Odd Thomas Review

Odd Thomas

Published: 2003

Author: Dean Koontz

Genre: Action, Crime, Espionage, Fiction, Ghost, Horror, Murder, Occult, Psychic, Suspense, Thriller

Book 1 of 7: Odd Thomas

Check the summary of this book here:

Odd Thomas Summary

The Review

Dean Koontz's novel Odd Thomas is a thriller. The title is derived from the main character, Odd Thomas, a twenty-year-old short-order cook. The book, which got positive reviews and acclaim from reviewers, went on to become a New York Times bestseller. Following the popularity of the novel, Koontz wrote six sequels: Forever Odd (2005), Brother Odd (2006), Odd Hours (2008), Odd Apocalypse (2012), and Deeply Odd (2013). Saint Odd (2015), the concluding novel in the series, was released on January 13, 2015. 

Three graphic novel prequels have also been released: In Odd We Trust, Odd Is On Our Side and House of Odd. 

In the graphic novel's postscript, Koontz notes, "God willing, there will be six Odd Thomas novels." Odd Interlude, a special Odd Thomas Adventure short novel, was released on December 26, 2012, and Odd Thomas: You Are Destined to Be Together Forever was released on December 9, 2014. 

Dean Koontz praised the film, saying, "It is so wonderful that I am whacked flat by happiness." So I'm not going to comment on it, but it wasn't a bad film adaptation of Dean Koontz's novel.

Strange in name and odd in talents, the titular character is Odd. A twenty-year-old short-order fry cook who has the gift or misfortune of seeing the dead. He resides in Pico Mundo, a tiny California desert hamlet that translates as "top of the world." 

At first, I assumed our hero's name was Thomas, and Odd was an accurate description of him. 

In the first several chapters, he immediately dispels this myth. Odd is the moniker given to him, and despite his boring employment and lowly surroundings, our poor MC's life has been anything but simple. 

This narrative appears to be a slice of what Odd has been through since infancy, but his current journey threatens to ruin all he loves most.

In most stories when the main character possesses a remarkable ability, he or she is seldom, if ever, believed. 

Odd has a great support network and many friends, including the chief of police, which I admire. Police officers are generally the last people to fall for such nonsense, but Chief Porter does. He's like Odd's father, something our young hero obviously needs. Odd doesn't have to face the weight of his skill on his own. It's not a fully hidden ability; it's just an ability.

People who know him not only accept that he has it, but also trust him with it, and his friends are as diverse as they are: Viola and her daughters Nicolina and Levanna, Terry his boss with her Elvis obsession, his landlady Rosalia Sanchez, who asks him every day if she is visible, the previously mentioned Chief Porter and his wife Karla, Little Ozzie, who is probably the biggest man in town, and, of course, Stormy Llewellyn. While they have no idea what he is capable of, they all recognize that he is Odd.

He exemplifies the theme of hiding power in simple settings, in which we frequently see the orphan or foundling who was abandoned or hidden in order to conceal and protect who they are and what they have. 

Odd is also quite courteous, which I appreciated, especially coming from a young person who is frequently and tritely characterized as rude. He addresses everyone as "sir" or "ma'am," and he shows no disrespect to anyone.

Odd's skills show themselves as a tiny girl named Penny Kalisto, which immediately draws you in. Even if the dead never speak to him, they have a way of making themselves known.

The ones that remain are there for a reason, and Odd believes it is his responsibility to figure out what that reason is. His ability to see the dead isn't his only one, but I won't tell you what it is.

Despite the fact that I figured out the key twist well before the last chapter, I still gave this story high points and immediately began reading the following novel, Forever Odd, as soon as I was able to purchase it, and then the next and the next until I finished the series. 

As I previously stated, the movie is not horrible, but it is recommended that you watch it after reading the book and solely watch it as a movie rather than as an adaptation so that you may appreciate both media equally.

Odd Thomas's melancholy is palpable. It is the root of every phrase and hides between each word. If we don't allow ourselves to hope, we won't be able to persevere.

Many readers have a curious issue with Dean Koontz's works, which is his closing up all loose ends at the conclusion, and I am surprised that many people don't want that... on the other hand, many people have an issue with Stephen King for not tying up many ends and even leaving the plot open-ended. 

What is wrong with these readers, and what do they want? I am a fan of both of these excellent authors, and I enjoy both of their ending methods because they make you think. Comment and share your ideas on this topic so that we may discuss it further.

Final Thoughts

The protagonist is complex and realistic. The plot is pretty brilliant. This sentence appears in practically every review of a great author's work, but it is accurate, and that phrase is... Once I started reading it, I couldn't put it down. 

 Please be advised that there are some unsettling and violent situations in this book and this book is not suitable for youngsters or early teens.

Where the film pays justice to the novel, this delves further into Odd's thoughts and feelings because it is told by him and tells us about his past. 

Odd Thomas has the capacity to sense "the lingering dead," and using this and other abilities, he finds a coming calamity and tries everything he can to avert it. 

