I remain firm that Talisman (prequel to this book) can and actually does stand on it's own. But Black House would be a dismal failure without the Talisman.I began this tale and immediately realized I had to read the Talisman first to get the most out of this book.There is one saving grace (actually two) for this book and if you are reading instead of listening, I honestly would chuck the written version and grab the unabridged audio. Frank Muller is a GENIUS - pure and simple. His character's voices are clear and distinct. Muller is what makes this book. Period.I had hoped that the black house was somehow tied to the black hotel in the Talisman, but alas, no. The second saving grace -- the times when we do get to return to the 'other world,' the Territories. Both King and Straub seem to be most comfortable there as well.