Helpful Score: 5
It has been a while since I have had the pleasure of reading a John Saul book and picking this one up I can see the time difference has not depleted his writing skills. For this book kept me on the edge of my seat and wanting to jump in the book and help the characters. I loved it and could not put it down for when my husband and I wanted to go somewhere I made him drive so I could read it. I finished it in 2 days and gasped at the end of it.
Helpful Score: 5
I've finally found an author I know I would read again--John Saul. Admittedly, Black Creek Crossing probably isn't his best book but I did get a sense of his style. He writes in complete sentences 95% of the time! His plot line makes sense, his characters are developed enough so that I cared about them and wanted to keep reading.
Angel Sullivan is 15, overweight, lonely and an outcast at school. Her father, Marty,is a lazy alcoholic who can't hold a job and her mother, Myra, is a fervent believer in prayer and visions of the Holy Mother. For years Myra's sister Joni Fletcher has been trying to get her sister's family to move close by. She convinces the Sullivans to purchase the house at Black Creek Crossing at a real bargain price.
Why is it such a bargain? It's got a horrific story behind it and, by law, Joni has to tell them that it was previously owned by a family whose father went berserk and murdered his wife and daughter. In spite of the story, the Sullivans decide to buy the house and Angel is drawn to the smallest of the bedrooms. She finds a black cat hiding in the closet--how did he get there? In my head, I hear the Jaws theme begin to come up.
And so the Sullivans move to Roundtree. Angel, who'd been hoping for a new start, finds herself being rejected again thanks to the influence of her hoity-toity cousin Zack. She does make one friend--another boy who is mercilessly teased and tormented by the others. The boy, Seth Baker, is also physically abused by his father.
Angel and Seth become friends and allies. They are fascinated by the house, by the things they see and hear happening. As they become further involved in investigating the house, they learn that there is more evil present there than they ever suspected.
The story is also about the evil of kids being cruel to each other for no good reason. The story is sort of a Carrie Lite. Angel and Seth are able to give pay backs but at a terrible price. I call it Carrie Lite because it wasn't graphically gory.
I liked the book enough that I am looking forward to reading others of John Saul's books.
Angel Sullivan is 15, overweight, lonely and an outcast at school. Her father, Marty,is a lazy alcoholic who can't hold a job and her mother, Myra, is a fervent believer in prayer and visions of the Holy Mother. For years Myra's sister Joni Fletcher has been trying to get her sister's family to move close by. She convinces the Sullivans to purchase the house at Black Creek Crossing at a real bargain price.
Why is it such a bargain? It's got a horrific story behind it and, by law, Joni has to tell them that it was previously owned by a family whose father went berserk and murdered his wife and daughter. In spite of the story, the Sullivans decide to buy the house and Angel is drawn to the smallest of the bedrooms. She finds a black cat hiding in the closet--how did he get there? In my head, I hear the Jaws theme begin to come up.
And so the Sullivans move to Roundtree. Angel, who'd been hoping for a new start, finds herself being rejected again thanks to the influence of her hoity-toity cousin Zack. She does make one friend--another boy who is mercilessly teased and tormented by the others. The boy, Seth Baker, is also physically abused by his father.
Angel and Seth become friends and allies. They are fascinated by the house, by the things they see and hear happening. As they become further involved in investigating the house, they learn that there is more evil present there than they ever suspected.
The story is also about the evil of kids being cruel to each other for no good reason. The story is sort of a Carrie Lite. Angel and Seth are able to give pay backs but at a terrible price. I call it Carrie Lite because it wasn't graphically gory.
I liked the book enough that I am looking forward to reading others of John Saul's books.
Helpful Score: 3
Wow! One of the scariest books I've ever read. This one was really hard to put down. If you like witchcraft, black cats, blood and gore, strange thunder storms and haunted houses with lots of suspence, don't miss reading this John Soul bestseller.
Helpful Score: 2
This was a really good book. Yes, i say this about all the good books. ;)
It's the kind of book you can get lost in on a weekend while curled up under a nice warm throw on the couch, sipping hot cocoa.
It's the kind of book you can get lost in on a weekend while curled up under a nice warm throw on the couch, sipping hot cocoa.
Helpful Score: 2
Two children find comfort in each other, since they are both considered outsiders in school. When Angel is told there is something supernatural lurking in her family's home, the two set out to contact whatever haunts Black Creek Crossing. A vengeful spirit is unleashed to terrify the town. A good scare.
Helpful Score: 2
I loved this book it was another one of my faves by this author. I highly recommend it if you are in for a good thiller read!
Helpful Score: 1
A very surprising and horrorfying read. I loved it!!!
A great read with twists and turns, from witchcraft to bullys and alienation. i recomend to anyone who loves surprising plots and twist.......and yet the ending was some what disapointing.
A great read with twists and turns, from witchcraft to bullys and alienation. i recomend to anyone who loves surprising plots and twist.......and yet the ending was some what disapointing.
