Cold Moon over Babylon: Valancourt 20th Century Classics

There are only two other audio books that I would rate as high as this and both of those were fully dramatized so I don't know if they could even be compared. And if you knew anything about me you would know how extremely picky I am when it comes to choosing my next credit. I wouldn't have even seen this title had I not spent the better part of an hour surfing through the sea of suggested reads. I am soooo glad I did.

Scott Brick couldn't have been a more perfect fit as narrator. I won't claim to love every thing he's read so believe me when I say what a great job he did with this. He has a knack for smoothly separating dialogue from story. I never had to guess who was speaking which kept me deeply immersed in the story.

As far as the story itself, it swallowed me like quicksand. I haven't been so involved in what happens since Stephen King's "Cell". The storylines are nothing alike, but the prose was so aptly done it kept me glued to my seat. I felt myself truly caring about these people because it was almost as if I knew them, like I was right there in the midst of the drama.

I dont want to give away anything by going into details of what happens. Half of the fun is going in blind... but I highly recommend buying this book, you will not be sorry.

...Gillian Flynn's novels, Dark Places and Sharp Objects.
It's a horror novel, and not one with the same old formulaic plot & forgettable characters.
Get this book, but don't read it at night. The scenes featuring the killer are truly horrific.

this was a fantastic scary story! so sad this author passed away -the future was so bright for him!

With the background of the lush steamy south (always a favorite) and a dark deep river with a hungry past, this is the kind of classic ghost tale that makes up a good round-the-campfire repertoire. You're left to choose whether there is madness afoot or revenge from the grave, but either way, there is no way out from the genuine creepy pall that overcomes you with this read. Well written with a broad story, rife with possibilities, kept on track.

It's worth pointing out that this was originally released in 1980; we'd had a decade of outstanding genre-bending horror: Peter Benchley's Jaws, William P. Blatty's The Exorcist, John Carpenter's Michael Myers, Anne Rice's Vampires, Hannibal Lecter, Rosemary's Baby, the wives of Stepford -- from Aliens to haunted house horrors...not to mention Stephen King who had redefined the genre with everything from demon cars to alien spider/clowns. *Whew*...the little old ghost story was hardly worth a goosebump. But McDowell did it with an edgy touch of suspense and his own recognizable flourish.

A great intro into this story sets up an haunting legacy that feeds a hunger for revenge so ravenous it's felt in the very nature of Babylon -- an eerie and foreboding presence that feels like a heartbeat, a clock ticking, a breath waiting to be released. There were moments it lagged, but this is old-school ghost territory, so hang in there and enjoy. The Scooby-Do feel gives way to a good ghostly karmic smack-down.

Absolutely! The much missed McDowell is a brilliant horror writer, and this example of his work is no exception.

The final 3rd of the book is scary, creative, creepy and interesting.

The best reader ( along with RC Bray ) does yet another fabulous job. Consistently and creatively speaking, this is yet another stellar presentation.

The descriptions of the south are painted with clarity, precision, and confidence. Brilliant work that did move me.

MM left us far too early, but the works he left us with are stunning and so worth while. I highly recommend this work for contemporary horror fans AND any audio book fan who enjoys great writing and Scott Brick's brilliance.

Brilliant beautiful storytelling!

A family plagued by hardship and tragedy is wronged in the worst ways by powerful people suffering from a terrible god complex. Those wrongs are set right in a deliciously satisfying way when the paranormal and unnatural steps in to repay wrong doing in full.

I wouldn't. I can't. I won't! This book stands out wonderfully!

The story was not read, it was performed; beautifully. I was drawn in by Scott Brick's narration and character portrayal.

Not even death will abide evil men forever.

I was captivated by this story from the very beginning. I cared about the characters immensely. I felt their worries, fears, pain, joys, and everything in between. When loss was suffered by specific characters, I felt that loss right along with them.

The twists and turns of this tale had me on edge waiting for the next line.

I love reading horror but I'm also pretty critical as to what really draws me in. This book, for me, was a homerun. I really got into the story & Scott Brick is always good. I also recommend The Elementals if you enjoy this.

Read Candles Burning and The Elementals , which was my first introduction to this author. I was hooked, then read candles burning, then lastly Cold Moon over Babylon. I wish there was a hundred more from this author, he is amazing. My favorite author is Stephen King and McDowell hooks me like King does. I am sad I have no more to read. I read or to be precise listened to all three over a three day period, just about non stop. If you haven't read his books, treat yourself, they are great.

"Cold Moon" is a mystery, a thriller, and a supernatural horror story. McDowell paints your imagination with great "down on the bayou" type visuals that are truly mesmerizing. The pines, the moss, and the boggy land all bring the novel up close and personal. A misty river that is home to a few ghosts delivers constant "creep me out" moments.

"Cold Moon" is my second audible selection by this author, and the writing is impressive. Both novels are decades old but don't feel outdated.

Scott Brick is not my favorite narrator because of the drama thing he's got going on. But I will have to say he was the right choice for this book.

Very well done.

These characters are so original and interesting, they really made the book. And this guy can turn a lovely phrase too. The style is so acerbic, yet beautiful. If you're looking for something that moves more quickly than a ponderous Steven King horror, but still gives you depth and substantial creepiness, go for this one. It'll pull you in.