Frankenstein: City of Night Review

Frankenstein: City of Night

Published: 2005

Author: Dean Koontz and Ed Gorman

Genre: Conspiracy, Fiction, Horror, Literature, Mystery, Police Procedurals, Supernatural, Suspense, Thriller

Book 02 of 05: Frankenstein

Check the summary of this book here:

Frankenstein: City of Night Summary

The Review

The novel City of Night was written by best-selling authors Dean Koontz and Ed Gorman and published in 2005. This book is the second installment in Koontz's Frankenstein series. Dead and Alive, the third book in the series was released in 2009. You continue with O'Connor and Michael's frequently funny conversation, which is quite pleasant in the midst of all the excitement and occurrences. Deucalion seemed to take on a little different position, and he didn't look as frightening as he did in "Prodigal Son." 

I was first disappointed, but it worked perfectly with the flow of the plot. Victor Frankenstein's persona developed more, and you can fully sense his insanity and arrogance in what he does as he grows more and more reckless. 

Overall, the plot appears to be sluggish, but it is actually rapid, and you only realize this when the book is nearly finished or you are on the final page.

This was a fantastic read for me. The brief chapters didn't bother me this time, and I thought they added to the story's appeal. 

The premise was intriguing and grew to intensify as the story progressed. The characters did not change and stayed as they were. 

The tale delves deeper into Helios' life and gives you a better idea of what his inventions are like.

I didn't like how sudden the ending was since I wanted to read and learn more. To me, it appeared as if Mr. Koontz arbitrarily selected a point to finish the City of Night, and by both I mean the City of Night and Dead and Alive, but this was not the case, and it was done on purpose, much like an episode of a TV program is chopped to keep the viewer interested in the future episode.

This is the second book in the series that I enjoy, however it is a little slow-paced and appears to mainly build up the third book. 

This establishes the major narrative and struggle that Victor will confront, and we get to know the characters a little more in this book. 

It appears to be taking an interesting direction and has kept my interest quite well. I wish there was a better finish to this since, as I've stated several times in this review, it simply dropped off. It was as if Koontz wrote one novel and then ripped it in half to make two. But don't worry, the following book, "Dead and Alive," is excellent.

I've never liked a "second part" as much as or more than the first, but this book was out of this world! A "page-turner" in the same vein as book one. 

This novel maintains the wit and comedy of the first. It's nice to see the cops back at work, and there are even more great characters introduced that you'll like.

O'Connor and Maddison's only communication with each other consists entirely of witty banter in which they exchange snappy one-liners back and forth, and I believe some readers will dislike it because it is tiresome and unrealistic for them, but many readers will enjoy it and may laugh out loud on numerous occasions, so just read and decide which one you are.

I once again admire Koontz's ability to lure me into each chapter...and then leave me breathless as he jumps back and forth between the mini-plots of other characters. 

The only dissatisfaction I had during this never-ending sensation of emotional foreplay was my intense need to read more about the often delicate, sad, haunting, and sometimes savage Deucalion, and Koontz's teasing left me unsatisfied in this aspect. 

I anticipated Deucalion would play a larger part in the next book, as he is the Old Race's Champion, and he should be essential and center stage during the impending holocaust. 

I couldn't figure out who wrote what out of the three authors (Dean Koontz, Ed Gorman and Kevin J. Anderson) in this and the prior narrative but I don't think it matters because both novels were fantastic.

Overall, I felt the book was a fantastic read, however as I already stated, it fell short at the end. 

Dean Koontz's whole body of work is in my possession. I purchased it as soon as it was available. Sure enough, he didn't let me down. He can easily keep the reader's attention from page one to the conclusion. He is a real master storyteller. I wholeheartedly suggest all of his books!

Final Thoughts

Let me start by saying that you are lucky in that the third book in this series has already been released and that you can purchase it as soon as you finish the second.

