Saul, John

Voltaire's Bastards: The Dictatorship of Reason in the West

Average customer rating:

Juicy
Not quite as dense as some might insist...
Mixed feelings
My new bible
truly "a hand grenade disguised as a book"!

Voltaire's Bastards: The Dictatorship of Reason in the West
John Ralston Saul
Manufacturer: Free Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0029277256

Customer Reviews:

Juicy.......2007-06-18

I bought this book in 1997, 10 years ago, and it was already 5 years old. It was enjoyable but a slog to get through and not all was retained in my head at the end of the read. I was left tired and I moved on. The true value of the book became apparent as the years passed - every reread of portions gave pleasure through forgotten information newly revealed, or insights that have finally sunk in, or new color to previously remembered insights. I bought one other more recent book of his, "Equilibrium", and they complement each other. The intervening years continue to demonstrate the validity of many arguments in the book, thus getting closer to the definition of a 'classic'. One of my best book purchases.

Not quite as dense as some might insist..........2007-04-17

Few books that are truly worth reading make for an easy read, and this is certainly the case with Voltaire's Bastards. Other reviewers have complained of Saul's density and have even accused him of dull, poor writing. Don't be fooled by such baseless nonsense. Saul is actually an excellent writer. He beautifully elucidates the finer, invariably ignored philosophical points of our modern political culture (which seeps through into every stratum of our lives) with grace and ease. The "density" arises when he undertakes historical narratives which lend credence to the points he makes. I'll agree that this can often make for slow, dry reading. However, his astute commentary on the modern "theology" of reason, power, secrecy, language and bureacracy more than compensate for such shortcomings. If you've ever felt inexplicably frustrated by what seems to be an amputated, purely rationalist, beady-eyed approach to politics, culture and knowledge in general, then the ideas presented within this book will likely excite you as much as they excited me.

Mixed feelings.......2006-12-31

Much has been said amongst the other reviews about the seemingly incoherent, diatribal and drawn-out nature of Saul's book. And I agree. It's far from being a masterpiece in the larger sense of the world. What's brilliant about this book is not how right the author is but how wrong (often infuratingly so!) he is. Because I found that I've learnt more from this book, including the wrong parts than I have from many books that were more coherent or right. Unfortunately this does not seem to be Saul's aim.

He begins with section 1 called "Argument". However it read like a bunch of generalisations and sweeping statements without much argument. What he seems to be saying is this: that the concept of reason has been hijacked in the last century of public life in the west. That it has come to mean a bureaucratic, elitist, undemocratic, secretive, closed approach that also refuses to take into account the realities of life. That this style of reason is fanatical in that insisting that it is always right as a dogma. And finally, that it has been the result of untold amounts of suffering because it proclaims itself as a moral system, whereas it's only a system of management. Because of this, it can and is used to inhuman ends because it is itself devoid of any values.

All this I largely agree with. Especially in terms of the last point about reason being amoral you only need to read some Hume. However this exposition of his argument comes only from his second section, where he actually gives some concrete examples. The second section is largely a diatribe that attempts to apply these arguments to concrete historical examples. I think this is the strongest section of the book in that it is actually about something. The third section is some musings on art, individualism etc. much of which was entirely disagreeable.

What then are the strengths of the book? It is a hodge-podge that speaks of everything under the sun and often misses as a result. But by speaking about everything Saul successfully expresses the extent to which things are a problem. If he were more methodical one could claim that such-and-such and such-and-such institution is broken. However this book has convinced me that the world is much more broken than even I previously thought. He just could have done it in a third of the word count. I would definitely recommend the book but not as some incredible analysis but rather as something that will provoke and engage almost every reader. It seems paradoxical but in the chaos that is criticised by so many, Saul makes some surprising observations that would have been missed if he was more careful.

My new bible.......2006-09-24

Some books are to be read once. Others, like this one are to be read many times.
I could have given it 4 stars, because there are places that are dry and repetetive. In those places, I would turn the pages.
Places like the evolution of the purpose of art, beginning with religious motivation and moving into art, for art's sake. I didn't care though.
The fact is, the details JRS includes are things I have never heard before and they are what makes this book a MUST HAVE.

"Jefferson, founder and patron of the University of Virginia, never allowed his university to give degrees. He considered them pretentious, irrelevant to learning and unconnected to the preparation for responsiblity. This wasn't idealism. It was the opinion of the most successful practitioner of reason. The purpose of universities has now been inverted. Learning has become a goal-oriented process aimed at winning a degree."

"Modern wine tends to be filled with sulfur, chemical stabilizers, fungicides, beet sugar and alcohol additives. These elements, not grape alcohol, are the cause of most hangovers. Contemporary wine doesn't taste anything like Henry IV's Nuit St. Georges. It is forced, matures quicker and dies faster. Like nuclear reactors, modern wine is part of the secretive promise of our society.

truly "a hand grenade disguised as a book"!.......2006-05-02

If you want to understand the world we live, then read this book. It's message is liberating. It is totally on the mark. It was published in 1992, but it fully explains everything that has happened since then. The author is brilliant. It's a citizen's survival guide to the 21st century. The book is very dense so don't expect a lazy, breezy read.

Average customer rating:

The Devil's Labyrinth: A Novel
John Saul
Manufacturer: Ballantine Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Critical

ASIN: 0345487036
Release Date: 2007-07-17

Book Description

For more than three decades, bestselling novelist John Saul has been summoning macabre masterpieces from the darkest realms of his imagination. With each new book, his instinct for playing upon our deepest dread has grown only stronger and more sinister. He’s never been afraid to push the boundaries of suspense and confront us with what frightens us most.

After his father’s untimely death sends fifteen-year-old Ryan McIntyre into an emotional tailspin, his mother enrolls him in St. Isaac’s Catholic boarding school, hoping the venerable institution with a reputation for transforming wayward teens can work its magic on her son. But troubles are not unknown even at St. Isaac, where Ryan arrives to find the school awash in news of one student’s violent death, another’s mysterious disappearance, and growing incidents of disturbing behavior within the hallowed halls.