The story's conclusion comes on strong and quick, and it's a page-turner. Even if this book isn't for everyone, it's a novel that anybody might appreciate. 

I'm glad the book has a conclusion and that the reader isn't obligated to read the rest of the series. 

However, there are certain questions that will be answered in the coming novels, and I am confident that readers will like them.

Odd Thomas is unquestionably one of Dean Koontz's best-written novels. The narrator's voice is great, and the narrative flows beautifully. 

The finale contains a fantastic emotional surprise that will leave the reader speechless. This is a fantastic read! Dean Koontz, thank you.

Synopsis

“Meet Odd Thomas, the unassuming young hero of Dean Koontz’s dazzling New York Times bestseller, a gallant sentinel at the crossroads of life and death who offers up his heart in these pages and will forever capture yours.

“The dead don’t talk. I don’t know why.” But they do try to communicate, with a short-order cook in a small desert town serving as their reluctant confidant. Sometimes the silent souls who seek out Odd want justice. Occasionally their otherworldly tips help him prevent a crime. But this time it’s different.

A stranger comes to Pico Mundo, accompanied by a horde of hyena-like shades who herald an imminent catastrophe. Aided by his soul mate, Stormy Llewellyn, and an unlikely community of allies that includes the King of Rock ’n’ Roll, Odd will race against time to thwart the gathering evil. His account of these shattering hours, in which past and present, fate and destiny, converge, is a testament by which to live—an unforgettable fable for our time destined to rank among Dean Koontz’s most enduring works.”

Useful Search Related Words & Keywords

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Rating: 95/100

Recommended: 100/100 Yes.

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Roadwork Review

Roadwork

Published: March 1981

Author: Stephen King

Genre: American, Crime, Fiction, Literature, Psychological, Rural, Small Town, Teen, Thriller, Young Adult

Check the summary of this book here:

Roadwork Summary

The Review

Stephen King's thriller novel Roadwork was published as a paperback original under the pen name Richard Bachman. It was included in the hardback omnibus The Bachman Books in 1985.

This was written when Stephen King felt he'd be able to get away with writing stories under the pseudonym Richard Bachman for the time being. Now that we know it's Stephen King, it's amazing to note how different the writing is when he's not being Stephen King.

The original Bachman books all deal with guys breaking up and fighting back against the system, while the details differ from one book to the next. This one is about a man who loses his house, his wife, and his job, as well as the subsequent downward spiral. 

It's a decent read for followers of the author; however, horror lovers may be disappointed. Those who aren't lovers of the author may like the book's unique style and subject matter.

In 1972–1974, the narrative takes place in an undisclosed Midwestern city. A father, bereaved by the loss of his son and the collapse of his marriage, is pushed to mental instability when he hears that both his house and employment will be destroyed to make way for an interstate highway extension.

In August 2019, a cinematic version of the novel was announced, with Pablo Trapero as director, Andy Muschietti the director of It and It Chapter Two, and Barbara Muschietti as producer.

With this narrative about a guy fighting his own personal demons, the author strayed from his customary genre.

The novel represents a significant shift for the author. It's possible that it's one of his lesser-known pieces. There are better Stephen King books out there. But don't overlook this opportunity. It's got Bachman written all over it, which isn't a terrible thing.

We currently live in a time where everyone wants what they want right now and isn't willing to wait for it. The author could have made this a short novella, according to several reader friends, but he stretched it out. This novel progresses in such a way that the protagonist gradually loses his sanity, or does he?

I feel the tale was written in the most effective way possible. It piqued my interest right away, and I couldn't put it down as it progressed to a climactic conclusion. This is an excellent book to read.

When you read this book as a Stephen King novel, it may bore and disappoint you; well, rather, it may bore and disappoint you as a Richard Bachman novel—and believe me, if you're a Stephen King fan, you'll know the difference between King and Bachman. 

In terms of flavor, it's the difference between chocolate and chili sauce, and that's a great example because most people like chocolate, but chili sauce... well, let's just say it's a requested taste. 

Unlike King, Bachman is a harsh, disagreeable author who has no affection for his readers. That's OK since it's a performance. 

The Long Walk was about a group of youngsters who were slain by a big brother society that shot them if they stopped walking or went below a particular speed. What amuses you about that?

Similarly, what's fun about a man named Burt who lost his job, his wife, his house, and eventually his sanity and will to live in Roadwork? 

The voyage of his unraveling is essentially the roadwork. The plot isn't really complicated. But don't anticipate ghostly activity around every turn, for clarity's sake, since Bachman is not the same guy as King (they are physically, but not in their literature.) 

In some ways, Bachman is similar to Eli Roth (director of Cabin Fever and Hostel Parts I and II,) in that it's all about the character's and audience's dissatisfaction.

Richard Bachman's novel is a well-known work. It has no supernatural, occult, or ghost elements. Only a man on the verge of losing his mind.

