a whole story and not just a day in the life of a story that leaves you feeling a bit cheated

I gobbled this book right up. One course story after another. I tried to chew with my mouth closed, but it was hard at times. 

Full disclosure - those of you who have been following this blog for awhile, know I simply LOVE Stephen King. He is a story telling wizard. So, when I read in the NYT book review about this new collection of sort stories, I was ready. What really drew me in was the description of the first story in the book, Mr. Harrigan's Phone. A boy and his relationship with the man he is hired to read to, and how he tucks his cell phone into the casket with him before they close the lid. Of course I want to know where that leads. Don't you?

Then of course there is Holly Gibney who was one of the 3 main characters in the Bill Hodges trilogy. She is featured in If it Bleeds, it Leads. I had to check in to see what was new with her since we last met in End of Watch. Happily Jerome also makes an appearance. 

I liked all 4 of these tales. There is something very satisfying about a story that can be read in just a few sittings, but still contains a whole story and not just a day in the life of a story that leaves you feeling a bit cheated (or not) because you are left up in the air by the virtue of the short story format.

Anyway, I enjoyed each of these stories immensely. Perfect for front porch, back porch, bedtime, anytime reading. 

Comments

[Chris O]

I love King too!

[jeanette sclar]

Perhaps it's time to give Mr. King another chance. Ages ago, a friend at work offered to loan me a book on tape of one of King's works (this WAS a long time ago: I'd never tried books on tape). I plugged in after work and took my dog out for our daily walk. It was November. It was already getting quite dark, especially when we got to the park. I don't recall which book it was, but it was Stephen King. Stephen King scary. And there I was, in the dark, in the park, with a dog so socialized he would happily wag his tail at my attacker. I never listened to another word. And never read one either!
I will try to read one in the safety of my home in broad daylight.

[carol]

Jeanette: the thought of you out with the dog, in the dark, scared out of your wits, made me laugh out loud. I am a terrible person. Ask my sisters. I always laugh at the most inappropriate times.