Who Would Like This Book:
If you love stories where cosmic horror meets deep, very human emotions, this book is right up your alley. "The Fisherman" stands out by focusing on grief and friendship just as much as it does on eldritch nightmares. Langan excels at weaving atmospheric dread with touching character work. Fans of literary horror, mythic folklore, and people who want their monsters with a side of real human stakes will be hooked. And if you dig stories-within-stories or enjoy the intersection of King-style Americana and Lovecraftian weirdness, you'll be extra delighted.
Who May Not Like This Book:
This isn't a quick, jump-scare type of horror. If you're after relentless terror or non-stop action, you'll probably get frustrated with its slow-burn pace and hefty flashbacks. A significant part of the book is spent recounting historical lore, which can feel like a long detour from the main action. Some readers found this nested narrative disruptive and lost patience with the heavy focus on backstory. And if you prefer straightforward, plot-driven horror over lingering prose and emotional explorations, this might not be your favorite catch.
About:
The Fisherman by John Langan is a cosmic horror novel that offers a fresh take on the genre, focusing on the underlying horror of loss rather than existential dread. The story follows Abe and Dan, two men bonded by heartbreak and fishing, as they are drawn to Dutchman's Creek by a local legend. The narrative weaves together elements of cosmic horror, quiet horror, and psychological terror, creating a dark and brooding tale that explores themes of grief, obsession, and the consequences of seeking the unknown.
Genres:
Tropes/Plot Devices:
Topics:
Notes:
Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
The content warnings for The Fisherman include themes of grief, loss, depression, and potentially disturbing imagery related to cosmic horror.
From The Publisher:
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 Fisher: 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.
Ratings (131)
Incredible (29) | |
Loved It (40) | |
Liked It (35) | |
It Was OK (20) | |
Did Not Like (6) | |
Hated It (1) |
Reader Stats (432):
Read It (131) | |
Currently Reading (7) | |
Want To Read (232) | |
Did Not Finish (8) | |
Not Interested (54) |
2 comment(s)
The story and concepts posed were so good.
I enjoyed this a lot. It had great horror elements but also dealt a lot about grief and coping or lack there of witch added a lot intensity and rawness to the book.
What can you read after
The Fisherman?
When you click the Amazon link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commision, at no cost to you.
