Jack Ketchum Books In Order | Full List 2024

Jack Ketchum was an American author known for his work in the horror genre. He penned a total of 31 books, with his novels often exploring themes of violence, human nature, and the darkness that resides within us all. His writing is noted for its unflinching portrayal of the darker aspects of human behavior, making him a significant figure in the world of horror literature.

Jack Ketchum Books in Order

  1. The Girl Next Door
  2. Off Season (Dead River, #1)
  3. The Lost
  4. Offspring (Dead River, #2)
  5. Red
  6. Joyride
  7. Hide and Seek
  8. The Woman
  9. Peaceable Kingdom
  10. Triage

Overview of Jack Ketchum Books in Order

The Girl Next Door

“The Girl Next Door” by Jack Ketchum is a harrowing and disturbing novel that tells the story of a young girl named Meg who is subjected to unimaginable abuse at the hands of her aunt and cousins. Set in the 1950s, the story is narrated by David, a boy who lives next door to Meg and witnesses the horrifying mistreatment she endures. As the abuse escalates, David struggles with his own moral dilemma of whether to intervene and help Meg or remain silent to protect himself.

The novel explores the themes of power, authority, and the complexities of human nature. It delves into the dark and twisted psychology of the abusers, while also examining the bystanders’ reactions and the consequences of their inaction. Through vivid and intense storytelling, Ketchum forces readers to confront uncomfortable and painful truths about the capacity for cruelty within society and the devastating impact it can have on its victims.

“The Girl Next Door” is a deeply unsettling and provocative novel that challenges readers to grapple with the darker aspects of humanity. Ketchum’s unflinching portrayal of abuse and its aftermath leaves a lasting impression, provoking intense emotional responses and sparking important conversations about the nature of evil and the complexities of human behavior. This book is not for the faint of heart, but it offers a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of the depths of human depravity and the enduring resilience of the human spirit.

Off Season (Dead River, #1)

In “Off Season (Dead River, #1)” by Jack Ketchum, a group of friends decide to spend a retreat in a remote area in Maine. However, their peaceful getaway is disrupted when a savage tribe of cannibals emerges from the woods, ready to hunt them down. The group is forced to fight for their lives as the cannibals relentlessly attack them, leading to a brutal and bloody battle for survival.

The novel delves into the primal instincts of both the attackers and the victims as they struggle to outsmart and overpower each other in a fight for survival. With its graphic and visceral descriptions, “Off Season” is a relentless and terrifying exploration of human nature and the depths of depravity to which some individuals can sink.

The book is a grueling and intense read, filled with suspense and horror, as the characters face unrelenting terror and violence. Jack Ketchum’s powerful storytelling and vivid descriptions create a chilling and gritty atmosphere that will leave readers on the edge of their seats. “Off Season” is a gripping and disturbing tale that offers a raw and unflinching look at the horrors of human nature and the struggle for survival against insurmountable odds.

The Lost

“The Lost” by Jack Ketchum is a gripping and chilling novel that follows the story of a group of young people who find themselves plunged into a world of violence and horror. The book showcases the struggle and desperation faced by the characters as they fight for survival in a brutal and unforgiving environment.

The narrative of “The Lost” is filled with tension and uncertainty, as the characters navigate a world torn apart by gruesome acts of violence. Ketchum’s writing is a masterful blend of suspense and horror, as the novel explores the darkest aspects of human nature and the consequences of unchecked brutality. The story is a gripping and disturbing tale that will leave readers on the edge of their seats.

Overall, “The Lost” is a powerful and unsettling novel that delves into the darkest depths of the human psyche. Ketchum’s skillful storytelling and unflinching portrayal of violence make for a compelling and unforgettable read. The book is a harrowing exploration of the human capacity for cruelty, and will leave readers haunted long after they have turned the final page.

Offspring (Dead River, #2)

“Offspring (Dead River, #2)” by Jack Ketchum is a novel that continues the story of the first book in the series, “The Off Season.” The story is set in the isolated town of Dead River, where a family of feral cannibals terrorizes the residents. The book follows the survivors of the first novel as they try to come to terms with the trauma they experienced and the ongoing threat posed by the feral family. As tensions rise and the body count begins to climb, the townspeople must band together to fight for their lives and try to put an end to the terror once and for all.

