The town of Jerusalem’s Lot is haunted by the menacing shadow of the Marsten House. This bleak and crumbling building, perched on a high hill, was once the lair of vile criminals, a place where witchcraft and other sinister paranormal phenomena thrived. Author Ben Mears, driven by a need to confront the traumatic memories that have haunted him since childhood, returns to the town he once called home. However, he soon discovers that a new and unimaginable evil may be lurking in the darkness of Jerusalem’s Lot.

The modern-day Dracula story unfolds as an unlikely group of small-town folks band together to battle a supernatural force of bloodsucking evil. Salem’s Lot reinvents the familiar tropes of B-movie vampire horror with King’s signature touch of twisted psychology, brutal emotions, and disturbingly realistic characters. These characters feel so real that they could be people you’ve known your entire life.

In a book filled with vampires, black magic, haunted houses, and bloody horror, it’s no surprise that King manages to make the everyday lives of the townsfolk the scariest part of the story. Domestic abuse, child neglect, dysfunctional family dynamics, perverted stalkers, heartless backstabbers, and animal killers are just some of the sins committed by these small-town residents on a daily basis.

I love this fresh take on the old vampire myth, which shows that humans in a state of panic and superstitious fear can be more terrifying and dangerous than ancient, powerful monsters. One moment, your best friend can be by your side, and the next, they can become your worst enemy.

I also appreciated the long list of references to classic stories and authors that King includes in this book. As someone who grew up reading a lot of weird and gothic fiction, I was delighted to see Lovecraft, Poe, Hawthorne, Stoker, and many other of my old favorites make frequent appearances. It added an extra layer of depth and nostalgia to the reading experience.

Stephen King's "Salem's Lot" is a captivating and spine-chilling novel that has left readers on the edge of their seats for decades. The story is set in the small town of Jerusalem's Lot, Maine, which seems to be a peaceful and idyllic place on the surface. However, as the story unfolds, a dark and sinister presence begins to lurk within the town.

The novel follows a group of characters, including a writer named Ben Mears, who returns to the town to write a book about a haunted house. As he delves deeper into the history of the town, he discovers that there is something much more terrifying going on. Vampires have begun to infest the town, preying on the residents and turning them into their undead minions.

King's vivid descriptions and masterful storytelling bring the town of Salem's Lot to life, making it feel like a real place that readers can visit. The characters are well-developed and relatable, and the reader can't help but root for them as they fight against the vampire menace.

Overall, "Salem's Lot" is a classic horror novel that is sure to satisfy fans of the genre. It is a must-read for anyone who loves a good scare and wants to experience the genius of Stephen King.

https://carti.blog/2024/10/05/salems-...

Full Video Review Here: https://youtu.be/_O0YIrJHy8w

It was a bygone era, a time before the Young Adult genre had managed to completely strip vampires of their scariness. I initially delved into this book back in 1993, and interestingly, it had a distinct impact on me this time around compared to the last. Stephen King is truly in his element here. His profound love for old monster movies and comics shines through vividly. The lead character is highly likable, and so is the small group of survivors he gathers along the way. King is at his most brutal in this work, as no one in the cast is immune from danger. They seem to drop like flies as Barlow begins to assert his grip over the town. My only minor critique is that there are perhaps too many characters who are only partially developed. This is done in an attempt to make you feel something when they inevitably meet their doom or turn undead. While it does contribute to making the town feel like a vibrant, living community, the number of such characters could have been reduced just a little. Nevertheless, this is a remarkable novel for the time it was released and is an absolute must-read for anyone who has grown tired of teen vampire romances or the direction that Anne Rice's writings have taken in the past decade.

“And all around them, the bestiality of the night rises on tenebrous wings. The vampire’s time has come.”

Spook-tacular, Fang-tastic and 4 ‘bloodthirsty’ stars for a book by an author that needs no introduction. This time, it delivers a vampire-ology story about a town under siege from a growing number of vampires in Jeru-salem’s Lot. The story is chilling, haunting and horrifyingly fang-tastic – once it gets going!!! It is my first addition to my spooky month reading list.

