Review – Audiobook: In The Tall Grass by Stephen King and Joe Hill
In The Tall Grass
by Stephen King and Joe Hill
Narrated by Stephen Lang
Genre: Horror
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Publish Date: October 9, 2012
Format: Audio, 1 hours | 46 minutes
Audio Listening Level: Easy – Intermediate
Rating: 4 of 5
While on a car trip a brother and sister, Becky and Cal, hear a small child calling for help. The voice is coming from an area beyond the tall grass along the road. Stopping to help, they begin to walk into the grass but soon lose sight of each other. Now disoriented they become lost with only the chilling, frantic calls of a scared child to guide them. But something else lurks in the grass. Something evil.
This is a classic Stephen King horror story that he co-wrote with his son, Joe Hill. Twisted, creepy and more than a little gross, this is gory horror as only Stephen King can write. I haven’t read any of Joe Hill’s books, but I’ve read a lot of Stephen King and this was reminiscent of his older, darker works, like the short story collection Night Shift. There are more than a few parts of this tale that will make you say, “Eewwwwwwh! Gross!”.
At just under 2 hours listening time, it was sufficient length for me to reach the story’s intended revulsion. It is read with just the right amount of tension and urgency by Stephen Lang. There isn’t a lot of character development; we learn just enough to be uncomfortable and afraid for Becky, who is pregnant, and fears for the safety of her unborn baby.
I don’t know if ‘enjoyed’ is the right word to describe this book but yes, I liked it. I’m an old fan of Stephen King’s horror stories going all the way back to Salem’s Lot, so I wasn’t put off by the gross stuff. I haven’t read any Joe Hill, but I’m pretty sure I can guess the parts that were King’s contribution. This not for the more sensitive reader or easily frightened moms; but for everyone else who likes a good horror tale, go ahead, listen, be afraid!
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Source: Review copy.
© 2012 Under My Apple Tree. All rights reserved.
Under My Apple Tree 
I’m not sure I could do a book like this on audio. It would probably creep me out too much.
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It has a few moments that will give you pause. I’m not sure they would be any better in print once you realize what is really happening. But it’s darn good horror!
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Think we had the same thoughts on this one –gross, but glad I listened:)
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Yeah, gross. I liked that this was a short story … the gory descriptions didn’t go on and on as King sometimes does.
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Wow! First I was impressed with how the book sounded but the word gross is usually something I avoid. You never know though 😉
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I think you can handle it! And now aren’t you curious as to what happens in the grass? 🙂
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I remember Dreamcatcher being a bit gross. Scary, but gross, as well.
I’ve read Joe Hill’s collection of short stories, as well as Heart-Shaped Box and Horns. Heart-Shaped Box is VERY scary! I loved it. 🙂
Guess I’ll have to give this a read/listen when it hits the shelves.
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Both Stephen King and Joe Hill do horror (and gore) quite well. I can’t wait to read this one, but the audio sounds tempting too).
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I amazed that King could get himself to be a part of something so short!
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Sounds good! A lot better than The Mist full-cast audio production that I listened to in October!
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