Skeleton Crew

Publisher's Summary

Hold tight. We are going into a number of dark places, but I think I know the way. Just don't let go of my arm....

Unrivalled master of suspense Stephen King takes the unsuspecting listener on a fantastic journey through the dark shadows of our innermost fears.

Do the dead sing?

In this bumper collection of chilling tales, which includes the brilliant story adapted into the acclaimed movie The Mist, we meet a woman who has never crossed The Reach, the water dividing her from the mainland; a grandma who only wants to hug little George, even after she is dead; an innocent looking toy with sinister powers; and a primeval sea creature with an insatiable appetite.

Narrated by Stephen King, Matthew Broderick, Michael C. Hall, Paul Giamatti, Will Patton, Norbert Leo Butz, Lois Smith, Dylan Baker, Kyle Beltran, Dana Ivey, Robert Petkoff, David Morse, and Frances Sternhagen.

©1985 Stephen King (P)2016 Simon & Schuster

Mixed bag, but worth revisiting

This collection always pales in comparison to Night Shift, as King offers a pleasing but never really satisfying selection of tales in different styles. That said, the book is worth buying for Paul Giamatti, who not only proves himself the best narrator of the bunch but draws you in with such ease that you don't want his stories to end. David Morse is excellent too, and so is Frances Sternhagen's version of 'Gramma' which despite the overpowering audio cues still manages to chill and delight.

If there's a downside it's a couple of the narrators: Anthony Michael Hall's 'Beachworld' is dull and lifeless as the story, doling out the word 'doon' for 'dune' with regular monotony (though he partly redeems himself with 'Ballad of the Flexible Bullet). Then there's Matthew Broderick who reads his story with all the joy of a child in detention. Some of the tales also misfire but given the duds King often assembles in his recent collections they're still far better than anything from this decade.

I don't regret buying this: it's not as memorable as Everything's Eventual or Nightmares and Dreamscapes but far outclasses Just After Sunset or Bazaar of Bad Dreams. The stories are varied enough for the strong to carry the weak and while there are a few reservations, this collection is recommended.

9 of 10 people found this review helpful

The Mist

I like Kings big sprawling type books so I wasn't sure if I'd enjoy this, whilst I enjoyed most of the stories it was worth it just for The Mist to be honest.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Very enjoyable

Loved the raft, and grandma! Made you really think! chilled the blood and had me on the edge of my seat.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Award winning Horror and Mystery

Excellent book to relax and listen to,and to be taken on a descriptive journey into the unknown.When listening to this,it seems that just one more sentence is not enough.You can't stop listening.I would recommend this.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Not my Favourite S King compilation!

While being an entertaining listen I found some of the narration to become back ground noise while my mind slung off elsewhere- not a good sign!
Some noteworthy tales here and it kicks off with whats possibly my all time favourite short- The Mist. Unfortunately I didn't find as many short story gems as I'm used to within this compilation.
having said that it is worth the listen even if you do find yourself having to start one or two of the stories over as it's ended and you haven't been paying attention.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

one of my fave books

rashly good stories. . some actually give you goose bumps. .. the narrators are really concise and get you involved with the characters. my favourite was The Raft.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Great to not in and out of

Lots of great short stories for those of you that struggle for time to listen for long periods

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Good stories, well read

Read this book when it came out, it was good to have people reading this book to me

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Great Audio

Really enjoyed listening to one of my favourites rather than reading it.
The different voices made the stories very individual.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

only for hardcore fans of King

there were few great stories. some were even well read. but, for the very first time I cannot give 4 or 5 stars for King's book. many stories were simply boring. they like an outcome of a bet. like I bet you can't write a story about a milkman in less than a day... and King won, as there was nothing about writing s good story... . what is worse, performance considerably vary and rarely you get a package of a well read good story. Some I struggled to finish listening. Don't recommend, unless you are a fan like myself that wants to go through literally all Stephen King's books.