Things begin to change when Father Sebastian joins the faculty. Armed with unprecedented knowledge and uncanny skills acquired through years of secret study, the young priest has been dispatched on an extraordinary and controversial mission: to prove the power of one of the Church’s most arcane sacred rituals, exorcism. Willing or not, St. Isaac’s most troubled students will be pawns in Father Sebastian’s one-man war against evil–a war so surprisingly effective that the pope himself takes notice of the seemingly miraculous events unfolding an ocean away.

But Ryan, drawn ever more deeply into Father Sebastian’s ministrations, sees–and knows–otherwise. As he witnesses with mounting dread the transformations of his fellow pupils, his certainty grows that forces of darkness, not divinity, are at work. Evil is not being cast out . . . something else is being called forth. Something that hasn’t stirred since the Inquisition’s reign of terror. Something nurtured through the ages to do its vengeful masters’ unholy bidding. Something whose hour has finally come to bring hell unto earth.

Average customer rating:

The most gruesome yet...
Wow! Great book!
(2.5 stars) A chilling premise, but Saul doesn't do it justice...
Typical John Saul
A Thrilling Page-Turner

In the Dark of the Night: A Novel
John Saul
Manufacturer: Ballantine Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 034548701X
Release Date: 2006-07-18

Book Description

Summer vacation becomes a season in hell for an ordinary family who unwittingly stir something invisible, insidious, and insatiable from its secret slumber–unleashing a wave of horror only the darkest evil could create, that only a master of spine-tingling terror like John Saul could orchestrate. For deep in the shadows in the dark of the night lurks something as big as life . . . and as real as death.

It has waited seven years for someone to come back to the rambling lakeside house called Pinecrest, which has stood empty since its last owner went missing. For upscale Chicago couple Dan and Merrill Brewster, the old midwestern manse is an ideal retreat, and for their kids, Eric and Marci, it’s the perfect place to spend a lazy summer exploring. Which is how Eric and his teenage friends discover the curious cache of discarded objects stowed in a hidden room of Pinecrest’s carriage house. The bladeless hacksaws, shadeless lamps, tables with missing legs, headless axe handle, and other unremarkable items add up to a pile of junk. Yet someone took the trouble to inventory each worthless relic in a cryptic ledger. It has all the makings of a great mystery–whispering, coaxing, demanding to be solved.

But the more the boys devote themselves to restoring the forgotten possessions and piecing together the puzzle behind them, the more their fascination deepens into obsession. Soon their days are consumed with tending the strange, secret collection–while their nights become plagued by ever more ghastly dreams, nightmares that soon seep into reality. And when a horrifying discovery surfaces, so does the chilling truth–about the terrifying events that rocked the town seven years before, the mysterious disappearance of Pinecrest’s last resident, and a twisted legacy with a malevolent life of its own . . . and a bottomless hunger for new victims.

Customer Reviews:

The most gruesome yet..........2007-06-11

I have been a long time fan of John Saul. At points in this book, I found myself nautious. I definately was not in the mood to eat during points of the book. Definately a change of pace for John and I great read for any fan.

Wow! Great book!.......2007-05-28

I couldn't put this book down. This was my first John Saul book. I'm hooked now and can't wait to read the rest of his books.

(2.5 stars) A chilling premise, but Saul doesn't do it justice..........2007-05-16

Finally, at long last, Eric Brewster has something look forward to as his summer vacation draws near: His parents have caved in and rented a picturesque home on Phantom Lake in northern Wisconsin, the same place his two best friends, Tad and Kent, go every summer with their parents. Eric's mother, Merrill, is a self-professed worrywart, and she has a bad feeling about the house when they pull up to it: Pinecrest is a hulking Victorian, with a sinister quality that even a fresh coat of paint and bright flowers can't hide. But Eric can't contain his excitement; he envisions a summer of male bonding with his buddies: fishing on the lake, walking through town, scoping out the girls. Little does he know that he and his friends will be spending their summer in an entirely different manner: huddled in a dank, stuffy carriage house, squinting to read old documents in the faint light, poring over the notes of Pinecrest's previous owner, Dr. Darby, who myseriously disappeared years ago.

When Eric and his friends discover the carriage house's hidden room and its bizarre contents (a lampshade made of human skin, pristine surgical instruments, a table missing a leg), they are at first more confused than anything. But gradually, as they begin to uncover the meaning behind the strange items, they become entranced, losing all concept of time as they delve further and further into Dr. Darby's research. And then, they start having strange dreams -- all three of them dreaming exactly the same thing -- which become startlingly true. And they begin to notice a strange man who rows the lake at night, with a cross fitted on the bow of his boat, as if to protect himself from some evil presence...

IN THE DARK OF THE NIGHT has a great premise, and as someone who is morbidly fascinated with serial killers, I was really eager to read it. The whole notion that part of a killer's soul can live on in a physical object is as interesting as it is terrifying; the problem is, it just wasn't developed as fully or as well as I would have liked in the novel, which was disappointing. I really felt like Saul could have done a lot more with the idea than he did; for instance, he could have had Merrill, the worrywart mother, discover the hidden cache and become possessed by the spirits of the killers -- that would have been much more unexpected, and somehow much scarier.

Instead, while IN THE DARK OF THE NIGHT has a few spine-tingling moments, it's mostly just a YA novel about (and for) teenage boys. The subplot revolving around the "townies" versus the vacationers is utterly ridiculous, and the dialogue in those parts of the novel is just laughable. The plot meanders, which makes the ending seem that much more abrupt and inauthentic -- there's no build-up to it, no increase in suspense. Basically, IN THE DARK OF THE NIGHT is a mediocre novel with a meandering plot and relatively forgettable characters. And that's really, really disappointing -- because Saul had the opportunity to do so much more with his chilling premise.

Typical John Saul.......2007-04-29

Yet I still thought it was very well done. I started reading his books when I was in grade school. Suffer the children and Nathaniel are still some of my favorites. I liked the "discovery", nice twist. The ending was not very believeable, but I could not put down and wanted to always see what was going to happen next. Fast paced and great reading for the entertainment.

