The Fisherman

By: John Langan

Narrated by: Danny Campbell

Length: 11 hrs and 27 mins

Publisher's summary

In upstate New York, in the woods around Woodstock, Dutchman's Creek flows out of the Ashokan Reservoir. Steep-banked, fast-moving, it offers the promise of fine fishing, and of something more, a possibility too fantastic to be true. When Abe and Dan, two widowers who have found solace in each other's company and a shared passion for fishing, hear rumors of the Creek, and what might be found there, the remedy to both their losses, they dismiss it as just another fish story.

Soon, though, the men find themselves drawn into a tale as deep and old as the Reservoir. It's a tale of dark pacts, of long-buried secrets, and of a mysterious figure known as Der Fischer: the Fisherman. It will bring Abe and Dan face to face with all that they have lost, and with the price they must pay to regain it.

©2016 John Langan (P)2017 Tantor

Critic reviews

"Shifting between past and present, Langan builds terrifying scenes...the mythology is genuinely creepy." ( Publishers Weekly)

Chilling and endearing.

Perhaps the most chilling story that I've experienced in audio-book form. Wonderfully performed by an actor that drew great sympathy for his character.

Fantastic

John Langan's The Fisherman had me riveted from start to finish. This book is a wonderful modern cosmic horror masterpiece.

Gripping, Haunting, Unnerving.

John Langan has certainly established himself as one of the best modern conveyors of cosmic horror. I sat through the 11 hours of this story in one solid and intense listen. His ability to convey the sense of loss and despair the human psyche is able to cope with is nearly unrivaled, and left me hanging on to his every word without fail right up to an ending that with a mere two sentences shook me to my core. An absolute incredible read and listen, and I will definitely be seeking out more from Mr. Langan.

Lovecraftian through and through

It's a slow burn, but man, this was really good. I'll definitely give it a second listen for sure👍

Strange

very strange and odd but performed beautifully Danny Campbell is my new favorite narrator. Highly recommended

I will remember this book

I normally don't like stories told in the first person but I kept listening. The narrator has an older, raspy voice which was hard to get used to, but perhaps it's a fitting voice for the main character. Ending felt abrupt and left me wanting more, but again, maybe that's the point. Enjoyed this one!

Better than I expected

This was definitely a good listen. Not quite what I expected but still good and well written.

Fishing with elder beings.

A bit More fantastic than what I expected. There are elements of magic that break some of the suspence that I enjoy from cosmic horror. But still a solid hearing.

First exposure to Langan, won't be the last

This novel reminds me in a lot of ways of Mike Flanagan's work, in that it's a more slow paced, minimalistic horror that focuses on a somber tone over a body count or gore (for the most part). Would highly recommend to anyone with even a passing interest in the genre.

GREAT STORY TELLING

I loved this book. Some parts are heartbreaking, some really creepy, but always suspenseful.
I love a good story. This is one of them.