Although it is neither a large book nor a long novel, the idea is as massive as it gets. Even if you compare it to The Long Walk, the slowness of this work will leave you unsatisfied. 

However, keep in mind that The Long Walk's premise implies that there will be more action. If there was a lot of activity on Roadwork, it would be there merely for the purpose of being there. And King, or should I say Bachman? is generally adept at sensing when to speed up the tempo.

Another thing that can help you understand it is that if you read this novel while thinking about AMC's Breaking Bad, I think you'll appreciate it a lot. 

The idea is very identical to that of Breaking Bad. I would have rated this novel a 3/5 if I had given it a score after the first hundred pages. 

However, by the midway mark, I had a better understanding of the style and tone, which is what makes this book so appealing. If you're a patient reader or a Breaking Bad enthusiast, I strongly suggest it.

Final Thoughts

This is a fantastic novel. All Stephen King aficionados should read it. The characters are well-defined, and the narrative is well-constructed. 

It was difficult to put the book down. The author has a unique way of developing suspense as the novel progresses, and I adore it!

Author paints Dawes' mind in vivid hues that grow increasingly muddied as his desire becomes more concentrated, yet absurdly unattainable.

The fact that Dawes is driving himself down a dead-end road with the help of numerous others makes the mind games laughable. However, the novel maintains a good pace and is a welcome diversion from Stephen King's usual territory.

I believe there is a limit to how far one may be pushed before cracking. Barton Dawes, a guy who achieved that stage in 1974, is one of them.

Remember, Stephen King never meant for anyone to realize it was him who authored Roadwork; as a result, it's the farthest thing from a King novel. An author has unlimited freedom to write whatever they choose, with no limitations.

Yes, it is not a perfect novel, which is why I gave it a lower rating, but the reason I am giving this novel a hundred percent recommendation is because of the last pages and the moral of the narrative, as well as what this novel is attempting to teach the mindless masses to realize what is going on behind everything we simply blindly follow.

Synopsis

“Only Stephen King, writing as Richard Bachman, can imagine the horror of a good and angry man who fights back against bureaucracy when it threatens to destroy his vitality, home, and memories. “Under any name King mesmerizes the reader” (Chicago Sun-Times).

Barton Dawes is standing in the way of progress when his unremarkable but comfortable existence suddenly takes a turn for the worst. A new highway extension is being built right over the laundry plant where he works—and right over his home. The house he has lived in for twenty years and where he created loving memories with his family. Dawes isn’t the sort of man who will take an insult of this magnitude lying down. His steadfast determination to fight the inevitable course of progress drives his wife and friends away while he tries to face down the uncaring bureaucracy that has destroyed his life. But before the city paves over that part of Dawes’s life, he’s got one more party to throw—and it’ll be a blast.

What happens when one good (and angry) man fights back…and then some? This #1 national bestseller includes an introduction by Stephen King on “The Importance of Being Bachman.”

Useful Search Related Words & Keywords

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Rating: 85/100

Recommended: 100/100 Yes.

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The Dark Tower 8 Book Boxed Set (Paperback)

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Finders Keepers Review

Finders Keepers

Published: 2, June 2015

Author: Stephen King

Genre: American, Crime, Fiction, Horror, Literary, Literature, Literature, Mystery, Police Procedurals, Suspense, Thriller

Book 2 of 3: The Bill Hodges Trilogy

Check the summary of this book here:

Finders Keepers Summary

The Review

Finders Keepers is a fantastic crime thriller written by Stephen King. It is the second chapter in the Bill Hodges Trilogy, which continues after Mr. Mercedes and focuses on Detective Bill Hodges. The novel is a mix of J. D. Salinger, John Updike and Philip Roth and is about the murder of reclusive writer John Rothstein, his lost notebooks, and the release of his assassin from jail after 35 years.

Even though the first two books, Mr. Mercedes and Finders Keepers, did not include any supernatural characters or supernatural beings, it does not make them any less terrifying and leaves us with the impression that there may be some very real monsters that live next door or can be anyone around us and we just don't know about it.

Every aspect of it was enjoyable to me. I listened to the audio versions of these two volumes and have to say that the narration was one of the finest I've ever heard and was well suited to both Stephen King novels. It could only have been improved by having Stephen King narrate them.

These two books are vintage Stephen King, which means they are true page-turners with riveting tension till the very end.

The reason I am talking about the first two books here is that I feel it is better to discuss both of these books here even though they don’t have any story connection except for the characters from the first book and kind of continuation of the first book.

This novel was not what I expected. For one thing, Bill Hodges and his courageous companions, Jerome and Holly, didn't emerge until much later in the novel. But it was Okay, and I think the author made a fair decision not to include them until it was appropriate for them to appear.

Because of several comparable story mechanics, this novel reminded me of Misery, but I'm assuring you, Misery can frighten the living daylights out of readers. It was horrifying and terrible, and it was so skillfully portrayed that it made it much scarier.