A Thrilling Page-Turner.......2007-03-24

John Saul has written a chilling tale about haunted houses and serial killers in this exciting novel. The story centers around Eric Brewster and his friends Kent Newell and Tad Sparks. Tad and Kent's families have been coming to Phantom Lake, Wisconsin for several summers. However, Eric has always been left behind in Evanston, Illinois. This year, however, Eric's family has finally decided to rent their own home on Phantom Lake. Now, the boys will be able to spend their summer together. There is a problem, however. Eric's Mother Merrill is a constant worry-wart, and she thinks the whole idea is bad, but after some reassuring from her husband Dan, the family, along with sister Marci, sets off for Wisconsin.

The name of the house they are renting is called Pinecrest. It has sat empty for several years after the former owner, Dr. Darby, mysteriously disappeared. Some believed he committed suicide; others believe he was murdered. There's also a strange old hermit who lives in a run-down shack on the lake. He has a boat with a large cross on the front, and he's constantly rowing near Pinecrest, as if drawn there by some supernatural presence.

Once the families are settled in, the boys begin to explore their surroundings. They encounter a couple of local teenagers; Adam Mosler, Ellis Langstrom, and Chris McIvens. Bad blood forms between the two groups of boys, and the tension will remain high between them throughout the course of the book. Most of the days are spent fishing, going into town, and exploring the grounds around Pinecrest. One particular area of interest to them is the carriage house. One day, the boys decide to explore the carriage house. They find a curious cache of items stored inside; a bladeless hacksaw, a shadeless lamp, a table with a missing leg, a headless axe handle, and surgical insturments in pristine condition. However, someone took the time to catalog each of these items in a neatly-organized ledger; complete with dates of acquisition and price paid for each item. The items have the making of a great adventure, demanding to be solved.

However, the boys' devotion to learning about the objects soon turns into obsession, as they spend hours at a time inside the room trying to piece together the mystery. To make matters even more confusing, the boys begin to have a recurring nightmare about the objects, as if the objects are somehow speaking to the boys. As a series of strange events takes place, the boys wonder if they are the ones who caused these events.

During their study, the boys learn that all of the materials contained within the room were once owned by famous serial killers; Jeffrey Dahmer, Jack the Ripper, Lizzie Borden. Meanwhile , the voices keep speaking to the boys, and the nightmares become more intense. One person has already been killed; did the boys do it, as their dreams suggest, or was it the power of the objects coming from the room?

All of the events culminate on the Fourth of July weekend. Are the boys at fault, or is something or someone else responsible?

This is a first-rate suspense novel. John Saul's thrilling story is well-conceived, and it leaps off the pages and immediately draws the reader in. The characters are well-developed, and the action is fast-paced. This is the first book by John Saul that I've read, but after reading this one, I'll definitely be reading others.

I highly recommend this fine book. Suspense and horror fans will love it.

Average customer rating:

Some Thrills & Chills, but Not Saul's Best
Not bad, but not Saul's usual standard
Not worth it.
Not JS's best
No chills, only ills

Perfect Nightmare: A Novel
John Saul
Manufacturer: Ballantine Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 0345467329
Release Date: 2006-04-25

Book Description

If you open your house to strangers, who knows who might come in. And what they might be after. Or whom. Now, ponder the unthinkable and surrender to your darkest dread, as sinister storyteller extraordinaire John Saul weaves a heart-stopping tale of lurking terror and twisted intent.

Every parent’s nightmare becomes reality for Kara Marshall when her daughter, Lindsay, vanishes from her bedroom during the night. The police suspect that the girl is just another moody teenage runaway, angry over leaving behind her school and friends because her family is moving. But Lindsay’s recent eerie claim–that someone invaded her room when the house was opened to prospective buyers–drives Kara to fear the worst: a nameless, faceless stalker has walked the halls of her home in search of more than a place to live.

Patrick Shields recognizes Kara’s pain–and carries plenty of his own since he lost his wife and two children in a devastating house fire. But more than grief draws Patrick and Kara together. He, too, senses the hand of a malevolent stranger in this tragedy. And as more people go missing from houses up for sale, Patrick’s suspicion, like Kara’s, blooms into horrified certainty.

Someone is trolling this peaceful community–undetected and undeterred–harvesting victims for a purpose no sane mind can fathom. Someone Kara and Patrick, alone and desperate, are determined to unmask. Someone who is even now watching, plotting, keeping a demented diary of unspeakable deeds . . . and waiting until the time is ripe for another fateful visit.

From the Hardcover edition.

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Customer Reviews:

Some Thrills & Chills, but Not Saul's Best.......2007-04-16

John Saul, the author of Black Creek Crossing, Manhattan Hunt Club, and The Right Hand of Evil brings to us yet another chilling story of a predator stalking the streets of suburbia, sating his twisted desires on the blood of the innocent. The tension is high and the narrative taut, and though A Perfect Nightmare doesn't quite live up to other Saul thrillers, it's suspenseful enough to keep the reader up late at night, wondering what's hiding under the bed or in their closet.

Constructed in a unique manner, the narrative splits, giving a first person look into the mind of a killer as he meticulously hunts his prey. The chills are authentic, the fear palpable as the madman circles closer to his choice prey; young Lindsey Marshall, sixteen year old daughter to Kara and Stephen. Distracted by their stressed marriage and the pressure of finding a new home, they are unaware of the danger circling their family, like a silent, deadly shark...until it's too late.

The wealthy Patrick Shields knows all too much about loss; his wife and daughter's perishing in a fire just a year prior. When Lindsey Marshall is abducted, he is compelled to help Kara in any way he possibly can, even if only to help himself get over the loss of his own family. As he and Kara begin to investigate the darkness swirling around them, however, they are both confronted with an evil hiding much closer to home than originally thought, and whether or not they'll survive will depend greatly upon whether or not they will be able to stand against the darkness in the end.

A Perfect Nightmare is constructed in unique fashion, switching from the third person narrative of the main plot to the frenzied first person rambling of the kidnapper that stalks this Long Island suburb. This part of the novel is handled well; the shifts are smooth, and the first person musings of a madman add suspense to the storyline. This, however, is not one of Straub's better works; overshadowed by much better page turners such as The Right Hand of Evil and The Manhattan Hunt Club, especially.

