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)

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.

Good enough

This book took me a while to get into. The narrator did a great job with some of the characters making them quite memorable. The story itself was just ok for me but that is largely because I don't care for werewolves. Still, the characters were great and kept my interest through the end. I would recommend to those who like a good werewolf story.

I liked it!

a fairly quick read, good story, outstanding narration! I will look for more from this author.

Creepy, dark and sad but good.

The writing and pacing is good. Story stays interesting and doesn't lag. I found the narration to be solid, no complaints there. All in all a very enjoyable Audible experience. I'd like more books like this. I do recommend.

High Brow Literature & Southern Gothic Horror

I have often heard that this author’s prose is a combination of F Scott Fitzgerald, William Faulkner, & a young Stephen King and I would tend to agree with those sentiments. For a first novel this is extremely impressive. The writing is beautiful and it is definitely one of the better lycanthrope yarns I’ve read. It’s a slow burn but well worth the wait. Enjoy!

First Buehlman book and it was good!

Not too long of a book and the plot overall was good. Some of the parts were a little spooky but nothing crazy scary. I like the characters and the narrator did a pretty good job. Overall, a decent read.

Wonderfully macabre

I really really loved this story and these characters. Christopher Buehlman is a master at creating human stories and it’s apparent just from this story alone. Each characters flaws makes them lovable. I do wish there was a little more mystery to the monsters and not so much was divulged but it’s contributions to the bigger underlined narrative makes it forgivable.

One of the best I’ve read

The only thing that needs to be said about this book is,it’s the first novel that exceeded my expectations.

A likable Protagonist... terrifying antagonist...
Wrapped inside an engaging story... and a cinematic third act with a heartbreaking ending.

Worth the credit!!!