'Salem's Lot

By: Stephen King

Narrated by: Ron McLarty

Don't miss King's #1 chilling classic, now a major motion picture from Warner Bros. Pictures.

'Salem's Lot is a small New England town with white clapboard houses, tree-lined streets and solid church steeples. Of course there are tales of strange happenings - but no more than in any other such town.

Ben Mears has returned to the Lot to write a novel and exorcise the terrors that have haunted him since childhood - since the event he witnessed at the Marsten House.

He finds the house has been rented by a newcomer, a man who causes Ben some unease. And then things start to happen: a child disappears, a dog is brutally killed - nothing unusual, except the list keeps growing...

©1975 Stephen King (P)2004 Simon and Schuster Inc.

Critic reviews

"An incredibly gifted writer." (Guardian)

Took a long time to get her, but we’ll worth it!

Nearly 50 years since it was written, but holds up well. Listening in the dark makes it better!

King’s Quiet Masterpiece

Easily one of Kings strongest titles. Featuring a bit more creativity and experimentation due to being so early in his career. The Lot is such a fresh experience as both a fan of King and also in the overly gore orientated horror landscape of today. The Lot is a beautifully dark and atmospherically oppressive story about the death of a town and those that stand against it. Shorter than much of his work and an solute joy from start to finish.

Good Story, but plot was hard to follow at times

I didn't feel as captivated by this story as usual, probably because there seemed to be several main characters and it took a while for the plot to thicken/come together. It was a unique story, which is why I felt compelled to read from beginning to end. The imagery was good and once it picked up it was intriguing. Not one of my favourite Stephen King books but definitely don't regret reading it.

Superb writing!

This had me looking out the windows with dread everytime I go out in the middle of the night to use the bathroom

A great listen

This classic story is written in typical Stephen King style and holds your interest throughout with an excellent ending. Narration is very well done also.

Great Story

A great read from start to finish. Easily able to "see" the story unfold with Stephen Kings discriptive writing. Loved it.

king's work in two words... American Dracula

Ron McLartys narrration of Salem's lot is great and creepy as king's writing...go for it!

Suprisingly decent read, if a little unoriginal

Stephen King's take on vampires was a surprising read. He uses all the classic elements of vampire lore, rather than invent his own (sunlight, wooden stakes, holy water etc.). He does however put his unique spin on it and coupled with McLarty's narration, the book ends up being a fun read.

There is nothing truly original here, but it is a worthwhile story for fans of King that was written in his early days.

Stephen King writes the best chillers

You may like him or hate him ( I am undecided yet), but you have to respect him. Stephen King has amazing observation skills. Would be nice to give his characters a bit more survival chance. I sometimes feel resentful of his nihilism. Buy once you start his book it’s hard to stop.

Great blend of mystery and horror elements

King’s description of Jerusalem’s Lot including the characters that reside in the town is finely crafted and thrusts the reader into the story. The only negative comment I have is that I think the pacing of the ending could possibly have been done better.