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Black House

By: Stephen King, Peter Straub
Narrated by: Frank Muller
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Publisher's summary

Twenty years ago, a boy named Jack Sawyer traveled to a parallel universe called the Territories to save his mother and her “Twinner” from an agonizing death that would have brought cataclysm to the other world. Now Jack is a retired Los Angeles homicide detective living in the nearly nonexistent hamlet of Tamarack, Wisconsin. He has no recollection of his adventures in the Territories, and he was compelled to leave the police force when a happenstance event threatened to awaken those long suppressed and dangerous memories.

When a series of gruesome murders occur in western Wisconsin that are reminiscent of those committed several decades earlier, Jack’s buddy, the local chief of police, begs Jack to help find the killer. But are these new killings merely the work of a disturbed individual, or has a mysterious and malignant force been unleashed in this quiet town? What causes Jack’s inexplicable waking dreams - if that is what they are - of robins’ eggs and red feathers? As these cryptic messages becomes impossible to ignore, Jack is drawn back to the Territories and to his own hidden past.

©2001 Stephen King and Peter Straub. All rights reserved. (P)2012 Simon & Schuster Inc. All rights reserved.
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Critic reviews

“Intelligent…Suspenseful” ( Wall Street Journal)
“Overflows with dark wit…” ( New York Times Book Review)
“Two master craftsmen, each at the top of his game” ( Washington Post)

Featured Article: We're Your #1 Fans—A Stephen King Character Guide


With a mind-boggling portfolio of 62 novels and more than 200 short stories (and counting!), Stephen King undeniably reigns supreme over literary horror. From Danny Torrance to the dreaded Pennywise, check out some of his most iconic characters with this comprehensive look. (But beware: there are spoilers ahead! So, much like when you press play on a Stephen King audiobook, you should proceed with caution.)

What listeners say about Black House

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One of my favorites!

The continuing story of Jack Sawyer. If you loved the talisman, you need to listen to this!

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3 people found this helpful

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I Did This All Wrong!

What made the experience of listening to Black House the most enjoyable?

I particularly enjoyed the characters in this book. Sadly, I had not yet read The Talisman when I read Black House, so I did it all backwards. Don't let that stop you though. This is classic King. Exciting, colorful and creepy.

What other book might you compare Black House to and why?

Not sure. Still reading the Talisman which pales by comparison.

Which scene was your favorite?

The most effective scene was the slow and agonizing death of the biker. It was awful - I could envision it all. Very...maybe entirely too...graphic. I was queasy through several chapters.

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

"Be sure to pick up your barf-bag at the ticket window."

Any additional comments?

In spite of the brutality and very graphic violence, I'd still recommend this as an excellent book for Stephen King fans.

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2 people found this helpful

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Best ever

Riveting and truly creepy. I have been on a Steven King binge lately. First time with Peter Straub Loved it

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Excellent

What an amazing reader Frank Muller was!!! so well read! First time with this book and loved the intertwining Talisman and Dark Tower aspects. Great to see our old friend Jack Sawyer and Speedy/Parkus... another great from the masters!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Great sequel that stands on its own

Awesome detective story with supernatural elements that has ties to the Dark Tower series. Loved it!

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Much better!

I was reticent to pick this one up after The Talisman, considering the many instances of homophobia, and general parts of the story that just didn't make sense. However, as I'm moving through the Dark Tower cycle, I had no choice but to try. I loved this book. King and Straub seemed to have worked much better together on this and it shows.

Frank Muller is, as always, a treat to hear.

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Wonderful

Excellent story telling as always! The Talisman was fantastic and Black House does not disappoint!

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Just Read It.

I couldn’t be happier with this Straub/King follow up to “The Talisman”. It has been great to spend time with Jack and Speedy again, as well as meet a few new compelling and memorable characters along the way.

Frank Muller’s performance is excellent as always and since he read “The Talisman” as well, his telling of this sequel feels right at home.

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  • Overall
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amazing read

perfect ending. recommend reading g dark tower series if you have read this. great story

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Awesome book,

oh my, I feel like I just got off a King/Straub rollercoaster ride. the twists and turns, graphic details left me feeling ill, but I could not turn away. I'm ready for a sequel, next please.

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