2nd time around with this book and I opted for the audio this time. The narrator was truly outstanding. They really brought the story to life and sold it in the most captivating way. Even though I had a general recollection of the bones of the plot, I was amazed by how much I had actually forgotten.

King crafts a sprawling and engaging tale with truly incredible world building. This is precisely what I adored during my second reading. The characters, for the most part, felt familiar, like those I've encountered in other King books, yet there were a few wonderful exceptions. By the time the book reached its conclusion, I had such a vivid sense of Jerusalem's Lot and its inhabitants that it felt as if I had lived there myself.

While it may not be my absolute favorite King book, it definitely ranks highly among them. It's a story that has the power to draw you in and make you feel a part of its unique and often eerie world.

Mark Twain said that a story is a confession of everything by a person who has never done anything. This is exactly what every book of Stephen King is. A confession...

Stephen King's works are known for their ability to draw readers into a world of horror, mystery, and the unknown. Each of his books seems to be a window into his own imagination, a place where he can explore the darkest corners of the human psyche. Whether it's a haunted house, a deranged killer, or a supernatural phenomenon, King's stories always manage to keep readers on the edge of their seats.

You can read my full opinion on my blog, Through the Chapters, here.

«Ο Μαρκ Τουέιν είπε ότι ένα μυθιστόρημα είναι μια ομολογία των πάντων από έναν άνθρωπο που δεν διέπραξε ποτέ τίποτα»

Luxury rereading. I liked it more than the first time I read it.

The synopsis says:

The writer Ben Mears returns to Jerusalem’s Lot, the town where he spent some of the best years of his childhood, to face the ghosts of his past, which are related to the Marsten House. His purpose is to write a new novel that will help him exorcise his childhood fears, but someone else has arrived in Salem’s Lot at the same time, a perverse and sinister being.

My impressions:

King published this book in 1975. It was the second one he put on sale. This edition, Salem’s Lot, Illustrated Edition, 2005, includes the original published in 1975, two stories with the backdrop of Salem’s Lot, "One for the Road" and "Jerusalem's Lot", as well as several black and white illustrations and the scenes that were once deleted by the publisher. The author's note is very interesting and a must-read.

What if a vampire, in the style of Count Dracula, settled not in Victorian England but in the 20th century in a small town in Maine? That's the idea that Tabitha King planted in her husband's mind. The result is this book.

Well-written, it is divided into three parts. In the first part, King takes his time to introduce us to the town of Salem's Lot and the characters. Some inhabitants with ordinary lives in a town like many others on the New England coast, with its guesthouse, library, real estate agency, restaurant, etc. It even has the inevitable haunted house, the Marsten House, only this time, what lives there is something truly sinister.

Alongside this setting, the events begin to unfold. From there, the plot quickens. In my case, it was a non-stop reading.

If the setting is good, the documentation is no less so. King often says that he spends four hours a day reading, hours that are impressive if what one intends is to write. In his case, it is evident the cultural baggage he has and puts into play.

It is not a horror book that terrifies (and forgive the redundancy) the reader. It doesn't give fear, understood in the strict sense of the word. However, the atmosphere it creates is oppressive, generates tension and has quite harsh scenes.

The characters are very well constructed, both the protagonists and the secondary ones. Ben and Mark are the most outstanding. Matt, Doctor Cody and Father Callahan are not far behind.

The ending is appropriate. Endings are not King's strongest point, but this one does not disappoint. It is not a black and white ending, perhaps for this reason it convinced me more.

In conclusion. A well-constructed and developed novel from the beginnings of King. The prose, plot and characters are impeccable. Already one of his classics. Recommended.

1.24.19 - I just completed my third reading of SALEM'S LOT, this time through the audiobook format. The narrator, Ron McClarty, was a great choice for me, and I found this story to be just as satisfying as it always has been.

11.1.2014 - Original review.

I recently finished a reread of this book as part of the Horror Aficionados group here on Goodreads. I'm truly glad that I participated!

Remember little Danny Glick?

I first read this book in junior high or high school. Sadly, it's been about 30 years since then. I've read The Stand and IT a couple of times each, but I never got around to picking this one up again. Finally, that oversight has been corrected, and what a wonderful payoff it has been!

I had forgotten how tightly this story grabs hold of the reader and refuses to let go. We meander through the town, meeting its residents and learning about their daily lives. (I think Stephen King is truly excellent at this, mainly because you can tell he knows what he's writing about.) We focus our attention on several different characters - some strong, some weak - but they're all human, with both good and bad characteristics that we can recognize.

Quote: "The town cares for devil's work no more than it cares for God's or man's. It knew darkness. And darkness was enough."

