Revenge, hate, horror and fear, all these powerful emotions are hidden away in a seemingly perfect little town named Bethany's Sin.

However, everything changes when darkness falls and hell rides the highway.

This is my second read from this author, and from the very first page to the last, I was truly captivated by this book. McCammon has a unique talent for creating a world that is both terrifying and compelling.

The characters are well-developed, and the plot keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.

Overall, I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good horror story. McCammon is fast becoming one of my favorite authors, and I can't wait to read more of his work.

Another solid, entertaining outing.

It was truly a remarkable experience. McCammon never fails to deliver. His work is always filled with excitement and engaging storylines.

I have a deep love for his writing. It has the power to transport me to different worlds and make me feel a wide range of emotions.

Every time I pick up one of his books, I know I'm in for a treat. The characters are well-developed and the plots are full of twists and turns.

McCammon's talent as a writer is truly outstanding. He has a way of making the reader feel completely invested in the story.

This latest outing was no exception. It was a page-turner from start to finish. I couldn't put it down until I reached the end.

I can't wait to see what he has in store for us next. McCammon is definitely one of my favorite authors, and I highly recommend his work to anyone looking for a great read.

Bethany's Sin was McCammon's second novel, and it truly is a worthwhile and fascinating read.

Although it isn't quite as well polished or subtle as his later works, it more than makes up for any lack of literary polish with its enthusiasm and thought-provoking subjects.

What sets this novel apart is that it is more directly influenced by mythology than any of his other novels.

It presents a tense and dark fantasy that vividly reminds one of Thomas Tryon's Harvest Home.

The story likely delves deep into the realm of the unknown, exploring themes that challenge the reader's perception and imagination.

With its unique blend of mythology and fantasy, Bethany's Sin offers a captivating experience that keeps the reader engaged from start to finish.

It may not have the refined elegance of McCammon's later masterpieces, but its raw energy and engaging storyline make it a must-read for fans of the genre.

Whether you're a die-hard fantasy lover or simply looking for a good book to lose yourself in, Bethany's Sin is definitely worth checking out.

The small town of Bethany's Sin appears to be the idyllic location for the Reid family to embark on a fresh start. However, is it truly as perfect as it seems?

The plot of Bethany's Sin had a certain degree of predictability. Nevertheless, it remained a gratifying read. Robert R McCammon is a talented writer. After having read and relished Swan Song, Boy's Life, and now Bethany's Sin, I eagerly anticipate delving into more works by this author.

McCammon has a knack for creating vivid settings and engaging characters that draw the reader in and keep them hooked until the very end. Although the storyline of Bethany's Sin may not have been entirely original, it was still executed with skill and finesse. The author's descriptive language brings the town of Bethany's Sin to life, making it easy for the reader to envision the events unfolding.

Overall, Bethany's Sin is a worthwhile read for fans of McCammon's work and those who enjoy a good mystery or thriller. It may not be the most groundbreaking novel, but it is an enjoyable one that will keep you entertained from start to finish.

This was a re-read for me, as we're going through the Robert McCammon Challenge. We're reading his catalog in chronological order, one book a month. This time around, Bethany's Sin picked up an extra star.

I found that I really enjoyed the uniqueness of the story. It's about the strange happenings in this out-of-the-way little hamlet set in rural Pennsylvania. McCammon does an amazing job of tying the ancient civilization of the Amazons and transplanting them into 1980 suburbia.

Evan Reid is a Vietnam vet. His PTSD causes him to relive his past in his dreams. This makes it hard for him and his family to stay in one place. Before long, Evan burns their bridges and they have to start all over. Now, Evan, his wife Kay, and their little daughter Laurie discover Bethany's Sin. It seems like an idyllic Mayberry, the perfect spot to "start over". But soon after moving in, Evan notices strange things about the residents. All of the women seem to be the dominant ones in the neighborhood. Many aren't married, and the ones that are have submissive husbands. Obviously, Evan finds this unusual for 1980 and mentions it to Kay. But Kay is afraid that her husband is overreacting and will spoil their attempt at a new beginning, so she gets angry with him. The guilt from these new accusations, along with his past mistakes, clouds Evan's thinking. He desperately wants the life his family deserves, so he dismisses what he sees as paranoia. But no matter how much he wants the American dream for his family, it doesn't change the fact that there's more to Bethany's Sin than meets the eye.

I connected with Evan the most out of all the characters. I could feel his grief and anxiety as he tried so hard to provide a wonderful life for his family. I've read some reviews where some people have accused McCammon of being sexist because the women characters are portrayed as the "bad guys". But I would argue the opposite. I think his unique and strong portrayal of the women of Bethany's Sin is a paradoxical dig at the male-dominated society that was the norm in 1980. I also found the writing to be much better than his first novel, Baal. You can really see the progression that led him to become the great writer he is today. I've said it before and I'll say it again. I've read numerous writers who would kill to be able to write at this level. When you put it in perspective, it makes you truly appreciate his talent.

4 Electric Blue Eyes out of 5

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If anyone else had written it, perhaps it would have received a different assessment. However, for McCammon, this particular work loses a star. It's not that it's a bad piece by any means, but when compared to the best that McCammon is capable of, it falls slightly short.

