“If you can’t let go of the past, the mistakes you’ve made will eat you alive.” Stephen King, The Outsider

OVERVIEW

This is the first book I have read for a 2020 adaptation. I’m not sure that I would recommend it but I do look forward to seeing how it plays out on screen.

“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.”

SPOILER ALERT

I have, admittedly, not enjoyed many of Stephen King’s “monster” books. It was a great book, terrible movie, but an exception. I love his writing, it’s just that I think I prefer a “real” ending as opposed to a monster.

When I read the premise of this book, I wanted to know how Terry was able to beat the system and fool the forensics into getting away with murder. What I got was a monster… For the crime-lover like me, it was a bit of a let-down. I know I should have expected it going into a Stephen King book, but, alas, I was fooled.

SUMMARY

Stephen King is and will always be a great writer. While I didn’t love the story, I still wanted to keep reading because of his writing style and how he magically manages to pull you in, even if you don’t love the actual story or outcome. If you are a fan of the somewhat supernatural, this will be a great one for you to pick up. I am sure that the series will be riviteing and terrifying.

BOOK SCORE: B-