So, I picked this book because I was looking to round out October with one last scary book. Whenever I did a quick search for well-regarded "horror" novels, this one kept showing up on recommended lists. It did seem intriguing, and at first, I thought it would be an anthology series focusing on each member's contribution of a ghost story to the The Chowder Society.

I was surprised to begin reading, finding that the book started towards the ending (which was a bit jarring), and that the story was much more about a ghostly show down that had started with one character and had repercussive effects on all of the small town of Millburn, NY.

My immediate thought is the book is atmospheric and really begins to weave a story about what happens to us when it's cold, we're alone and snowed in. As the mounting dread associated with winter descends on the town and escalates as the book progresses, the reader begins to realize that the ghosts in this ghost story clearly know how to use that to their advantage.

How we learn about the ghosts and their connection to the Chowder Society as well was Don Wanderley is a bit confusing, and it takes commitment to weave the circuitous route until we get to the big reveal. It requires a lot of exposition on the part of all characters to get to this important plot point - but the patience was well rewarded. Once the pieces come together, the book becomes creepy as expected, and there were a few moments where I was a bit creeped out and needed to turn a light on. You also come to realize how a small towns' secrets will always come back to haunt them - especially if stoked by the presence of an otherworldly force.

The show down with the ghost/demon/whatever you want to call it, to me, seemed heavily influenced by King. I also think it was an interesting choice by Straub to have the main characters be senior citizens. In a lot of horror novels, it feels like all the protagonists are young and able to face any evil they face. Eventually, the Chowder Society does pair up with some younger gents, but the story is still centered on old men facing their past, and trying to save the future.

Overall, an enjoyable book, a bit different than I was expecting, but when taken as a whole piece of literature, it's an enjoyable, well-paced read.

I really disliked this book. It should have been edited down by half. Not a scare to be found. Unenjoyable.

I enjoyed the atmosphere of this fun, spooky page-turner, but couldn't ignore the low-key misogyny in the "evil force" the predominantly male characters are up against. In all cases, the entity first appears to the men as a cold temptress with otherworldly beauty before her true nature is revealed. It makes me wonder, is it evil these men are afraid of, or is it their perception of femininity as fundamentally deceitful? Stella Hawthorne could have been a great foil for this theme of the book, but Straub never really elevates her character that way, which is disappointing.

Just did not hook me in. Got 75% done and gave up.

Top 5 horror novel!

Aunque al principio pudiera parecer una novela de fantasmas clásica, es más parecida a Salem's Lot que a The Woman in Black. Tiene un ritmo irregular pero un final bastante decente muy cinematografico.

Frank Peretti's source material. Too polarized, too final in its conclusion, and too quaint and cute as well. Guess if I want something hard-bitten and complicated I need to go back to JS LeFanu or Wilkie Collins.