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Entertainment • Horror

'Salem's Lot

'Salem's Lot is a 1975 horror novel by Stephen King, published by Doubleday and later released in multiple editions.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

'Salem's Lot is a 1975 horror novel by Stephen King, published by Doubleday. It follows writer Ben Mears as he returns to the fictional Maine town of Jerusalem's Lot, where residents are overtaken by vampires. The novel was King's second published work and has been released in multiple editions.

Plot

The novel follows Ben Mears as he returns to Jerusalem's Lot to confront childhood trauma and investigate unsettling events. The town is gradually overtaken by vampires, forcing a small group to resist the threat.

Publication history

'Salem's Lot was first published on October 17, 1975 by Doubleday. It later appeared in several reprints and editions, including illustrated and audiobook formats.

Themes and genre

The book is a work of horror fiction with strong vampire and supernatural elements. It is often discussed as one of King's early major novels and part of his broader fictional Maine setting.

King's stories "Jerusalem's Lot" and "One for the Road" are linked to the same fictional location. They expand the mythology associated with the town and its history.

Key facts

  • 'Salem's Lot is Stephen King's second published novel.
  • The story centers on writer Ben Mears returning to his childhood town.
  • The fictional town is called Jerusalem's Lot, or 'Salem's Lot for short.
  • The plot involves a growing vampire infestation in the town.
  • The book has been issued in hardcover, paperback, trade, limited, and audiobook formats.

Frequently asked questions

Who wrote 'Salem's Lot?
Stephen King wrote 'Salem's Lot.
When was 'Salem's Lot published?
It was published on October 17, 1975.
What is 'Salem's Lot about?
It is about writer Ben Mears returning to his hometown and finding it overrun by vampires.
Is 'Salem's Lot a novel or a movie?
It is primarily a novel; later film and television adaptations were made, but the source work is a book.
Where is 'Salem's Lot set?
It is set in the fictional Maine town of Jerusalem's Lot, also called 'Salem's Lot.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/'Salem's_Lot
    Supports: Author, publication year, premise, and setting
  2. StephenKing.com — https://stephenking.com/works/novel/salems-lot.html
    Supports: Official release date, publisher, formats, and plot overview
  3. Google Books — https://books.google.com/books/about/Salem_s_Lot.html?id=JbQhAQAAIAAJ
    Supports: Publisher, page count, and bibliographic details