Mystery Walk

By: Robert R. McCammon

Narrated by: Nick Sullivan

Length: 16 hrs and 35 mins

Publisher's summary

An "impressive" tale of psychic power, Native American mysticism, and an ancient evil in Alabama, from the New York Times best-selling author of Swan Song (Associated Press).

Born and raised in rural Alabama, Billy Creekmore was destined to be a psychic. His mother, a Choctaw Indian schooled in her tribe's ancient mysticism, understands the permeable barrier between life and death - and can cross it. She taught the power to Billy, and now he helps the dead rest in peace.

Wayne Falconer, son of one of the most fervent tent evangelists in the South, travels the country serving his father's healing ministry. Using his unique powers to cure the flock, Little Wayne is on his way to becoming one of the popular and successful miracle workers in the country. He helps the living survive.

Billy and Wayne share more than a gift. They share a dream - and a common enemy. They are on separate journeys, mystery walks that will lead them toward a crossroads where the evil of their dreams has taken shape. One of them will reject the dark. The other will be consumed by it. But neither imagined just how monstrous and far-reaching the dark was or that mankind's fate would rest in their hands during an epic showdown of good versus evil.

From the author of Gone South, Boy's Life, and the Matthew Corbett series, a master of suspense who has won the World Fantasy and Bram Stoker Awards, Mystery Walk offers "creepy, subtle touches throughout [and] splendid Southern-town atmosphere" (Kirkus Reviews).

©1983 Robert R. McCammon (P)2018 Audible, Inc.

Plot was Fantastic; Narration Phenomenal

What to expect:
The beginning was fantastic, but I think a lot of emphases was put on understanding the main characters, the Creekmores. Unfortunately, it’s easy to see that there is some tension in the relationship between Billy’s and this goes throughout his life. It’s unfortunate, but it’s religion that drives them apart. Billy only knows that he loves his family and doesn’t quite understand the tension for many years. As children shouldn’t. But, it does affect him.

Then there’s Wayne. Wayne, unlike Billy, is growing up with a silver spoon in his mouth. Not only that but his father is an evangelist. Widely known and respected. Billy winds up healing his dog and his father immediately believes its God’s work.

This is just the beginning of the relationship between the boys. They are at each other’s throats because their parents immediately do not get along. Although Billy does everything he can to understand why Wayne hates him so much and wants to reconcile, Wayne’s way of thinking is completely opposite. He even goes so far as to ask his father why they can’t just kill the Creekmores.

Good versus Evil:
Unlike something like the exorcist, where you know exactly where the evil is (well sometimes), in this, it plays tricks with the boys’ minds. They never know if they are talking to something that is good or evil. They think they know, and that lack of knowledge is what gets them both into hot water.

Although, Billy’s mother helped to train him to see the evil and to understand it. Wayne’s father taught him the opposite. Everything Wayne says or does is miraculous, and that makes for a very dangerous man.

Still, as good as the story was, there’s something missing. I know why the boys hated each other, but I didn’t feel it. Maybe it was the characterization with Wayne. He’s supposed to be led around by evil, and he did try to understand how to be godly, and how to protect his family, and yet he never EVER questions if there is anything wrong. That’s not completely true, he does question, but very little. I think his lack of characterization frustrated me a bit.

The plot was fantastic though. At times I wanted to put the book down because there is so much racism and frustration in this. It frustrated me! With how the world is going, I think this is a good book to remind ourselves that we are all people first and foremost. But, there again, it’s hard to be faced with this kind of horror that people live with daily. While it is true to life, that is the one reason that I got frustrated, because it was too true to life.

Narration:
The narration was phenomenal. I was able to listen to this on audio, and I couldn’t get enough. Even as I became frustrated with the elements in this, the story itself kept me glued to my headphones. I wanted to know what was going to happen to these boys. I will listen to anything Nick Sullivan narrates. Not only were the voices of the characters spot on, but so were the voices when the evil was around. It was creepy and very well done. When narration can remind you that you’re listening to a horror story without the emphasis of sound effects, you know you’re listening to a great narrator.

In short:
This story has a lot to it. It’s going to take me a while to fully digest and think about. But, what comes out is the good versus evil. It’s a great story, and even though I felt like something was missing, I didn’t want to set it down. This reminded me of why I have loved Robert R. McCammon for so long. My favorite of his being Swan Song. He’s a master at his craft and can draw you in and keep a hold on you.

Audiobook was provided for review by the author/narrator/publisher.

