Danse Macabre

May 3, 2010
King’s 1987 disquisition on the nature, quality, and substance of the horror genre from 1950 to 1980 gains new life as an audiobook, and listeners will enjoy (and enjoy disagreeing with) King’s conclusions and seeing which ones have held up. A new introduction features King revisiting his book and recent horror narratives. William Dufris narrates with a clear, easygoing tone that works well with King’s playful and enthusiastic prose. Dufris keeps up with King’s shifting tone and even attempts the occasional goofy impersonation when King’s writing suggests it, such as the devious laugh of the Crypt Keeper. Though its breadth can be overwhelming, the book becomes a delight to listen to in the hands of Dufris’s skillful performance—and listeners will leave with an extensive list of must-see and must-read material. A Berkley paperback.