Speaks The Nightbird

Speaks The Nightbird
Robert McCammon

Robert McCammon is one of my favorite authors, if not my favorite. The first novel of his I read was Swan Song, many years ago. Then came Boy’s Life, which cemented him as one of the best novelists I had ever read. Then I read The Wolf’s Hour, and decided I was right as to his tremendous talent.

Mr. McCammon retired for several years at a young age after there was hesitation by publishers about a novel called Speaks The Nightbird. McCammon had made a name for himself as a horror writer, but with Boy’s Life, and two other novels, had moved steadily away from the horror genre. Speaks The Nightbird is historical fiction about a witchcraft trial in a North Carolina town in 1699. Apparently, as far as publishers are concerned, historical fiction doesn’t sell. They wanted him to change the story quite a bit. McCammon said no and decided to retire. Finally, thankfully, a small publisher decided they wanted it as is and it was published.

I have had this book for a long time and have finally gotten around to reading it. Though there is nothing supernatural in it, there is still a strong horror element. I think there will always be with McCammon. It is incredibly well written and was very enjoyable to read. McCammon can put you there, which is the mark of a great writer.

Speaks The Nightbird was well received and since its publication, he has decided to do a series of books based on the protagonist of the book, Matthew Corbett. The second book, The Queen Of Bedlam is out now and is sitting on my bookshelf. I will be reading it soon.

I highly recommend Nightbird, as well as any McCammon book. He is one of the truly great authors of our time.