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Nightcrawlers Stories from the Blue World
Pocket Books' bestselling horror author makes his audio debut with stories unavailable from Pocket until October 1989, when Blue World will be published. Coincides with the release of The Wolf's Hour.
Read by William Windom.
2 audiocassettes (3 hr.)
Read by William Windom.
2 audiocassettes (3 hr.)
3 pages, Audio Cassette
First published January 1, 1984
135 people are currently reading
798 people want to read
About the author
Robert McCammon
168 books5,772 followersPseudonyms: Robert R. McCammon; Robert Rick McCammon
Robert McCammon was a full-time horror writer for many years. Among his many popular novels were the classics Boy's Life and Swan Song. After taking a hiatus for his family, he returned to writing with an interest in historical fiction.
His newest book, Leviathan, is the tenth and final book in the Matthew Corbett series. It was published in trade hardcover (Lividian Publications), ebook (Open Road), and audiobook (Audible) formats on December 3, 2024.
McCammon resides in Birmingham, Alabama.
Robert McCammon was a full-time horror writer for many years. Among his many popular novels were the classics Boy's Life and Swan Song. After taking a hiatus for his family, he returned to writing with an interest in historical fiction.
His newest book, Leviathan, is the tenth and final book in the Matthew Corbett series. It was published in trade hardcover (Lividian Publications), ebook (Open Road), and audiobook (Audible) formats on December 3, 2024.
McCammon resides in Birmingham, Alabama.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
May 6, 2019
What a brilliant story! It has all the elements I want to read about. We start with an extremely stormy night and you have the typical atmosphere in a remote American Diner. A trooper enters, Big Bob the owner of the joint is taking about himself, Cheryl the best waitress he ever had is a former hippie driving an old Volks, a typical family coming in from the rain. So far nothing unsual. But then a haggard nam vet, named Price, enters the diner. He tells Dennis who glorifies Nam how it really was there, about all the violence and horror. His unit was named Nightcrawlers (Cheryl sees that detail on an old zippo of his). And then the horror begins. McCammon writes an incredibly tight prose. You feel like being guest in that diner living through everything to come. Is there a good ending for the participants? Who is the mysterious stranger from the veterans associations making a visit to Bob lateron? Good that Bob had a look into Price's wallet. What are Price's comrades up to do? This story is a real gem, extremely compelling and haunting. Absolutely recommended!
October 21, 2019
Solid short story from McCammon.
January 20, 2020
Very atmospheric short story about eight people being stuck in a remote diner during a stormy night.
Tension rises as it becomes clear that one of them has a dark secret and soon the already gloomy night turns into a nightmare.
Even though I didn’t particularly fancy the denouement, I have to say that I very much liked the story as a whole. The characters really come alive in that very short tale (it took me about 45 minutes to read) and the writing in general is great.
It was the perfect story for a rainy night.
I think I’m going to read more of this author in the future.
Spontaenous buddy-read with Trish. Thanks for joining in, buddy! :)
Tension rises as it becomes clear that one of them has a dark secret and soon the already gloomy night turns into a nightmare.
Even though I didn’t particularly fancy the denouement, I have to say that I very much liked the story as a whole. The characters really come alive in that very short tale (it took me about 45 minutes to read) and the writing in general is great.
It was the perfect story for a rainy night.
I think I’m going to read more of this author in the future.
Spontaenous buddy-read with Trish. Thanks for joining in, buddy! :)
August 21, 2024
I've eyed this author's work before but I always ended up picking something else because the page count was more commitment than I was ready for, so when this one showed up in my "quick reads for you" section I didn't read the blurb before I starting it.
The story felt surprisingly beefier than it really was, in a good way. The characters were fleshed out enough to really get invested in and nothing felt rushed. The settings were well utilized and it helped that it's the kind of settings I like (there's just something about old school diners that make for good horror).
Now I might just commit to one of McCammon's thicker tomes!
The story felt surprisingly beefier than it really was, in a good way. The characters were fleshed out enough to really get invested in and nothing felt rushed. The settings were well utilized and it helped that it's the kind of settings I like (there's just something about old school diners that make for good horror).
Now I might just commit to one of McCammon's thicker tomes!