It's a little bland at first as it sets up the remainder of the novel, but it's still amusing. It becomes a true page-turner, twisting and turning with tales merging and getting more thrilling. It's fantastic.

The City of Night picks up immediately where Prodigal Son leaves off. All of the characters have returned, plus a few new ones have been introduced, and Helios' weaknesses are becoming more apparent. 

Carson, Michael, and Deucalion's new goal is to destroy Helios, as Helios continues to strive to take over the globe with his new race.

Fans of the original novel will not be disappointed with this sequel. This book takes off precisely where the last one left off and runs from beginning to end. 

There was a brief review of what had occurred that was interspersed across the first few chapters. This is especially helpful if, like me, you purchased this book as immediately as it was available but never got around to reading it.

This is a novel I wholeheartedly recommend, especially if you loved the first book in the series. 

I chose Book one since I am a major admirer of all things Frankenstein as I mentioned in my previous review. While it's a fresh take on the subject, it's been extremely nice thus far.

In a nutshell, this is what this book is... Fantastic narrative, great characters, loads of tension, and romantic hints. 

According to the previous allusions, I liked this book and despise these novels for their cliffhangers, but in a pleasant manner.

Synopsis

"The Frankenstein story is updated to the 21st century by the great American storyteller Dean Koontz. Now someone new is playing god.

They are stronger, heal better and think faster than any humans ever created – and they must be destroyed. But not even Victor Helios can stop the engineered killers he has set loose on a reign of terror through modern-day New Orleans.

The mad genius had not imagined that his creations would develop minds – and purposes – of their own. And as Deucalion and Detectives O'Connor and Maddison race to uncover an age-old conspiracy, they will discover that Victor's new, improved models have infiltrated every level of New Orleans society … and far beyond.

Dean Koontz, the master storyteller, creates a bold new legend."

Useful Search Related Words & Keywords

Carson And Michael, Character Development, Frankenstein Series, New Orleans, New Race, Next Book, Odd Thomas, Page Turner, Victor Helios

Rating: 95/100

Recommended: 100/100 Yes.

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Frankenstein: Prodigal Son Review

Frankenstein: Prodigal Son

Published: 2005

Author: Dean Koontz and Kevin J. Anderson

Genre: Children's Comics, Conspiracy, Fiction, Graphic Novels, Horror, Literary, Literature, Mystery, Police Procedurals, Science Fiction, Supernatural, Suspense, Thriller

Book 01 of 05: Frankenstein

Check the summary of this book here:

Frankenstein: Prodigal Son Summary

The Review

Dean Koontz's novel Prodigal Son is a best-selling novel. The novel is the first in a series of five by Dean Koontz named Dean Koontz's Frankenstein. Kevin J. Anderson, another fantastic author, contributed to the book as a co-author. 

I was already planning to buy and read this book because it contained the name Frankenstein, but it became even more necessary after learning about both writers' names.

Koontz is one of my favorite modern fiction writers because of his sense of humor and assimilation of the spiritual component of reality in his work, where the brilliant optimism of good and the horror of evil are eloquently represented and contrasted.

The next few lines are connected to the narrative of this work, however, I am simply posting them since all of this information is already on the back of the book, thus it is not considered a spoiler. 

The basic narrative follows New Orleans detective Carson and her partner Michael as they search for "The Surgeon," a serial killer. 

Deucalion, once known as The Monster, is alarmed by reports of this serial murderer, believing that his old master and creator, Dr. Victor Frankenstein, has returned. 

When Carson meets Deucalion, the investigation takes a darker turn, leading Carson and Michael down the road of a 200-year-old mystery and evil that threatens more than just New Orleans.

The series' idea was based on a script created by Koontz and Anderson for the 2004 USA Network TV movie Frankenstein. 

Due to creative differences with the network, Koontz resigned from the project, and the production went on a new route with identical characters and a different narrative, while Koontz was able to publish his own series.