McCammon has shown time and again that he has the talent and creativity to produce truly outstanding works. His previous efforts have set a high bar, and unfortunately, this one doesn't quite reach that level.

There are still many redeeming qualities in the piece. The story has an interesting premise, and McCammon's writing style is engaging as always. But there are areas where it could have been improved. Maybe the characters could have been more developed, or the plot could have had more twists and turns.

Overall, while it's not a terrible work, it's not the best that McCammon can do. It's a bit disappointing, but it also gives us hope that he will come back stronger with his next effort.

Who's To Say What Goes On Behind Closed Doors


This is an incredibly interesting read that truly gave me the chills. It's a story where past worlds collide with the present in the most captivating way. The pages are filled with a diverse and engaging cast of characters, each with their own unique personalities and motives. The storyline is one hell of a ride, full of twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat. But perhaps the most fascinating aspect is the exploration of the female mind. We are often told to beware of what lies behind closed doors, but in this case, it's the mind of a woman that holds the most secrets. As the story unfolds, we are drawn deeper into her psyche, uncovering hidden desires, fears, and past traumas. It's a thrilling and thought-provoking journey that will leave you with a new perspective on the power of the human mind.

This latest read was a reread of this highly entertaining book.

I had initially read it some time ago and was thoroughly captivated by its engaging storyline and well-developed characters.

Rereading it now, I was able to pick up on details that I might have missed the first time around.

The author's writing style is truly remarkable, making it easy to lose oneself in the pages of the book.

Each chapter brings new excitement and surprises, keeping the reader on the edge of their seat.

The book also explores various themes such as love, friendship, and self-discovery, adding depth and meaning to the story.

Overall, this reread was a wonderful experience, and I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for an entertaining and thought-provoking read.

McCammon's juvenilia?

As with Baal, I'm truly surprised that he changed his mind and permitted these works to come back into print.

There is the faintest indication of a reverse Stepford Wives concept attempting to struggle its way out. However, McCammon simply isn't proficient enough at this stage to execute it successfully. What one ultimately gets is this strange, somewhat misogynistic, and overly written jumble. It is unintentionally comical at certain points, but more in a pathetically humorous way rather than a laugh-out-loud funny way.

So. Many. Words.

It seems that these early works of McCammon may not have aged as gracefully as one might have hoped.

Perhaps he was still finding his literary voice and style during this period.

Nonetheless, it is interesting to see how an author's writing evolves over time.

Even if these juvenilia are not without their flaws, they do offer a glimpse into McCammon's creative journey.

A small town, with a past that seems to be lost in the annals of time.

At the beginning, the story has a slow start. McCammon takes his time to develop the character back stories and set up the mental visuals of the town.

Despite the slow pace, he has a nice touch of dropping enough tidbits to make the reader want to keep finding out more. This keeps the reader interested as the story unfolds.

Depending on one's knowledge of mythology or history, some of the plot points can be guessed early on. However, there are still enough twists in the story to keep the reader second guessing.

As the story progresses, it becomes clear which members of the community are dangerous enemies or victims waiting to happen. Bethany's Sin does have some interesting moments as the secrets of the town are revealed.

However, I did not care for how the story ended, which is why I gave it only 3 stars.

Old school horror from the 80s has a certain charm that is hard to resist.

If you have a penchant for those strange little town new family moving in tales, then this particular horror offering is likely to be right up your alley.

It presents a unique and somewhat violent take on the genre. The story unfolds in a small town, where an unsuspecting family relocates. As they settle into their new home, strange and eerie events begin to occur.

The atmosphere is filled with a sense of mystery and dread, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats. The violence, although not excessive, adds an extra layer of intensity to the narrative.

Overall, this old school horror from the 80s offers a captivating and thrilling experience for those who appreciate the genre.

Another early McCammon book that is better than most fans give it credit for is "Bethany’s Sin".

This novel is much more intimate than his debut, "Baal". It is more mature and has a deliberately slower pace. Instead of the balls-to-the-wall action approach, it opts for a mounting sense of dread that seeps through every chapter. Then, in the third act, it opens up Pandora’s box in a BIG way.

Make no mistake, just because this isn't a nonstop splatterfest doesn't mean McCammon skimps on the gore. There are some VERY graphic scenes, but he exercises restraint to pack a bigger punch when he does go there.

McCammon’s character work here is noticeably improved from his debut. The protagonist has a more in-depth backstory and a more compelling character arc. And the villains? This time there are a whole host of them, and they are vicious and royally creepy.

Although the story’s scale is much smaller than "Baal’s" (mostly contained to one village), the stakes for our heroes are just as high. My anxiety was in overdrive as I devoured page after page, hoping the beloved family at the center of the story would make it out intact.

This book shows McCammon trying to develop his literary muscles. You can tell he is experimenting, testing his capabilities. And it mostly worked for me. I really enjoyed this book, despite some minor flaws, a bit of required suspension of disbelief, and some slightly annoying early McCammon quirks. Overall, this early novel is a moody, atmospheric slow burn with a payoff that was well worth the investment. 3.75/5, rounded up to 4.

P.S. The cover art is creepy as hell, too.