Description
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.
C Wm (Andy) Anderson –
When I post reviews of Stephen King, I quite often rate it at five stars and, consequently, many people assume I’m just another King groupie. If you are one of these, you might still find a reason to appreciate my take on this latest work by the master of horror, because this story goes into something much more than just horror. Be sure though that you are ready to journey through shock and awe as only Stephen King can guide you., In searching my book of quotations, searching for just the right thought, I came up with this nugget of wisdom by the master of horror:, The trust of the innocent is the liar’s most useful tool – Stephen King, Demakis, Joseph. The Ultimate Book of Quotations (p. 490). Unknown. Kindle Edition., BLUSH FACTOR: This is Stephen King, so, of course, there are ample profanities. As for me, I wouldn’t change a word, but that’s just me., Reviewers and readers of Stephen King fall into three categories. My target audience is that segment that wants to know if this novel is little more than a re-hash of one of his other novels, or something fresh and titillating., As for myself, I am close to being a dedicated fan, so keep that in mind as you proceed., The Outsider blends typical King with the same sort of plot as his Bill Hodges series and some of that exhibited in the book 11-23-63. Where it differs markedly from both is the King gets us inside the head, EXCERPT, NOTE: I took the below excerpt from about the 15% mark, so don’t get the impression that this is a spoiler. What you’re reading here may, or may not shed light on the direction of the story. It is provided only so readers can get a feel for the language utilized with great effect to set the scene and establish the mood, as I call it, or to foretell the direction of the tale., ‘…deliberate. What possessed you? What on God’s green earth possessed you?”, Ralph felt his face heating up again. “You really want to know, counselor?”, “Ralph,” Samuels said warningly. He put a restraining hand on Ralph’s arm., Ralph shook it off. “I wasn’t the one who arrested him. I had a couple of officers do that, because I was afraid I might put my hands around his throat and choke him blue. Which would give a smart lawyer like you a little too much to work with.” He stepped forward, getting into Gold’s space to make him stop the back and forth rocking. “He grabbed Frank Peterson and took him to Figgis Park. There he raped the kid with a tree branch, and there he killed him. Do you want to know how he killed him?”, “Ralph, that’s privileged!” Samuels squawked., Ralph paid no attention. “Preliminary forensics suggests he tore the kid’s throat open with his teeth. He may even have swallowed some of the flesh, okay? All that got him so excited that he dropped trou and spilled his spunk all over the back of the kid’s thighs. Nastiest, vilest, most unspeakable unspeakable murder any of us will ever see, God willing. He must have been building up to it for a long time. None of us who were at the scene will ever get it out of our minds. And…’, King, Stephen. The Outsider: A Novel (Kindle Locations 961-971). Scribner. Kindle Edition., BOTTOM LINE, I’ve tried to provide sufficient insight into “The Outsider” without spoiling the tale and without slipping any expletives into the review. If you have enjoyed King’s recent stories, I think this is even better than those. Mind you, my favorite of his remains “The Stand,” but this story is a very close second, or, perhaps, third., Five stars out of five., Did this review answer most of your questions and concerns? I encourage you to leave a comment below to help me provide reviews that work for you. Further, I am writing a book for aspiring reviewers and for product suppliers seeking reviews in an effort to help improve the process and to understand the value of Amazon’s Customer Review process., Together, you and I can build something great. Will you join me?, One request: Be respectful and courteous in your comments and emails to me. I will do likewise with you., Thank you.
