In the 1980s, in Ludlow, Maine, Louis Creed, a doctor from Chicago, relocates to the small town with his wife Rachel, their charming daughter Ellie, their adorable infant son Gage, and Ellie's friendly cat Church. Louis has been appointed as the director of the University of Maine's health service. Now residing in an idyllic and spacious home, the family encounters a series of troubles upon arrival. Ellie hurts her knee, and Gage gets stung by a bee.

When their neighbor, the elderly Jud Crandall, welcomes them and takes them for a family walk, they discover a well-kept path that leads to the Pet Sematary, the area where the townsfolk bury their deceased animals. However, after Louis experiences a traumatic event while attending to a fatally injured student in an automobile accident, he dreams of the student leading him to a deadfall beyond the sematary and warns him not to go there. Sadly, he fails to follow the warning and soon uncovers a blood-chilling and sinister truth about the place. This truth is more terrifying than death itself and teaches the Creeds that sometimes dead is better.

In his 1983 horror novel Pet Sematary, Stephen King shatters the safe, conventional horror stereotypes and resurrects them with profound depth and layers. The novel features a heart-wrenching twist that fills readers with dread and terror as they anticipate its unfolding. King's masterful exploration of loss, grief, and guilt sets the novel apart from others that simply touch on these concepts. He humanely and transparently scrutinizes them, dividing the book into three parts, each opening with paraphrased Bible passages from the Gospel of John about the Raising of Lazarus. These passages add a deeper sense of mystery and occult, foreshadowing the events to come.

King's talent for writing characters and scary scenes is on full display in Pet Sematary. He creates a slow-burn narrative that builds apprehension through subtle tone shifts and then delivers a one-liner that cements the scare. However, the novel does have its drawbacks. It loses the brilliance of creating a mental puzzle, a dilemma that allows the reader to extrapolate the confines of human realities against the supernatural. In contrast, King's The Shining packs its scares with confusion, leaving the reader wondering whether the corruption of its characters is deliberately induced or influenced by the otherworldly.

Despite its flaws, Pet Sematary is still a horror classic. It triumphs at its intricate examination of loss, guilt, and grief, deeply embedding the message that sometimes dead is better. Memorialized as a memorable work of horror, it continues to captivate readers with its chilling story and powerful themes.

CW/TW: trauma, grief, death of a child, physical violence, mentions of animal abuse, strong language

Cementerio de animales is one of the many books that Stephen King has written. And perhaps it sounds especially familiar to you now thanks to the movie that premieres tomorrow. Well, the trailer really caught my attention (I'll come back to this later). And since I NEVER watch a movie without having read the book first, I went running to buy it.

Synopsis
Louis Creed and his family move to a house in Ludlow where he has found a job as a university doctor. There they meet the old Jud, who shows them the mysterious animal cemetery that is in the forest behind their house.

But the animal cemetery is not the only thing hidden in the forest. Further back there is an ancient Micmac cemetery that is believed to have been corrupted by the Wendigo and has the peculiarity of reviving the dead who are buried in it. But they never come back the same and some become evil.

The Micmac cemetery has a special power that is growing stronger and manages to attract Louis in his ruin and misfortune.

Sometimes it's better to stay dead.

Personal Opinion
The ease of writing that Stephen King has is something that none of us can deny, just like his vast experience in the field of horror.

This book hooks you from start to finish, leads you to dead ends, plays cruelly with your feelings and expectations, and manages to surprise you at the end.

Personally, there was a fragment that gave me chills of excitement. That small moment in which, in a couple of lines and without mentioning the word madness, it makes you understand that Louis has lost his mind.

In summary, it is a very entertaining book capable of transporting us to the very cemetery and it is worth reading. Although it didn't give me fear, what is fear.

I distantly remember reading Pet Sematary for the first time. It was the third book of Stephen King’s that I’d read, and by then I was well on my way to becoming a fan for life. What I recall vividly is being completely immersed in its pages and utterly enthralled by the story.

Now, after so many years, I’ve come back to it. I wondered if those memories would hold up. Would it still have the power to scare me, even just a little? The answer is a resounding hell yes to all of it.

Stephen King is one of the few writers who can take a premise that seems ridiculously absurd and turn it into an insanely terrific story. He doesn’t just lay out a straightforward plot. What I mean by this is that his stories don’t follow a straight line to the ending. They meander with subplots, and with that comes depth.