July 7, 2019
The line between nightmare and reality is crossed
Publication date: June 4, 2014
Publisher: StoryFront
Language: English
ASIN: B00JXQDHKW
Tense, nerve wracking, tightly written horror story of Vietnam and a veteran who can not outrun his nightmares or the creatures in them. A very effective story which reminds me of the early David Drake stories set in Vietnam and its aftermath. Several of them are among the stories collected in a volume titled NIGHT AND DEMONS, available from Amazon..
I downloaded this story via Kindle Unlimited.
Publication date: June 4, 2014
Publisher: StoryFront
Language: English
ASIN: B00JXQDHKW
Tense, nerve wracking, tightly written horror story of Vietnam and a veteran who can not outrun his nightmares or the creatures in them. A very effective story which reminds me of the early David Drake stories set in Vietnam and its aftermath. Several of them are among the stories collected in a volume titled NIGHT AND DEMONS, available from Amazon..
I downloaded this story via Kindle Unlimited.
September 27, 2019
I forgot how much I love this story. A short story that packs a big punch. Classic McCammon.
July 12, 2019
In this highly atmospherical short story, we are in a diner in Alabama, close to Mobile (somehow it's always Mobile). There are several tornado warnings and it's raining like crazy.
However, before the owner of the diner and his waitress can close up early, a few guests seek shelter from the storm. But the weather is not their biggest problem.
I liked that the author didn't go for cheap scare effects, but instead focused on the horror of a person's own mind. Guilt, fear, sleep-deprivation, memories, one's own imagination ... they are often far worse than any monster. Stories about aren't new, but I liked it in combination with what happened here.
Maybe it's because we're having quite a nice thunderstorm here right now - fitting perfectly with the one in the story - but I really enjoyed the atmosphere of being stuck in that diner in weird and dangerous weather with a bunch of strangers. I also didn't mind the supernatural twist of the story. Moreover, the writing style was crisp and fast-paced, making this a fun and short read.
As already mentioned in my status update, this was an impromptu buddy-read with Dennis - whose namesake happened to appear in the story! ;)
However, before the owner of the diner and his waitress can close up early, a few guests seek shelter from the storm. But the weather is not their biggest problem.
I liked that the author didn't go for cheap scare effects, but instead focused on the horror of a person's own mind. Guilt, fear, sleep-deprivation, memories, one's own imagination ... they are often far worse than any monster. Stories about aren't new, but I liked it in combination with what happened here.
Maybe it's because we're having quite a nice thunderstorm here right now - fitting perfectly with the one in the story - but I really enjoyed the atmosphere of being stuck in that diner in weird and dangerous weather with a bunch of strangers. I also didn't mind the supernatural twist of the story. Moreover, the writing style was crisp and fast-paced, making this a fun and short read.
As already mentioned in my status update, this was an impromptu buddy-read with Dennis - whose namesake happened to appear in the story! ;)
August 5, 2021
And so on to the second of my two short Robert McCammon stories (which by the way have re-ignitied my love for his work) and I have to say that I had a few reservations here as I could have sworn I have read a story by this title before however I have either been mistaken (not impossible at all) or there is another story out there with the same name - and yes stranger things have happened.
Well either way I did not recognise the story - although to be honest there are elements which are very familiar - yes this (and the previous story Makeup) have a definite "Twilight Zone" feel to them though I suspect then were not written with that idea in mind - they do lend themselves perfectly to that cinematic style of story telling.
I did thoroughly enjoy this story and I will be looking for other works by Mr McCammon in the near future so thank you recommendations.
Well either way I did not recognise the story - although to be honest there are elements which are very familiar - yes this (and the previous story Makeup) have a definite "Twilight Zone" feel to them though I suspect then were not written with that idea in mind - they do lend themselves perfectly to that cinematic style of story telling.
I did thoroughly enjoy this story and I will be looking for other works by Mr McCammon in the near future so thank you recommendations.
March 12, 2024
An unexpectedly brutal and fun story. Another great story by McCammon!
November 26, 2021
Didn't realize at the time of purchase it was a short story.
It was ok, but I wanted more. Wish McCammon made this a full length novel or a longer short story. The ending was left open and felt unfinished.
Summary: Diner owner Bob and waitress Cheryl think about closing early one night due to the tornado warnings and brutal thunder storm, but remain open as several late customers come in.
