In this captivating sequel to Poe’s “The Fall of the House of Usher”, McCammon presents a fascinating premise. He suggests that not all of the Usher family perished at the story's conclusion. Instead, a brother managed to survive. This brother, though afflicted with the Usher Malady, possessed an extraordinary power – the ability to attract good things to himself. As a result, the family thrived beyond anyone's wildest imagination. However, this power came with its own set of strings. While materially blessed, the members of the family were burdened with major problems.

Rix Usher, the black sheep of the family, fled the family estate and pursued a career as an author. But now, he finds himself facing writer's block. When his father dispatches the older son, Boone, to bring him to his deathbed, Rix decides to return, despite having sworn never to do so. This decision plunges him into a veritable maelstrom of weirdness.

This novel is, without a doubt, the most gothic one I have ever read. It features a southern mansion that exudes an air of mystery and decay. The mother refuses to accept that her husband is on the verge of death, even as he physically rots away. The elder brother is an alcoholic, gambler, wife-beater, and bully. The sister, who has achieved great success in the business world as a model, is a drug addict. There is a lodge in the middle of the family estate that has remained uninhabited. Rix was once shut into this lodge as a child for two long, dark, and terrifying days. The building has a disconcerting habit of changing its layout on a whim.

Just outside the estate, there are mountain folk who believe in the Mountain King (a benevolent figure) and the Pumpkin Man (a very bad guy who steals children). There is also a huge black panther named Greediguts. A teenage mountain boy discovers that he has supernatural powers. The ruins of a town that was shattered years ago by comets add to the eerie atmosphere. A newspaper owner is determined to uncover the truth about the family patriarch and her father, and is writing a history of the Usher family. Amidst all this chaos, there are the voices of reason in the form of the head caretaker and his wife, who essentially raised Rix and were the only ones to show him love during his childhood.

This book is filled with an abundance of action and intrigue. Every turn of the page reveals a new twist and turn. Almost no one is what they seem, and there is a disturbing blend of supernatural, technical, and human evil. The threat is palpable at every moment. Despite being overly exaggerated, this is one of the creepiest books I have ever read. And yet, I couldn't help but love it!

Well, I must admit that I truly wanted to DNF (Did Not Finish) this book after just the first 15 pages.

However, for some strange reason, I ended up persevering and finishing the entire thing. It felt like I was simply torturing myself for no good purpose.

This is by far McCammon's worst book. There was absolutely nothing in it that could be salvaged. With each turn of the page, it just seemed to get even more dreadfully bad.

The story was a bloated disappointment, with far too many things going on simultaneously. Moreover, there were way too many terrible characters, which only added to the chaos and confusion.

The plot itself stunk to high heaven. It was convoluted and made little sense.

The only redeeming feature, if you could even call it that, was the cover art. It was nice to look at, but that was about it.

Overall, this is a book that I would not recommend to anyone.

4.5 Stars -- A Great Read from Robert McCammon!

I won't claim that this book measures up to his classics like Swan Song or Boys Life. However, it was definitely an excellent work from an author who, at that time, was known as a horror writer and was finally finding his unique voice and expanding his creative horizons.

From what I've heard, his first four books, including They Thirst, were just average. Nothing particularly outstanding. But it was around the time Mystery Walk was released (which I haven't read yet) that the Robert McCammon we know today began to blossom.

This book really hit the mark for me. I loved how despicable the Usher family was. The more I loathed the characters, the more I adored the book. It means the author was doing his job well! I also enjoyed the historical aspects. Seeing Rix study in the library, researching his ancestors, or listening to tales about mysterious family members was fascinating. The book frequently takes us back to the 1800s, sharing anecdotes about various Usher adventures.

The supernatural element was also a great addition! Since I went into this book blindly, I had no idea what to expect or where the story would lead. Every twist was a pleasant surprise. Speaking of twists, there were some in this book that left me completely shocked. One twist, in particular, left me disappointed... not in the story itself, but in the character.

I'm glad I finally got the chance to read this. It's been a long time coming. I had this book on my Kindle queue for a while. And I couldn't have chosen a better time to read it. What a great way to start the October horror season!

McCammon takes Poe’s eerie, atmospheric story, THE FALL OF THE HOUSE OF USHER, and builds upon it, creating a fine homage to one of the pillars of genre fiction.

The Poe story is rather thin on action and lacks any backstory on the Ushers or the peculiar malady that afflicts them. However, McCammon supplies this in USHER'S PASSING. Rereading Poe’s classic tale after reading McCammon’s novel significantly enhances the experience of reading that 160-year-old story.

McCammon constructs a plausible, modern story around the Usher family and crafts a gothic tale of horror set in modern North Carolina. He deftly tells his tale with a proper balance of action, reflection, flashback, and drama. His portrayal of the Usher Malady and the panic it induces is reminiscent of Guy de Maupassant.

