"In the Night Room 'y Peter Straub

I just finished "In the Night Room" by Peter Straub. Felt like I started reading one book and after being thrown a curve ended up reading a completely different book! If any of you have read it let me know what you thought of it.

Had you read Lost Boy, Lost Girl first? My understanding is that they sort of work off each other.

I haven't read either one yet, but I really need to.

I agree, jseager. I haven't read Lost Boy, Lost Girl but I wish I would have read it first. In the Night Room did take a turn and it lost me. I should reread it. Maybe after LB, LG.

I read Lost boy, Lost girl and had to look it up in my journals. I didn't write too much about it except: "Disappointing" and "2.5 out of 5."

I must admit that I'm struggling with Mr. X too. It's written well, but the story doesn't engage me -- meaning that when I put it down I have no real desire to pick it back up.

I guess Straub is just not my cup of tea . . .

Did you try Ghost story? it's my favorite book by Straub with Shadowland being a close second. I'm not so wild for his later stuff and didn't love In the night room or Lost boy, Lost girl.

Ghost Story gave me the creeps. Loved it. I never read Shadowlands.

Ok, then it wasn't just me wondering what the heck was going on in IN THE NIGHT ROOM. Don't know if I want to tackle LOST BOY, LOST GIRL if that is going to be as disappointing. I agree that GHOST STORY is his best. Haven't read SHADOWLANDS for so long I don't remember it. Will have to re-read it.
What do you think of Scott Nicholson? I really enjoyed THE MANOR but haven't read his others yet.

I LOVED Mr. X. Peter Straub just may not be your cup of tea, but I agree with the board on recommending you try Ghost Story and Koko before giving up.

One thing I've learned with Peter Straub is that most likely you'll spend the first fifty pages flailing. He's not afraid to throw it all at you from the get-go.

Sunnie,

I really enjoy Scott Nicholson and have been picking up all his books since The Red Church. I thought The Manor was a misfire, but everyone else seemed to like it so much, maybe I should try it again some day. I'd say try The Harvest or The Red Church next. (Be warned though, The Red Church is a first novel and it shows. You'll be tired of reading the phrase 'livers for eyes' by the time you're through.)

Interesting postings. I find that Mr. Straub is an excellent writer, but sometimes the stories just don't do it for me. I too loved Shadowland and can't wait to read Ghost Story, but I've tried a few others, the last being The Hellfire Club and just COULD NOT make myself get into the story. Goes to show even great authors don't always hit the mark with every reader.

You've got it right jseger, I think flailing is exactly what I'm doing during the beginning of all of his books.