NOS4A2

A Novel

By: Joe Hill

Narrated by: Kate Mulgrew

Length: 19 hrs and 41 mins

Publisher's summary

The spine-tingling, bone-chilling novel of supernatural suspense from the number one New York Times best-selling author of The Fireman and Horns - now an AMC original series starring Zachary Quinto, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, and Ashleigh Cummings.

"A masterwork of horror." (Time)

Victoria McQueen has an uncanny knack for finding things: a misplaced bracelet, a missing photograph, answers to unanswerable questions. When she rides her bicycle over the rickety old covered bridge in the woods near her house, she always emerges in the places she needs to be.

Charles Talent Manx has a gift of his own. He likes to take children for rides in his 1938 Rolls-Royce Wraith with the vanity plate NOS4A2. In the Wraith, he and his innocent guests can slip out of the everyday world and onto hidden roads that lead to an astonishing playground of amusements he calls Christmasland.

The journey across the highway of Charlie's twisted imagination transforms his precious passengers, leaving them as terrifying and unstoppable as their benefactor.

Then comes the day when Vic goes looking for trouble...and finds her way to Charlie. That was a lifetime ago. Now, the only kid ever to escape Charlie's evil is all grown up and desperate to forget. But Charlie Manx hasn't stopped thinking about Victoria McQueen. On the road again, he won't slow down until he's taken his revenge. He's after something very special - something Vic can never replace.

As a life-and-death battle of wills builds, Vic McQueen prepares to destroy Charlie once and for all - or die trying.

©2013 Joe Hill (P)2013 HarperCollins Publishers

Critic reviews

"Quite simply the best horror writer of our generation, Joe Hill’s masterful storytelling is on full display in NOS4A2. It is by turns terrifying and hilarious, horrifying and full of heart, and relentlessly compelling." (Michael Koryta, New York Times bestselling author of The Prophet)

"Fascinating and utterly engaging, this novel is sure to leave readers wanting more. One thing is for certain, however. After reading this book, readers will never hear Christmas carols in quite the same way again." ( Library Journal, starred review)

"[A] new take on the fantasy-horror genre...Highly recommended." ( The Sun Herald Sydney, Australia)

Awesome Book. Highly recommend for a great listen.

Joe Hill is an awesome writer and this is his best book so far. The reader is pretty good although her voice was annoying in a few areas. If you enjoy supernatural and fantasy books don't miss out on this one. Christmas land is brought to life with vivid detail and great imagination of the writer. I laughed, cried and almost peed my pants (lol) in different parts.

Don't miss out on this great book.

A Chip Off the Old Block(s)

I thoroughly enjoyed this story about a demented man who truly believes he is doing good by bringing children to a place called Christmasland. It's an exciting premise, but there is more to think about beneath the surface of the storytelling. Joe Hill certainly comes from a powerful writing family. I've never read anything by Tabitha King, but I will now. And of course, I believe Stephen King is one of the greatest writers of our time. Kate Mulgrew, the reader, was excellent! Although it might be a little too long for an audiobook, I still had a satisfying experience listening to it. I'll be reading more by Joe Hill.

Story is interesting.

I enjoyed the story but wish I had read it myself. The narrator almost made me quit listening. Her voices for the characters were distracting. I listened to Joe Hill's afterward praising her reading and I was very surprised that he was pleased.

Joe Hill at his finest, but not the right narrator

Would you try another book from Joe Hill and/or Kate Mulgrew?

I love Joe Hill's writing but I cannot recommend any books narrated by Kate Mulgrew. There was no characterization beyond Charlie Manx, with all females sounding the same and all males sounding like a bad John Wayne imitation.

good story but...

Yes, I know who this guy is and that makes it a little more difficult to picture him without the shadow behind him. I give him A+ for imagination and that is most impt tool for an author. I thought the book was too long. It sagged in the middle. Needed more editing. And I HATED the narrator and yes, I know who she is. When you quit listening to the story and start thinking about how you don't like the narrator, something is dreadfully wrong. I found her voice grating, intrusive and too melodramatic. All that said, I will continue to read Joe Hill.

Good

Loved it good book it will keep you entertained, narrator was sometimes cringe worthy but not all the time

Awesome Listen!

Fantastic from start to finish! The narrator was excellent! This book had so much excitement and determination I couldn't but it down!! Thanks Joe Hill for an awesome book and narrator. Please make more books with the same quality!

Still thinking about it.

This book is a little creepy, and long, but I'll be thinking about this story for a long, long time and to me, that's a sign of a very good author. They make you pay attention and think. I listened to this book on Audible and Kate Mulgrew does an excellent job of narration.

Sleighing Novel, Every Chapter

I've had this book on my shelves for years and even purchased the audible version to accompany it when reading. When it comes to nearly 700 pages, my mind tells me I'll be reading this forever.

Joe Hill creates a wonderful, immersive setting of childhood innocence, parenting and, well, terrifying shit. The elaborate work-up of following Vic McQueen throughout her life and into the trials she must overcome in all aspects really bring a soul into the story. Kate Mulgrew is a bonafide narrator and fueled the personality behind so many characters.

Also, seeing little Easter Eggs of names that tied into some of his father's work were fun to come across, making me wonder if they'll ever team up their talents on this path. Regardless, Joe Hill stands out on his own and is truly rising each page I read as one of my favorite authors.

unexpected jewel

This is a truly creepy story with many mind bending twists and turns...worth the read!! #Creepy #Dark #Mindbending #tagsgiving #sweepstakes