For me, a writer who can pen a scene so captivating that I can vividly recall it years later is the mark of a great writer. Stephen King achieved this for me in The Stand with Larry Davenport’s journey through the Lincoln Tunnel. Similarly, McCammon did it for me as he described how the Usher family descendants and their servants fled from the Great Chicago Fire.

The events themselves are an obscure clue in the story. But the narrative breathes life into what was a very real and terrifying event. McCammon描绘了充满恐慌居民的街道。从城市到密歇根湖安全地带的通道挤满了逃离的行人、骑马的人和马拉的马车。随着火风暴向湖边移动，建筑物爆炸。灰烬和煤渣纷纷落在人们身上，使他们着火。我读过一些关于这场火灾的历史记载，但没有一个像麦卡蒙在《厄舍之死》中那样生动地展现它们。

As good as this book is, I’m not entirely certain I would rank it among his top-tier works. McCammon has written outstanding mainstream fiction like BOY'S LIFE, post-apocalyptic horror in SWAN SONG, and historical fiction in SPEAKS THE NIGHTBIRD and THE QUEEN OF BEDLAM, all of which surpass this fine novel.

For fans of Poe, this book is an absolute must-read. It is not a derivative of Poe; rather, it is a homage. It adds depth to one of Poe’s finest stories. For McCammon fans, while we know he has written better, this one is still worth reading for its entertaining story.

I have read several novels written by McCammon, and unfortunately, this particular one ranks as my least favorite so far. The main issue I have with it is that it seems overly busy. There are just so many elements and storylines going on simultaneously that it can be quite overwhelming.

However, it's important to note that McCammon still showcases flashes of the genius he displayed in his previous masterpieces like "The Wolf's Hour" and "Swan Song". The ending of this novel was also quite enjoyable and provided some entertainment.

Nevertheless, the overall work just felt a bit unpolished. It could really benefit from some good editing to streamline the plot and make the reading experience more seamless. Despite its flaws, I would still rate it 3.5 stars, as there were still some redeeming qualities to be found.

This is a very good book indeed.

I initially had a rather hard time discerning a connection to Poe's "Fall of the House of Usher". However, perhaps there wasn't truly meant to be one.

I did notice that the character of Greediguts was somewhat fantastical. The overall tone and feel of the book seemed quite realistic, but then this cat appeared rather far-fetched.

The book had several creepy moments that sent shivers down my spine. It also had a good story line that was engaging enough to keep me turning the pages eagerly.

I found myself immersed in the world of the book, eager to discover what would happen next.

Despite the few elements that I found a bit odd, such as the fantastical nature of Greediguts, I still thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.

It had a unique charm and a certain allure that kept me hooked from start to finish.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good mystery or a creepy tale.

It's definitely worth a read.

Wild and Spooky!

A small backstory: Rix Usher gets the news that his father is ill and he must return to Usherland to be with the family before his father passes. Rix is reluctant as he views his family as crazy loonies and has been writing horror books under a pen name to avoid any issues with them. However, he decides to go home to tie up loose ends. But things quickly turn crazy for him as he recalls a being called the Pumpkin Man and a building called the Lodge from his past. He teams up with a local reporter, Raven, and as he delves deeper into his family history, he realizes there is pure evil lurking within Usherland. He must fight to stay sane and not be consumed by the darkness.

Thoughts: This was a great book that took some time to hook me due to the world and character building. But once it did, I was drawn into the eerie world of the Usher family. It was my second book by Robert McCammon, and I understand why so many readers love his work. The writing is smooth and easy to follow, with no disjointed parts. The story builds slowly at first but then ramps up after the 50% mark, reaching overdrive by the 70% mark. The last 30% had me on the edge of my seat, filled with suspense, tension, and spookiness. It was another great book by this author, and I'll be adding it to my favorites shelf. I can't wait to read more of his works. Five "Thumping Pumpkin Man" stars!

The Pumpkin Man was lurking in the woods.

He was clad in a funeral suit of black velvet, topped off with a sleek black top hat. His face, as yellow as spoiled milk, was an eerie sight. In his hand, he carried a scythe that glowed an electric blue in the moonlight. With a simple wave of his skeletal hand, he effortlessly parted the underbrush before him. Those who had the misfortune to encounter him and live to tell the tale described his eyes as shining like green lamps, his face split by a cunning grin, and his teeth sharpened to tiny points.

Robert R. McCammon is a well-known and highly regarded writer. His works have stood the test of time, and he has amassed a large and loyal following over the decades. There is a good reason why he is so beloved by readers.

Usher’s Passing is a book that I have owned for many years. However, it wasn’t until I discovered this particular edition with the Pumpkin Man on the cover at a used bookstore that I knew it would be the perfect read for October. Just look at how delightfully creepy that cover is!

Originally published in 1984, the book does have a slightly outdated feel to it. McCammon was inspired by Edgar Allan Poe’s short story, Fall of the House of Usher. I decided to read Poe’s story before delving into McCammon’s novel. While it isn’t necessary to read the short story to understand the novel, it gave me an excuse to check it out since I hadn’t read it before.