A plot twist very late in the novel comes abruptly, and I suppose it could be read two different ways - shocking, unexpected, wrenching...everything John Saul stories have become known for. However, for some reason it didn't sit well with me; there are very little clues leading up the twist, which makes it feel a little out in left field, plus the resolution of the narrative was just not fulfilling. In suspense novels like this, emotional highs and lows...especially the lows, because they make us feel and associated with the main characters, producing empathy....are necessary, but in A Perfect Nightmare, the late plot twists leaves a bad taste in the mouth that almost overwhelms the whole story itself.

However, though it doesn't end greatly, A Perfect Nightmare is an engaging enough mystery to keep you figuring it out until that last, fateful plot twist. Just make sure you leave the light on....and make sure those doors are locked at night.

Not bad, but not Saul's usual standard.......2007-02-15

This book seemed to be geared toward a younger reader audience. There's nothing wrong with that, but I think it should be touted as a young-adult genre so that adult expectations aren't so high. I would have loved it a pre-teen. As an adult, it seemed rather mild and even a little hokey, especially for John Saul. What happened to his "Nathaniel" or "Suffer the Children" storylines? Maybe he's getting bored? Teenagers between 12 and 17 years-old would really enjoy this book.

Not worth it........2007-02-02

Saul has always been a dark writer, and I've enjoyed many of his books (Shadows, God Project, Creature)
This one turned my stomach when I read several portions. And when it didn't, it was just plain boring. Don't waste your time or money on this one.

Not JS's best .......2007-01-22

Sometimes the plot is good, sometimes is boring and sometimes is almost unreadable. The main story is very good but the abductor's plans are just a waste of time. Whatever he say could be said in one or two paragraphs not three or four pages. The worst of it is the end. It was just a fairy tale and not the way JS ends his books. I can recommend this this book if you don't have anything else to read.

No chills, only ills.......2007-01-06

When I read the back of the book I really thought this would be an interesting read...but I was wrong. Although I finished it from front to back I still found it repulsive. There are issues in peoples lives that are not worth addressing in fiction and this was one of them. Unfortunately, to a lot of young girls monsters lurk in corners to invade their innocence and rip away the very essence of their self. They do not need to be reminded of the torment in any form. I do not condone reading anything that crosses the line such as this book. The most appauling part was when the author tried to make you feel sympathetic to the monster. I found it sickening to say the least. I still like John Saul, but if any other book is written like this one, I will wave goodbye to my favorite author forever.

The Collected Essays of Ralph Ellison (Modern Library Classics)

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The Collected Essays of Ralph Ellison (Modern Library Classics)
Ralph Ellison
Manufacturer: Modern Library
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Essays | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0812968263
Release Date: 2003-09-09

Amazon.com

Ellison was a believer in the hybrid nature of American culture, a position clearly articulated in the essay "What America Would Be Like Without Blacks." Elsewhere, he writes about the music of jazzmen Charlie Parker and Charlie Christian, the fiction of Richard Wright and Stephen Crane, and about the creation of his novel, Invisible Man that rocketed him to fame. This book brings together the contents of Ellison's Shadow and Act and Going to the Territory, as well as a dozen or so other essays and talks previously uncollected.

Book Description

Compiled, edited, and newly revised by Ralph Ellison’s literary executor, John F. Callahan, this Modern Library Paperback Classic includes posthumously discovered reviews, criticism, and interviews, as well as the essay collections Shadow and Act (1964), hailed by Robert Penn Warren as “a body of cogent and subtle commentary on the questions that focus on race,” and Going to the Territory (1986), an exploration of literature and folklore, jazz and culture, and the nature and quality of lives that black Americans lead. “Ralph Ellison,” wrote Stanley Crouch, “reached across race, religion, class and sex to make us all Americans.”

Average customer rating:

Very good triller
Well-written
No Need to Be afraid of the dark
Very Dissapointed
terrific

Second Child
John Saul
Manufacturer: Bantam
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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The Presence
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ASIN: 0553287303
Release Date: 1997-01-01

Customer Reviews:

Very good triller.......2007-01-31

One on the best John Saul's thrillers. As usual everything mind-twisted and only at end you find out the truth, but everything is around smth mysterious and paranormal.

Great book to read and spend time.

Well-written.......2007-01-14

Another one of John Saul books that was very engaging. When Teri's parents died in a house fire, she moves in with her father(Charles), step-mother(Phyllis), and half-sister(Melissa). At first everything is going well for Teri. Although Teri is treated like gold by her step-mother, Melissa is being abused by ner mother. One night Teri witnesses the punishment Phyllis imposes on Melissa.
After that night Teri creates a sinister plan to get rid of Melissa and taking her rightful place as the daughter of the Halloway Household.
This story really draws you in and makes you feel for the characters that are on the recieving end of Teri and Phyllis's wrathe. If you are looking for one of those books that are impossible to put down, this is it!

No Need to Be afraid of the dark.......2004-10-06

Not a bad story but if you're expecting something to scare you to the point where you'll sleep w/the lights on, then this isn't the book for you. All in all, it's a quick and easy read and it most certainly kept me interested - you'll fall in love w/Melissa and come to feel sorry for her.

Very Dissapointed.......2004-06-30

When I came across this book and read the back panel I couldn't wait to read it! The story sucked me right in and I was glued for two days not wanting to put it down. There is no doubt the writer has a great way with words. However the closer and closer I got towards the end of the book though with absolutely nothing juicy happening (for "revenge")I started to get annoyed. For a 355 page book that had so much potential to be wrapped up in 9 pages that explain NOTHING I think was absolutely ridiculous, and I realize I'm not alone with my disappointment. I wish I would have checked into the disappointed reviews before I bought the book. I would not recommend the book to somebody else.

terrific.......2004-04-17

I love this book. it has to be in my opinion the best john saul book i've read so far. i recommend reading it...

Average customer rating:

Even sub-par Saul is fun...
Roman Polanski Rip-Off
Midnight Voices is Dark, Dreary and Dreadful Fun!
A tale of love,ghosts,lies and poverty!
John Saul rocks!

