Bram Stoker Award for Novel
This is one of the 743 lists we use to generate our main The Greatest Books list.
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Misery by Stephen King
A successful novelist is rescued from a car crash by a deranged fan who is upset with the death of her favorite character from his books. Trapped in her remote home, the writer is subjected to physical and psychological torture as the fan forces him to write a new novel bringing the character back to life. As he writes for his life, he must also plan his escape before his captor's rage becomes deadly.
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Swan Song by Robert R. McCammon
In the aftermath of a nuclear war that devastates the United States, a group of survivors, including a professional wrestler, a young girl with mystical powers, and a bag lady, embark on a journey across a ravaged America. They must navigate the horrors of a post-apocalyptic world and battle a malevolent force known as the Man with the Scarlet Eye, who seeks to claim the wasteland as his own. Throughout their journey, they discover the power of hope, community, and resilience in the face of unimaginable hardship.
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The Silence of the Lambs by Thomas Harris
In this gripping psychological thriller, a young FBI trainee is enlisted to interview an incarcerated and manipulative cannibalistic serial killer to gain insight into the mind of another active serial murderer. The trainee must navigate a complex game of cat and mouse, using her own wits and the killer's insights to understand and anticipate the criminal's moves before he strikes again. As she delves deeper into the investigation, she confronts not only the horrors of the criminal mind but also the darkness within her own past, leading to a tense and chilling confrontation.
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Carrion Comfort by Dan Simmons
This novel delves into the chilling concept of psychic vampires who manipulate their victims' minds to commit acts of violence, feeding off the fear and turmoil they create. Set against a sprawling backdrop that spans decades and continents, the story follows a diverse group of characters, including the monsters themselves and those determined to stop them. As the narrative weaves through various perspectives, it explores themes of power, manipulation, and the human capacity for both evil and resilience. The intricate plot, rich in suspense and horror, challenges the reader to confront the darkest aspects of human nature and the terrifying notion of predators hidden within society, capable of influencing their prey from the shadows.
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Mine by Robert R. McCammon
The novel is a gripping psychological thriller that follows the story of a deranged woman named Mary Terrell, also known as Mary Terror, who kidnaps an infant from a hospital, believing the child to be the reincarnation of her own deceased baby. As she embarks on a cross-country journey to reunite with her former radical lover, the child's mother, Laura, is determined to pursue Mary and reclaim her son. The narrative explores themes of obsession, loss, and the lengths a mother will go to protect her child, all set against a backdrop of suspense and tension.
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Boy's Life by Robert R. McCammon
Set in the 1960s in the fictional town of Zephyr, Alabama, the novel follows the life of 12-year-old Cory Mackenson, whose life takes a mysterious turn when he witnesses his father attempt to save a man from a sinking car. The man is already handcuffed to the steering wheel, dead by strangulation. This event triggers a series of adventures and mysteries that Cory must unravel, all the while dealing with the challenges and joys of growing up. The book is a rich blend of nostalgia, magic realism, and the dark undercurrents of life in the American South.
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Blood Of The Lamb by Thomas F. Monteleone
A Novel of the Second Coming
The novel is a gripping horror thriller that follows Father Peter Carenza, a Catholic priest who discovers he is the prophesied Second Coming of Christ. As he grapples with his newfound identity and the immense power it brings, he becomes embroiled in a battle against dark forces intent on exploiting his abilities for their own sinister purposes. The story weaves together themes of faith, morality, and the struggle between good and evil, culminating in a dramatic confrontation that tests the limits of Carenza's beliefs and the strength of his humanity.
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The Throat by Peter Straub
A Blue Rose Novel
The novel is a complex and gripping thriller that follows the protagonist, Tim Underhill, as he returns to his hometown to investigate a series of brutal murders that echo a string of unsolved crimes from his past. As Underhill delves deeper into the mystery, he confronts haunting memories and uncovers dark secrets that blur the lines between reality and nightmare. The story weaves together themes of trauma, identity, and the nature of evil, creating a chilling narrative that keeps readers on edge until the very end.
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Dead In The Water by Nancy Holder
A True Story of Hijacking, Murder, and a Global Maritime Conspiracy
In "Dead In The Water," a gripping mystery unfolds as a small coastal town is rocked by the discovery of a body floating in the harbor. The investigation is led by a determined detective who must navigate a web of secrets, lies, and hidden motives among the town's residents. As the detective delves deeper into the case, they uncover unexpected connections and long-buried truths that challenge their perceptions and test their resolve. The story weaves together elements of suspense and intrigue, keeping readers on edge as the detective races against time to unravel the mystery and bring justice to the victim.
