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'Salem's Lot

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1975

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Book Brief

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Stephen King

'Salem's Lot

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1975
Book Details
Pages

483

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Maine • 1970s

Publication Year

1975

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

In 'Salem's Lot, author Ben Mears returns to Jerusalem's Lot, Maine, to confront childhood fears, but he discovers that the town is being overtaken by vampires, led by the ancient Kurt Barlow and aided by his servant, Richard Straker. Mears, along with allies including local teacher Matt Burke, brave teenager Mark Petrie, and others, fight to save the town from the growing vampire threat. The novel contains scenes of child abuse and references to sexual assault.

Dark

Mysterious

Unnerving

Melancholic

Suspenseful

Reviews & Readership

4.3

616,195 ratings

77%

Loved it

19%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Stephen King's 'Salem's Lot masterfully blends horror with rich character development and a gripping plot. Reviewers praise its eerie atmosphere and compelling storytelling. However, some critique its pacing, finding it slow in parts. The novel is celebrated for building tension and delivering a chilling, unforgettable experience.

Who should read this

Who Should Read 'Salem's Lot?

Readers who enjoy intense, atmospheric horror with a deep sense of community and dread will appreciate Stephen King's 'Salem's Lot. Fans of Bram Stoker's Dracula and King's own It will find the novel's blend of small-town charm and pervasive evil especially compelling. Suitable for those who relish complex character dynamics and slow-building terror.

4.3

616,195 ratings

77%

Loved it

19%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

Character List

Ben Mears

A writer who returns to the small town of ’salem’s Lot to face his childhood fears associated with the mysterious Marsten House. His journey involves confronting the darkness he fled from years ago.

A courageous and imaginative young boy who becomes closely involved with Ben in confronting the evil that threatens ’salem’s Lot. His resourceful nature allows him to navigate dangerous situations adeptly.

A young woman from ’salem’s Lot who develops a relationship with Ben Mears. She becomes increasingly entangled in the mysterious events happening in the town.

An enigmatic outsider who arrives in ’salem’s Lot and is connected to the sinister happenings in the town. His presence is central to the unfolding supernatural events.

The local priest who struggles with his faith and becomes involved in the fight against the dark forces invading the town. His journey is complicated by personal and spiritual challenges.

A high school teacher and mentor figure who plays a crucial role in organizing the town's resistance against the looming evil. His knowledge of folklore and the supernatural makes him a key advisor.

A rational and competent doctor who becomes part of the group resisting the malevolent forces in ’salem’s Lot. He represents a scientific approach to the unfolding supernatural events.

An urbane and mysterious figure who is Barlow’s partner and assists in his affairs in ’salem’s Lot. His actions and intentions are closely tied to the dark occurrences in the town.

Book Details
Pages

483

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Maine • 1970s

Publication Year

1975

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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