Midnight Voices
John Saul
Manufacturer: Ballantine Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 0449006530
Release Date: 2003-03-04

Amazon.com

In a Rosemary's Baby meets Hansel and Gretel thriller, John Saul's Midnight Voices is packed with bump-in-the-night chills that will frighten and delight readers with its nostalgic nod to urban legends and campfire tales. With short, edgy chapters and all-too-vivid imagery, Midnight Voices begs to be enjoyed in one sitting, in the dark, huddled on the corner of your couch. As usual in Saul's world, strange things are afoot in the city, and the Evans family is the target.

At the heart of this spooky tale are the children, Laurie and Ryan Evans, who are unwittingly exposed to danger when their recently widowed mother marries widower Anthony Fleming. The too-good-to-be-anything-but-evil Fleming lives in the Rockwell, a building rumored to be inhabited by witches and vampires, that has the children in the neighborhood terrified:

<blockquote> "Amber's eyes were still fixed on the building. They were just stories, she told herself once again. They weren't true. But even as she silently spoke the words to herself, a strange chill of apprehension ran through her and she turned away ... I'll die, she thought. If I go in there, I'll die." </blockquote>

Of course, the newly married Caroline does not share the anxiety of her children, despite Fleming's Bluebeard-like determination to keep everyone out of his study, not to mention the horrible whispers and strange sounds coming from empty rooms in the middle of the night. It is this tension, and Caroline's dawning realization of her new husband's shortcomings, that drives the novel to its startling conclusion.

Saul uses familiar horror images--an ancient building with even older residents, creepy neighbors that are not quite right, whispers in your room after midnight--to spin a new tale of evil that will remind readers why one should always leave the closet light on. --Daphne Durham

Book Description

The sudden, tragic death of her husband leaves Caroline Evans alone in New York City to raise her children with little money and even less hope. When she meets and marries handsome, successful Anthony Fleming, the charismatic man of her dreams, she believes her life is destined for happiness. She and her children move into her new husband’s spacious apartment in the legendary Rockwell on Central Park West. Despite her son’s instinctive misgivings about the building and its residents, Caroline dismisses the odd behavior of her neighbors as pleasant eccentricities. But after her daughter begins to experience horrifying nightmares and a startling secret emerges, Caroline realizes that the magnificence of her new home masks a secret of unimaginable horror. . . .

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What if insidious evil flourished in the one place where you feel most safe? The chilling answer comes from New York Times bestselling master of suspense John Saul -- in a new novel that reminds you there is no place like home... for sheer terror.

The sudden tragic death of her husband leaves Caroline Evans alone in New York City to raise an eleven-year-old son and a twelve-year-old daughter on little money and even less hope. But then she meets and marries handsome, successful Anthony Fleming, who wins her heart and embraces her children. When Caroline settles her family into Anthony's spacious apartment on Manhattan's Central Park West, her fears of an uncertain future give way to a sense of abundant happiness. But soon, new terrors will come home to roost in the luxurious, exclusive building named The Rockwell. Midnight voices whisper of a cruel and hungry presence....

First, Caroline's daughter begins to suffer from recurring nightmares of strangers in her room at night. Then her son turns sullen at home and angry at school, spreading terrifying rumors about the stepfather who has shown him nothing but kindness. And when Caroline discover a startling secret about Anthony's past, it seems she, too, is falling victim to the creeping paranoia infecting her family. Should she doubt her perfect husband, their kindly fellow tenants, or her own sanity?

Does someone -- or something -- in her new home have sinister designs on Caroline and her children? Is her new life charmed or cursed?

Customer Reviews:

Even sub-par Saul is fun..........2007-06-17

As is often the case with Mr. Saul, I was grabbed by the first page. After a very short time, I was only thinking about "Rosemary's Baby". A previous reviewer also made mention of "Hansel & Gretel", which was also appropriate, to a point. Mr. Saul takes great pleasure in putting kids in peril, and, without blabbing away the plot, he is true to form. I was satisfied with the overall result, though it was never revealed why Brad was killed in the first place. Was it an accident or part of the "plan"? The subsequent references to him made him one of my favorite characters. Regardless, it was a fun read and, though I never liked Mr. Saul's penchant to make children suffer, this one kept me reading. Not the best, but clever and generally well-written. The Epilogue clears things up maybe a little too conveniently, but there were lots of crazy things going on. But I still want to know what happened to Brad...

Roman Polanski Rip-Off.......2007-05-19

MIDNIGHT VOICES is a rip-off of Roman Polanski's THE TENANT and ROSEMARY'S BABY, but without the edge, suspense, characters, or atmosphere. Although the technical writing is solid, it feels bland and generic, and, like a PG-13 movie, this title should be placed in the "young adults" section. The pace picks up a bit towards the end, but it was hard to get through the melodramatic daytime soap opera dialogue of the first two-thirds. I enjoyed reading this author when I was younger, but I guess 15 years later my taste in horror runs a little deeper and more original. Did Mr. Saul really think people wouldn't compare this with Polanski's work? He should know not to mess with perfection. Hmmm

Midnight Voices is Dark, Dreary and Dreadful Fun!.......2006-08-16

John Saul's Midnight Voices is an easy read, with a terrifying twist. When Caroline Evans' husband was killed during a mugging, she is left with two young children and a demanding job. Struggling to make ends meet, she is ecstatic when she meets the man of her dreams.

After a whirlwind courtship, she marries the handsome, wealthy Anthony Fleming and her life seems perfect. Until they move into an apartment in the Rockwell, a well-known building in New York. There she meets the denizens of the building, an eccentric and strange bunch.

Her daughter Laurie begins to experience unsettling nightmares and her son Ryan exhibits animosity toward Caroline's new husband. Excusing her children's behavior, she does everything to please her husband, including visit with the neighbors who begin to show an unhealthy interest in her children.

Before long, Caroline realizes she has made a huge mistake. Nothing is as it seems...and there might be no one she can trust. Except maybe the voices in her head--the ones that tell her that her new home hides a terrible secret.

Creepy in a Rosemary's Baby sort of way. Made me glad I don't live in an apartment. Kudos, Mr. Saul!! I'm a lifelong fan!