The plot revolves around the writings of a great novelist who retired after finishing a well-known and contentious series. One obsessed fan is dissatisfied with the series’ conclusion and follows down the old author with a few of his thug cronies to plunder and pillage, and the plot develops from there.

Bill Hodges and his friends take a back seat to adolescent teen Pete Saubers and villain Morris Bellamy in this second installment of the Bill Hodges Trilogy. Of course, as the tale gets going, Bill Hodges and Holly Gibney, who now manage a company called Finders Keepers, play a key part.

While suicide remains the series' main issue, Finders Keepers is also about literature and how stories can captivate and influence people's brains. This is a compelling novel that serves as a suitable middle to the Bill Hodges trilogy.

Mr. Mercedes isn't the main menace in Finders Keepers, but he's lurking in the shadows.

Finders Keepers is a crime thriller with barely a smidgeon of Stephen King's trademark otherworldly happenings. It's not a mystery, like Mr. Mercedes, with whom it shares several characters, because the villain is revealed right away. 

It is about a fan's infatuation with a fictional character, similar to author's earlier work Misery as I mentioned earlier, although it is not quite as spooky and suspenseful as that one.

Mr. Mercedes was an incredible work that I adored, but I believe this is much better for the middle of a trilogy. Without delving into story details, I'd say it's a little constructed, relying on some improbable coincidences but it was all done beautifully and convincingly. 

As is customary with the author, the tale moves quickly and keeps the reader involved, and it can be easily remembered and recalled whenever the subject of this novel comes up.

The antagonist in this book is crazy, yet he is not a monster. He performs horrific things because his fuse has gone haywire. What made him terrifying is that, up to the end, he believed he was a hero. 

These kinds of personalities and individuals are considerably more frightening and dangerous than any demon or monster. 

The author, as always, does an excellent job with his characters. This is especially true with his adolescent characters. 

I knew from the beginning of this book that I would read at least one more book in this series, and my instinct proved correct as I reached the conclusion of this book.

Stephen King has stated that he does not write about remarkable individuals dealing with ordinary problems, but rather about ordinary people in extraordinary situations. That nearly sounds like a straight quotation from him.

Final Thoughts

The author provides his readers with a narrative that is full of drama, suspense, and a thriller that will stay with them for the rest of their lives.

Many fans want Stephen King to publish horror stories all of the time. But I believe he is the king of any genre he chooses to write in, and I really enjoy it when he performs in-depth character development and examines ordinary people from many perspectives. 

And because that's what he's done in the first two novels of this trilogy, I believe we should refrain from asking him to write what we want and instead allow him to do what he's doing.

Simply told, this is an outstanding series. The characters are well-developed, the plot is full of surprises, and it gets better with each volume. 

The author has done an excellent job of constructing a very plausible set of circumstances for the characters to navigate, and the reader is quickly drawn in. 

I couldn't wait for the third book, End of Watch, to come out after finishing this one because I wanted to see what type of fresh plot the author would present or whether it would be an all-out war of smarts between the Bill Hodges gang and Mr. Mercedes.

We, the readers, get a glimpse of the muddy, disgusting, sinister side of some of the individuals in these stories, which, to me, is even worse than fictitious creatures.

I wholeheartedly endorse these two volumes and can unequivocally claim that this is one of the greatest Stephen King works he has done in the past few years.

Synopsis

“The second book in Stephen King’s Bill Hodges trilogy (Mr. Mercedes, Finders Keepers, End of Watch)—now an AT&T Audience Original Series!

“Stephen King’s superb stay-up-all-night thriller is a sly tale of literary obsession that recalls the themes of his classic 1987 novel Misery” (The Washington Post)—the #1 New York Times bestseller about the power of storytelling, starring the same trio of unlikely and winning heroes Stephen King introduced in Mr. Mercedes.

“Wake up, genius.” So announces deranged fan Morris Bellamy to iconic author John Rothstein, who once created the famous character Jimmy Gold and hasn’t released anything since. Morris is livid, not just because his favorite writer has stopped publishing, but because Jimmy Gold ended up as a sellout. Morris kills his idol and empties his safe of cash, but the real haul is a collection of notebooks containing John Rothstein’s unpublished work...including at least one more Jimmy Gold novel. Morris hides everything away—the money and the manuscripts no one but Gold ever saw—before being locked up for another horrific crime. But upon Morris’s release thirty-five years later, he’s about to discover that teenager Pete Saubers has already found the stolen treasure—and no one but former police detective Bill Hodges, along with his trusted associates Holly Gibney and Jerome Robinson, stands in the way of his vengeance...

Not since Misery has Stephen King played with the notion of a reader and murderous obsession, filled with “nail biting suspense that’s the hallmark of [his] best work” (Publishers Weekly).”

Useful Search Related Words & Keywords

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Rating: 90/100

Recommended: 90/100 Yes.

