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

Tore my heart out and made me laugh in equal measure. loved this book, this author, the narrator, all of it. read it. you won't regret it.

Creepy, strange & pulled me in skeptically

This story has a fantastical element that was hard to wrap my head around in combination with the crude language, disturbing content & potential for innocent child & emotional harm. The magic of creative potential was confusing when put in scary actual circumference. I liked this book a lot after struggling through the first 3/4. the last 1/4 pulls it all together & makes it worth it.

Wow! Kate Mulgrew blew me away with her narration

Would you listen to NOS4A2 again? Why?

2 words - Kate Mulgrew. This was a very good and original story. a real nail biter! Still, I can't imagine it without Kate Mulgrew's vioce.

What about Kate Mulgrew’s performance did you like?

Ms Mulgrew left me in awe of her ability to not only voice each character, but also to embody their emotions.

Absoulty Love!

Would you listen to NOS4A2 again? Why?

Yes but not for a while. This story will be in my memory for a while.

What did you like best about this story?

How complete the characters lives were presented in the book. You know who everyone is and why they are the way they are. It made them seem more real and makes you care for them like they were real.

Have you listened to any of Kate Mulgrew’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No, this is the first I have heard of her work and I really enjoyed it.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Made me cry, and scream

Any additional comments?

This is one of the best stories I have ever listened to. The book held my interest while listening to it getting a root canal at the dentist. Great story, and great narration.

Weird, Fear Filled, & Yet.....

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Either you are a person destroying your life moment by moment, or you are a person that you knows someone destroying their life one decision at a time. You see the bad decisions and know the outcome already, but cannot make it stop. That is the story of this book. It gives credence to psychosis in a way that I want to believe also. I don't generally enjoy horror or science fiction that much. That said, if my friend likes that genre, then YES this book is for them. The book is well written, the characters so well developed that you find them friend or foe. The heroine is amazingly real and heart-wrenching. Her family is real and you live the story as you hear it. I could not stop listening as I wanted to be there with them, even when I was scared and in the dark at home!

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

There is nothing to change. The story is creative, scary, well-written, and creative.

What about Kate Mulgrew’s performance did you like?

At first, her voice is abrasive and rough, but as you listen you completely understand why her voice and her pace work so well. I became completely enthralled in her voice. The scratch adds character details and made me really love the main heroine and live in the story at the moment.

Thoroughly Enjoyable!

What did you love best about NOS4A2?

Engaging story from start to finish. Quick to draw you in and then kept you in. Dark and with an imperfect ending. Moral struggles but high action.

What did you like best about this story?

Different and inventive storyline. Would love to have gotten to known Maggie better.
As always, the best compliment to any book (audio in this case), is the reader's prolonging their exercise or errands, sitting in a parking spot, whatever, because they want to listen a little longer and "can't put the book down". This book brought out those actions in me.

What about Kate Mulgrew’s performance did you like?

Skilled and emotive. Reflective of the content and engaging. Only a couple "oops" when shifting characters. Overall, great job!

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

'ChristmasLand'

"Imagination becomes reality everyday"

Any additional comments?

I enjoyed Heart Shaped Box, still haven't been able to get into Horns (though I've tried repeatedly), and now have been very pleased with NOS4A2. So I guess with Mr. Hill, for me, it's going to be a hit or miss.

His dad should be proud.

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Joe Hill, who as it turns out is the son of Stephen King, has outdone dear old dad in this one. I have always loved King books and this rivals the best. Joe has a real talent for creative imagery much like his father and this story is a nailbiter and real treat. Even if you are not a King fan this is one of the best reads around.

So much fun!

Joe Hill is now a new fav!
This was a great tale and takes you on a winding journey. Many uncomfortable moments that added to the creepy tail.
The Narrator Kate Mulgrew was absolutely AMAZING! She is a genius and a gem! Loved her. I will now listen to anything this talented lady reads!

Great Story

Must Read, one of the better stories I have heard in a long time. Definitely will listen to again

excellent, keeps you on the edge of your seat!

very well written and the performance was very good as well. thank you