I feel that this sums up my thoughts perfectly. I have nothing new to add to a review of a book that already has thousands of reviews. If you haven't read this tale yet, you really should.

‘Salem’s Lot was my very first foray into the world of Stephen King, and let me tell you, it was an absolute thrill ride that did not disappoint in the slightest. It had me tossing and turning at night, truly.

“The basis of all human fears, he thought. A closed door, slightly ajar.” This quote really sets the tone for the entire story.

Stephen King has always been an author on my radar, but for some reason, I just never got around to reading his works. However, not long ago, my dad decided it was time for my brother and me to be introduced to the captivating world of vampires. And so, our journey began. We would only read at night, adding an extra layer of spookiness to the experience.

‘Salem’s Lot is divided into three parts. Part 1 introduces us to the town of Jerusalem’s Lot, mainly following the protagonist, Ben Mears, a writer who has returned to his childhood town in an attempt to overcome some deep-seated fear. We are also introduced to a diverse cast of characters and get a glimpse into their lives in the town. The pacing was slow but meaningful, and the writing was superb.

“The town kept its secrets, and the Marsten House brooded over it like a ruined king.” This description really painted a vivid picture in my mind.

As we moved into Part 2, the tension started to build, and I found myself eyeing the window in my room with suspicion, peering out into the darkness. By the beginning of Part 3, I had even covered my window with a new blind, vowing to keep it pulled down until I finished the book.

This story is not just about vampires; it’s about how they can make you feel as if they are real. It shows that no matter how well you think you know the people who live around you, there are always secrets hidden behind closed doors.

“At three in the morning the blood runs slow and thick, and slumber is heavy. The soul either sleeps in blessed ignorance of such an hour or gazes about itself in utter despair. There is no middle ground.” This passage really captured the essence of the eerie atmosphere that King creates.

I absolutely loved the pacing and the storytelling of ‘Salem’s Lot. There were so many twists and turns, and all the loose ends were neatly tied together, leaving me with a sense of satisfaction. However, there were also moments that made my heart race with panic as I realized that a favorite character was about to find themselves in a terrifying situation.

Stephen King has an incredible ability to make Jerusalem’s Lot feel like a real, living, breathing town. The characters are unique and full of life, with their own distinct personalities interacting in the most interesting ways. I especially loved the main cast, including Ben Mears, Cody, Mark Petrie, Susan, and Matt. The connection I felt with them from the very beginning made Part 3 even more impactful.

“If a man dethrones God in his heart, Satan must ascend to His position.” This profound statement really made me think.

‘Salem’s Lot is a truly scary book, with moments that felt like actual jump scares. There are several creepy scenes that I’m sure will haunt me for a long time. It has forever changed the way I look at looming trees, the sunset, cemeteries, and even antique dealers.

“And all around them, the bestiality of the night rises on tenebrous wings. The vampire’s time has come.” This final quote really brings the story to a thrilling conclusion.

5/5 - This is definitely one of my favorite reads of the year. I am so glad that I took the plunge and ventured into this amazing reimagining of vampires. It’s authentic, terrifying, and all too real. I highly recommend it to everyone who loves a good horror story.

I recently watched a Stephen King interview. He was discussing the moment when he first fell in love with reading. He said that if he had to choose between love and books, he would really have to sit down and seriously think about that choice. In all the SK books I have read so far, his love for books and reading is always clearly evident. There are always books mentioned, there are always references to books, and there are always quotes from books. This alone is the reason why I adore SK. He is a fellow bookworm, or perhaps the term "book dragon" is more appropriate for him.

The Haunting of Hill House, Frankenstein, Dracula, they all feature in his works. I love how Dracula, in particular, was incorporated into this book. I went into Salem's Lot completely blind, so imagine how excited I was to encounter vampires! I had no idea that SK had a vampire novel. Without a doubt, these vampires are my favorite ones so far!

I totally loved this book. I connected with all the characters (and I'm overjoyed to now realize that some of these characters feature more in the SK multi-verse). I adored the way that myth, legend, books, and comics all came together to create an amazing plot that completely freaked me out. I also loved the whole small town syndrome, which felt very visual to me. It's an awesome book. SK, as always, provides the best in both character development and plot lines for a read that I personally adored, even if I will be sleeping with the lights on for the next week!

5 blood soaked stars.

Twenty years ago, due to a childish bet, Ben Mears entered the Marsten House. And what he saw then still haunts his nightmares. Now, as a renowned writer, he returns to Salem's Lot to exorcize his demons.

