The dense dark woods and backcountry ponds. The century-old houses with gravel driveways and immense flower gardens, acres of farmland miles from a highway. Serpentine country roads dotted with farmstands, and picturesque main streets lined with battered pickups. Places where-especially during the dark and rainy days of October and Novemberthings can get downright spooky.

Author Sharon Kitchens identifies the locations that serve as the basis for Kings fictional towns of Castle Rock, Jerusalems Lot, Derry, and Haven. Drawing on historical materials and conversations with locals and people who know King, the author sheds light on daily life in places that would become the settings forCarrie, Salems Lot, The Dead Zone,Cujo,IT, and11/22/63.