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  • The Shining

  • Written by: Stephen King
  • Narrated by: Campbell Scott
  • Length: 15 hrs and 50 mins
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (1,384 ratings)

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The Shining

Written by: Stephen King
Narrated by: Campbell Scott
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Publisher's Summary

Before Doctor Sleep, there was The Shining, a classic of modern American horror from the undisputed master, Stephen King.

Jack Torrance's new job at the Overlook Hotel is the perfect chance for a fresh start. As the off-season caretaker at the atmospheric old hotel, he'll have plenty of time to spend reconnecting with his family and working on his writing. But as the harsh winter weather sets in, the idyllic location feels ever more remote...and more sinister. And the only one to notice the strange and terrible forces gathering around the Overlook is Danny Torrance, a uniquely gifted five-year-old.

©1977 Stephen King (P)2005 Random House Audio

What the critics say

"A master storyteller." ( Los Angeles Times)
"He's the author who can always make the improbable so scary you'll feel compelled to check the locks on the front door." ( The Boston Globe)
"Scary!... Serves up horrors at a brisk, unflagging pace." ( The New York Times)

Editorial Review

Get lost in the twisting, turning, creepy maze that is the classic horror, The Shining by Stephen King. You might make it out alive.

This classic by Stephen King embodies his style entirely in a dark, slow-growing horror that will creep in on you. What starts as simply unsettling becomes alarming and terrifying for a true horror story that cuts to the bone. This story has gone from mere book to legend, with iconic characters previously brought to life in Stanley Kubrick’s film adaptation of The Shining.

Jack Torrance, the writer’s block-prone antagonist played out by the legendary Jack Nicholson. His wife Wendy (Shelley Duvall), son Danny Torrance (Danny Lloyd), and the head chef Dick (Scatman Crothers) is isolated in the Overlook Hotel, where they all begin to wonder what haunts Room 237. The box office hit was known for infamous scenes like Jack’s smashing through the bathroom door and the tense moments where he chases his young son through a frozen hedge maze. This horror film brought many fans to the original novel, as avid Shining followers wanted more of the Torrance family and the tension and fear of Stephen King.

Campbell Scott narrates this audiobook version of the book, bringing all the tension and suspense you want from a Stephen King novel to life. He expertly navigates the different characters, giving each their own distinct voice and tone while maintaining cohesion and a mood that builds psycho-like as the story goes on. It is the ideal way to tell a slow-building horror, and the result is outstanding.

Whether you are an avid fan of Stephen King, horror movies, or The Shining specifically, or if this is your first time encountering the story, this audiobook adaptation is the perfect way to dive into the snowbound, secluded world of The Shining. And though it may not be the scariest of King’s novels, it is sure to give you a few shivers and unsettling feelings at the very least. Be warned.

Featured Article: The Best Horror Movies Based on Books for Fans of Scary Movies

If you’re a horror genre fan, you’ve likely watched all the classic horror films and some eerie new releases. Audiobooks stand at the crossroads between books and movies, where you can enjoy thrilling horror novels and short stories with all the sound effects and acting talent of a Hollywood blockbuster. It doesn’t have to be Halloween for you to have a good scare. Whether it’s ghost stories or scary sci-fi tales that get you on the edge of your seat, we’ve gathered a list of the best horror movies based on books on Audible to add to your audio booklist.

What listeners say about The Shining

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Scary!!

A thousand times more terrifying than the movie or mini series. I don't always love Stephen Kings work (the first book I read was Dragon Eye) but this is one of his very best and worth the listen. Also, Leave space in your freezer!

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  • Tom
  • 2021-09-02

Now I get why King hated the movie

First off. All the reviews saying the narrator is bad are completely false.

I watch the shining movie at least once around Halloween every year. Great movie, but the book is even better! Explains so much more. Also ties into the universe Stephen King has created so well.

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Different than the movie

One of my wife and my favourite movies of all time, have watched it maybe 100 times, the book far exceeded my expectations and the ending is definitely more palatable in my opinion.

Enjoy the listen.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Chilling and Timeless

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, Mr. King had me well spooked. The narrating by Mr. Scott was on point. He had a well versed way of bringing all the different characters into their own. All in all I loved it, the story is chilling and sticks with you.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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quite possibly the best of Stephen King.

If you think you don't need to check this out because you saw the movie you are wrong.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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great book and narration

great book full of thrills and scares would definitely listen to it again and again

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  • W
  • 2021-07-14

Great narration.Amazing book.

Love the book.Narrtion is so good for all characters.Finished it in five days it was so good

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What a listen!

Enjoyed this audio experience very much. Deliciously creepy. I can see myself revisiting this gem every “spooky season”.

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classic

Obviously this book is amazing. Absolutely one of the best books I have ever read. Listening to someone else read a classic can be such a hit or miss, but this narrorator does the book justice. Any Stephen King fan will enjoy the listen.

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    4 out of 5 stars
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  • tj
  • 2023-01-09

The narrator is more talented than he lets on

Classic king. Story is very different from the film, each being excellent in their own right.

The narration put me off at first. It seemed drab and monotone, but as the story progresses the narration really comes into its own.

There is no music in between chapters, which I personally detest.

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