I am a Stephen King Constant Reader. However, I don't shy from being critical of the authors novels. I like most of them, but there are a few I couldn't finish because of varied disappointments in the story--"Under the Dome" for example. I am slowly making my way through the author's body of work, and I had been meaning to make "Bag of Bones" my next King novel. I am so glad I did so.I can see a clear contrast in the author's early works, when compared to his latter and most recent novels. His later books are a little more tame and character driven. The ghost and goblin effect is still strong, but the newer books have taken on a deeper, richer story texture, and the character development is significantly greater. I think the effect is that these newer stories tend to stay with you much longer. They develop a more lasting kinship with the reader that his earlier works did not evoke. "Bag of Bones" is a good example of the new King relative to the old. Another good example is "Duma Key". I think the notion that King has "slipped a cog" in his ability to tell a story is baseless. Actually he is as good as ever, maybe better--a few duds notwithstanding--eg..."Under the Dome".I highly recommend "Bag of Bones". Great story and a dynamic plot--told in a "first person" style. The many characters all have an interesting place in the story. The seven hundred odd pages are filled with suspense, terror, and romance. I found myself sitting for long readings of the prose, and felt tinges of disappointment when I had to put down the book to do other things--eg..sleep. To me, that is high praise from a reader. I knew from the beginning that I was on a good read. Some days you know from the start if the fish are biting or not. Well, the fish were biting good in this lake. It was a good day of fishing--or week, should I say, and knew from the first chapters that the fishing trip would be a successful one.Don't worry, the book is haunting. It is a very dark story. If you came seeking King's reputation to "scare the livin shit out of ya"...then I think you will be richly rewarded. The author is very long-winded in certain areas of the novel, and these tend to be the darkest and most spooky parts. Again, you won't be disappointed.I am going to put "Bag of Bones" on my short list of favorite King novels....along with: The Dead Zone, 11/22/63, Duma Key, Misery, Dolores Claiborne, The Shining, Salem's Lot, Lisey's Story, etc.As you can see, I rated 5 stars. Very deserving! ...and I highly recommend this novel to readers.