Top 12 Jack Ketchum Books

William Hamilton
10 min readJul 14, 2024

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Dive into the dark and twisted world of Jack Ketchum, a master of psychological horror and intense suspense. As we delve into the thrilling collection of his books, prepare to be enthralled by the chilling and gritty tales he has to offer. Explore the unique blend of horror, crime, and psychological thriller that sets Ketchum’s works apart from the rest, and discover why he continues to captivate readers with his terrifying and unforgettable stories.

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1. Dynamite and Six-shooter

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The Story of Thomas E. “Black Jack” Ketchum : Facsimile of 1970 Edition

Dynamite and Six-shooter chronicles the thrilling and short-lived career of Thomas E. “Black Jack” Ketchum, a notorious outlaw who left a trail of crime in Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. This facsimile edition of the 1970 original captures the vivid tale of Ketchum and his small band of outlaws, who evaded capture for less than four years. The book concludes with Ketchum’s final words before his hanging in 1901.

Authored by Jeff Burton, this 250-page biography is published by Sunstone Press and offers a detailed look into the life of one of the West’s most infamous outlaws. Perfect for fans of Western history or those interested in the rise and fall of notorious criminals, Dynamite and Six-shooter is a must-read for anyone seeking to uncover the untold story of Ketchum’s dangerous and exciting exploits.

  • Authors: Jeff Burton
  • Publisher: Sunstone Press
  • Published Date: July 05, 2007
  • Page Count: 253.0
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Biography & Autobiography
  • Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
  • Language: en

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2. Hide and Seek

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Hide and Seek, a gripping novel by master of suspense, Jack Ketchum, is now available in a Trade Paperback Edition. Initially published in limited quantities, this thrilling second novel will captivate readers with its chilling narrative.

With page count of 173, this engrossing tale is a must-read for all fiction enthusiasts. The book is brought forth by Gauntlet Press, a publisher renowned for its quality content.

Published in 2007, Hide and Seek has maintained its popularity among Jack Ketchum’s literary works. Although there are no average ratings attached, the intriguing plot and the author’s masterful storytelling have undoubtedly garnered a solid fan base.

Covering a wide array of themes within the genre, hide and Seek is a riveting exploration of the human psyche. Fans of suspense, mystery, and psychological thrillers will find Hide and Seek to be an unmissable addition to their collection.

Unravel the mystery within in this timeless tale of a game gone horribly wrong. Get ready to be gripped by Ketchum’s masterful storytelling as he takes you on an unforgettable journey.

  • Authors: Jack Ketchum
  • Publisher: Gauntlet Press
  • Published Date: September 15, 2007
  • Page Count: 173.0
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Fiction
  • Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
  • Language: en

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3. The Girl Next Door

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“The Girl Next Door, “ a gripping and powerful novel by author Jack Ketchum, delves into the dark side of humanity with its chilling tale of a teenage girl held captive and brutally tortured by the children from her very own neighborhood. Based on a true story, this shocking novel exposes the depravity that lies within us all, leaving readers questioning the very limits of human morality. Through the lens of suspense and horrifying events, “The Girl Next Door” offers a haunting exploration of the lengths people will go to exact revenge.

This haunting story comes to us in a Special Leisure movie tie-in edition, adding a layer of filmic intrigue that makes this novel a must-read for fans of thrillers, suspense, and crime fiction.

  • Authors: Jack Ketchum
  • Published Date: July 05, 2008
  • Page Count: 386.0
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Fiction
  • Average Rating: 5.0
  • Ratings Count: 1.0
  • Maturity Rating: MATURE
  • Language: en

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4. No Tears for Black Jack Ketchum

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Facsimile of Number 290 of the Original 1958 Edition

No Tears for Black Jack Ketchum: Facsimile of Number 290 of the Original 1958 Edition is a compelling biography of Thomas Edward “Black Jack” Ketchum, executed for attempting to rob the C. & S.

train in 1958. This edition brings to life Ketchum’s daring actions, highlighting his misplaced bravery which overshadowed the more notorious Billy the Kid.

With a page count of 186 and presented in the English language, this book is a must-read for all those interested in the history of outlaws and the Wild West. The biographical focus offers an insightful exploration of Ketchum’s life, actions, and execution. Experience the thrill of Black Jack’s tragic story in this engaging and informative work.

  • Authors: F. Stanley
  • Publisher: Sunstone Press
  • Published Date: July 05, 2008
  • Page Count: 186.0
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Biography & Autobiography
  • Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
  • Language: en

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5. Offspring

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Offspring is a suspenseful tale that takes the reader on a terrifying journey. Jack Ketchum’s Offspring, available in a movie tie-in edition and directed by Andrew van den Houten, offers a gripping story that pushes the limits of your imagination. The book, with no page count mentioned, delves into the dark and twisted world of cannibalism, leaving you questioning the depth of human depravity.

Set against a backdrop of relentless horror, Offspring will keep you turning the pages long into the night. Will you be brave enough to face the chilling truths that lie within?

  • Authors: Jack Ketchum
  • Publisher: Leisure Books
  • Published Date: October 05, 2009
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Canibalism
  • Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
  • Language: en

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6. I’m Not Sam

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I’m Not Sam is a chilling tale of transformation that leaves readers questioning their own reality. The story follows a protagonist as they navigate the harrowing depths of confusion and fear.

The rabbit hole they’ve fallen into is dark, serious, and anything but a dream. The once balanced and sane Sam has seemingly undergone a mysterious transformation overnight. Unable to shake the feeling that their world has shifted, the protagonist is left trembling in the face of the unknown.

