That's my Lot!

Today, I've had to say a reluctant goodbye to a new friend, who has kept me company for the past 2 1/2 weeks.  My old, tatty copy of Salem's Lot has been returned to the library, with all it's musty odours and dubious stains!
I finished the book last night and I have to say it left me somewhat speechless.  It is beautifully written and its story is very simple in its execution.  I absolutely loved it|
As one who had dabbled in the works of Stephen King and had been left non-plussed by "Gerald's Game" it has been many years since I picked one of his books up.
I had forgotten just how good he was, the chapters were short and choppy which kept up the suspense  and the wealth of characters kept the 480 pages from becoming boring.  It is the first book that has genuinely frightened me, no mean feat as not many books can move me to fear or laughter!!
My only question that i throw out to the cyber world is, just what bearing did his wife's death have on the main story?  (I promise you that this isn't a spoiler !)

Many of my "Coven Sisters" have mentioned the additional chapters on their Kindle version of the book, I can only assume that my battered 1982 version is the nearest to the original as possible.  I've never been one for the "directors cut" version of things and Salem's Lot is no exception.  From what I can gather, the newer version includes events and letters which take part prior to our main story.  I for one do not feel that the book would benefit from any inclusion of add-ons, it is as complete as you would want.
The ending was satisfactory, inevitably perhaps but happy it was not!  But I never expected a  HEA in Salem's Lot, it features imperfect people in extraordinary times.  All loose ends appeared to be tied up as neatly as possible.  It seems an awful shame that peoples overall enjoyment and overall opinion of the book has been somewhat tainted by what they feel to be unnecessary additions.  Salem's Lot is a thing of warped, blood sucking beauty that should be left in the version the author originally had intended.

Enjoy your books, however you read them, FictionKitten
(But you may choose to turn the lights on and close the curtains!!!!!)