Please find this complete review and many others at my review blog.

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Great storytelling! Well worth your time.

McCammon is a master a
t weaving an engaging tale. Didn't want it to end.

Mystery Walk

This book is very long but I enjoyed the main characters and the story. I also liked how it wound to a close.

Reminiscent of Malcom McDowell

I loved this book because it reminds me of a malcom McDowell story. My only complaint is that there were so many twists and turns I feel like there could’ve been more character development with a little less craziness. Other than that i absolutely enjoyed the story

Excellent!

Mystery Walk is the second book by Robert McCammon, narrated by Nick Sullivan. I am most definitely a fan of both! I've also enjoyed other books narrated by Sullivan and plan to get more of McCammon's books.

Mystery Walk is a story of good vs evil. Billy Creekmore is part Choctaw on his mother's side. That side of the family has an ability to communicate with the dead and help put them to rest. Of course the locals don't understand this power and people usually fear what they don't understand. Billy's mom was a bit of an outcast because of her ability and once Billy realized he had the ability too, he also became an outcast. When Reverend JJ Falconer and his son Wayne come to visit the town with thier tent revival, things get much worse for the Creek more family. Falconer calls Billy's mom a witch and claims she is evil. Wayne Falconer seems to have an ability of his own. He's a healer. It all started when his dog was hit by a truck. He laid his hands on the dog and prayed his dog better. After his father heard of this, he insisted Wayne travel with him to the tent revivals. When Wayne and Billy meet at the revival, they seem to have a sort of connection they don't understand. Because of JJ Falconer's influence, Wayne hates Billy and his mother. Billy eventually joins a traveling circus to help pay for things back home. His new friend at the circus, Dr Miracle, suggests he visit an institute for people like him. At first Billy declines, but eventually goes in hopes for some answers as to why he can do what he does. HUGE twist in the middle of the book I wasn't expecting. Wow! I won't ruin that surprise though.

Highly Recommend!

Great author and Fantastic narrator.
Captured the time place and the troubles going on.
Slip a little supernatural horror and you go a hit.
thank you

Not bad but a good ways from the Authors best

storyline was okay, for thos reader it came off as elementary at times... narration was from so so to very good with different characters..
I like everything he's done but for me this was the least of his works

This book is a rollercoaster ride!

This book is a rollercoaster ride for anyone who likes a good story filled with Native American, Choctaw characters with extra sensory gifts!!! A well written great story that will keep you on the edge of your seat!!!

Really Good

I thought this was going to be more native myth and mythology. It is more horror than anything. It feels so much like a Stephen King novel that I wondered if he was writing under a nom de plume. The writing is excellent and the pace has me anxious and overwrought. Wow! It was fantastic. Though it is not my usual genre, I was transfixed.

Phenomenal Coming-of-Age Horror

Where does Mystery Walk rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

One of my Favorites!

Who was your favorite character and why?

Billy Creekmore is a captivating character and easy to root for. My heart broke for him more than once as he learns how to live with his special abilities, as well as deal with the small town racism and evangelical fanaticism present not only in Hawthorne, but in his own family. Other parts of this thrilling tale left me on the edge of my seat as Billy has to fight for his life against the Evil that wants to destroy him because of his gift.

What about Nick Sullivan’s performance did you like?

Nick Sullivan does a phenomenal job narrating this book. I was so absorbed in the story that I felt as if each person talking was actually a different person instead of one person reading it. Not an easy task for a narrator to accomplish!

Any additional comments?

Mystery Walk is a sublime coming of age tale set against the backdrop of the south in the late ‘50’s and early 1960’s. Billy Creekmore is a captivating character and easy to root for. My heart broke for him more than once as he learns how to live with his special abilities, as well as deal with the small town racism and evangelical fanaticism present not only in Hawthorne, but in his own family. Other parts of this thrilling tale left me on the edge of my seat as Billy has to fight for his life against the Evil that wants to destroy him because of his gift. Wayne Falconer is a character that I loved to hate. He’s spoiled, judgmental, and weak, but he’s also someone who I feel sorry for. I was drawn deeper and deeper into this gripping tale of good vs. evil as these two boys lives intertwine and impact each other in horrific ways. Nick Sullivan does a phenomenal job narrating this book. I was so absorbed in the story that I felt as if each person talking was actually a different person instead of one person reading it. Not an easy task for a narrator to accomplish! I highly recommend this totally engrossing 5 star book, both in print and in audiobook format.