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One for the Road
This much-loved tale is narrated by Booth, and elderly resident of a small Maine town that neighbors the infamous Jerusalem's Lot, and it takes place a couple of years after the events in King's novel. Booth describes a winter's night years ago, when he and his friend, a bar owner named Herb Tooklander (Tookey), receive a visit from a distressed motorist named Gerard Lumley, whose vehicle had become stranded in a ferocious blizzard . . . with his wife and daughter still inside. At first critical of Lumley for driving in such weather, both men are horrified when they realise the Lumley's car is stranded in Jerusalem's Lot, widely regarded to have 'gone bad'. Nevertheless, they still decide to drive out in a snow plough and attempt to save Lumley's family. Instead, they barely manage to save themselves.
Widely regarded to be one of King's finest short stories—itself a sequel of sorts to what so many feel is perhaps his finest novel—'One For The Road' is the author working at the top of his form. For years people clamored for another visit to 'Salem's Lot'. Well, here it is . . . a wintry little coda to one of King's scariest works. All the classic elements are an empty town, heavy weather, Yankee accents . . . and the monsters, of course. Let's not forget the monsters.
Widely regarded to be one of King's finest short stories—itself a sequel of sorts to what so many feel is perhaps his finest novel—'One For The Road' is the author working at the top of his form. For years people clamored for another visit to 'Salem's Lot'. Well, here it is . . . a wintry little coda to one of King's scariest works. All the classic elements are an empty town, heavy weather, Yankee accents . . . and the monsters, of course. Let's not forget the monsters.
38 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1977
6 people are currently reading
778 people want to read
About the author
Stephen King
2,439 books887k followersStephen Edwin King was born the second son of Donald and Nellie Ruth Pillsbury King. After his father left them when Stephen was two, he and his older brother, David, were raised by his mother. Parts of his childhood were spent in Fort Wayne, Indiana, where his father's family was at the time, and in Stratford, Connecticut. When Stephen was eleven, his mother brought her children back to Durham, Maine, for good. Her parents, Guy and Nellie Pillsbury, had become incapacitated with old age, and Ruth King was persuaded by her sisters to take over the physical care of them. Other family members provided a small house in Durham and financial support. After Stephen's grandparents passed away, Mrs. King found work in the kitchens of Pineland, a nearby residential facility for the mentally challenged.
Stephen attended the grammar school in Durham and Lisbon Falls High School, graduating in 1966. From his sophomore year at the University of Maine at Orono, he wrote a weekly column for the school newspaper, THE MAINE CAMPUS. He was also active in student politics, serving as a member of the Student Senate. He came to support the anti-war movement on the Orono campus, arriving at his stance from a conservative view that the war in Vietnam was unconstitutional. He graduated in 1970, with a B.A. in English and qualified to teach on the high school level. A draft board examination immediately post-graduation found him 4-F on grounds of high blood pressure, limited vision, flat feet, and punctured eardrums.
He met Tabitha Spruce in the stacks of the Fogler Library at the University, where they both worked as students; they married in January of 1971. As Stephen was unable to find placement as a teacher immediately, the Kings lived on his earnings as a laborer at an industrial laundry, and her student loan and savings, with an occasional boost from a short story sale to men's magazines.
Stephen made his first professional short story sale ("The Glass Floor") to Startling Mystery Stories in 1967. Throughout the early years of his marriage, he continued to sell stories to men's magazines. Many were gathered into the Night Shift collection or appeared in other anthologies.
In the fall of 1971, Stephen began teaching English at Hampden Academy, the public high school in Hampden, Maine. Writing in the evenings and on the weekends, he continued to produce short stories and to work on novels.
Stephen attended the grammar school in Durham and Lisbon Falls High School, graduating in 1966. From his sophomore year at the University of Maine at Orono, he wrote a weekly column for the school newspaper, THE MAINE CAMPUS. He was also active in student politics, serving as a member of the Student Senate. He came to support the anti-war movement on the Orono campus, arriving at his stance from a conservative view that the war in Vietnam was unconstitutional. He graduated in 1970, with a B.A. in English and qualified to teach on the high school level. A draft board examination immediately post-graduation found him 4-F on grounds of high blood pressure, limited vision, flat feet, and punctured eardrums.