The Plot

With the image of Marsten House still haunting his mind, Ben Mears returns to his hometown. His plan is to finally put the ghosts of his childhood to rest by writing a book about this seemingly haunted house. “The town kept its secrets, and the Marsten House brooded over it like a ruined king.” However, Ben’s arrival coincides with the disappearance of more of the town’s folk. The disappearances are slow and have no obvious connection, which helps suppress the town’s hysteria and suspicion. This creates the perfect hunting atmosphere. Marsten House also gets a new owner, the strange and reclusive Straker, who brings his own brand of mystery and menace. But it is the investigation, discovery and hunt for the vampires that deliver the most in suspense, thrills, and chills. With Susan, his new love and former college student, and Matt (the schoolteacher), all three embark on this classic hunt for answers and ultimately the vampires. It is not an easy task as this breed, unlike other vampire stories, can operate in daylight, adding to the ever-present sense of doom and evil.

Review and Comments

There are a lot of peripheral characters in this story, probably needed for the numbers the vampires eventually kill off – they are a bloodthirsty lot!!! Other than that, the characters don't add much to the story. This, along with the very slow pace at the start, brings this down to a 4-star read. However, the rest of the book is spook-tacular. The pacing in the rest of the novel is just right, creating the perfect atmosphere and tone for this spine-chilling book. The evil is accretive, gradual, and penetrating. The events are so well articulated and put together that at times I found myself on the edge of my seat or doing my Meerkat impersonation with every noise around me. Horror is not my thing for a reason. I do love authors who dare to kill off some of the main characters instead of playing it safe. So, in all, it is a wonderful and compelling book for Halloween month, a timeless, eerie, and creepy classic. It is a recommendation to anyone who enjoys a bit of yearly fright or horror stories in general. Lingering, ominous, and spine chilling without the gore. “If a fear cannot be articulated, it can’t be conquered.” I confess my fear - this scared the pants off me in some chapters - but now I've conquered it. Sorted!!!

A rereading that served to confirm that this is one of my favorite works by King (probably my number 1).

Few books have as many memorable scenes and moments as tense as this one.

It's incredible. If you haven't read it, this is your sign to do so.

King has a unique ability to create a world that draws you in and keeps you on the edge of your seat.

The characters are vivid and the story is engaging from start to finish.

Whether you're a fan of horror or just a lover of great literature, this book is a must-read.

So don't hesitate, pick up a copy and prepare to be amazed.

FULL REVIEW UP
4 bloody and bite worthy stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

'Salem's Lot offers a captivating exploration into the mind of Stephen King when it comes to vampires. Over the years, I've delved into numerous vampire stories, approaching this one with hope and a desire for something distinct.

While I didn't exactly encounter a completely different kind of vampire tale, it had a resemblance to the classic Dracula, and I thoroughly enjoyed that aspect. Stephen King truly grasps the culture and characteristics of vampires.
One can sense his affinity for Dracula as 'Salem's Lot exudes the essence of that classic.

✔️ There's the bloodthirsty and vicious monster wreaking death and destruction wherever he ventures.
✔️ A group of fighters bands together in an attempt to vanquish the monster.
✔️ The undead gradually take over the entire town.
✔️ There's a palpable feeling of dread for the last remaining characters who haven't been transformed.

It's all present and functions effectively in this vampire vision by Stephen King. I adored the main characters of Ben Mears, Matt Burke, and my personal favorite, Mark Petrie. I just loved this kid! What a little badass.
Side note: Read more books regarding Harry Houdini. Hahaha!

So, why didn't this receive a higher rating from me?
Well, I didn't require ALL the information about the entire town and every single living person residing there. It was an excessive amount of detail for my taste. If this had been streamlined a bit, I believe the story would have flowed seamlessly from the introduction of Ben Mears, Richard Straker, and Kurt Barlow to the tense ending with the undead.

This book is recommended to all Stephen King fans, vampire enthusiasts, and lovers of horror!

Stephen King has an extraordinary ability to take any topic related to the occult and transform it into something entirely his own!

➾Vampires reign supreme in this story. Now, whenever I pass by a ghost town, I can't help but think of this book and wonder. When most of us think of vampires, Dracula immediately comes to mind. However, King managed to put his unique spin on this well-known concept. In my opinion, turning the topic of vampires into something so original is no easy feat. This is precisely what makes this book truly excellent.
➾The writing style of this book is outstanding. I absolutely love how King赋予了整个小镇个性。我尤其欣赏他对小镇以及每个镇民的细致描写，这让读者仿佛自己就是梅布尔·韦茨，从窗户向外窥视，参与着小镇的八卦。这种感觉非常酷且独特。
➾The jahobies in the book made me giggle. They added a touch of lightheartedness to the otherwise dark and spooky atmosphere.
➾I noticed an interesting correlation between the book Carrie and 'Salem's Lot in terms of religion, the townspeople, and the way the two books ended. Since I am reading King books in the order of their publication year, I may have noticed this more than others. I'm eager to see if this pattern persists in his other works.
➾One thing I truly love about Stephen King's books is the presence of those little details that can give you the creeps and make your skin crawl. It's not necessarily the entire book that has this effect, but rather the small details that are sprinkled throughout. For instance, the brief description of Mr. Flip or the disgustingly gory details about Roy and Sandy McDougall physically abusing their baby in the trailer park. There aren't many books that can have such an impact on me, but so far, King books definitely do.

