This is a decent story, but when I compare it to some of the author's later works, I have to say that those are far superior.

In this context, giving this story 3 stars is really stretching it. It felt more like a warm-up for the awesomeness that was to come in "Gone South".

The plot of this story was interesting enough, but it didn't have the depth and complexity that I found in the author's later works.

The characters were well-developed, but they didn't quite have the same level of charisma and believability.

Overall, it was an enjoyable read, but it didn't leave a lasting impression on me like some of the author's other books.

I would still recommend it to fans of the author, but don't expect it to be on the same level as their best work.

Excellent read.

This piece of writing truly stands out. It engages the reader from the very beginning, drawing them in with its captivating content.

The author's style is both engaging and accessible, making it easy for readers of all levels to understand and enjoy.

The ideas presented are thought-provoking and offer unique perspectives on the topic at hand.

Whether you're looking for entertainment, information, or inspiration, this article has something to offer.

It's a must-read for anyone who enjoys a good piece of writing and wants to expand their knowledge and understanding.

Overall, it's an excellent piece of work that I would highly recommend to others.

Robert R McCammon is a remarkable author with an impressive body of work. His first four published novels, Baal (1978), Bethany's Sin (1980), Night Boat (1980), and They Thirst (1981), set the stage for his career. I first discovered his work with They Thirst during my junior high school days. The embossed book cover caught my eye, and I knew I had to read it. It was a departure from the typical vampire novels of today, with its non-teenage, not-so-nice vampires.

After these initial novels, McCammon wrote Mystery Walk in 1983. I was working at the Levi Heywood Memorial Library in Gardner, Massachusetts, at the time, and the book cover intrigued me. However, it wasn't until decades later that I finally read it. And I'm glad I did.

Mystery Walk is a subdued horror novel with deep themes that might have gone over my head in high school. It was where McCammon began to hit his stride, leading to a string of successful novels like Usher's Passing, Swan Song, Stinger, Mine, and Boy's Life. His list of accomplishments is truly impressive, with multiple Bram Stoker Awards and a World Fantasy Award.

Despite his success, many readers may not have heard of McCammon. He is a talented writer in the horror, suspense, and dark fantasy genres, on par with King, Straub, and Koontz. He has a historical suspense trilogy and a forthcoming sci-fi/horror book, The Border. I encourage you to check out Mystery Walk and discover the world of Robert McCammon. In my next review, I'll discuss a science fiction novel that pushed my boundaries.

A story that was so interesting that I simply had to keep reading.

I truly loved Billy. I believe his struggles were a reflection of the era. In the 1950s and 1960s, in most southern states, religion held sway over the world, and the KKK was a force to be reckoned with.

The bigotry and intolerance become even more palpable when you have a religious man who loves a woman he shouldn't. Billy's non-Ramona has supernatural gifts and is half Choctaw. He grapples with this, especially when his son inherits the same gifts. Love and hate intertwine in a complex web.

As an atheist, I've always had a difficult time with religion. The drivel that spills from the mouths of evangelicals makes me sick.

All in all, it was a good book. However, I've read many others by this author that were even better.

McCammon is truly outstanding when it comes to balancing heart and horror.

His work, Mystery Walk, is no exception. In this story, Billy Creekmore is a character that makes a profound impression.

He is so vividly portrayed that he will remain in my mind for a long time.

The way McCammon weaves together the elements of heartwarming moments and spine-chilling horror is masterful.

As we follow Billy's journey in Mystery Walk, we are drawn into a world that is both terrifying and full of humanity.

The mystery that surrounds Billy adds an extra layer of intrigue, keeping the reader on the edge of their seat.

McCammon's ability to create such complex and engaging characters, like Billy Creekmore, is what makes his writing so captivating.

Whether it's the heart-pounding scares or the tender moments of connection, Mystery Walk has it all.

It is a testament to McCammon's talent as a writer that he can balance these two seemingly disparate elements so effectively.

Billy Creekmore will surely go down as one of the most memorable characters in McCammon's extensive body of work.

This is everything you could ever desire in a McCammon novel.

I'm writing this review a month after finishing the book, so it's not as fresh in my mind as it was immediately after reading. However, I still remember many of its details vividly.