An example is the history of Jud Crandall and the burial ground in Pet Sematary, or the love that Louis Creed has for his family. Background is added, so reading the book is like looking at a detailed photograph.

In Pet Sematary, it is this background depth that creates the present suspense. You just know that something menacing is coming out of those woods, and you’re a little bit scared because you’ve come to care deeply for the characters. It’s not that this one scares you with outright terror. Sematary gets you with the tension that lies just beneath the surface. It gets you with sadness, grief, and the “what if” scenarios that it presents.

King has said that of all his books, Pet Sematary frightens him the most. When he wrote the book, his children were around the same age as Louis Creed’s kids, so the potential of the story hit very close to home. I realize that this review is not so much an in-depth look at Pet Sematary as it is a small homage to SK overall. It’s my way of saying that I loved this book and how it fits into his collection. After re-reading, I believe I like this book even more. The ending may not be my favorite of King’s, but it was like revisiting an old (yet scary) friend.

Spectacularly, intensely, and horrifically done.

Michael C. Hall does some truly great voice acting for different men. He brings each character to life in a unique and engaging way. However, I still wish it could have had an even MORE Dexter-sounding quality to it.

The forward by Stephen King was simply wonderful. It set the tone for the entire book and made me even more eager to dive in. I had been waiting a long time to read this one, and it was well worth the wait.

The story was excellently woven, with twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat. The last 10 - 15% of the book was truly WOW! It was a thrilling conclusion that tied up all the loose ends in a satisfying way.

I love King's older novels so much! They have a charm and a depth that is hard to find in modern literature. It was so great to read this one before the new re-make comes out.

The quotes I loved added an extra layer of depth to the story. They were thought-provoking and emotional, and really made me connect with the characters on a deeper level.

Solid 5 Stars. This book is a must-read for any Stephen King fan or anyone who loves a good horror story.

So this is the third time I have delved into this Stephen King classic.

The first time, I was but a teenager, and I simply didn't "get" it in the way I did the second time, which was during Christmas of 2015. That particular reading truly blew me away.

What struck me most was how deeply emotional this read was. I didn't recall crying as much the first time, but then, as a mother, everything took on an entirely new level of fear.

It wasn't a fear of the supernatural or paranormal, of ghosts or monsters. No, it was the kind of fear that only a parent can experience when watching their children walk around like precious pieces of their heart that have left their body and could be broken or taken away at any moment.

That's the kind of fear that this book evokes so powerfully.

This book is undeniably a masterpiece. The character development of Louis Creed is on another level of writing. He feels incredibly real to me, as do Jud and Norma.

Even Rachel, whom I've come to dislike, is crafted with such precision.

If you're new to Stephen King and aren't quite sure where to begin, this would be an excellent stepping stone.

It's the perfect example of the storytelling prowess that King is capable of, and it contains all the horror that you could possibly desire. It's the full package, a must-read for any horror enthusiast.

These characters should have taken a lesson from the old story “The Monkey’s Paw” seriously.

This is the book that truly convinced me that hardcore horror novels are not for me, at all.

I can't recall if I was already the mother of a toddler when I read this. Those final scenes from the book have seeped into my psyche. Just like the last hundred or so pages of Outlander, these are images that are permanently etched in my brain, and ones that I really wish I'd never put there.

The two stars are in recognition of King's talents as an author, not because I'd recommend this book to anyone except true horror fans. It's important to note that while King is a master at creating a sense of dread and unease, his work can be extremely intense and disturbing. For those who have a weak stomach or are easily frightened, this book is definitely not for them. However, for true horror enthusiasts, it may be a must-read.

In conclusion, while Pet Sematary may not be to everyone's taste, it is a testament to King's skills as a writer. His ability to create vivid and terrifying images that stay with the reader long after the book has been finished is truly remarkable.

Every year around Halloween, I make it a point to engage with something truly terrifying. Usually, I spend October devouring horror books, and sometimes I'll also catch a horror movie or TV show. The goal is always to give myself at least one really good scare. Last year, it was the movie Hereditary that did the trick. This year, after reading and watching a few disappointments, I discovered Pet Sematary, which I can now firmly state is the scariest book I've ever read.