In other words, this is a solid horror story that not only makes your stomach turn due to the fear of the supernatural, but also because of the disturbing details that are all too real. The details in this book are truly disturbing and almost overshadow the supernatural aspect.

Next on my list is The Shining (1977). I'll be reading from my home library in the meantime while I wait for this book to arrive from my hometown library!

In the return to the places of childhood, there is always a specific charm, and sometimes it is all that remains for a person... After his wife died in a serious disaster, the writer Ben Mears decides to move to Salem's Lot, where he spent 4 years as a child. At first, he thinks of renting the legendary and haunted Marsten House, where he wants to write his next novel, but it turns out that the building has a mysterious new owner. Ben settles in the only boarding house in the town, and soon meets the beautiful Susan and falls in love with her. The atmosphere in Salem's Lot is overwhelming, but also quite dark... Most of the residents are mired in their daily prejudices, intrigues, domestic violence and other social tragedies... However, after a while, people start to disappear and supernatural evil events begin to occur. Meanwhile, Ben has also met terrifying personalities, such as the teacher Matt Burke, Father Don Callahan and others, with whom he has to fight against evil...

"Salem's Lot" is much more than a classic vampire story! This early book by King was undoubtedly influenced by "Dracula", but the author has created an extremely powerful novel that is not limited to the horror genre.

"But when autumn arrives and unceremoniously chops off the windy summer, as it invariably does sometime after mid-September, it stops beside you like an old, long-unseen friend. It settles in around you, just as a friend would sit in your favorite chair, to light the pipe slowly and tell the postprandial tale of where it has been and what it has done since you last saw each other."

"But Callahan was neither a young priest nor an old one; he styled himself as a traditionalist who could no longer believe even in the basics of first catechism. He wanted to lead a division of the army of... of whom? Of God, of good, of truth, different names for the same thing - in the battle against EVIL. He wanted communes and military colonies, not to kneel in front of supermarkets and distribute leaflets for a boycott of lettuce or a strike against the weather. He wanted to see EVIL without its deceptive clothes, with its face open and extremely clear. He wanted to dig into it chest against chest, like Muhammad Ali against Joe Frazier, the "Celtics" against the "Nicks", Jacob against the angel. He wanted the fight to be clean, without politics getting in his way, which distorted every social movement like an ugly Siamese twin."

"These are the secrets of the town and later some will become known, others will forever be lost in oblivion. The town hides them with an expressionless face like an experienced card player. It is not interested in either God's, or human's, or satanic deeds. It knows the darkness. And the darkness is enough for it."

There are thousands of reviews of this book. My review, however, is specifically for the AUDIO CD version, which I found to be extremely well done.

This audiobook was read by actor Ron McClarty. He is one of those actors that I've undoubtedly seen in numerous things, yet I can't quite place him. Nevertheless, he did an outstanding job with the character voices. He managed to imbue some of the characters with heavy Maine accents, and even went as far as using a womanly warble to choke out hokey lines like, "Make love to me, Ben." I can just imagine that somewhere there must be an "outtake disc" where he burst out laughing the first ninety-four times he tried saying that.

I really enjoyed listening to this on my commute to and from work. Even though it got pretty creepy when I had to drive home after dark, it added to the overall atmosphere. I highly recommend hearing this one. I'm eagerly looking forward to more Stephen King on audio in the months to come.

And, okay - one thing about the book... When they discovered the blue chalk, and every character immediately thinks school? Seriously? Seriously? NOBODY but me thought POOL HALL? It just seemed a bit odd to me. But overall, the audiobook was a great experience.

“Thin clouds form, and the shadows lengthen out. They have no breadth, as summer shadows have; there are no leaves on the trees or fat clouds in the sky to make them thick. They are gaunt, mean shadows that bite the ground like teeth. As the sun nears the horizon, its benevolent yellow begins to deepen, to become infected, until it glares an angry inflamed orange. It throws a variegated glow over the horizon.”

