The Amulet

By: Michael McDowell

Narrated by: Julia Whelan

Length: 10 hrs and 41 mins

Publisher's summary

When a rifle range accident leaves Dean Howell disfigured and in a vegetative state, his wife Sarah finds her dreary life in Pine Cone, Alabama made even worse. After long and tedious days on the assembly line, she returns home to care for her corpse-like husband while enduring her loathsome and hateful mother-in-law, Jo. Jo blames the entire town for her son's mishap, and when she gives a strange piece of jewelry to the man she believes most responsible, a series of gruesome deaths is set in motion. Sarah believes the amulet has something to do with the rising body count, but no one will believe her. As the inexplicable murders continue, Sarah and her friend Becca Blair have no choice but to track down the amulet themselves, before it's too late...

Michael McDowell (1950-1999) is best known for his screenplays to the films Beetlejuice and The Nightmare Before Christmas, but he was also the author of several excellent and underrated Southern Gothic horror novels, of which The Amulet (1979) was the first. Originally published as a pulp paperback, now scarce and long out-of-print, McDowell's grimly humorous and delightfully horrific novel returns in this edition, which features a new introduction by Poppy Z. Brite.

©1979, 2016 Michael McDowell (P)2017 Valancourt Books

Another gem from Michael McDowell

Great narrator for an over the top Southern Gothic horror story. Just when you think you can't have anymore fun, it kicks up another gear.

Quite the body count

Gruesome. I kept hoping it would have an ending that gave closure, but it got worse. Narrator was excellent with male and female voices.

Fast action. Interesting transitions

As fascinating as a train wreck in slow motion. Creative transitions from one catastrophe to the next. Jo and the Sheriff's voices seem the same in some areas. I would have liked a bit of history about the amulet, maybe a story about its creation, not just its affects. Also, the ending was somewhat predictable. an extra chapter that describes its final disposition (beyond its last affect in this story) would have wrapped up the whole story nicely.

Awesome book!!!

I immensely enjoyed this book! The narration was excellent and everything about the book was thoroughly enjoyable. Loved the characters and the was the scenes in the book built up and unfolded. The plot was awesome to. I have now completed listening to all of Michael McDowell's books. Each one was a true treasure! I highly recommend this author and all of his books. If you haven't listened to one of his books yet then you are in for a serious treat!

Horrifying tale wonderfully narrated!

I really loved Julia Whelan's measured narration with Michael McDowell's classic tale. It makes the events that take place even more horrifying! Highly recommended!

Horror Show

I had trouble making it through this listen. It was a bloody horror movie.

A fresh hell

This was a different kind of horror story. It was well crafted, the story felt fresh, and the elements of setting & character were given the kind of attention that makes me feel like I've stepped through a dark looking glass, not a hastily bent funhouse mirror. The narrator gave those well fleshed characters good voices for their place, time & impending tragic demise. Don't get fond of anybody, just saying.

Amazing performance by Julia Whelan

One of the most compelling stories I've heard in years. Narrator should win an award.

Fatphobia keeps book from excellence.

unfortunate that the author felt the need to make the antagonist/bad guy fat and mention that fatness so many times. if the fatphobia weren't present the book would be about perfect.

Weird and gruesome fun

This is a really fun take on the horror type genre. I liked how the main plot device allowed for vignettes exploring a bunch of different people's lives (and deaths). Good solid mildly creepy fun,