The Mist

Science Fiction/Horror by Stephen King
Reviewed by Ben G-D.
Not in the NVHS collection as of this post


David Drayton, a loving husband and father, was spending time with his wife, Steff, and his five-year old son, Billy, during a summer’s day in Maine. All is normal until a damaging storm hits their lakeside house. After the storm subsides, David and Billy leave for the grocery store with their neighbor, Norton, for food and supplies. Before leaving, though, they notice a strange mist over the lake, which they believe is nothing to worry about. When in line at the grocery store, after getting all they need, they hear sirens and screams outside. Shortly after, the same mist that was on the lake seems to be making its way into town. Eventually it blocks out all vision outside the store, keeping the people inside unable to see why people are crying in agony outside. The people decide to take shelter in the store, thinking it’s too dangerous to leave. They manage to keep calm until the bag boy tries to fix a generator when he is grabbed by giant tentacles and taken outside into the mist. What could possibly be in the mist? Will the frightened people sheltering themselves in the store make it out alive?

The Mist is a novella in the book Skeleton Crew and is just one of twenty-one other short stories and poems by Stephen King. The Mist wouldn’t only attract horror fans but it would also appeal to those that like sci-fi books. I personally liked the story but it got boring after a little reading. Stephen King’s books have a lot of description, that other people might like, but I really thought he dragged on in this story. It was still a good book, though.

This novella is exciting, scary, and sometimes a little funny. I recommend this novella to anyone that likes a good story and also a good scare.