Title: The Keeper
Author: Sarah Langan
First published January 1, 2006
382 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780060872908 (ISBN10: 0061173029)
Rating: 3.32
Overview
Welcome to Bedford, Maine, a town steeped in a dark history and cursed with endless rain. The former paper mill town now lies in decay, leaving its residents with far too much time to dwell on the past.
Susan Marley, once the local beauty, now roams the streets as the local whore, haunting the town with her monstrous visions of violence and horror. For those who can, they leave before the darkness fully ascends.
But for those who are trapped in Bedford, they will soon know the fullest and most terrible meaning of nightmare. Follow the stories of Susan Marley’s long-suffering mother and younger sister, her guilt-ridden, alcoholic ex-lover, and the destitute and faithless with nowhere else to go.
The Keeper will keep you up all night, unable to shake off the horrors that lurk in the shadows of Bedford.
About the Author
Meet Sarah, an accomplished author with a unique background. Growing up on Long Island, Sarah went on to pursue her passions in creative writing and environmental toxicology, earning both an MFA from Columbia University and an MS from NYU.
Now, Sarah resides in sunny Los Angeles with her family and an eclectic collection of pets including a house rabbit, hamster, and even a tarantula!
Aside from her impressive academic achievements, Sarah is best known for her captivating novels. Her latest work, MOM’S NIGHT OUT, is set to hit bookshelves in Spring of 2023.
If you’re looking for some thrilling reads, be sure to check out her previous works including Good Neighbors (S&S 2021), You Have the Prettiest Mask (Lady Churchill’s Rosebud Wristlet, 2020), and Night Nurse (Best Horror of the Year, 2020).
As if that wasn’t enough, Sarah is also a three-time Bram Stoker award winner for her outstanding contributions to the horror genre. In 2007, she took home the prize for outstanding novel, followed by outstanding short story in 2008 and another outstanding novel in 2009.
If you’re a fan of Sarah’s work, be sure to keep up with her on her blog for updates on her latest projects and musings on life as a writer.
Editoral Review
In Sarah Langans 2006 novel The Keeper, readers are plunged into a chilling world of psychological horror that is sure to leave them reeling. Langan, an American author known for her horror and thriller writing, crafted a tale that showcases her unique talents as a writer.
Set in the small town of Bedburg, New York, The Keeper tells the story of a family as they unravel under the weight of personal demons and supernatural terror. Our protagonist, Jack, is a former football star and present-day alcoholic who returns to his hometown to care for his father during his time of need.
As Jack struggles to deal with his fathers increasingly strange behavior, he uncovers a dark family secret that threatens to destroy everything he holds dear. Langans writing is sharp and evocative, immersing readers in a world that is equal parts terrifying and captivating.
Her imaginative descriptions of sinister creatures and eerie landscapes are sure to send shivers down any readers spine. The author also deftly crafts her characters, imbuing each one with a distinct personality and backstory that adds depth to the narrative.
The Keepers themes of trauma, addiction, and family dysfunction are explored with a deft hand, making the book far more than just a simple horror story. Langan also incorporates elements of societal commentary, using her tale to explore issues surrounding mental illness and the darker side of small-town life.
Fans of Stephen King and Shirley Jackson will find much to love in Langans piece, as her writing style and subject matter are sure to appeal to fans of classic horror. That being said, The Keeper is not without its flaws.
While the plot is intriguing, the pacing can feel slow at times, and some of the storys more shocking revelations feel a bit too coincidental. Additionally, some of the characters feel underdeveloped, making it difficult for readers to fully connect with their struggles.
Overall, The Keeper is a thrilling and evocative read that is sure to delight fans of horror and psychological thrillers. While it may not be perfect, the novels strengths far outweigh its weaknesses, and Langans writing is sure to keep readers hooked until the very end.
For horror fans looking for a chilling and imaginative read, The Keeper is an excellent choice. Score: 8/10
