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

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.

Exceptional

A great telling of age old human conflict, of good and evil, brother vs brother and love and death, all while fighting demons.

Hardy stands up to the Corbett series

Predictable and a narrator that just isn't good and seems overly dramatic. Its length is its best value.

Pretty good

I love Boy’s Life. This was a pretty interesting listen but not up to those standards. I would go 3 1/2 stars if we could do halves. Not something I would ever listen to again.

Really quite good

Back in the 80's, I loved McCammon and read all of his stuff. Or thought I had... It appears I somehow missed this one (not sure how), and am glad I found it on Audible. The story is good and the plot hums along. McCammon created strong characters that I could really envision, and the narrator was very good. I liked this book, maybe not as much as They Thirst, Mine, or Boy's Life, but right up there with Swan Song, Stinger, and the Wolf's Hour. Going to have to check out more of his newer stuff, though Speaks the Nightbird being 30 hours on Audible makes it daunting.

Nice listen

I’m a fan of this author, I’ve read or listened to many of his books. I enjoyed Mystery Walk, but I’d say it’s not his best. Rather predictable. Not bad, just not amazing.