#1 New York Times bestselling author Peter Straub’s classic tale of horror, secrets, and the dangerous ghosts of the past… What was the worst thing you’ve ever done? In the sleepy town of Milburn, New York, four old men gather to tell each other stories—some true, some made-up, all of them frightening. A simple pastime to divert themselves from their quiet lives. But one story is coming … themselves from their quiet lives.
But one story is coming back to haunt them and their small town. A tale of something they did long ago. A wicked mistake. A horrifying accident. And they are about to learn that no one can bury the past forever…
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Really liked it. Wish it would have continued
I am infamous in my family for reading more than one book at a time. Ghost Story is in my queue as one of a few being read. I am loving every word. Savorying. My only regret? I saw the movie based on this book before reading. I wish now I had read it first. I also need to finish other books and focus on Ghost Story. It deserves my full attention. I do not say that very often. I am quite honestly embarassed I have never read before now. I had forgotten how much I enjoy Peter Straub’s weavings. I also just went back and gave it full five stars. The four was unfair to the story. Four was because I can’t let the movie go. I need to erase the images and enjoy the story. Do not be me! Read now! Delay no longer!
Peter Straub is an excellent story teller, and his ability to immerse the reader into his imagination is fantastic, amply demonstrated in another book that easily surpasses the same titled movie.
I only recently read the classic Ghost Story by Peter Straub. (Kind of embarrassing for a writer of supernatural suspense and horror.) But when I did read it, I loved it.
Originally published in 1979, the pace is a bit slower than in most horror novels today, which meant a chance to really get to know the characters.
The book jumps backwards and forwards in time, telling seemingly unrelated stories of unnerving incidents and death in a small town as well as a tale of love, deception, and suicide. It all eventually pull together through four aging men. They meet regularly to share their most frightening tales, avoiding the one that actually binds them together.
There are some truly frightening scenes, and what I most loved was that the terror came from whatever each character feared about himself rather than from blood and guts (though there is some of that, too).
The heroes are flawed and troubled but do their best to fight the demons that plague them.
Ghost Story was one of the best books I’ve read in a long while. If you haven’t read it yet, or it’s been a long time, it’s great choice for a spooky tale to read by the fireplace or on your couch with a blanket (and the lights on).
A great read, one that will stay with you
All-consuming horror from a master. Dread-filled pages full of haunted characters. Reminiscent of ‘Salem’s Lot by King and Summer of Night by Simmons. This is atmospheric gothic horror at its best.
Interesting premise…but seemed to drag out to me….
Perhaps my favorite horror novel.
This was the scariest book I have read and I have read a lot of horror books by Stephen King but this one was haunting and eerie!
Enjoyed this!!
Great story! Builds to a wonderful climax.
It’s easy to lose yourself in this book, and it is terrifying! Very well written and scary to the last page.
Have read Ghost Story twice and enjoyed both times.
Very scary
I initially wasn’t sure about whether I would like this story but it finally came together and I had to see what would happen next!
Old story, but always a good read.
A well written book by Peter Straub….it scared the crap out of me
A good ‘ old fashioned’ haunting. My favorite Peter Straub book by far.
I read this years ago, and I still remember it. The movie was awful, but the ordinal story was very good.
This is an extremely deep and original work. It is not an easy read but worth every hour of it.