The novel was filled with numerous interesting Native American supernatural elements. These added an extra layer of mystery and intrigue to the story, making it truly captivating.

Without a doubt, my favorite part of the entire story was the traveling carnival section. There was something both exciting and slightly eerie about the carnival setting, which perfectly complemented the horror genre of the novel.

Overall, this is an excellent horror novel that I would highly recommend to anyone who enjoys this genre. It has all the elements that make a great horror story - mystery, suspense, and supernatural elements - and McCammon's writing style is engaging and immersive. If you're looking for a good scare, this novel is definitely worth checking out.

Here we go again...

Another ridiculously good McCammon novel. It truly is a delight to come across such a literary gem. When I read about people's favorite McCammon novels, I usually see Stinger, Swan Song, or Boys Life listed. However, I am rather surprised that Mystery Walk isn't mentioned more often. It is an amazing novel by an amazing writer.

McCammon has a unique ability to create vivid worlds and complex characters that draw the reader in and keep them hooked from beginning to end. Mystery Walk is no exception. The story is filled with mystery, suspense, and unexpected twists that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

If you haven't read Mystery Walk yet, I highly recommend it. It is a must-read for any fan of McCammon or anyone who enjoys a good mystery novel. You won't be disappointed.

Well, this book was truly outstanding! I was pleasantly astonished as I have only truly adored one of McCammon's books, namely "Boy's Life." "Mystery Walk" managed to bring back some of that enchanting feeling of magical realism intertwined with horror that I so relished in the previous book. We are also introduced to some truly epic characters, such as Billy Creekmore and his mother. By the conclusion of the book, I found myself yearning to read more about Billy.

The story commences with a pregnant Ramona Creekmore, who possesses a remarkable gift. She has the ability to see the restless dead and set them free. Her husband, John, a God-fearing man (more on this later), despises Ramona's difference. He firmly believes that her gift is a sin. Years after Ramona gives birth, they have their son Billy, whom they both cherish. However, Billy seems to have inherited his mother and grandmother's gift, which further upsets John, as he perceives his family as "walking" with the devil. The book also follows Wayne Falconer and his father. Wayne's father is a tent revivalist who claims that his son can heal people. There is something within Wayne that enables him to sense certain things in others, and he truly desires to do good and heal. Nevertheless, something darker appears to have taken hold of him.

Billy and Ramona were the absolute highlights of the book for me. I utterly despised John Creekmore. A man who uses the Bible to incite terror in his son and wife and then dons the robes of the Klan to instill fear in others is someone I could not sympathize with in the slightest. I did understand, though, why Billy and Ramona loved him, although I was puzzled by Ramona. Ramona is a Choctaw Indian, and I fail to understand how her race was not seen as a deterrent to John, considering he had so many derogatory things to say about African Americans and how the world was即将终结.

Billy aspires to be what his father wants him to be, but his mother's blood calls out for him to do as she does and assist those who struggle to let go of life and pass on. The first instance when this occurs to Billy reminds me of "Boy's Life," and it sent shivers down my spine. At times, however, I think Billy's character is rather naive. He longs to be like everyone else, but his mother and his own actions have made it difficult for him to blend into the small town. When Billy realizes that he must move on (first to a carnival and then to an institute that can study him), he understands that he is going to witness more than he could have ever imagined.

I felt sorry for Wayne, yet I honestly disliked his sections. I did go back and reread when a revelation came that I had not anticipated. At that point, everything made sense, and I realized that I had not picked up on anything. That being said, I still did not feel sorry for Wayne. His entire character is just a chaotic mess, and when we finally reach the point where he and Billy meet again, I wonder how it will unfold.

Most of the book's setting takes place in a small town in Alabama. One gets a sense of the town and the secrets it harbors. There is also a portrayal of the ugliness that prevailed at times, especially when it comes to how the Klu Klux Klan was running amok, beating up and abusing anyone who did not conform. The storyline following the preacher was truly horrific. I wish McCammon had delved deeper into his character.