Helpful Score: 1
Excellent can't-put-it-down read, complete with a twist at the end.
Helpful Score: 1
John Saul once again draws you into the world of the mysterious things of the other side. Holds you down from start to finish. A compelling read
Thirteen year old Angel Sullivan is thrilled when her family moves into a cool old house in Roundtree, Mass -- until she is socially shunned at school and falls deep into despair. But then she meets Seth Baker, a fellow outcast, and a fateful kinship is forged. Seth tells Angel about the whispered rumors of something supernatural lurking in her family's home. Curious, Angel and Seth devote themselves to contacting whatever restless soul haunts the dark recesses of Black Creek Crossing. With ghastly revelations they unleash a engeful spirit and a terrifying power, and there is no turning back.
I would give the book 3 stars. It was an entertaining read if you enjoy anything involvong witchcraft ect.
This is the second book by John Saul that I've read and I totally enjoyed this book. It is the story of two high school loners that become friends but also discover witchcraft together. They begin to use the witchcraft against their tormentors and this changes their lives forever. A very quick read.
Suspenseful thriller about a family that moves into an old house. The thirteen year old daughter and her friend play a big part in the story.
Thirteen-year old Angel sullivan us thrilled when her family movesinto a cool old house in Roundtree Massachusetts until she is socially shunned at school and falls into despair. But then she meets Seth Baker a fellow outcast, and a fateful kinship is forged.
Great fast read. Another excellent Saul novel.
John Saul is a great writer. This book was great.
This book could not be more formulic and crappy. But if you like horror, you might like it.
Heart-stopping novel.
I like John Saul, and this was one of his best. The story is about a young girl who moves into a haunted house, but it manages to be quite original and fresh. Two young teenagers who are mercilessly teased at school and mistreated by their parents form an alliance and make contact with spirits in the girl's house, with the help of a mysterious black cat that appears out of nowhere and leads them on as they pursue the town's secrets. The two find a devilish way to get even with their tormentors. The depictions of children's cruelty to each other is at times hard to endure, but you will find yourself rooting for the two children. I did not like the ending, but it really had to end the way it did.
I really liked this story. It kept me interested until the very end. I would definately recommend it to others who are interested in this type of book.
Awesome book, a bit twisted, but awesome!
VERY scary. Not a book to read at bedtime.
I love John Saul, and this is a great book of his! Not as gruesome as some of his work, but definitely more poignant and suspenseful. I ended up having to read it one night because I couldn't put it down.
From Publisher's Weekly: Angel Sullivan, a plain-looking 14-year-old who never fits in, gets a chance for a fresh start when her family moves into the plush community of Roundtree. Myra, her obsessively religious mother, and Marty, her lazy, alcoholic father, buy a house on Black Creek Crossing, even though the place is rumored to be haunted. Soon after they settle in, a black cat mysteriously appears out of thin air, smoke from a nonexistent fire fills the house and a girl's face appears in the darkness, reflected in a mirror. Meanwhile, Angel, wi?h the help of another school outcast, Seth Baker, begins to investigate the history of the house. They discover an ancient book of spells that may have belonged to the house's original owners, members of a Salem-like community of witches, and the teens proceed to cast spells on the bullies who torment them. But the sinister forces inhabiting the house are just biding their time until they turn their malice on Angel and Seth.
From Publisher's Weekly: Angel Sullivan, a plain-looking 14-year-old who never fits in, gets a chance for a fresh start when her family moves into the plush community of Roundtree. Myra, her obsessively religious mother, and Marty, her lazy, alcoholic father, buy a house on Black Creek Crossing, even though the place is rumored to be haunted. Soon after they settle in, a black cat mysteriously appears out of thin air, smoke from a nonexistent fire fills the house and a girl's face appears in the darkness, reflected in a mirror. Meanwhile, Angel, wi?h the help of another school outcast, Seth Baker, begins to investigate the history of the house. They discover an ancient book of spells that may have belonged to the house's original owners, members of a Salem-like community of witches, and the teens proceed to cast spells on the bullies who torment them. But the sinister forces inhabiting the house are just biding their time until they turn their malice on Angel and Seth.
Great plot. I read his novels a great deal. this had a different twist to it, which made it even better than his last book.
Loved this book Saul is a master
Well the book was good but there was to many wholes in the plot. to many questions unanswered. not the best of john saul.
The dark history and dire secrets of a peaceful small town are summoned from the shadows of the past. Unholy forces are stirred from long slumber to monstrous new life. And two young misfits discover the chilling art of turning persecution into retribution. With these eerie ingredients, bestselling master John Saul once again works his unique brand of sinister magic to conjure an unforgettable tale of unspeakable terror.
Tormented teens use witchcraft to get even with those that have opposed them. Good read.
Not his best work but it was ok.
Another great Saul novel. What can I say I have my favorite authors and love everything they write.
not as good as his earlier stuff...
