Rating: 
Summary: THE BEST
Review: It's truly amazing when a novel can actaully make you talk out loud. The Throat is that kind of novel. Brilliantly written with richly developed characters and a down right frightening plot. Demanding readers will applaud this super effort by Straub.
Rating:
Summary: Not for the simple or faint of heart.
Review: Peter Straub's "Blue Rose" trilogy reaches its denouement (such as it is) in this almost unbearably disturbing novel. While it may be more esoteric and intellectual than some readers are used too, it is well worth reading even for the casual suspense fan. As in all his novels, Straub's allusions to religion, literature and history are brilliant (those familiar with Vietnam War history will recognize references to DISPATCHES by Michael Herr, and those familiar with true crime will recognize similarities to the cases of both Jeff MacDonald and Jeff Dahmer) and his character development is far ahead of anyone else in the genre. The alert reader may solve the mystery early, but it kept me in suspense right up to the end. Definitely a must read for anyone who likes thriller authors from Stephen King to Ridley Pearson.
Rating:
Summary: A Textbook for Creative Writing
Review: Seldom does one encounter such an exquisitly constructed novel, wherein a myriad of individual vignettes are woven together with a central focus. The Throat is a masterpiece of writing proficiency combined with a talent for good, old-fashioned story telling. The novel trancends genre and stands as an example of how books should be written.
Rating: 
Summary: You have to read "Blue Rose" first...
Review: Start out by reading Straub's short story, "Blue Rose," first. It introduces the character of Harry "Beans" Beevers when he was a child. Then read "Koko" to see Beevers again and to meet Tim Underhill. After that, meet Tom Pasmore in "Mystery," then read "The Throat." I love when authors can bring characters back in books; it really gives them (the characters) a new depth. "The Throat" is a great book, although it's hard to get into (but that seems to be a characteristic of Straub's style). By the way, read "If You Could See Me Now." That's a good one,too.
Rating:
Summary: Deep Throat
Review: Straub's mammoth story of the Blue Rose murders is finally brought to fruition in this lengthy, but ultimately satisfying, thriller.We are reintroduced to Tim Underhill from "Koko" and Tom Pasmore from "Mystery." These two heroes are deeply embroiled in discovering the identity of the mysterious Blue Rose murderer who struck in 1950 and now looks like he/she is back in 1989 or so. The identity of this serial killer is toyed with convincingly in this story, and the inclusion of the John Ransom character is an intriguing, if somewhat, frustrating red herring. Straub's writing is strong in this one, and he makes up for some of the indulgences he forced on us in "Mystery" and "Koko." Overall, a worthwhile trilogy, but be prepared to spend a lot of time with them.
Rating:
Summary: Quite A Climb, But Worth the View
Review: The last, longest, and best of Straub's "Blue Rose" murder mysteries is also the most involving read, wrapping up all that has come before, and then some. The three books might almost be looked upon as single acts in an overarching drama, and appropriately, the last act finishes up the grandest. Of the three books, The Throat is the one probably most accessible to the average reader as a stand-alone. The characters are rich, the plot clever (if a bit contrived at times), and - as always - Straub's writing is superior. Be warned, however, it is very, very long. Straub could write many of his novels just as well at shorter length, this one included, but for whatever reason has a tendency to really run with the written word. Fortunately, he is one of the best writers around, and every sentence is a sheer joy to devour. If you want a literary feast, The Throat will satisfy. If you'd prefer a nice hors d'ouevre, you'll choke on it.
Rating:
Summary: Quite A Climb, But Worth the View
Review: The last, longest, and best of Straub's "Blue Rose" murder mysteries is also the most involving read, wrapping up all that has come before, and then some. The three books might almost be looked upon as single acts in an overarching drama, and appropriately, the last act finishes up the grandest. Of the three books, The Throat is the one probably most accessible to the average reader as a stand-alone. The characters are rich, the plot clever (if a bit contrived at times), and - as always - Straub's writing is superior. Be warned, however, it is very, very long. Straub could write many of his novels just as well at shorter length, this one included, but for whatever reason has a tendency to really run with the written word. Fortunately, he is one of the best writers around, and every sentence is a sheer joy to devour. If you want a literary feast, The Throat will satisfy. If you'd prefer a nice hors d'ouevre, you'll choke on it.
Rating:
Summary: A trilogy is about 100 books too short for this master.
Review: The most recent in a series (sincerely hoping to see manymore), "Throat" grabs the reader and doesn't let go. If youwant to read a "10," read "Mystery" first. Peter Straub is a magician of the genre.
Rating:
Summary: Great conclusion to a great series
Review: The Throat is by far the most complex of the three Blue Rose books and rightfully so. For a serious a marvouslly twisted as this you would expect nothing less then a thrilling conclusion. The Throat does not dissapoint. In it Straub brings back charechters we met in the previous to books and melds them together into a perfectly confusing mystery. In my opinion The Throat is not quite at the level of Mystery. THis is not much of a complaint as i would rank Mystery as one of the best novels I have ever read. Even though it isn't quite at that level it is very very close and at times even surpasses it's two predecessors. And speaking of those previous two readers need to be warned that reading KoKo and Mystery is an absolutle must before beginning the Throat. I tried reading the Throat a few months back not realizing it was part of a trilogy. I didn't get far before I realized I had to give up temporarilly and go back to read the other two. I am glad I did and you will be too if you read this excellent series of literature.
Rating:
Summary: Pleasantly Surprised
Review: This is the first book that I have read by Straub. The book had been sitting on the shelf at my mother's house for the longest, and I would always pick it up and look at the cover, but never decided to read it. I finally did, and what a journey! Straub has a way of pulling you straight into the story, sensing everything that the characters are sensing - smells, sounds, sights - it got to the point where I would forget where I was. The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars was because I felt some parts in the story just dragged on and had no relevance. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed it, and can't wait to read the others he has written.
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