The Crystal Mouse

by Babs H. Deal

Following her husband's death, Sara Hillstrom finder herself completely alone in a newly-furnished Florida condominium and begins to fear for her life when she hears strange noises.

Genres: Horror

182 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1972

About the author

Ethel “Babs” Hodges Deal is the author of more than nine novels, including High Lonesome World and The Reason for Roses. Her short stories have appeared in magazines and she was the winner of the Mystery Writers of America Award in 1967 for her novel, Fancy's Knell. "Mrs. Deal...has the great gift of capturing a whole countryside and season in a few short sentences. Nobody does that thing any better," wrote the New York Times, while the Nashville Tennessean added, "...in her ability to create suspense and psychological interest, in her mastery of scene, tone, and characterization, Mrs. Deal emerges as a major Southern writer."

Mrs. Deal was born in Scottsboro, Alabama, and lived in Florida with her author-husband, Borden Deal, and their three children.

Reviews

[Stacey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I chose this one because Russell T. Davies said he draws his inspiration for ALL his work from this one novel. Interesting choice. The horrific symbolism of everyday life is skillfully drawn in this novel, a clear precursor of much of Davies' work for Dr. Who.

[Deborah Gunter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Depressing. Very, very depressing.

[Meagan O · Rating 3 out of 5]

Don't read this book if you're sick and tend to be depressed or feeling bad when sick. I did and took this book too seriously. It is more of a pycho-thriller type book. But it is good and in the end it makes sense why this book was so isolating and lonley for the main character Sara. So when I say don't read when feeling yucky I mean it can make you feel crazy too like the character. Sort of.

[Marlo Hollinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book! A quick read but a great psychological suspense yarn!

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

completely underrated.