Those Across the River

By: Christopher Buehlman

Narrated by: Mark Bramhall

Length: 9 hrs and 6 mins

Publisher's summary

Failed academic Frank Nichols and his wife, Eudora, have arrived in the sleepy Georgia town of Whitbrow, where Frank hopes to write a history of his family's old estate - the Savoyard Plantation - and the horrors that occurred there. At first, the quaint, rural ways of their new neighbors seem to be everything they wanted. But there is an unspoken dread that the townsfolk have lived with for generations. A presence that demands sacrifice. It comes from the shadowy woods across the river, where the ruins of Savoyard still stand. Where a longstanding debt of blood has never been forgotten. A debt that has been waiting patiently for Frank Nichols' homecoming...

©2011 Christopher Buehlman (P)2011 Penguin

Critic reviews

“One of the best first novels I’ve ever read.” (Charlaine Harris, number one New York Times best-selling author)

“An unsettling brew of growing menace spiked with flashes of genuine terror - do not miss this chilling debut. Christopher Buehlman is a writer to watch. I look forward to hearing from him again. And soon.” (F. Paul Wilson, New York Times best-selling author of Sibs)

“Lures you into a different era, seduces you with eloquent prose and sensual period details, then clamps down on your jugular.... An outstanding debut.” (Hank Schwaeble, Bram Stoker Award-winning author of Diabolical)

I marathoned this one.

This is the second book by Buehlman that I've purchased and I'm hooked. I couldn't stop listening. He doesn't just tell a story, he builds a world and one you're hesitant to leave.

Skips a word here and there but worth it.

Fix the technical glitches. The story and the narration are fantastic. I got this book on recommendation without knowing what it was a about... totally worth it!!!

LOVED IT

This was a brilliant take on an old tale! I highly recommended it! You will not be disappointed by any means.

Horrifying

Sending a shout-out to all the men in stories who don't listen to women. Without them, we'd have no horror novels

Creepy at first, then action-packed and terrifying

Would you consider the audio edition of Those Across the River to be better than the print version?

The narrator adds to the creepy backwater atmosphere that lends the book its sense of horror. I'm glad I got the audio version.

What other book might you compare Those Across the River to and why?

Sort of reminds me of Lullaby by Chuck Pahlaniuk, starts out quaint and almost humorous, then becomes insanely dark, fantastic, and violent.

What does Mark Bramhall bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

That deep, drawling accent somewhere between Jay Gatsby and a barfly.

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

You'll guess the plot twist in the first 20 minutes but by god it will still freak you out.

Any additional comments?

These guided reviews are weird.

Creative writing

I’ve written down so many quotes while I listened to this book. The writing is creative and with versatility. The narration was also very good the reader of this book was very enjoyable to listen to. This is the first book I’ve listened to by this author and I’ve already gobbled up two of his other titles. Christoper more was my favorite growing up but Joe hill has to be one of favorite authors today. I’m glad to have finally found a another.

Christopher can’t miss

C.B. Can bring worlds and characters to life in a way that is captivating and entertaining. Makes everything have character even the setting.

Fantastic Story- Superb Characters

Buelman's 'Those Across The River' was a real find for me. I can't remember who turned me on to it, but I am so glad I listened to it. There were a few problems with some sentences ending to abruptly, but not enough to abandon this most exquisite tale of terror in small town Georgia.

Eudora and Frank Nichols have moved to a sleepy town in the south so that they could start fresh in a home they inherited from Frank's aunt. Frank's aunt does warn them that things aren't 'quite right' with the house, and tells them to sell it right away and not to live in it.

The couple is looking for a way to get back on their feet, so they decide, against any caution, to move into the home. The townspeople seem fairly nice but much too 'Southern Like.' The setting takes place after World War I and the author does a great job in painting a post war picture.

Strange and terrible things start to happen in the town when a child is ripped to shreds and eaten. When a bunch of bodies are dug up and pieced back together at the local high school, terror runs like a high fever and the townspeople start to fear for their very lives. They have one thing to focus on and worry about- They've upset 'Those Across The River.'

This book is an excellent thrill ride filled with voluminous relationships, gentle and kid flowing prose, and some fascinating, loving and memorable characters. I would highly recommend this book for anyone who likes a good thrill, and good literature at the same time. Don't let the few hiccups in the recording bother you!

amazing

this was an amazingly complex and enthralling story. Well performed. Will be considered one of the favorites.

Narrator = awesome. Story = not bad.

Mark Bramhall is fantastic as a narrator. The story is not bad, either and genuinely creepy in parts. Recommended for some good Southern horror.