Back in 1972, T. E. D. Klein wrote an Lovecraftean story, “The Events at Poroth Farm.” It made The Year’s Best Horror Stories. Then, in 1984, T.E.D. Klein expanded his brilliant horror story into a 505-page novel. Klein cranked up the horror and the dread in this story of an ancient alien about to destroy our world.
What makes Klein’s story so effective is contrast of the mundane story of life on a small farm in New Jersey with the growing menace of the evil entity. If you’re looking for an classic horror novel, The Ceremonies is one of the best. GRADE: A
Loved this and his collection Dark Gods. I still have them both in hardcover. Too bad he hasn’t published more.
Steve, I have the same regret that T.E.D. Klein didn’t publish more great work like THE CEREMONIES. I’ll have to dig out my copy of DARK GODS and reread it.
500 pages?
Jeff, actually 502 pages.
Library doesn’t have it and the price of a used copy of either of his books is way more than I am willing to spend. Can’t believe his books aren’t available as ebooks.
Jeff, you might want to try ABE.com for T.E.D. Klein’s books. Sometimes, eBay offers them at reasonable prices, too.
I also have both of these books in hardcover, and it’s time for a reread. Along with Michael McDowell’s “The Elementals” it ranks as the pinnacle of the 80s horror boom.
Michael, I’ll have to dig out Michael McDowell’s “The Elementals” and enjoy that again sometime soon.
You know that I’m not a horror fan at all.
But one question remains:
How dare you talk about a horror novel today?
Isn’t it bad enough already that today’s Friday 13 ???????
Wolf, that’s why I chose a classic horror novel for today’s Friday’s Forgotten Book post!
Tried to watch the new Egyptian netflix series, PARANORMAL last night. Lots of Egyptian curses and pharaohs come to life. Didn’t make it through. I am sure it is my loss but the child who didn’t read horror or fantasy is now the adult who doesn’t.
Patti, everybody’s tastes are different. I am rarely able to sit through a drama with child abuse in it. Just too sad. And I rarely finish a book narrated in the Second Person. I won’t watch movies with a lot of “splatter” either.
No, thank you.
Rick, I figured THE CEREMONIES was not your cup of tea.