This book was incredible! It was my first John Saul and it wont be my last!!! Very creepy!
Mediocre book about a young girl who accidently gets into modern-day witchcraft, and the death and devastation it causes. I didn't care for the ending
One of the best books I have ever read.
One of Saul's best. A real page turner.
Good read for those who enjoy paranormals
Fast-paced and smoothly crafted. My daughter and I both read it in one afternoon. Couldn't put it down!
I thought this was a really good book. I was engrossed in it right from the beginning and I couldn't put it down.
Another spooky story from John Saul! I really liked this one!
Decent ghost story ~ great summer reading !
This was a spooky, thrilling book. Full of action and events that really keep you wondering what will happen next.
Goos book. Experience evil in a different, disturbing way. You will look at yourself and your family in new light.
Typical John Saul, good read.
It kinda got on my nerves how the author wrote everyone's whole name just about every time he referred to them. From page 413:
"Myra Sullivan looked worried and Ed Fletcher looked perplexed. And Blake Baker appeared to be growing angrier every second."
See what I mean?
The story was okay, but pretty predictable and not really scary at all.
"Myra Sullivan looked worried and Ed Fletcher looked perplexed. And Blake Baker appeared to be growing angrier every second."
See what I mean?
The story was okay, but pretty predictable and not really scary at all.
This was a wonderful book I really like to read scarey suspense and John Saul always comes through. It is not really wordy either like some of Stephen Kings can get. Really Enjoyed.
Thirteen year old girl is happy to move to the old house with her family, until she is shunned at school. But she makes friends with another outcast who starts telling her of the supernatural happenings in her new home. Scary as only John Saul can make it.
Evil exists. 13 yr old girl moves into a house with a supernatural history. Sleep with your lights on!
Not as good as other Saul books, but it has all the usual elements (the outcast kids and spookiness). If you're a Saul fan, you just have to read them all, I say!
Not one of John Sauls best but definatly worth reading, pretty good story line, strong charedters if you like horro/suspense I recomend this book.
John Saul's fans are legion, but I'm not one of them. Saul's writing and his so-called horror are aimed at young-adult level reading. A coming-of-age novel haunted by ghosts and witchcraft the book has its moments but is ultimately too simplistic for this reader.
As always, Saul did not disappoint me. The book is so well written and creepy that it had me gripped and I couldn't put it down until the very end.
Typical John Saul book. Not anything uber-super-special, but if you like his books, this one is a definite keeper. I'm a fan and this was one of my favorites of his "Newer" books.
Perfect ghost story for those who love them!
Great book by Saul about socially shunned students who get caught up with the supernatural. Nice twist at the end, a must read for horror fans.
FANTASTIC.
Great read!
No matter what you believe when you start reading this book, you'll know Evil exists when you close it.
Thirteen-year-old Angel Sullivan is thrilled when her family moves into a cool old house in Roundtree, Massachusetts--until she is socially shunned at school and falls deep into despair. But then she meets Seth Baker, a fellow outcast, and a fateful kinship is forged. Seth tells Angel about the whispered rumors of something supernatural lurking in her family's home. Curious, Angel and Seth devote themselves to contacting whatever restless soul haunts the dark recesses of Black Creek Crossing. With ghastly revelations they unleash a vengeful spirit and a terrifying power, and there is no turning back...
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Great read, I personally enjoyed the book very much. :)
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Great read, I personally enjoyed the book very much. :)
Pretty good, frightening to read during a storm! Preview of new novel Perfect Nightmare was engrossing, can't wait to read that one!
Reminds me of Stephen King.
Very creepy!
Interesting story line. Ended abruptly.
Any book from John Saul is a good book!
Thirteen-year-old Angel Sullivan is thrilled when her family moves into a cool old house in Roundtree, Massachusetts - until she is socially stunned at school and falls into deep into despair. but then she meets Seth Baker, a fellow outcast, and a fateful kinship is forged. Seth tells angel about the whispered rumors of something supernatural lurking in her family's home. Curious, Angel and Seth devote themselves to contacting whatever restless soul haunts the dark recesses of Black Creek Crossing. With ghastly revelations they unleash a vengeful spirit and a terrifying power, and there is no turning back . . .
Thirteen year old Angel Sullivan is thrilled when her family moves into a cool old house in Roundtree, Massachusetts-until she is socially shunned at school and falls deep into despair. But then she meets Seth Baker, a fellow outcast, and a fateful kinship is forged. Seth tells Angel about the whispered rumors of something supernatural lurking in her family's home. Curious, Angel and Seth devote themselves to contacting whatever restless soul haunts the dark recesses of Black Creek Crossing. With ghastly revelations they unleash a vengeful spirit and a terrifying power, and there's no turning back...
I enjoyed the book very much.
Very good easy reading book. Tell's an exciting story.
NY Times Bestseller
No dust jacket on book.
