Holly

Holy creepy! Stephen King is a master in his craft for a reason. I was on edge the entire time and practically screaming for everyone to put everything together. I enjoyed the multiple perspectives because it allows us as the reader to be in the know but the way it’s written keeps enough of a mystery to bring suspense. I hated liking the characters I knew were going to die and I truly enjoyed our main characters. The biggest hangup for me was the fact that we’re set during the COVID-19 pandemic. I know it’s apart of our history and its inevitable that it’ll be referenced in mediums but I just don’t enjoy it. I read to get away and that time just hits too hard. Plus, although accurate, it was pushing a bit political for me.

thenextgoodbook.com

What’s it about?

Holly Gibney is back as the sole investigator in this latest Stephen King novel. Set about a year and a half into the Covid crisis, Holly is hired by Penny Dahl to find her missing daughter Bonnie. The police assume Bonnie has just run away from home, but Penny is convinced she has been taken.

What did it make me think about?

How will we remember Covid?

Should I read it?

Stephen King can certainly write a mystery. No one is going to argue that. However, this was not my favorite of his books. I am not sure if it was Holly being the sole lead character or that the novel felt a little preachy to me. I think it was the combination of both. If you like a good mystery then I would still pick this one up. Stephen King is a great storyteller- even when he gets sidetracked.

Quote-

“Holly decides not to listen to the rest of anxious Penelope’s messages. The lady will have to wait. Pete sure isn’t going to be doing any legwork for awhile; he tested positive for Covid a week before Charlotte died. He was double-vaxxed and isn’t too sick- says it’s more like a heavy cold than the flu- but he’s quarantining and will be for some time to come.”

This “horror” is just an episode of Criminal Minds.

Fun little read about cannibalism

People go missing in a college town, seemingly unconnected. Did they run away, start a new life? Holly doesn't think so.

I need to do some catching up on my Stephen King reading.

Loved this, the narration was *chef's kiss*! Without it I'd prob rate the story at 4 stars. This was great for King though, amazing well conceived characters, a plot that at the best of time was inconceivable and at the worst stomach churning. Kept me wanting more, so what more could I ask for? Next please!