After a menacing encounter between Hudson Usher and a dreadfully sickly Edgar Allan Poe, this story leaps forward to the present time, specifically the 1980s, and focuses on the Usher family several generations later. Rix Usher, regarded as the black sheep of the family, is urgently called home to his father's deathbed. His father is succumbing to Usher's Malady, a condition that has plagued every Usher throughout the generations and ultimately claims their lives.

Back at Usherland, Rix must face a deeply hidden and extremely dark evil within himself. This eerie tale grips you from the start. There is a malevolent Pumpkin Man residing in the surrounding woods, accompanied by his sidekick Greediguts. There is also an odd old man with special powers who lives on a mountaintop of ruin and is known as the Mountain King.

The story is filled with witchcraft, telepathy, evil canes, and magical walking sticks. There are characters you'll loathe and others you can root for. It takes you back and forth between events that occurred in the 1800s and the present time. Everything you read converges in the end, and as a huge bonus, there is a highly surprising climax at the conclusion of the book. I wholeheartedly recommend this to horror enthusiasts. However, there is some animal mutilation, so a fair warning to those readers who prefer to avoid such content.

I have always been a great admirer of McCammon's books. I have found that they are beautifully written and have a certain charm that keeps me engaged from start to finish. However, for some inexplicable reason, I had never gotten around to reading UP. The story in this book follows the Usher family, which is made famous in Poe's eerie and haunting tale.

This book is truly a masterpiece. It is written with such finesse that it manages to seamlessly transition between different time periods and the stories of different protagonists. This not only enriches the overall narrative but also adds depth and complexity to the wonderful story. The characters are vividly brought to life, fully developed and capable of surprising the reader at every turn.

I simply adored this book and cannot recommend it highly enough. It is a must-read for all fans of great literature. Whether you are a lover of horror, mystery, or simply a good story, UP has something for everyone. I would encourage you to pick up this book and experience the magic for yourself.

As a die-hard fan of McCammon, I promptly placed this book on my shelf, right beside Baal and Mystery Walk.

This particular work presents an early writing style that is quite evident in his artistic evolution when compared to his more contemporary pieces.

Nevertheless, I found myself completely immersed and happily lost in the intricate character development and the fascinating connection to Poe's family curse.

Any book that delves into witch lore, family curses, and the presence of predators lurking menacingly in the woods is an absolute favorite of mine.

The way McCammon weaves these elements together creates a captivating and suspenseful narrative that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat from start to finish.

It's a testament to his skill as a writer that even in his earlier works, he is able to craft a story that is both engaging and memorable.

Overall, I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good mystery or horror novel with a touch of the supernatural.

As one famous review of Sense and Sensibility once read: "This novel is goth as fuck." I might be misremembering that, but THIS novel, by the always reliable Robert McCammon, is indeed gothic as fuck. It is inspired by a famous Poe story.

There is a huge old mansion in a deep rural area. Next to it is a huge, scary lodge filled with secret passages, hidden rooms, dead ends, and more. And it also sits next to a burned out zoo and a graveyard on the mountainside. Below it is a comet-blasted, possibly haunted ghost town on the mountaintop.

There are wandering beasties, a Pumpkin Man, family secrets and curses, strange maladies. There are people with manners and people without manners. There are goopy illnesses and sloppy deaths.

This novel was pure October joy, and Mr. McCammon is rapidly rising in the ranks of my go-to authors for a fun read. If you need a modern Poe story, or a werewolf fighting Nazis, or an alien scorpion bounty hunter terrorizing Texans, or a post-apocalyptic good vs. evil bloodbath morality tale - he is your man. If you need anything more than that, well, God help you.

The idea for the plot should have suited me perfectly, but somehow I really struggled with it.

At first, I thought it was going to be a breeze. I had this great concept in my mind that I was sure would translate into an amazing story.

However, as I started writing, I found myself getting stuck at every turn. The words just wouldn't flow the way I wanted them to.

And then, when I finally reached the end, I was a bit disappointed. The conclusion didn't quite have the impact that I had hoped for.

