The Chill

A Novel

By: Scott Carson

Narrated by: John Bedford Lloyd

National Bestseller

A supernatural force—set in motion a century ago—threatens to devastate New York City in this “terrific horror/suspense/disaster novel” that “grips from the first page” (Stephen King, #1 New York Times bestselling author).

Far upstate, in New York’s ancient forests, a drowned village lays beneath the dark, still waters of the Chilewaukee reservoir. Early in the 20th century, the town was destroyed for the greater good: bringing water to the millions living downstate. Or at least that’s what the politicians from Manhattan insisted at the time. The local families, settled there since America’s founding, were forced from their land, but some didn’t leave…

Now, a century later, the repercussions of human arrogance are finally making themselves known. An inspector assigned to oversee the dam, dangerously neglected for decades, witnesses something inexplicable. It turns out that more than the village was left behind in the waters of the Chill when it was abandoned. A dark prophecy remained, too, and the time has come for it to be fulfilled—for sacrifices must be made. And as the dark waters begin to inexorably rise, the demand for a fresh sacrifice emerges from the deep…

“A must read for fans of eerie, gripping storytelling” (Dean Koontz, #1 New York Times bestselling author), The Chill is “a creepy tale of supernatural terror” (Publishers Weekly, starred review).

Critic reviews

"In this supernatural thriller, narrator John Bedford Lloyd creates an appropriately tense and foreboding atmosphere. Decades ago in upstate New York, the town of Galesburg was destroyed and flooded to create the Chilewaukee Reservoir, called The Chill by locals. In the present day, strange happenings at The Chill suggest that the deceased citizens of Galesburg are looking for revenge. . . . [Lloyd's] voice is like The Chill itself—steady and robust on the surface, with imperceptible menace bubbling up from beneath. Lloyd also helps listeners stay invested with his well-wrought portrayals of the workaday characters who are drawn into the impending paranormal disaster."

Worth the Investment

This book is sort of Stephen King light. It took me some time to get my bearings though. I wish the author had just been a bit more straightforward at the outset. I prefer a Jaws beginning. Chomp! Ah, I see what the problem is. Once you get going, though, there are enough thrills and chills to keep your interest. However, you’ll never fully understand what’s going on, and you might as well ignore the facile philosophical trimmings. My biggest gripe, and I don’t consider this a spoiler, is that part of the central drama, the dynamic that moves the story at the outset is never resolved. If you read the book, I think you’ll get what I’m talking about. Nevertheless, if you’ve been avoiding modern fiction, as I have, this book might be a decent place for you to drop back in. While I wasn’t really “wowed” by it, I didn’t feel I wasted my money.

Beginning was better than ending 

For once, I enjoyed the first half of a book more than the second. The story was unclear and very slow.

Loved this book!

I listened at every possible moment could. I was on the edge of my seat at some points! Not quite the degree of chilling as Stephen King, but right up there in the league! Highly recommend!

10 out of 10; Recommend

I can't wait to read this again! This story was eerie and thrilling with hints of King and Chrichton.

Recommended by Mr. King himself

So glad I stumbled upon this recommendation by Stephen King. I found myself sneaking away to listen to it. Robust character development, provocative plot and excellent narration.