The Store Summary of Bentley Little's Book

The Store by Bentley Little: A Psychological Thriller

Bentley Little's "The Store", published in 1996, is a suspenseful horror novel that delves into the darkness lurking beneath the surface of a seemingly ordinary small town. As the story unfolds, readers are taken on a journey through the eerie and twisted world of a mysterious retail giant known only as "The Store". With its blend of horror, fiction, and thriller elements, Little's novel captivates readers with its chilling premise and relentless suspense.

Characters

The protagonist of the story is an ordinary man living in a small Arizona town with his loving wife and two teenage daughters. As "The Store" announces plans to open a local outlet in their town, he becomes increasingly concerned about the impact it will have on the community.

Other key characters include the obnoxious salespeople who work at "The Store", the mysterious owner of the retail giant, and the town's remaining small shop owners who find themselves threatened by the encroaching influence of the store.

Detailed Summary

The story begins with the protagonist living a quiet life in his small town, grateful for his family and the peace of his surroundings. However, his idyllic existence is shattered when "The Store" announces its plans to open a local outlet, which threatens to destroy the small downtown shops that have been a staple of the community.

As construction of "The Store" progresses, it becomes clear that the builders are disregarding all of the town's zoning laws, raising suspicions about the true nature of the retail giant. Dead animals are found on "The Store's" grounds, and strange products begin appearing on its shelves. Customers are harassed by aggressive salespeople, and the small shop owners in town start to disappear one by one.

The protagonist realizes that "The Store" has insidious intentions, as its influence spreads to the city council and the police force, leaving the town in turmoil. It is up to him to confront the mysterious owner of "The Store" and to save his community, his family, and himself from the clutches of this malevolent entity.

Analysis

"The Store" is a chilling exploration of consumerism, power, and corruption, with the retail giant symbolizing the insidious forces that can take over a community and destroy its values. Little's narrative skillfully weaves together elements of horror and suspense, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as they uncover the truth behind "The Store" and its nefarious agenda.

The novel's portrayal of small-town dynamics and the struggle for survival in the face of overwhelming odds resonates with readers, offering a thought-provoking commentary on the darker aspects of human nature. Little's vivid and immersive writing style immerses readers in the eerie atmosphere of the town, creating a sense of unease and foreboding that lingers long after the final page.

Overall, "The Store" is a gripping and unsettling read that will appeal to fans of horror and psychological thrillers, offering a unique and disturbing take on the consequences of unchecked greed and ambition.

If you enjoyed this summary, we highly recommend purchasing the complete book or listening to the audiobook to experience the full depth and suspense of Bentley Little's "The Store".

9780451192196 (ISBN10: 0451192192)