Message #6477

[Zodiac]

Yep, along with the Shining, Carrie, Night Shift, and, I believe Dance Macabre, so I have a farily good idea where King is coming from.  Of the ones I've read, I would say Salem's Lot is the best, but I'm still not sure I'd call it a classic.

For my money, King's buddy Peter Straub is a much better writer, and has written at least two classics in my opinion, Ghost Story and If You Could See Me Know.  You should read them if you haven't, they are right up your alley.

Other than that, I like Clive Barker's Books of Blood. His later work isn't quite as good.