~Cheryl Kaye Tardif, author of Whale Song (2007 Kunati Inc. Book Publishers, www.kunati.com)

A tale of love,ghosts,lies and poverty!.......2006-07-13

This review is dedicated to all those women out there who are single parents and have a hard time taking care of themselves and their kids.I want them to know that they can make it just as anyone else,it just takes faith and determination and a heart full of love...Nigel.

As I write this review I am a bit disappointed with some of the other reviews I have read on this page.Simply because they don't give you a clue as to the story hidden within the book.
This is a great book,the only downfall is that it could have been longer,because as the ending approached another story was revealed which I think could have been touched on or explained in greater detail.But nevertheless this book keeps you guessing and the chapters are short and well developed.It is difficult to skip out anything in this book,because everything is connected either directly or indirectly.
There is so much suspense in this book,it leaves you dumb.It has only appromixately two murders in this book.(so,if you are looking for one of those bloody serial killer novels,then don't bother reading it)If you want a novel that would make every part of your body shiver out of fright,not because of what you are reading, but what you are going to read on the next page,then read this book,its perfect for you...

Here is the plot,as written briefly by me,recapitulated:
(I can write this plot from many angles,I would try to do at least two)
.A lawyer,Brad Evans,is murdered while jogging.
.He leaves his wife,Caroline,and two kids,Laurie and Ryan,to fend for themselves.
.Pretty soon after his death,his wife and kids start to have financial problems,leaving their house and going to live somewhere poor.

(The above part of the story concentrates on the problems a single mother has to face,the sacrifices she has to make to ensure that her kids are happy.This happens in the first 100 pages or so)

.While in the part watching her son play baseball,she was introduced to a man named Anthony Fleming.A rich successful man.(or was he)
This part of the story goes like a romance novel,guaranteeing a great ending...
.But soon after Caroline and her children moves in with Anthony Fleming,bad things start to happen!
Like,for example,Laurie has strange dreams in which people were sucking out fluids from her body.And Ryan starts hearing strange noises coming from a room yet unseen.
.Sometime after,Ryan wonders into his stepfather's study.Ryan then sees some pictures of his father and other neighbours which shocks him.(there is something amazing about these photographs which I would not disclose in this review,for fear that I would give away too much)
.Ryan is caught looking at these photographs by his stepfather,Anthony Fleming.He is then asked by Anthony never to go in that room again.
.Ryan tells his mother about all of this and about how the neighbours have been acting strangely.But his words weren't heard.His mother dismissed it as grief.Because Ryan still missed his real father.
.Pretty soon Caroline herself goes into the "forbidden study" and she seens for her self what the photographs contained!
.She slowly but surely starts to believe her son's story.
.Then one Night she awoke to fine her husband gone.She left the room and wondered into her daughter's room only to find her gone.She instinctively went to the study,finds a closet and enters.(what she sees here is where the story starts to get freaky).
.She sees her daughter on a bed with tubes attached to her.Her husband was there along with all the neighbours,who looked younger that usual.(there is a reason why they are looking young).And before I forget,at the start of the story these people were all old!
.Anyway,Caroline,after seeing this sight,started to scream,only to be stopped by her husband.But before her husband quelled her,she managed to scrape him,leaving rotting flesh exposed along with the scent of death!
.Now,Caroline awakes in a hospital room to find herself strapped to a bed.And her children is under the care of her husband(Anthony Fleming)...
The story gets really good from this point...

like I promised,I am going to write the above plot from Anthony Fleming's point of view.
.Anthony Fleming,along with the neighbours in this apartment building are dead,ghosts,zombies...(it is not specifically said what they were,only clues are given,it leave us wondering what they really were.One thing is certain though,and that is that Anthony and his neighbours were dead people)
.The only way they allowed themselves to materialize was to suck juices(again,the story doesn't say what kind of juices)from the human body of young people.
.These juices allowed these so called "ghosts" to remain young and maintain a youthful human,solid,physical body.
.And ever so ofter they would capture children and take their body juices.
..........And in this story,it seems as though,Anthony Fleming marries Caroline Evans for her children's juices...

So the story's main plot takes effect:The two children are faced with this horrible stepfather and his neighbours,who want nothing but the children's "youngness"...

Now,let me tell you where this story falls short:like I said,it could have been longer.Also,alot of things are obvious.And other things are vaguely written.I can't believe that the writer leaves us hanging.A suspense novel is not meant to put puzzles and leave them unsolved...
But,like I said,this novel is nevertheless good,and it is worth the read...Though I would recommend books like"The homing","Guardian"..which are much better....enjoy...Nige.

John Saul rocks!.......2005-10-03

I love all of John Saul's stories. Midnight Voices was yet another of this author's gripping novels. It was read in one day.

The Blackstone Chronicles: The Serial Thriller Complete in One Volume (Blackstone Chronicles)

Average customer rating:

Horrible ending
Poor
Cool Book
A LITTLE SCARY, ENGAGING.
Blackstone Chronicles together at Last

The Blackstone Chronicles: The Serial Thriller Complete in One Volume (Blackstone Chronicles)
John Saul
Manufacturer: Ballantine Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Midnight Voices
The Right Hand of Evil
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Nightshade: A Novel

ASIN: 044900192X
Release Date: 1998-02-10

Book Description

Now, for the first time, the New York Times bestselling serial thriller is complete in one terrifying volume. John Saul, the master of supernatural suspense, John Saul, brings to chilling life the small New England town of Blackstone--and the secrets and sins that lay buried there. . . .

From atop Blackstone's highest hill, the old Asylum casts its shadow over the village. Built in the 1890s to house the insane, the Asylum has stood vacant for decades. But now, the wrecker's ball is about to strike--and unleash an ominous evil. Strange gifts begin to appear on the doorsteps of Blackstone's finest citizens.

Each bears a mysterious history.

Each brings a horrifying power to harm.

Each reveals another thread in the suspensefully woven web of . . .

THE BLACKSTONE CHRONICLES

Part I--An Eye for an Eye: The Doll
Part II--Twist of Fate: The Locket
Part III--Ashes to Ashes: The Dragon's Flame
Part IV--In the Shadow of Evil: The Handkerchief
Part V--Day of Reckoning: The Stereoscope
Part VI--Asylum

Customer Reviews:

Horrible ending.......2007-06-20

The first four parts were decent to good -- a lot of good things happening. But then it quickly went down. The last part was totally stupid. I was lost. I didn't get it. Where did the story go? It's books like these that get my blood boiling for wasting my time.