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Zombie by Joyce Carol Oates
The book delves into the mind of a disturbed young man named Quentin P., who meticulously plans and executes a series of gruesome crimes in his quest to create a "zombie"—a submissive, lobotomized companion. Through Quentin's chilling and detached perspective, the narrative explores themes of obsession, power, and the dark recesses of human psychology. The story is a haunting examination of a sociopath's inner world, revealing the terrifying blend of banal normalcy and monstrous intent.
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The Green Mile by Stephen King
The book is a poignant narrative set in the 1930s, centered around the experiences of a death row corrections officer who oversees inmates at a penitentiary. The story unfolds through his recollections, particularly focusing on one condemned prisoner with a mysterious gift. This inmate, a gentle giant convicted of a heinous crime, displays supernatural abilities that profoundly affect those around him, challenging the guard's preconceived notions about justice, punishment, and the very nature of good and evil. As the execution date draws near, the guard grapples with the moral complexities of his role and the haunting realities of the penal system.
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Children Of The Dusk by Janet Berliner, George Guthridge
The Madagascar Manifesto
Set against the backdrop of the Rwandan genocide, the story weaves a haunting narrative that explores themes of survival, identity, and the supernatural. It follows a diverse group of characters, including a young boy with mysterious powers, as they navigate the horrors of war and the complexities of human nature. The novel delves into the psychological and emotional turmoil experienced by those caught in the conflict, blending historical events with elements of African folklore and mysticism. Through its vivid storytelling, it examines the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring hope for redemption amidst chaos and despair.
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Bag Of Bones by Stephen King
This novel is a gripping tale of love, loss, and haunting mysteries. The story follows a bestselling novelist struggling with writer's block after the sudden death of his wife. Seeking solace and inspiration, he retreats to their lakeside summer home in Maine, only to find himself entangled in a decades-old curse haunting the small town. As he delves deeper into the town's dark past, he encounters a series of supernatural events and uncovers a tragic love story that mirrors his own. With a blend of horror, romance, and suspense, the narrative explores themes of grief, redemption, and the enduring impact of the past on the present.
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Mr. X by Peter Straub
The novel weaves a complex narrative that intertwines the lives of two families over several generations, centered around a mysterious and malevolent figure known as Mr. X. As the protagonist, Ned Dunstan, returns to his hometown for his mother's funeral, he is plagued by disturbing visions and a sense of impending doom. He delves into his family's dark past, uncovering secrets about his father's identity and a legacy of supernatural abilities. The story explores themes of identity, destiny, and the battle between good and evil, as Ned confronts the sinister forces that have haunted his family for decades.
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The Traveling Vampire Show by Richard Laymon
In this gripping horror novel, three teenagers—Dwight, Rusty, and Slim—are drawn to a mysterious traveling show promising the spectacle of a live vampire. Set in a small town during the summer of 1963, the story unfolds over a single day filled with suspense and adventure as the friends navigate their curiosity and fear. As they delve deeper into the secrets of the show, they encounter unexpected dangers and dark truths, testing their courage and friendship. The novel masterfully combines elements of coming-of-age with chilling horror, creating an atmosphere of tension and intrigue.
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American Gods by Neil Gaiman
A recently released convict discovers that his wife and best friend died in a car accident. He then meets a mysterious stranger who hires him as a bodyguard. As they journey across America, it is revealed that the stranger is an old god, traveling to rally his fellow forgotten deities to wage a war against the new American gods born from society's modern obsessions with media, technology, drugs, celebrity, and more. The story blends elements of fantasy, mythology, and Americana to explore themes of faith, belief, and the nature of American identity.
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The Night Class by Tom Piccirilli
The novel follows a troubled young man named Cal Prentiss, who is haunted by disturbing visions and dreams after a traumatic event. As he enrolls in a mysterious night class at a local college, he becomes entangled in a dark and surreal world where reality and nightmares blur. Cal must confront his deepest fears and uncover hidden truths about his past while navigating a series of bizarre and dangerous encounters. The story delves into themes of guilt, redemption, and the struggle to maintain one's sanity in the face of overwhelming darkness.
