by Stephen King

A Horror, 2025 by Scribner, 448 Pages 

What I Didn’t Like:

• The storyline with Barbara and the singers felt a bit unnecessary. I understand that it sort of allows some things to come together but it was slow leading up to everything. Plus, it continues to be highly unbelievable. Fame doesn’t fall in anyone’s lap like it falls in Barbara’s here. 
• As much as I like Holly, her as a bodyguard makes zero sense. All the characters are aware of this, even Holly, yet it becomes a central storyline.
• Is it just me or was most of this case solved by minor characters and not Holly or the detectives? That felt odd. 

What I Did Like:

• Holly is a solid character. I thoroughly enjoy her all the time but in this role, particularly, she’s spectacular. Out of her comfort zone and yet still, somehow, in her element.
• Good villains. Not a surprise, this is something King does well. This book features a couple of villains who are terrifying and well written. Unlike with the previous book in this series, these villains are also realistic and don’t lean toward the paranormal at all. 
• Satisfying ending. All of the Holly Gibney books have wrapped up everything in a neat way that allows King to decide whether there will be more or not at a later date. This one is no exception. You have your answers, the case is solved, you wouldn’t be mad if the series ended here.

Who Should Read This One:

• If you liked the other Gibney stories (of which people are VERY opinionated on) this is a solid next installment. If you didn’t like them, you won’t like this one either.

My Rating: 3 Stars