I am sure this is one of the few, if not only, William W. Johnstone horror novels I did not read as a teenager. If I did read it, I do not recall it. That does not happen with Mr. Johnstone’s books.
Martin Holland and his family live in Holland, Nebraska. A sleepy farming town where not much happens. At least, not much since that carnival about 50 years prior. That carnival that went down in flames, literally, killing over 100 carnival workers. Unfortunately, the residents of Holland were responsible for those deaths. Vengeance based on lies that were covered up by 3 powerful men who basically ran the town.
Vengeance against the carnival that did nothing wrong.
The carnival has returned, seeking vengeance of its own.
Martin has seen the changes in his wife, Alicia, and many others in the town. They were drawn to the fairgrounds where the carnival was being set up. Staring at the tents being set up, and the workers getting things in order.
Nabo was in charge of the carnival. The same Nabo that was burned to death in the carnival of 1954.
The closer the carnival gets to opening day, the more peculiar the town becomes. Martin and Doc Reynolds both sensed what was coming to the residents of the town. Martin discovers he has the “Insight”, something that has been in his family for generations.
Now it is up to Martin, and a small group of friends, to set things right in Holland, and put an end to the evil the carnival has brought to their town. Good versus evil, God versus Satan, and a small few versus so very many.
Although I started reading these books when I was 11 or 12, just a note that they are very, very gory. I am working my way through purchasing all of Mr. Johnstone’s books that I had as a teenager, so I can again enjoy these great horror stories.
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