Salem's Lot is a quiet and sleepy town where nothing ever happens..., except for the ancient tragedy of the Marsten House. And the dead dog hanging from the cemetery gate. And the mysterious man who moved into the Marsten House. And the children who disappear, the animals that die drained of blood... And the terrifying presence of Them, whoever They are.

Salem's Lot is a small New England town with white wooden clapboard houses, tree-lined streets, and imposing church steeples. That summer in Salem's Lot was a summer of coming home; the spring had faded and the earth lay dry, crunching underfoot.

At the end of that summer, Ben Mears returned to Salem's Lot hoping to drive out his own demons, but instead, he found a new and indescribable horror..

A stranger had also come to the Lot, a stranger with a secret as old as evil, a secret that would cause irreparable damage to those it touched and, in turn, to those he loved.

Everything would change forever: Susan, whose love for Ben couldn't protect her; Father Callahan, the bad priest who put his eroded faith to a final test; and Mark, a boy who sees his fantasy world become reality and ironically proves to be the best equipped to handle the unrelenting nightmare of Salem's Lot..

I'm sorry, but no. It's not even close. 2.5⭐️

A vampire story with garlic and stakes, the most classic kind. Interesting, no doubt, but nothing out of this world. I got bored in several parts of the plot.

Let's be realistic, if a book bores you or fails to hook you, it's doomed, whether it's a King or a George Martin. No matter how well written they are, no matter how much what I see as negative is precisely what most people enjoy..

For me, it's doomed. It was to close the book and fall into oblivion. And it's that this gentleman bores me, yes, friends, there are those of us who don't like this author. He doesn't manage to reach us..✌

Salem’s Lot is the first and only Stephen King novel I’ve ever read.

To be honest, this is a rather short review as I didn’t manage to finish it. The issue wasn't that King isn't a captivating writer who has clearly refined his skills. Every single chapter was indeed interesting and immersive. I found myself completely drawn into the world he was creating and deeply fascinated by the mystery within it.

However, I suppose I couldn't continue reading it because this book felt to me like what I imagine living with ADHD would be like. It jumped around seemingly without any clear reason, following the lives of random people. While I understand that King probably has a very good reason for presenting all these random stories, his storytelling just missed the mark enough to make me lose interest.

I thought that since he showed no urgency to move forward with the main story, perhaps it was because he found the various stereotypical small-town residents and their daily lives more engaging than the thrilling horror that this novel promised to deliver.

I'm quite sad that I could only give this novel three stars because what I did read of it, I actually really enjoyed and would seriously consider looking for some of his other works to read. At least the man can construct a sentence very nicely, even if he did lose me in his grand American horror extravaganza.

The article begins with a warning about the sickening and grotesque nature of the lyrics and police account related to the so-called "Vampire of Düsseldorf," Peter Kurten. The lyrics describe his violent and sadistic acts, which are truly disturbing. Kurten, who was mentioned briefly in Stephen King's '_Salem's Lot', was a real serial killer who murdered up to 68 women, motivated by sexual sadism. He became known for his atrocities, including drinking blood from the women. The article then goes on to discuss King's '_Salem's Lot', highlighting the strengths of the book, such as the use of a small town setting, the well-developed characters, and King's willingness to tackle difficult topics. The protagonists in the book include a writer, an English teacher, a child with supernatural abilities, an independent girl, a priest, and a reluctant doctor. King's building of characters is praised, as he spends time expanding on them and making the readers care about them before the action starts. The book also includes topics such as killing children, child abuse, and making heroes out of drunks. Overall, the article highly recommends '_Salem's Lot' and mentions that the author is going to read two related short stories, "One for the Road" and "Jerusalem's Lot," which are found in King's "Night Shift."

****WARNING: The following lyrics, and police account are sickening and grotesque---not for children!!!! (Though no spoilers...the man is mentioned in the book briefly...during a discussion between Father Callahan and Matt Burke in his hospital room, filled with books on vampires...heres's more about the real one behind the myth. If you are easily made sick to you stomach, just don't go there,really...just move down to the regular review....




I need a victim to do things sickening
I just want to make you bleed
My knife is gashing your blood is splashing
To see your blood is what I need


I'm gonna strangle you and I'll slit your throat too
I love to see your blood run, that's the thing that makes me cum
I'm gonna kill you just because I want to
I'm the Vampire of Dusseldorf and I will cut your life short


My hands are choking my knife is broken
An orgasm is what I need
Your blood is spilling the sight is thrilling
To cum I need to see you bleed


I'm gonna strangle you and I'll slit your throat too
I love to see your blood run, that's the thing that makes me cum
I'm gonna kill you just because I want to
I'm the Vampire of Dusseldorf and I will cut your life short.