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Mr. Mercedes Season 01 (2017) (TV-MA)

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Salem’s Lot (1979) (G)

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Mr. Mercedes Review

Mr. Mercedes

Published: 3, June 2014

Author: Stephen King

Genre: Action, American, Crime, Drama, Fiction, Hard-Boiled, Horror, Media Tie-In, Murder, Mystery, Police Procedurals, Serial Killer, Suspense, Thriller

Book 1 of 3: The Bill Hodges Trilogy

Check the summary of this book here:

Mr. Mercedes Summary

The Review

Stephen King's Mr. Mercedes is a detective thriller. This narrative was inspired by a true story of a lady who drove her automobile into a McDonald's restaurant. Stephen King refers to it as his first hardboiled detective novel, but after reading these words, you'll remember the other three hard-boiled novels he produced for Hard Case Crime (Colorado Kid, Joyland, and Later.)  But don't worry, those three novels aren't like this one and can't be termed true hardboiled detective novels, therefore yes, the author is accurate in claiming this to be the first hardboiled detective novel. 

It's the first of a trilogy, with Finders Keepers following in 2015, with the first draft completed around the same time as Mr. Mercedes, and End of Watch following in 2016. The novel received the 2015 Edgar Award for Best Novel from the Mystery Writers of America, as well as the 2014 Goodreads Choice Award for Mystery and Thriller.

If you haven't read The Outsider yet and want to learn more about some of the characters in that novel, this is the best place to start. Since Holly Gibney was introduced in the Bill Hodges trilogy, it's best to wait until you've finished this series before diving into The Outsider. 

If, on the other hand, you are not an obsessive reader and only read randomly or on occasion, it will not matter and you will be able to pass this trilogy, although you may become confused at times when the characters from this series begin to emerge in The Outsider. Unless you're a voracious reader, this isn't a significant deal.

Mr. Mercedes is essentially the story of a retired investigator who comes out of retirement to seek the one who escaped — The Mercedes Killer — after being provoked by the killer to attempt suicide.

The novel begins on a high note, with the Mercedes Killer driving a stolen Mercedes into a job fair, murdering several people, and injuring many more. 

Then we go to retired detective Bill Hodges, who is sitting in his living room considering gulping down a bullet when a letter arrives through the mail chute, a letter that basically urges him to go ahead and do it. That suggests the assailant has been keeping an eye on him.

Instead of driving Hodges insane, it energizes him, and before you know it, he's back on the case, although unofficially.

The story proceeds at a quick speed, at least for the first half of the book, and then I have to say, the author lost me, and I was inclined to put the book down. It was a true eye-roll moment for me when something that a lady does, since it can't really be called straightforward, and you just sit there in dumb astonishment, wondering, "Really, is this happening?"

After that, I lost interest in the book, which was my fault, but I had to remind myself that this is a Stephen King novel, and anything can happen at any time, with a hidden purpose. So I kept going, and... It never happened... 

I actually enjoyed it, and what I just said was intended for some readers who may not understand what Stephen King is doing when he writes. He actually shows us the reality of our lives with so many twists that people sometimes despise him because he is just showing us the mirror and we despise our reflection.

As a result, when the legendary Stephen King writes a novel, and now a trilogy, like this one, it takes some time and effort for his fans, particularly those who are accustomed to an otherwise dominant style and themes, to adapt to and comprehend this new form and design to his writing and appreciate the genius that he brings. 

I, for one, was astounded by the breadth of knowledge the author gathered and then flawlessly incorporated into this super duper thriller. 

This work, in my opinion, is on par with anything Connelly, James Patterson, Jeffrey Deaver, or Lee Child has done and, as such, deserves the same level of real criticism and acclaim. 

Mr. Mercedes is a fantastic novel and a dramatic departure for the author, one that every fan should look forward to in the series' subsequent works. We see a creative talent at work here, with outstanding research, terrific writing, and completely convincing characters.

I usually avoid discussing movies or television shows because I am 90% disappointed when an adoption is ruined. I recently re-read Stephen King's Mr. Mercedes series. It was quite appealing to me. Then I saw the Peacock miniseries. 

I wish I could ask Stephen King why he allows these people to change so much of his work for TV and film adaptations. 

It irritates me greatly. The worst thing is that he not only permits them, but he is also one of the executive producers. 

It's not the first time this has happened to him and his books, but it's something that almost always happens to books and comics regardless of the author, with the exception of some amazing adaptations where it's the word for word from the book directly to the big screen or small screen and always turns out to be a hit. 

Other of his writings have been adapted for television or film, and it makes my blood boil to watch my favorite stories and characters transformed into something they were never meant to be.

Mr. Mercedes' greatest sections were either omitted or completely redone. Characters that weren't in the novels were added. Characters that have previously appeared in the novels were eliminated. "THAT didn't happen!" I said many times as I shook my head. Or "Just who the hell is that?" Jerome's character was not nearly as charming as he had been in the books.

Warning: There may be a lot of spoilers here that may ruin the shows and the novels for you. If you don't want to know anything that will make you lose interest in the show or the novels then jump to the Final Thoughts. 

