The Howling Summary & Key Insights

Gary Brandner's "The Howling" follows the descent of radio news reporter, Bill Neill, into a terrifying world of werewolves after a near-fatal attack by a mysterious assailant. Seriously injured during a hostage situation, Bill is sent to the secluded Soony Valley rehabilitation center for physical therapy. While his injuries heal, a strange unease permeates the idyllic setting. The center, run by the enigmatic Dr. George Waggner, is populated by an eclectic group of patients, each with their own secretive and subtly disturbing behaviours.

The main plot revolves around Bill's growing suspicion that the other patients, and perhaps even Dr. Waggner, are werewolves. He begins to piece together unsettling clues: odd nocturnal activities, unsettling transformations witnessed in the shadows, a pervasive smell of decay, and the uncanny ability of some patients to heal miraculously fast from injuries. His suspicions are further fuelled by his own increasingly vivid nightmares and a growing feeling of being watched.

Key characters include Bill himself, a hardened reporter grappling with his trauma and the unsettling truth; Karen White, a fellow patient and a key figure in the werewolf pack, whose initial kindness hides a predatory nature; and Dr. Waggner, whose calm demeanor masks a sinister purpose related to the pack's activities. Other patients contribute to the overall atmosphere of dread and suspicion, each playing a unique role in the escalating horror.

The overarching theme is the blurring of lines between sanity and madness. Bill's journey is not just about uncovering a werewolf conspiracy; it's also a descent into a nightmarish reality where his perception of normalcy is constantly challenged. He struggles with the trauma of his attack, the psychological impact of the strange environment, and the implications of the werewolf existence he uncovers. The book explores the fragility of the human mind when faced with the impossible, particularly the potential for self-doubt and the breakdown of trust in a seemingly safe environment.

The climax involves a violent confrontation where Bill’s investigation culminates in a desperate fight for survival against the pack. He confronts not only the physical threat of werewolves but also the psychological manipulation and deception that have woven the pack together. The ending hints at the continued threat of the werewolves and the lasting impact of the experience on Bill, leaving the reader with a sense of unease and a lingering question about the extent of the werewolf's reach beyond Soony Valley. The novel’s success lies in its effective blend of suspense, horror, and psychological thriller elements, making it a chilling and memorable werewolf story.