Halloween would not be complete without one book by Stephen King. “Salem’s Lot” is his second book and I think his scariest story.

            What made this book real to me and thus scary was the small town location and people. Here there are no occult experts, no large cadre of law enforcement, no crime lab, and dedicated and determined evil can move much faster then the citizens can to recognize and stop the threat

            Since they can’t even explain to themselves what is going on their reactions feel real in the face of the inexplicable. The scene where the sheriff is getting out of town and hands over his gun and badge to the civilian staying behind is statement enough about being left abandoned in the face of the unknown.

            This is a spooky good read about vampires, strangers in town, a haunted house, and being in the wrong place at the wrong time. If you haven’t been a King fan before this is where to start.