Off Season by Jack Ketchum is a gruesome and graphic horror novel set in a remote house in Maine where a group of New Yorkers encounters cannibals, leading to a terrifying fight for survival. The book is described as fast-paced, brutal, and filled with explicit scenes of violence, gore, and savagery. The writing style is noted for its detailed and matter-of-fact narration of disturbing events, creating a sense of tension and suspense throughout the story.

Characters:

The characters are a mix of relatable victims and nightmarish cannibals, highlighting the contrast between innocence and savagery.

Writing/Prose:

Ketchum's writing style is direct and atmospheric, effectively transitioning between brutal action and lyrical insights.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot follows a group of friends who face horrific violence when they encounter cannibals during a getaway, exploring brutal themes of depravity.

Setting:

Set in a secluded cabin in Maine, the setting plays a crucial role in building tension and horror.

Pacing:

The pacing of the novel is fast-paced and gripping, maintaining tension throughout once the violent action begins.

They took their time. Breaking off the white birch switches, peeling the bark away. They could hear her moving through the underbrush. They looked at one another and smiled, but said nothing. They pee...

Notes:

Off Season by Jack Ketchum is a horror novel first published in 1981.

The book was originally heavily edited for publication but later released in an unedited version.

It tells the story of a group of professionals attacked by an inbred cannibal family in a remote cottage.

Stephen King praises the book, citing its intense horror aspects.

Ketchum has a writing style that varies from straightforward to lyrical, reflecting the brutality of the story.

The novel explores themes of depravity, violence, and voyeuristic tendencies of the audience.

Off Season was inspired by grindhouse slasher films from the 1970s and the legend of Sawney Bean.

The book is known for its graphic depictions of violence, including murder and cannibalism.

Many readers find Off Season to be an unsettling exploration of the darker side of human nature.

It is considered a classic in the horror genre and has influenced many other works of horror fiction.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include graphic violence, cannibalism, sexual assault, and intense gore.

From The Publisher:

September. A beautiful New York editor retreats to a lonely cabin on a hill in the quiet Maine beach town of Dead River-off season-awaiting her sister and friends. Nearby, a savage human family with a taste for flesh lurks in the darkening woods, watching, waiting for the moon to rise and night to fall....

And before too many hours pass, five civilized, sophisticated people and one tired old country sheriff will learn just how primitive we all are beneath the surface...and that there are no limits at all to the will to survive.

Ratings (18)

Incredible (4)
Loved It (8)
Liked It (5)
Hated It (1)

Reader Stats (68):

Read It (19)
Currently Reading (1)
Want To Read (35)
Not Interested (13)

2 comment(s)

ColorfulLeo92

Loved It

2 months

When I started this I didn't know it was a series but I'm definitely interested (and bit worried) to buy and read the next book. It took sometime to really get going but when it did it definitely was gory and weird. Don't think I've ever read from this author before but do think I want to read more.

carrex

5 months

Ploy

What can you read after
Off Season?

See the list (100 books)

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Off Season

Jack Ketchum

Book 1 in the series:Dead River