He met Tabitha Spruce in the stacks of the Fogler Library at the University, where they both worked as students; they married in January of 1971. As Stephen was unable to find placement as a teacher immediately, the Kings lived on his earnings as a laborer at an industrial laundry, and her student loan and savings, with an occasional boost from a short story sale to men's magazines.
Stephen made his first professional short story sale ("The Glass Floor") to Startling Mystery Stories in 1967. Throughout the early years of his marriage, he continued to sell stories to men's magazines. Many were gathered into the Night Shift collection or appeared in other anthologies.
In the fall of 1971, Stephen began teaching English at Hampden Academy, the public high school in Hampden, Maine. Writing in the evenings and on the weekends, he continued to produce short stories and to work on novels.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews
October 16, 2015
I am reviewing a different edition of this story, but it is the same story. This illustrated release is due to a movie coming out for the story and, fair warning, this illustrated edition is expensive. A search revealed that this story was also in 'Salem's Lot The Illustrated Edition
which I own and is my reviewed edition.
This story takes place 2 years after the events of the novel "Salem's Lot". Even though the town of Salem's Lot seems deserted, it is not; and as the locals know, a person does not travel through the Lot. This is a 30 page story, quick read but still provides the horrors of the original novel. Recommend if you like Stephen King.
which I own and is my reviewed edition.This story takes place 2 years after the events of the novel "Salem's Lot". Even though the town of Salem's Lot seems deserted, it is not; and as the locals know, a person does not travel through the Lot. This is a 30 page story, quick read but still provides the horrors of the original novel. Recommend if you like Stephen King.
October 5, 2019
This is a short story that takes place a couple years after the events in Salem's Lot. I strongly suggest reading the novel first before this short story. In this story, a family driving in a car takes a wrong turn into the lot during a blizzard. This place should be avoided at all costs especially during a snowstorm.
I just finished the novel and I thought the novel was terrific. This was a step down but still a nice read. I liked the atmosphere that King evokes with the blizzard. As a New Englander I can attest to this atmosphere. What I liked about this story is that it confirms that vampires are still running rampant in the small city.
This was a nice, quick read that fans of Salem's Lot will enjoy.
I just finished the novel and I thought the novel was terrific. This was a step down but still a nice read. I liked the atmosphere that King evokes with the blizzard. As a New Englander I can attest to this atmosphere. What I liked about this story is that it confirms that vampires are still running rampant in the small city.
This was a nice, quick read that fans of Salem's Lot will enjoy.
October 13, 2015
I love King's short fiction and if this had not been a little sip of 'salems Lot I would have loved it. Because it's just a taste, it left me unsatisfied and wanting more.
Artfully told and great illustration, but...I wanted it all!
Artfully told and great illustration, but...I wanted it all!
December 23, 2023
Three men from a superstitious place attempt to help a man whose wife and daughter are stranded in a vehicle because of a blizzard in a nearby town. Unfortunately for everyone involved, this mysterious ghost town is none other than Salem's Lot. For anyone that's familiar with this haunted hellhole of a town, it's no surprise that things go very badly.
Another Salem's Lot story. A cool callback but obviously nowhere near as great as the original novel. It's written like a classic victorian ghost story instead of King's usual style which is pretty cool. The other callback story in Night Shift called Jerusalem's Lot was also written in a classic penny dreadful era horror story fashion.
Another Salem's Lot story. A cool callback but obviously nowhere near as great as the original novel. It's written like a classic victorian ghost story instead of King's usual style which is pretty cool. The other callback story in Night Shift called Jerusalem's Lot was also written in a classic penny dreadful era horror story fashion.
January 28, 2021
This is one of two short stories included at the end of newer editions of Salem's Lot, which I just read and LOVED. This year, I'm reading the work of Stephen King in order of publish date. However, since this book is directly tied to Salem's Lot and I had it in front of me, I went ahead and read it. It's only a few pages and is delightfully creepy.