The 17007th Greatest Book of All Time -
Lost Boy Lost Girl by Peter Straub
In "Lost Boy Lost Girl," a haunting narrative unfolds around the mysterious disappearance of a teenage boy shortly after his mother, a troubled novelist, commits suicide. The boy's uncle, a writer, delves into the dark and unsettling history of the family's home, uncovering secrets that blur the lines between fiction and reality. As he investigates, he encounters stories of a malevolent presence and a hidden room that may hold the key to the family's terrifying and tragic past. The novel explores themes of loss, the impact of trauma, and the possibility of the supernatural.
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In The Night Room by Peter Straub
In this gripping and surreal tale, a successful children's author finds her life entwined with a horror novelist when their fictional worlds begin to bleed into reality. As they confront a series of bizarre and terrifying events, they must unravel the mystery of a haunted past and a sinister force that threatens to consume them. The narrative explores themes of identity, the power of storytelling, and the blurred lines between fiction and reality, culminating in a chilling confrontation with the supernatural.
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Creepers by David Morrell
The novel follows a group of urban explorers, known as "creepers," who infiltrate an abandoned hotel in Asbury Park, New Jersey, seeking to uncover its hidden secrets. As they navigate the decaying structure, they encounter unexpected dangers and uncover a dark history that reveals the hotel's sinister past. The group's adventure quickly turns into a fight for survival as they are pursued by mysterious forces and must confront their own fears and moral dilemmas. The story combines elements of suspense, horror, and psychological thriller, exploring themes of obsession, history, and the consequences of curiosity.
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Dread In The Beast by Charlee Jacob
A Novel of Erotic Horror
The novel delves into a dark and visceral exploration of human depravity and supernatural horror, weaving together multiple narratives that reveal the grotesque and the macabre. It follows a series of characters who are entangled in a world where the boundaries between reality and nightmare blur, driven by primal fears and desires. As the story unfolds, it exposes the raw and unsettling aspects of the human psyche, culminating in a chilling confrontation with an ancient and malevolent force. The book is a haunting journey through terror and madness, challenging the characters' sanity and morality.
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Lisey's Story by Stephen King
The novel intertwines the past and present of Lisey Landon, the widow of a famous novelist, as she navigates her grief and uncovers dark secrets about her late husband, Scott. Through a series of haunting memories and supernatural elements, Lisey confronts the mysterious and terrifying world that Scott inhabited, known as Boo'ya Moon. As she delves deeper into Scott's legacy, she must face both external threats and her own inner demons, ultimately discovering her strength and the enduring power of love.
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The Missing by Sarah Langan
In this chilling horror novel, a small town in Maine is plagued by a mysterious and deadly virus that begins to spread after a young boy goes missing in the nearby woods. As the infection takes hold, the town's residents are driven to madness and violence, revealing the dark secrets and hidden fears lurking beneath their seemingly ordinary lives. The story weaves together the perspectives of various characters, each grappling with their own demons, as they confront the terrifying reality of the contagion and the supernatural forces at play. Amidst the chaos, a few brave souls must uncover the truth and find a way to stop the horror before it consumes them all.
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Duma Key by Stephen King
The story follows Edgar Freemantle, a construction company owner who suffers a severe accident that results in the loss of his right arm and significant memory and speech issues. To aid his recovery, Edgar moves to the remote Duma Key in Florida, where he discovers a latent talent for painting. As his artwork begins to take on a life of its own, Edgar uncovers dark, supernatural forces linked to the island's history. With the help of new friends, he must confront these malevolent entities to protect himself and those he cares about, ultimately exploring themes of healing, creativity, and the power of the past.
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Audrey's Door by Sarah Langan
The novel follows Audrey Lucas, an ambitious architect who moves into a historic Manhattan apartment building called The Breviary. As she settles in, Audrey begins to experience unsettling phenomena and discovers the building's dark history, including its connection to a cult that practiced a sinister ritual known as "The Door." Struggling with her own personal demons and mental health issues, Audrey becomes increasingly entangled in the building's malevolent influence, leading her to confront both the supernatural forces at play and her own inner turmoil. The story explores themes of madness, isolation, and the haunting power of the past.
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A Dark Matter by Peter Straub
The novel revolves around a group of friends who, during their youth in the 1960s, become involved with a charismatic and enigmatic guru whose mysterious ritual leads to a horrifying and life-altering event. Years later, one of the friends, now a successful writer, seeks to uncover the truth behind that fateful day by interviewing the other participants. As each person recounts their version of events, a complex and chilling narrative unfolds, revealing the dark and supernatural forces at play and the impact of those experiences on their lives.
