End of Watch
Published: 7, June 2016
Author: Stephen King
Genre: American, Fiction, Horror, Literary, Mystery, Police Procedurals, Supernatural, Suspense, Thriller
Book 3 of 3: The Bill Hodges Trilogy
Check the summary of this book here:
The Review
Mr. Mercedes was the first book in Stephen King's Detective Bill Hodges trilogy, which continues with Finders Keepers. When it was initially disclosed on April 21, 2015, at a St. Francis College event, the title of the third and final book was The Suicide Prince. However, instead of Suicide Prince, a new title, End of Watch, was unveiled as the final title on June 10th. Mr. Mercedes won Best Novel at the 2015 Edgar Awards, and Stephen King also confirmed that the novel's antagonist, Brady Hartsfield, will appear in this book.
To many fans, this novel may finally feel more like a Stephen King story than the previous two. Don't get me wrong when I say that because I absolutely enjoyed both of the novels. This was simply more his style. It was a quick and enjoyable read.
I recommend reading The Outsider after finishing this book. Holly is in the book, and if you read about her, you'll already know about her background and how she works, which is really beneficial and better to know since otherwise, the readers could be confused, even if it isn't required.
The Bill Hodges Trilogy is one of Stephen King's most gratifying works, and that is saying a lot! Each novel, in addition to the normal Stephen King subject of good vs evil, has been about something broader.
Like, Mr. Mercedes was about the value of friendships, Finders Keepers was about a writer's history, and End of Watch is about a useful life's mission.
At the outset of this novel, Bill Hodges is a sick man, but he still has one more case to solve, and it will be the most difficult of his illustrious career, but he is not alone, and he and his eccentric team have always had the resources to get through difficult situations.
This is another Stephen King winner and a fantastic conclusion to this trilogy. the author has been the ultimate storyteller throughout his career. We can picture the events unfolding on the pages in our minds' eyes, whether he's spotlighting the daily life or its terrifying dark depths. Every character's emotions are felt by us, and we gain understanding from them as they do.
I've said it before, and I'll say it again: I've read practically all of Stephen King's works and will never stop. I've consumed every tale and book he has ever written, and I've always been eager for more; the only novels missing from my collection are those that have yet to be published or are on their way.
End of Watch fulfilled all of my expectations. I'll miss Hodges, but he had no choice but to leave us. Brady Hartsfield was the ideal platform for evil in the world, as well as the ideal counterbalance for Hodges' intelligence and competence.
The only thing I would have loved to know was that there was still a blazing spark of Brady floating about in the dark, perhaps even within Hodges as he suffered, imprisoned, and destined like Hodges. But that wouldn't have matched with the trilogy's conclusion, and we wouldn't have been able to enjoy Hodges as much as we can now.
For anybody who has ever questioned if ending one's life was a viable option, Stephen King's story depicts how disturbingly simple it is to make the decision, and how heroic the survivors become.
The Internet's impact, along with Hartsfield's depravity and his doctor's arrogance makes us question why individuals do not commit suicide more frequently nowadays.
In his literature, Stephen King, on the other hand, helps us examine the possibilities and demonstrates why it's so necessary to reach out and protect those who are weighing their options. The terrifying alternatives are brought to light by Hartsfield's wickedness, while Hodges' endurance casts a wiser light on them and points to a better option.
Mr. Mercedes and Finders Keepers set the tone for the Bill Hodges Trilogy, which concludes with End of Watch.
As the author's keyboard continues to spread the dread that is Brady Hartsfield, the reader is taken on a frightening adventure.
As Detective Retired Billy Hodges and his sidekick Holly Gibney comb through the heaps of clues seeking to take down the monster that is Brady, and here the author puts Brady in your thoughts.
To say the least, the last 100 pages are dramatic, forcing one's heart to beat and generating the want to not put the novel down simply to see if the good folks triumph or not, and who doesn't make it to the last page.
It is a successful conclusion to the trilogy while every Stephen King novel is excellent; some are more engaging than others. You get to witness the characters evolve and mature more in this one, and you get more engaged in their lives.
Even in a semi-coma, Brady, the Mercedes murderer, is as frightening as ever. While his character is implausible, he is at least realistic, which served the tale well.
I really like the fact that the novel included a contemporary social issue, suicide. Stephen King does not mention this in an overbearing manner but rather emphasizes the fact that it is an issue.
Final Thoughts
This is a fast-paced story that will have you on the edge of your seat the entire time. Brady is returned, and Hodges must stop him once more, despite the fact that Brady's reappearance seemed improbable.
Their parallel storylines propel the narrative along, and we eagerly await the pivotal moment when they ultimately meet and connect. It appears to be a more concentrated, pared-down plot, with each scene adding to the storyline and strengthening the gloomy atmosphere.
Stephen King's characterization is as crisp as it has always been. He possesses the ability to fully develop a character with just a few words of description, thinking, or speech. You get the impression that you know and understand the characters well.
Holly is delightful once more, however, Jerome kind of takes a back seat this time around.
Despite the fact that it is primarily a thriller, I found the book to be touching and supportive. The sequences depicting people being driven to suicide are well-crafted and heartbreaking.
Underneath the dramatic events of the novel, we observe the author's viewpoint on social concerns and moral questions, as is customary.
This is, in my opinion, the best of the three books. But, if you haven't already, do yourself a favor and read the others first. End of Watch is a standalone novel, but it will enhance your enjoyment and appreciation of Bill and Holly if you have read Mr. Mercedes.
I recommend reading all three books in order, even if the second book has little to do with this story except for a few minor details that may be missed if you haven't read part one of the series.
Another excellent novel by one of my favorite authors, which I strongly recommend.
Synopsis
“Now an AT&T Audience Original Series
The fabulously suspenseful and "smashing" (The New York Times Book Review) final novel in the Bill Hodges trilogy from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Mr. Mercedes and Finders Keepers!
For nearly six years, in Room 217 of the Lakes Region Traumatic Brain Injury Clinic, Brady Hartsfield has been in a persistent vegetative state. A complete recovery seems unlikely for the insane perpetrator of the “Mercedes Massacre,” in which eight people were killed and many more maimed for life. But behind the vacant stare, Brady is very much awake and aware, having been pumped full of experimental drugs...scheming, biding his time as he trains himself to take full advantage of the deadly new powers that allow him to wreak unimaginable havoc without ever leaving his hospital room. Brady Hartsfield is about to embark on a new reign of terror against thousands of innocents, hell-bent on taking revenge against anyone who crossed his path—with retired police detective Bill Hodges at the very top of that long list....”
Useful Search Related Words & Keywords
Bill Hodges, Brady Hartsfield, Character Development, Great Ending, Highly Recommend, Hodges Trilogy, Holly And Jerome, Holly Gibney, Mercedes And Finders, Really Enjoyed
Rating: 95/100
Recommended: 100/100 Yes.
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