Usher's Passing (Robert R. McCammon)

I just finished Usher's Passing, and I was blown away, this was a very well crafted Novel. The way McCammon took an old Poe Story and expounded upon it was flawless to say the least. There was so much going on in this novel, what with the stories of the whole Usher family and their jaded past. The story revolves around the modern Usher Family, who has lived in the same property for over 150 years and who are some of the richest people on the planet. Rix Usher the lead is the "black sheep" of the family and one who doesn't want to carry on the family business "Weapons Manufacturing" As a result there is much infighting from the family, but there is more than meets the eye in the novel, we are presented a long family history of mayhem and inhuman treatment. The family is odd, and could even be considered crazy. But this is only the surface, Usher's Passing will captivate you, it has everything, from a Haunted Home, Supernatural, monsters, mystery, world ending weapons of mass destructi... Read more

The fall of usher is one of my faves from Edgar Allen Poe and Mr Mccammons story is very interesting.I just love how he has created a whole new cast of characters of Ushers and pute them in this well crafted and nicley plotted story.Loved it

I first read this book back in 1988 and recently read it again. It would be difficult for me to pick a favorite Robert McCammon novel but Usher's Passing ranks as one of the best horror stories I have ever read. I am amazed at how many horror fans have never even heard of Robert McCammon. When people think of horror writers, the first names they think of are usually Stephen King or Dean Koontz. McCammon, in my opinion, is better. Now that I've read Usher's Passing again, I'm going to re-read some of his other books too. I'm already 200 pages into The Wolf's Hour and it's better than it was the first time.

I've enjoyed all of the Robert McCammond books, but this is probably my favorite. The premise is based on the E.A. Poe story, Fall of the House of Usher. In McCammond's version, the Ushers go on to become fabulously wealthy as leading munitions producers in the modern day,though it brings little joy to the family. Highlights include a compelling investigation of the family's history by its black sheep, a creepy haunted lodge, and host of well concieved plot twists-- I literally could not put the book down for the last 100 pages. There's particular chapter where a nasty bully gets his comeuppance, going from "king of the world" to shattered blubbering in the process. Without giving anything up, it's an outstanding example of Hitchcock-like escalation of tension. The twists were foreshadowed subtly throughout the book, and held up well when I immediately re-read it. One last thing, I've read some of the character comparisons on this website, and personally the Ushers re... Read more

Usher's Passing is absolutely my favorite book. I have read it about 6 times over the years and will probably read it again! The whole story is just plain creepy, the characters are fascinating, and the ending is quite a suprise. Everyone I have loaned this book to has loved it as well. This book would make an awesome movie! Read the book, you won't be disappointed.