Stephen King's 'Salem's Lot masterfully blends horror with rich character development and a gripping plot. Reviewers praise its eerie atmosphere and compelling storytelling. However, some critique its pacing, finding it slow in parts. The novel is celebrated for building tension and delivering a chilling, unforgettable experience.

Readers who enjoy intense, atmospheric horror with a deep sense of community and dread will appreciate Stephen King's 'Salem's Lot. Fans of Bram Stoker's Dracula and King's own It will find the novel's blend of small-town charm and pervasive evil especially compelling. Suitable for those who relish complex character dynamics and slow-building terror.

In 'Salem's Lot, author Ben Mears returns to Jerusalem's Lot, Maine, to confront childhood fears, but he discovers that the town is being overtaken by vampires, led by the ancient Kurt Barlow and aided by his servant, Richard Straker. Mears, along with allies including local teacher Matt Burke, brave teenager Mark Petrie, and others, fight to save the town from the growing vampire threat. The novel contains scenes of child abuse and references to sexual assault.

Dark / Mysterious / Unnerving / Melancholic / Suspenseful

- 'Salem's Lot was Stephen King's second published novel, following his debut with Carrie in 1974.
- King has mentioned in interviews that 'Salem's Lot grew from a question he posed to himself: “What if Dracula came to America, specifically a small town?”
- The novel inspired a miniseries adaptation in 1979, directed by Tobe Hooper, which has become a cult classic in its own right.

**Ben Mears**  
A writer who returns to the small town of ’salem’s Lot to face his childhood fears associated with the mysterious Marsten House. His journey involves confronting the darkness he fled from years ago.

**Mark Petrie**  
A courageous and imaginative young boy who becomes closely involved with Ben in confronting the evil that threatens ’salem’s Lot. His resourceful nature allows him to navigate dangerous situations adeptly.

**Susan Norton**  
A young woman from ’salem’s Lot who develops a relationship with Ben Mears. She becomes increasingly entangled in the mysterious events happening in the town.

**Kurt Barlow**  
An enigmatic outsider who arrives in ’salem’s Lot and is connected to the sinister happenings in the town. His presence is central to the unfolding supernatural events.

**Father Callahan**  
The local priest who struggles with his faith and becomes involved in the fight against the dark forces invading the town. His journey is complicated by personal and spiritual challenges.

**Matt Burke**  
A high school teacher and mentor figure who plays a crucial role in organizing the town's resistance against the looming evil. His knowledge of folklore and the supernatural makes him a key advisor.

**Doctor Cody**  
A rational and competent doctor who becomes part of the group resisting the malevolent forces in ’salem’s Lot. He represents a scientific approach to the unfolding supernatural events.

**Richard Throckett Straker**  
An urbane and mysterious figure who is Barlow’s partner and assists in his affairs in ’salem’s Lot. His actions and intentions are closely tied to the dark occurrences in the town.

Stephen King

Adult

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore 'Salem's Lot reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read 'Salem's Lot | SuperSummary

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore 'Salem's Lot and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

'Salem's Lot Summary and Study Guide

Background

'Salem's Lot Background

chapter

chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “THE MARSTEN HOUSE”

Part 1, Prologue, Chapters 1-3

'Salem's Lot Part 1, Prologue, Chapters 1-3 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 4-7

'Salem's Lot Part 1, Chapters 4-7 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “The Emperor of Ice Cream”

Part 2, Chapters 8-10

'Salem's Lot Part 2, Chapters 8-10 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 11-13

'Salem's Lot Part 2, Chapters 11-13 Summary & Analysis

Part 3: “The Deserted Village”

Part 3, Chapter 14-Epilogue

'Salem's Lot Part 3, Chapter 14-Epilogue Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

'Salem's Lot Character Analysis

theme

Themes

'Salem's Lot Themes

Symbols & Motifs

'Salem's Lot Symbols & Motifs

quote

citation

Important Quotes

'Salem's Lot Important Quotes

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

'Salem's Lot Essay Topics

'Salem's Lot Further Reading & Resources

'Salem's Lot

Before You Read

Super Short Summary

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read 'Salem's Lot?

Reading Age

Book Details