The production firm 1019 Entertainment announced in October 2012 that they have obtained the whole Koontz Frankenstein novel series. TNT has announced plans to adapt it into a television series, with writer James V. Hart and his son Jake Hart penning the screenplay.

This novel has so many side tales that I was worried about how everything will fit together while I was reading it. 

After a third of the way through the novel, you discover you're following two separate stories: one about Carson and Michael and the New Orleans Homicide Division, and the other about Victor and Deucalion. When the novel's end arrives, everything falls into place.

The number of characters I was following when I initially started reading this story astounded me. 

The narrative began by following four separate characters, each with their own story. I wasn't sure how I felt about it at first, but I think it turned out well. 

I was also dissatisfied with the quantity of hopping back and forth between storylines. We seemed to be going to a different individual with each new chapter, which was around three pages long on average. 

With all of the leaping around, I was left wondering how anything could possibly progress. It wasn't long before it became clear that all of the hopping around was leading to one tale.

All of the leaping about bothered me. At the beginning of the novel, I never felt like I got to know the characters. 

I had a solid understanding of the characters at the conclusion of the book, but I lacked any kind of emotional attachment to any of them. 

I also didn't enjoy how none of the characters grew as the tale progressed. Carson was Carson from start to finish; Michael was Michael from start to finish, and so on. 

The lone character that changed significantly during the novel had such a little role in the plot that the alteration was easily unnoticed.

This book is unexpectedly clever, with aspects of both a superb detective story and a science fiction classic. 

The characters are nicely rounded, and the plot is intriguing. I'm presently reading the final book in the series, and it's just as good as the others.

All of the components of an excellent thriller are present. Some verb tense changes looked superfluous. 

If you require closure, the finale leaves a lot of loose ends, so be prepared to read the sequels. 

You may read the book summaries if you want, and I usually put a link to them near the top of the review, but if you are a genuine book lover, I recommend avoiding reading the summaries so you can be shocked by what occurs next.

Finally, Dean Koontz's and Kevin J. Anderson's thriller portrays the true story of Frankenstein's monster. 

It's a fast-paced thrill rush that you won't be able to stop following. Michael Connelly meets Mary Shelly. I am confident that you will not be able to wait and avoid reading the second book in the series.

Final Thoughts

I've always been a fan of vintage horror characters. The Frankenstein monster was one of my favorites since it was a man-made monstrosity that was never given the opportunity to learn and develop, much like my own ideal of defeating death so that we as humans may do more and achieve our full potential with an unlimited life. 

I was fascinated when I learned Dean Koontz had written a Frankenstein book. I had no idea what to expect from this book and was pleasantly pleased to discover that it was set in the modern times. 

This is set about 200 years after its birth, as if the Frankenstein monster still existed and how he would adjust to modern civilization.

I enjoyed the book and couldn't put it down once I started reading it. I enjoyed the unfolding plot and never knew what would come next. 

I always had a pretty decent concept of what was going to happen, but I was never able to get even half of it correct (for example, a killer is discovered, begins to flee, is apprehended, and dies). 

When, in actuality, the perpetrator is apprehended, flees, begins to shift, finds himself in a difficult place, narrowly escapes, is killed, and yet manages to flee at the same time. Isn't it perplexing? Start reading to find out.

Overall, the plot was exciting and fast-paced. I would suggest this book to anybody who likes mysteries, especially those in which the reader is taken in by the mystery and then is left wondering, "What just occurred, I'm blown away?"

Koontz's concept is pretty intriguing, and it leaves you guessing as to how it will all play out. For fans of the Frankenstein narrative, this is a must-read.

