The Croning

by Laird Barron
The Croning cover
Good Books rating 3.33
Horror
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  • ID: 7721
  • Added: 2025-12-16
  • Updated: 2025-12-16
  • ISBN: 9781597802314
  • Publisher: Night Shade
  • Published: 2013-02-05
  • Reviews: 3

Donald Miller, a geologist and academic, has spent nearly eighty years walking a fine line between absent-mindedness and sanity-shattering realization. His life takes a dark turn when he begins to uncover the sinister truths about his wife Michelle, their adult twins, and everything he thought he knew. The Children of Old Leech, an ancient and malevolent force, have been lurking in the shadows, and Donald is about to confront the horrifying secret of The Croning. Laird Barron, the Shirley Jackson Award-winning author, delivers a chilling tale of cosmic horror that blurs the lines between reality and the supernatural. The Croning is a debut novel that explores the depths of human fear and the unknown, set against a backdrop of weird cults and black magic.

Reviews
The Fiction Fox · 2025-06-09
chilling 4.50

The book masterfully captures a sense of lingering dread and spiraling insanity. The atmosphere is both chilling and immersive.

The reviewer highlights how the book excels in creating an atmosphere of dread that lingers long after reading. The sense of something incomprehensible lurking in the shadows is masterfully portrayed, making it a deeply unsettling experience. The spiraling insanity of the characters adds to the overall tension, making it a standout in the horror genre. However, the pacing can be slow at times, which might not appeal to all readers.

Quick quotes

    Barron masterfully captures the feeling of lingering dread of something beyond comprehension lurking in the shadows.

    The spiraling insanity of the characters adds to the overall tension.

    The atmosphere is both chilling and immersive.

Reckless Reading · Lulu StJames · 2024-08-09
boring 1.00

The book was incredibly boring and dry, with the horror elements coming too late to save it.

The reviewer found the book to be a disappointing read, describing it as incredibly boring and dry. The pacing issues make it difficult to stay engaged, and by the time the horror elements finally appear, it is too late to salvage the overall experience. The reviewer criticizes the lack of tension and suspense, which are crucial elements in a horror story. Despite some well-crafted moments, the book ultimately falls short of expectations.

Quick quotes

    For being a horror tale, The Croning by Laird Barron sure was incredibly boring and dry.

    By the time the horror came, it was too late to save it.

    The lack of tension and suspense makes it a disappointing read.

Goodreads · 2012-05-01
awe 4.50

This is one of the best books the reviewer has read in years. They are in awe of the author's skill.

The reviewer expresses profound admiration for the book, stating it is one of the best they have read in years. The author's skill in crafting a compelling narrative is evident, making it a memorable reading experience. The reviewer's friends also share this enthusiasm, indicating a widespread appreciation for the book. The impact of the story is such that it leaves a lasting impression, making it a standout in the reviewer's reading history.

Quick quotes

    This is the best book I've read in years.

    I'm in awe of Laird Barron.

    My friends who have read it share my enthusiasm.

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