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Black House  By  cover art

Black House

By: Stephen King, Peter Straub
Narrated by: Frank Muller
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Publisher's summary

Twenty years ago, a boy named Jack Sawyer traveled to a parallel universe called the Territories to save his mother and her “Twinner” from an agonizing death that would have brought cataclysm to the other world. Now Jack is a retired Los Angeles homicide detective living in the nearly nonexistent hamlet of Tamarack, Wisconsin. He has no recollection of his adventures in the Territories, and he was compelled to leave the police force when a happenstance event threatened to awaken those long suppressed and dangerous memories.

When a series of gruesome murders occur in western Wisconsin that are reminiscent of those committed several decades earlier, Jack’s buddy, the local chief of police, begs Jack to help find the killer. But are these new killings merely the work of a disturbed individual, or has a mysterious and malignant force been unleashed in this quiet town? What causes Jack’s inexplicable waking dreams - if that is what they are - of robins’ eggs and red feathers? As these cryptic messages becomes impossible to ignore, Jack is drawn back to the Territories and to his own hidden past.

©2001 Stephen King and Peter Straub. All rights reserved. (P)2012 Simon & Schuster Inc. All rights reserved.

Critic reviews

“Intelligent…Suspenseful” ( Wall Street Journal)
“Overflows with dark wit…” ( New York Times Book Review)
“Two master craftsmen, each at the top of his game” ( Washington Post)

Featured Article: We're Your #1 Fans—A Stephen King Character Guide


With a mind-boggling portfolio of 62 novels and more than 200 short stories (and counting!), Stephen King undeniably reigns supreme over literary horror. From Danny Torrance to the dreaded Pennywise, check out some of his most iconic characters with this comprehensive look. (But beware: there are spoilers ahead! So, much like when you press play on a Stephen King audiobook, you should proceed with caution.)

What listeners say about Black House

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    5 out of 5 stars

King and Straub did it again.

Great story. Love the world they created and didn't want to leave. Thanks for a perfect escape.

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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Not King's best, but great follow up to Talisman.

Would you listen to Black House again? Why?

I love Stephen King as much as the next guy, but I probably would not. It was a good story, but I suppose that I've grown tired of the Territories.

What other book might you compare Black House to and why?

The Talisman and The Dark Tower series. Same settings and familiar faces.

Any additional comments?

Frank Muller was incredible as always. If you've read/listened to The Talisman, you should definitely experience this conclusion of the tale.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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much better than the talisman

I had to begrudgingly work my way through The Talisman, but this was absolutely fantastic

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Amazing Must Read

This book is highly underrated. Yes it is the usual long overly descriptive Stephen King book and at point I’m screaming enough with the suspense tell me what happened! That too me is what makes this book so amazing. You will be confused a little if you haven’t read The Talisman but it’s not a 100 % must. You will get confused, mad, happy nervous all within a chapter with this book. I absolutely loved it!

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    4 out of 5 stars
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A worthy follow-up to "The Talisman"

Although this installment is a little slower at the beginning, and sometimes the narrative style can be a little tough to follow, I still found it to be an overall enjoyable experience and worthy sequel to "The Talisman. "

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    5 out of 5 stars
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perfection

I read this some years ago but wanted to hear it narrated by Frank Muller and I was not disappointed. Excellent story and very suspenseful, dark but heroic. Love it.

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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this book

I liked the way they revisited characters from the talisman.it was over before I knew it.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Brilliant

once I started listening to this book I couldn't stop some of the best work I've ever read by Stephen King and Peter Straub

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Another masterpiece

Would you consider the audio edition of Black House to be better than the print version?

I can listen while I work

What was one of the most memorable moments of Black House?

Book is great BUT I strongly recommend you read the Talisman by Stephen King first as it is a prequel.. the black house will stand on it's own.. but is so much better having the original "where it all began" story in mind

What about Frank Muller’s performance did you like?

He brings life to the characters.. doesn't drone.. and keeps it interesting

Who was the most memorable character of Black House and why?

Traveling Jack.. and of course Speedy is a favorite from both books

Any additional comments?

BUY Talisman and listen first.. then this.. you won't be disappointed : )

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Soooooo Good!

I so loved the book The Talisman and was pleased to discover there was a sequel. This more than lives up to the first book. love all the characters! Even the nasty ones. If you like the Talisman you will love this book!

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