In Pet Sematary, Doctor Louis Creed, along with his wife Rachel, their two young children Ellie and Gage, and their cat Winston Churchill (affectionately called "Church" by the Creeds), relocate to the peaceful town of Ludlow, Maine. Louis has a new job at the infirmary of the local university. The first day has its rough patches, but the Creeds are fortunate to have wonderful neighbors across the road in Jud and Norma Crandall, a friendly elderly couple. Soon, things start to look up.

However, behind the Creed's new home lies a field, and beyond that field is a path, cut through the wild grass and maintained to this day by the local children out of a morbid sense of respect. This path leads to the "pet sematary," where generations of Ludlow children have laid their beloved animals to rest.

And beyond the pet sematary lies the impenetrable, menacing darkness of the woods, and an evil that is beyond comprehension.

Overall, I found this book to be truly outstanding. The characters are incredibly well-developed, and it is truly chilling to witness Louis' descent into madness as the story progresses. Additionally, this is some of the most literary writing I've ever seen from King. There are several beautiful passages that add depth and beauty to the narrative. It also made me think deeply. Around the halfway point of the book, I sat down after reading and simply contemplated...for a long time...about my entire existence, about the brevity and preciousness of life, and about how we only have one chance in life, so we should make the most of it. I've never had a book have such an impact on me before! It was a deeply moving experience.

The main drawback of this book, and the reason I deducted a star, was how overwhelmingly depressing it was. I've read depressing books before, but this one took it to a whole new level. Large portions of the story take place in cemeteries and funeral homes, there are long scenes involving grave robbing, and there are constant reminiscences of the dead...what they were like in life, the joy they once brought but that is now gone forever. This is fundamentally a book about death, and the sense of dread that permeates every page is palpable.

King himself seems to share this view. In an interview, he once commented on Pet Sematary: "You know, I hadn’t been near it in 20, 25 years. So I listened to it, and thought, 'My God, this is just awful. It’s just as dark as can be.'" Despite its negative impact on my mental health, this is a well-written, moving book with a captivating story, vivid characters, and enough scares to keep you up at night. It's the perfect read for Halloween. Highly recommended!

4.5 Stars
Dark and deeply unsettling, this Stephen King novel has swiftly become my new favorite. I've always had a rather inconsistent relationship with the "King of Horror." There are times when his works don't quite resonate with me, but this particular plot had me completely hooked. The story is incredibly compelling, delving into profound themes such as the acceptance of death and the complex emotions of grief. The narrative is truly haunting, filled with numerous creepy scenes and vivid images that effectively create a palpable sense of dread. It's not hard to understand why this book is regarded as one of the scariest in his extensive collection. I, for one, definitely felt a sense of unease in several parts.

The audiobook narration was nothing short of fantastic. It added an extra layer of depth and atmosphere to the story, undoubtedly enhancing my overall enjoyment. I wholeheartedly recommend this novel to all horror enthusiasts, even those who may not always be fans of Stephen King's works. It's a must-read (or listen) for anyone who craves a truly spine-tingling and thought-provoking horror experience.

Stephen King has long reigned as the undisputed master of transforming the ordinary into the terrifying.

Pet Sematary stands as the ultimate cautionary tale, delving into the consequences that unfold when we dare to dig a little too deep, both in a literal and metaphorical sense.

The plot lumbers forward with an eerie momentum, much like an undead pet making its way back from the grave. This novel mercilessly claws at the very core of human grief, capitalizing on the universal truth that loss has the power to drive us to actions we might otherwise never consider.

When the Creeds relocate to their idyllic new home in Maine, they believe they have struck the jackpot of the American Dream. A cozy house, a stable job, and a friendly neighbor who seems to know a little too much about the burial grounds beyond the tree line. But when tragedy strikes, they quickly discover that the power lurking within the woods is not to be trifled with. For while it may grant you what you desire, it does not return it in the way you remember.

King masterfully excavates the raw, festering wounds of grief and denial, unearthing horrors that are both supernatural and profoundly human. The novel is not merely about the terrifying aftermath of resurrecting the dead; it is about the things we wish we could undo, the choices we come to regret, and the dark recesses of our minds that whisper those haunting words, "what if?"