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Flesh Eaters by Joe McKinney
A Novel of the Zombie Apocalypse
Set in the aftermath of a devastating hurricane in Houston, the story follows emergency management specialist Eleanor Norton as she battles to protect her family and survive amidst the chaos. As floodwaters rise, a deadly virus spreads, turning people into flesh-eating zombies. Eleanor must navigate the treacherous landscape, facing both the undead and desperate survivors, while grappling with her own fears and the moral dilemmas of survival. The novel explores themes of resilience, sacrifice, and the human capacity for both compassion and brutality in the face of apocalyptic disaster.
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The Drowning Girl by Caitlín R. Kiernan
A Memoir
The novel is a haunting exploration of mental illness, identity, and the blurred lines between reality and fantasy. It follows India Morgan Phelps, known as Imp, a young woman grappling with schizophrenia, as she tries to unravel the mysteries surrounding two enigmatic women who enter her life. Through a fragmented narrative filled with art, mythology, and ghostly apparitions, Imp struggles to discern truth from delusion, ultimately confronting her own past and the nature of her perceptions. The story is a poignant and unsettling journey into the depths of the human psyche, challenging the boundaries of storytelling and reality.
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Doctor Sleep by Stephen King
The novel follows Dan Torrance, the traumatized son of Jack Torrance from "The Shining," as he struggles with alcoholism and his psychic abilities. Now an adult, Dan finds solace working at a hospice where he uses his powers to comfort dying patients, earning the nickname "Doctor Sleep." His life takes a dramatic turn when he encounters Abra Stone, a young girl with powerful psychic abilities, who becomes the target of a sinister group called the True Knot. This group feeds on the "steam" produced by children with the shining as they are tortured to death. Dan must confront his past and embrace his abilities to protect Abra and defeat the True Knot, leading to a climactic showdown that tests his courage and resilience.
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Blood Kin by Steve Rasnic Tem
A Novel of the Great Depression
The novel is a haunting exploration of family ties and the dark legacies that bind them. Set in a small Appalachian town, the story follows a young boy named Michael as he navigates the complexities of his family's past, marked by violence and secrets. As Michael delves deeper into his ancestry, he uncovers unsettling truths about his relatives and the supernatural forces that seem to influence their lives. The narrative weaves together themes of identity, heritage, and the inescapable nature of blood ties, creating a chilling atmosphere that lingers long after the final page.
The 17007th Greatest Book of All Time -
A Head Full Of Ghosts by Paul Tremblay
The book is a chilling psychological thriller that blurs the lines between reality and supernatural horror. It revolves around the Barrett family, whose lives are turned upside down when their eldest daughter exhibits signs of acute mental illness—or perhaps demonic possession. As their situation grows increasingly dire, the family agrees to participate in a reality television show, with cameras documenting the exorcism of their daughter. The story is recounted years later by the younger sister, who reflects on the traumatic events and the impact of public scrutiny, leading readers to question the true nature of the horror that befell the Barretts.
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The Fisherman by John Langan
In this chilling novel, two widowed brothers find solace in fishing, seeking peace after their shared loss. Their quest leads them to a mysterious body of water rumored to be cursed, where they encounter a sinister figure known as the Fisherman. As they delve deeper into the enigmatic waters and the Fisherman's haunting tales, they are drawn into a nightmarish world of ancient evils and cosmic horrors. The brothers' bond is tested as they confront the dark history of the fishing spot and the terrifying truths that lurk beneath its surface.
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Ararat by Christopher Golden
In this thrilling novel, an earthquake in Turkey reveals a hidden cave within Mount Ararat, believed to be the resting place of Noah's Ark. A diverse team of archaeologists, scientists, and filmmakers ventures into the mountain to explore the ancient vessel, only to uncover a mysterious sarcophagus containing a demonic entity. As tensions rise and paranoia sets in, the team members must confront their deepest fears and the sinister forces at play, leading to a gripping struggle for survival against an ancient evil that threatens to consume them all.
