A much more interesting read than other books I've attempted in this genre (and, for that matter, than Straub's Ghost Story). I usually don't like mystery/horror novels, but picked up a copy on a lark, and found it spellbinding. The story was tight, had believable twists throughout, and featured characters that kept you vacillating between loving 'em and hating 'em. Not gory at all, just well-choreographed and clever. If his other books read like The Throat, I plan on picking up more Straub in the future.