One, a ex Vietnam Vet enters and looks a bit disheveled. He opens up about his story during Nam and how his nightmares from that time manifest in reality as he sleeps. Because of this, he has remained awake as long as possible.
Content concerns: Violence.
It was ok, but I wanted more. Wish McCammon made this a full length novel or a longer short story. The ending was left open and felt unfinished.
Summary: Diner owner Bob and waitress Cheryl think about closing early one night due to the tornado warnings and brutal thunder storm, but remain open as several late customers come in.
One, a ex Vietnam Vet enters and looks a bit disheveled. He opens up about his story during Nam and how his nightmares from that time manifest in reality as he sleeps. Because of this, he has remained awake as long as possible.
Content concerns: Violence.
June 25, 2019
Quick character development brings you swiftly into the story. Wild things happen, yet you never question them because around them - weaved into the narrative - are believable people and circumstances.
You're in every moment, feeling every emotion. You at no point feel shortchanged or let down. The cruelty of war is on display. The cause and effects of a war that never ended, not to those who were there and came home.
This is one of McCammon's best. IT's short and sweet and I highly recommend that you read it.
You're in every moment, feeling every emotion. You at no point feel shortchanged or let down. The cruelty of war is on display. The cause and effects of a war that never ended, not to those who were there and came home.
This is one of McCammon's best. IT's short and sweet and I highly recommend that you read it.
February 7, 2017
Robert McCammon has done it again. awesome read, as usual. if you haven't read him, do yourself a favor and DO IT
January 20, 2019
une nouvelle 'creepy' sur le post traumatisme subi des anciens vétérans de la guerre du VietNam et les (potentielles-imaginaires) conséquences insoupçonnées de l'usage de certaines drogues ou armes chimiques ...
... ce qui n'est pas à proprement parlé une nouveauté (je pense par ex à l'usage d'une drogue pour les soldats nazis de la 2e guerre qui -en les empêchant de dormir- leur permettait de couvrir des distances impossibles mais qui a eu des effets secondaires dévastateurs...)
la nouvelle est comme toujours avec McCammon très visuelle et bien écrite
à lire sur le site de l'auteur
https://www.robertmccammon.com/fictio...
... ce qui n'est pas à proprement parlé une nouveauté (je pense par ex à l'usage d'une drogue pour les soldats nazis de la 2e guerre qui -en les empêchant de dormir- leur permettait de couvrir des distances impossibles mais qui a eu des effets secondaires dévastateurs...)
la nouvelle est comme toujours avec McCammon très visuelle et bien écrite
à lire sur le site de l'auteur
https://www.robertmccammon.com/fictio...
September 5, 2025
I really enjoyed this short story and wish it was a full length novel. Though it was so short, there was great characterization and plot.
March 23, 2019
McCammon tells a tale that relies not on inhuman monsters or vampires or werewolves. Instead, the main focus of the story is the haunting of a particularly ugly chapter in American history, the country's involvement in the Vietnam War. McCammon expertly uses the supernatural to display the effects of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, he tip-toes the border of the real and surreal. 'Nightcrawlers' packs a powerful message of how war continues even long after the guns are silenced on the battlefield. The story displays the ignorance surrounding the Vietnam War, the consequences of our actions and the ghosts that live within and plague our memories. While politically motivated, McCammon still manages to deliver genuinely unnerving images of horror, echoing some of his earlier works like 'The Night Boat.' McCammon is an expert of taking the ordinary and making it extraordinary. Guilt is a particularly nasty thing, but in 'Nightcrawlers,' the guilt has teeth that will sink into your flesh. McCammon would later go on to perfect this theme of war and it's devastating aftermath in the 1992 novel 'Gone South.' 4.25/5
December 19, 2015
An audiobook featuring readings of three Robert McCammon stories, including, of course, the Vietnam veteran nightmare "Nightcrawlers." All three tales are examples of McCammon at his finest - short, sharp bursts of mood and setting and character that showcase McCammon's strengths as a writer with both talent and heart. The oppressive heat of "Yellowjacket Summer" is portrayed perfectly, as is the worn-out superhero in "Night Calls the Green Falcon."
