If you love creepy, atmospheric tales set in small, mysterious towns, "Goblin" is a treat. The setting of Goblin is practically a character itself - always shrouded in rain and secrets. Josh Malerman masterfully crafts six (plus a prologue and epilogue) interconnected novellas full of unsettling characters, odd happenings, hidden dangers, and subtle dread. Fans of Stephen King’s small-town horror, subtle psychological chills, and character-driven spookiness will find a lot to love. Each story brings a fresh take on classic fears and local legends, perfect for readers who enjoy their horror offbeat and lingering.

Who May Not Like This Book:

If you’re after nonstop scares or clear-cut resolutions, Goblin might leave you cold. Some readers found the stories too slow, the horror more psychological than visceral, and endings a bit abrupt or unresolved. The tales can feel a little disjointed in style and tone, and a couple drag with extra exposition. Anyone looking for a tightly woven plot connecting all the stories or higher intensity horror might be frustrated.

A moody, weird, and atmospheric collection perfect for fans of unsettling small-town tales - just don’t expect tidy endings or traditional scares.

About:

Goblin: A Novel in Six Novellas by Josh Malerman is a collection of interconnected stories set in the peculiar town of Goblin. The book weaves together tales of mysterious occurrences and dark secrets that haunt the town's residents. Each novella introduces unique characters and explores the eerie atmosphere of Goblin, creating a sense of unease and suspense throughout the stories. The writing style varies from supernatural elements to psychological depth, keeping the reader engaged with unexpected twists and turns.

Characters:

The characters are well-developed and relatable, each with peculiar traits and diverse backgrounds that enhance the eerie atmosphere.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is engaging and atmospheric, creatively building a creeping sense of horror and unease throughout the stories.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot features interconnected chilling novellas set in a strange town where secrets and peculiar events unfold, focusing on unique characters and their eerie experiences.

Setting:

The setting is a small, fictional town called Goblin, characterized by constant rain and fog, serving as a character in its own right with a uniquely eerie atmosphere.

Pacing:

The pacing varies across stories, with some slower narratives and others more fast-paced; endings are often abrupt, meant to provoke reflection.

“I know it,” Jerry said, making his most sympathetic face. Cigar smoke rose from the ashtray on his desk and curled about his big belly. “And I’m gonna give you triple for the run. The recipient gave ...

Notes:

Goblin is a fictional town that is always raining and has unusual customs, like burying the dead standing up.

The book is a re-release of the original volume published in 2017 as a collection of six interconnected novellas.

Each of the stories in Goblin features dark themes and taboo fears, exploring the complexities of human nature.

The stories include unique characters, such as Kamp Walter, a paranoid historian, and Neal Nash, an avid big game hunter.

The illustrations in the book add a detailed visual element to the horror experience.

The town of Goblin itself is seen as a character with a sinister reputation and a rich history.

The Prologue and Epilogue frame the main stories, providing a narrative connection throughout the collection.

Some critics noted that the horror in the stories is more psychological than supernatural, focusing on the mind's fears rather than jump scares.

Readers often mention that the stories linger in their minds long after they've finished reading.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include animal harm, death, mild horror elements, blood and gore.

From The Publisher:

From the New York Times bestselling author of Bird Box and Malorie comes a chilling story that revolves around a mysterious small town, revealing its sinister secrets one by one.

NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY THE WALL STREET JOURNAL

"Must-read horror."-Publishers Weekly (starred review)

Goblin seems like any other ordinary small town. But with the master storyteller Josh Malerman as your tour guide, you'll discover the secrets that hide behind its closed doors. These six novellas tell the story of a place where the rain is always falling, nighttime is always near, and your darkest fears and desires await. Welcome to Goblin. . . .

A Man in Slices: A man proves his "legendary love" to his girlfriend with a sacrifice even more daring than Vincent van Gogh's-and sends her more than his heart.

Kamp: Walter Kamp is afraid of everything, but most afraid of being scared to death. As he sets traps around his home to catch the ghosts that haunt him, he learns that nothing is more terrifying than fear itself.

Happy Birthday, Hunter!: A famed big-game hunter is determined to capture-and kill-the ultimate prey: the mythic Great Owl who lives in Goblin's dark forests. But this mysterious creature is not the only secret the woods are keeping.

Presto: All Peter wants is to be like his hero, Roman Emperor, the greatest magician in the world. When the famous magician comes to Goblin, Peter discovers that not all magic is just an illusion.

A Mix-Up at the Zoo: The new zookeeper feels a mysterious kinship with the animals in his care . . . and finds that his work is freeing dark forces inside him.

The Hedges: When his wife dies, a man builds a hedge maze so elaborate no one ever solves it-until a little girl resolves to be the first to find the mysteries that wait at its heart.

November 2017

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428 pages

Ratings (5)

Incredible (1)
Loved It (3)
It Was OK (1)

Reader Stats (14):

Read It (6)
Want To Read (7)
Not Interested (1)

1 comment(s)

100_yrs_of_catitude

It Was OK

7 months

I have read Malerman's other novels and the only one I cared for was Bird Box. It was excellent. I didn't finish his last one. These short stories were mediocre. More like they were written for middle -grade children. Just not close to the writing he did with Bird Box. I truly hope that he gets better. The man has potential, we have seen it. So far, for me at least, he's been a one hit wonder

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About the Author:

Josh Malerman is a New York Times bestselling author and one of two singer-songwriters for the rock band The High Strung. His debut novel, Bird Box, is the inspiration for the hit Netflix film of the same name. His other novels include Unbury Carol, Inspection, A House at the Bottom of a Lake, and Malorie, the sequel to Bird Box. Malerman lives in Michigan with his fiancée, the artist-musician Allison Laakko.

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Goblin: A Novel in Six Novellas

Josh Malerman

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