I don't believe the program is horrible, and it is really a nice show using content from the novels, but I still wouldn't call it a Mr. Mercedes adoption.

Barbara did not attend a boy band concert, which I believe would have been a fantastic addition to the show. They assassinated Hodges' former colleague, Pete, who survived to see the end of the series. 

In the book, Holly was in her fifties, while in the TV show, she was 31. In the novels, Lou didn't kill Brady or go to trial. 

Brady was not found in a cabin in the woods in the dead of winter by Hodges, Holly, or Jerome. 

There were so many changes that I didn't think were for the best. Why bother naming the TV show "Mr. Mercedes," I kept thinking. The narrative contains so many twists and turns that you could just name it something else and ignore the books!

Final Thoughts

This novel also has portions in which the narrative shifts into the head of the murderer. For the most part, these are more unsettling than gruesome, particularly the killer's bond with his mother.

This really kicks in around halfway through, and you get a sequence of typical Stephen King characters: the friendly older man, the young man who grows connected to the older guy, the young character who is different or autistic or super powered, etc... The middle-aged lady who is drawn to the older, kindly man, etc... All of these characters are believable and lovable, thanks to the author's touch.

The second half picks up speed, and there are a few surprises that I won't reveal.

So, if you like Stephen King, you'll probably enjoy this book. If you're unfamiliar with him, don't stop reading after the first fifty pages, which are a touch talkative and seem like a draft, with lots of authorial references to other writers and societal themes.

I wish authors would stop writing cheap "mind of the killer" sections and flashbacks. They appear to be a low cost method of incorporating thrills and gore. Just my perspective, but when Stephen King does it, it becomes flawless.

Synopsis

“Now an AT&T Audience Original Series

WINNER OF THE EDGAR AWARD FOR BEST NOVEL

#1 New York Times bestseller! In a high-suspense race against time, three of the most unlikely heroes Stephen King has ever created try to stop a lone killer from blowing up thousands. “Mr. Mercedes is a rich, resonant, exceptionally readable accomplishment by a man who can write in whatever genre he chooses” (The Washington Post).

The stolen Mercedes emerges from the pre-dawn fog and plows through a crowd of men and women on line for a job fair in a distressed American city. Then the lone driver backs up, charges again, and speeds off, leaving eight dead and more wounded. The case goes unsolved and ex-cop Bill Hodges is out of hope when he gets a letter from a man who loved the feel of death under the Mercedes’s wheels…

Brady Hartsfield wants that rush again, but this time he’s going big, with an attack that would take down thousands—unless Hodges and two new unusual allies he picks up along the way can throw a wrench in Hartsfield’s diabolical plans. Stephen King takes off on a “nerve-shredding, pulse-pounding race against time” (Fort Worth Star-Telegram) with this acclaimed #1 bestselling thriller.”

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Rating: 90/100

Recommended: 90/100 Yes.

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The Colorado Kid Review

The Colorado Kid

Published: 4, October 2005

Author: Stephen King

Genre: Crime, Detective, Fiction, Hard-Boiled, Horror, Literature, Murder, Mystery, Serial Killer, Suspense, Teen, Thriller, Women’s

Check the summary of this book here:

The Colorado Kid Summary

The Review

Stephen King's mystery thriller The Colorado Kid was released in 2005 under the Hard Case Crime label. Joyland, Stephen King's next Hard Case Crime novel, was released in June 2013. In May 2019, Hard Case Crime released The Colorado Kid in an illustrated paperback version. I had a great time reading this book. While watching the Syfy series "Haven," which is based on Stephen King's "The Colorado Kid," I became captivated by this novel.

If you read the novel first and then watch the program, there's a good possibility you'll enjoy "Haven" even more. The show's writers performed an excellent job of sifting through the labyrinth of mystery surrounding the major event of the Colorado Kid.

But fans of Syfy's Haven should be aware that the show appears to be based on this novel. That's a stretch; it'd be nice to say it's influenced by The Colorado Kid, but nothing in this book will help you comprehend the show, which is why I said you'll like it even more since the idea is there but the book isn't. That's why, unlike with other media tie-ins, I didn't offer a link to the show.

Returning to the novel, I enjoy Stephen King's writing style as always, and I appreciate his explanations to the readers about the plot.

And I understand. I loved the metaphor at the conclusion of the narrative because it served as a sort of resolution to the continuous mystery, which, I believe, is similar to daily existence. There are certain things in life that we cannot understand or for which we have no solutions, yet we face them every day.

This is a novella based on one of Stephen King's short works. Unlike much of his work, there are no overt supernatural elements, yet the supernatural may be involved because it was written by the master, and you may discover after a few years in another novel that something otherworldly triggered the events in this book.

The location of The Colorado Kid appealed to me the most: a little community on a Maine seaside island. The artistry of the author's portrayals is stunning. 

His three central characters, two senior newspapermen and their young female aide are likable and convincing. This is a tale that will linger in your mind for a long time.