But despite all that, I'm not giving up. I know that writing is a process, and sometimes things don't work out the first time.

I'll go back, rework the plot, and try to make it better. Maybe with a little more effort and some fresh ideas, I can turn this into something really special.

After all, every great story starts with a simple idea, and it's up to us as writers to bring it to life.

A stately Southern mansion loomed large, its once-grand façade now showing signs of age and neglect. At its heart lay a dying patriarch, his life slipping away like sand through an hourglass. The family had gathered, a motley crew of individuals, most of them teetering on the brink of insanity. Among them was one with the curious name of Puddin'.

Meanwhile, a demonic cat prowled the halls and grounds of the mansion, its eyes glowing with an otherworldly light. This feline menace had a taste for the locals, sending shivers down their spines. Strangely enough, some of the local yokels possessed psychic powers, adding an extra layer of mystery to the already chaotic situation.

Enter the hero and heroine, Rix and Raven. Rix was a strong and determined young man, while Raven was a beautiful and intelligent woman with a hint of mystery in her eyes. How this entire scenario did not appeal to me, I'll never know. Maybe it was the over-the-top insanity of the family, or the menacing presence of the demonic cat. Or perhaps it was something else entirely. But as I watched the events unfold, I couldn't help but be drawn into this strange and captivating world.

This is a truly captivating book that delves into the complex and dysfunctional world of a particular family, burdened by curses that have haunted their lives.

The central figure in this enthralling tale is Rix Usher, a horror writer with a burning desire to make his mark independently. He has long been an outcast from his family, shunning any connection to the family fortune. However, fate intervenes when he is summoned back to Usherland as his father lies on his deathbed.

As the story unfolds, McCammon weaves a web of mystery and terror, introducing creepy monsters and a spooky abandoned house that conceals countless dark secrets. The author masterfully combines the past and the present, creating a seamless narrative that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat.

The development of the characters is one of the book's greatest strengths. Each character is richly drawn, with their own unique personalities and motives. This depth adds another layer of authenticity to the story, making it all the more engaging.

The ending of the book is truly a surprise, catching the reader completely off guard. McCammon's skill as a writer and storyteller is evident throughout, making this a must-read for fans of horror and mystery. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone looking for a thrilling and unforgettable reading experience.

Robert R. McCammon employs the word phantasmagoric no fewer than three times in this book. This is a term that I wasn't immediately acquainted with. However, my husband, who was a die-hard horror book enthusiast in the late 70's and throughout the 80's, was very familiar with it. It must have been part of the trend of that era.

For those of you who may not recognize this word, let me shed some light (from Merriam-Webster):

The full definition of PHANTASMAGORIA includes:
1. An exhibition of optical effects and illusions.
2a. A constantly shifting complex succession of things seen or imagined.
2b. A scene that constantly changes.
3. A bizarre or fantastic combination, collection, or assemblage.

Now, I'm not including this definition to show how immature I can be, but rather because it's nearly impossible to review this book without revealing something. To me, nothing encapsulates it better than that third definition.

This book is truly FANTASTIC and it's CHOCK FULL of thrills and chills. Honestly, I don't know if I've ever read a book where every chapter contains some element that makes you go 'whoa'. Let me attempt to come up with a creative metaphor...It's like a cyclone of mystery hurtling forward...No...it's...

You know what? It reminds me of Night Film.

Have you read that?

It's not the same story, of course, and in detail they're vastly different. But it has a similar feel. Both feature characters who are desperately digging for the truth of a veiled evil. Both had me reeling, trying to figure out what in the world was happening. And in a really good way.

However, while Night Film disappointed many people with a weak ending, Usher's Passing completely blows it out of the water. Usher's Passing is simply outstanding.

What do you like? Haunted houses? Freaky ailments? Crazy lunatics? The occult? Mystery? Thrillers? Gory Horror? Bizarre historical fiction spanning four generations?

If you like any combination of the above, you will love this book.

Spoiler-y observations for my own sake (and for those who've read the book...):

Part of the charm of this book for me was the names of everything. Rix, Cass, Ludlow, Hudson, Arram, Raven, Newlan, The Mountain King, The Lodge...truly, McCammon's brilliant attention to detail extends to his name selection.