But this is an audiobook, so the reading is just as important as the writing. The late William Windom provides one if the finest readings I've ever heard for these three stories, giving each its own unique voice and feeling. His slow lazy drawl captures "Yellowjacket Summer" perfectly, and he's just the right voice for the war-torn veteran of "Nightcrawlers" and the washed-up movie hero in "Night Calls the Green Falcon." Simply put, Windom's reading elevates these already great stories to perfection.
It's hard to imagine a better reading for these stories. So why bother? Just lay back and enjoy this one.
But this is an audiobook, so the reading is just as important as the writing. The late William Windom provides one if the finest readings I've ever heard for these three stories, giving each its own unique voice and feeling. His slow lazy drawl captures "Yellowjacket Summer" perfectly, and he's just the right voice for the war-torn veteran of "Nightcrawlers" and the washed-up movie hero in "Night Calls the Green Falcon." Simply put, Windom's reading elevates these already great stories to perfection.
It's hard to imagine a better reading for these stories. So why bother? Just lay back and enjoy this one.
May 2, 2019
I've read several novels by McCammon, but this was the first short story I have read by the author. His writing talent is not limited to novels, as he knocks Night Crawlers out of the park. This is a short, but powerful tale about guilt and how we choose to deal, or not to deal, with it.
I was impressed with how quickly McCammon creates atmosphere, develops the characters and hooks the reader. The central idea behind this story is brilliant. The author understands that guilt is a powerful emotion and uses that premise very effectively here. I thought the story might end in one way, but I'm happy McCammon took it in a different direction and created a very satisfying, yet troubling, ending.
In spite of being a very short work, Night Crawlers packs a strong punch.
I was impressed with how quickly McCammon creates atmosphere, develops the characters and hooks the reader. The central idea behind this story is brilliant. The author understands that guilt is a powerful emotion and uses that premise very effectively here. I thought the story might end in one way, but I'm happy McCammon took it in a different direction and created a very satisfying, yet troubling, ending.
In spite of being a very short work, Night Crawlers packs a strong punch.
April 12, 2018
This was a great short story - written in 1984, the end of the Vietnam war was as far away for them as 2007 is for us. Really great fiction is a form of time travel, and this definitely captured the almost surreal nature of America at the time.
July 31, 2015
This was a great short story, my only criticism is it wasn't long enough. This would have made a great novel
January 16, 2019
I am not a big fan of stories but I thought was a this was a good story, anyway.
Read
May 16, 2015Another brilliantly realized vision of the borderland between the real and the surreal
Within the bounds of this story, McCammon brings in the wholly necessary backstory with seeming ease, until the reader's comfortable lounge remote from the story's setting becomes an uneasy perch in itself, filled with the tension and blood-filled horror of the battlefield.
It's a short story long on suspense. The characters erupt off the page, so much so that one feels compelled to check their own self from time to time for shards of flying glass. The length is perfect to its events, economically written without a word wasted. More importantly, and much harder to pull off, there's no sense of something missing while at the same time the reader is left wanting more.
The story has a gritty feel, and one true to its subject matter. This might be anti war propaganda without the preachiness, or perhaps a glorification of the folly of war. The reader is exhausted by the end, but it's a thrilling kind of exhaustion, one laced with the satisfied sense of a journey well traveled. And rather than breathlessness, we breathe deep the fumes of a bygone place and a troubled time. In this way, the story rekindles memories, albeit from a safe distance.
Five stars, brilliantly earned.
Within the bounds of this story, McCammon brings in the wholly necessary backstory with seeming ease, until the reader's comfortable lounge remote from the story's setting becomes an uneasy perch in itself, filled with the tension and blood-filled horror of the battlefield.
It's a short story long on suspense. The characters erupt off the page, so much so that one feels compelled to check their own self from time to time for shards of flying glass. The length is perfect to its events, economically written without a word wasted. More importantly, and much harder to pull off, there's no sense of something missing while at the same time the reader is left wanting more.
The story has a gritty feel, and one true to its subject matter. This might be anti war propaganda without the preachiness, or perhaps a glorification of the folly of war. The reader is exhausted by the end, but it's a thrilling kind of exhaustion, one laced with the satisfied sense of a journey well traveled. And rather than breathlessness, we breathe deep the fumes of a bygone place and a troubled time. In this way, the story rekindles memories, albeit from a safe distance.