The author did not tell the readers what they should believe; instead, he left the mystery to the reader's imagination. And it was fantastic! I wish there were more novels written like this. This is the sort of book I could read every day.

Author masterfully constructs a framework tale around a wholly "told" mystery storyline - we never see any of the persons engaged in the mystery, and the entire story is "told" to a young female Midwestern acquaintance by two old men who are involved in journalism.

The ultimate brilliance of Stephen King's presentation is in enthralling us with the "mystery" that the old men have with the young lady in order to pique and maintain our interest in the three "real-time" characters, which he depicts extremely neatly and efficiently.

Stephen King's treatment of "voice," particularly in his depiction of Downeast accent, is outstanding.

Most writers would tell you that dialect is treacherous ground, and Stephen King discusses it in "On Writing" - attempting to express any lengthy piece in an authentic representation of any regional or ethnic accent almost dooms the conversation.

But Stephen King manages to suggest to the reader how these characters sound, then appropriately and cautiously strengthens it with irregular linguistic recreations, and the spell is done - every time Vince and Dave speak, I hear the down Maine twang as clearly as if I were listening to them myself, somewhere up down? The coast, perhaps near Wiscasset.

Normally, I despise open-ended books or those that finish on a cliffhanger, but I really like this one.

I appreciate the way the author constructs his novels, with such rich characters and details that immerse you in the setting and make you feel as if you are sitting right there listening to the dialogue.

This narrative was refreshing to me because it dared to tell a story without neatly tying up the ends, addressing all the questions, and then using that story to make a point and define the two forms of storytelling.

Final Thoughts

I don't think this is a spoiler, but rather open information to readers who read this novel and didn't comprehend it or the open-ended conclusion that wasn't really an ending but a beginning, so everyone has to realize that the tale is not about the Colorado Kid.

It's about a young lady, Stephanie, coming to accept the town and, in turn, the community accepting her.

The Colorado Kid is a deception. The Colorado Kid is the mechanism employed to convey Vince and Dave's acceptance, and Stephanie embraces it as she accepts her new role as a "townie."

If the readers understand what I'm saying, they will not feel tricked at the conclusion of the story and will instead feel and think about life and the metaphors the author employs to make us view the world in new ways.

The mystery is interesting, and the ending is a double-edged sword in that to comprehend it, you must first comprehend life or be a philosopher, as this is how life frequently works.

If you're seeking for a great example of Stephen King's narrative abilities, his talent for establishing personalities, and his unmistakable style of narration and scenario setting, go no further. As Vince, Stephanie, and Dave alternately exclaim, school is in session.

This is not a traditional mystery narrative, despite the fact that it is about a mystery. The author makes it clear right away.

This is just a heads up. Yes, there is some form of a victim. And there's no denying that there's a puzzle to be solved.

However, there are no suspects, minimal action, no hard-boiled by the book flatfoots, no down-on-his-luck private eye looking for atonement, and no femme fatale.

There is a fantastic story here. One that, as Vince points out, isn't perfect. If you're looking for a classic mystery, try an Agatha Christie or a grim Dashiell Hammett. This isn't one of those tales. However, it is a story definitely worth reading.

Synopsis

“On an island off the coast of Maine, a man is found dead. There's no identification on the body. Only the dogged work of a pair of local newspapermen and a graduate student in forensics turns up any clues.

But that's just the beginning of the mystery. Because the more they learn about the man and the baffling circumstances of his death, the less they understand. Was it an impossible crime? Or something stranger still...?

No one but Stephen King could tell this story about the darkness at the heart of the unknown and our compulsion to investigate the unexplained. With echoes of Dashiell Hammett's The Maltese Falcon and the work of Graham Greene, one of the world's great storytellers presents a surprising tale that explores the nature of mystery itself...”

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Rating: 80/100

Recommended: 90/100 Yes.

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The Outsider Review

The Outsider

Published: 22, May 2018

Author: Stephen King

Genres: American, Crime, Fiction, Horror, Media Tie-In, Murder, mystery, Psychological, Supernatural, Suspense, Thriller

Check the summary of this book here:

The Outsider Summary

The Review:

Stephen King's The Outsider combines his trademark craftsmanship with a narrative similar to that of his Bill Hodges series, with some of that presented in the novel 11-23-63. Where it varies significantly from both the novels and the series is that this time the author takes us inside our own thoughts and makes us contemplate and mess with our minds.

Another factor that makes it similar to the Bill Hodges series is that it may be considered a part of it due to the presence of a character, but I still consider it a standalone novel. This book, like many of the author's previous works, is set in the same universe as many of his other novels.

I'd want to suggest the Bill Hodges Series before reading this novel, but in many situations, it won't matter, and I'm only recommending the series to true fans of the author or to obsessive readers like myself who want to know everything about an author and read all of their works.

So it's up to the readers to decide if they want to read the entire series merely to have a better understanding of this character and what it means when she becomes involved in the plot at the time where the readers are introduced to her.