Usher’s Passing poses an interesting question: what if the story didn’t end where Poe left it? What if there were descendants of the Usher clan to carry on the family name?

The story begins in New York in 1847 with Hudson Usher searching for the elusive Poe. He eventually tracks him down and confronts him about the short story he wrote and the unique malady that plagues the Usher family.

Then, the story jumps ahead to the 1980s, where the current patriarch is dying from the later stages of Usher’s Malady, a disease that has claimed the lives of every Usher. We follow his youngest son, Rix, as he returns home after many years away. Still grieving over his wife’s suicide, Rix is also struggling with his writing career and having to face his fears back at Usherland.

Interwoven throughout the Usher tale is the story of the people who live on Briartop Mountain, near Usherland. New and Nathan are brothers who go missing while picking berries one day. They are feared to have been taken by the legendary Pumpkin Man, who, along with his black panther sidekick Greediguts, is suspected of kidnapping at least 300 children and taking them back to The Lodge to be killed.

My excitement skyrocketed once the bizarre Pumpkin Man was introduced. It was impossible not to be intrigued by his strange appearance and mysterious actions.

But there’s more to the story!

Yet another subplot focuses on Raven Dunstan, a journalist for the town paper who is investigating the disappearances of children over the years. She is also the daughter of the publisher who is writing an exposé on the Usher family.

The various subplots, characters, flashbacks, and diary entries make for a rather complicated book, especially considering it is just over 400 pages long. McCammon seems to have thrown in every possible element, creating a witches’ brew of a story. While I can appreciate his creativity, the book didn’t quite grip me as I had hoped.

Overall, Usher’s Passing is a fine atmospheric yarn with some interesting plot developments. However, it isn’t a book that will stay with you long after you’ve finished reading. It’s still worth checking out, especially if you’re a fan of McCammon or enjoy creepy tales, but I wouldn’t rush to put it at the top of your TBR list.

I have the 1985 Ballantine mass-market edition, and here is its cover.

However, I actually prefer the later editions with the art by J. Thiesen instead of Rowena Morrill. Here is an example of that cover.

My Goodreads friends have been constantly telling me that there is something seriously wrong with me because I'm rather indifferent to the McCammon books I've read, except for "Boy's Life". So, I thought that if this novel, which seems to be a southern gothic story set in a mansion in the North Carolina mountains, doesn't appeal to me, then nothing of his will.

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Well, it turns out that I might just have to reevaluate my stance on McCammon. Because this book was really, really good. I will be posting a full review soon.

Can a fantasy story get better than this?

This is a question that constantly lingered in my mind as I delved into this captivating story. To be entirely forthright, this narrative didn't shy away from some common tropes regarding the forces of evil and good. However, on the whole, it is an utterly engaging tale, brimming with vivid imagery, enchanting writing, and characters that either elicit profound affection or intense loathing.

The plot ensnared my attention right from the outset and held it firmly in its grip. Something malevolent "encircles" the Usher family, and a group of individuals is resolute in uncovering its true nature.

Robert McCammon offers a distinct perspective on the fantasy genre. He places significant emphasis on character development and accomplishes this with remarkable finesse. As I read, I was astounded by how the author continuously disclosed numerous clues about the land inhabited by the Usher family. I eagerly anticipated witnessing how all these clues would intertwine until the very end.

McCammon's writing evokes emotions that only the most exceptional of writers can manage. In conclusion, this is a horror story replete with magic, urban legends, fantastical beasts, and a family that endeavors to battle against the enemies it has itself created.

Being a die-hard fan of Edgar Allen Poe throughout my entire life, I approached the idea of reading a follow-up story about the Fall of the House of Usher by another author with a great deal of skepticism. After all, Poe's original work is a masterpiece that has left an indelible mark on the literary world. However, to my utter surprise and delight, this new story completely blew me away! It is truly a remarkable piece of literature that manages to capture the essence and atmosphere of Poe's original while also adding its own unique twists and turns. From the very first page, I was hooked, and I found myself unable to put the book down until I had reached the final, thrilling conclusion. This story will definitely knock your socks off!!!! It has quickly become one of my all-time top favorites, and I would highly recommend it to anyone who loves a good mystery or horror story.

3.5 stars.

I'm truly on the fence when it comes to this book. For me, it had a rather slow start. I'm not the kind of person who enjoys reading countless pages filled with descriptions. There are so many people out there who absolutely love this book. And indeed, it was interesting, and I'm glad that it concluded in the same way as Poe's original story. However, I'm not a fan of magic. Witches, warlocks, and beasts just don't appeal to me. That being said, the twist was really great. I completely didn't anticipate the ending. I only wish that at the very end, Pudding had been pregnant and perhaps the curse could have lived on in some way. All in all, it was an okay book.

It had its moments of interest and the unexpected twist was a plus, but the slow beginning and the elements of magic that I'm not fond of prevented it from being a truly outstanding read for me.

Nevertheless, I can see why others might have a different opinion and really enjoy this book. It just goes to show that everyone has their own preferences when it comes to literature.