Holly

It had been a few years since I had read a Stephen King book although I devoured them in my teenage years. This one had been getting good coverage so I thought I would try it. I admire that he is still writing novels after so many years. I hadn't realised that Holly Gibney had appeared in previous books but hoped it wouldn't matter (and it doesn't). This was first published in 2023. There are 429 pages with chapters labelled by their date, then each being split into smaller sections. Most of the action is in 2021 but we are frequently taken back to dates during the previous decade. There is a feeling of safety with Stephen King - he's an experienced author and every detail is perfect. I had expected more of a horror novel but was delighted that this book is firmly set in the crime genre. 2021 is a really interesting setting, socially and politically. The US is polarised by the rise of Donald Trump, splitting up friends and families. Covid is well established with a new strain threatening to escalate and differing personal reactions causing more divisions. Throw in some missing people and this book has great potential. There is a definite sense of stepping into Holly's life and having to catch up with her back story. The author makes sure throughout the book that any new reader gradually gets to understand Holly. The pandemic gives a background ripe for rumour and suspicion. Stephen King takes full advantage of the complete confusion that so many were experiencing at the time. Holly is at her mother's funeral when we first meet her - they had a complicated relationship and the reader is allowed to pick through it with Holly as she processes her grief. The descriptions of Holly's feelings about her smoking habit are particularly well written and must be from the author's own experience. I'm not a smoker but almost wanted a cigarette as I read about her complete enjoyment regardless of the negatives. There are two options with a crime novel - identify the perpetrators for the reader at the start then watch the investigator find them or allow the reader to work it out as the detective does. Here, we see the killers early on through a parallel timeline that gradually catches up with the present day (July 21). This creates a tension making the reader encourage Holly and celebrate with her as she gets close to solving the crimes. There is no doubt that Holly will be in danger at some point but you have to have faith that she can beat such a vulnerable couple - can't she??! I was really impressed with every element of this book and am going to buy a few more of the authors recent books. I took my time to read this and got the best out of the story. The ending was as I expected and I was screaming at Holly to call the police which shows my level of engagement. I've definitely got a renewed respect for Stephen King and was particularly interested to read his author's note.

Great story, perfectly written as always, highly recommended

We continue Hollies story, and a damned good story it is too. Good character building with our favourites Jerome to name but one. So why only four stars? I have to be honest Mr King, I did hover my finger over five but having started well, and now I’ve finished it, it certainly ended well, I have to say it became a little flat in the middle, pedestrian even. There I’ve said it and if I hadn’t I wouldn’t be giving an honest review. Now with that said if your wondering whether to purchase this book I’d say no, not yet, read all the Bill Hodges trilogy first and do them in order. THEN you will HAVE to buy this one. It’s still a damn good read.

I couldn’t put it down, nor could I stop reading it

An awesome story featuring Holly Gibney as she tries to unravel The disappearance of a young girl. This is definitely a Stephen King book that should be made into a movie!

Another fantastic book from King featuring one of his best characters.

Still find your character annoying to read (sorry can’t help it) but it’s another solid stretch King thriller. Worth reading

Holly Gibney is the hypochondriac, OCD-suffering private investigator (she hates the term ‘private eye’) whose previous adventures have brought her into contact with the supernatural. In Holly, the first novel where she is the lead protagonist, it’s crime fiction all the way, albeit with a very heavy dash of horror. The incredibly gory plot revolves around the disappearances of young people, most with connections to the local university. Academia provides some of the backdrop to the story - ivory tower boffins living in relative opulence, not far from families languishing in trailer-park misery. The novel is, as you’d expect, a brilliant thriller. It’s superbly macabre stuff from beginning to end. We learn more about Holly and her fellow investigators - who, in fairness, are more or less bit-part players in Holly’s mission, for most of the novel. It’s shot through with references to Covid and Trump. In an interesting afterword, King says he knows some fans will find this preachy - or ‘soapboxing’. It’s not meant to be, he maintains - it’s done to enhance the realism. If Holly was a Covid-denying Republican, King likes to think he’d do a decent job of representing those views (anyone who follows his Twitter feed will know he doesn’t share them). He’s probably right - but Constant Readers will make up their own minds. I could’ve done with a lot less of it, but in the end it didn’t matter. Although it’s straight crime fiction, Holly is, like King’s last book, a kind of fairy tale, albeit a desperately dark one (all the best ones are…) Read it now - it’s a mouth-watering treat, and you’re sure to wolf it down…

Stephen King's "Holly" is a literary gem that masterfully weaves suspense into its narrative, keeping readers on the edge of their seats from start to finish. This novella not only showcases King's storytelling prowess but also exhibits a remarkable sense of pacing that contributes to the overall gripping experience. The suspense in "Holly" is palpable from the very beginning, drawing readers into a world of mystery and intrigue. King skillfully introduces and develops characters, gradually unraveling a plot that is as enigmatic as it is captivating. The air of tension is maintained throughout, creating a sense of anticipation that makes it difficult to put the book down. What sets "Holly" apart is its exceptional pacing. The narrative unfolds with a rhythmic cadence, carefully dosing out revelations and twists at just the right moments. The story progresses seamlessly, and each chapter leaves you hungry for more. King's ability to maintain this pace without sacrificing depth or nuance is a testament to his mastery of the craft. The novella's brevity doesn't compromise its impact; instead, it heightens the intensity, making every page count. King's prose is both engaging and evocative, immersing the reader in the world he has crafted. The characters are well-drawn, and their development contributes to the overall sense of urgency and suspense. In conclusion, "Holly" is a testament to Stephen King's ability to create a gripping narrative with an impeccable sense of pacing. If you're a fan of suspenseful tales that keep you guessing until the very end, "Holly" is a must-read. King once again proves why he is a master of the genre, delivering a novella that lingers in the mind long after the final page is turned.

I am fascinated to read this book after buying back on 2023 and kept it in my TBR for 2 years almost. No doubt with the plot being twisted and exciting just like King's signature style...it's creepy and insane.. Serial killings...yes you got it right! After conquering horror..he recently stepped into crime thrillers..and winning it

I’m a big fan and this one is really good! Keeps you reading for more! I enjoyed all of the characters and their contributions to help Holly solve this case. Everyone contributed one small clue and Holly managed to put it all together.

perfetto

物語に信憑性を与える為についつい細部を書き込んでしまうのは筆者の業なのでしょうか? S&Wのリボルバーにはハンマーブロックという安全装置が組み込まれているので激鉄が当たる１発目のシリンダーの弾を抜く必要はありません。キングに銃器の知識が無い事は承知していますがプロットが破綻しています。