8-20-2026 Latham's Last Words: The Sentinel by Jeffrey Konvitz

Welcome to Latham's Last Words, where I give you my last words on vintage horror books I've enjoyed. Let's look at The Sentinel from 1974!

I really loved this book. It had all the elements of a good horror novel. I've never been a city girl, and this book made me wonder why anyone would want to live in NYC.

There is so much going on with the story. Allison's past with her father, leading to terrible nightmares. Her attempt at suicide. Her boyfriend being a suspect in his wife's murder and the cop that is out to get him. Strange neighbors that you wonder do they really exist? Then Father Halloran, the blind recluse that lives on the top floor.

While you're reading you are definitely put into Allison's frame of mind, from her nightmares to her confusion over the eccentric neighbors she encounters. Some books you are able to figure out the twists pretty easily, but this is not one of those. You are kept guessing until the very end.

If you asked me if I thought this book held up through the years, I would definitely say yes. This horror story was maybe one of the scariest books I've read. I was nervous that I wouldn't be able to appreciate it but I did. If supernatural/religous horror is your thing, you'll want to add this to your TBR.

Get it here:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B018HM2B36