This was yet another delightful read penned by Robert McCammon.

A charming, diminutive town boasting an uncommon name appeared to be an idyllic locale for a family to embark on a new beginning. However, as is often the case, appearances can be deceiving.

This book artfully blended ancient mythology with contemporary horror. (Well, contemporary for around 1980, as that was the original publication year of this book.) Oh, and let's not forget to mention the Amazon women!

I would wholeheartedly recommend "Bethany's Sin" to any avid fan of Robert McCammon. Additionally, I would highly suggest this book to any enthusiast of horror tales set within a small town. It is one of those classic horror stories that reluctantly reveals the clues to the closely guarded secret that the town harbors.

Just what is the town of Bethany's Sin concealing? Read it and discover for yourself.

After reading the reviews posted here,

I approached Bethany's Sin with a degree of caution as it wasn't that highly rated.

But having enjoyed almost every other Robert McCammon book I've read, I didn't think it could be all bad.

I'm happy to say that I found this book most enjoyable.

Bethany's Sin is a small Pennsylvania town where the main character Evan, his wife Kay, and his daughter Laurie move.

It's soon apparent that life in this town is not as quaint and peaceful as it first appeared.

Kay begins having horrific and violent nightmares after meeting the town's mayor and primary antagonist, Kathryn Drago.

It's up to Evan to unravel the dark secrets of the town before it's too late to save himself and his family from the horrors of the coming "killing month".

Sin is a fairly quick read and has an interesting slant on the legend of the Amazon women and their hostile relationship with men.

Some of the descriptions of this are downright brutal.

It's a good horror story with some very creepy moments.

Well worth reading in my opinion.

In addition, the characters in the book are well-developed.

Evan is a relatable protagonist, trying to protect his family at all costs.

Kay's nightmares add an element of mystery and terror.

The setting of the small town also contributes to the overall spooky atmosphere.

Overall, Bethany's Sin is a great addition to the horror genre and I would recommend it to fans of the author and those who enjoy a good scare.

I read this book several, in fact many, years ago.

At that time, I was deeply attracted by its content. The story was engaging and filled with interesting characters and plot twists.

Although it has been a long time since I read it, the memories of the book still linger in my mind.

I remember the emotions I felt while reading, the excitement and the anticipation.

The author's writing style was also very unique, making it easy for me to immerse myself in the story.

Overall, I would rate this book 3.75 stars. It was a great read and I would recommend it to others.

Maybe one day, I will pick it up again and re-read it to relive those wonderful moments.

There is a highly exclusive list of authors who can never let me down, and Mr. McCammon firmly holds a spot at the very top of that list. This is his second published novel, and it provided an extremely entertaining experience.

Although some of the ideas are not fully developed (such as Evan being mentioned as a psychic and then forgotten), the premise is excellent, and the writing is of the highest quality, as expected. A small family relocates to the small town of Bethany's Sin (a great name indeed) for a fresh start and seemingly discovers the house and small town of their dreams. However, since this is a McCammon book, of course, everything is not as it seems, as the town appears to be haunted by the spirits of an Amazonian empire. Without revealing any spoilers, that's all you need to know.

If you can come across a vintage paperback of this work, I highly recommend reading it in that format. The incredible 80's artwork, cover design, and pages yellowed by time enhance the overall experience. There are simply some things that e-readers will never be able to duplicate.

This is not McCammon's best work,

yet it is still extremely good.

In fact, among all his works, this is the one I like the least.

However, it still manages to receive a rating of 4.

McCammon is known for his outstanding writing skills and ability to create engaging stories.

Even though this particular piece may not be his top-notch creation, it still showcases his talent and craftsmanship.

The story likely has its own unique charm and elements that make it worthy of a relatively high rating.

Perhaps it has interesting characters, a captivating plot, or beautiful prose.

Despite not being my personal favorite, I can still recognize the quality and value in this work.

It serves as a testament to McCammon's consistent ability to produce good literature.

Overall, while it may not be his absolute best, it is still a very good piece that is well worth reading.

As it stands in the body of Robert McCammon's work,

Bethany's Sin is definitely one of the lesser works.

Indeed, you can tell that in writing this, McCammon was still finding his voice.

Still searching for his voice.

Searching. Searching. Searching.

This repetition of "searching" gives a sense of his struggle and uncertainty in the creative process.

I'm glad that after this book he abandoned the tactic of repeating words for dramatic effect,

because he does that a lot in this book.

And I mean a lot. A lot. A LOT!

It can be a bit distracting and overdone at times.

As for the book itself,

it's got some thrilling scenes and a pretty great villain.

I was never bored while reading.

It was pretty good.

The story had enough twists and turns to keep me engaged, and the villain was truly menacing.

However, compared to some of McCammon's other works, it just didn't quite measure up.

But it's still a worthwhile read for fans of his work.

Absolutely Loved It!

I truly adored this book. It was an outstanding piece of literature that captivated me from the very first page. The author's writing style was impeccable, with vivid descriptions and engaging dialogue that brought the story to life.

Every character was well-developed, and I found myself emotionally invested in their journeys. The plot was filled with twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat, never able to predict what would happen next.

This book is a must-read for anyone who loves a great story. I highly recommend it to all my friends and fellow book lovers. It is undoubtedly one of the best books I've read in a very long time, and I can't wait to see what the author comes up with next.

If my understanding is correct, this is McCammon's second novel written and third published.

It's not as offensive as Baal, which I was prepared for considering the premise. However, ultimately it is a weak effort. Despite its short length, it is impressively boring.