C Wm (Andy) Anderson –
When I post reviews of Stephen King, I quite often rate it at five stars and, consequently, many people assume I’m just another King groupie. If you are one of these, you might still find a reason to appreciate my take on this latest work by the master of horror, because this story goes into something much more than just horror. Be sure though that you are ready to journey through shock and awe as only Stephen King can guide you., In searching my book of quotations, searching for just the right thought, I came up with this nugget of wisdom by the master of horror:, The trust of the innocent is the liar’s most useful tool – Stephen King, Demakis, Joseph. The Ultimate Book of Quotations (p. 490). Unknown. Kindle Edition., BLUSH FACTOR: This is Stephen King, so, of course, there are ample profanities. As for me, I wouldn’t change a word, but that’s just me., Reviewers and readers of Stephen King fall into three categories. My target audience is that segment that wants to know if this novel is little more than a re-hash of one of his other novels, or something fresh and titillating., As for myself, I am close to being a dedicated fan, so keep that in mind as you proceed., The Outsider blends typical King with the same sort of plot as his Bill Hodges series and some of that exhibited in the book 11-23-63. Where it differs markedly from both is the King gets us inside the head, EXCERPT, NOTE: I took the below excerpt from about the 15% mark, so don’t get the impression that this is a spoiler. What you’re reading here may, or may not shed light on the direction of the story. It is provided only so readers can get a feel for the language utilized with great effect to set the scene and establish the mood, as I call it, or to foretell the direction of the tale., ‘…deliberate. What possessed you? What on God’s green earth possessed you?”, Ralph felt his face heating up again. “You really want to know, counselor?”, “Ralph,” Samuels said warningly. He put a restraining hand on Ralph’s arm., Ralph shook it off. “I wasn’t the one who arrested him. I had a couple of officers do that, because I was afraid I might put my hands around his throat and choke him blue. Which would give a smart lawyer like you a little too much to work with.” He stepped forward, getting into Gold’s space to make him stop the back and forth rocking. “He grabbed Frank Peterson and took him to Figgis Park. There he raped the kid with a tree branch, and there he killed him. Do you want to know how he killed him?”, “Ralph, that’s privileged!” Samuels squawked., Ralph paid no attention. “Preliminary forensics suggests he tore the kid’s throat open with his teeth. He may even have swallowed some of the flesh, okay? All that got him so excited that he dropped trou and spilled his spunk all over the back of the kid’s thighs. Nastiest, vilest, most unspeakable unspeakable murder any of us will ever see, God willing. He must have been building up to it for a long time. None of us who were at the scene will ever get it out of our minds. And…’, King, Stephen. The Outsider: A Novel (Kindle Locations 961-971). Scribner. Kindle Edition., BOTTOM LINE, I’ve tried to provide sufficient insight into “The Outsider” without spoiling the tale and without slipping any expletives into the review. If you have enjoyed King’s recent stories, I think this is even better than those. Mind you, my favorite of his remains “The Stand,” but this story is a very close second, or, perhaps, third., Five stars out of five., Did this review answer most of your questions and concerns? I encourage you to leave a comment below to help me provide reviews that work for you. Further, I am writing a book for aspiring reviewers and for product suppliers seeking reviews in an effort to help improve the process and to understand the value of Amazon’s Customer Review process., Together, you and I can build something great. Will you join me?, One request: Be respectful and courteous in your comments and emails to me. I will do likewise with you., Thank you.
C Wm (Andy) Anderson –
When I post reviews of Stephen King, I quite often rate it at five stars and, consequently, many people assume I’m just another King groupie. If you are one of these, you might still find a reason to appreciate my take on this latest work by the master of horror, because this story goes into something much more than just horror. Be sure though that you are ready to journey through shock and awe as only Stephen King can guide you., In searching my book of quotations, searching for just the right thought, I came up with this nugget of wisdom by the master of horror:, The trust of the innocent is the liar’s most useful tool – Stephen King, Demakis, Joseph. The Ultimate Book of Quotations (p. 490). Unknown. Kindle Edition., BLUSH FACTOR: This is Stephen King, so, of course, there are ample profanities. As for me, I wouldn’t change a word, but that’s just me., Reviewers and readers of Stephen King fall into three categories. My target audience is that segment that wants to know if this novel is little more than a re-hash of one of his other novels, or something fresh and titillating., As for myself, I am close to being a dedicated fan, so keep that in mind as you proceed., The Outsider blends typical King with the same sort of plot as his Bill Hodges series and some of that exhibited in the book 11-23-63. Where it differs markedly from both is the King gets us inside the head, EXCERPT, NOTE: I took the below excerpt from about the 15% mark, so don’t get the impression that this is a spoiler. What you’re reading here may, or may not shed light on the direction of the story. It is provided only so readers can get a feel for the language utilized with great effect to set the scene and establish the mood, as I call it, or to foretell the direction of the tale., ‘…deliberate. What possessed you? What on God’s green earth possessed you?”, Ralph