Peter Kurtin, The Vampire of Dusseldorf




As the real Peter Kurtin was mentioned in 'Salem's Lot (the book was in Matt's hospital room with all the others, and discussed with Father Callahan--so naturally, I had to look it up, and got this little treat), I thought I'd share this fun little ditty to start things off on the right...ummm...note ;)


Of course this is based on the real Peter Kurten, who murdered up to 68 women, motivated by sexual sadism; and became:


A.K.A.: \\"The Vampire of Düsseldorf\\"--known for his atrocities, including drinking blood from the women's...ummm.....(_____) after the attack, assuming he got them during that....period. (I think I prefer the type of blood Barlow get's off on...... ;) )




Just for fun (real life so-called \\"vampires\\" can be so much grosser and many times more twisted), I borrowed a bit from http://murderpedia.org/male.K/k/kurte...


(then I promise to get on with the...ummm...much more tasteful :) book at hand)




Classification: Serial killer


Characteristics: Sadist - Rape


Peter Kurten


BBC – Crime Case Closed
Shortly before he was executed by guillotine, Peter Kurten, the so-called Vampire of Dusseldorf, asked the prison psychiatrist: \\"Tell me, after my head has been chopped off will I still be able to hear; at least for a moment, the sound of my own blood gushing from the stump of my neck?\\"




When the doctor replied that his ears and brain probably would function for several seconds after the blade struck, Kurten replied: \\"That would be the pleasure to end all pleasures\\".





That's enough of him, I think....




By the way...if you haven't seen Salem's Lot already, save the movie until you've finished the book, you'll thank yourself for it, trust me. It really has ruined some of the best scenes in the book for me. I've learned my lesson, time and time again--unfortunately, I watched many of these movies years ago, before I was into Stephen King's books....introduced only 5 or 6 years ago to those (a gift from an english major started me off with Lisey's Story, which started with his later works--and he kept giving me more of those as he finished them another lesson learned!) I have made my way through a ton of novels, and finally realized two things: it is best to read his works in order (they build on each other in so many ways--many, like the one just mentioned above, deserve a re-reading after a few Dark Tower reads), and (thinking I didn't like short story collections, I was forced to try some that he wrote), I found out his short stories are as good as the novels, sometimes I want more, but often they are just right--or better, and more would ruin them. So, here I am...making my way through a few of his early works--in order--soon the first DT novel comes up (dreading that one, because I fear it will be a loooong introduction into the series as a whole).




I am finding that King's earliest works are definitely some of his best! Loved this modern take on the whole Dracula mythos. After reading his reasons why, the small town is the best setting possible for this story. In general I love his use of small towns, where people know each other, and when someone goes missing it is easily noticed. (I also like the way he took his wife's ideas...they all seemed to make the story better!) Especially the small towns in Maine--my favorite state by the way--people ARE different there, everything is different, the way they talk...the scenery (breathtaking!)....the architecture...the blue-collared, hard working folk. Finally, he shares the darkest secrets of the people in the town; often the ordinary people you meet on his streets are already monsters in their hearts.




This book also uses more of what, I feel, are King's strengths. The protagonists in this book (super faves in bold) include a writer (he admitted being a mirror of himself--perhaps supposed to be the main protagonist?), struggling to make it--Ben Mears; the very intelligent English teacher (King was one of those, too) Matt Burke; the fiercely smart and courageous child with some supernatural abilities, Mark Petrie (he outsmarts a stronger schoolyard bully when he comes at him--until said bully cries with pain and is humiliated in front of everyone, can escape situations just like Houdini...); the independent (for her times, at least regarding her mother) girl and love interest (Ugh--I really can skip the romance!) of Mears, Susan Norton; the heavy-drinking (gotta have at least one good-hearted person with this condition!) priest, who believes them, ready for the old-time church to be a Force once again, and assists in the final showdown--not just a dogma robot of the church, Father Callahan who turns up later in the dark tower series...(the use of the Catholic Church to fight vampires is a MUST, as King stuck to the mythos, adding the modern day setting...leaving out all the church's own seemingly endless crimes against innocent children, yet including near the end the castrated choir boys--so they could sound as if actual females were allowed to sing in such a pious place!), and a reluctant at-first small town doc, Jimmy Cody.




And his building of characters!!! Probably what he does best, and one of the reasons I enjoy almost all of his books regardless of a poor storyline (another is that his writing is just plain great...no matter what he has to say)--though this book has it all, including a terrific story. Some younger readers may be reading for the first part wondering when it's going to get into the action. By spending so much time getting there, expanding on the characters (often dislikable--come on--I roll my eyes at all the reviews that say they couldn't find anyone to like--when was that a prerequisite to liking a book? Anyway, there are several to love in this book), he slowly builds the tension and draws us in, making us care when the action starts. He knows very well, that the fear of what is to come is often the best part!