There are too many twists and turns to keep you interested in continuing to read. In certain cases, the outcomes are foreseeable. They are tested by Stephen King's surprise forays into the otherworldly to keep things intriguing.

On the negative, I wish Frankie's character had been fleshed out more. It's tough to be concerned about a child's murder, no matter how vivid or terrible, if you don't know anything about him.

Maitland's daughters are in the same boat. Stephen King is known for realistically bringing the children in his stories to life, but this novel was left on a set level because it is an adult work, and the author may have believed it was best to maintain it that way.

Within the first few pages, the outstanding author has the reader hooked. Throughout the novel, there are brutal depictions of the instigating incident.

In numerous passages, there are also descriptions of other acts of violence and physical intimacy. So, if any of these offends you, or if you plan to give this book to any children, don't buy it.

I was around hundred pages into the book when I realized the author had written himself into a corner. I thought, there doesn't appear to be a way out of this problem. However, in true Stephen King fashion, he does escape and tells a terrific story.

There are two situations in the novel that I consider to be life-changing. They're called such because these types of scenarios might terrify a reader or spectator to change the way they do certain things in life.

The Jaws, for example, changed many people's lives when they were always looking about in the sea because the pictures of those massive jaws were engraved in their minds.

The same goes with the bedroom scene with "Gracie" and the toilet scene with "Hoskins" in this book. Let's just say these two will make you peek behind the shower curtain before getting down to business in the morning.

Characters get linked to or identified with by the majority of readers. Usually, the protagonist or one of his or her supporting characters is chosen first. Ralph and Holly were both interesting characters.

Claude, Lovie, and Yune, on the other hand, were my picks. I never imagined that when I first read about Claude, he would come back later in the novel with such significance.

Through Lovie's narration, The author brought the Marysville Hole story to life. You could almost see her retelling the events as a black-and-white film.

One of my favorite authors is Stephen King. Since the beginning, I've been reading his novels. I like all of his works, but the Dark Tower Series is one of my favorites.

Some of his stories aren't as powerful as others, but overall, I enjoy his work. I'll tell you why: it's all because of his characters! No other author can create a character like him! He puts you in their heads, and you can't help but become one of them for the course of the novel.

Consider Cujo or The Long Walk and tell me you didn't see yourself in the protagonist's shoes or in Cujo's case the paws. And he doesn't disappoint in The Outsider either.

I loved his Bill Hodges Series, and even though Bill is no longer in the picture, we get to see Holly again in this book, plus he introduces some new characters who I believe we will see again in the future.

The first part of the book is filled with perplexing mysteries! I was driving myself insane trying to find out how this was possible! Of course, the authorities were also looking into the horrific murder of a child.

And then, Stephen King's usual supernatural twist appears in the second half. For a time, I was scared that the supernatural would drag the novel into the ludicrous and leave me unsatisfied, but it genuinely kept me intrigued and on track until the conclusion. It wasn't overly extravagant. If you like Bill Hodges novels, you should enjoy this one as well.

Final Thoughts:

I adored every word, and I was enthralled when a character from another novel was introduced in this one, and it made me pleased to know that this story is part of Stephen King's vast universe that he has been building for so long.

It's another fantastic novel that also happens to be horrifying. This novel, like most of Stephen King's, is difficult to put down. A small-town married man is arrested for the gruesome death of little Frankie Peterson, creating mystery and suspense.

The novel opens with a juxtaposition of police interrogation transcripts and narrative, giving the reader the impression that this person did it, but that he couldn't have done it.

This may not go down in history as one of the author's masterpieces, but it demonstrates that he is still a master of the genre and a great craftsman at generating gripping fiction.

Overall, The Outsider was a thrilling experience. It isn't as good as Misery, 11-23-63, The Stand, IT, and other similar masterpieces.

However, you can't expect an artist's next book or film to be as good as or better than his or her past work. This is a novel that Stephen King lovers will like. It's well worth your time to read.

Synopsis:

“Now an HBO limited series starring Ben Mendelsohn!​

Evil has many faces…maybe even yours in this #1 New York Times bestseller from master storyteller Stephen King.

An eleven-year-old boy’s violated corpse is discovered in a town park. Eyewitnesses and fingerprints point unmistakably to one of Flint City’s most popular citizens—Terry Maitland, Little League coach, English teacher, husband, and father of two girls. Detective Ralph Anderson, whose son Maitland once coached, orders a quick and very public arrest. Maitland has an alibi, but Anderson and the district attorney soon have DNA evidence to go with the fingerprints and witnesses. Their case seems ironclad.

As the investigation expands and horrifying details begin to emerge, King’s story kicks into high gear, generating strong tension and almost unbearable suspense. Terry Maitland seems like a nice guy, but is he wearing another face? When the answer comes, it will shock you as only Stephen King can.”

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Rating: 90/100

Recommended: 100/100 Yes.

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