Ghost Story

By: Peter Straub

Narrated by: Buck Schirner

Length: 22 hrs and 33 mins

Publisher's summary

#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 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...

©1989 Peter Straub (P)2012 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

One of the few times in my life I liked the movie better

First, this is an excellent book. It’s gripping, spooky, and the story stays with you long after you finished. The narrator does a terrific job of keeping the story moving, and all the characters differentiated and engaging.

 That said, I think I enjoyed the movie a bit better. The movie simplifies the plot line… Perhaps for some people too much… And combines two characters into one in some places… But it’s a really engaging and spooky movie. Perhaps because I saw the movie before I read the book, or maybe it’s my love of the vintage actors who appear in the movie (Fred Astaire, John Houseman, Douglas Fairbanks, junior,Melvin Douglas, Patricia Neal) but whatever the case, I had a hard time getting into the book.

However, once I got into it and quit comparing it to the movie, I did enjoy. It is a very complicated plot line and the “ghost“ is a different type of malevolent spirit than portrayed in the movie.

The first couple of chapters were hard to get into but again perhaps it was my comparing it to the movie and being confused about what this character was doing. If you’ve never seen the movie jump right in, you’ll enjoy it. If you have seen the movie divorce the two in your mind and you’ll have a better experience.



Edge of My Seat

A friend recommended this book and I just never could find time to read it, so finally I bought it on Audible. The writing and suspensfulness were just right. The performance by the reader was excellent as well. I'm so glad I made time to start this book! It was hard to stop listening to, and I always looked forward to getting back to it after work, or my masters classes. I loved how the stories were woven together. I will definitely be recommending it to my friends as well.

Great book.

If you liked Salem’s Lot, you’ll love this because it’s basically the same book but told from the perspective of the wealthy side of town.

Fun and spooky, perfect for October

Would you consider the audio edition of Ghost Story to be better than the print version?

I have not read the print version, but it's definitely better than the movie!

What did you like best about this story?

The intricacies of the American Gothic represented. This is a traditional masculine Gothic tale that is complex and heavily character driven. Tons of embedded narratives allow for multiple ghost stories within "Ghost Story". And for the more horror-oriented it includes hints of witchcraft, ghosts, changelings, vampires, werewolves, haunted houses AND murder! What more could one want?

Which scene was your favorite?

I liked the embedded narrative about Fenny Bate the best. It is a story told by Sears about when he was a new school teacher in the town, and his experience trying to act as mentor to Fenny Bate. I don't want to give spoilers, but the tale is at once frightening, disturbing and tragic. There are many great scenes in the novel, but this one struck me the most.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I couldn't if I tried! It's too long for that. I did have the urge to listen to it for large blocks of time.

Any additional comments?

This book is perfect for October. If you have seen the movie, don't let it fool you. "Ghost Story" is chilling and complex, and will keep you at the edge of your seat.

Great story; so-so performance

If you could sum up Ghost Story in three words, what would they be?

A great book.

What did you like best about this story?

It is numerous ghost stories, tied to earlier writers, and expanding on themes that they explored in a more modern context. But, there are numerous layers to this story.

Would you be willing to try another one of Buck Schirner’s performances?

I would but he was the wrong narrator for this book.

If you could rename Ghost Story, what would you call it?

Ghost Story

Any additional comments?

This was one of my favorite books when I read it 30 some years ago. It remains a great story. Unfortunately, the narrator is really not appropriate for this story. He creates a lot of inappropriate voices for characters and it is clear that he really doesn't have a good handle on the book. He was ok but his reading takes away from the overall enjoyment.

A long read

The story takes a while to gain momentum; however, with persistence you will reach surprising revelations. It makes for a truly original, unsettling, ghost story.

Interesting

The story pulled me in and kept my attending till it was nearly over. I think I liked the characters more than the storyline. I love visualizing characters. At a point the story felt like it just droned on and on. But I do recommend this story for the person that wants to hear an interesting story while they do a craft project.

classic horror fiction imho

I saw the movie as a boy and loved it and waited 42 years to read the novel and loved it also it's very different from the movie. it has lots of genuine creepiness in excellent characters with the exception of the racist doctor rabbit foot. great job by the narrator also

Amazing

Amazing story . Amazing narration . Amazing journey. Rarely has a book come together so well at the end. Enjoy

I loved it!

I know many people didn’t like the voice actor but I really enjoyed it. Like many I was disappointed with Stellas voice but considering how seamlessly he transitioned and created countless unique characters it is a minor qualm.
Well done. Great build and even better payoffs. By the end all lingering questions were answered. I strongly recommend letting yourself care about the Chowder Society as soon as you can.