felt his face heating up again. “You really want to know, counselor?”, “Ralph,” Samuels said warningly. He put a restraining hand on Ralph’s arm., Ralph shook it off. “I wasn’t the one who arrested him. I had a couple of officers do that, because I was afraid I might put my hands around his throat and choke him blue. Which would give a smart lawyer like you a little too much to work with.” He stepped forward, getting into Gold’s space to make him stop the back and forth rocking. “He grabbed Frank Peterson and took him to Figgis Park. There he raped the kid with a tree branch, and there he killed him. Do you want to know how he killed him?”, “Ralph, that’s privileged!” Samuels squawked., Ralph paid no attention. “Preliminary forensics suggests he tore the kid’s throat open with his teeth. He may even have swallowed some of the flesh, okay? All that got him so excited that he dropped trou and spilled his spunk all over the back of the kid’s thighs. Nastiest, vilest, most unspeakable unspeakable murder any of us will ever see, God willing. He must have been building up to it for a long time. None of us who were at the scene will ever get it out of our minds. And…’, King, Stephen. The Outsider: A Novel (Kindle Locations 961-971). Scribner. Kindle Edition., BOTTOM LINE, I’ve tried to provide sufficient insight into “The Outsider” without spoiling the tale and without slipping any expletives into the review. If you have enjoyed King’s recent stories, I think this is even better than those. Mind you, my favorite of his remains “The Stand,” but this story is a very close second, or, perhaps, third., Five stars out of five., Did this review answer most of your questions and concerns? I encourage you to leave a comment below to help me provide reviews that work for you. Further, I am writing a book for aspiring reviewers and for product suppliers seeking reviews in an effort to help improve the process and to understand the value of Amazon’s Customer Review process., Together, you and I can build something great. Will you join me?, One request: Be respectful and courteous in your comments and emails to me. I will do likewise with you., Thank you.
Steve –
The Outsider starts off as a crime novel and then turns into a supernatural horror novel. It is also related to the Mr Mercedes/Finders Keepers/End of Watch trilogy in that Holly Gibney is a main character in the second half of the book. It starts off with the body of a child found horribly violated and all evidence points to a local little league coach and all around good guy named Terry Maitland. Detective Ralph Anderson arrests Terry and it seems to be a no-brainer until more and more evidence suggests that Terry couldn’t have committed the crime. Terry he was miles away.. and there is no possible way one person can be in two places at once or is there? I liked the book overall, though it was a bit bloated. Having read Mr Mercedes, Finders Keepers and End of Watch, I guess I liked The Outsider better than those three. At least not there wasn’t any of the annoying “Holly Berry” dialog, though there is a character named Yune Sablo who randomly speaks in Spanish half the time talks which gets old quick. Not one of his best but worth reading. 4/5
Steve –
The Outsider starts off as a crime novel and then turns into a supernatural horror novel. It is also related to the Mr Mercedes/Finders Keepers/End of Watch trilogy in that Holly Gibney is a main character in the second half of the book. It starts off with the body of a child found horribly violated and all evidence points to a local little league coach and all around good guy named Terry Maitland. Detective Ralph Anderson arrests Terry and it seems to be a no-brainer until more and more evidence suggests that Terry couldn’t have committed the crime. Terry he was miles away.. and there is no possible way one person can be in two places at once or is there? I liked the book overall, though it was a bit bloated. Having read Mr Mercedes, Finders Keepers and End of Watch, I guess I liked The Outsider better than those three. At least not there wasn’t any of the annoying “Holly Berry” dialog, though there is a character named Yune Sablo who randomly speaks in Spanish half the time talks which gets old quick. Not one of his best but worth reading. 4/5
Steve –
The Outsider starts off as a crime novel and then turns into a supernatural horror novel. It is also related to the Mr Mercedes/Finders Keepers/End of Watch trilogy in that Holly Gibney is a main character in the second half of the book. It starts off with the body of a child found horribly violated and all evidence points to a local little league coach and all around good guy named Terry Maitland. Detective Ralph Anderson arrests Terry and it seems to be a no-brainer until more and more evidence suggests that Terry couldn’t have committed the crime. Terry he was miles away.. and there is no possible way one person can be in two places at once or is there? I liked the book overall, though it was a bit bloated. Having read Mr Mercedes, Finders Keepers and End of Watch, I guess I liked The Outsider better than those three. At least not there wasn’t any of the annoying “Holly Berry” dialog, though there is a character named Yune Sablo who randomly speaks in Spanish half the time talks which gets old quick. Not one of his best but worth reading. 4/5
shadae S. –
I bought this novel for myself and my mom. I will admit the first half was a little challenging to get thru as there are so many character mentions and testimonies to follow but once it gets to the arraignment…. Hold on to your butts! I couldn’t put it down and toward the end, I was staying up an hour + past my bedtime because I just had to see what was going to happen., Then about a week ago I watched the HBO series because I wanted to see their depiction of the antagonist. Let’s just say I wouldn’t recommend it. The book tho, thumbs up!
