Matheson was a terrific writer but this story was a bit forced. Now, I wish I could write something as good as his mediocre. The MC is relatable to me as a middle aged man and the back and forth of the couple is very good. The story just lacked interest for me as I was hoping for a better ghost story. It is still worth a read since it is a shorter novel and his writing is technically proficient and worth appreciation. ( )

An absolutely terrific and hauntingly beautiful story. A haunted cottage by the shore and a troubled couple trying to relive their honeymoon- back before adultery and boredom had torn them asunder. A fantastically beautiful mesmerizing ethereal woman that entrances the protagonist to the point where he can't say no even as his life force is sucked out of him.

Matheson purposefully kept this story simple. There are very few characters and very few scene changes. But, he magically draws the reader into an ethereal world with imagery such as the never-ending cold temperature and the cold marriage of David and Ellen.

Plot wise, the story could have been told in s much shorter fashion, but this isn't so much about the plot as it is about longing and desperation and felling trapped and imprisoned. ( )

Depressing and Aggravating – that is what this book was! I bought it a long time ago – shortly after I had read I Am Legend – which I LOVED! I also, really loved What Dreams May Come. So I went with the idea that I usually do – that if I loved two of an authors books that I’ll likely enjoy everything they right. How severely wrong I was. I hope this convinces you to NOT to read it. I feed bad – I guess this is a flamer review.

Right away the tone of the book is somber – you don’t know why these two are trying to have a second honeymoon. Then once you get a bit further in you realize that it’s because the husband cheated on the wife and they are trying to work things out.

But not even one night passes before the man ends up lusting after another woman and cheating on her the second day they are there. I know I know – that’s where it needed to go to get along with the storyline but still – just GAG ME ok – Yuck.

I felt the writing in this book was flat. I didn’t care about the husband or wife. The husband was an ass – but I’m sure that’s how he was supposed to be. You’d think I would feel bad for the wife – but you know she actually just kind of pissed me off. She was annoying. It makes me wonder if that was what Matheson was going for. Admittedly I had to force myself to finish this one and was only able to do so by speed reading.

Even the sex scenes were dry and lacking. Lastly, the story of how the ghost got there and how conveniently the old lady plays into things as well as both the husband and wife surviving and working it out just ticked me off even more. You end this depressing story with a happy ending and you think that’s going to satisfy me?
( )

I could have done without this one. Wasn't that orginial, the characters where no interesting, and wasn't spooky. Really missed all the marks for me. Off the shelves and donated.

From the Cover:

David and Ellen Cooper came to the lonely beachside cottage in hopes of rekindling their troubled marriage. Yet they are not alone on their second honeymoon. Marianna, a beautiful and enigmatic stranger, comes to visit David whenever Ellen is away.

Who is Marianna, and where has she come from?

Even as he succumbs to her seductive charms, David realizes that Marianna is far more than a threat to his marriage, for her secrets lie deep in the past and beyound the grave. And her unholy desires endanger the life and soul of everyone she touches. ( )

With every new book I read by Richard Matheson, I realize I've always been a fan and just didn't know it. ( )