The book also showcases Billy working at a carnival, and I thoroughly enjoyed that entire setting. It was interesting and reminded me a bit of Stephen King's "Joyland." However, when the story shifted to Billy at the institute, I found myself getting a bit bored.

I must say that the ending seemed a bit off to me. I'm not sure why. Maybe it's because I expected some epic final battle or something, and I felt a bit disappointed. Although I was content with how things are left for Billy, I did wish to follow him a little further on his mystery walk.

Mystery Walk is a curious blend. On one hand, it's a horror story replete with genre tropes. On the other, it's a parable about life itself. Alas, while it has its entertaining moments, it doesn't truly shine in either regard.

Our protagonist, Billy Creekmore, hails from a poor farm in a small Alabama town. His story forms one aspect of the parable. We first encounter him at around 9 years old and follow his life in leaps through the 13 sections of the book. Billy's mother, Ramona, is part Choctaw Indian and has a strange ability to ease ghosts from Earth to the beyond. Her husband, John, is a typical bible-thumping southern farmer who views Ramona's gift as evil-tainted.

The other side of the parable involves a traveling preacher, J.J., and his son, Wayne. J.J. is a classic southern preacher stereotype, praising the Lord with one hand and reaching out for cash with the other. His empire expands when Wayne shows the ability to heal. The two families meet at a revival, and there's an instant frisson that simmers and eventually boils over.

The Mystery Walk, as Ramona and her mother call it, is one's life journey. Billy is told that life will present challenges and to strive for good over evil. We know the walk involves Billy and Wayne, but McCammon keeps the reader guessing which represents good and which represents evil.

I've always admired McCammon's prose and character development, and this book is no exception. However, it feels like he was trying to do too much here with the dual aspects of horror and parable. Published in 1992 but written about a decade earlier, it has the feel of a first book. There are too many sidelines that, while interesting, only serve to lengthen the story without adding much substance. The cursory treatment of racial tension in 60s Alabama and J.J.'s book and album burning are more distracting than helpful to the plot.

All in all, it's not the most impressive of McCammon's works, even for genre fans. I'd give it 2.5 stars, rounded up.

Although this novel is nowhere near the absolute magnificence of Swan Song and Boy's Life, there is still an abundance to love about it.

The story has its own unique charm and engaging elements that draw the reader in. The characters are well-developed and their relationships add depth to the narrative.

However, it is not without its flaws. There were unfortunately some sections that I really struggled to get through. These parts felt a bit拖沓 or perhaps didn't quite hold my interest as strongly as the rest of the book.

Overall, I would rate this novel a 3.5 stars. It has its strengths and weaknesses, but despite the areas that needed improvement, it still managed to keep me entertained and invested in the story for the most part.

I would recommend it to others who enjoy this genre, but with the caveat that they may need to persevere through the slower sections.

Crap, the edition I read isn't on here.

This was a really good horror novel. As another reviewer pointed out, the scene with the saw that screams like a man was truly excellent. I also adored the concept of an evil carnival ride. And let's not forget the reanimated fat man's corpse chasing two dudes across the desert while brandishing razor-studded brass knuckles. It was intense and thrilling.

However, there was some filler in the story. Like a few other people mentioned, there were pacing issues. Additionally, new characters emerged towards the end of the book when they should have been introduced much earlier.

Also, the mom and kid getting all sentimental about the abusive husband/father (who, by the way, was a Klan member) was rather strange.

But seriously, if someone were to adapt this into a movie correctly, it would be kickass. By the way, why does Twilight get a movie, while tons of amazing horror novels from the 80s, like this one, don't? It's a mystery.

Wow.

I find myself with very few words to express my admiration. Robert McCammon has truly become one of my favorite horror authors after reading this and "Stinger".

I'm not a huge fan of Dean Koontz, and while Stephen King will always hold a special place in my horror-loving heart, Mr. McCammon has emerged as a close rival.

His writing is simply captivating. It has the ability to draw you in and keep you on the edge of your seat, filled with anticipation and dread.

The way he crafts his stories, the vivid descriptions, and the unique characters all contribute to the overall atmosphere of horror.

It's truly a remarkable experience reading his works. Just...wow.

I can't wait to explore more of his books and see what other terrifying tales he has in store for us.