Summer of Night

★ 7.64 / 11

On the last day of school, only hours before she would be forced into final retirement, Old Central School still stood upright, holding her secrets and silences firmly within.

Summer: hot, sunny, humid, its days lie ahead like a great banquet, filled with rich, slow time in which to enjoy each course. And as the young people of Elm Haven in Illinois awake on that first delicious morning of the holidays, they have nothing to be concerned about except where to ride their bikes, which pool holds the best fish. But this summer it will be different.

Someone – something – is stalking the children. Tubby Cooke has already disappeared, perhaps in the twisted, ancient depths of Old Central, which stands like a fortress in the centre of town. And strange things have been heard by them all – voices, whispers, rustlings in the night.

For Duane McBride, the tragically gifted son of a bitter alcoholic, it begins with a sense of foreboding and a curious, terrifying voice over a radio tuned to a mightnight frequency. For Dale it is the stench of death and the soft, unmistakable cry of a baby from the depths of a rendering truck. For his brother Lawrence, it is a terrible and inexplicable fear of the dark – and of the twisting shadows under the bed. For Mike O'Rourke it is the sinister, faceless World War I soldier peering into a window at night. For Jim Harlen it nearly ends when he sees an eerie glow in the old school. And then there are the curious, gaping holes in the earth with raw, red walls...

Old Central's legendary Borgia Bell holds the key to the lurking evil in Elm Haven, and when it breaks its long silence in the middle of the darkest summer night, it marks the end of innocence and the beginning of a reign of terror...

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Updated 04/08/2025

Category: Horror, Locus Award

Release date: 1991

Dan Simmons

Dan Simmons is a writer who thrives on weaving together elements of science fiction, horror, and historical fiction into intricate narratives that explore the depths of the human experience. Known for his mastery of atmospheric tension and philosophical depth, Simmons has built a career centered on the hauntingly imaginative and intellectually stimulating. His works blur the lines between genres, blending speculative fiction with thought-provoking explorations of fear, ambition, and existential questions.

Born in Illinois, Simmons grew up with a love of books and an early fascination with storytelling. His background as a teacher and a voracious reader would later shape the way he approached his writing, blending rich historical detail with speculative world-building and a distinct philosophical lens. From his early works, he established a reputation for creating complex characters and worlds where the human condition is placed under a magnifying glass.

Simmons first achieved wide acclaim with The Hyperion Cantos, a groundbreaking series that introduced readers to a universe of interwoven tales, each exploring different aspects of the human psyche against the backdrop of an expansive, far-future world. The Hyperion series is often cited as one of the defining works of modern science fiction, earning Simmons both critical recognition and a devoted following. His ability to juxtapose high-stakes space opera with deeply personal stories has made his work resonate far beyond the confines of any one genre.

Throughout his career, Simmons has delved into a variety of genres, often experimenting with narrative structures, as seen in works like The Terror and Carrion Comfort. These stories showcase his ability to infuse historical events with supernatural elements, and to delve into the darkest corners of the human mind. Whether writing about an expedition to the Arctic, a war between mental powers, or a haunted future, Simmons’s writing always carries a sense of dread and wonder, leaving readers questioning the boundaries of reality itself.

His accolades are as vast as his range, with multiple Hugo, Bram Stoker, and Locus Awards gracing his career, cementing his place as one of the most versatile and respected voices in contemporary speculative fiction. Yet, beyond the awards and critical acclaim, it’s the lingering sense of mystery and the deeply introspective themes in Simmons’ work that truly define him. His stories never just entertain—they challenge, they provoke, and they leave a lasting impression.

Simmons once said, “The best stories have layers and textures, ones that speak to the reader at multiple levels.” This is the ethos that defines his writing, drawing readers in with layers of complexity and worlds both wondrous and terrifying. His work will continue to haunt and inspire those who dare to explore the depths of his extraordinary imagination.