The Throat

The Throat

By Peter Straub

Signet, 1993. 697 pgs. Fiction

This engrossing crime-horror-thriller is set in the town of Millhaven, Illinois. Tim Underhill, a former resident, and now a successful writer, has published an account of the “Blue Rose” murders which gripped the town 40 years earlier. Now another “Blue Rose” murder has occurred and the victim’s husband calls Underhill back to Millhaven hoping he can help determine who killed his wife.

This intense psychological thriller is a thoroughly engaging story supported by vivid characterizations and details of small town life.

The Throat is actually the third of a very loose trilogy, the first two being Koko and Mystery. While there’s no need to read these prior to The Throat you may wish to read them afterward. There are additional glimpses into Millhaven in Straub’s collection of short stories, Magic Terror.

SML