I was asked why do you think these authors are under appreciated? They are common names among fans of horror fiction. And that's exactly my point. To fans of the horror genre, most of the names I talk about with these posts are not all that obscure. But to mass of people outside the genre, these names are hardly a blip. And that's a shame because their works transcends the genre.
This time we come Robert McCammon. The Alabama born and raised writer who started turning heads in the mid 80's with original horror novels. He gained a good reputation with several novels being critically praised and nominated for awards. He even had a few books on the best seller list.
After much success he took time off from writing. He wanted to spend time with his family. Around ten years later, in 2008, he returned with the first book Speaks the Nightbird in a new series of novels.
The first book I read by McCammon was They Thirst. It's an interesting and unique tale of vampires taking over the world one city at a time. The first city is LA. Lots of gore, action, creepiness, and good characters follow. I love this book.
The next experience was a little of a let down in Mystery Walk. It's about two teens with physic powers. One is good and one is evil. There's nothing wrong with the book. Good characters and nicely written. I just didn't find myself getting into as I had hoped.
I have Swan Song and Mine on my shelf at home, eagerly awaiting to be read.
Notable Horror Books by Robert McCammon (not a complete list)
They Thirst (1981)
Swan Song (1987) - Co-winner of the 1987 Bram Stoker Award and nominated for the 1988 World Fantasy Award for Best Novel
Stinger (1988) - Nominated for the 1988 Bram Stoker Award for Best Novel
The Wolf's Hour (1989) - Nominated for the 1989 Bram Stoker Award for Best Novel
Blue World (1990) – Short Story Collection; Nominated for the 1989 Bram Stoker Award and the 1990 World Fantasy Award for Best Collection
Mine (1990) - Winner of the 1990 Bram Stoker Award for Best Novel
Boy's Life (1991) - Winner of the 1991 Bram Stoker Award and the 1992 World Fantasy Award for Best Novel
Speaks the Nightbird (2002) - Book 1 in the "Matthew Corbett Series"
For more on Robert McCammon visit his website robertmccammon.com
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