Salem’s Lot is a captivating story that delves into the horror of a small town being overrun by vampires. It follows the journey of Ben Mears, who returns to his hometown with hopes of finding inspiration for his new book by exploring the Marsten House. However, when a tragic incident occurs involving two young boys in the woods, Ben realizes that something far more sinister is at play. His hometown is under siege from forces of darkness that he could never have imagined.

Stephen King masterfully builds the story, taking his time to develop great characters and create fascinating backstories. The town of Salem’s Lot feels like a complex soap opera, with characters that evoke a range of emotions. They are flawed and imperfect, engaging in actions that are both nostalgic and repulsive. Once the foundation is laid, King ups the ante and reveals the full horror of the vampires, which unfolds like a terrifying dream.

Salem’s Lot is a brilliant work of vampire/horror fiction that is genuinely scary at times. It has the power to raise the hairs on your arms and neck, and gives you a sense of foreboding. The town itself becomes a character, highlighting the destructive nature of human evil. This rich story is filled with great themes about society, faith, and the power of love and salvation. It was an absolute pleasure to read, and I highly recommend it.

'Salem's Lot, Stephen King

'Salem's Lot is a captivating 1975 horror novel penned by the renowned American author, Stephen King. It holds the distinction of being his second published novel. The story follows Ben Mears, a writer who had spent a part of his childhood in Jerusalem's Lot, Maine. After a gap of 25 years, he returns to this town with the intention of writing his next novel.

Ben quickly befriends Matt Burke, a high school teacher, and also strikes up a romantic relationship with Susan Norton, a young college graduate with dreams of leaving the town. Ben has come back to 'the Lot' to write about the long-abandoned Marsten House, where he had a terrifying experience as a child when he witnessed a hanging ghost.

He discovers that the house, formerly belonging to Depression-era hit-man Hubert 'Hubie' Marsten, has been purchased by Kurt Barlow, an Austrian immigrant who is said to be in town to open an antique furniture store. However, Barlow is supposedly on an extended buying trip, and only his business partner, Richard Straker, is seen in public.

The truth, unfortunately, is far more sinister. Barlow is actually an ancient vampire, and Straker is his human familiar. Their arrival coincides with a series of disturbing events, including the disappearance of a young boy, Ralphie Glick, and the death of his 12-year-old brother, Danny, who becomes the town's first vampire turned by Barlow.

Barlow goes on to turn other locals into vampires as well, such as Dud Rogers, the town dump custodian, and Corey Bryant, the telephone repairman. Danny also turns several others, including the graveyard digger, Mike Ryerson; a newborn baby, Randy McDougall; a man named Jack Griffen; and Danny's mother, Marjorie. However, Danny fails to turn his classmate Mark Petrie, who manages to resist by holding a plastic cross in Danny's face.

In an effort to combat the spread of the new vampires, Ben and Susan are joined by Matt, his doctor Jimmy Cody, Mark, and the local priest, Father Callahan. Tragically, Susan is captured by Barlow and turned into a vampire. Eventually, Ben has to stake her through the heart. The battle against the vampires continues, and the fate of 'Salem's Lot hangs in the balance.

The first reading date was April 8th, 2020 AD.

Title: 'Salem's Lot; Author: Stephen King; Translator: Soodabeh Tasaedian; Editor: Mohsen Nicoo; Tehran, Azarbod, 2020; 580 pages; ISBN 9786227314076; Subject: Stories of American writers - 20th century.

The book 'Salem's Lot' is a thrilling horror novel by the American author Stephen King, written in 1975. It is his second published novel. In this story, a writer named Ben Mears returns to the town of 'Salem's Lot, where he lived from the age of five to nine. He finds that the residents are turning into bloodthirsty vampires. Ben Mears, after 25 years, has come back to write another novel. He befriends Matt Burke, a high school teacher, and has a passionate romantic relationship with Susan Norton, a young university graduate who dreams of leaving 'Salem's Lot and going to New York. Ben Mears has returned to write a book about the Marsten House, which has been abandoned for a long time. He had a bad experience in this house as a child and saw a ghost. Mears investigates the current and previous owners of the house and discovers things that lead to other events.

The date of publication was June 15th, 1400 Hijri Shamsi, and January 19th, 1401 Hijri Shamsi; A. Sharbiani.

2023 Reread:


And so, once again, I embarked on a reread of this captivating work. Thank you, Fiona, for the wonderful buddy read! This time around, it was as if I was magically transported back to my youth, rediscovering this book for the very first time. I found myself falling in love with it all over again.


This reread truly made me appreciate King's remarkable ability to vividly paint the setting. His prose is nothing short of excellent, and the way he brings the small town with all its hidden secrets to life is almost unrivaled. He has this unique way with words, zeroing in precisely on the defining qualities of both people and places. Even at a young age, King understood the darkness that can lurk within people and in small, isolated communities. After all, it doesn't take much of a supernatural push to unleash the inner monsters within us; the inner nastiness of ordinary folks can only be counterbalanced by the inner decency of others.


The "The Lot" chapters are a must-read for those seeking "a great American novel."


4.5 stars.


—————

2022 Reread through Older Eyes:


In my teens and early 20s, I devoured King's books. He was THE writer for me, to the extent that I even disappointed my university literature professor, who would have preferred if I had favored Dostoyevsky instead. As I grew older, King's books mostly held their charm, and some even gained additional appreciation. Take, for example, Needful Things; it just seemed to get better with age.


‘Salem’s Lot is a very young King at work here, apparently started when he was just 25, and it shows. Nevertheless, it's still a good read and is filled with all the elements that I love in King's stories. Even back then, he was first and foremost a gifted storyteller,擅长描绘小镇及其居民的诡异氛围，以及在任何真正的“大”邪恶进入他们生活之前，普通人内心所潜藏的恶意。And if there's a hint of immaturity, well, that's understandable; the guy wasn't born 75.


I was still fascinated by his signature meanderings that tell stories within stories, and the gradual build-up of tension that is often better than any pay-off.


3.5 - 4 stars on this reread, which I'm rounding up because, well, what do you expect from a Constant Reader of Uncle Stevie's yarns?


————

————


Review from circa 2014 based on a few feverish reads of this book back in my teens:


There was a time when vampires were ruthless predators, not the misunderstood, brooding, and essentially harmless creatures they often seem to be these days. Ahhhh, those good old scary times...





Vampire stories have been around for a long time. After all, people love a good scare, and what could be more terrifying than a monster showing up at night and sucking the life essence out of you? But leave it to Stephen King to crank up the terror a notch and add a whole new layer to it. How? Simply by using the winning formula that he continues to employ in the vast majority of his work.


In addition to showing us the monsters of the night, he also brings into the picture the monsters and the darkness that are already within us, that reside in the deep, dark recesses of everyone's soul.

""The town knew about darkness."

"The town has its secrets, and keeps them well."

"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."

The eponymous 'Salem's Lot is a small town in Maine, and it is no stranger to secrets and darkness. On the surface, it may seem quaint and pastoral, but once you look deeper, you are bound to discover what lies hidden behind its respectable facade. And trust me, these are discoveries that you could easily do without, for the darkness of the human soul as presented by Stephen King far surpasses anything that any monster or boogeyman could ever throw your way. The small town of 'Salem's Lot can boast your typical lies, bullying, corruption, and prejudice, and it spices things up with well-hidden child abuse, violence, and murders. Not so quaint anymore, is it?


It is this portrayal of the secrets of everyday people, of the towns being almost like living, breathing organisms, that is one of the main reasons why I am a huge fan of Stephen King's works.





From the very first pages of the novel, we know that some terrible fate has turned 'Salem's Lot into a ghost town, with apparently only a couple of survivors. It doesn't take the reader long to realize, as we go back in time to witness how the events unfolded, that the mysterious and menacing Marsten House has welcomed a new evil that tends to lurk at night, floating past your (hopefully, tightly shut) windows.


The story itself is rather straightforward, steadily progressing towards its almost-conclusion that we caught a glimpse of in the first few pages. We watch with bated breath as our group of good guys - Ben, Mark, Susan, Matt - attempt to take on the supernatural horror. Oh, and did I forget Father Callahan? A high-five from the Dark Tower universe, Father!


King is excellent when it comes to plotting and pacing (since this was only his second novel, he was still new to writing larger-than-life, brick-sized tomes). The story never drags, the suspense and sense of foreboding are palpable, and there are quite a few truly nail-biting situations. Nothing detracts from the vampire story unfolding against the backdrop of small-town horrors. There are no heavy-handed lessons to be learned, no deep morals to be extracted from the story - all we get is a thrilling and quite scary ride that may make you (a) sleep with a light on, and (b) be very cautious about who you invite into your home.


——————


Also posted on my blog.