Black Creek Crossing
 Hardcover edition | |
| Author | John Saul |
|---|---|
| Cover artist | Phil Heffernan |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Thriller Horror novel |
| Publisher | Ballantine Books |
Publication date | March 16, 2004 |
| Media type | Print (Hardcover & paperback) |
| Pages | 368 |
| ISBN | 0-345-43332-7 |
| Preceded by | Midnight Voices |
| Followed by | Perfect Nightmare |
Black Creek Crossing is a thriller horror novel by John Saul, published by Ballantine Books on March 16, 2004. The novel follows the story of teenage Angel Sullivan, who moves into a new house in a new town with her family, and she learns of a brutal murder that occurred in her new home, and begins to think it may be haunted.
Plot summary
Angel Sullivan has always been the outcast, suffering the taunts of cruel schoolmates and the wild fits of an alcoholic father. Things for Angel's family have hit rock bottom until a call from her aunt has them moving to a new town and making a fresh start. In the town of Roundtree, Massachusetts a beautiful home awaits, a home that is selling at a steal of a price, there is only one problem...the house at Black Creek Crossing holds a murderous secret. Seth Baker lives in Roundtree and, much the same as Angel, he too is the outcast of his schoolmates, as well the victim of a psychically abusive father. Seth does his best to deal with his father, but finds sanctuary in photograph taking, until he meets Angel. As Seth and Angel become better friends, Seth tells her of the deadly legacy surrounding her home and the rumors of supernatural possession that still dwells there. Angel, desperate for the truth about Black Creek Crossing, uncovers a centuries-old horror that lies within her home's walls. Now, that Angel and Seth have uncovered the dark secrets buried in Roundtree, they find themselves trapped in a maelstrom of desire and violence that will erupt in unspeakable tragedy. `Black Creek Crossing' is a chilling page-turner that begs to be read in one sitting. From the shocking opening to the explosive climax the plot speeds along with unstoppable force. Vivid gothic descriptions and likable characters combined with creepy scares will hold readers breathless until the final page has been turned.
Reception
Critical reception for Black Creek Crossing was positive, with Booklist calling it "remarkably gratifying".[1] Book Reporter's Joe Hartlaub praised the book, saying that "Saul's ultimate strength in Black Creek Crossing... is his ability to explore the world of adolescent angst, to get into those areas where the triple gratings of school, friends and family rub the skin of the psyche raw."[2] Blogcritics.org praised the book, calling it "a respectable read, if not a home run." [3]
Publishers Weekly panned Black Creek Crossing, writing "the chills are few and far between in this lackluster, paint-by-the-numbers horror tale".[4]
References
- ↑ Book Review: Black Creek Crossing Booklist. Retrieved 29 February 2012.
- ↑ Hartlaub, Joe. "Black Creek Crossing Bookreport review". bookreporter.com. Retrieved 14 November 2007.
- ↑ Book Review: Perfect Nightmare Blogcritics.org. Retrieved 29 February 2012.
- ↑ Fiction review: Black Creek Crossing Publishers Weekly. Retrieved 29 February 2012.
Footnotes
- Saul, John (2004). Black Creek Crossing (1st ed. ed.). New York City: Ballantine. ISBN 0-345-43332-7.