Finally, King is also not one of those writers to shy away from topics others often do: killing children--or making them evil (evil kids are the best!!!), child abuse,killing off main characters, making heros out of drunks (who always kick the bottle aside when they are finally really needed for something important), etc....




This book has it all. Highly recommended!!!!...Now off to read One for the Road and Jerusalem's Lot (again). Both short stories...one a sequel and the other a prequel are found in Night Shift(GREAT short story collection, with many of the stories pre-dating the novel Carrie-- therefore including a lot of his earliest work)......One For the Road being the sequel.

On my journey to reading all Stephen King's books in publication order, this one was the next on my list. Well, what an outstanding book it turned out to be! This book is an absolute masterpiece in the realm of horror fiction and ranks among the very best things I've ever had the pleasure of reading. If you're considering dipping your toes into the world of Stephen King for the very first time, this would be an incredibly brilliant place to commence your literary adventure.

Like so many of SK's works, we follow a group of unlikely heroes who are striving to save a town from the clutches of evil. I'm truly amazed by the brilliant character development in this book, especially considering it isn't overly long. SK has an uncanny ability to keep the reader completely engrossed from the very first sentence right through to the last.

I've never been a huge enthusiast of vampire stories, but this book has completely transformed my perspective. It will send shivers running down your spine and leave you with a sense of dread the next time you dare to venture into a seemingly deserted town. Despite being written so long ago, this book still feels incredibly modern and has withstood the test of time remarkably well.

The plotline of this book is executed to perfection. It flows effortlessly, and that's one of the main reasons why I hold SK in such high regard. His work never gives the impression of being messy or disorganized. Instead, it's incredibly easy for the reader to digest everything that's happening with great ease. Barlow, the antagonist, is simply creepy and is the epitome of the perfect villain! I also think it's worth highlighting that amidst the creepy, fast-paced, and sometimes tragic moments, there are also moments of great beauty, creating a perfect parallel.

"But when fall comes, kicking summer out on its treacherous ass as it always does one day sometime after the midpoint of September, it stays awhile like an old friend that you have missed. It settles in the way an old friend will settle into your favorite chair and take out his pipe and light it and then fill the afternoon with stories of places he has been and things he has done since last he saw you."

"The basis of all human fears, he thought. A closed door, slightly ajar."

"The town kept its secrets, and the Marsten House brooded over it like a ruined king."

So, why didn't I award this book the full five stars? Well, it simply boils down to the fact that vampires don't terrify me all that much - but SK very nearly managed to change my mind! It's not often that I bestow a book with five stars unless it lingers in my mind for weeks on end. And although this is a killer horror, it didn't remain in my thoughts for much longer than a few days.

Nevertheless, this is truly a work of art. I will most definitely be placing this book back on my shelf to re-read because it's an amazing story that richly deserves all the acclaim it receives.

Nobody does small town USA horror better than Stephen King.

His works have always had the ability to draw readers into the heart of the most ordinary-seeming places and then unleash nightmares that lurk beneath the surface.

The story in question may not necessarily push the boundaries of the vampire mythos or bring a wealth of completely new elements to it, especially when one takes into account that it was originally published in 1975.

However, that doesn't mean it lacks in terror or excitement.

On the contrary, it remains a thoroughly terrifying and riveting read.

King has this uncanny knack of making the horror hit frighteningly close to home, as if the events could actually unfold in the quiet neighborhoods and sleepy towns that we are all familiar with.

It's this ability to tap into our deepest fears and make them seem all too real that sets King apart and makes his stories classics of the horror genre.

Even after all these years, his work continues to haunt and thrill readers, proving that his talent for creating small town horror is truly unmatched.

I stayed up till nearly 4 am on a weekday to finish this book.

I must admit that Stephen King and his strange books have the record of keeping me up late into the night, no matter what day of the week it is.

I desire to read all of his books, but I have to space them out because I don't think my mind can handle a marathon of his works, although it would love to!

In Salem’s Lot, King writes about a town that has fallen victim to vampires.

I'll confess that I'm one of those overly enthusiastic fans of vampire literature, so this was definitely to my liking.

There was no way this wasn't going to be a book that would fall into my favorites category.

There is romance, there is strangeness, there is epic storytelling, and there is creepiness because it's a King book and that's what you expect and want!

My quick and simple overall assessment: I loved this creepy book and even this freaky little town.