The story takes place about two years after Salem's Lot ended. An out-of-state family's car broke down just outside the town of Jerusalem's Lot, and the father has hiked several miles to the nearest establishment looking for help. Very chilling! Even though I read this one earlier than I planned to, it was awesome to have read it on the tales of Salem's Lot.
I believe this short story is included in King's Night Shift collection, which I will be reading in its entirety very soon.
The story takes place about two years after Salem's Lot ended. An out-of-state family's car broke down just outside the town of Jerusalem's Lot, and the father has hiked several miles to the nearest establishment looking for help. Very chilling! Even though I read this one earlier than I planned to, it was awesome to have read it on the tales of Salem's Lot.
I believe this short story is included in King's Night Shift collection, which I will be reading in its entirety very soon.
August 26, 2023
Part of illustrated edition of 'Salem's Lot and a sequel happening few years after the main novel. Not bad, more atmospheric than the novel but then... keep in mind I don't like the novel. It's also part of Night Shift collection.
August 14, 2015
This is the sequel/follow-on to 'Salem's Lot. This was creepier and got in my head a lot more than Salem's Lot did. I loved this. So far I'm preferring King's shorter works to his longer ones.
October 17, 2023
With this, I am done with 'The Salem's Lot' saga.
Let the record show that I am a sucker for macabre unfolding amidst a snow storm.
Let the record show that I am a sucker for macabre unfolding amidst a snow storm.
December 11, 2023
'One for the Road' ('Salem's Lot #1.5) by Stephen King.
Rating: 4.0/5.
Review:
I'll be totally honest with you all – I haven't read the illustrated edition of this short story. I read this story as a part of the Night Shift collection. I'm merely posting my review of the short story here since Goodreads has no entry dedicated to the short story.
Ever since I finished reading 'Salem's Lot, I had been craving for some sort of a continuation of this story. 'One for the Road' finally filled that void. This short story takes place two years after the events of 'Salem's Lot. Apparently, even after Ben and Mark burned down the town, a few vampires have survived the scourge and are looking for new victims that stumble into Jerusalem's Lot. This short story narrates one such incident when a couple of individuals try to rescue a family that was stranded in the town during a blizzard.
I loved the atmosphere that Stephen King evokes with the blizzard. There was a palpable sense of dread and nervousness while reading the short story. It was a terrific read and, in my opinion, ends with a great last line.
If this was merely a standalone story, I think I wouldn't have rated it as high as I have currently. However, the story took me back to 'Salem's Lot, and that enhanced my experience to a great extent. It is a nice, quick read that might appeal to those who loved 'Salem's Lot.
Rating: 4.0/5.
Review:
I'll be totally honest with you all – I haven't read the illustrated edition of this short story. I read this story as a part of the Night Shift collection. I'm merely posting my review of the short story here since Goodreads has no entry dedicated to the short story.
Ever since I finished reading 'Salem's Lot, I had been craving for some sort of a continuation of this story. 'One for the Road' finally filled that void. This short story takes place two years after the events of 'Salem's Lot. Apparently, even after Ben and Mark burned down the town, a few vampires have survived the scourge and are looking for new victims that stumble into Jerusalem's Lot. This short story narrates one such incident when a couple of individuals try to rescue a family that was stranded in the town during a blizzard.
I loved the atmosphere that Stephen King evokes with the blizzard. There was a palpable sense of dread and nervousness while reading the short story. It was a terrific read and, in my opinion, ends with a great last line.
If this was merely a standalone story, I think I wouldn't have rated it as high as I have currently. However, the story took me back to 'Salem's Lot, and that enhanced my experience to a great extent. It is a nice, quick read that might appeal to those who loved 'Salem's Lot.
October 22, 2016
To be clear, I did not read this illustrated version. In fact, my copy of Night Shift has no illustrations at all in it. I'm using this one since goodreads doesn't currently have an entry for the regular story.
Hurray! Another stop at Salem's Lot. The first story in Night Shift gave us events 175 to 250 years before the events of 'Salem's Lot. This penultimate story gives us an event that occurs a couple years after . Apparently there were still a few vampires left, and they still hang out at the Lot, though nobody has lived there for a couple of years. In this tale we hear the story of an unfortunate man who was just passing through from point a to b, and it just didn't go all that well for him.