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The novel delves into themes of survival, morality, and the primal instinct for self-preservation. It explores the lengths to which people are willing to go in order to protect themselves and their loved ones in the face of unimaginable horror. The book is a gripping and intense read that keeps readers on the edge of their seats as the characters confront the brutal, unrelenting savagery of the feral family and the harrowing ordeal of trying to stay alive in the midst of the chaos.

“Offspring (Dead River, #2)” is a thrilling and chilling continuation of the Dead River series that explores the darker aspects of human nature and the ultimate struggle for survival against overwhelming odds. With its relentless pacing and unflinching portrayal of violence and terror, the novel is a haunting and unforgettable read that will leave readers breathless and eager for more.

Red

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Joyride

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Hide and Seek

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The Woman

“The Woman” by Jack Ketchum is a horror novel that tells the story of a feral woman who is discovered and captured by a middle-class family in rural America. The family’s patriarch, Chris Cleek, takes the woman captive with the intention of “civilizing” her, subjecting her to physical and emotional abuse in the process. As the story unfolds, the reader is confronted with the deeply disturbing dynamics of power, violence, and control within the Cleek family, as well as the complexities of human nature and morality.

Ketchum’s novel explores the themes of primal instincts, societal expectations, and the inherent capacity for both good and evil within individuals. The narrative is gripping and intense, delving into the dark and brutal aspects of human behavior and the repercussions of unchecked power and authority. The characters are well-developed and the plot is compelling, offering a chilling and thought-provoking examination of the human condition.

Throughout the novel, Ketchum skillfully creates a sense of unease and tension, as the reader is forced to grapple with the disturbing actions and motivations of the characters. “The Woman” is a provocative and unsettling work that challenges readers to confront uncomfortable truths about human nature, power dynamics, and the consequences of unchecked aggression and control.

Peaceable Kingdom

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Triage

“Triage” by Jack Ketchum is a gripping novel that explores the psychological and emotional impact of war on the human psyche. The story follows a war photographer named Mark who is haunted by the images he has captured in conflict zones. Struggling to cope with the trauma, he seeks solace in the arms of his girlfriend and fellow photographer, but his mental state continues to deteriorate as he grapples with the horrors he has witnessed.

As the narrative unfolds, Mark is faced with the challenging task of sorting through his experiences and coming to terms with the reality of war. The novel delves deep into the complexities of post-traumatic stress disorder and the toll it takes on individuals who have been exposed to the brutality of combat. Through Mark’s journey, the author offers a poignant exploration of the human condition and the struggle to find meaning and healing in the aftermath of war.

With its raw and unflinching portrayal of the human toll of war, “Triage” is a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant novel that sheds light on the enduring impact of trauma. Jack Ketchum skillfully portrays the inner turmoil of his characters and offers a compelling examination of the challenges they face in the wake of conflict. The novel invites readers to consider the far-reaching consequences of war and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

About Jack Ketchum

Jack Ketchum, born as Dallas William Mayr, was a renowned American horror fiction author who achieved great success in the genre. With four Bram Stoker Awards to his name and several nominations, Ketchum’s contribution to the world of horror was widely recognized. His most notable novels, including Off Season, Offspring, and Red, were even adapted into films. In 2011, he was honored with the World Horror Convention Grand Master Award for his outstanding influence on the horror genre.

Ketchum’s early years were marked by a deep passion for Elvis Presley, dinosaurs, and horror, which he credited for helping him through his formative years. He spent much of his time lost in his imagination, crafting stories and creating worlds, using his room or the woods near his house as his sanctuary.

His diverse career journey from an actor to a literary agent to a soda jerk ultimately led him to focus on novel writing, a decision partly motivated by the promise of stability and longevity in this profession. It was during these years that he was befriended by Robert Bloch, the author of Psycho, who became his mentor and greatly influenced his writing.

Ketchum passed away from cancer on January 24, 2018, in New York City at the age of 71, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most influential horror writers of his time.

Author Jack Ketchum

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Published at 10:45 - 28/12/2023
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