SOLVED. SF/Horror: An expedition is sent to Mars. Main character is female. They explore and gather samples. One of the crew show signs of infection with rabies-like symptoms. There is hostile life on Mars and they must escape the planet. [s]

[T. Bookeater]

So I read this book in the mid 90s. Can't say whether it was a fresh release at the time or not, and I might have some of the plot wrong because I wasn't at an age to understand too many grownup words.

(view spoiler)[I just remember having my mind blown when it's implicitly revealed that vampires living below the surface of Mars had infected the crew. And it ends with the main character and another survivor entering their sleeping pods for trip back to Earth. Then it is revealed that the main character was already infected at some point in the story and had fooled the crew into trusting her. (hide spoiler)]

I wanted to fully appreciate the story now that I know many grownup words. For some reason I always thought Stephen King wrote it, but it's not him. Maybe it's a similar name? Or a similar writing style? Maybe because it was serious horror with atmosphere? It wasn't a thick book either. Just a standard paperback, maybe on the denser side. Fit nicely in my tweenage hand. The cover was black landscape of Mars on a orange backdrop, I think. Could be totally wrong on that.

I have never wanted to read the same book again, ever, but I just remember being really impressed with this one. And I don't think I ever read another story like it.

[Debra]

It sounds interesting. I hope you find it.

[Mai]

Maybe The Season of Passage by Christopher Pike? It was published in 1992.


From the reviews it sounds just like your description!

I found it searching sci fi horror novel "on Mars" (view spoiler)["vampires" (view spoiler)[. (hide spoiler)] (hide spoiler)]

[T. Bookeater]

Mai wrote: "Maybe The Season of Passage by Christopher Pike? It was published in 1992.


From the reviews it sounds just like your descripti..."

Holy WTF! You found it! And I was thinking it was obscure work, not a best selling author! But it makes sense, I must've been reading his stuff back then with all the other YA horror. WOW. Thank you so much, Mai! You should wear a cape!

[Mai]

So glad this book was the one you were looking for! I hope you enjoy reading it again :-)