Poor.......2007-04-11

I had ordered an unabridged book and received an abridged copy. Also one of the tapes was damaged.

Cool Book.......2007-01-10

It is great to have all the stories in one book. It was also easier when I used to book to play the CD ROM game.

A LITTLE SCARY, ENGAGING........2006-12-20

I thought this book was truly engaging. Not too many books can grab my attention, but this one did from the beginning. None of the chapters were over worded, or too explained. It had just the right recipe that makes a truly good book. 2 C. heart, 1 C. substance, 3 C. entrigue, and 4 C. Suspense. It was very good. If you are looking for the type of book with suspense and heart, this would be perfect.

Blackstone Chronicles together at Last.......2006-03-13

I'm a huge fan of John Saul's Blackstone Chronicles Saga and to have all of them in one volume is most excellent. For anyone who is a fan of this series this book is a must!

Average customer rating:

what a marvellous piece of entertainment!
You'll Lose Sleep Over This One!
Easy read, but the story lacks substance.
Good Biogenetic Werewolf Book
Quite good

Guardian (Bookcassette(r) Edition)
John Saul
Manufacturer: Bookcassette
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio Cassette

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Darkness
The Homing
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ASIN: 1561005320
Release Date: 1993-09-01

Book Description

A telephone ringing in the dead of night signals the beginning of a journey into fear as MaryAnne Carpenter hears the shocking news: her friends the Wilkensons are suddenly, inexplicably dead, their only child, MaryAnne's godchild, abruptly orphaned and dependent on her. Even as MaryAnne rushes to embrace her young charge the disturbing questions mount. Was it a tragic mishap that took their lives - or murder?

As winter closes in on the majestic ranch where the young family lives, the darkness and danger of nature and the unimaginable evil around them seem to work in tandem. An insatiable and brutal killer is closer than they could ever have imagined.

In "Guardian", the forces of nature and the forces of evil combine in a complexly woven novel of psychological suspense.

Customer Reviews:

what a marvellous piece of entertainment!.......2006-06-23

well,here is an interesting piece of work.I was a bit hesitant at first to write a review,because most of the reviews that have already been written by readers are quite well done.But,however,I have notice that there are gaps and pieces of this hugely chilling book that were not mentioned.So,writing this review now,I am going to explain what I could about the story,but from a different angle to that taken by the other reviewers.
But I must warn you,however,that all my points on the story may not be in order,that is simply because the story takes a while to unravel,and some things happen in the ending of the story which,in fact,shoud have been at the beginning!But nevertheless it is a great read and not too long to bore anybody out.And I definitely recommend it.It is a guarantee.

So,here goes the plot:
(like I said,I would attempt to explain this story from an angle that most of the reviews have chosen to ignore).

Some people in a penitentary were given a choice:if they volunteered for a highly classified experiment,they would get a chance to be released from prison,the ones that volunteered,signed an agreement.(this part of the story was mentioned in the ending!)
Now,the good part.The purpose of the experiment was to make the human body stronger and more resistant to diseases.So,genetic material from an animal(wolf)was taken and used to do this...
Now,a prisoner named Shane Slater,volunteered.He was taken to a hospital where the experiment was being conducted.Everything went quite nicely until he miraculously escaped.(most of the infromation about how he exactly escaped was not mentioned in the book,apparently the author kept it away to keep the story short,but it kept me guessing!).
Then as a result the experiment on Shane began a change to his body,sort of like a mutation,if you will.
He developed a craving for raw meat,his senses were more keen,he grew alot of hair on his body and his body size was even bigger!But all these things began to happen over a period of time...
He ran away from the hospital to a town where he fell in love with a woman.But when the FBI suddenly showed up in the town,looking for him,he disappeared into the hills and was not seen until about thirteen years later.
Meanwhile this woman got married to a man and had a son named Joey.A very rich man,that is.But it later turned out(very far in the story,that is)that Joey is Shane's son.
So,listen carefully.If Shane had mutated genes which gave his certain characteristics.Then,Joey,obviously would have this as well...
Now,the few killings that happened in the story was basically by an accident.Because when the "urge" came over Shane(hidden in the hills,still) he ended up killing people at a campsite.But he was fully aware that he had a son because his instincts told him that.And Joey also had the same feeling although he was unable to explain it.
So,the story is circled around the fact that Shane wanted to find his son and Kill him.And also to warn Joey's mother and stepfather about Joey's condition
But in the very beginning of story,what happens is that:while Joey's stepfather is taking care of his horse,Shane suddenly shows up,not wanting to hurt anyone but only to talk to the stepfather,but the horse was suddenly nervous and trampled over the stepfather,killing him...
That same day,Joey's mother was on top on a cliff,highly distressed by what happenend and she was also looking for Joey who was in the bush somewhere.But Shane appeared suddenly,and she got scared of the strange dark scary figure that was coming towards here,and she fell of the cliff,dying.(now,it is not known if any of the victims clearly saw Shane)...
So,here is where "the Guardian" comes in,hence the name of the story.Marianne,Joey's god mother legally became his guardian after Joey was left without his mother of stepfather to look after him.

Now,what happens from here is important but not as important as what I have already written.And most of what I haven't written are already done by other reviews.I just wanted to write what they left out...

So,I would just write a little more...While taking care of Joey,Suzanne and her kids noticed that something was unusual about he boy...Joey,poor boy,literally put Suzanne through hell.
And Suzanne was recently getting over the shock that her husband had been cheating on her...She surely went through alot...And now she has to deal with the terror of Joey and his development into a so called "werewolf".

Now,I guess I have said alot,and I hope that It gives you the general idea of this magnificently written book...enjoy...Nigel

You'll Lose Sleep Over This One!.......2005-05-02

GUARDIAN was the first novel by John Saul that I read. I don't remember who recommended this author to me, but I'm very grateful for that advice, even though it cost me a few nights of sleep!