His characters are showing improvement, and he significantly amps up the gore, which can be fun. But still, it felt like a slog.

The plot, which involves the souls of ancient amazon warriors taking over the minds of the women in a small town, was rather goofy. But it wasn't as problematic as I had anticipated. It seems there were a lot of missed opportunities to convey something meaningful. This is a book where gender plays a large role, yet the author has nothing to say about it. And there is potential there as well. The main character's wife is a working professional who does a great deal of work in the household and also acts as a caretaker for her emotionally disturbed husband. However, the uneven distribution of labor in the relationship doesn't come into play in any way.

I was relieved when I finished it. That being said, McCammon's abilities are indeed improving.

A rather short horror novel, quite in the Kingian style. In this novel, the heroes arrive in a seemingly peaceful place at first. However, strange signs begin to accumulate gradually. At the beginning, they might notice some odd noises or unusual shadows. As the story progresses, more and more disturbing events occur. The characters start to feel a sense of unease and dread creeping in. The atmosphere becomes increasingly tense and oppressive.

They try to figure out what is going on, but the mystery only deepens. The signs seem to point to something truly terrifying lurking in the shadows. And then, finally, all the pent-up tension explodes in a final, heart-stopping climax. The true horror is revealed, and the heroes are left to face the terrifying reality. This short horror novel keeps the readers on the edge of their seats from start to finish, with its build-up of suspense and the ultimate explosive ending.

Fantastic!

I have read this book an uncountable number of times ever since I purchased it in paperback form. It truly has a fantastic story that keeps captivating me with each read.

What makes it even more remarkable is the context in which it is set. In this day and age, where women are rising up and making their voices heard, the story takes on an added layer of significance.

It showcases the strength, determination, and courage of women, serving as an inspiration for all. The characters are well-developed, and the plot is engaging, making it a must-read for anyone interested in a great story with a powerful message.

I highly recommend this book to everyone. It is not just a book; it is an experience that will stay with you long after you have turned the last page.

In the village of Bethany's Sin, a sense of mystery and dread looms large. No man dares to walk the streets after nightfall.

In the village of Bethany's Sin, no man walks the streets after nightfall.

As I journey back in time to explore the early works of Robert R McCammon, I find myself delving into his third novel, Bethany's Sin. Having recently completed his first two novels, Baal and The Night Boat, I was eager to see how this one would stack up.

It's interesting to note that although this was the third novel McCammon wrote, it was the second one he sent to publishers. The Night Boat was actually his second book, but for some reason, he held off on releasing it. To find out why, you'll have to check out my review of what I consider to be one of his worst works.

McCammon himself felt that his first three novels were not up to par as he was still honing his writing skills. However, after some persuasion from his publishers, he decided to share these early efforts with us fans. I was a bit skeptical at first, given the negative feedback surrounding them. But let's face it, even on an off day, McCammon is still a cut above most horror authors.

The story kicks off in 1965 with an unnamed archeologist making an astonishing discovery in Turkey. Then, we fast forward to meet the main protagonist, Evan Reid, a scarred Vietnam War veteran haunted by disturbing nightmares. Seeking to escape the guilt that plagues him, Evan, along with his wife Kay and daughter Laurie, moves to the charming town of Bethany's Sin in Pennsylvania. But all is not as it seems in this idyllic setting.

Beneath the surface, there are mysterious disappearances, sinister figures lurking in the shadows, and the sound of hoof beats at night. It doesn't take long for Evan to realize that something is seriously wrong with their new home.

The writing in Bethany's Sin is typical of 80's horror, with vivid descriptions and explicit scenes that will make your blood run cold. McCammon's talent for creating intense action sequences shines through, and the pacing keeps the reader engaged from start to finish. The dialogue, while a bit wordy at times, still has a nice flow and adds to the overall atmosphere of the story.

The characters in this novel are well-developed and believable. Evan and Kay's relationship is a central focus, and McCammon does a great job of portraying the conflicts and pressures that can arise in any marriage. The side characters, such as Neely Ames, also add depth and interest to the story.

However, the villains in Bethany's Sin are a bit lacking. They serve their purpose in推动 the narrative, but they don't have the same level of complexity and charisma as some of McCammon's other antagonists.

Overall, Bethany's Sin is a classic horror story that is well worth reading. While it may not be McCammon's best work, it still has its moments of genuine terror and emotional depth. It's a fun and easy read that will appeal to fans of the horror genre.

Whether you're a die-hard McCammon fan or just looking for a good horror fix, give Bethany's Sin a try. You won't be disappointed.

Thanks for reading! Cheers!

Robert McCammon is indeed one of my favorite authors, and I firmly believe that many of his books are true masterpieces.

However, it must be admitted that he has a few works that are not as polished. Bethany's Sin, in particular, is likely his worst novel. It feels dated, with certain aspects being quite problematic. The writing can be awkward at times, lacking the finesse and elegance that we have come to expect from him.

Fortunately, McCammon more than makes up for this misstep with the rest of his novels. I would highly recommend skipping this one. In fact, it might be advisable to skip all of his work prior to They Thirst.

They Thirst is a fun read, but it is after writing this particular novel that McCammon truly blossoms into a strong writer and storyteller. I read Bethany's Sin simply to be able to claim that I have read all of his work, but I am relieved that I didn't purchase it and have no intention of reading it again.

Overall, while McCammon has had a few duds, his body of work as a whole is still highly值得欣赏.