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)

I labored through it

Story really wants to be exciting but it isn’t. I finished it but was looking how much was left. Labored through it. It’s kind of dull. Had high hopes because there’s a lot of books from this author but I am not sure I’ll give him another try. Performance was fantastic though.

Superb narration, compelling characters

As someone who did not listen to audiobooks, I loved this as an entry into a new medium. While NOS4A2 is not as scary or dark as I’d hoped, Hill succeeds in creating a vivid world with complex characters very different from myself but deeply human and relatable. Partway through it became clear that it is really a love story, and a beautiful one. Kate Mulgrew gives a stellar performance and elevates it to a wonderfully rich experience. The way she grasps the characters and gives voice to them is magical. I am eager to listen to more audiobooks, and hope to see this pair collaborate again.

Christmas Land here we come.

Wow. This is my second Novel by Joe Hill and he did not disappoint. When Reading Nos4a2 you truly immerse yourself into the story of the Brat and Manx. Slipping into your happy place can lead to a world of pure delight and horror, created from your worst nightmares and sweetest dreams of sugar plum fairies awaiting the wonderful Christmas morning. The way Joe depicts Manx's Christmas Land goes into impeccable detail. Christmas land is a delightful world filled with teeth, bodies, Reindeer Carousel rides, and the biggest Christmas tree the world has ever seen. The surprise of children's souls wandering anxiously created a bloody mix of pain and suffering in a world that is supposed to be pure wonderment and joy. Without spoiling too much of the story I truly felt connected to the Brat and the fight for mental well-being, and the undeniable love a mother has for her children. The utter horrors of the world waiting to latch onto our children with their throats of sharp teeth will forever be a fight for a mother to protect and shelter her children. A wonderfully put-together Novel, with amazing character building, and worth every bit of energy you put into the story of Vic, Wayne, Lou, Maggie, and Manx. I Loved it and honestly can't wait to move on to my next Joe Hill Novel.

Sooo good

One of the best narrators and also well written. Much like a Stephen king novel

Surprisingly Original but heavily influenced

"NOS4A2" is an electrifying and chilling rollercoaster ride through a world where the boundaries between reality and the supernatural blur, showcasing Hill's exceptional storytelling prowess and his knack for creating unforgettable characters; this gripping novel keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish, offering a fresh and terrifying twist on the concept of a vampire tale, and reminding us why he stands as a master of modern horror literature.

Mulgrew and Hill Forever

Hill knows character development, suspense, and he surely knows human nature. Mulgrew voices the tragic, the mundane, and the inevitable perfectly. I’d listen to this again. Delicious production.

Creative and Clever

A little lengthy but a great listen. The ending of main characters was disappointing but reality.

Riveting and original

Compelling front to back. Riveting. Fast paced. Great characters. Well worth the read/listen. Very memorable. Narrator is solid.

As good of not better than anything I've read from King

Hill knocks this story out of the park with his development of not only characters but the worlds of inscapes that lead them all to the final days of Christmasland.

Entertaining Christmas Inspired Horror

Didn't dig the story at the beginning, but the characters eventually grew on me. Vic McQueen was insufferable when you're introduced to her, but the reader sees her transform into a hero who is willing to give anything for her family. RIP HOOPER