GUARDIAN is the story of Mary Anne Carpenter who moves to Idaho with her two children to become the guardian of her teenage godson who has recently become orphaned (hence the book title). The people in the small town where they now reside don't seem to like her godson, while Mary Anne is trying to understand why they have an aversion to him, she learns about a series of brutal murders in the nearby area. Could they all be connected?

Picturesque Idaho is the backdrop and a teenager that has just lost his parents is one of the main characters, what's so scary about that? You'd think moving to a ranch in Idaho is a dream come true, even if the circumstances are not perfect in the beginning, but this is far from the ideal situation.

Believe me, this is one of the most frightening books I've ever read. It wasn't scary so much for the content and the exact story line, but my imagination went into over-drive because of this book. "What if" became the beginning to many of my ideas and I didn't sleep well for several nights because the premise of this "villain" was so diabolical and present in all of our lives. Could this work of fiction actually come true, not exactly as written, but in an offshoot? You bet it could and that fact is what scared me the most.

I've recommended this book to several friends, all of whom have loved it. Those who never read anything written by John Saul also became avid fans. If you don't mind losing a few nights sleep (first by wanting to finish the book, then because of nightmares) and if you want to be intrigued from the first page until the last, then this is the book for you.

Easy read, but the story lacks substance........2004-07-21

I've read quite a few of John Saul's novels and I have to say I think I'm growing tired of him. This book just doesn't do it for me. His storytelling skills are remarkable but the plot of this book lacks intensity, interest, and believability. I know Saul can do better than this. If you are looking for a better JS book try God Project or Nathaniel. I give this 2.5 stars.

Good Biogenetic Werewolf Book.......2003-10-28

"Guardian" is one of the least memorable books that I've read by John Saul. I had to flip back through it before I started to remember what it was all about.

It starts off in Canaan, New Jersey, where MaryAnne Carpenter lives with her two kids: 13-year-old Alison and 10-year-old Logan--but quickly moves on to Sugarloaf, Idaho, where MaryAnne's 13-year-old godchild (Joey Wilkenson) is suddenly orphaned when his parents die in separate, but suspicious, accidents. Being the godmother, MaryAnne is deemed his guardian, though it's the mysterious man living in the woods with a wolf that the title is referring to, a man Joey unknowingly has a lot in common with.

Shortly after MaryAnne and her two kids arrive on the Wilkenson's ranch, several brutal attacks occur which lead everyone to believe a wild animal is loose nearby--though MaryAnne begins to suspect something else from her moody young charge.

I'm a sucker for werewolf books, so I enjoyed "Guardian." The biogenetic twist on the mutations was a refreshing take, but a lot of the other twists weren't too surprising. The ending is left open for a possible sequel; but, so far, one hasn't been put out, though I prefer it just the way it is. If you're a Saul fan, then you'll probably enjoy this one.

Quite good.......2003-08-28

I'd love reading this book, the story keeps you interested all the time, at first the plot of the book makes you think that is a monster on the mountain, but at the end when you see why he was a monster you will think if that could be possible.
It has two ro three things that you wouldn't do if you were MaryAnne Carpenter, but maybe that is part of the book to keep you interested in the story, apart of that is a very well written book.

Average customer rating:

Engrossing Story
Page turner!
Predictable & completely unbelievable
Not Very Scary
Darkness just came

Darkness
John Saul
Manufacturer: Bantam
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Second Child
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ASIN: 0553297260
Release Date: 1992-05-01

Book Description

Villejeune, Florida. A secluded little town at the edge of a vast, eerie swamp. Far from prying eyes. Far from the laws of civilization. Here folks live by their own rules -- dark rites of altars and infants, candles and blood.

Years ago the Andersons left town with a dream. Now they are back. To live out a nightmare. Something has been waiting for them. Something unspeakably evil. It feeds on the young and the innocent. And soon it will draw their teenage daughter into its unholy embrace....

Customer Reviews:

Engrossing Story.......2006-06-27

The small town of Villajeune, Florida is privy to a deep, dark secret. Babies die, children disappear and those that don't are haunted by nightmares of The Dark Man, who invades their thoughts, controls their minds and steals their souls.
So begins "Darkness" from John Saul. While not necessarily a typical horror story, or typical John Saul, I find the story to be engrossing and very quickly got hooked. I found that the first half of the book was much better than the second, when too much was revealed too soon. Once the "truth" about The Dark Man and the town's "secret" came out, some of the mystery disappeared as well. While perhaps the story itself was highly unrealistic and the descriptions of the swamp and rundown shacks got a bit repetitive, I found the story good, entertaining fun. A solid read.

Page turner!.......2005-07-22

All I can say is that I loved this book along with all of his other books. I will probably read it again at some point. I am biased however since Saul is my favorite author of all time!

Predictable & completely unbelievable.......2004-05-24

Well, I'm usually not one to complain about a story being unrealistic. I understand that good fiction often requires a little suspension of reality. But Darkness goes well beyond "a little" suspension of reality. This book is unbelievable almost to the point of being funny. I never really got sucked into the story. In part, because although I was able to picture the faces and places, the almost cartoonish story line meant it never seemed real, even in my imagination.

That being said, this book isn't horrible. It's average and that's about it. I'd like to give it 2.5 stars, but can't. There's a few twists. Most are pretty easy to see coming, but I don't think Saul was really intending to blindside you with them anyway. The end was a little disappointing, although I read worse.

Not Very Scary.......2003-08-16

Although Saul is not a great author, his books can often be suspenseful and entertaining. This book, however, is neither suspenseful or entertaining.

Darkness just came.......2003-01-21

All my life I really nevered liked to read. I liked some books but not all filled me with interest, until one day I found a book with a interesting title.
It was a sunday morning and I went to a garage sale and I found the book Darkness, by John Saul. It sounded interesting so I bought it. It was just 1 dollar. I never heard of the author so I wanted to try it out and see if it was a good book.
Once I began reading the first page, my eyes glued to the book. The metaphors, description, and the horror, made the book so interesting and great.I never let go of the book. Its a shock because this is the only book that I actually enjoyed. This is my second time reading the book. I RECCOMEND EVERYONE TO READ THE BOOK. YOU'LL REALLY GET ADDICTED TO THE BOOK!

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