Set aside - too disturbing? Need right mood to begin...

Very disturbing plot-searing, haunting, but all too real. Makes you feel that killers are lurking in our back yard. Ketchum is a terrific writer. ( )

This book is flat out horror. Not the ghost and monster type, but pure, basic, human evil horror. Based on a true story, Ketchum reveals how far the mind of madness can spread.

It tells the story of an adolescent boy and the pretty girl who moves in with his buddies next dorr after a tragic accident has left her and her sister orphans. The downward spiral of Ruth, the make shift mom, leads all of the kids to the gates of hell. This is one the the most disturbing stories I've ever read, adn one that will likely stay with me for years to come. ( )

The first book I read of Jack Ketchum was "The Lost", which I liked a lot and I heard that "The girl next door " was one of his best. Well, I wasn't disappointed cause this book gave me shivers... Jack Ketchum really is a master of horror! ( )

I was really expecting a ghost story or a supernatural thriller based on testimonials and the summary. I was very disapointed. While child abuse is certainly the most horrific topic I can imagine, it was hard to read. I guess Ketchum does a good job of writing about it because it got me very angry, but I was looking for a more tounge and cheek view of horror, much like a Bentley Little. ( )