Synopsis

“From the celebrated imagination of Dean Koontz comes a powerful reworking of one of the classic stories of all time. If you think you know the story, you know only half the truth. Get ready for the mystery, the myth, the terror, and the magic of…

Dean Koontz's Prodigal Son

Every city has secrets. But none as terrible as this. His name is Deucalion, a tattooed man of mysterious origin, a sleight-of-reality artist who’s traveled the centuries with a secret worse than death. He arrives as a serial killer stalks the streets, a killer who carefully selects his victims for the humanity that is missing in himself. Detective Carson O’Connor is cool, cynical, and every bit as tough as she looks. Her partner Michael Maddison would back her up all the way to Hell itself–and that just may be where this case ends up. For the no-nonsense O’Connor is suddenly talking about an ages-old conspiracy, a near immortal race of beings, and killers that are more—and less—than human. Soon it will be clear that as crazy as she sounds, the truth is even more ominous. For their quarry isn’t merely a homicidal maniac—but his deranged maker.”

Useful Search Related Words & Keywords

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Rating: 90/100

Recommended: 100/100 Yes.

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End of Watch Review

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:

End of Watch Summary

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

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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

Another Great Book, Bill Hodges, Hodges Trilogy, Holly And Jerome, In The Trilogy, Jimmy Gold, John Rothstein, Looking Forward, Morris Bellamy, Read Mr Mercedes, Third Book

Rating: 90/100

Recommended: 90/100 Yes.

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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.”

Useful Search Related Words & Keywords

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Rating: 90/100

Recommended: 90/100 Yes.

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Later Review

Later

Published: 2, March 2021

Author: Stephen King

Genre: Ghost, Hard-Boiled, Mystery, Paranormal, Police Procedurals, Psychic, Supernatural, Suspense, Thriller

Check the summary of this book here:

Later Summary

The Review

Stephen King's crime thriller Later was released by Hard Case Crime. The book is published in paperback and hardback, with a limited number of hardcover copies available. The limited hardback edition has cover art by Gregory Manchess, while the paperback version has cover art by Paul Mann. Seth Numrich reads the 7-hour Audiobook.

Following the publication of The Colorado Kid and Joyland, this is Stephen King's third Hard Case Crime novel. Jamie Conklin, who has the gift to see deceased people, is the protagonist of the narrative, which is recounted in the first person. The novel debuted at number two on The New York Times fiction best-seller list in the week ending March 6, 2021.

To give you a little background on the story, it is set in the late 2000s and is told by the main character, a young boy living in New York City with his single mother, Tia.

Jamie possesses the gift to see and communicate with the dead. The deceased persons he can communicate with must honestly answer all of his queries.

Jamie is terrified as a child when a man killed in a traffic accident waves to him despite the fact that he is dead.

He also speaks to Mona, the late wife of Professor Martin Burkett, a neighbor, and friend of the Conklins', when he is a few years older. Jamie's mother is the only one who is aware of his abilities.

The book contains many themes that are reminiscent of classic Stephen King novels, but this time they have been combined with the crime, mystery, thriller, ghost story, supernatural and coming-of-age genres to produce something a little unusual. The author has always done this for most of his career, and he is just getting better at it

There are recurring themes such as a youngster having to grow up and depend on himself in the face of less-than-perfect adults, and supernatural power being both a blessing and a burden.

The protagonist's reminiscences of his terrible upbringing reminded me of earlier Stephen King stories, but this one is more current, given the events that take place in this millennium.

Even if the beginning is a little slower than in some other crime books, I was extremely hooked on this plot. The action kicks up later.

The novel isn't as long as I'd like it to be, but it's still manageable for a casual reader in terms of page count, and it has some excellent, crisp, and accurate language.

First-person narrators have always piqued my interest, and Jamie Conklin is a figure I won't soon forget. The author has a knack for writing about children and the bittersweet process of growing up, and his voice and perspective are handled with care.

Naturally, his characters are compelled to mature in ways that both terrify and pleasure us. I finished the novel in one sitting.

There are several unexpected Easter eggs stashed within this magnificent little masterpiece. What begins as a slow-burner as the author develops the universe and people, it rapidly builds into a page-turner filled with high intensity and mystery.

