Stephen King's Best Books: #7 -- 'Salem's Lot

#7     'Salem's Lot

Salem's Lot [1975] makes this list as a sentimental favorite, as it is the first Stephen King book I ever read.

When writer Ben Mears returns to his hometown of Jerusalem's Lot [or 'Salem's Lot, for short] to write a book about the ostensibly haunted Marsten House, he discovers that the house is no longer vacant and has been purchased by the mysterious Barlow, an Austrian businessman.

In reality, Barlow is a vampire who quickly spreads the infection, transforming the townfolk into vampires.  Mears and his small band of hopelessly outnumbered allies fight to stop the infection from spreading, fighting a seemingly hopeless battle to save the town... and themselves from being turned into vampires.

'Salem's Lot was adapted into a two-part television movie in 1979--the first of several works that King subsequently brought to television.  On a personal note, the 'Salem's Lot mini series was my first exposure to King's work.  I'll never forget the terror I experienced [as an 8 year old kid] when Barlow appeared on screen for the first time...



'Salem' Lot


Salem's Lot -- Television mini series