With a slow-burn dread that builds like the faint scent of something rotten just out of sight, Pet Sematary transcends the boundaries of a typical horror novel. It is an emotional gut punch wrapped in barbed wire. The ending, bleak and brutally unforgiving, serves as a stark reminder that some doors, no matter how强烈 our longing, should never be opened.

Terrifying, heartbreaking, and utterly unforgettable, Pet Sematary is irrefutable proof that King knows precisely where to bury his readers, within a plot from which they will never escape.

Final verdict? Six feet deep in perfection.

I read this book two decades ago, and yet, the vivid scene where he describes the ancient magic existing in the woods where the Native Americans dwelled still lingers clearly in my mind.

This book was truly a creepy one, but at the same time, it was an incredibly great read. The way the author crafted the story, with its elements of mystery and the unknown, had me completely hooked from start to finish.

The description of the ancient magic added an air of spookiness that made the whole narrative even more captivating. It was as if I could almost feel the presence of that otherworldly power as I turned the pages.

Even after all these years, I still have a deep love for this book. It remains one of those unforgettable reads that have left a lasting impression on me.

Stephen King has emphasized that "Pet Sematary" is his scariest book, and after finishing writing the manuscript, he put it in a drawer, thinking that he had finally gone too far. And he was so horrified by what he had written... Well, Steve, how could he not be horrified!!

The book that I still hold in front of me while writing this review is probably one of the grisliest, nastiest, most disturbing, and most painful books I have ever read in my life. It touched all those dark places within me that each of us has, shook me to the core, and caused a real, intense agony to the extent that at certain moments, I had to put down the book to "recover".

Maybe I'm exaggerating, maybe I'm too subjective, maybe my current state of mind is such that the book hit the right nerve... Maybe.

This time, King played with the greatest of all fears, the fear of death. I think it is in the nature of every individual, or at least the majority, to struggle for survival and to fear death, both one's own and the death of those close to them. And when that most terrifying moment occurs, everyone reacts differently: some find the strength within themselves to push forward despite everything; others may raise a hand against themselves because they cannot cope with the loss; while for others, something simply breaks in front of their eyes, something inside them shatters and they will never be the same again. I believe that anyone who has lost a loved one in life knows how difficult it is to come to terms with the loss and move on, how much courage and strength is needed for such a thing.

King decided to offer an answer to the famous question - what if? He himself said: "I not only thought about the unthinkable, but I also noted it down." Maybe he just managed to bring to the light of day from the dark recesses of his soul what most of us only think about in the darkest and hardest moments in secret. And maybe he's just a sick person :) who gets all kinds of crazy and unthinkable ideas in his head.

What I must emphasize is that this book is definitely not for someone who is just starting to read King, because it could very easily turn the reader away from further reading his books (to Ivana, I'm looking at you while writing this!!), which would be a pity. I also think that this is one of the rare occasions when I thought that maybe a warning label should be put on the book to alert readers to the sensitive theme it deals with.

After reading this book, I have an irresistible need to hide it somewhere and forget about it for a while...

Rating: 5* (Did you doubt it? ;) )

**Fear Unveiled in Stephen King's 'Gerald's Game'**

Suppose you have written nightmares of other people for years and this time you write your own nightmare.

The king of horror, Stephen King, knows this book, 'Gerald's Game', is his scariest one. It's a story about the horror of losing control and death. King, who lived in a house by a road for a while, saves his young son from a truck accident at the last moment, but that terrifying fear never leaves him. Maybe this is the reason why among all the books I've read by him, only with this one did I really connect and my mind went dark. The real fear is hidden between the pages of this book.

And that fear is not just a momentary thing, there is no shape-shifting entity or demonic energy. It's just death itself.

Louis is a doctor who moves with his family to a house in a small town to work at a university hospital. The house has a winding road behind it that leads to a strange cemetery full of domestic animals. But that's not the only strange cemetery there.

Like all of King's books, to read this book and get to the heart of the story, you have to be patient. A lot. King has no hurry to get to those last pages that hold your breath and empty your heart. The story was sometimes so dark that I didn't want to read it, but I couldn't put it down. Until the moment I closed the book, I didn't even know what I thought about it, but I can't give a low score to any writing that has so much power to engage my soul even for a few hours on the last pages like this.

If you want a story of pure horror, this is the story. Otherwise, don't touch this book and let King's nightmare be as it is.

You can download the book from here
Maede's Books

28th March 2020