In reality, this Stephen King work is exceptionally brutal, gloomy, and dark. It has the feel of a Richard Bachman novel. But there's a little more heart in this. Perhaps there's a hint of J.D. Salinger here if Holden Caulfield had a magical revelation to go along with his despair.

Later is a quick but enjoyable journey that will appeal to Stephen King and Hard Case Crime aficionados alike.

When you believe it's a relation to Haley Joel Osmont from The Sixth Sense, it's not your imagination playing tricks on you. In this novel, the author brazenly admits the link.

Dean Koontz's 2007 novel Odd Thomas is another book that springs to mind while thinking about who sees dead people.

However, this does not imply that the author stole the concept because it has existed from the dawn of humanity when shamans and leaders professed to communicate with the dead. Even now, many individuals profit from deceiving the naive.

Here, too, you have a young child, aged 9 at the start to 15 at the end, who sees dead people in some way.

These deceased people, on the other hand, converse with young Jamie, and it appears that one of the magical laws is that they always answer his inquiries honestly.

These ghosts don't have the white sheets, they're more haunting than Casper, and they range from a kind elderly lady to a serial killer.

It also reminds us of Joyland, one of Stephen King's early Hard Case Crime works. It elicits a similar sense of childish awe.

Jamie's narrative voice is the key to this quick-paced small story. It's got that coming-of-age innocence mixed together with a dash of streetwise snark that simply fits.

Despite the final war between good and evil, like in most of the author's tales, you'll find this one to be horror mild. It doesn't quite reach the point of being horrifying, but it skirts the edge, and it all depends on who is reading it.

If you're searching for a way to get started with Stephen King's work, this is a good place to start. If you've been a long-time reader of Stephen King's work, like me, you'll be happy to succumb to a great author at work. There's a logical explanation we return time and time again.

Final Thoughts

Is this a horror story? After more consideration, uncle Stevie, or, in this instance, our protagonist Jamie Conklin is correct: there are some truly awful events in Stephen King's Later.

Don't get me wrong: it's not on the same level as IT, Pet Sematary, or 'Salem's Lot,' but it doesn't make it any less terrifying, right? Horror may be found anywhere, at any time, and in any shape or size.

Just because something isn't frightening to one person doesn't imply it won't terrify someone else.

So, what have we learned as a result of this lengthy digression? This is a scary story, but like I already stated, it all depends on who is reading it.

I adore the way the author depicts his characters; his descriptions make the characters' sentiments and emotions seem so genuine, even when their talents are magical. Despite the fact that it was a surprise, I truly like the ending.

Characters come to life in his novels, and his books are full of them. The stories frequently take a back step, despite the fact that they are equally as enticing and brilliantly anchor his work.

It's difficult to detest this book if you're a fan of the author. Even if you haven't read any of his previous excellent works, this one is a decent read. It's a quick read that was well worth my time and money.

Synopsis

“A brand-new novel from legendary storyteller Stephen King!

Sometimes growing up means facing your demons.

The son of a struggling single mother, Jamie Conklin just wants an ordinary childhood. But Jamie is no ordinary child. Born with an unnatural ability his mom urges him to keep secret, Jamie can see what no one else can see and learn what no one else can learn. But the cost of using this ability is higher than Jamie can imagine - as he discovers when an NYPD detective draws him into the pursuit of a killer who has threatened to strike from beyond the grave.

Later is Stephen King at his finest, a terrifying and touching story of innocence lost and the trials that test our sense of right and wrong. With echoes of King’s classic novel It, Later is a powerful, haunting, unforgettable exploration of what it takes to stand up to evil in all the faces it wears.”

Useful Search Related Words & Keywords

Case Crime, Colorado Kid, Dead People, Easy Read, Hard Case, Highly Recommend, Jamie Conklin, Main Character, Page Turner, Quick Read, Really Enjoyed, Sees Dead, Sixth Sense, Young Boy

Rating: 90/100

Recommended: 100/100 Yes.

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Salem’s Lot (1979) (G)

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