Five stars, brilliantly earned.
May 31, 2015
*THIS REVIEW IS FOR THE KINDLE EDITION*
Although I have been known to enjoy a lengthy, dense novel, every once in a while I also find myself totally absorbed in the brief and fast paced world of the short story/novella. While there is nothing wrong with taking a simple premise and drawing it out to encompass 400 pages or more, I think that true talent lies in being able to craft a rich and compelling story in less than 50 pages.
Nightcrawlers is the perfect example of how well that can be done.
No doubt McCammon has penned some pretty hefty tomes (Swan Song, Mine, just to name a few) but he excels just as well in this super short, yet descriptive and enjoyable story. I've said it before, and I will say it again, McCammon has this incredible knack to craft a compelling tale while at the same time, throwing in some of the best well-written action scenes I've ever had the pleasure to read. Nightcrawlers is no different in that regard.
If you have a brief 20 minutes to spare, I don't think there's a better way to use them than reading this short story.
Although I have been known to enjoy a lengthy, dense novel, every once in a while I also find myself totally absorbed in the brief and fast paced world of the short story/novella. While there is nothing wrong with taking a simple premise and drawing it out to encompass 400 pages or more, I think that true talent lies in being able to craft a rich and compelling story in less than 50 pages.
Nightcrawlers is the perfect example of how well that can be done.
No doubt McCammon has penned some pretty hefty tomes (Swan Song, Mine, just to name a few) but he excels just as well in this super short, yet descriptive and enjoyable story. I've said it before, and I will say it again, McCammon has this incredible knack to craft a compelling tale while at the same time, throwing in some of the best well-written action scenes I've ever had the pleasure to read. Nightcrawlers is no different in that regard.
If you have a brief 20 minutes to spare, I don't think there's a better way to use them than reading this short story.
July 5, 2019
Calling this a book feels a bit like cheating, but many of the books on my list are as short as this short story. Also, I think this is in McCammon's Blue World collection, which I read when I was maybe 18, so I didn't remember it. This story read quickly and is filled with insight into the home-life of many soldiers dealing with PTSD. This helped me to understand why those with PTSD can seem so irrational at times. If I was afraid to go to sleep or had waking nightmares, I'd be pretty irrational too. If this story was the actual reality for those dealing with PTSD, I think we'd take significantly better care of our soldiers and those living in trauma.
April 14, 2015
Good story
There are a lot of good novelists out there!!! Short stories.... not so much. This supernatural short was beyond awesome. It will stick with me for a long time. It covered
The scene, the back story, and the actual story in a spare elegant fashion. I highly recommend this story!!!
All the best,
Jay
There are a lot of good novelists out there!!! Short stories.... not so much. This supernatural short was beyond awesome. It will stick with me for a long time. It covered
The scene, the back story, and the actual story in a spare elegant fashion. I highly recommend this story!!!
All the best,
Jay
April 11, 2013
One of the best audiobooks I've ever heard. Not only are the McCammon stories great ("Night Calls the Green Falcon" is my favorite McCammon short story), but William Windom's narration is absolutely perfect.
January 15, 2019
Different
It was good if not a little different. I do know that I respect all that the veterans of our military have done and continue to do. We owe our freedoms and lives to the men and women who have served for our country.
It was good if not a little different. I do know that I respect all that the veterans of our military have done and continue to do. We owe our freedoms and lives to the men and women who have served for our country.
November 8, 2014
Not bad...
If McCammon writes it, I'll read it! This was a decent short story that I am sure will branch into a small series.
If McCammon writes it, I'll read it! This was a decent short story that I am sure will branch into a small series.
November 10, 2015
Always a good read
In my opinion, Robert McCammon never disappoints. This is a short story suitable for anyone who wants an interesting read that isn't too scary.
In my opinion, Robert McCammon never disappoints. This is a short story suitable for anyone who wants an interesting read that isn't too scary.
July 17, 2018
I've come to expect the best from McCammon. He didn't disappoint here. But it's not a book, but a short story previously published in Blue World.
May 16, 2019
I've always been a fan of Robert McCammon. This little book is a clever story of war and horror that any fan of horror will like!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews