Horror Spotlight discord buddy read of which I am very late to start. As usual

Bumping this to 4.5 stars on reread.

This is such a classic vampire story. The first time around, King's slower pace in the opening sections frustrated me. I was impatient for the nightmare to start. This time, knowing what was going to happen, I loved the opening most of all. King luxuriates in the final days of the town. No one is cannon fodder; everyone's life is sketched, warts and all. Every death counts.

I hesitate to say 'Salem's Lot is a book you have to read twice to really experience everything it has to offer - honestly, who has the time? - but if you found yourself reaching for a Stephen King and you're already up to date on his back catalogue, 'Salem's Lot would be my rec for the first one to come off the shelf for a second time.

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