I guess if this were a stand alone story, I probably wouldn't have enjoyed it as much as I did, but since it takes us back to a town I love reading about, my enjoyment was enhanced. I think it helps if you've read the other material about the Lot. I might have missed some things had I not been familiar with the original story, but I still would've been able to follow it without confusion.
Hurray! Another stop at Salem's Lot. The first story in Night Shift gave us events 175 to 250 years before the events of 'Salem's Lot. This penultimate story gives us an event that occurs a couple years after . Apparently there were still a few vampires left, and they still hang out at the Lot, though nobody has lived there for a couple of years. In this tale we hear the story of an unfortunate man who was just passing through from point a to b, and it just didn't go all that well for him.
I guess if this were a stand alone story, I probably wouldn't have enjoyed it as much as I did, but since it takes us back to a town I love reading about, my enjoyment was enhanced. I think it helps if you've read the other material about the Lot. I might have missed some things had I not been familiar with the original story, but I still would've been able to follow it without confusion.
March 7, 2015
I've only recently started reading stories and books by Stephen King but I can say with certainty that this book has that distinctive icy touch that chills you but also puts you into a reading trance that makes it impossible to put down the book.
I liked the story, but didn't love it(can you really ever love a horror story?). I did find some parts a little cringe worthy..(well sort of, it's not too bad) I found that the story had a kind of stereotypically camp fire story feel about it but well I still enjoyed it so that isn't a negative thing..more of a statement.
Have fun reading it, it is very short and quick to read!
I liked the story, but didn't love it(can you really ever love a horror story?). I did find some parts a little cringe worthy..(well sort of, it's not too bad) I found that the story had a kind of stereotypically camp fire story feel about it but well I still enjoyed it so that isn't a negative thing..more of a statement.
Have fun reading it, it is very short and quick to read!
November 19, 2011
I wanted more! After completing Salem's Lot I wanted to know more. Although this did fill me in a little ...I guess I expected to get a lot of information and followup. Stephen King could definitely have done a second whole book instead of just this short story.
August 9, 2011
I've read this story a couple times as it's from King's first story collection Night Shift as well as in the ‘Salem's Lot Illustrated Edition reissue in 2005, and it is a good short story that revisits Jerusalem's Lot and the vampires from the story ‘Salem's Lot. I like having short stories set in the same universe as the novel, as you get more of what you like. Anyway this is a way overpriced but beautiful and fun edition of the story as it's fully illustrated by James Hannah. Every page is one full page color artwork piece while the other page is King's text. The artwork complements the story very well, and the story is a good one. It tells the story of two older men waiting out a snow storm when a man comes in saying his wife and daughter were left in the car which got stuck in the snow in Jerusalem's Lot. As you can expect nothing good's going to come out of that, and it tells the little scary adventure that happens when they go through the snow to find his wife and daughter.
This book is a good read and was a lot of fun with the artwork.
This book is a good read and was a lot of fun with the artwork.
December 15, 2017
3.25 stars.
Read
October 30, 2023Companion piece to 'Salem's Lot.
Honestly, probably creepier than anything that happens in the book. Great additional story.
Honestly, probably creepier than anything that happens in the book. Great additional story.
July 20, 2025
Lekker man Kurt Barlow, hunt the hare and turn her down the rocky road and all the way to Dublin whack fol lol le rah
October 30, 2014
I listened to the audiobook at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O1b3Y...
One for the Road is somewhat of a sequel to 'Salem's Lot. I don't think you'll miss much if you read this one without having read Salem's Lot, but don't read this one if you intend to read its predecessor, or it'll be spoilt for you.
A man shows up at a bar one day, in a town a short distance from Jerusalem's Lot, saying that his car ran out of fuel in the Lot, and he left his wife and daughter there while he came to look for help. The narrator and his friend finally agree to drive him back to fetch them, but they're not happy about it, because of the legendary creatures that inhabit the Lot.
The pacing is fantastic, and the tension builds perfectly. The ending is quite satisfying. I don't know who the audio-book narrator is, but he does a fantastic job in reading! I don't know if I would've given the book five stars if I'd have just read the book myself, but I strongly recommend you go listen to the YouTube video I put in the top of this review!
