Pet Sematary

by Stephen King
Pet Sematary cover
Good Books rating 4.08
Horror
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Paperback • £10.99
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  • ID: 7591
  • Added: 2025-12-16
  • Updated: 2025-12-30
  • ISBN: 9781501156700
  • Publisher: Simon and Schuster
  • Published: 2017-01-31
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

In 'Pet Sematary,' Stephen King weaves a terrifying narrative around the Creed family, who move to a seemingly idyllic home in rural Maine. Behind their house lies a mysterious pet cemetery, and further back, an ancient burial ground with sinister powers. When tragedy strikes, the family's grief leads them to make a desperate and horrifying decision that unleashes unspeakable evil. King's masterful storytelling delves into themes of loss, grief, and the consequences of tampering with the natural order. The novel is a profound exploration of the human psyche and the lengths to which people will go to cope with unbearable pain. 'Pet Sematary' is a classic horror that lingers in the mind long after the last page is turned.

Reviews
Novel On My Mind · 2023-10-10
terrifying 4.50

The book is a harrowing exploration of grief and the lengths one might go to escape it. It's a story that lingers in the mind long after the last page is turned.

The reviewer notes that Pet Sematary is one of Stephen King's most terrifying works, not because of its jump scares, but because of its deep emotional impact. They appreciate how King uses the supernatural to explore the pain of loss and the desperation that can come with it. The story is seen as a powerful exploration of human nature, making it a deeply unsettling read. The reviewer also highlights how the novel's themes of grief and guilt are handled with a sensitivity that makes the horror feel all the more real. They conclude that it's a book that will stay with the reader long after they've finished it.

Quick quotes

    Pet Sematary is the most frightening book he's ever written.

    It's the only book that made him think he finally went too far.

    The novel's exploration of grief and loss is both harrowing and deeply human.

Before We Go Blog · 2021-10-16
unsettling 4.00

The novel wrestles with dark themes of death, grief, and human nature, leaving a lasting impression. It's a story that transforms the reader's perspective on loss and the supernatural.

The reviewer discusses how Pet Sematary is a profound exploration of the human condition, particularly the ways in which we deal with grief and loss. They appreciate how the novel doesn't shy away from the darker aspects of these themes, making it a deeply unsettling read. The story is seen as a powerful commentary on the lengths to which people will go to escape pain, even if it means confronting the supernatural. The reviewer also notes how the novel's characters are richly developed, making their struggles feel all the more real. They conclude that Pet Sematary is a book that will leave a lasting impression on the reader, long after they've turned the final page.

Quick quotes

    The novel wrestles with death, grief, and human nature, bleeding dark themes onto every page.

    Pet Sematary transformed me from a hesitant first-time reader to a devoted fan of Stephen King.

    The novel's exploration of grief and loss is both harrowing and deeply human.

The Guardian · 2013-02-21
haunting 3.75

The book is a testament to King's ability to find horror in the unthinkable. It's a story that lingers in the mind long after the last page is turned.

The reviewer highlights how Stephen King manages to tap into universal fears of loss and grief, making the horror feel deeply personal. They appreciate how the novel doesn't rely on cheap scares but instead builds a sense of dread that permeates every page. The story's exploration of the supernatural is seen as a metaphor for the pain of losing a loved one, making it a haunting and thought-provoking read. The reviewer also notes that the novel's power lies in its emotional resonance, which makes it one of King's most disturbing works.

Quick quotes

    It's a good story: the master of horror finding something too scary to exist.

    Doesn't matter if it's true or not; what matters is, it's part of the fabric of our fears.

    King's exploration of grief and loss is both harrowing and deeply human.

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