Why Salems Lot is the scariest book of Stephen King

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Spideyman

Uber Member
Jul 10, 2006
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Just north of Duma Key
I've found this to be one of the best of his early books.
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May 1, 2018
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'Salem's Lot was the first King book I got my hands on, and it did something right, because all I read now is King. I loved this story, from the feeling of insanity that some characters encounter when they begin to believe, to the Marsten House and the family within. It would be great to see more of Barlow, because he was the peak of the excitement. 'Salem's Lot is my favorite book right now, in general, and that's only until it's upstaged by another King novel.
 

kingricefan

All-being, keeper of Space, Time & Dimension.
Jul 11, 2006
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Spokane, WA
I started Salem’s Lot in the evening sitting in my living room. Couldn’t put it down. Finished at 4am in my kitchen with all the lights on and my back to a wall so I could see the whole apartment.
This was my very first King book I read and it scared the crap out of me, too. It will always be my favorite King novel. I grew up in a very small western Pennsylvania town and I knew all of those people that King wrote about in the book. They were all of my neighbors. We had our own version of Mabel Wurts, too!
 

Dana Jean

Dirty Pirate Hooker, The Return
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Apr 11, 2006
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This was my very first King book I read and it scared the crap out of me, too. It will always be my favorite King novel. I grew up in a very small western Pennsylvania town and I knew all of those people that King wrote about in the book. They were all of my neighbors. We had our own version of Mabel Wurts, too!
ditto
 

Steffen

Well-Known Member
Aug 9, 2015
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For me, it is the scariest SK novel. I've read that book so many times over the last 30 years, and it terrifies me every time. It's my favourite kind of horror: moody, atmospheric, with a lingering sense of dread throughout, and monsters. I loved the way the way King would take his time to describe certain events, or even grabs your imagination with a simple sentence ("they were in the streets. The walking dead."). Every time I start talking about that book, I always have the urge to re-read it. Heck, even the title is sinister. As others have said, it's far from King's best written work, but I love it without reservation.
 

not_nadine

Comfortably Roont
Nov 19, 2011
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Behind you
For me, it is the scariest SK novel. I've read that book so many times over the last 30 years, and it terrifies me every time. It's my favourite kind of horror: moody, atmospheric, with a lingering sense of dread throughout, and monsters. I loved the way the way King would take his time to describe certain events, or even grabs your imagination with a simple sentence ("they were in the streets. The walking dead."). Every time I start talking about that book, I always have the urge to re-read it. Heck, even the title is sinister. As others have said, it's far from King's best written work, but I love it without reservation.
And unexpected humor is thrown in. Make you laugh and be terrified within a page turning.
 

Wayoftheredpanda

Flaming Wonder Telepath
May 15, 2018
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For me, it is the scariest SK novel. I've read that book so many times over the last 30 years, and it terrifies me every time. It's my favourite kind of horror: moody, atmospheric, with a lingering sense of dread throughout, and monsters. I loved the way the way King would take his time to describe certain events, or even grabs your imagination with a simple sentence ("they were in the streets. The walking dead."). Every time I start talking about that book, I always have the urge to re-read it. Heck, even the title is sinister. As others have said, it's far from King's best written work, but I love it without reservation.
It's also got great tips for surviving vampire invasions. Don't have a stake or a crucifix? Just snap a cross off of your plastic monster toy, that'll do the trick!
 

Doc Creed

Well-Known Member
Nov 18, 2015
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And unexpected humor is thrown in. Make you laugh and be terrified within a page turning.
Yeah, I was reading the part last night where
the movers go to the dock and pick up the "Hepplewhite" and furniture and it's funny how they talk and interact. The truck driver notices no shipping label. Then when they deliver it to the Marsten House it has grown dark and the mood drastically changes; the scene in the cellar is so realistic. Everyone has been in a similar situation, whether it's a basement or garage or cellar. I think it is one of the scarier scenes in the book. The other one is when Matthew Burke invites Mike Ryerson into his home and what happens next.