The Pumpkin Man's purpose and what he provides the Usher's!? I did NOT see that coming. I was horrified and SHOCKED. It really rocked me. I didn't think that McCammon would be so blatant about what happened to Nathan in front of New. I suppose, even with the creepy elements, this is where the book can truly be classified as a horror rather than just a thriller for me.

McCammon truly excels in crafting a captivating world and an intricate mythology that surrounds the classic Poe work.

His creation is not only engaging but also highly entertaining, making it a must-read for fans of both McCammon and Poe.

As I delved into the story, I found myself completely sucked into the narrative and became deeply invested in the characters.

The vivid descriptions and the masterful way in which McCammon weaves the tale draw the reader in and keep them hooked until the very end.

While it may not be a perfect 5-star masterpiece, it definitely earns a solid 3.5 stars for its creativity, storytelling, and ability to transport the reader into a different realm.

Overall, it is a great addition to the literary canon and a work that will be enjoyed by many for years to come.

This book is an absolute delight and is filled to the brim with all the essential elements of a captivating story that one would anticipate from a literary virtuoso such as Robert McCammon. I have a profound affection for tales that center around tragic family dynasties, and in this regard, this novel truly does not let one down.

Usher's Passing, in a sense, gives the impression of being a sort of love letter to Michael McDowell's Blackwater saga of novels. It is as intricately layered and detailed as it can be, and it has the potential to be expanded far beyond the current pages, much in the same manner that McDowell did with his own saga.

When one stops to think about it, Usher's Passing (and Blackwater for that matter) would make for an incredibly original and engaging series. So, Netflix, it's high time you took notice! Oh, and in case you require any assistance in penning that show... don't hesitate to give me a call

Satisfying


After watching "The Fall of the House of Usher" on Netflix, I found myself filled with a burning curiosity to explore more works related to this fascinating family. And what a wonderful discovery Mr. McCammon's "Usher's Passing" turned out to be! The book features superb characterization that truly brings the characters to life. The creative plot, laced with vague hints and snippets of the past, has an almost magnetic pull, drawing you in and making it impossible to put the book down. There are several moments in the story that are truly surprising and will hit you like a hammer, leaving you in awe. Overall, I firmly believe that this book not only meets but surpasses the expectations set by the TV show. It offers a deeper and more immersive exploration of the Usher family's tragic tale, taking you on a journey that is both thrilling and thought-provoking.

Oh, how I adore Stephen King, the author who holds a special place in my heart as my absolute favorite in the entire world. No one else could ever come close to his literary genius. However, then along came Robert R McCammon, and now I'm having some serious second thoughts. McCammon is simply that damn good!

In "Usher's Passing," we are treated to the author's homage to the late, great Edgar Allan Poe. Poe, who played a significant role in inspiring the horror genre and its artists, even makes a guest appearance in this book! But McCammon puts his own unique spin on the classic tale of "The Fall of the House of Usher." He manages to make it much more accessible for the modern reader, something that Poe's prose might lack a bit these days.

The story revolves around the Usher family, perhaps the most dysfunctional family in history, and the mystery surrounding their rule at the House of Usher. It begins rather typically, but then it weaves in a plethora of additional elements that take the narrative in all sorts of unexpected directions. This keeps you guessing right up until the satisfying climax. I just can't get enough of a good, satisfying climax!

The characters in this book are outstanding. They are fun, unique, and truly entertaining. Some you'll love, while others you'll really despise (I'm looking at you, Boone!). There's also a great villainous character, the Pumpkin Man, who is shrouded in mystery and has a penchant for stealing children with his trusty sidekick, Greediguts. There are some truly fantastic and brutal scenes involving these two, especially Greediguts, who lives up to his name. I won't say any more. Just go out and get this book now. It's perfect for Halloween, and if you're new to McCammon, it's a great place to start.

  "Evil … evil exists … evil exists to destroy love"









  "The man don’t find Satan. Satan finds the man."






Robert R McCammon