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The Cabin At The End Of The World by Paul Tremblay
"The Cabin At The End Of The World" by Paul Tremblay is a gripping and suspenseful psychological thriller that follows a family's vacation turned nightmare. The story revolves around a group of strangers who invade a peaceful cabin in the woods, claiming that the world is about to end and they need the family's help to prevent it. As tension rises and trust is tested, the family must make impossible decisions to protect themselves and their daughter. With its intense atmosphere and thought-provoking themes, this book explores the depths of human nature and the lengths one will go to survive.
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Coyote Rage by Owl Goingback
A Novel of Supernatural Suspense
The story unfolds in a small town where ancient Native American spirits and modern-day humans collide, leading to a battle between good and evil. The narrative follows a shape-shifting trickster spirit who seeks to unleash chaos and destruction, challenging the balance between the natural and supernatural worlds. As the tension escalates, a group of unlikely allies, including a determined sheriff and a wise medicine man, must confront their deepest fears and unite to prevent the impending doom. The tale weaves together elements of folklore, suspense, and cultural heritage, exploring themes of identity, tradition, and the enduring power of community.
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The Only Good Indians by Stephen Graham Jones
The novel follows four Native American friends who are haunted by a disturbing event from their youth involving the illegal killing of a herd of elk. As they grapple with their cultural identity and the consequences of their past actions, a vengeful spirit begins to stalk them, seeking retribution. The story weaves together themes of tradition, guilt, and survival, exploring the tension between modern life and indigenous heritage. As the men confront their shared history, they must face the supernatural force that threatens their lives and the lives of those they love.
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My Heart Is A Chainsaw by Stephen Graham Jones
The novel follows Jade Daniels, a half-Indian high school outcast with a deep obsession with slasher films, who finds herself in the midst of a real-life horror scenario in her small Idaho town. As gentrification threatens her community, a series of gruesome murders begin to unfold, eerily mirroring the plots of her beloved horror movies. Jade uses her extensive knowledge of the genre to navigate the chaos, uncovering dark secrets and confronting her own personal demons. The story blends elements of horror, social commentary, and coming-of-age themes, exploring the complexities of identity, trauma, and survival.
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The Devil Takes You Home by Gabino Iglesias
The novel is a gripping blend of crime, horror, and supernatural elements, following the harrowing journey of Mario, a desperate father facing financial ruin and personal tragedy. As he becomes entangled in the dangerous world of drug cartels, Mario is forced to confront his own morality and the darkness within him. The story weaves through a series of violent and surreal events, exploring themes of loss, redemption, and the blurred lines between good and evil, all set against the backdrop of a vividly depicted, hauntingly atmospheric landscape.
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The Reformatory by Tananarive Due
Set in the racially charged atmosphere of 1950s Jim Crow Florida, the story follows 12-year-old Robbie Stephens Jr., who is unjustly sentenced to a brutal reform school. As Robbie struggles to survive the harsh conditions and systemic racism, he discovers a supernatural presence within the institution that may hold the key to his escape. Meanwhile, his sister Gloria fights tirelessly for his release, navigating the dangerous societal landscape. The narrative weaves together themes of family, resilience, and the haunting legacy of racial injustice, creating a gripping tale of survival and hope.
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The Haunting Of Velkwood by Gwendolyn Kiste
In "The Haunting Of Velkwood," three childhood friends are the sole survivors of a mysterious event that turned their entire neighborhood into ghosts. The Velkwood Vicinity, shrouded in mystery and speculation, has remained inaccessible to all but these three. Talitha Velkwood, one of the survivors, has spent years avoiding her past, drifting through life without direction. When a researcher offers her a chance to return to the site of the tragedy, she reluctantly agrees, hoping to uncover the truth behind that fateful night. As Talitha reunites with her estranged friends, Brett and Grace, they must confront the haunting memories of their past to find closure and possibly, a way forward.
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Horror Writer Association, 40 Books
The Bram Stoker Award for Best Novel is a prestigious literary honor presented annually by the Horror Writers Association (HWA) to recognize outstanding achievement in horror fiction. Named after Bram Stoker, the iconic author of Dracula, the award celebrates the best full-length novel in the genre each year.
First established in 1987, the Bram Stoker Award has grown into one of the most respected accolades in horror literature. The award process is unique because it uses a jury and peer-driven nomination system, ensuring that the selections are a reflection of the horror writing community's collective judgment. The award seeks to highlight novels that not only excel in storytelling and creativity but also contribute significantly to the evolution and innovation of horror as a genre.
This list is a yearly book award, and was added to this site over 1 year ago.
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