiadania „Zagłada domu Usherów” Edgara Alana Poego. Powieść Roberta McCammona pozwala zajrzeć we współczesne życie tej tajemniczej rodziny, która dorobiła się majątku na handlu bronią i fanatycznie wręcz strzeże swoich sekretów.

Czy mają do ukrycia coś więcej niż dziwną dziedziczną przypadłość? Czy w krążących po okolicy Twierdzy Usherów legendach o porywającym dzieci Dyniowatym tkwi ziarnko prawdy? Historię rodziny zarówno tę współczesną, jak i przeszłą skrytą w dokumentach poznajemy za sprawą Riksa, przeciętnego pisarza uznanego za rodzinną czarną owcę. Ten niechętnie wraca do domu, gdy jego ojciec jest umierający, ale pragnie wykorzystać ten czas zbierając materiały do książki o swojej rodzinie.

Przy prowadzonym śledztwie zawiera sojusz z zainteresowaną sprawą podejrzanych zaginięć dzieci dziennikarką oraz chłopcem o szczególnych zdolnościach, a wspólna podróż zaprowadzi ich „w głąb mrocznego labiryntu czarnoksięstwa, zamierzchłych kataklizmów oraz dziwacznych więzów rodzinnych".

Z taką umiejętnością snucia klimatycznych opowieści po prostu trzeba się urodzić. Każdorazowo czytając książkę Autora daję się porwać w kreowany przez niego świat i nie mam ochoty z niego wracać. Sposób, w jakim pozwala rozwijać się swoim bohaterom i opowiadanej historii przypomina rzekę, czasem spokojnie meandrującą, innym razem pędzącą z siłą wodospadu, do której dołączają kolejne dopływy, by zmieniać jej bieg, ale i przenikać płynnie zmierzając do punktu kulminacyjnego.

W tej powieści znajdziemy zło w najczystszej postaci, magię, bogactwo i władzę, które mogą zawładnąć każdym. Mną zawładnął gawędziarski geniusz Autora, który swymi fantazjami potrafi tak cudownie się z nami dzielić. The story takes us on a thrilling journey filled with mystery and suspense. We follow the characters as they uncover the dark secrets of the Usher family. The author's vivid descriptions bring the setting and the characters to life, making it easy for the reader to immerse themselves in the story. The plot twists and turns, keeping the reader on the edge of their seat until the very end. Overall, this is a captivating and engaging novel that is sure to satisfy fans of the mystery and horror genres.

4.5 stars!


Usher’s Passing is an enthralling story that builds slowly, leading up to an epic and nightmarish conclusion! I was truly surprised by a few things I guessed along the way. Am I becoming superstitious of everyone, a human lie detector test, or perhaps a crazy ass murderer walking around in a skin suit? I'll leave that for you to decide!

3.5⭐️

I had an extensive conversation with my friend Kelsi regarding this book on her YouTube channel. If you are interested in hearing our thoughts, you can watch that here: https://youtu.be/1-s7ppCJfWY.

I derived a great deal of enjoyment from this book and will definitely continue to explore more of McCammon's works. However, this one did not rank among my absolute favorites of his. I adored the depth and imagination that went into creating the world. McCammon truly excels in this regard! But for me, there was simply too much happening. I was rather confused during the first half as an abundance of characters were introduced. For some reason, it was extremely difficult for me to keep them straight, and I couldn't determine the significance of each one to the story, which really frustrated me. I also feel that I either overlooked a great deal or forgot a lot due to the sheer volume of side plots and backstories to absorb. Additionally, Rix, as the main character, left me with a rather indifferent feeling. I am a highly character-driven reader, so the fact that the main character didn't really draw me in or pique my interest in reading about them was probably my biggest concern and led to my not fully investing in and being excited by the story. Nevertheless, I absolutely loved New's plot line in the book. That was perhaps my favorite aspect of the story.

I do know that many people have a deep affection for this book. So, if the premise sounds captivating to you, I would still recommend giving it a try. I am a general fan of McCammon as a writer and truly hope that more people will give his work a chance to be read! This particular book just didn't quite hit the mark as a favorite for me.

Edgar Allan Poe's works have always been a source of inspiration and mystery. In his famous short story, he introduced the concept of the Usher Malady, which left readers wondering if he was perhaps describing an affliction he himself had endured. When we envision Poe, he is never portrayed as vigorous but rather on the verge of collapse. His body may be wracked with fever or cold sweats, and it is clear that any ailment he suffered from stemmed from the melancholy that pervaded his mind.

Robert R. McCammon's novel takes the Usher family and their story to new heights. After much research and discovery, McCammon uncovers the missing connections and reveals that the Usher family is still alive, albeit not in the best of health. Walen Usher is dying, and his children, Rix, Boone, and Katt, are drawn back into the madness of their family.