shadae S. –
I bought this novel for myself and my mom. I will admit the first half was a little challenging to get thru as there are so many character mentions and testimonies to follow but once it gets to the arraignment…. Hold on to your butts! I couldn’t put it down and toward the end, I was staying up an hour + past my bedtime because I just had to see what was going to happen., Then about a week ago I watched the HBO series because I wanted to see their depiction of the antagonist. Let’s just say I wouldn’t recommend it. The book tho, thumbs up!
shadae S. –
I bought this novel for myself and my mom. I will admit the first half was a little challenging to get thru as there are so many character mentions and testimonies to follow but once it gets to the arraignment…. Hold on to your butts! I couldn’t put it down and toward the end, I was staying up an hour + past my bedtime because I just had to see what was going to happen., Then about a week ago I watched the HBO series because I wanted to see their depiction of the antagonist. Let’s just say I wouldn’t recommend it. The book tho, thumbs up!
klark –
gteat book from begging to end.never go buy the movies i never read the shinning because i watched the movie i finally read the book after 20 years and the movie is not the book.in the book the black man was the hero he last the whole book he dosnt die in the first 10 min like the movie him the kid become friends foever.the movies crap read the book it will blow you away know wonder steve was so pissed. outsiders really good book you cant stop reading truth.
klark –
gteat book from begging to end.never go buy the movies i never read the shinning because i watched the movie i finally read the book after 20 years and the movie is not the book.in the book the black man was the hero he last the whole book he dosnt die in the first 10 min like the movie him the kid become friends foever.the movies crap read the book it will blow you away know wonder steve was so pissed. outsiders really good book you cant stop reading truth.
klark –
gteat book from begging to end.never go buy the movies i never read the shinning because i watched the movie i finally read the book after 20 years and the movie is not the book.in the book the black man was the hero he last the whole book he dosnt die in the first 10 min like the movie him the kid become friends foever.the movies crap read the book it will blow you away know wonder steve was so pissed. outsiders really good book you cant stop reading truth.
Kindle Customer –
I reread this book after reading If it Bleeds and Googling to see the rest of the books Holly Gibney is in., Apparently I had already read it but it still kept me enthralled. I am looking forward to watching the show on HBOMax and saw that Steve is coming out with a book called Holly soon., Can’t hardly wait!!, One of the nice things about getting older is that I can enjoy books over and over again because my memory isn’t as good as it used to be. 🤪, Gonna reread the whole Mr. Mercedes series as I just finished the show on Peacock.
Kindle Customer –
I reread this book after reading If it Bleeds and Googling to see the rest of the books Holly Gibney is in., Apparently I had already read it but it still kept me enthralled. I am looking forward to watching the show on HBOMax and saw that Steve is coming out with a book called Holly soon., Can’t hardly wait!!, One of the nice things about getting older is that I can enjoy books over and over again because my memory isn’t as good as it used to be. 🤪, Gonna reread the whole Mr. Mercedes series as I just finished the show on Peacock.
Kindle Customer –
I reread this book after reading If it Bleeds and Googling to see the rest of the books Holly Gibney is in., Apparently I had already read it but it still kept me enthralled. I am looking forward to watching the show on HBOMax and saw that Steve is coming out with a book called Holly soon., Can’t hardly wait!!, One of the nice things about getting older is that I can enjoy books over and over again because my memory isn’t as good as it used to be. 🤪, Gonna reread the whole Mr. Mercedes series as I just finished the show on Peacock.