With just 114 pages, Lucky McKee and Ketchum manage to weave a gripping narrative that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. Dare to explore the twisted maze of I’m Not Sam, but be prepared to confront the darkness hidden within its pages.

  • Authors: Ketchum, Lucky McKee
  • Published Date: October 01, 2012
  • Page Count: 114.0
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
  • Language: en

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7. Only Child

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In “Only Child” by Jack Ketchum, Arthur Danse is a chilling and twisted character, making him one of Ketchum’s most terrifying creations. A vicious abuser, Arthur’s violence has put the life of both his wife, Lydia, and their six-year-old son, their only child, at great risk. It is now up to Lydia to ensure their safety and safeguard their sanity, making for an intense and suspenseful story of protection and survival.

“Only Child” is a gripping work of fiction that will leave you on the edge of your seat, questioning the lengths one will go to protect their loved ones.

  • Authors: Jack Ketchum
  • Publisher: Edge Books
  • Published Date: October 05, 2012
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Fiction
  • Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
  • Language: en

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8. She Wakes

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“She Wakes, “ the riveting supernatural thriller by Bram Stoker Award-winning author Jack Ketchum, has returned in a revised edition. Set on the mesmerizing Greek islands, this chilling tale follows an insidious evil that preys on the unsuspecting, stalking its prey with unyielding determination. Ketchum masterfully recreates the spine-tingling atmosphere reminiscent of Stoker’s “Dracula, “ breathing new life into Greek mythology with each unsettling turn of the page.

“Publishers Weekly” praised Ketchum’s ability to transport readers to Greece, saying he “does here for Greece what Stoker did for Transylvania. “ Immerse yourself in the sinister allure of this suspenseful novel, “She Wakes, “ a haunting tale of terror that will linger long after the final page.

  • Authors: Jack Ketchum
  • Publisher: 47north
  • Published Date: September 26, 2013
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Fiction
  • Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
  • Language: en

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9. Joyride

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Experience the chilling thrill of Jack Ketchum’s novel, Joyride, as it takes readers on a white-knuckle ride through a dark and twisted world. Originally published in 1995 by Berkley Books, this gripping tale has gained a new life with its 2014 reissue by 47North.

Joyride tells the tale of two dangerous friends, Billy and Harry, as they embark on a seemingly harmless but ultimately twisted journey through a mysterious and malevolent landscape. As the story unfolds, dark revelations surface, and the boundary between reality and madness becomes indistinguishable.

Prepare to be transported to the depths of the characters’ twisted minds and confront the chilling terror that lurks within those unconventional friendships. With its spine-tingling suspense and unpredictable twists, Joyride is an edge-of-your-seat thriller that will leave readers questioning the limits of friendship and the consequences of unchecked ambition.

Dare to embark on this harrowing journey and explore the dark side of human nature with Joyride. Will you survive the ride, or be swallowed by the darkness of the unknown?

Get ready to dive into a nightmare world of deception, betrayal, and twisted desires as you delve into the world Jack Ketchum crafts with Joyride.

  • Authors: Jack Ketchum
  • Publisher: 47North
  • Published Date: March 31, 2014
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Fiction
  • Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
  • Language: en

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10. The Girl Next Door

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Enter the gripping world of “The Girl Next Door” by best-selling author Jack Ketchum. This riveting novel offers more than just a dark tale of suspense; it also comes with two bonus short stories, “Do You Love Your Wife” and “Returns”. These thrilling stories will keep you hooked until the very end, making this book a must-read for fans of the psychological thriller genre.

Set in the 1950s, be prepared to delve into a time when secrets and lies were kept hidden from the prying eyes of the world. As you journey through this haunting narrative, you’ll discover that the girl next door might not be as innocent as she seems. With an intriguing plot centered around the darkest corners of human nature, this novel provides a hauntingly memorable experience.

With “The Girl Next Door”, Jack Ketchum has once again proven his ability to master the art of creating suspense. As you turn each page, you’ll be met with unexpected twists and turns, leaving you questioning the motives of the characters and the world they occupy. Don’t miss this chilling tale of 1950s America and the secrets lurking just out of sight. “The Girl Next Door” — get ready to be captivated!

  • Authors: Jack Ketchum
  • Publisher: 47North
  • Published Date: September 29, 2015
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Nineteen fifties
  • Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
  • Language: en

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11. Ladies’ Night

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Ladies’ Night, by Jack Ketchum, is a heart-stopping, visceral experience that pushes the boundaries of horror and family dynamics. Follow Tom Braun as he navigates a twisted, nightmarish world where women are transformed into raging, predatory beasts intent on exacting gruesome revenge on men. As the streets of New York City turn into a bloodbath, Tom must race against time to save his wife Susan and their son Andy amidst the chaos.

This chilling tale will leave you questioning the fragility of the nuclear family and the darkest impulses lurking within us all. Prepare to experience a wild, white-knuckle ride like no other.

  • Authors: Jack Ketchum
  • Publisher: Crossroad Press
  • Published Date: June 22, 2016
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Fiction
  • Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
  • Language: en

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12. Black Jack Ketchum

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In “Black Jack Ketchum, “ the dreamlike Old West comes to life as Tom Ketchum grapples to clear his name and stay alive after being mistaken for the infamous outlaw. Joined by a talking sidearm, a mysterious gambler, and a mute girl with a Winchester rifle, Tom evades the enigmatic Union and the supernatural Dusters, questioning his identity, sanity, and existence. This thrilling comic book transports readers to a world of danger and intrigue, led by Brian Schirmer’s captivating storytelling.

Get ready for a wild ride in this imaginative tale of the Old West.

  • Authors: Brian Schirmer
  • Published Date: July 05, 2016
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Comic books, strips, etc
  • Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
  • Language: en

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