The Usher family has been in the armament business, and their wealth has grown to ten billion dollars. However, Rix wants nothing to do with the family business and has even been arrested for protesting the war. He is a struggling horror writer who uses a pseudonym instead of his family name. Despite the potential benefits of using the Usher name, Rix refuses, perhaps out of a sense of rebellion or a desire to distance himself from the family's past.

The Usher Malady is hereditary and has affected each generation. Walen's rapid decline serves as a reminder of what awaits the Usher siblings. In a desperate attempt to make sense of his family's history and perhaps find a way to break the curse, Rix decides to write a history of the Usher family. His investigations lead him deeper into the family secrets, where he discovers that there are other powerful forces at work, vying for control of the Usher name and its future.

The novel introduces several new characters, each with their own motives and agendas. Raven Dunstan, the crusading reporter, is determined to uncover the truth about the Usher family. The Mountain King, with his scarred face and pale green eye, exudes an air of mystery and danger. And the Pumpkin Man, with his yellow face, scythe, and black panther sidekick, is perhaps the most terrifying of all.

As Rix delves deeper into the family's past, he finds it increasingly difficult to distinguish between friend and foe. The true power and motives of each character are hidden beneath layers of secrecy and misinformation. Is the sceptre, the family's symbol of power, the key to everything, or is there something more sinister at work in the House of Usher?

McCammon's novel is a thrilling and engaging read that will appeal to fans of Poe and lovers of gothic horror. The fast-paced plot, combined with the richly developed characters and the atmosphere of mystery and danger, make this a book that will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very end. Whether you're a die-hard Poe fan or simply looking for a good horror story, this book is definitely worth checking out.

4.5 stars rounded down for GR. I absolutely adored this story! Robert McCammon's writing is truly masterful. He has a unique ability to draw the reader in and keep them engaged from beginning to end. This book is a very thematic and highly entertaining fall read. It takes you on a journey filled with interesting plot twists that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The characters are well-developed and the setting is vividly described, making it easy to picture the scenes in your mind. Whether you're a fan of mystery, thriller, or just a good story, this book is definitely worth a read. I can't wait to see what else Robert McCammon has in store for us!

McCammon is truly a master when it comes to weaving a captivating tale.

He has an uncanny ability to draw you in and make you completely invested in the characters and their circumstances. This particular story is no exception.

It is a blend of horror, mystery, and a disturbing element that gradually builds as it transitions from the past to the present.

The narrative explores the complex relationship between a family that has been cursed for a long time and the mountain folk.

As the story unfolds, we see how everything and everyone comes full circle, creating a web of intrigue and suspense.

It is a Gothic treat that is rich in atmosphere and filled with long-held secrets.

The vivid descriptions and engaging plot make it a must-read for fans of the horror and mystery genres.

McCammon's talent shines through in every page, leaving the reader on the edge of their seat until the very end.

Whether you are a die-hard horror fan or simply looking for a thrilling read, this story is sure to satisfy.

I really dug this story!

It was so captivating and engaging from the very beginning. The characters were well-developed and had unique personalities that made them easy to relate to. The plot was full of twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat, constantly wondering what was going to happen next.

The author did an excellent job of creating a vivid and immersive world that I could easily imagine myself in. The descriptions were so detailed that I felt like I was actually there, experiencing everything along with the characters.

Overall, I thought this story was a real gem. It had everything I look for in a good read - great characters, an exciting plot, and a well-crafted world. I would highly recommend it to anyone who loves a good story.

**UPDATE: $1.99 on Kindle US 10/16/20**

Well, this was truly one of the most bizarre and creepy books I've ever read!

Rix Usher returns home as his father is on his deathbed. He has been away for several years, penning horror stories under a pseudonym. He had no desire to have anything to do with his crazy family.

Rix's sister Katt is there, but she comes and goes as she is a model making her own fortune. His brother Boone lives there with his wife Puddin'. Boone, by the way, is quite the arse. And they all reside in the house with their mother and father.

The Usher family is absurdly wealthy as they own Usher Armaments, which manufactures weapons for the military, even weapons of mass destruction. They own the entire mountaintop, and there are people they allow to live around the mountain.

However, there is something truly freaky in those woods, and you definitely want to stay away from it. Also, stay away from the old Usher Mansion on the little island.

They call him Pumpkin Man, and his sidekick is the panther-like thing, Greediguts.

I thought the book was really excellent! I thoroughly enjoyed uncovering all of these horrible secrets about the Usher family. Rix wants to write a book about them, and the things he discovers are just plain nuts!

Oh, and I must mention that I despised the character Logan. They could have set him on fire for all I cared.

Anyway, there are numerous revelations in this book, and its creepy vibe was perfect for a Halloween read.

There is also a little boy named New in the book, and the Pumpkin Man gets his brother Nathan. There is something different about New, something in his genes that makes him a really cool little guy.

I also adored the character of Raven, who owns the local paper. She teams up with Rix, and with the help of New, they work to bring down the evil in the woods!

There are other strange and creepy things that occur, but you can read the book and decide for yourself. =) *insert creepy music*

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