One for the Road is somewhat of a sequel to 'Salem's Lot. I don't think you'll miss much if you read this one without having read Salem's Lot, but don't read this one if you intend to read its predecessor, or it'll be spoilt for you.
A man shows up at a bar one day, in a town a short distance from Jerusalem's Lot, saying that his car ran out of fuel in the Lot, and he left his wife and daughter there while he came to look for help. The narrator and his friend finally agree to drive him back to fetch them, but they're not happy about it, because of the legendary creatures that inhabit the Lot.
The pacing is fantastic, and the tension builds perfectly. The ending is quite satisfying. I don't know who the audio-book narrator is, but he does a fantastic job in reading! I don't know if I would've given the book five stars if I'd have just read the book myself, but I strongly recommend you go listen to the YouTube video I put in the top of this review!
October 30, 2017
What a brilliant, brilliant short story. Sort of a sequel to Salem's Lot. Reminds me a great deal of a story from Dubliners by James Joyce. It is warm and comforting and just when you have settled it takes a dark turn. Leaving you with an unnerved feeling and idea that you are never going to talk to a child ever again.
June 4, 2014
Short, but scary.
Stephen King is still my master of horror no matter what. May it be short or long, he never fails to make me jump out of my skin. This story is thrilling, mysterious and more awesome if you close the lights and just listen to the audio.
GREAT READ. GGGRRREEEAAATT READ.
Stephen King is still my master of horror no matter what. May it be short or long, he never fails to make me jump out of my skin. This story is thrilling, mysterious and more awesome if you close the lights and just listen to the audio.
GREAT READ. GGGRRREEEAAATT READ.
March 19, 2015
Part of "Night Shift", "One for the Road" takes you back to Jerusalem's Lot and its nocturnal horrors. This short story reminds you of early Stephen King. Claustrophobic, you can feel the impending doom that lurks into the snowstorm. One of Stephen King's best short stories to date.
November 2, 2014
I didn't read Salem's Lot first instead I read Jerusalem's Lot so I was slightly confused when King kept bouncing between the two names. once I figured out what was going on I really enjoyed this one. Sad and creepy all at the same time!
February 1, 2023
This was a repeat-read, probably the n-th time.
Once again, it managed to scare me in the truly old-fashioned, deliciously dreadful manner.
It's a classic, despite some deliberate slow-downs caused by King.
Highly recommended.
Once again, it managed to scare me in the truly old-fashioned, deliciously dreadful manner.
It's a classic, despite some deliberate slow-downs caused by King.
Highly recommended.
February 21, 2024
This is a great short story, perfect for the Night Shift anthology collection. This tale covers a man from New Jersey who decided to travel into Maine with his family during a huge nor’easter storm. The man reaches an open bar and involves local men to come out into the storm to rescue his wife and daughter. Unfortunately, his car got stuck in Jerusalem’s Lot, home of vampires. I was in it to the very end. Well done.
May 21, 2025
2.5 ⭐
Новела няколко години след случилото се в Сейлъмс Лот.
Защото беше кратка история, нямаше време да ми станат досадни обясненията как блести снега и подобни, и всъщност беше интересна. Приятно допълнение към книгата.
Новела няколко години след случилото се в Сейлъмс Лот.
Защото беше кратка история, нямаше време да ми станат досадни обясненията как блести снега и подобни, и всъщност беше интересна. Приятно допълнение към книгата.
August 18, 2015
A copy of this was included in the version of 'Salem's Lot that I read, and I am sooooo glad it was. I've never read any of King's short stories, so this was a first for me. I absolutely loved it. It was perfectly creepy.
September 13, 2015
I got to read this book a few weeks ago and finally get to review It. what a great book! it's a very short read but the way it was written is so good. I loved the ending. definitely a good book if you're looking for a quick creepy read.
August 11, 2017
Enjoyed reading this short sequel to 'Salem's Lot novel. Has a classic feel.
November 25, 2018
This was good. I am glad I read it right after salem's lot so that book was still fresh in my memory.
October 3, 2020
A predictably scary short sequel to Salem's Lot.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews